THE WAG
VOLUME 7
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1910
NUMBER 25
EWOEEfflfe
i :
j HOW LABOR'S HOSTS OBSERVED THE HOLIDAY.
l
Twelve Hundred Union Men and Women of Lancaster County Proudly Parade Beneath the
And the Glittering Banners of Organized Labor The Greatest Demonstration in History
parly risers last Monday morning
felt gloomy enough, for it seemed like
a repetition of Labor Day a year ago. "
when it rained from morning until
night. The skies were weeping at 7
o'clock and there was little prospect of
them clearing up. By 8 o'clock, how
ever, patches of blue began to appear,
and at 9 o'clock everything was lovely.
From then on until the last celebrant
went to bed, tired and hungry, the day
was an ideal one. As a result of fine
weather conditions, tmbounded enthus
iasm and loyal effort, Labor Day, 1910,
in Lincoln was a grand success. It is
possible ' that more men had been in
line on some former celebration, but
never did a parade move more smooth
ly, present a finer appearance or call
forth more enthusiastic cheers than the
one of last Monday.
As a fitting prelude to Labor Day
the churches of Lincoln almost without
exception observed Labor Sunday, the
pastors 'preaching upon subjects deal
ing with the relations of the church
and the trades organizations. In four
of the churches trades unionists occu
pied the pulpits at the evening ser
vices. Frank M. Coffey, president of
the State Federation of Labor, occu
pied Rev. Mr. Long's pulpit at the Sec
ond Presbyterian church; Will M.
Maupin occupied Rev. Mr. Shipherd's
pulpit at the First Congregational
church r Clyde-J. Wright acoupied Rev.
M. Laurence's pulpit at the First
Presbyterian church, and T. C. Kelsey
and S. D. Smith occupied Rev. Mr.
Orr's pulpit at St. Mark's Reformed
church. Brief extracts from the re
marks of these gentlemen will be
found elsewhere.
Before the skies 'had fairly cleared
Monday morning the union men began
gathering at the Temple, and by 9
o'clock the building and the street in
front of it, were crowded by work
ers in their holiday array or in the
garb best fitted to their craft. Banners
and flags flew on every side, and every
body appeared as 'happy as happy
as could be. At 10 o'clock the
workers began drifting south on Elev
enth sWt to fret their places prior to
the pi.ru.lu. Grand Marshal Kelsey
and his aides, bedecked with tri-eol-4red
sashes and- bestride noble Arabian
Steeds, dashed hither and yon, urging
the men to hurry into line so the pa
rade could start on time. But it was
difficult to get the men to obey they
were having such a bully time talking
things over, joking, laughing and dis
cussing th future of organized labor.
At 10:30 things began to look like a
parade, but it was found impossible to
give the starting signal at 10:30 as
announced. But at 10:50 Grand Mar
shal Kelsey gave the signal, the Musi
cal Union band at the head of the line
started oft with a rousing march, and
the great Labor Day parade was on.
Through streets lined with cheering
thousands the hosts of organized labor
marched away to the lilt of music. Al
most with the precision of veterans
the unionists marched, keeping step
and spreading out the lines in orderly
array. It was a magnificent sight to
see, and the thirty thousand people
who saw the marching hosts could not
help but be impressed with the show
ing made by the unionists.
At the head of the long column, in
the post of honor, marched Eureka
Lodge of Boilermakers of Ilavelock,
seventy-two strong, and all on strike
for three months for common justice
that has been denied them by an arro
gant corporation and under the ban of
federal court injunction not to do any
thing other than breathe and sleep
eating as best they can as wageless
workers. But the Boilermakers didn't
look like a hungry nor a cowed lot.
On the contrary they were in full re
galia, heads erect, eyes bright, and as
full of determination to win as they
were the day they walked out of the
Ilavelock shops. All along the line the
Boilermakers received an ovation from
the men and the women who are aware
of the gallnt fight against heavy odds
that these mechanics have been mak
ing. The Blacksmiths 70 strong followed
the Boilermakers, and they were
decked out in a uniform distinctive of
their craft. They followed their ban
ner with pardonable pride, and many
favorable comments were 'heard upon
the fine showing made.
Next came the machinists, headed by
a daily decorated automobile with Gus
Ilyers at the steering wheel and bear
ing the local's officials. Following the
machine came a long line of machin
ists, 76 strong, and they looked every
.inch the expert workers they are.
By common consent, after the strik
ing Boilermakers had been accorded
fa
the honor of beading the column, the
Ilavelock contingent was given the
lead, and Ilavelock has a right to feel
mighty proud over the excellent show
ing the Shop City made. The boys out
there 'have worked hard for weeks to
reflect credit upon themselves, their
busy city and the ranks of organized
labor in general, and they, succeeded
in great shape.
The Plasterers mafie up for lack of
numbers by their fine appearance, and
this li t Lie local, organized within the
past year, demonstrated that it is
among the livest of the live ones
Twenty-six men marched behind the
banner of the Brotherhood of Plaster
ers, and they looked like men who are
determined to more than double the
number before the next parade day.
