hand worker, with the personal contact between employer and worker to the immense factories and establishments, where the worker is not at all in personal touch with his employer. The employer, unless he is very much impressed with his responsibility, is apt to hold only an impersonal interest towards his employe. Then, in the new system of industry which has come up, in the rush of accumulating vast fortunes and vast profits, it has been very easy to overlook the wage-worker, and to forget that he who was contributing so much, was not getting the share that he should. Now, the wage-workers have done much for them

men will have their usual success in persuading the American men to do what they want.

Now, I want to call your attention to the fact that welfare work is a good business proposition for the employer. Every worker is entitled to perform his or her work in a properly constructed, well ventilated, and hygienic factory. The speed of production is such now that an average of eight hours is enough to ask anybody to work. Those are reasonable hours. Any employer who fails to house his employes properly during working hours, who rushes them too greatly, who is not careful, not conscientious about the conditions

selves. In fact, it has been incumbent upon them to get what improvements they could by organization; by protests of various sorts. But as a wageworker I can tell you that one of the most discouraging things about that is, that neither the employers nor general public are willing to believe that what we say is true when we point out bad conditions of employment. They think we exaggerate them, because we feel ourselves to be a somewhat injured party.

Now, that criticism can not apply if the women whose husbands and fathers are interested in business come into this work. Such women will go and see for themselves exactly what the conditions are, and if they make up their minds that improvement is needed, I think the American wo

which surround them, is not getting the results from the labor of those people which he should.

There was at one time somewhat of a feeling in this country that we had so many wage-workers that it didn't matter very much if you did wear them out and throw them aside. I do not think that feeling obtains so generally now. I think that there is growing-up a strong public opinion in favor of the more humane and kindly side of industrialism. In this movement started today I see a strong illustration of that feeling.

I know from some of the things that I have already heard your members say that they propose to view and to study actual economic conditions. This is certainly a wise plan, for it would not be of much use for you to go around and visit the

various industries if you had not some means of judging whether or not the conditions you saw were good, nor would your interest avail you much unless you know how to remedy what is wrong. I believe that the study of practical and scientific economics will appeal to you and you will find it most interesting and fascinating.

Some have said to me that they thought, perhaps, the working girls would not be appreciative of what is known as welfare work. Personally I am in favor of accepting the best conditions of work an employer is willing to offer me. He can not make my wages too high or surroundings too pleasant to suit me. The better he makes them, the better work I will do for him. I think that is the position of those who look at welfare work reasonably. But I do admit this, there are a great many wage workers who feel a certain sense of pride and independence; they don't wish to be patronized. Welfare work should not be patronage. As I said, it is a good business proposition for the employer. If a man gives employes a .well-lighted, clean factory, serves a hot lunch at a reasonable price, and pays good wages, and gives reasonable hours, that is good for the employer and brings him good

returns.

If the wives, the daughters, the sisters of large employers will exercise the same tact and courtesy toward the wage-workers that they do among ordinary social acquaintances, I think they will find a ready and appreciative response.

I know that some of you, though new in this work, are very earnest and enthusiastic, and I ask you to keep your eyes open for the occasional talented girl among the workers. There is the occasional girl who has talent, perhaps genius, who has a really artistic soul. You know it is likely to be crushed out of her in the factory or shop. You can do much for the one who is worthy of something far better than a factory or shop. To put even one soul on the road of finding what life really should mean-what greater good could you do?

Then, too, there are so many average bright girls, who, if treated in a friendly and frank sort of way, will respond, and go about among their fellow-workers and help you to institute welfare work in the way in which it will be most effective.

To have the wife of an employer-I put it in that way as typical of your movement-the wife, sister or daughter of the employer going into the factory or the shop and seeing for herself what the conditions are, and if they are not just what they should be, persuading the head of the firm to see that proper reforms are instituted, and taking a real and kindly interest in the workers, is one of the dreams I long have cherished; I hope now to see it fulfilled. It will help those who give as well as those who receive.

