Denver labor bulletin., 1917-04-07
The Optimistic
Philosopher
PROFESSIONALLY the patriotism
Il Of Dnnno,. 1ann,alo E.ao

OF Denver people is of Just as fine
a fibre as that found in any other
section of this glorious United States.
However, convening of congress in
extraordinary session and the pass
ing of joint resolution declaring a
state of war to exist between this ma
tion and imperial Germany has Gre
ated very little excitement. No doubt
this is due to the fact that most every
man and woman in Colorado has i'm
plicit confidence in President Wilson
and is willing to support his program.
A few preachers and lawyers held a
meeting in the Auditorium last Satur-
day night for the purpose of telling
US ordinary folks what to do in case
of war. Governor Gunter has ap-
pointed war council" likewise COM
posed of lawyers and railroad officials.
In neither of these instances was la
Dor invited or asked to give council,
tho, of course, when the real fighting
begins, labor will be on the firing
line while the lawyers, doctors, preach
ers and railroad presidents now so
conspicuous in the Denver war move
ment will remain at home and out of
danger. Perhaps few of them might
be induced to enlist in the home guard.
:. :: :.
WILLIAM c. THORNTON, presi-
w dent of the Denver Trades and
Labor Assembly, was the princi-
pal speaker at the "Eight-Hour Day"
celebration held by the union miners
at Hanna, Wyoming, last Monday.
Thornton delivered his address in the
Opera House during the afternoon
and was heard by an audience that
crowded every inch of space. He re-
ports having a fine visit and was ex-
tended many courtesies by members
of the miners union and other citizens
of Hanna. Following the speaking
program, bags of candy and other
goodies were distributed among all the
children present In the evening
grand ball was held in the Opera
House. Thornton declares that when
it comes to having a real enjoyable
time those miners up in Wyoming
know how to do things properly.
:. :. :.
THE o. P. congratulates a trio of
printers appointed to be first class
postmasters by President Wilson
We have particularly in mind Sher-
man S. Bellesfield of Pueblo, Lou"
Barrow of San Diego and William f.
McEwen of Duluth. Under an execu-
tive order issued by the president a
few days ago, all first and second
class postmasters automatically be-
come civil service employees with life
tenure of office. Benjamin F. Staple
ton, postmaster of Denver, who has
the credit of being the only police
magistrate ever appointed to a first
class postmastership, likewise is to be
congratulated. The day following an
him life job at $4,000 per year, Post
master Stapleton let it be known
among his immediate friends that he
is soon to take on life partner. Per-
haps one of the best features of the
order making all first and second
class postmasters come under the civil
service rule is that it opens the way
for promotion of the humblest en-
ployes in the service of the highest
position, based on their merit. Hence
forth all employees in the postoffice
service will hold their positions with
out fear of political displacement and
can be removed only for inefficiency or
violation of the postal laws. Post
masters may be transferred from city
to city. That is, by becoming more
and more efficient they are promoted
to more important positions, just as
United States consuls are now ad-
vanced.
InECLARATION of war by congress
u on the imperial government of
Germany will not detract from the
usual excitement of a Denver school
election, and probable recall of three
present members of the board-Hil-
lard, Jones and Guyer The town is
divided into factions on this school
question and the system is suffering
thereby. From a place in the front
rank, Denver's public school system
has dropped until now it is classed by
government reports as among the low
est in standards and efficiency. The
/ Legislative bureau of the Denver Civic
and Commercial association has named
three candidates for school director
in the election to be held May T. Up
to date no opposition has developed.
The recall election will come a few
weeks later and in event Hilliard,
Jones and Guyer are deposed, another
election will be held to fill the vacan-
cies. Perhaps Stephen Knight, the
only member not affected either by
election or recall, will resign
:. :. :.
CPEAKING of translations reminds
y us that this week the job depart
ment of The Denver Labor Bulletin
produced a large poster bill in three
languages-English, Spanish and Slav-
onic. The order for this work came
from J. c. Manual, secretary of Local
No. BIO, United Mine Workers of
America, at Ludlow. advertising a
series of mass meetings to be held on
the old tent colony grounds there, be-
ginning Sunday, April %, and contin-
uting thruout the summer months. We
mention this in order that all our
friends may know that The Bulletin
job printing department is equipped
for handling all classes of technical as
well as superior kinds of printing.