Next in line was the Federal Union,
made up of men engaged in the build
ing laborers' line, and they wore over
alls and uniform caps and by their ap
pearance made it apparent to all that
they are benefitting by organization.
There were nearly thirty of them in
line, and they made a fine showing.
The Tailors gave the lie to the old
adage about tailors going in rags, for
they were dressed in the top o' the
fashion and looked like a big bunch of
well-to-do business men. Under or
ganization the Tailors have vastly ben
fited their conditions, and their show
ing last Monday has encouraged them
to hustle a bit more and further so
lidify their ranks.
The Plumbers deserve especial men
tion on account of the vast improve
meit they showed over, the demonstra
tion two years ago. In 1908 they had
a mere handful of men in line; last
Monday they had nearly 50, and they
were dressed nattily, marched jaunti
ly and looked as happy and as prosper
ous as we are usually led to believe
they are by the "plumber jokes" dn
the alleged funny papers. The Plumb
ers worked hard to make their turn
out impressive and they succeeded ful
.ly in their efforts.
The Carpenters and Joiners won the
distinction of having more men in line
than any' other craft, nearly 200 of
them following the banners of the Car
penters and the Millworkers. A year
ago this craft couldn't have put more
than 30 to 40 in line, but things have
been doing in this craft during the past
six months, and as a result of tireless
work the organization is now fully up
to its high water mark record of a few
years ago. The Carpenter-s and Joiners
made a splendid showing and deserved
all the encomiums showered upon
them.
The Mail Carriers were a little late,
but they dropped into the line behind
the Carpenters and Joiners, and in
their handsome grey uniforms, they
made a great showing and won ap
plause all along the line. Postmaster
Sizer marched poudly at the head of
this section, and if he was one-half as
happy as he looked he must have been ,
feeling awfully good. This is the first
time the Mail Carriers have ever par
ticipated in a Labor Day parade in
Lincoln, but dt will not be the last time,
for they were made to feel right at
The Wageworker wants to increase its subscription list. To the
man, woman or child who brings in the largest number of paid-in-advance
subscriptions before Oct. 1, 1910, a prize of Ten dollars
in gold will be given. Subscription $1 a year; 50 cents for six
months; 25 cents for three months. A, yearly subscription counts
four points; a six months subscription ( counts two points; a three
months' subscription counts one point. Only cash subscriptions
counted. In addition to the above prize a commission of 20 per
cent will be paid. In other words you get one-fifth of all the money
you collect, and you may win the Tec Dollar Prize. .Ge to work
immediately. . f. ...
home in the ranks of the organized
workers.
The Musicians had to scatter some
what, 30 of them being in the two mus
ical union bands. But there were
about 50 of them, men and women, in
eight big touring automobiles, and
they looked mighty aristocratic, thank
you. A feature of this section of the'
t rade was th,e number of women un
ionists participating. The Musfeians
l :ve the distinction and a great one
ir is of having more women members
than any other organization in the city,
and the organization is proud as can be
of the fact
The Brotherhood of Electrical Work
ers made its usual fine showing. The
- men were arrayed in full dress uni
form consisting of union made overalls
and caps with other garments, of
course, and they f ollowed their banner
like veteran soldiers. The Electrical
Workers marched upwards of 70
strong, and would have turned out
more than 100 had it not been for the
fact that so many of them had to at
tend to onerous duties. Fair week
makes a lot of work for the electri
cians, but despite this handicap the
Brotherhood turned out in fine shape.
The Horseshoers' union is a little one
in point of numbers, but what it lacks
in membership it more than makes up
in zeal, and all things considered this
little bunch m'ade about the handsom
est showing in the line. The men had
on natty leather aprons that didn't
show a single hoofmark nor even smell
of smoke, but beneath the shirtsleeves
could be seen bulging muscles, and
from under the visors of the caps
gleamed eyes that were alight with un
ion enthusiasm.
The Lathers make up another little
union, but when measured by deeds in
stead of numbers it ranks with the best
of them. The Lathers made a good
showing, and won many compliments.
The Painters and Decorators have
been in pretty bad shape for several
months, but a bunch of loyal ones met,
decked themselves out in uniforms of
white overalls and jackets, bore their
union banner aloft and marched just
as proudly as any of them. The num
bers may have been lacking but the
spirit was there, and around this nu
cleus of good union men . will soon
gather others, until the organization
will again reach its old-time spirit and
strength.
The Bricklayers turned out well, as
usual. A large number of the members
of the Lincoln' local are working out
of town, and this prevented the local
from making its usual Showing, but de
spite this handicap the organization
had more than 40 men in line and made
a goodly showing.
The Allied Printing Trades section
made its usual big showing, despite the
fact that the daily newspaper printers,
pressmen and stereotypers were unable
to be dn line. But every pressman
ut one in Lincoln was on deck, and
he absent one was sick in bed. The
showing of this organization was
especially gratifying, as it has been fac
ing a desperate look-out for months.
The Bookhdnders had more men in line
than ever before, and were so proud
n
of the fact that they could hardly keep
from shouting it from the housetops.
