Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-23
THE BIG PRINT SHOP
EFFECTS OF PRESIDENTS RECENT
ORDER FELT.

The effect of the Presidents declaration
against the promiscuous publication of COM
paratively useless books and pamphlets by
the several departments is already being
felt at the government printing office, 1t is
stated The effect is said to be more no
ticeable in the bindery and folding depart
ments. Some uneasiness is felt in certain
quarters in tire big printery over the Presl-
dents attitude on this matter, as 1t is
feared the result may mean eventually
reduction in the force should any consider
able number Of former publications be cut
off by congressional or executive action.
1.-THE action of the President and the in
PRODUCTION of typesetting machines ana
ether labor-saving devices in the govern
ment printing Office" said veteran typo
will, 1 fear, result in material reductlon
in the office force eventually"
The spirit of Christmas Is IN marked eVl-
dence on all sides in Uncle Sans big print
shop and the custom of giftmaking Will be
carried on tomorrow with all its old-tlme
vim, it is stated. From time immemorial
the ladies in the folding rooms nave 1oi-
lowed this pretty custom. Iasty hanu-
made gifts are presented in many instances
to their immediate associate workers, ana
then there are swaps" and Seasonable eX-
changes of good will. AS carried on by the
lady folders this custom Is full OF genuine
~
Several days ago The Star referred TO the
many congratulations that had been show
cred upon Mr.. Oscar ]. Ricketts,, foreman
of printing, because OF the spieholo ar
rangemenr and typographical appearance
of the Presidents message to Congress.
Following is q sample communication re-
ceived by Mr.. Ricketts, from MI. W. ..
Rossiter, chief of the division or pubnca-
ton of the Department OF Commerce ana
Labor:
Dear Mr. Ricketts,: Mr.. Riddle has cour-
teously sent over to me couple OF copies
of the message of the President. l want to
congratulate you at once upon the unusu u,
ally effective and tasteful presentation OF
this paper I think you have already
learned that l am good deal or crank
on the subject of artistic combination OF
types and it gives me more pleasure IMAM
L can express in small compass to find such
a striking change as this pamphlet from the
old-fashioned and distressing Typographical
presentation of public documents. L think
this advance is due TO your progressive
spirit. and l fully realize how difficult it is
to carry such changes through. The mere
fact that you have succeeded in abandon
ing six or eight faces of type on page,
and use with skill and discrimination one
SERIES and that the most tasteful in exist
ence-for nothing can improve in the long
run on old-style caps-speaks volumes for
your success in your work.
IF at any time / can be Of service to you
in solving knotty problems Of typographical
designs hope you will call upon me with
cut the slightest hesitation. I may as well
confess to you that after years OF work at
it l acknowledge that 1 like that sort OF
work as well anything that comes my
way"
The old officers of the Government Print
ing Office Mutual Relief Association have
been reelected, as follows: President, A
w. Bowen; vice president, John B. Dick
man; recording secretary E. F. Geyer;
financial secretary J. E. Keefe; treasurer,
A. J. Arnold. During the year, 1t Is stat
ed. S544O was disbursed for sick benefits.
The sick list includes the name of Mr.
A. p. E. Doyle of the third division.