Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-10-06
\ MEETING OF MAcnrNIsrs.
First Lesson I'm Locomotive build
Ing-GoNernment Telegrnph.


A very large and interesting meeting OF
Richmond Lodge. No. 10. I. A. NJ, was
held I'm Wilkinson's Hall last night. After
the usual routine business was disposed
OF the report Of the Anniversary Commit
tee was taken up. the report which re-
commended a reception. refreshments.
and dancing. was received This occasion
falling on the 10th OF November is looked
forward 70 with much pleasure and every
member OF the organization VIII exert his
best Efforts 70 make it a grand success.
The machinists az their last meeting
having decided to have a school Of prac-
teal knowledge. commenced operations
last night the subject being a consoll-
dated locomotive which viii be built step
By step until the locomotive Is completed.
The first lesson consisted of the fitting up
and setting Of the frames. This duty
having been assigned TO one Of the young
est members OF the organization. was
handled with the ability or a mechanic
OF years Of experience.
This is regarded as a step IN the right
direction. Ii means education Tor the
young mechanic, and enlightenment for
those advanced in years, who had not the
advantage of modern ideas or improved
machinery in their earlier days.
Mr. McCulloch. representing the Typo
graphical Union was present and asked
the endorsement Of the following. which
WIS unanimously agreed 10:
whereas il is the general opinion Of
the ablest economists, and OF those who
nave studied the question in all OF us
bearings that the telegraph lines OF this
country should be owned by the govern
nent and operated as an adjunct Of the
post-Ohice Department. and.
Whereas. Great Britain, France Ger
b. ~ or
have found a natonalized telegraph TO
Ice conducive TO every interest Of the peo-
pie. stimulating industry, disseminating
knowledge. expediting communication,
and furnishing at minimum cost a first
class service; and
Whereas. we are OF the opinion that
many glazing evils, such as press and
news mOnopOlles, which are consequent
upon a privately owned telegraph, can
be corrected only by public ownership;
and
Whereas. we believe that the time has
now arrived for the United States Govern
ment 10 place itself upon footing with
other civilized Powers in this respect, so
that the American people may be permit
ted to enjoy the great advantages that
a government telegraph confers upon the
Inhabitants Of those countries: therefore,
be IL
Resolved. ]. That for the reasons recited
IN the above preamble We heartily favor
the requirement or establishment Of a
government postal telegraph at the ear
Hest possible time.
Resolved ?, That We earnestly request
OF our Senators and Representatives IN
Congress that they do everything in their
power to secure the enactment OF legis-
lation that will place the telegraph sys-
tenn o. the country where II belongs-in
the hands OF the government; and 10 this
end we ask Of our Senators and Repre-
sentatives that they support the bills al
ready introduced into Congress by Hon.
Mr.. Mcguire and by Senator Marion But
Ter. both OF which provide FOR Dati0naliza-
ton OF the telegraph.
Resolved 3, That a copy Of these rsso-
lutlons be forwarded. under seal OF this
union. 10 our Senators and Representa-
lives in Congress.