We are a little too hard and commercial in all our manifestations of modern industry. Surely it is about time that the softer and more humane side of life should be touched upon.

Then, too, there is this important phase of it, the working girls of today will be the mothers of the coming generation. We are looking to their children to uphold our institutions in the spirit in which they were founded and in which we hope to see them carried on. If there is some criticism today that the tendency is in the wrong

direction, the responsibility really rests with those who have the leisure, the intelligence and the ability to set things right. Of course, your welfare work is not identical with my own work as a trade unionist, but to me it seems that there could be nothing finer for the woman who has the leisure, the means and the opportunity, than to get outside of herself; to interest herself in other women less fortunately situated.

I don't know that I could, and indeed I have not the time to indicate to you all the various phases which your welfare work may take on. I am sure that you will find out those for yourselves. You will find in this work more attractive features than you had ever expected. I don't know that I need to caution you about being carried away by fads, because I think women sensible enough to take up this line of work will not be given to too much emotionalism, but I have sometimes felt in reference to various so-called reform movements that they degenerate into mere fads or empty sentimentalism. But that caution is not necessary to women who are level headed enough to see that the work of self-help begins right at home, right at your own door-step, in the factory, or the business in which you or your men folks are interested.

I don't think welfare work can go too far if conducted on proper lines. I don't think it can do too much good, or is likely to do too much. I will say this on the part of the workers, that welfare work, no matter how generous and kindly in intention, should never attempt to deprive the workers of a certain independence which belongs to them. A clean, beautiful, well-ventilated factory, with modern improvements, should not be made to take the place of good wages and reasonable hours. Wages should not be charged to the welfare account, so to speak. That has been done occasionally by those who were not wise in their method of going about it.

In your study of economics, which I am certain you will soon undertake if you have not already done so, you will find yourselves agreeing with me, that the 'prevailing union rate' of wages is none too great for any worker, whatever his skill or trade, because the workers are entitled to have sufficient earnings to expend in a fair way of living, and employers should add much more for special skill. Wage-workers are entitled to comfortable homes. They wish to educate their children. Finally, I should say that welfare work most emphatically, should not be a bar to the trade organization of the workers. It should encourage and supplement the work of trade organization.

You will find when you come to investigate, that there is not as much organization among working. women as there should be. One reason for that is that girls who work do not expect to stay long, in factory or shop. They expect to be married soon, and have homes of their own. They do not take the interest in organization that men do, who expect to stay in an industry during their whole life. I am sure, as your work progresses, you will find the unions among the workers one of the most helpful and hopeful indications of progress.

I wish to personally assure you of my deep in. terest in the work you are so earnestly undertaking, and my hope it will be quite as successful as you expect, and that its influence for good will be felt in every industry and every city in the country."

It

Continual hustling makes our unions thrive and prosper. We are still growing. We are now directing our efforts to get one day off in seven. will take some time to educate our members to understand that seven days a week are unnecessary; they have been doing the seven-day week all their lives, and seem to accept it as the best they can get. We know different, and propose to try and get them home one day a week. Our members in San Francisco, with one exception, have successfully resisted all wage reductions. An injunction was issued in San Francisco which only had the effect of more firmly uniting the union members in their efforts to maintain their wage scale. The following unions were organized recently: New York City; Denver, Colo.; Taunton, Mass.; Los Angeles, Cal.; Lead City, S. D.; Galt, Preston, and Hespler, Ont.; Providence, R. I.; Rhinelander, Wis.; Vallejo, Cal.; Litchfield, Ill.; Lebanon, Pa.; and Centralia, Wash.

Knife Grinders.

John F. Gleason.-Trade conditions are improving in our line. Have nothing new to report at this date as to hours or wages.

Machine Printers and Color Mixers.

Chas. McCrory.-Our trade has been very brisk, considering the general complaint of dullness in other industries. Our members are working in harmony for the good of all.

