The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-08-11

work out their political salvation, and
that they will do it without adherence
to or the adoption of the principles
enunclated by any particular school OF
thought The advice of last year, in
the remarks on this subject, that we
should conf1ne. our action to the adj
monition to study all, with the hope
that wise selection may be made, is as
sound today
LAS to autonomy versus Industrial
ism, 1T IS a fact that no terms are more
widely used and more generally misun-
de1stood by trades unionists- The con-
vention should express itself on the
subject, and, as the federation dele
gates report recommends. it would be
well to refer both the political and
autonomy propositions to the referen-
dunn in concise questions and allow the
membership to express its will as to the
policy that should be pursued by the
International Typographical union and
its representatives on both important
subjects.
The new or amended arbitration
agreement is being taken advantage
OF quite generally by publishers. Ow-
ing to the fact that the agreement is to
run five years, your president is exer-
c1s1ng great care before attaching his
signature, TO establish that the condf-
lions are as represented in the contract
In one case refusal to sign was based
on the ground that the office was an
open one, and that even though such
condition might be satisfactory to the
lOSdl uIlOli IL WAS IlOl dSItcdOic W Liz
international body. Many of our unions
were under the impression that they
should bring pressure to bear on local
publishers to the end that agreements
might be executed. They were advised
differently. The benefits under the
agreement are just as valuable to the
publisher as to the union. If the pub
Usher believes that he does not need the
protection of an arbitration agreement.
then the local union can rest equally
content. In other words. we stand
ready to arbitrate. The instrument has
been provided; it remains for, the pub
fishers to do the rest.
AS far as our general relations with
the American Newspaper Publishers
association are concerned. it can be said
that they are satisfactory.
The arbitration idea has many strong
supporters among the book and job en-
ployers.
THE covenant at present In force be-
tween the International Typographical
union and the International Stereotype
ers and Electrotypers' union offers the
basis for effective and satisfactory
coalition of the various branches Of the
printing industry. During the five
months life of this agreement it has
given complete satisfaction. AS far as
the industrial field is concerned. under
this agreement there is but one govern
ing body. When trouble is imminent, all
the force and power of our great fedora
ton of interests are brought to bear to
secure an adjustment. The publisher
does not deal with one trade-he faces
combination. In theory and effect, AN
injury to one is the concern, of ALL And
the StereOtyperS and eIectrotypers pay
for this assistance. They demand our
aid as a matter of right. and not as a
matter of sympathy. Would not the in
terests of every follower of the printing
craft be conserved by such general
arrangement?
Contrary to the idea. frequently ex-
pressed, that the limit of machine in
PRODUCTION has been reached, these de-
vices continue to increase both as to
number and pattern. Rumors of in
ventions that will again revolutionize
the printing trade frequently reach us,
but thus far they have been without
foundation.
THE practice of securing industrial
peace through contracts running from
one to five years, has become very pop
ular with local unions and employers.
Hundreds of these covenants are now in
existence. 1t would be we'll for the con-
vention to recommend to our subordin-
ate unions that wherever possible con-
tracts be executed and that these con-
tracts contain arbftratfe provisions
that will guarantee the peacea BILE opera
ton of Industrial departments under
the terms of the contracts. and make
remote as possible chance for fric-
ton and trouble.
The desire on the part of our book
and job members for an eight-hOur day
is beginning to manifest itself, and is
receiving -encoura cement in many jur-
isdictions. That the eight-hour day will
eventually be established as the maxi
mum for our entire membership goes
without challenge We trust that it may
come peaceably, but in any event, come
it must"
The report of Mr.. ]. M. Brentwood.
secretary treasurer, showed that the
receipts from June 1, 1901, to May 81,
$145, 100, the balance on hand being $685.
072. The present membership is 39,711-
typographical, English and German
1886; photographers, 476; mailers. 789;
type founders. 407: newspaper writers,
70. There were twenty strikes in all
during the year, nine resulting in vic
tory for the union, three being lost, and
eight in progress.
STEREOTYPERS CONVENE.
Cincinnati. O., Aug. 1.-THE first con-
vention o fthe International Stereotyp-
ers and Electrotypers' union was called
to order here today. The meeting is the
first Independent body. About so dele
gates from all parts of the union and
Canada were present. Heretofore the
stereotypers and electrotypers have
the last meeting of the larger organiza-
ton they have organized independently
though close connection is maintained
the fact of it's convention being called
to meet at the same time and place.
Woman Breaks Jail
West Chester, Aug 11.-Bessie Smith,