The Washington herald., 1909-04-05
Plate Printers VIII aid in
Fight for Raise.
MR.. RALPH FAvoRs MOVEMENT
Quoted at Meeting OF Girls En-
DIOyed in Bureau of Engraving
and Printing as Assuring Them
that They Are in No Danger cz
Losing Their Places by Organizing.


flank attack. the young women Of the
Bureau OF Engraving and Printing yester-
day formally adopted the methods OF the
male worker in his fight for the "uplift.
and entered the ranks OF unionism,
The meeting yesterday afternoon. held
in the Typographical Temple. was large
and enthusiastic. II was determined 10
use persuasion on the girls who have
shown apathy regarding the union. and
before long the entire roster OF feminine
employees in the bureau. largely plate
printers assistants. are expected 20 be
within the pale
The meeting was instrumental IN max
ing clear that the plate printers union
has decided to support the girls in their
fight for higher wages. At FIRST It was
assumed that they would negatively op-
pose the campaign merely as protection
for their own interests Through their
representative, Charles T. Smith. the
plate printers pledged themselves TO work
hand IN hand with their assistants
Says Both Must stand Together.
Il believe the girls are entitled 70 the
higher wages which they ask" said Mr.
Smith. "As I understand II. the girls
ask 50 a day from the government in
stead OF the $50 which they are receiv-
ing That this increase Is deserved no
plate printer doubts. II any young
woman has ever mistrusted the stand %
the plate printers in this matter. she can
cast all suspicion from her mind. Tie
men Will do all they can 20 aid you. both
personally and collectively.
THE fact Is recognized that the inter
ests OF the plate printer and his assistant
are Identical Neither one can suffer
without the other feeling u. II Is natural
that in q great institution where labori-
Gus and exacting work IS pursued under
trying circumstances much friction and
dissatisfaction should arise. but in the
end each plate printer must feel, and
each plate printers assistant must feel.
that they must work together"
Ralph I'm Favor of Union.
The petition which was sent 20 Direc-
tor Ralph. OF the Bureau OF Engraving
and Printing. was read. The petition IS
purely formal. as IL is recognized that the
director would gladly grant the higher
pay TO the girls II the appropriations al
his command permitted. Mrs Eva Mac
Donald valesh, of the American Federa-
ton or Labor. reported him as making
this declaration
IF any girl in tie employ OF the bu-
reau thinks she is jeopardizing her posi-
ton by joining this union, she is mis-.
taken. ] an an old union mar myself
and urge the girls 10 unionize.'
A letter was read from Samuel Com.
pers. giving his hearty Endorsement 10
the new union. and expressing regret al
his inability 20 be present He urged
them 10 extend their activities beyond
the immediate objec; OF gaining a S2-a-
day wage, and 10 join the broader and
national work OF union labor.
Frank Morrison. secretary Of the Amer
ican Federation or Labor. made the prin-
cipaI address TO the girls union. and
extended them advice which was ap-
plauded enthusiastically.
PerSIstency that Counts.
The organization Of this union means
that you will now undertake earnestly
what you have hitherto undertaken spo-
radically he said That is the principle
upon which Gnionism is based. Il isn't
the spasmodic. emotional campaign which
counts, but the SLOW. quiet persistent
work. the wearing away Of the stone.
which brings results. Labor to-day real
izes this and is pursuing its fight along
these lines.
1t is the history OF unionism that
no sooner Is one advantage gained. than
work Is begun 10 procure another. II
you gained & a day wage. which YOU de-
serve, Il viii merely mean that you will
shortly afterWard begin work 10 obtain
S2-25 and $3.50 d day. There Is no ques-
tion in my mind that work Of the char
acter which YOU girls are performing is
worth $3.50 a day. But that is another
question. The immediate problem is 10
obtain what you are after. II YOU do
that by dint OF a years work, you will
have vindicated the organization Of the
union. All that is needed is faithful at
tendance at monthly meetings. and pay
ment OF dues, amounting 10 at least $
a year II YOU procure a S15S per annum
I increase at S. outlay, you are obtaining
a rather heavy rate Of interest on your
| investment.
Urges Cooperation of All.
Get all the girls into line DO not let
those who vacillate and are Indifferent.
believing that a wedding next month, OF
next year will relieve them Of all further
concern in the bureau. remain outside
Gain their support and cooperation. II
Is not merely for yourselves you are
working. but for younger sisters and
cousins to come after you.
"All union labor welcomes the new
union. All Of our officials Will heartily
espOuse your cause. and the support OF
the National Civic Federation will be no
mean asset. So buckle down to the work
outlined for you, and results will come 30
F. G Roberts spoke for the Typograph-
ical Union. and Y. D. Harbaugh, night