The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-01-14

of Teachers was formally or ganized and temporary off cers elected at an executive meeting attended by 250 teach CTS at the Tutwiler hotel ball. room yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock.
 Just as the federation came into being, another meeting, at tended by 200 non-federation teachers, adjourned at the Chamber of Commerce after discussing utilization with the American Federation of Labor and agreeing not to form an organization.
 Prof. E. E. Smith of the Ensley High school was elected temporary presi- dent of the federation; Miss Walden Hendon vice president, and Prof. J. ". Pogue of the Gibson school secretary anu treas uI All ollICStS NCiS ciNN~ ed for a term not exceeding three months, with the understanding that they are to be succeeded by elementary teachers. A committee, consisting or Misses Annie Palmer, Grace Nixon and Alma Snapp, representing the elemen- tary teachers. and Prof. J. A. Reams' representing the Central High school was appointed to draft a salary sched- ule for adoption by the federation.
 AIMS OF FEDERATION
 The aims of the federation, aside from securing an increase in salaries, were expressed by Chairman Smith as follows.
 1. To secure tenure of position.
 2. To assist teachers in the other Al towns in Alabama to obtain what they are entitled to.
 8. To bring about retirement or pension fund for old teachers.
 4. To obtain means of direct np- proach to the scooI board by rcpresen- tntion on the board or otherwise.
 Chairman Smith states that affilia- tion with the National Federation of Teachers is in process of completion, and that between 250 and 300 teachers have already been taken into the local organizatio
 The meeting at the Tutwiler was called to order by Prof. J. V. Pogue, who declared that the federation was an open forum for the discussion of general subjects. He explained that the purposes of the organization were to obtain part of the proceeds from the proposed 5-mill tax in increased sal aries. He made clear the attitude of the federation against strikes and de- plored the fact that some teachers had joined an opposition movement, believ- ing that the federation was obligated to strike when called upon to do so.
 'FWe have held back too long" said Professor Pogue. We are not meeting the opportunities that lie before us. We should get together and present solid front Several of our speakers have gone down the other meeting in the hope of convincing the other crowd that We should unite. Our defi- nite programme is to back the 5-mill tax amendment provided the cause of education is advanced by the pro- ceeds.'
 Prof. J. A. Reams of the Central High school was the next speaker. He made plea for organization and declared that teachers were not getting half the money they deserved
 COMPARISON OF SALARIES
 Compare the salaries we receive with those received in other walks of life where there is organization" said Professor Reams We are not getting half we ought to. Street car conduc- tors get more, a good deal more, than we do. They are organized and have their union. It took me many years to prepare for my work. l went to the university five years and studied abroad for a long while, and now I am tipo ar1x a1 To a conductor. Comparing our salaries with those paid railroad men, we find the discrimination against us more marked"
 Professor Reams discussed the plans of the organization and outlined sew eral methods of procedure, all aimed to secure the desired salary increase. There are several courses which may be adopted" he said. '"There is possi- bility of forming just an organization of our own without any connection with any other organization, and there is a possibility of associating with or- ganized labor and of gaining it's sup port
 You teachers are entitled to hold up your heads and not to keep on paying last months bills with next months check The election comes off soon Now is the time to organize"
 Just as Professor ReamS concluded Principal E. E. Smith of the Ensley High school, who had gone down to ad- dress the anti fedora ton meeting, en-I tered the hall and was called on to speak Professor Smith stated at tho outset that he had his fighting clothes on. Referring to the opposition move. ment he said: ''We started together long time ago, and those who strayed off chasing rabbits can come back to the beaten path"
 Characterizing the reference to unionism in an interview appearing in yesterdays Age Herald as an odium in- tended to cloud the issue. MT Smith went on to explain the position of the National Teachers Federation on strikes
 sRENOUNCE RIGHT TO STRIKE"
 The American Federation of Teach CTS was organized without consulting the American Federation of Labor" said Mir. Smith. The American Fed eration of Labor indorsed our national body. If the Coal Operators Associa- tion of Alabama will make us the same