3
Mil
j TRADES jSg COUNCILS
T7
3
vol.. o
lilNCOLN, NEBRASKA, FJSBIU7 AliY 1909
INTO. 44
Musicians' Union Ball
Was Magnificent Success
President Fetterman, Secretary Ken-!
3rlck, and every other member of
Musicians' Protective Union, Lincoln
laical No. 463, are all swelled up over
the magnificent success of the union's
second annual ball, held at the Audi
torium, Tuesday evening, February 2.
Prom the standpoints of . numbers,
sociability and finance it -was the
most successful ball ever given by a
union organization in Lincoln. It dem
onstrated that the union musicians
are energetic, and that they have
unnumbered friends. , Further than
that. It demonstrated that the musi
cians are proud of their organization
and ready to work for its success.
Of course the music of the evening
was the especial, feature, and the an
nouncement of a concert prior to the
dancing, and a dance orchestra of
thirty-five pieces, sufficed to bring oat
a large number of music lovers, many
of whom do not care to dance. As a
result there were as many people in
the gallery as usually attend a con
cert. A symphony orchestra of forty
pieces, under the direction of Mr.
Carl Steckleberg, gave a concert pro
gram that was all too short for the
hundreds of music lovers present.
The success of thiB feature is looked
upon as a sure indication that there
will be organized In Lincoln a union
symphony orchestra that will win
recognition all over the country. The
string section was especially notice
a hie. but the whole orchestra was
balanced with wonderful precision,
end uuder the direction of Mr. Steckle
terg won instant favor. The presence
" of such a magnificent orchestra, made
up entirely of union musicians, upon
a Lincoln Btage, reminded The Wage-
worker man' of something Interesting,
More than three years ago this paper
began urging the musicians of Lincoln
to organize, and several who were
...nmnihor .f other unions were favor
able, hut all were afraid that it would
be difficult to get enough musicians
togeiher to hold a charter. But finally
a few earnest men set to work, with
lots of fear and trembling, to work
up an organization. Then came the
surprise. The musicians fairly fell
over themselves to enroll. When the
charter was closed it was found to be
the largest ever enrolled In Lincoln.
And today the Lincoln union has en
1 rolled 150 members.
And a little over two years ago they
didn't think they could muster enough
- to get a charter!
Following is the concert program
rendered, beginning at 8:30 and last
ing until 9:15:
Overture, "Merry Wives ot) Wind
W." Nlcoli.
"I Would that My Love," cornet
duet; "Spring Song," Mendelsshon.
German Dances, from "Henry VIII
Morris Dances, Shepherd's Dance,
Torch Dance.
"Tannhauser March," Wagner.
At 9:20 Mr. Ed. Walt stepped to
the front and assumed direction of the
crcheBtra, and immediately the strains
of the grand march were heard. Th
march was led by Governor and Mrs.
Ashton C. Shallenberger and Adjutant
General Hartlgan and Miss Grace
Shallenberger. There were 152 couples
participating in the march, and less
than half of those present were upon
the floor. As nearly as could be est!
mated there were 325 couples who
enjoyed the dance. The strains of
the grand march glided gracefully into
the strains ot a waltz, and the second
annual ball of the union musicians
of Lincoln was well under way. Dur
Ing the evening the directors of the
various dance orchestras alternated
In leading the orchestra of thirty
pieces 'and as a result .of a good
natured rivalry among them the
orchestra was continually spurred to
do its best. There were twenty-two
numbers on the 'program, and the
liberal encores stretched the pleasure
well into the small hours of the morning.
At 11 o'clock 'light refreshments
ere served. Nothing was left un
done to make the hundreds of guests
feel at home, every member of the
union who was not in the orchestra
doing his utmost to take care of the
dancers. The musicians promised
that the dancing floor would be In
proper shape, and they kept their
promise. The immense floor,, the fine
music", the, splendid comradeship all
combined to make the Musical Union
ball the finest ever given in Lincoln,
and the members have every right to
feel proud, and exhibit that pride on
every occasion. I
The officers of the union, together
with the committees having the ball
in charge, are as follows:
President, R. W. Fetterman.
Vice-President, W. C. Layman.
Secretary, J. F. Kendrlck.
Treasurer. N. A. Otis.
Sargent-at-Arms, F. J. Hampton.
Trustees: A. J. Bruse, Robert Safa
rik, G. F. Thornburg.
General Committee: Ralph J. Reld,
A. J. Bruse, Carl Frolick, G. F. Thorn
burg, Lloyd Unland.
