The Washington times., 1902-03-22
TYPOS TO HOLD
ANNUAL ELECTION
Two Candidates in Field for
Presidency of Union.
Other Aspirants for Honors Expected to
Take the Field by the Time
Votes Are Cast.


of Columbia typographical Union. No
101, which will take place in May, is al
ready being discussed with lively interest
by the members of that organization. AL
ready two candidates for the premier
honor have been mentioned. 1t is prob
able. however, that other aspirants fol
union honors will come forward before
the date of the election.
Those referred to are Mr.. Shelby Smith
of Minnesota. and Mr.. Joseph Johnson
of California. though the name OF Zach
| Jenkins has also been mentioned
Mr. Smith became member of Mime
apolis (Minn.) Union in 1892 and after
ward served various unions in the West
in different capacities. He came to Wash
ington in 1891, receiving an appointment
in the Government Printing Office In
| 1893 Columbia Union elected him a dele
| gate to special nine-ho convention
which met in Cincinnati Ohio. Mr.. Smith
also served as chairman of delegation
sent to Colorado Springs in 1896.
Favored Referendum Vote.
He was responsible more than any other
j delegate ir that convention for the enact
| mcnt OF the present system of electing In
ternational Typographical Union officers
by referendum vote. Mr.. Smith has been an
active and conscientious union man and
worker ever since he took up his resi-
dence in this city, and has made many
warm friends and many active opponents
Mr.. Smith is n powerful debater. fearing
and lavoring none. His eloQuence and
arguments have won for him many con-
tested wOrdy battles On the floor of the
union, while his sarcasm has been the
Keen sword that has put his opponents
to rout.
Mr.. Johnson is a citizen of California:
has been employed in the Government
Printing Office a little more than three
years; was chairman of the local griev-
ance committed one year, and is now one
of the unions trustees. Like William
Jennings Bryan. Mr.. Johnson won fame by
a single speech. HeAelectrfied his hear
ers one Sunday in a nomination speech.
He became the 7talked-of man in
Columbia Union circles because of his
eloquerce, Phrases, and gestures. Since
that time the membership have been try
ing to pick out an Office in which to put
Mr.. Johnson. He is a very popular man,
and extremely modest. However. it is be-
lieved Mr. Johnson would make an ideal
presiding officer and it is said that he
IS endorsed by President lawson, which
means a great deal in Columbia Union
politics.
Only One Out.
, Mr.. Edgar Merritt, "a proofreader in
the Congressional Record" proof ROOM
Government Printing Office. is the only
present announced candidate for the office
of vice president CT Columbia Typograph-
-ieai Uaier- M-., Merritt is native of
Arkansas; is a commercial college grad
uate; also a graduate of Georgetown Uni
versity Law School. with degree of LII. B.,
and from Columbian University with
degree of master of laws. Mr.. Merritt is
one of the most popular young men in
Washington. and is a refined cultured,
and highly educated gentleman.
For secretary, William NJ. Garrett. who
has filled the Office for several years. Is
a candidate for reelection and will prob
ably have no opposition. For treasurer.
John Berg wants to succeed himself. and
will doubtless do SO. For doorkeeper,
sergeant t-at-arms. trustees, and auditors
no announcements have yet been made by
prospective candidates.
Delegates to Convention.
For delegates to the International
Typographical Union there are about half
a dozen certain candidates, though there
are uncorroborated rumors as to others
Those who have been mentioned for the
three delegateships belonging to the
book and job branch of the trade are
L. A. Wisener. George A. Rinehart. J.
F. Mccormick. E. A. NJ. lawson James
T. Higgins. d. w. Fleming, and A. F.
Bloomer. Others. regarded as uncertain
ties as yet. are II. Y. Brooke. Dan CHS
holm. Charles Peake. Frank Stretten, W.
l.. Gutelus. and Clint Price.
The situation in regard to the downtown
candidates is somewhat uncertain much
depending upon the action of Columbia
Union at its meeting next Sunday. with
reference to proposed legislation grant
ing one delegateship to the Offices not
under Government conIol.