The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-05-15


conditions. 1t is, we believe, the first
instance of any class of workmen at
tempting to provide for its own aged,
infrm and affl icted members. and is,
therefore, distinct mark of progress
and an interesting indication of the
evolution of new ideas in labor organiza-
tion. The home consists of eighty
acres of land near Colorado Springs,
and large and substantial building
which has just been completed at a cost
of 100000 The property has been
acquired and the building erected
through the efforts and mainly through
the contributions of the Typographical
Union, the title being vested in three
trustees. The institution has a perma-
nent endowment, which will be added.
to from time to time as occasion may
require. Its object is to furnish COM
Portable home. free of any expense
whatever, to aged, infirm and afflicted
printers who have become unable to
support themselves. The articles under
which the home is organized provide
for the appointment of competent Off
GERS, physicians, nurses and servants,
all of whom are to be selected with
reference tomerit only, and not through
intrigue or favor. Only members of the
Typographical union can be admitted TO
the institution, and priority is always to
be given to the most needy and deserv-
ing. 1t is also provided as follows:
S,nx~
shall be there fod with plain but whole
some food, clothed with plain but decent
apparel mo distinctive dress to be worm,
and lodged in plain. but safe manner;
comfort and happiness. and to this end
their persons. clothing and apartments
shall be kept clean. and they shall have
suitable and rational exercise and recrea-
tion. And as to the character of their ex-
ercise and recreation. there shall be no re-
striction. except it shall he taken at timely
hours and shall be moral and temperate in
all it's respects. In this behalf much may
be suggested To the board of trustees of
said corporation by the topography and
character of the grounds of the institution.
and it isrecommended, without being made
duty of said board that landscape garden
ing or some similar vocation DO undertaken
on said grounds as source OF exercise
and recreation to the persons dOmiciled at
said home. But no task or duty shall be
imposed under the gulse of exercise or
recreation on any inmate of said home. nor
ehall any inmate. officer or servant OF snld
home be permitted to engage in any money
making scheme or act in connection with
the property of said home. Provided.
however. nothing herein shall be construed
As a restriction upon the clause of lease or
sale hereinafter contained.
No charge, tax. fee or assessment shall
ever be made. levied or collected from any
person 0omiciled at said home. It's bounty
shall be unpnrchasable. its charity shall
be given without price. Provided, how
over, that nothing herein contained shall
be construed to prohibit any person from
making to said home all absolute and un-
qualified donation.
In addition to the comfortable support
of the inmates, provision is made for
their decent burial, in which the home
"shall provide plain but neat robe and
other essential garments, and plain
but nent casket, with such auxilaries as
may be requisite" In short, every pro-
vision is made for the care. and COM
fort, and support of disabled printers
who are members of the union and en-
titled to- claim the benefits of the home.
The institution is notable in that it is
| the first of it's kind ever established,
| ond embodies the American idea of in
| dependent organization and self-help
among vOrkingmen in very practical
form. If it succeeds it may prove to be
the pioneer of many similar institutions
in which other trade and labor unions
shall put in practice tho grand idea of
| taking care of their afflicted and dis
| abled members.