Reception Committee: W. T. Pln-
ney, R. W. Fetterman, A. E. Ingersoll,
N. A. Otls, Wm. Layman, L. R.
Walker, M. E. Bell, Ruth Smith, S.
Davis, L. E. McCulloch, Murray
French, Mrs. A. G. Blair, Mrs. F. J.
Hampton, Miss MacAlpine.
Door Committee: A. C. Blair, H. F.
McGiirren, J. 'F. Kendrlck. -
..Floor Manager, H. J. Gildersleeve.
Some Musical Notes.
When Treasurer Otis started for
home with a wagon load of door re
ceipts he, hollered for a guard.
Each arriving guest ' was cordially
welcomed by the reception committee
and adorned with a handsome little
badge.
For goodness sakes, what would the
MuslcaJ Union have done about It if
it had tried to hold that event in any
other hall!
Sergent-at-Armr- Hampton had a
sinecure all evening. All he had to
do was dance-when he wasn't playing
and he did.
Fine orchestra for dancing but
Gee! Wouldn't It break the average
union to employ such a one for an'
annual ball?
The Typographical Union ball at
Fraternity hall on February 17 was
kindly announced by Floor, Manager
Gildersleeve.
Secretary Kendrick stood at the
door, and his smile was so wide that
the arriving guests had to step side
ways to get around it.
When President Fetterman tried to
express his gratification over the suc
cess of the affair he became so ex
cited that he stuttered.
Governor Shallenberger says he had
such a f;ne time that he actually for
got that "game" ankle until he got
ready to start for home.
Local No. 463 counts several lady
members, and the boys are rightfully
proud of their zeal and fidelity to the
principles of the organization. 1
There are some old trades unionists
in Lincoln who are willing to bet that
Local No. 463' is the "infant prodigy"
of the international organization.
Afraid we could not'get enough- to
hold a charter!" It is to laugh.
Adjutant General Hartigan will send
a white flag ahead the next time he
starts for his home in Fairbury, and
a Journal reporter will have to pay the
expense.
The annual ball of Division No. 98,
Erotherhood of Locomotive Engineers',
Auditorium, February 22, was an
nounced from the floor. This will
be one of the finest.
When Governor Shallenberger was.
told that one of his official duties was
to attend every union ball he smil
ingly declared that he was rejoiced to
know' that there , were such pleasant
duties to perform. "I'll register 'pres
ent' every time the music starts for
a union ball," ho said.
i :
i
CENTRAL LABOR UNION,
The regular semi-monthly meeting
of ; the Central Labor Union will he
held at Bruse's hall next f Tuesday
evening. All members should be pres
ent to make final preparation for the
protest meeting. It is hoped that a
couple of international organizers will
be present, one from the printers and
one from the plumbers. An interest
ing session is promised.
The Appalling Slaughter of
Our Railway Trainmen
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPEALS FOR FUNDS.
Annual Ball
Brotherhood Locomotive Engineers
Division No. 98
Auditorium
Monday, February 22
UNION ORCHESTRA I UNION ORCHESTRA!
TICKETS, $1.00
Asks All Members of Organized Labor to Help Bear Expenses of
Appeal to Supreme Court.
Under date of January 18 the-following appeal has been sent
out by the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor:
.To Organized Labor, Its Friends and Sympathizers Greeting :
The American Federation of Labor, as its name signifies, is a
voluntary body composed of national, international and local unions,
each of which attends to its own trade business, financial and other
wise, and retains its complete and individual authority and auton
omy, while the relationship and purpose of the Federation to the
affiliated bodies is to assist them in carrying out trade betterment,
to take the initiative in introducing and urging the passage of de
sirable legislation, and to promote the general welfare. It is thus
seen that the American Federation of Labor cannot be considered
as holding or having funds in the ordinary routine of its business for
unusual purposes. A most unusual and important event has oc
curred in which extra funds are essential, and an earnest appeal for
financial aid is herewith made to 'you, which will no doubt meet
with vour prompt and liberal response. ;
You know that Samuel Gompers, John Mitchell and Frank Mor
rison have been declared guilty o violating an injunction by the
Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, and that Justice Wright
of that court has sentenced them to1 terms of imprisonment of twelve,
nine and six months respectively. Pending an appeal they are out
on bail. The original injunction3ssued on the application of the
Buck Stove & Range Co., has been appealed to the court of appeals
of the District of Columbia, and wje have authorized 'our attorneys
also to take an appeal against Justice Wright's decision! i
We hold that Messrs. Gomper s, JIMitchell and Morrison have not
violated the terms of the injunction, but instead have exercised their
right of free press and free speech. These are cardinal principles
guaranteed by the constitution of our country and by our states,
and to the maintenance and perpetuity of which we pledge and will
exert our every effort. ,
As stated, there are now two' appeals pending. One upon the
original injunction and the other from Justice Wright's decision.