Musicians.

Owen Miller.-Since last report we have organized unions at the following places: Brantford, Ont.; Shenandoah, Pa.; Pekin, Ill.; Mulberry, Kans.; Du Bois, Pa.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; York, Pa.; White Plains, N. Y.; Moose Jaw, Canada; Phoenixville, Pa. The various unions show a commendable spirit and keep well paid up in their dues.

Maintenance-of-Way Employes.

A. B. Lowe, Grand President.-Railway service, generally speaking, has been dull for some time past and a number of men have been laid off. On the unorganized roads there has been wage reductions throughout. In some cases the unionized workers have been called to confer on a proposed reduction on scheduled roads, but none have taken place.

Post Office Clerks.

Geo. F. Pfeiffer.-During the past few months a systematic plan has been perfected for carrying on our work of organizing. National Organizer H. J. Caveny, of San Francisco, one of the most experienced and successful workers in the ranks of the post office clerks, is at the helm and directing the work. Practical results are already being obtained from this systematic campaign. There is a steadily increasing interest in the movement throughout the country. New locals have been organized during the past month at McAlester, Okla.; Ossining, N. Y.; Red Bank, N. J.; Elizabeth City, N. C.; Anderson, S. C. The year 1908 bids fair to be a prosperous one for this organization.

Paving Cutters.

John Sheret.-There is a strong tendency in our ranks toward the eight hour workday. At the present time our constitution provides for the nine hour day, but also contains a clause to the effect that after May 1, 1909, the hours of labor shall not exceed eight hours. We expect that about 50 per cent of the shops will be operating the eight hour workday when this change becomes effective. We have no strikes or other troubles to report.

Slate Workers.

Thomas Palmer.-At this writing trade conditions are dull, but we have prospects for steady employment in the spring and summer. Strike for nine hour day at Fair Haven, Vt., is still on. A new union has been formed at Delta, Pa.

Theatrical Stage Employes.

Lee M. Hart.-Trade conditions good in the large cities, but not in the smaller towns. We have not one idle member in any city. We contemplate the thorough organization of every city where four performances are given weekly for forty weeks and where there are seven or more practical theatrical stage employes. Our Detroit, Mich., local won strike for recognition of union and wage scale. This struggle had been waged seven years.

Wood Carvers.

John S. Henry.-Our Detroit local has secured the eight hour day. State of employment has been dull during the winter. We expended $450 in death benefit during the month.

ALABAMA.

Birmingham.-Jas. B. Drake:

The workers are going into politics and have already organized a movement in that direction. Employment has not yet resumed its normal state. The unorganized workers are in poor shape. They have suffered wage reductions of from 10 to 25 per cent. With the exception of miners we have had no strike for some time. Miners resisted the breaking of the wage agreement by the Alabama Consolidated Coal Co. Clerks and cement workers have organizers of their craft doing good work. Mobile.-Chas. Sturtevant:

Organized labor in fairly good shape and employment is fairly steady. Union men secure

about twenty per cent higher wages than the unorganized. Bakers have a union under way. Selma.-George Harrison:

Railroad shops and others have been working the eight hour day for only five days a week. We of steady employment. A ladies' auxiliary to the are looking forward to improvement in the shape machinists' union was organized during the month. Clerks are likely to organize before long.

ARKANSAS.

Midland.-C. J. Acton:

Organized labor making steady advance, and we are endeavoring to educate the unorganized workers to the true principles of unionism. Recently

vo unions of mine workers affiliated with the ate federation.

CALIFORNIA.

Los Angeles.-Arthur Hay and L. D. Biddle: Conditions here are not what they should be. here are a number of unemployed workers. The ›cked-out tailors are holding their own and are to win. Mass meetings are being held. Varius international organizers address these mass eetings. Barbers of Pasadena have organized. Vallejo.-J. B. Dale:

Trade unions have so generally uplifted the conlitions of the workers that even the unorganized re deriving benefit in many instances, although here can be no real comparison between the two lasses. Retail clerks have secured better hours. Work on the collier Prometheus is progressing and the men are being paid good wages by the government. All union labels are vigorously pushed. Cooks' and waiters' union is in splendid condition and doing its part to further the interest of the labor movement. Theatrical stage employes and tailors are organizing.

