davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
MAKES GOOD EIGHT HOUR TALK

tions. The English Munition Min
istry's report on the health of the
Munition Workers during this war
time shows that rest periods in the
mid-morning and mid-afternoon--the
very periods that show the greatest
number of accidents, was found to
have good effect upon the work.
er's health as well as upon his
product. Even few moments of
relaxation for workers at monotonous
industries would show, we feel sure,
a decrease in accidents.
"This critical time surely calls
upon employers and employees to
study to relax the awful tension
that grows upon the piece worker.
Let the workers collectively ask for
five or ten minutes of relation
we are sure from human experience
that the output would be bette the
accidents less-anu the irritation
from nerve racking might be les
sened.
eve must hold these warnings
ready when the call comes for over
time or over-speed on war work.
1t will be an unwise patriotism that
pushes the human machine beyond it's
power of endurance. The output
depends largely on the physical
strength, the nervous reserve and
the morale of the army of work
ers."
Mind you, the council suggests
that "the workers COLLECTIVELY
ask for five or ten minutes relaXa-
tion."
What bitter argument is wanted
for the eight-hour day than that
shorter hours and periods of rest
and relaxation make for efficiency
and for more and better products.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
SENATORS DENOUNCE
INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT

individual contracts" the latest
scheme of anti-union employers to
resist collective bargaining with their
workers is denounced, and its fallacy
exposed, by special committee ap-
pointed by the United States senate
to investigate the strike of street
car men, last spring, against the
Washington Railway and Electric
company.
The committee, consisting of Sen
ators Hughes, Pittman, King, Jones
of Washington and johnson of Cali
fornia, agree that the company is
responsible for the strike. In sep
arate reports the senator's take
sharp issue with the company's
methods and it's defense of individual
contracts.
Senator Pittman said:
"The impossibility of the individual
negotiating a contract of employ
ment with a powerful corporation is
too absurd for intelligent men to
discuss before an intelligent body.
The very object of the individual
contract, in fact, the chief object,
is to avoid discussion and considera-
tion. Influence, power and accom-
plishment in every activity of life
has been accomplished through col
lective action. In my humble opin-
ion, collective bargaining on the part
of the employees is principle that
must be recognized. This obliga-
tion upon the part of public utilities
corporations is imperative. They
have no moral right to use their
power and privileges in a manner
oppressive to the citizens or OBJ
structive to the peace and happiness
of the public"
Senators Jones and johnson said:
by individual agreements EN-
ployes are left wholly without pro-
lection. There is nothing of fair
corporations, on the one hand, deal
ness in the closely knit, powerful
ing with a single individual employ
ed by it on the other. The en-
ployer is so potent, so well or
ganized, has such concentrated force,
and such extraordinary power of re-
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

Queen State of the South. This
tract was selected after careful
investigation had been made and aft
er tracts in various parts of the
country had been given considera-
tion. 1t is high, well drained, ex-
tremely healthful, and the soil is
rich and productive. The land has
been held by a large lumber COM
pany and has been lying idle for
years.
The plan is to farm the 10000
tract collectively, using the most
modern methods. Everything col
lectively used will be collectively
owned. Thus the land, the mashin-
cry, the livestock, the tractors, the
industries, the hotel, and such
things, will be owned by the COM
munity, while those things which are
individually used will be individually
owned.
The chief outstanding features are
the eight-hour day and the equal
wage system. Private profit has
been completely eliminated. There
are no special privileges. Interest
and rent are abolished, so far as
individuals are concerned. The mar
keting of products will be by SIM
ilarly organized department-as will
the buying. Cost are reduced through
cooperation. Social service is a
community charge, so that Doctors
bills, hospital fees, insurance, etc,
are not worries for individuals to
shoulder.
The new Highland Plantation in
Louisiana is to be developed as
rapidly as possible. Socialists from
Texas and Oklahoma are going into
the new district, and it is expected
that substantial crops of corn and
cotton as well as vegetables of all
kinds will be harvested the first year
Much interest has been aroused by
the spread of the cooperative colony
work by the Llano Colony.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