Should an adverse' decision be reached in either or both appeals, it
will be essential to make further appeals to the Supreme Court of
the United States. Surely no member of organized labor or other
fair-minded man can rest content unless the principles involved in
these cases are determined by the highest tribunal in our land. -
We have already expended large sums in these cases, and the
plaintiff attorneys have not only boasted of causing such large ex
penditures on our part, but have asserted "there are more to come.','
We have exceptionally able attorneys in lion. Alton 5. barker,
and Messrs. Ralston, and Siddons, who will carry the cases to their
logical and final conclusions, but ample funds must be provided to
permit this to be done. '
From the expressions of our fellow-workers and, friends in all
walks of life we find that they are in absolute accord with nff in
the determined stand taken by Messrs. Gompers, Mitchell and Mor
rison in the assertion of their and our inalienable rignts oj iree
press and free speech and the determination that, these cases be
pressed to final conclusion. Of course, we will fight for our rights
through every legitimate and constitutional channel which our; sys
tem of legislation and law proeedure permits, to rectify the mjus
tice of which we complain, and in the meantime, in having these
cases appealed and determined, we are confident that we are pur
suing the course which commends itself to the men ...or labor and
other friends of human justice.
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. In order to permit ot
proper defense of liberty and freedom as guaranteed to all citizens,
we 'appeal to all labor and to all friends to make financial contri
butions for legal defense in these cases before the courts. President
Gompers and his colleagues are on trial for your rights co-equally
with their own, and every liberty-loving citizen in or put of the
ranks of labor should consider this situation and appeal as their
own personal concern, and response should be made accordingly.
Upon the injunction abuse the Denver convention of Labor de
clared "That we will exercise all the rights and privileges guaran
teed to us by the Constitution and laws of our country, and insist
that it is our duty to defend ourselves at all hazards." This appeal
for funds is issued in accordance with that declaration.
Send all contributions to Frank Morrison, secretary of the
American Federation of Labor, 423 G street N. W., Washington, D
C, who will acknowledge and receipt for the same and make due
accounting thereof.
Sincerely and fraternally yours,
SAMUEL GOMPERS, President.
The death and disability roll of the
employes of our American l-ailroads is
terrible indictment against the in
humanity of the service. That much
of it is unnecessary is admitted by
every practical railroad employe, but
it has been going on for years with
out undue adverse comment from the
public or the press, until the railroads
have accepted tins slaughter of their
employes as one of their rights, a sort
of vested one, as it were, in the lives
and limbs of the men who care for the
transportation service of the country.
This condition will maintain, too, un
til there is cetrain forceful legislation
enacted, that will compel railroads to
exercise greater care in train opera
tion. The report of the interstate com
merce commission for the year ending
June 30, 1907, tells a tale of injury
and death that is not appreciated be
cause its effects are not felt' in their
entirety, or even understood in any
part of the country. -
Instead of the catastrophe that
spreads death and desolation over a
limited territory in a moment and.
therefore, draws to itself ' the full
realization of the results, the death
and disability roll, as shown by the
repoit of the commission, proves the
never-ending grind that continues day
after day in every part of the country;
but because of the isolated nature of
the casualties, they are not noted as
they would be( if our press despatches
announced that more than fifty thou
sand men had been killed or seriously
injured at one time. ' Imagine, if yoa
can', the terror that would take hold
of , the nation under stress of such
iews. Cora pare the casualty reports
of any , great battle, and judge what
this ; peaceful, industrial slaughter
means' to 'the nation. ' t
The report of he commission shows
that during the period for which it
was made, there were 3,807 killed and
55,251 Injured v.hile in the perform
ance of their duties. What else, need
be, said of the terrible industrial sac
rifice demanded, or what greater evi
dence of the necessity for compelling
the railways to adopt every precaution
for safety, and to set aside a certain
part of their earnings to be used for
the maintenance of the injured and
the families of the killed? It would
be fair, . and no- more than just to
the employe. : ' : : v v .
As long as the death and disability
list was more closely confined to the
railway employes, the public did not
give much heed to the dangers of
the service. But contempt for danger
as it applied to the employe has been
lost by the gradual creeping in of
greater danger, to the passenger. , Hrf
is commencing to sit up and ' take
notice of it.
