The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1909-02-27
In LabOr'S Realm
Matters of Especial Interest To and Con
corning Those Who Do the
Work of the World

Indianapolis, Ind.-After selecting
Indianapolis as the place for holding
the convention next year the conven-
ton of the United Mine Workers OF
America, which was in session for
three weeks, adjourned. A twelfth
clause was added to the preamble OF
the constitution of the organization,
reading: For better protection OF the
lives and health of the coal workers
we demand that the duties of all mine
inspectors be made more extensive by
having the power at any time, after
having made thorough inspection, to
order Immediately the suspension OF
any mine found to be in an unsafe con-
dition" The scale committee adopted
the wage scale agreed upon by the an
thracite districts at conference held
at Scranton, Pa, last year. The COM
mittee recommended that the officers
of the organization use their best ef-
forts to bring about a conference with
the operators and left the details OF
arranging for this conference with
the executive board. The convention
concurred in the report.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. AihC H,oVV Vii
ployes of Swift & Co. recently have
been elevated to the dignity Of stock
holders and profit sharers in the bust
ness in which they are employed
through plan conceived by Louis F.
Swift. Under this plan stenographers
and superintendent, teamsters and
telephone girls alike, have purchased
stock on an easy payment system,
their holdings ranging from one to 80
shares. While they are paying for
their shares the seven per cent. divi-
dends which Swift stock is paying
annually are turned over to the en-
ploye stockholders.
Berlin, Germany.-The number of
women employed in industrial under
takings and otherwise earning their
living has increased enormously in
Prussia. In 1882 the total number of
women and girls over 16 years of age
returned as being employed in gain
full occupations" was close on 3,O0O.-
900; in 1907 the number was 4,335, 1872,
of which 639,S29 worked in factories
or undertakings coming under the fac
tory act. Trade unionism is making
rapid progress, though not yet as
strongly as among the male workers.
Columbus, O.-On the ground that
American union miners are prevented
from making living in coal mines in
Ohio because foreigners who have no
experience have been permitted to
work for less wages. having been ad-
mitted to the union at ten dollars a
head, the organization in convention
tt,or int
of inexperienced men from $40 to $50.
Experienced men will be admitted at
the former fee of ten dollars.
Baltimore, Md.-The Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad Company announced the
closing of the contracts and placing of
orders for $4,000 tons of steel rails of
30 and 100 pounds weight; also for
10000 kegs of spikes, 5000 kegs OF
bolts. as well as large quantities of
angle bars and other, track fixings
The rail orders were divided among
the Maryland, Bethlehem, Carnegie
Cambria and Illinois Steel Companies
with delivery in 80 days.
New York.-A seven hour workday
as suggested by the trades councils
OF Cleveland, o., is an absurdity. in
the opinion of the American Fedora
ton of Labor 1.-The hours of labor y
said Robinson. will not be further re-
duced, no matter how extensive or
powerful the movement for a seven
hour workday will become. The unions
will not aim at the accomplishment OF
absurdities."
New York.-A novel decision affect
ing labor unions was handed down by
Justice Mills in the supreme court ir
White Plains, N. Y, who holds that la
Dor organizations which picket fac
tory and thereby put the owner to ex
pense for guards for his property ant
employees must pay for such expense
Justice Mills further finds that the
unions involved and the men directly
concerned by giving and taking pc
cuniary support aided and abetted the
unlawful acts of the pickets.
Danville, Ill.-The general shops O
c. & e. |. closed here indefinitely
Only about $50 men are affected, bu
the complete shut down of the shop,
has caused much comment in business
circles. The shops have been, run
ming only on half time for som,
months and with only one-third O
force at work. Roundhouse men will
? be the only ones left on duty.
San Francisco-The bakers an,
cracker bakers have appointed com
mittee to wait on the proprietors O
the local cracker bakeries to adopt
union distinctive label in order tina
their products, which are made unde
fair conditions, shall be recognized b.
purchasers.
Chester. Pa.-The Chessauqua Sill
Manufacturing Company, which recen
ly purchased ]. p Crozer's Sons No.
mill in Upland, took possession Marc
Is. with 600 looms in operation. En-
ployment will be given to 500 people
Pittsburg, Pa.-The plants of tn
Tarentum Glass Company, Fidelit