EIGHT-HOUR
LUMBER BILL

Addressing central labor organi-
cations Senator Jones recently sent
out the following letter, show why
the bill was framed in accord with
the general welfare clause and the
interstate commerce clause of the
constitution. He says;
l inclose you herewith copy of
bill which | have introduced in
the Senate prohibiting shipping in
interstate commerce wood products
upon which labor has been permitted
to work more than eight hours. This
bill was prepared by Congressman
Hadley and myself in response to
many requests and petitions from
laboring men and lumbermen of our
State and he has introduced it in
the House.
We have endeavored to prepare
this bill in such way as to meet
the constitutional objection that Con-
gress has not the authority to estab-
lish an eight-hour day in the lumber
industry, and if we have successfully
met this objection the enactment of
this bill into law will result in the
establishment OF an eight-hour day
for workers in the lumber indus
try.
The eight-hour day in large indus
tries is desirable and inevitable. This
is being recognized not only by la
Dor but by the employers of labor,
and strong appeals have come to
Congress from our State for legis-
lation along these lines.
Congress enacted an eight-hour
law for the employees of railroads
engaged in Interstate commerce.
Many concluded at once that Con-
gress can enact legislation establish
ing an eight hour system in any
line of industry. The fact that the
railroad men affected were engaged
directly in interstate commerce and
that the men employed in the lum-
ber mills are not engaged in inter-
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
NORTHWESTERN
TUBERCULOSIS
CONFERENCE

With the adoption of ringing set
of resolutions accer .ing the War Tu-
berculosis program advanced by the
National tuberculosis Association,
urging universal observance of fresh
air in the public schools, and pledg-
ing themselves to an effort to triple
the sale of Red Cross Seals this
year in their territories, the dele
gates to the Northwestern Tuber-
culosis Conference closed their first
annual meeting in Portland Tuesday
afternoon.
, Immediately following the session
the delegates and visitors were taken
for a trip over the Columbia High
way as guests of the Oregon Tuber-
culosis Association. At Crown Point
dinner was served in one of the inns
and the drive back to the city made
by moonlight.
The two days session was marked
by the number of excellent papers
and the attendance. Representa-
tives from the six Washing
ton, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyom-
ing and Utah-participating were
present, while the Washington Tu-
berculosis Association and every an
Tuberculosis league in the state
was well represented A large
number of the delegates-at-large ap-
pointed by Governor Lister were also
in attendance.
While the place of meeting for
1918 was not selected, Washington
will probably be chosen. The in
spiration received by those present
cannot fail to advance the tubercu-
losis campaign throughout the North
west, and thus next year bigger,
better conference be made possible.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
THE STRIKERS WILL WAIT UPON
IJNCLESAM'S WAGE-FIXING BOARD

and does stand by the government
and is, as it always has been, pa
triotic. The strikes do not mean
that labor is trying to handicap this
country in its prosecution OF war
against the Central powers Of Eu-
rope, but it does show that labor
will not be imposed upon by greedy
employers who have seized upon un-
fortunate war conditions to build
up fortunes. There are numerous
instances in which strikers have re-
turned to work pending settlement
by arbitration or mediation Of the
differences between them and the
capitalists rather than to continue
to inconvenience the government.
In San Francisco, in Portland, in
Los Angeles, in Seattle, in Tacoma,
have the workers made sacrifices iot
the sake of patriotism.
Last week the telephone operators
postponed a strike in order that it
might not hinder the sale OF Liberty
bonds.
In striking contrast is the action
of the copper kings of Arizona. who
announced that they would not listen
to the special commission appointed
by the President to investigate and
if possible settle the miners strike
at Bisbee and Globe. Later on not
only the managers but the now-resi-
dent owners of Arizona mines will
listen to what the Government has
to say.
When that special commission fin
ishes its work in Arizona, it's IA
good guess that the Phelps-Dodge
corporation and their managers will
not stand very high as good citizens
or patriots.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
In Tacoma