Railroad casualties to the public
have brought the extreme dangers at
tending railway operation home to it
Although the public has not. as yet.
become very insistent in its demands
for reforms in operation, it has com
menced ; . and if constant reminding
the public of its danger, because of
railway wrecks, will do any good, the
question of safe and sane operation
will very soon be-brought to the 'at
tention of congress to tne end that
the powers of the interstate commerce
commission will be enlarged to meet
the situation. ',-)
Practical railway employes, and by
this we do not mean managers who'
are doing as their directors bid, . but
the men in the service, who are Tun
ning engines and trains, have long
been cognizant of ; the increasing
Attest :
FRANK MORRISON, Secretary.
JAMES DUNCAN, First Vice-Pres.
JOHN MITCHELL, Second Vice-Pres.
MAX MORRIS, Fourth Vice-Pres.
D. A. HAYES, Fifth Vice-Pres.
WM. D. HUBER, Sixth Vice-Pres.
JOS. F. VALENTINE, Seventh Vice-Pres.
JOHN R. ALPINE, Eighth Vice-Pres.
JOHN B. LENNON, Treasurer.
Executive Council American Federation of Labor.
dangers of railway operation. Their 7 , -observations
are made while perform
ing their work on engines and trains, ; L '.
and while they may not be substan- sa
tiated always by the usual technical -;
and theoretical deductions that are-' ;:
common to the office, thev are civon
with a practical knowledge of -what ' ,'
equipment, speeds, tonnage and right ,
of way will do, and what safely canv t- s
be done with them. ,
The track is an important feature " f r
that is not. given the attention it de- , ..;;"
has been in use for several years, the - i
standard tie has not been increased in '. '
uui engines, cars aua train tons -have
increased almost double in
weight since the one hundred pound ' :
rail became the standard. The limited
trains have increased their speeds .'i
with few additional appliances being
added for their safety. .' '
, ' j
, The complaints are numerous to
the effect that track maintenance is a
lost art. On some roads the section
foreman no longer, has the right to
say when a tie is unsafe. That work . '
is done by an inspector who, usually, .
does not , inspect. There are miles
and miles of track patrolled by a fore- -
i f i ri i ;i iim .iiii n i m t ii uru ci tu tyii iua 'fr v
it that are practically left without at
tention for a certain period pf the
year; uiai, 100, auring me worst sea- s
son, while over all of this track mil-
age there is being rushed the heaviest
freight and passenger business this ' :? '
country nas ever Known. ; :
Engines and cars have been made .
Jargeri and eavier, the tonnage has "H
Deen doubled in the past ten years, , '
but the track is about the same as it v . "
was when it cared for lighter equip- '
ment and a less speed rate per mile. .
The recent statement that steel rails
were made with defects that were ;
certain to result in disaster is as vet j: 1
unchallenged. The railway managers t '
here and there , are coming to the " "
front and saying that there is too
much demand on equipment; I that ton
nage and i speeds are excessive and
yet, they keep going the death pace.
Nothing, it appears, short of eovern- :
ment interference and the payment of .'
heavy indemnity will ever bring them '
to a halt. .': .... ' j
There are many faulty rules and
practices in train operation, particu
larly, onv single track lines, that ought
to be corrected. - There are . many
times when the employe is thrown on -'
his own resources, and must depend ! -on
his judgment. It is impossible to, '
apply the half thousand regular and
special rules now in vogue without '
causing confusion in the understand- . .
ing of some of them. V,
The block svstem is another ner--s. . . -
sary adjunct to safer operation. "When '
it is installed, if it is to do its work,
it must be with the understanding that '
it is put there to be observed. ,, Where
railroads stand for its strict observ
ance, and will not tolerate violations
of rule, there are no violations and y . ;
the system is reasonably safe. x No ,"
equipment is absolutely safe, whether - v
purely automtaic or operated in' part
by f human agency -; and machinery.
But the block system will make trair
operation safer than.it Is without it, ,
which will make it worth while.
, There are not enough, employes .
properly to inspect; engines, cars and (
trac'i. Railways have economy: in
operation reduced1 to a dangerous sci
ence. There is not a siinerflnous man '
in the service: 'there are too few for 1
. (Continued on page 5.) '
Twenty-Sixth Ball
The Lincoln Typographical Union
Number 209
Fraternity Hall
Wednesday, February 17
QUICK'S UNION ORCHESTRA 6 PIECES
TicKets, $1.00 Extra Lady, 50c
