The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1908-03-28

the members of the various railroad
brotherhoods of Lincoln at Bohannon's
hall last Sunday afternoon. The pur-
pose was to discuss matters affecting
the welfare of the railroad employees,
and these matters were fully and free
ly discussed.
The agitation in favor of reduction
Of freight rates received considerable
consideration. it being felt that any
further reduction in this line would re-
suit in a reduction of wages. Indeed,
the reduction of freight rates has al
ready had that effect in other local
tiles, although to date it has not af
fected the men in this section. 1t was
decided to appoint a committee to
wait on the state railroad commission
and secure a date whereOn the rail-
road employees could submit their ar
gliments against further rate reduc-
tion. Some idea of how this matter in
terests Lincoln may be gained by
grasping the idea that there are fully
5000 people in Lincoln and vicinity
dependent wholly upon the railroads
for a livelihood. This is fully twelve
per cent of the total population
twelve out of every one hundred. 1t is
safe to say that the railroads pay to
Lancaster county employees upwards
Of $1,500,00O year in wages. The
prevailing rate of wages is none too
high as 1t is and reduction would
work hardship. Knowing that the
first step in conomizing in railroad
management is the wages of the en-
ployes, the brotherhoOds naturally feel
that their interests demand cessa-
ton of the demand for further reduc-
tion of rates.
So far, no definite date has been set
for the proposed hearing, but when it
takes place the brotherhoods will have
representatives present who are amply
able to present the employees side of
the case fully and fairly.
The matter of rates and wages was
not, however, the only thing discussed.
The matter of founding a cooperative
store was talked over and steps taken
to investigate the matter fully were
taken, committees being appointed
for that purpose.
Concerning the plan to establish CO.
operative stores this statement has
been made by those interested in the
work OF organization:
THE railway committee of union
railway employees which has been
meeting at the Eincoln hotel for some
time, used considerable time in
discussing the advisability of formu-
lating a plan for the Incorporation OF
a joint cooperative wholesale and re-
tail store of gigantic proportions. A
board of trustees was elected to carry
out the plans as authorized by the ex-
ecutive committee. The outlying dis
tricts seem enthusiastic and are con-
tinually sending in inquiries as to pro-
gress.
1T is proposed to establish branch
stores at Wymore, Havelock, McCook,
Alliance and Omaha, with a main store
at Lincoln as a center. 1t is figured
that about twenty per cent can be
made. and this profit the organization
thinks can be well used for the fur.
therance Of union work. The plans,
while not complete, were discussed at
an nd q nf fv-v,C g
elected to carry out the plans outlined
by the executive committee The
ground plan somewhat resembles that
of the plan used in the establishment
of the cooperation book store at the
state university, only of infinitely
greater proportions. 1t is planned
that in time the store can own it's own
buildings and place halls at the dis
disposal of the various organizations
for the permanent homes and club
rooms. besides furnishing necessaries
for considerable less to the members
The executive committee in session
represents the order OF railway conduc
tors. brotherhood of railway trainmen
brotherhood of locomotive firemen and
engineers. international brotherhood Of
blacksmiths and helpers, international
association of machinists, information
al brotherhood of boilermakers and
'blacksmiths and helpers
In this connection The Wageworker
begs leave to suggest to the promoters
of the cooperative plan that they care
fully study the opening chapters ol
Charles Edward Russell's book, "The
Uprising OF the Many" The story OF
the Toad Lane Weavers." and their
little shop reads like a romance. These
weavers were the pioneers in the co
operative movement. and Mr.. Russell