From the Tacoma Labor Advocate
of the 10Th inst;
"Not being satisfied with work
ing conditions or wages, more than
$50 men quit work at the Milwaukee
docks Tuesday. They struck for
new wage scale asking so cents an
hour, with Is cents an hour for
overtime. They had formerly been
getting 45 cents and 65 cents.
The daily press created the i'm
preston by their stories that the
members of Longshoremen's union
1873 had quit work, but such was
not the case. The longshoremen
knew nothing of the plans Of the
workers who quit. 1t had been
rumored that the dissatisfied men
had attempted to form a dual or
ganization known as the Marine
Transport Workers.
After two conferences with the
local authorities (bosses), no agree
ment could be reached, and Mr..
Snyder, representing the govern
ment, appeared, and it was then
that the company took notice.
Wednesday settlement was reach
ed and the company granted the
raise asked for. The men have
returned to work. OF course, the
local freight agent is anything but
friendly with the local Longshore-
mems union, and whatever conces-
sion is made now the company hopes
to retard the workers from joining
a legitimate union.
At the Northern Pacific dock also
some of the Japanese boats are
dischargng cargo, and the increase
applies to those workers also,
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
CO-OPERATORS TO
ESTABLISH COLONY
IN LOUISIANA

One of the most extensive coop
erative organizations in the United
States has recently completed ar
rangements to invade the South,
and before January l, 1918, it is
expected that several hundred per-
sons will be engaged exclusively in
cooperative work there, devoting
their entire time to it.
This is the Llano Colony of Llano,
California, which has just purchased
10000 acres of fertile soil in the
Highlands of Louisiana and is plan
ming to establish industries, farm
land and to build homes without
delay The Llano Colony was
founded in May, 1914, in Los An
geles County, California, by Job
Hartman and others and has be-
come the largest cooperative colony
ever organized. This Louisiana pro-
ject is the first extension of the
Colony.
The new Higland plantation is
about five miles square and is in
Vernon Parish in the extreme west
ern central portion of the
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
TELEPHONE GIRLS
POSTPONE STRIKE

The telephone girls in the Pacific
Coast cities, for good patriotic
reason, postponed their strike until
after the Liberty Loan drive, also
at the request of Mortimer Fleish-
hacker, San Francisco Capitalist,
who was asked to act as temporary
mediation.
The strike will come, though, and
furnish another demonstration of the
public ownership contention for the
government ownership and operation
of telephones and telegraphs.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
LOOKING AFTER
WATER-POWER
SITE FOR CITY

The City Commission is by no
means asleep regarding the project
of obtaining a power site for the
use of this city as evidenced by the
adoption of a resolution introduced
by Commissioner Clay empowering
Burns & Mcdonald, the hydraulic en-
gineers of Kansas City, to proceed
with the compilation of data on the
Sultan river power project, in tho
vicinity of the horseshoe" country.
Under the contract entered into be-
tween the city of Everett and the
Kansas City engineers, they are to
investigate power possibilities and
prepare information to lay before
the commissioners, which will allow
the council to call special election
to determine if the people want the
municipality controlled power unit.
The contract explains that the en-
gineers receive no additional re-
muneration for this preliminary pow
er service, although if Everett votes
for the prosecution of the work then
Burns & Mcdonald will be retained
to carry out the construction, as
they have been in the case of the
water supply.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
Obdurate PrOfiteers

Organized shipbuilders and foun-
drymen of San Francisco Bay region
will not arbitrate the closed shop
with the labor unions and the gov
ernment according TO a notice served
by these employers on the federal
wage adjustment board there.
Employers charge that the present
shortage of labor is planned to a
great extent by the labor unions to
build up a monopoly of labor, there
fore they refuse to discuss the re-
cognition of the closed shop
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

