we have gained where it is most needed among the non-members. The soil was never more fertile than at this moment for planting to get results. It is unnecessary to again point out what has been done in that direction during the last six months. It is for us to do the planting.

Truly, who sows in the field of kindness reaps happiness; who teaches and trains those seeking the light has performed a great service to his fellow-men; who plants his kernel from the tree of knowledge in the hearts and minds of his less fortunate brothers has secured for himself the fruit of his toil, for the crop is bound to come. What more can we ask as the reward of our labors than these three things: Happiness, recognized service and good fortune?

DEMOCRATIZING THE RAILROADS.

The proclamation of the President, under date of December 26, 1917, directing that the railroads be turned over to the control of the Federal Government, is a history-making document and one that will, in our opinion, lead up to a better state of affairs from many aspects.

It is a singular document, in that it represents the power of the Executive, sweeping in various directions, with at least this threefold effect:

1. The removal of the railroads from the influence of Wall Street and their restoration to that sphere where they belong-the transportation industry.

2. The assurance of much-needed relief to the shipping public from that regrettable attitude, "The public be damned!" often met with under previous methods of operation.

3. The restoration to the employes of their full rights and prerogatives guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the probable abolition of the blacklist.

Truly, the new control and authority vested in the hands of Federal officers means the emancipation of the unorganized classes of employes, which, of course, includes thousands of clerks and other station help; that is, if these yet unorganized classes will take advantage of the new situation, which allows these men and women to join the union without danger of dismissal and being blacklisted.

Why are we so positive on this last point? The Government can only be judged by its record and, assuredly, it has been plainly

written that organized labor has bec.. fairly dealt with and recognized in its endeavors to safeguard the rights of workers and to uphold the present standards. President Wilson has made it plain that he will brook no autocratic attitude toward labor at home, for we are all in the present struggle to make the world safe for democracy, and that means the safeguarding of American ideals and institutions as well as any international question that may be involved. To bring the President's attitude closer to view, we have only to recall his recent action in the matter of the strike involving our members on the Atlantic Coast Line Railway. Here the men were discharged for joining the Brotherhood, and upon the settlement being left in the hands of the President, he wired the officials of that road to reinstate all clerks involved.

We should appreciate the action of the President, which clearly establishes our right to organize, and we should doubly appreciate the added responsibility placed on his shoulders due to the necessity for Governmental control of the roads. We believe all of our members have given their best effort in the performance of their duties, but let us double our efforts to give satisfaction and to the end that we may point to a generous contribution in the establishment of better service to the public and thus bring about an end to autocratic methods in railroad operation.

FINANCIERS WRECKED RAILROADS.

The financial downfall of the Pere Marquette Railroad and the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railway is due to "breach of trust by corporate officials, often for personal gain." That is the gist of a report made public lately by the Interstate Commerce Commission.

"That downfall, with its deplorable consequences," the report reads, "can be traced only to the betrayal within and not to compulsion without. Neither rivalry nor rate level nor regulation can be found on this record to have contributed in any appreciable degree to the disaster.

"Nothing is more to be regretted than the readiness of great banking institutions to loan enormous sums of money upon precarious security in aid of such schemes as have been devised in the wrecking of these railroads.

"High officers of such institutions while acting ostensibly as directors of the railroads, have been little more than tools and dummies for the promoters. The trustees of other people's money seem to have had little compunction about violations of their trusts, for the benefit of the promoters."

The Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton, the commission found, suffered "the evils of deferred maintenance almost from the close of July 7, 1904, of the successful ShoemakerWoodford management." Improvement was made after the Baltimore and Ohio took the road, but it did not continue.

not

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"The exploitation in 1903, 1904 and 1905 of the Pere Marquette and the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton," the report continues, "was incident of railroad construction. Whatever regulation of the issue of railroad securities was exercised by the states in which these roads operated was inadequate to prevent the exploiting or to forestall subsequent hasty and unwise reorganization.

"To the extent that these flotations ultimately lodged in the hands of innocent investors, the public was wronged. Whatever control was had of the properties and operation of the roads was not sufficient to keep them in condition to satisfactorily serve the population dependent upon them.

"The commission asks if the fate of these two railroads cannot serve to avert similar happenings to other roads in the future.