COLORADO.

Denver.-Frank J. Pulver:

Organized labor in fair condition. While there are some unemployed workers the unions are taking care of their own membership. The unorganized workers have suffered much reduction in wages. Employment is improving in the building trades lines. Laundry workers have secured nine hour day and their wage scale in 12 laundries. Five of the plants are working eight hour day. There is much agitation in regard to the eight hour day and women workers. In this we have the active co-operation of the women's clubs. Organized labor is holding its own. The city of Pueblo is feeding many unemployed, but authorities say they find no union men among them. Typographical union has organized its apprentices. A number of international organizers have formed unions here during the month.

CONNECTICUT.

Bristol. Theodore West:

Building trades are well organized, but there is need of unions among the workers in other lines. Carpenters are working eight hour day at $3 a day. Among the union men there is good demand for the union labels.

Hartford.-James T. Mance:

Reports from various unions show good progress considering the number of unemployed workers. The unions are holding their own in membership as well as in other respects. Horsenail works, which are strictly union, are running steadily. Organized labor in much better condition than the unorganized. Most of the union men are employed. Laundry workers here have no organization and will try to get them in line. Glove workers, tobacco workers, and tip printers are particularly active in advertising their respective trade union labels.

FLORIDA.

Key West.-W. F. Maloney:

Industrial conditions are improving. Carpenters after a strike of 48 hours unionized the ice

plant and cold storage plant in this city. Central labor union and a union of painters were organized during the month. A federal union is under way.

St. Augustine.-John H. Pomar:

Union men naturally secure far superior conditions over the unorganized classes. At this time of the year employment is unsteady. Have organized one new union during the month. Good work is done for the union labels.

Ybor City.-A. Sinerez:

Organized trades secure good conditions. The majority of the cigarmakers are unorganized, and the manufacturers take advantage of their helpless state accordingly. At this time there is rumor of wage reduction among them. We find a great number of unemployed workers in the unorganized ranks. Box trimmers have formed union. Cigar factory employes are talking organization. Good work is done for the union labels.

GEORGIA.

Augusta.-B. F. McIntyre:

We look for better employment as spring approaches. Union men, because of their associated effort, secure fair working conditions, but the unorganized workers are in poor condition. Good work is done for the union labels.

ILLINOIS.

Aurora.-E. R. Davis:

Organized labor held its own during the financial flurry The unorganized workers on the other hand were cut in wages and in their helpless state they were unable to do anything but submit. Employment generally has been pretty fair. Improvements in wages secured by union men have been through peaceful methods. Truck drivers are organizing. Good demand for the union labels has been created through persistent agitation.

Carrier Mills.-E. T. Davis:

Union men are employed doing all the work there is to be done at this time. Employment has been slack during the winter. Organized labor has the advantage and gets better hours and wages than the unorganized workers.

Chicago.-J. C. Colgan and W. W. McGary: General conditions here are good and employment is fairly steady. No trade excepting the painters has made any move for new wage scale as yet. Painters scale is pending. Organized labor is well to the front as regards conditions and 90 per cent better when compared with the unorganized. Organized labor throughout this section is much interested in the recent passage by the Illinois legislature of the direct primary law as it will give labor an opportunity of putting loyal candidates in the field, men who will truly represent them. Straw and felt hat workers, meter setters and helpers and necktiemakers are organizing.

Danville.-Clifford Reed:

Industrial conditions are not so favorable as we could wish owing to lack of employment. Building trades expect improvement when spring opens. We have bright prospects of organizing several new unions in the near future. The recent industrial depression has brought the necessity of organization home to a number of the unorganized