state commerce is apparently over
looked Workers in a lumber mill
are not in interstate commerce even
though the products of their labor
may eventually enter into interstate
commerce. They are in an indus
try that would appear to be clear
ly within the jurisdiction OF the
states and under control of state
laws and however desirable legisla-
tion may be applying to all the
states we must keep in mind IN
framing such legislation these fun
damental principles and limitations
of state and national authority. The
only practical way to deal with this
through the National government is
to act upon interstate commerce
rather than upon labor.
Therefore we came to the conclu-
sion that it would be unwise to take
the legislation relating to railroad
employees as basis for legislation
affecting employees in the lumber
industry, but that the surest way to
accomplish what is desired is to take
the child labor legislation as basis.
That legislation rests upon the gen
eral welfare clause and the inter-
state commerce clause of the Constl-
tuition. Surely it is for the public
welfare that uniform conditions
should exist throughout an industry
SO universal as the lumber industry
and interstate commerce in its prod
ucts should not be hampered by
different labor systems in various
states.
| will be glad to receive any sug-
gestions that may occur to you re-
garding this measure, and if it
meets with your approval trust
you will do what you can to put
behind it a public sentiment that will
assist in its passage. NO doubt
there will be determined opposition
to it from some of the states re-
gardless of the constitutional phase
of it, but if the labor forces espe-
cially in those states will give it
their support it will greatly promote
the passage of the bill.
Believe me to be,
Very sincerely yours,
w. L. JONES.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
TRANSFERRED
TO HOQUIAM

Rev. w. w. Switzer, recently pas
tor of the Methodist Episcopal
church in Coupeville, and formerly
of the same church on the River
side in Everett, has been tranferred
to the Methodist Episcopal Church
in Hoquiam. Mr.. Switzer is re-
membered for his efforts in behalf of
labor, in this city, and his Everett
friends wish that his walks may
be made in pleasant places.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES.-Organized car
penters and employers have accept
ed a wage agreement presented
by mediators, who favor $5 a day
for eight hours, overtime at the
rate of time and one-half and dou-
BILE time for Sundays, Fourth of
July, Labor day and Christmas.
A $5-a-day rate for building crafts
men is not excessive, according to
the mediators, who say:
"We. recommend the foregoing as
a fair basis of settlement, first, be-
cause of the indisputable increased
cost of living. After a careful sur
vey by Prof. Jaffa, of the University
of California, he points out that in
1916 the cost of living for wage
Garner with wife and three chill
dren was $57.75 per month, whereas
the corresponding cost for 1917 is
$72.50 per month.
1--WE recommend the foregoing for
the turtner reason lndl Iue WdSS VI
$5 per day means an average earn
ing of only $1,000 per year, due to
the fact that the average carpen-
ter has employment, as a rule, dur
ing only about 200 days year, out
of 800 possible working days This
1000 per year, less an average
cost for tools of $50 per year, plus
an average cost for transportation of
tools per year of SO, leaves the
carpenter an average earning for the
year of $940, which is equivalent
to about $7s per month. This leaves
the carpenter above the bare cost of
living $3.50 per month, to cover, ac-
cording to Prof Jaffa, the cost of
insurance, amusement, periodicals,
medical attendance and the other in
cidentals necessary to decent living
in a civilized community"
TheV strikes prevalent throughout
the country are proving what has
been claimed for labor-that 1T will
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

The Seattle Metal Trades, having
decided by referendum vote to re-
turn to work in the shipyards until
an agreement had been reached be-
tween them and the shipbuilders
through the mediation Of the U. 5.
Wage Adjustment Board resumed
work in Seattle shipyards last Mon
day morning.
A permanent and satisfactory ar
rangement is hoped for by the work
ers and the government, it may be
said. Whether the shipbuilders de-
sire permanent peace is yet to be
learned.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
WOULD CHANGE
RURAL ROUTES

The Riverside Commercial Club,
at the suggestion of Postmaster Cole,
will endeavor to have Everett made
the distributing point for rural de-
livery routes in the vicinity of Ev-
erett and between Everett and Sc
attic. For instance, mail directed
to Silver Lake should go through Ev-
erett instead of Seattle as at pres
ent.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

The West Coast Lumbermen's AS
sociation's trade report showed lum-
Der production to be 20 per cent be-
low normal. If the mills will adopt
the eight-hour day the production
will rise to normal and stay there.
Then everybody will make some
money.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
MINE WORKERS SUED
FOR BIG DAMAGES

