THE COMMERCIAL TELEGRAPHERS'

STRIKE.

The strike of the Commercial Telegraphers of the country, which is now in progress, is beginning to attract attention to the great importance of the telegraph to every citizen and every interest of the whole country. How important it is, however, is not yet fully realized, but it is likely to be understood thoroughly before this strike is ended, for the prospects now are that it will soon be extended to every city and hamlet in the United States and some portions of Canada.

He

Commenting upon the strike, the editor of the Kansas City Times, in the issue of August 12th, mentions the magnitude of the capital invested by the Telegraph companies and the large number of men and women employed in their operation, and then contrasts the value of the private interests and numbers directly concerned, with the many times greater interests and numbers affected in the whole country by the strike. then asks these questions: "What is the capital employed by the Telegraph companies, or related to their operations as measured with the capital invested in the business of the country? What is the numerical force of the strikers as balanced against the millions of people who are dependent every day on the use of the wires?" He then concludes his editorial as follows: "To permit any stubborn or unreasonable difference of opinion to call down upon the unoffending public such a calamity as would inevitably attend the cessation of the telegraph service of the country would be distinctly criminal."

The editor of The Times would hold the parties engaged in this controversy responsible for the loss and inconvenience to the public, but the responsibilty rests with the people themselves, and this fact is now likely to be so strongly impressed upon the minds of the citizens of this country that they will be brought to realize the reckless folly of longer permitting private interests to predominate over the interests of the whole country, to the great injury of the latter. The only way by which the interests and relations of all concerned can be made harmonious and be effectively protected in the future, is by government ownership and operation of the telegraph lines, and every interest, private and public, demands this.

The people will now probably see how great was the mistake made in rejecting

the recommendation of John Wanamaker, some fifteen years ago, when he was postmaster general, that the government acquire the telegraph lines and establish the parcels post system, both of which every other civilized country on the face of the globe has done years ago. It will be criminal negligence to longer pander to the dollar greed of private interests in these matters. Had Mr. Wanamaker's advice been followed this trouble would not have occurred, and it would have cost the government but a tithe for the franchise values, of what it now will to acquire those interests; and the longer the delay the greater will be the attempted holdup therefor. The change must occur sooner or later.

STRIKES DECREASING.

The Twenty-first Annual Report of the Bureau of Labor gives some interesting statistics in regard to strikes and lock-outs. During the past twenty-five years there have been 36,757 strikes and 1,546 lockouts, which affected 7, 444,279 employes. Of the total number of strikes occurring in the past twenty-five years almost 69 per cent were ordered by labor organizations. Employes involved succeeded more often than they failed. They succeeded in winning all the demands for which the strikes were undertaken in almost 50 per cent of the establishments in which controversies had arisen, and succeeded in securing part of the demands made in almost 16 per cent of the others.

During the twenty-five years period covered by the investigation of the Bureau of Labor over 40 per cent of all strikes were undertaken for increase of wages, either alone or in combination with some other cause, and over 32 per cent were for increase in wages alone. Almost 12 per cent of the strikes were caused by a reduction of wages, while about 10 per cent were to enforce demands for a reduction of hours. Labor organizations have often been accused of unnecessarily participating in sympathetic strikes, yet this report shows that but little over 3 per cent of the strikes which have occurred within the past twentyfive years were sympathetic ones. In every year except 1884 and 1904, the strikes for increase in wages have outnumbered those for any other cause. In 1884 a greater number were undertaken wholly or in part against reduction in wages, while in 1904

almost 39 per cent were undertaken for recognition of Union and Union Rules.

With recent years efforts to bring about settlement of strikes by joint agreement of officials representing the parties concerned or by arbitration, have met with considerable success. These methods are being used to a large and increasing extent to settle disputes before a stoppage of work occurs.

To sum up the entire report, it is conclusively shown that both employer and employe are resorting to arbitration more and more each day and that strikes are rapidly decreasing. J. F. R.

Dear Sir and Brother:-At a meeting held in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, August 4, composed of delegates representing the various lodges in the State of Georgia, plans were perfected for a State Convention of the Brotherhood, to be known as "The Georgia State Federation, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks."

The object of this Federation is the uplifting and upbuilding of the Brotherhood of this State, and we desire to transact our business in this name; also to have a seal made with that impression, for our use.

Each lodge is entitled to three representatives in these meetings, which will, for the present, be held as often as may be deemed necessary; but as soon as we can get suitable By-Laws drafted we will establish a regular stated time for meetings. These meetings will prove of inestimable value to the Brotherhood in this section, and create a feeling of harmony and unity among the membership, which otherwise might possibly not be attained. Our first purpose is to complete thorough organization of this State, and ere long we are confident that we will be able to show a very substantial gain in membership.

Brother J. W. Cronin, of Macon Local No. 146, was elected Chairman of this Federation, and I, as Secretary.

