ing. What are we going to do about it, go ahead and vote for men who will not make laws to protect us?

Brothers, make your declaration now, and stick to it, that you will not vote for any man who you think or know will not take an interest in this great movement of organized labor. You have the hardest problem before you to solve this next November that has ever been submitted to the great American people, but it can be solved very easy if we just use our ballot right. Vote just one time for right and principle, not for a man because he is a friend of yours socially, or because he was a friend to some of your ancestors. If he is not a friend to your labor order, take a shot at him with your ballot, and when you do this your brothers will say, "Good and well done, my humble brother, enter thou into thy reward of eight hours for a day's work, and when you get tired and sleepy or hungry, you can have the privilege of satisfying your appetite or lie down and sleep, and not be worried about being called upon to stand up and explain why you ate when you was so hungry, or went to sleep when you was sleepy." Brothers, wake up to your senses and let us show Mr. Parry and his six hundred followers that we can vote right, and elect men who will make laws for our protection.

Brothers, resolve now that you will leave no stone unturned; vote for right and principle, and we will enjoy the greatest blessing that the labor orders of the United States have ever enjoyed.

W. F. RUNYAN.

New York State Legislative Board. Being requested to submit a report of the work being done by the New York State Legislative Board for publication in the March issue of the Magazine, will say that the limited time prevents me from dwelling at great length on the work now being done, so will briefly mention the most important measures now pending before the Legislature.

One is an act to amend the code of civil procedure relating to injunctions, known as the Anti-Injunction Bill. This bill, I feel, needs very little comment, as the Wabash affair is or should be fresh in the memory of the members of our Order.

We also have an amendment to the Liability Law, which seeks to protect the railway employe from injury through the negligence of another. The necessity for

the passage of a measure of this character is borne out by the report of the Interstate Commerce Commission, which places the number of killed on the railways during the past year at over 3,000, and the number of injured at 45,000. The report of the New York State Railroad Commission places the number of employes killed in the State during the past. year at over 300, and the number of injured at over 1,100.

With this alarming rate of deaths and injuries no urging should be required of our members to speak to their representatives whenever measures of this character come before the Legislature, earnestly requesting them to secure the passage of such measures. We therefore trust that the members of our Order will do all in their power to secure the passage of these measures in our State.

E. R. QUIRK, Chairman.

Ohio State Legislative Board.

The following bills have been introduced in the interest of the locomotive firemen and other railroad men:

House Bill No. 101, introduced by Hon. Chas. Farner, of Lucas County. House Bill No. 114, introduced by Hon. Richard Reynolds, of Franklin County. House Bill No. 124, introduced by Hon. O. J. O'Donnell, of Putnam County.

House Bill No. 101 provides for keeping of mail cranes and other objects sufficiently far away from the track as not to endanger the lives of train men.

House Bill No. 114 is a most important measure, and one which I think will be of interest to all union men, as, if it becomes a law, it will prevent railroad companies from employing persons for the important positions of flagmen, engine hostlers, and assistant engine hostlers, who can not read, write and speak the English language. This bill should by all means become a law, as it is absolutely necessary for the protection of railroad employes, and it will also provide for the safety of the public to a certain extent.

House Bill No. 124 provides for the proper ventilation of railroad tunnels throughout the State, the need of which has long been keenly felt, but more especially since the present large type of engines have come into use.

These measures are still in the hands of the committees, where the principal fight for them is yet to be made. The following gentlemen have extended me, and through me the Brotherhood, many

courtesies: Judge G. T. Thomas, Speaker of the House, has granted me very special privileges, which have proved most valuable in facilitating my work; Hon. Andrew Jackson, Sergeant-at-Arms, has shown me every kindness, and has at all times been pleased to help me in every way possible: Captain Maynard, Assist ant Clerk of the House, has been very kind to me indeed. It seems to give him special pleasure to do anything in his power to advance our interests. I am also very much indebted to Mr. J. C. Riley, Enrolling Clerk of the House, for many acts of kindness and good will.

The following members of the House have proven themselves our friends: Hon. Carmi Thompson, of Lawrence; Hon. Benjamin J. Sawyers, of Cuyahoga; Hon. O. J. O'Donnell, of Putnam; Hon. Richard R. Reynolds, of Franklin; Hon. Chas. Farner, of Lucas; Hon. Frank Miller, of Crawford: Hon. Louis H. Paine, of Lucas. While there are many other Representatives who are friendly to us and will vote for our measures, the gentlemen whom I have named are continually on the firing line for our interests.