FORT SMITH, Ark, Oct 23-Suit
to recover more than two and one
quarter million damages from the
United Mine Workers Of America
was begun here today before Federal
Judge Elliott Of Sioux Fails, s. d,
as special judge.
The Bache-Denman Coal interests
are suing the mine workers under
the Sherman antitrust act, charging
them with destruction of their prop
critics in the Hartford valley in July,
1914.
A nationwide conspiracy to wreck
the business and destroy the prop
erty on non-union coal operators is
charged in the complaint.
What's this, another like the Dan
bury Hatters' case? Looks some
thing like it.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

The mill owners are now offering
a bonus to its men to stay with
them until the usual holiday shut
down. These same mill owners tried
to make the public believe their men
were so "contented" they would stay
with them till the "crack of DOOM"
Now they have to offer bribe to
induce the men to remain in such
desirable employment"
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26
SULTAN WATER
BY JANUARY |

Announcement was made last
Saturday that Sultan River water
would flow through Everett's waite,
mains on or about January lst.
Every inhabitant of Everett, who
has the city's and his own health
and welkbeing at heart will rejoice
at the accomplishment of this great
public enterprise.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

The Trades Council meets at
p. m every Wednesday evening.
Don't you forget it, Mr.. Delegate.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

Smoke Chas. Sheets CHALLENGE
1Oc Cigar.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

Subscribe for The Labor Journal.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

Try "BLUE RIBBON" Cigar, &c.
The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-10-26

TheV strikes prevalent throughout
the country are proving what has
been claimed for labor-that it will
The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1917-03-30

Mr.. and Mrs. Geo. Curnow and
Miss Grace returned Friday after
noon after a few days spent in
Denver. The big Overland made
the home trip in about three hours
via Bear creek, but the roads are
not vet in good condition. An
immense boulder dislodged by the
thawing has rolled into the road
near Floyd hill and allows cars
but few inches more than space
enough to pass, and the bank is
soft.
A section of the floor in the
Roberts Brothers grocery had be-
CINE so worn from the constant
tread of patrons that it has been
replaced with new lumber. Par
ticularlv in front "f the cash reg
lister, where the patrons hand over
the "dough". was it necessary to
Law new flooring.
The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1917-03-30
WANTED-1o rent house of three or
four furnished rooms for the summer.
Inquire at Siftings.

Misses Hattie Richards, Lena
Rickett and Charlotte Collie have
been spending the week in Denver.
Mr.. and Mrs. George Curnow
and daughter, Miss Grace, were
passengers on Thursday mornings
train for the valley city.
Mrs. A. L. Scribner of Denver
came up ednesday for visit
with her brother. Eugene Crosson
and family of Grass Valley.
Mr.. and Mrs S. G. McGinnis
mctored over to Morrison last Sum-
day where Mrs. McGinnis has been
spending the week with her folks.
The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1917-03-30
Greater Agricultural Production Imperative

statistics indicate that the high of living due
largely the decrease production of food the nlted
rapidly than
agricultural development it imperative that agricultural production
increased face actual famine OF
the failures of and the unusual demand incident
abroad responsible making this situation acute
point the food supply has been
greatly for the past
Agricultural the Denver Civic and Commercial
called of those interested agriculture
of the be held in Denver April and
consider this condition and make plans for agricultural
development production Colorado This likely
prove of interest and it is hoped that plans will be
developed will bring about concerted effort all of the
stat for better farming and increased production.
The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1917-03-30
N Weinberger made business
trip to Denver this week.

N Weinberger made business
trip to Denver this week.
George w. Ford aud daughter
went down the line to the big town
on the Platte las, Thursday
morning.
d. J. Donnelly, H. A. Elliott
and A. A. Slower were business
visitors to the capital city last
Wednesday.
Thomas Mlnner of Alice was
acting d, mail carrier last tuesday,
during the absence OF john Valdez,
who Was doing business III Denver.
1t is said that over IN Oak Greek
the bootleggers have adopted an
official badge So they won't waste
their time trying to sell 10 each
Their