Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-03-21
VIHEN the company was
" assembled in the deserted

all the delegates were anxious to begin pro-
ceedings
Friends" said Rash Act, lit is unnecessary
for me to dlate upon the object for which this
meeting is called. As fellow sufferers with my
SELF you are all aware that while the strides OF
trades unionism have brought short working
DAYS many holidays, and increased leisure to
many classes we are harder worked to-day than
at any time in our history, and there IS no nit
in the clouds.
At these words there was a stir near the door,
and voice piped, Mr. Chairman, Rift in the
Clouds has just come in and desires to be regis
tered
Il stand corrected" said Rash Act. Il was
not aware that Rift in the Clouds was one OF us,
though know he is eligible. However, Will
say briefly that the object of this meeting is to
discuss ways and means whereby we can secure
an eight hour day, half holiday on Saturday,
and no work Sunday. Nominations for per-
manent chairman are in order.
Mr.. Chairman! called strong voice.
Smoking Revolver" said the chair.
Il move you, gentlemen" said Smoking Re-
volver, that our efficient temporary chairman,
Rash Act, be permitted to retain the chair. He
has suffered as long and uncompla1n1ngly as
any of us, unless it be my distinguished friend
on nv left, Some Blunt Instrument
This motion meeting with general approval,
Rash Act was duly elected chairman, and Swift
Justice was made secretary These officers be-
ing installed, the meeting proceeded to business
at once. On calling for general remarks on the
subject matter of the meeting, the chairman
found half dozen old friends on their feet
clamoring for attention. and he recognized
News Spread Like Wildfre, bent and gray from
wears of incessant work. He said:
Mr. CHAIRMAN AND FRIENDS.-I will
w not presume to speak at any length in the
presence of this notable gathering; for see
among those present old friends whose weight
of wears and la Dor is nearly double my own,-
Coroner Was Notified, Fatal Bullet, Shocking
Disaster, and many Others. But | think it
xI,~A
when we should make common cause against
common enemy. Applause)
I'VE have all worked in this newspaper office
and in a thousand others seven days a week for
uncounted years We have had no days OFT,
such as are granted to other members of the
staff We labor on holidays, indeed, harder
than ever while Others rest well recall when
l first entered the newspaper business, young,
fresh, buoyant, and full of hope. Other MEM
beers of our fraternity, some OF whom are pres
ent day. looked at me obviously and said
There's new one l remember meeting De-
partment Responded Promptly that day. and
my worthy friend, Smoking Revolver, who has
since been my close companion, as well as our
chairman, Rash Act. But the passing of the
years and the unceasing toll they have brought
have bowed my frame and dimmcd the luster
of my general appearance appear before you
a weak, broken down, old back number, still
forced to do duty daily and nightly. But what
shall we do? How shall we best bring about
much needed reform!
AT this point the chairman raped Tor atten-
ton THE speakers will please confine them
selves to the subject" he said, and avoid per
sonalities. Much Needed Reform is present
and anxious to be heard.
Thus reproved, News Spread Like Wildfire
bowed to Much Needed Reform in token of
apology and concluded, Z" suggest that a COM
mittec of three be appointed to draft resolutions
embed wing our requests for shorter day, the
same to be submitted to the Association of
Great Editors at their next annual convention.
Are there any further remarks?" inquired
Rash Act, and Fiendish Deed took the floor.
He, too, was old and bent and leaned heavily on
column rule for support.
FRIENDS" he began, !" need tell none of you
how desperately hard have been worked in
this business Why, my experience in the South
alone would wreck most of you, and this can be
borne out by our secretary, Swift Justice, who
has accompanied me in most of my travels in
that part of the country | have appeared as
often us ten times in a single week without
half days rest. | am old and broken now but
if my declining days could be spent in compare
tive peace and with dignity BETTING my age
and constant services, should pass away con-
tent and join Fire Fiend in oblivion"
One moment" said Fatal Bullet, interrupt
ing the speaker. "Mr. Chairman it greves me
deeply to hear my lifelong friend, Fiendish
Deed. talk of passing away. He who has toied
by my side through all these years,-he who
has been my constant companion, together