The representatives of the railroad companies are here and very active. That they are adepts in their profession is evidenced by the nature and variety of the tactics they employ in the practice of same. For instance, our bill for the ventilation of tunnels (House Bill No. 124, introduced by Hon. O. J. O'Donnell) is a popular measure. Every one who has rode through the tunnels has had an experience slight though it may have been in comparison with that of the engine crew of the need of ventilating them. Well, the railroad lobbyists are not fighting the bill on its merits (they know too much to make a frontal attack), nor are they opposing the measure on account of our identity with it. Their scheme is to prejudice the members against it by circulating the ridiculously false report that the electric companies are back of the measure, and that the railroads will be victimized by them if the bill becomes a law. Of this they use every means at their command to convince the members. They are also circulating a report that a certain company has a patent on a dump ash pan, and that they will be the beneficiaries if our "dump ash pan" bill passes, relative to which I referred in my last report. Relative to this I desire to say Mr. W. H. Lewis, Superintendent of Motive Power

of the Norfolk and Western Railroad, has very kindly rendered me valuable assistance in connection with this measure. The Norfolk and Western Railroad has already adopted and put in use a dump ash pan which works very satisfactorily. It is with a view to having a similar device adopted on other railroads that we are endeavoring to have this law passed. Mr. Lewis has furnished me with blue prints and other particulars which are most valuable in our fight for the meas

ure.

While there is no federation of interests among the Legislative Representatives of the various railway labor organizations, co-operation on certain measures is proving effective.

I desire to make special mention of the valuable assistance and advice we are receiving from that staunch Brotherhood veteran and untiring advocate of just legislation for railroad men, Mr. P. C. Hartigan. No more prudent and sincere adherent has ever yet been identified with any cause than is Bro. Hartigan, of the B. of L. E. Legislative Board.

There are some legislators who are playing double. They are endeavoring to deceive us into the belief that they are our friends, and at the same time are doing all they can secretly against us. My next report will include an entire list of our friends and enemies.

O. E. CARSON, Chairman.

Iowa Legislative Board of the B. of

L. F.

On January 11, 1904, the fifth biennial convention of the Iowa Legislative Board convened at The Iowa Hotel, in Des Moines.

The board was called to order by the Chairman, Bro. Wm. Jennings of 125. Secretary W. C. Pearce, not being present, Bro. Jas. Stedman of 132 was chosen temporary Secretary.

A committee on credentials was appointed and reported thirteen lodges represented, and the delegates with proper credentials. The regular order of business, as provided by the constitution and by-laws, was proceeded with. An auditing committee of three being appointed to audit the books reported them correct and a balance of $91.26 on hand.

Bro. Krull of 102 presented a request of the Grocers' committee that they be allowed an audience in order to explain their Exemption Bill. They were ad

mitted and their remarks listened to, after which they withdrew. After examining their bill it was unanimously agreed that we should oppose it, it being the same old bill which has been presented a number of times before. It seems to have as many lives as the traditional cat.

On Tuesday we listened to the Governor's address at the Capitol. On Wednesday morning we settled down to business again, finishing a number of minor matters in the forenoon. After dinner all that remained being the election of officers and instructions to them, it was decided to have the Chairman remain at the Capitol during the session and look after matters pertaining to our interests. The Chairman was instructed to oppose the Exemption Bill as being injurious to us, also assist in securing the passage of the following bills: The Child Labor Bill, which is now before both houses; the Switchlight Bill, which is also before the Legislature, with, I think, a fair chance of becoming a law.

There has been some talk of a bill limiting the hours that engine and trainmen can be kept on duty. This would be similar to the Indiana law, which we are told works well.

There has been some talk of insurance measures, fathered by the old line insurance companies, injurious to us, but they have passed by for the present anyhow. This insurance measure he was instructed to oppose, as it meant death to our B. of L. F. insurance in this State. The election of officers alone remaining before adjournment, the following were elected: Wm. Jennings, Chairman; Bro. Jas. Stedman, Secretary and Treasurer; E. B. Hall, Vice Chairman. The board then adjourned.

There has been today (February 3d) a bill introduced prohibiting strikes, boycotts, and picketing. I do not as yet know the features of this bill, but it seems to be drastic and far-reaching, and if pushed will arouse a bitter fight. I anticipate amendments attached to it which will kill it.

The Grocers' Exemption Bill has been presented and is before the Committees on Judiciary. Whether it will get out from these committees remains to be seen. An effort will be made to kill it there, which I think can be done, as it is going to meet with strong opposition, although they are out in force and expect to try and carry the day by force of numbers. They hold a convention here on the 11th, 12th, and 13th, at which time they will have dele

gates from every city in the State present, and might frighten some of the weakkneed members into supporting them..

We also have the bill prohibiting the employment of children under 14 years of age in mills, factories, mines, etc. This bill we are supporting in any way we can. We also have the Switchlight Bill, compelling all steam railways to equip their main line switches with lights, and defining the colors to be used. This bill I deem for public safety and the protection of property, and shall use my best endeavors to secure its passage.

