The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-19

AT the same time the salary of the Di-
rector OF the Census was raised to $500
Fer year.
Rules of the Union.
Continuing his report. the bookbinder
stated: 1T was explained to US that 1t
was Necessary for the proposed bill to pass,
as there would be considerable overtime
and as clerks, they would have US at a
disadvantage, and could work us at any
time without extra pay. AS this would be
violation Of the rules Of our union. We
would be placed in predicament, while
on the other hand refusal to work would
mean dismissal. II was stated that the
proposed law was for our benefit and a
protection against our having to work over
time without pay. AS the matter was ex-
dorse the proposed legislation.
On May 10 last papers were sent to all
those employed in the printing division at
the Census Bureau. The men signed these,
rendering their designations as clerks and
receiving appointments as compositors
pressmen, and bookbinders, at wages at
the rate of so cents per hour for their la
Dor We all naturally believed that our
condition was bettered. After this. how
ever, there were some surprises IN the
printing division
AS clerks. we had coming to US about
ten or twelve days leave of absence, but
1t was decided by Director Merriam that
when we resigned our positions as clerks
we forfeited our right 20 leave OF absence
Soon after this announcement many of the
printers were furloughed and also a NUM-
Der CT pressmen. After this the bOokbind-
ers were furioughed for three days each
week. thus allowing them to make only
about one-half time.
When the members OF the allied trades
accepted positions at the Census Bureau
they were confident that II would afford
them steady employment for al least three
years, and that they would be allowed all
the rights and privileges of persons doing
similar work al the Government Printing
Office"
Ii is stated as a fact that in other large
cities this IS an especially busy time OF
the year with the members Of the allied
printing trade particularly the book ind
ers. Many OF those employed at the Cen
sns Bureau are men Of large families. who
came here from other cities. expecting to
md steady work. As result OF the con-
ditions under which they are now com
PEELED to work they are, it is said placed
In very straitened circumstances. In
connection with this it is said that there
is at present demand for bookbinders at
the Government Printing Office and during
the last week or two nine extras have been
put TO work. II is stated that twenty in all
VIII be required TO do the work now in
sight there.
Views of Labor Leaders.
Mr.. Feeney, president of the Bookbinders'
Union, when seen yesterday, stated that
the condition of affairs existing at the
Census Bureau, so far as It concerns the
interests OF organized labor, is very much
TO be regretted. The great fault he he
lieFes lies In the Law. However. he feels
that Director Merriam should extend 20
the members OF organized labor tha came
ccurtesi=s and privileges which he shows 10
all other employees at the Bureau. especiaIIV
IN the matter oil giving them the Saturday
afternoon holidays.
President Lawson, of Columbia Tvpo
graphical Union, No. 1G1. states that there
is no doubt ii was the intention az the
trainers of the bill providing for the en-
ployment of skilled labor at the Census
Bureau, that the members of the allied
printing trades, who are receiving the same
wages as the men doing similar work at
the Government Printing Office. should
also have the other privileges which the
compositors at the printing Office enjoy.
II was possibly an oversight which caused
no provision to be made for leave of abb
sence and sick leave, he said. but that no
doubt this will be remedled when Con-
gress eonvenes.
When Messrs. Feeney, LaWson, and
Ramsey called to see Director Merriam
last Tuesday they asked that two OF the
employees In the printing division be ap-
pointed to positions as clerks. 1t is stated
that Mr.. Merriam declined TO dc this on |
the ground that there were no vacancies |
In clerks positions, and besides, IL there |
were, the applicants would be compelled |
TO stand an examination. In reference to |
allowing the employees of the printing di- |
vision leave on Saturdays with pay he |
stated he had no authority to do this but |
believed that Congress would remedy the |
matter when II convened.
The members of the allied printing |
trades, Mr.. Feeney stated, are not com
planning so much about being deprived of !
their leave Of absence and other priyi-
leges as of not being able 10 get work for
more than three days each week. !