Evening star., 1938-02-10
Dickn'an, rs, Proud of Union
Office and Fishing Pro,vess
Columbia Typographical
Chief Modest, However,
on achievements.


first, Of the fact that he still holds
the ofaces Of delegate to the Inter-
national typographical Union Con-
vention and president of the Columbia
Typographical Union here, 50 years
after his appointment and, secondly,
OF his fishing prowess.
And, Of course, there IS the item
OF the testimonial dinner that his
hundreds Of friends are planning for
him February 26 at the Willard Hotel
IN recognition Of the benefits won for
the printing trade by the 7S-year-old
retired Government Printing once
proof-reader.
Il certainly do appreciate all the
nice things that are being said about
me-" he laughed as he prof1ered the
armchair In the meeting room Of the
union temple. 425 g street NV, and
reached for 4 camp chair for himself.
But can't help thinking how much
nicer 1t would be for 4 man of, say 80.
You know the insurance tables say
I'm about run out"
Modest About Achievements.
Finally persuaded to take the arm
chair, the veteran printer, who en-
tered the Government Printing once
and the union here in 1880, confessed
an eagerness for the approa ching fish,
ing season and showed reluctance to
talk about his own accomplishments
which include work in connection with
the wage differential between day and
night workers, the 8-hour day. leave of
absence. rise in the hourly wage from
40 cents to $l.30, general improve
ment Of working conditions and the
Association Of Veteran Union Printers
not to mention his liquidation of the
local temple mortgage Of some $4,000
and work for the endowment Of the
Union Printers Home at Colorado
Springs.
Yes. SIR" he said. my son and
grandson all love fishing and think
l know the place to 90 to get them
big" ~
Mr.. Dickman's eyes twinkled A. h.
admitted he could tell no mean fish
story" such as one he manufac ctured
some years ago In Ohio, his native
state. when the price Of eggs was so
cents dozen, about a queer bird he
mad seen which was a cross between
a marsh hen and a flying fish. with
the egg-laying capacity Of a fish and
the egg Of hen.
I've often thought Of submitting
That IN the annual liars club cham
pionship," he chuckled.
Invented Health Device.
Among the union presidents contri-
buttons to the printing trade is even
an invention. In 1914 he suggested
70 tne international union conference
AZ Providence covering the machine
metal pot with 4 hood and piping all
the dangerous monoxide gases out OF
the room As a means Of improving
the health Of the workers.
But everybody makes mistakes" he
signed. L didn't patent it,"
Mr.. Dickman first became president
OF the union in 1887 and his term was
featured by negotiation of agreements
as to the training Of linotype operators
Tor the machines which were then a
new thing. His second term came
In 1912, which saw him meet the mort
gage on the old union homestead. It
amuses him every time he thinks Of
how he did it, And he will explain
In confidence. He was recalled after
ms retirement from the Printing once
IN 1924, to head the union again this
year.
One OF his particular Joys is the
Association Of Veteran Printers. which
ne initiated 10 years ago.
When a man gets old, the younger
crowd sort Of forget him." said Mr..
Dickman. The old fellows set IA.
gether now and have . fine feeling
OF companionship. When one Of them
goes. there Is always 4 big turnout At
MS funeral with flowers from the
association"
Active Civic Worker.
AS civic worker Mr.. Dickman has
been Is active as in his trade. In
1907 he took in funds at 4 tag dav"
Is the only labor representative on
the group working to keep the play
grounds maintained before the orrani-
zation Of the Playground Department
A champion Of national represen-
tation for Washingtonians, he was
temporary chairman Of 4 committee
to work for the ballot a far back a.
1902 at a meeting in the old Oxford
Hotel.
I felt couldn't take the perma-
nent Craftsmanship because I held vot-
ing residence in Ohio" he explained
In 1927 he won praise in 4 lead edi-
torial In The Star for his efforts for
District representation in Congress be-