I do not believe the members yet realize what can be secured by maintaining their Legislative Boards and giving them proper assistance when needed. As a rule I think they meet, transact their business, and do not give the brother whom they select any further thought as to how he is getting along, or think that a little assistance brought to bear on their Senator or Representative might influence some members in his favor. When the advice comes from home, where the votes are cast which elects him, he will heed them much quicker than when he is argued with by a stranger who he probably deems a lobbyist and a nuisance. A friendly visit to the brother whom you have at the seat of war is appreciated, and shows him that you have not forgotten him. He will be glad to meet you, and probably you could do him a good turn with some obstinate member whom you might know. He has a hard proposition, especially if he is alone and no other organization is represented at the Capi

tol.

I think it the duty of every lodge to correspond with their Legislative Representative and keep him posted as to the members from their district. You might be able to tell him something that it is impossible for him to find out in time. The lodges should be prompt with their assessments, as if he is handicapped for finances it will be impossible for him to do good work. He is up against people who have ample means and money to burn, and who do not hesitate to use it at the proper time, and are unscrupulous in the use of it. I find from experience that the brothers to whom we may write, inquiring of or asking for advice on some question, will probably not answer or, if they do, it will have been so long that the information is of no value to him. Probably some of the Secretaries are to blame by carrying correspondence around and not bringing it before the lodges.

Thinking it might prove of interest to some of the other Legislative Boards and induce them to do the same, I will give the addresses of the officers of the Iowa Legislative Board, which are as follows: Wm. Jennings, of 125, Chairman, Marshalltown, Iowa; E. B. Hall of 112, Vice Chairman, Sioux City, Iowa; Jas. Stedman of 132, Secretary and Treasurer, Eagle Grove, Iowa.

I hope to hear from some of the other Legislative Boards in the near future in regard to the work, and what matters they have had to contend with.

WM. JENNINGS, Chairman.

Current Comment.

The Desire to Excel.-Graft is the result of greed; greed the result of envy. In all walks of life, in this country more particularly than any other, the paramount desire is to excel one's neighbors, competitors, or associates in all things. The desire to excel is right of itself, and when prompted by a healthy desire is productive of the greatest advancement in private, public or natural life.

When the desire to excel descends to the mere desire to excel in the display that money can make, laying aside the intellectual or skilled side of the question which alone should determine the ques

tion of merit as between man, envy of dress, house furnishings, equipage, entertainments, social position, all lead to the question of greed for money to meet these expenses, and if the money is not forthcoming through legitimate channels, then too often graft is called on to supply the

need.

Many a man is kept poor and in debt all his life, and when he dies after years of toil the same conditions fall on his family, simply brought about by the envious desire to excel in useless show.

When a man is in a position where he can use his influence, or the power vested in him to do certain things which are not honorable, the man will do them to supply the greed of envy and becomes a grafter. Let an average citizen today go to a man in public life to have something done which should be done for the public good, and something, too, which this same public man should have done as a part of his duties, and the first thing the average citizen runs up against is the desire of the public man to know what there is "in it" for him.

Go to some congressman or a member of the legislature in favor of some bill

in the interest of the working people, and one will hear the question: "How much is appropriated to put this through?" and when he finds there is no money behind it he will be on the other side where there is some money to be expended, and which he knows he will secure a part of for his own private use. Too often where men are detected doing these things, and they are made public and these men are brought into court, they escape on a technicality so flimsy as to make no cloak to conceal their guilt. Juries, and often judges, seem to stand in awe of these men, on account of the high social and political positions that many of these grafters occupy, and look at the man instead of at the crime, and he goes free.

It is a well known fact that the salaries of many public officials are far below their expenses, and the result is that if an honest man takes one of these positions he must have a private purse equal to the extra demand, or he must live below the standard set for him by his predecessor. If he is dishonest he can and does have recourse to graft.

It is asserted that one of our diplomats at a leading foreign station pays more for house rent alone than his salary amounts to per annum. It may be said that as a nation we have become great and rich,

and that we do not follow the lines of

simplicity of our predecessors of three

or four decades ago. If we are richer we are become more corrupt, and a government of millionaires is not a government of the people by the people, and unless checked the result can be foreseen, as history repeats itself.

Bombastic Parry. Bro. Parry has been talking again. This is not strange or new, for Bro. Parry is addicted to talking, and his talk is not always logical or even sensible. Bro. D. M. Parry prides himself on the fact that he represents, through his association, 3,000 manufacturers and billions of dollars, and in his eyes the dollars are what counts. No account is taken of the millions of wage earners and those dependent upon them; they have no right or voice in their own behalf.

He declares, "I oppose organized labor because it makes the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution obsolete documents. * * I believe many of the labor leaders would guillotine us if they could."

*

What the members of trade unions want is that the Declaration of Independ