The Stereotypers were well represented
considering the fact that there are only
a few of them, comparatively speaking.
The Typograhical Union turned out 68
strong, and the men wore dinkey little
paper caps bearing the label of the
Allied Printing Trades. This section of
the parade had 172 men in line and
made a handsome showing.
The Cigarmakers won the last pos
ition in the parade, and they made a
fitting conclusion to the best Labor
Day parade ever held in the city. The
Cigarmakers: turned out every member
in the city, and they made a showing
that entitled them to, great credit. If
a lot of people who are forever holler
ing about "home industry" would
practice what they preach, the Cigar
makers would have three times as many
men in the parade next year as they had
this year. But what's the' use?
Following the parade of organized
workers came the industrial section.
In many ways this was a disappoint
ment to the committee, but even at
that it was ahead of any previous year.
A number of local business men were
represented to a greater or lesser de
gree. The Nebraska Material Co., had
12 wagons in line and made a fine
showing for itself.
The Ilavelock, band, made up almost
wholly of men who carry cards in some
mechanical crafts' union, was given
the middle of the parade, and the Ne
braska State Band came third among
the musical organizations. As a re
sult of having three good bands in the
. parade there was plenty of good music,
and everybody could keep step.
Mention of the Steam Engineers has
been reserved for towards the last be
cause this is the "baby union" of the
city. It was organized only a few
months ago, but dt is among the live
ones all right, and it made a good
showing considering its youth and the
smallness of its number.
There were no Theatrical Stage
Workers in the parade, but that was
not the fault of the men. They wanted
to be in line, but it was impossible, for
every theatre in the city was due to
open in the afternoon and the stage
hands had to hustle from early morn
till 2 o'clock in the afternoon to get
Stars and Stripes
of Local Unionism
ready for the matinees. But they were
represented, all right. They put ft
handsome banner iij the parade and
employed husky boys to carry it for
them. It read: "Theatrical Stage
Employes, 34 strong and all working
this is our busy day." Couldn't keep
that live bunch from having its part
in the big parade of Lincoln unionists.
The Leatherworkers on Horse Goods
didn't show up strong for numbers,
but they had a showing that attracted
attention just the same. Several mem
bers rode in a carriage and held aloft 1
the unique banner of the organization,
and they were followed by a half- dozen
workers on foot. , This organization is
just recovering from a long and bitter
strike, and it will be some time ere
it is again convalescent.. But if it
came out of the struggle with some
scars it didn't leave the other fellows
all to the good. Not by a millsite.'- .
The parade was marked because of
the number of banners and mottoes
carried. The Central Labor Union had
a magnificent float in the line, bearing
on its two sides a picture of Lincoln's
handsome little Labor Temple and the '
words, "Let's work together for Lin
coin. Headquarters Central Labor
Unipn 1 Home of Lincoln Working
men. AH are welcome." This was a
striking advertisement of the Labor,
Temple and btought out rounds of ap4
- plause.,. jt.4. .y-
The Carpenters and Joiners had a;--"'
banner calling attention to the fact that '
their organization has paid out up
wards of six millions of dollars in ben
efits. Other 'banners were as follows :
"Be a real booster for union labor."
"We will patronize merchants who
. handle union goods."
"Good wages and hours make pros
perous and contented citizens."
"Honest workmanship bears the la
bel.' ,
."Does the business men keep the
laboring men ? Not yet." Reverse side
"'We keep the business man."
"A square deal hurts nobody."
"Ninety per cent of us are home ow
ners and taxpayers in Lincoln."
"A long day and poor work. A short' ,
day and good work." , .
"If you can not boost, don't knock."
The line of march was as follows :
North on Eleventh to N, east on N,'
to Twelfth, north on Twelfth to O, east
on O to Seventeenth, countermarch on
O to Eleventh, north on Eleventh to
Q, south on Q to P, west on P to
Ninth, south on Ninth to O, east on O
to Eleventh, south on Eleventh to N,
and disband. Each union was requested
to have at least one American flag in
its section of the parade. :
As the parade moved northvon
Eleventh street past the Labor Temple
it was reviewed by Governor Shallen
berger, Mayor Love, Congressman Ma
guire and state and city officials. Many ,
of the unions, as they passed the re-'
viewing stand saluted the officials of
state and city by doffing hats and caps,
and these salutes were returned dn
kind by the dignitaries.
The reviewing officials acted as
judges of the banners carried in the
parade, their dieision giving to the
author of the best motto a prize of $5
offered by The Wageworker. The offi-.
cial decision will be announced at the
meeting of the committee next Sunday
afternoon at the Labor Temple. At
that time the committee will attempt
to make a final settlement of all the
Labor Day affairs.
T. C. Kelsey, grand marshal,- was"
assisted by these aides : G.' G. Gwinn,
T. W. Parker, Fred Eisler, Gus Swan
son and J. R. Slusser. All were mount
ed and -wore the customary sashes.
.. AiSSr the parade the hosts scattered
to snatch hurried dinners and get ready
for the big doings at Capital Beach in
the afternoon. From 2 o'clock in the.
Continued on Page 8
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