"Perhaps not entirely so long as financial circles continue complacent toward financial exploitations which prove successful. But it will help if minority stockholders are more watchful of their interests and if bondholders assert their rights before their security fades away for lack of upkeep, purposely neglected in order to pay interests and dividends unearned.

"It would render such exploitation more difficult if the marketing of all securities of common carriers were subject to Federal regulation. As to that we renew the recommendation repeatedly made to Congress in our annual reports.

"We also point to the lesson taught that access to correspondence files is indispensable for an accurate understanding of the motives. and purposes which underlie the formal entries made in accounts and records."

Prosperity will not come to the clerks until a majority of them get ready to work for it. This does not mean simply joining the union and leaving it to a few officers to do the work.

A decision of great import, one defining the rights of both organized labor and the employer, was rendered by the United States Supreme Court on December 10th, last, in the case of the Hitchman Coal and Coke Company against John Mitchell and others of the United Mine Workers of America.

The press has hailed it as a decision upholding the "open shop" when, in truth, "open shop principles" were not in force in the mine. It was most assuredly a non-union mine, for under an agreement, no doubt secured by intimidation, between the company and its men, it was understood that if the men joined the union their employment should

cease.

When the Mine Workers' Union attempted to unionize these men, the courts enjoined the union on the ground that it was interfer. ing with industrial and commercial rights. This, in view of the provisions in the Federal Constitution that "involuntary servitude shall not exist" within our borders except as a punishment for crime. The provision that the mine workers could not join their union without losing their jobs and thus bringing hardship to their dependents is now upheld by our highest court as a lawful status. In other words, the workers must continue to submit to involuntary conditions of employment, thus placing the rights of property in priority to the rights of humanity.

Job-owning such as this is probably the most satisfactory plan of mastery ever evolved. Under this system, the "loyalty" exacted by the employer replaces the lash of slavery days and appears to be more "humane."

The decision of the Supreme Court, in the last analysis, would appear to make unlawful the soliciting of membership by labor unions under the most peaceful methods and to deny freedom of contract to non-union men if they happen to have employment.

We are impelled to recall the decision by this same court some three years ago, in the case of Coppage vs. Kansas, 236 U. S. I., in which it held that it was not coercion for an employer to compel an employe to withdraw from a labor union as a condition of employment. In other words, the railroads were upheld in the practice of job-mastery when they said that the employe could not hold the job unless he submitted to involuntary conditions of employment. In that case, we find the arbitrary act of the employer held innocent, while in the miners' case the freewill activities of the employes in seeking alliance with the union of their craft is viewed as a conspiracy.

How much longer will the workers submit to the practice of the courts in subserving human rights to the rights of property? It would seem that a curtailment of the power of our courts is most essential, for, as in this case, so long as the American people leave their destinies to the mercy of nine men, appointed for life and so often out of touch and sympathy with the struggles, the needs and aspirations of the workers, so long will our "democracy" here at home be without solid foundation.

COMPULSORY ARBITRATION IN LABOR DISPUTES.

During the past few months, we have found continued reference in the daily press to the subject of compulsory arbitration measures in labor troubles. Generally, the measure is urged as one that shall be operative for "the duration of the war." We have noticed, particularly, that no authority in the labor movement has spoken in favor of it, the urging having gained impetus with each convention of commercial bodies, employers' associations, and the like, so that a bill will probably be introduced at the next session of Congress in an effort to deprive the workers of the right to strike "for the period of the war."

It is somewhat interesting in this connection to observe the views of Sir George Reid, ex-Prime Minister of Australia, who recently arrived in the United States. We quote:

"There have been more strikes in Australia since the war began than in any other part of the world, probably, and more than in any previous period of similar length in the history of the commonwealth, so far as I know. It was against the law to strike, for compulsory arbitration laws were in effect there. Compulsion, at a critical time, failed to meet the issue, as it had failed before."

"The laws against strikes, every state having compulsory arbitration boards with a Federal one at the top, did not prevent the men from going out. The union men, when these laws were passed in 1900, were strongly in favor of compulsory arbitration. But so far a main result has been to tie up the employers and

not the employes. The employer can always be found; the hand of the law can readily be laid on him. But how are you going to deal with 10,000 strikers? It is not practical to arrest 10,000 men. All that has been attempted in meeting this issue is to arrest the leaders and try them for conspiracy."