As soon as we get our By-Laws completed, I will forward copy to you for your consideration and approval.

Kindly advise me if you see any objec

tions or conflictions with the regulations of the Grand Lodge, or our working in this manner. Will be glad to have your full views on the subject; also any suggestions you might make that would be of benefit to us. Fraternally yours,

W. T. DAVIS, Secretary.

Kansas City, Mo., August 10, 1907.

Mr. W. T. Davis,

Macon, Georgia:

Dear Sir and Brother:-In reply to your favor of the 6th inst., relative to the proposed "State Federation, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks," I beg to assure you that the proposition meets with the full approval and hearty commendation of all officials of the Brotherhood. Insofar as we can see, this movement will in no way conflict with our laws or work, but instead will probably be of much assistance to us, and greatly benefit the members in Georgia and the Brotherhood at large. We can see no objections, whatever, to this proposition, are in full sympathy with its purposes and will do all that we possibly can to make it an unqualified success.

At the present time I am unable to offer any suggestions that might be of assistance to you, but will give the matter careful thought when opportunity permits and communicate promptly any ideas which may occur to me and might be of service to you. Sincerely and fraternally, WILBUR BRAGGINS, Grand President.

cautioned to beware of any and every proposition made to them by professional advertisers, and especially if those making offers are strangers. They are also requested to be on the watch for efforts similar to the one at Toledo, and, if a like effort is made in their locality, to immediately notify the Grand Lodge, giving all particulars.

WILBUR BRAGGINS, G. P.

Business Men Victimized.

A number of Toledo business men, it is said have been touched up for from $25 to $50 within the past few days by persons soliciting advertising for "The Railway Clerk," the official organ of the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, and collecting donations for a convention of a so-called "Interior Freight Handlers and Clerks' International union" to be held here.

Toledo Lodge, No. 7, of the Toledo Railway Clerks' union, feel that their name and prestige is being used to defraud their friends. The Grand Lodge of the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks will hold its convention here in June, 1908, but no convention of freight handlers is booked.

A business man who had signed for space in the organ of the Railway Clerks' became suspicious yesterday and called up one of his friends among the clerks. An immediate investigation disclosed that several hundred dollars had been collected. The police have been asked to apprehend the solicitors.

SHORTAGE OF RATE MEN.

The shortage of rate men in Texas is growing to be a serious proposition. Within the past few days one man has been secured for a Dallas office from Canada and another from California, and other distant points are being canvassed.

In the case of one Texas road an amusing feature came up in this connection. The road had lost the services of a firstclass rate man a short time ago, it being alleged that he required two weeks out of every month or so for a periodical celebration of pay day. The same road endeavored to get him back, but it developed that another road, where his infirmity was known, had already secured him and was glad to get him, making allowance for the hiatus in employing him.-Dallas News, August 3.

THE FIRST RAILROAD. By W. E. Grimm, Cleveland Local No. 47. The first railroad in successful operation was one built in 1825 in England, thirtyseven miles in length. It was built by the famous George Stephenson, who was the son of a poor colliery laborer. In 1828 a more important road-Liverpool to Manchester--was completed by Stephenson. The directors evidently had no conception of the proportions to which their enterprise would grow, for their charter said that "any one could run carriages, or trams drawn by horses, upon their railroad, after the payment of a small toll."

However, Stephenson persuaded the directors to offer a prize of £550, or about $2,750.00, for an engine which would draw three times its own weight at a speed of ten miles per hour on a level roadway. The price of the engine was also to be £550.

In 1829, George Stephenson and his son, Robert, in competition for this prize, built the "Rocket," which weighed only 71⁄2 tons, and hauled 44 tons at a rate of 14 miles per hour. This was the first successful English locomotive, and judging from its picture, it certainly must have been a strange look. ing creation, as compared with our modern speed annihilators.

The first passenger railroad in America was the Baltimore & Ohio, opened in 1830, and the first American locomotive was con structed by Peter Cooper.

JOIN AMERICAN FEDERATION.

Railway Clerks Throughout the Country Voted for It.

Special to the News.

Houston, Tex., July 31.-The Railroad Clerks of America, who are a carefully organized body, voted the other day on the proposition of affiliating themselves with the American Federation of Labor, an organization which they have fought shy of in the past.

Word was received here yesterday at the labor headquarters that the proposition carried by a large majority, the only State in the Union voting against it being Ohio. And even in that state the vote against it was carried by a small majority. At the next National meeting of the American Federation of Labor there will be delegates from the railroad clerks that will greatly swell the organization.--Dallas News.

Competition rules where there is lack of Organization to prevent. In the old days when we had real competition in business, the necessities of life were within the reach of all, but the business men learned the lesson of Organization and as a result prices are soaring "sky high." When the workingmen thoroughly learn the lesson of Organization and put it into actual practice, wages will soar with the prices of life's necessities and old conditions will again prevail-and as much can then be bought for a day's labor as could be in the days