The net result of compulsory measures in labor troubles has never been satisfactory in the manner in which they work out. It may be, after all, that real compulsory arbitration laws are not sought for their immediate value to those advocating them, but rather to enmesh the workers in a series of statutes that are designed to annul the effectiveness of organized labor.

We need never fear that compulsory arbitration will be more effective here than in Australia, for in the words of Sir W. Jones: "What constitutes a state?

Men who their duties know,

But know their rights, and knowing dare maintain.

TO THE NEW RECRUIT.

You, who have lately joined the order, must understand that you have joined in a movement where there is work to be done. This work must not be left to a small bunch of boosters, but the burden should be borne by all. In the first place get out to the meetings. These lodge meetings are your most important business after your day's work is done. Take part in transacting lodge business. Your idea may be better than the other fellows. Don't be afraid to express it. Remember, if you do not attend and take part in the proceedings you have no right to kick when things don't go to suit you. Pay dues promptly. The lodge needs the money. You will get more for that money than for any that you pay out. Vote for candidates for office, not because they are good fellows or long in the service, but because they are honest and able. If their work don't suit you get better ones. Speak your mind regarding such things. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you think is for the best interests of lodge and Order.

You may meet opposition and make enemies, but they will respect you.

When a new lodge is placed in a central point its first business is to get to work. The organizer may not be able to get back and start you off right. It costs money to organiize you and about the same to retrace his steps. and get you started after receiving your supplies. This money comes out of the pockets of our members, and just now is sadly needed for carrying the work of organization to the other fellow. You can get yourselves started, for others have done so. It's your lodge. The order has set you on your feet, given you tools to work with, and it's up to you to dig. (These lodges in the Northwest are digging.) In electing officers, don't overlook that organization committee. Put live wires there. It's your first business to get your own town cleaned up, then go after outside points. You will find the Telegraphers are the boys to help you then, and don't be afraid to call on them. They won't fail you. Don't quit till you get an absolute refusal from the person you are after, and when you get that set some one else on his track.

At outside points sic the telegraphers, conductors and brakemen onto stubborn candidates. Send their names and addresses to the Grand Secretary-Treasurer, requesting that literature be sent them. Ask the organizer who established your lodge to write them personal letters. That's part of his business. There are people who will pay more attention to a letter on official stationery from some stranger with an official tail tied to his name than they will to a better argument from the fellow working across the desk from them. Constant dripping will wear a hole in a stone.

Don't be alarmed at a little acrimonious debate in a lodge room. It may help to set members' blood to circulation. Stagnation ruins any cause.

When you leave the lodge room forget your differences and come back in a good humor next meeting night.

Secretaries should answer correspondence promptly and fully, and especially that asking for information. If you haven't it yourself, try to get it from some one who can give it. If some one don't take up the work have your president appoint a correspondent for our magazine. Cut out this personal mention of officers, etc., unless they do something exceptional.

It's the duty of your officers to give good service. It may tickle him to see his name in print, but it interests the rest of us not at all, and besides you are taking up valuable space that could be better devoted to more important

matter.

Be a booster in lodge-room and out. Don't

be a chair warmer. If all members were that way no business could be transacted.

Don't decline when appointed to committee work. It's necessary work for the success of the lodge and Order, and it's just as much your duty as any ones. Don't try to shove your share of the work off onto some one else. Stick up for the laws of the organization. They were made by its members for the government of its members and should be lived up to or repealed. The best way to kill a poor law is to live up to it. Don't fail to give recognition and appreciation to faithful service. And right here I want to say that Seattle Lodge surely knows how to show its appreciation of faithful service.

They have presented a handsome gold watch to their retiring treasurer, who will soon be "Somewhere in France," and a piece of jewelry to one of their lady members who has been doing some exceptional organization work at the risk of her job. They think she's all

a

are

brick. Seattle's lady members boosters; they attend lodge meetings. Don't overlook them in your work, for they make good members, and if you have any idea the girls won't go the limit in unionism, watch the Telephone Girls in Seattle. All of our girls voted "yes" on the late strike ballot and weren't afraid to tell it. But the editor will be using his shears on this, so I'd better quit, but not before notifying the members at large that the Oregon and Washington Railway and Navigation Company is in the fold and will soon be asking for an agreement. Fraternally yours,

B. H. BAXTER, Organizer.

THE DANGER OF NON-ORGAN-
IZATION.

EDITOR RAILWAY CLERK :

I received advice through Brother Applegate that the Denver clerks at Wichita Falls, some twenty-one in number, went out on strike for increase in pay, and Chillicothe, Quanah and Childress followed in sympathy. While they were out they requested a conference with the superintendent, who promised to meet them at Wichita Falls at 3 p. m., but he left for Wort Worth at 2:30. When this information was wired to Fort Worth clerks, they requested a conference for the points in question, and on being refused they also walked out. It might be well to state that these points were at one time organized. But the members wanted immediate action, and at a period of the year that was most unfavorable. The Grand Lodge not only advised against it, but insisted that they wait until the fall. Some few, who have only their own selfish ends in view, used this against organization and quit paying dues; the others blindly followed. They undertook to go in a disorganized state before the management.

However, when my attention was called to the walkout, I immediately got in touch with Fort Worth and succeeded in organizing them, and requested that all points be asked to send representatives, as I would call on the Department of Labor to send a conciliator to try and bring about peace between the company and its clerical employes. Owing to heavy demands on the department, none could be assigned at once, and when the Government conciliator arrived the strike had been on for ten or twelve days. This coupled with the fact that the organized points refused to be a party to the breach, since they were not members at the time of the walk-out, and the Brotherhood was not consulted before the trouble, which would have given them a chance to try and prevent a rupture.

Mr. Barrett, the Government conciliator, arrived Saturday, October 24th. I had the pleasure of meeting him, and I expected to be with the Denver clerks until the finish, but at that time was assigned to the Texas and Pacific, and on the following day had to leave with the committee for Baton Rouge.

I further learned through Brother Applegate that on the suggestion of Conciliator Barrett the men returned to work. It is most unfortunate that a few clerks will attempt something of this kind, when they know that even were they successful it would only be temporary, as the leaders would soon go, and any concessions granted would be speedily denied, making conditions worse than ever..

I hope the Denver clerks will profit by this and also the officials. Were the clerks properly organized they could not leave their desks, as such action would be penalized by expulsion from the organization.

Their future lies in thorough organization, and let every point see that it has an 100 per cent organization, then there will be no question about meeting the company officials.

Yours fraternally,

RICHARD P. DEE, Vice-Grand President.

REPORT OF ORGANIZER ON THE T. & Ο. C. AND THE B. & О.

I hardly feel that space in the Journal would be permitted me to give a detailed report of each lodge organized and the interesting incidents connected with the new organizations. One lodge in particular bears mention for, when the men hesitated the girls took the lead, signed first and took the offices.

On the T. and O. C., lodges have been organized in Bucyrus, Columbus, Corning, Findlay, Fostoria, Toledo and Zanesville. All of the cities are near the 100 per cent mark except Columbus where the general office clerks and a portion of the local office clerks are not in-unless they have recently joined. Besides these points, most of the smaller points such as Bowling Green and Ottawa are organized. The general feeling on the T. and O. C., considering the high cost of living, is that the company should grant the clerks an eighthour day over the line with a 50 per cent increase in pay.

On the B. and O. during the past two months lodges have been organized in Akron, Chicago Junction, Chillicothe, Deshler, Fostoria, Lima, Newark, Toledo and Zanesville. A lodge has also been organized in Chicago, Ill. In Cleveland, Columbus and Lorain, the B. and O. clerks are in mixed lodges consisting of all clerks in the city, but are taking steps to organize separate lodges and before this report is printed will undoubtedly have done so.

We have had no opposition to our organization during this time except on the B. and O. at Toledo and Akron, which in the end helped to solidify the clerks at those points.

The Toledo Lodge was organized Saturday October 3d. The next morning the B. and O. clerks were called together by the assistant superintendent and after a fatherly talk against the organization, the Secretary, elected the night before, was discharged due to his membership. This action instead of depressing the clerks had the opposite effect and others flocked to the colors. A letter was sent the assistant superintendent requesting the reinstatement of the Secretary, but with no effect. However, the following Saturday by orders of the General Superintendent Mr. Sherror, the Secretary was reinstated to his old position with pay for the two weeks time he had lost. The third meeting, 21 new members joined and they now have one of the