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INDUSTRIAL UNITY: HJBENGTH BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST OFFICIAL PAPER: VANCOUVER TBADES AND LABOR COUNCIL, AND B. 0. FEDEBATION OF LABOB POLITICAL UOTTY: VICTOBT 0.5 EIGHT PAGES VANCOUVER, B. C, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1917 (In Vaneoaver City 12.00 1EF0R EFFECTS IN FI Aldermen Will Hold Inquiry and Endeavor to Settle Disputed Point Firemen Blame the Working Conditions for Defects of the Force AS the result ot a combination ot public will shortly be treated to circumstances, the Vancouver an aldermanic investigation of .the city's Are department at which lt is proposed to take up the entire ques- tlpn of the efficiency and discipline ot the force as well as investigate certain individual cases concerning which complaint has been made. The immediate cause of the Investigation is a series of indefinite state* ments made at the meeting of the civic lire and police committee last Thursday. The purport of these was that at the recent fire at the Wood, Vallance & Leggntt warehouse, Are* men were found to be "loafing" on the job and that some members of the force were guilty of pilfering from the firm's stock during the Are. The offl* cialB of the fire underwriters' association supported these statements and Joined thereto a general statement as to the Imperative need ot the entire Are department being re-organized in order to give proper service. When the statements above noted were published, expressions of opinion were publicly made to the effect that the city authorities were themselves responsible for any existing defects ln the organization of the Are Aghting force owing to their "starving" of the department on the plea ot economy, their refusal to follow the advice of the responsible heads of the force and their neglect to consider the request ot the firemen for the consideration ot such working conditions as would tend to prevent such wholesale desertions ' from their ranks as would Interfere seriously with the efficiency of the de* | partment. Firemen Issue Statement. The statements made at the committee meeting placed the city firemen | in a very unfortunate position inasmuch as, without mentioning any men I specifically, the charge of stealing and I loaAng at the Carall street Are was I made against them. This phase of the case was considered by the firemen at a representative meeting on | Tuesday evening when a statement to I the public was framed which appeared in the dally papera. This stated that the firemen were I now under a cloud in the public estimation owing to the indefinite charges as to Btealing. As a body, they were composed of thoroughly honest men as was amply proven by the fact that | although they are constantly, in the discharge of their duties, entering residences and places of business during ! times of great contusion the charge now made staands alone. Should the statements be made definite and the charge proven, the men would approve of drastic discipline. With reference to the work done by the firemen, the statement intimates that if this ts not up to the proper* tLilard the condition is due to circumstances over which the men have no control. It Is pointed out that under the working conditions governing firemen there Is absolutely no lncen- ttve't'or a man remaining on the force permanently, the fact that 66 firemen resigned during 1916 (without taking into account any who left the depart ment to go to the front), being given as proof of this statement. This means the loss of experienced firemen who cannot be replaced In a day. As to the number of green men, lt is Btated that five out of the twenty men responding to the Carrall St. fire from one flrehall were working at a fire for the flrst time. Unjust Working Conditions. The firemen's statement points out that the 21-hour working day for six days of the week is the chief cause of the unrest and dissatisfaction among the firemen. Last year they made an effort to securo proper work* ing hours by means of a two-platoon system but, although the general public supported the plan, the aldermen would not consider the proposal. It was intended, however, to ask that the Bystem be established during the present year. , President McVety of the Trades and Labor council gave an interview dealing with the proposed Investigation ln which he pointed out that the enquiry should be held by some outside author- Ity such as a Supreme Court Judge. In support of this view, Mr. McVety pointed out that in the minds of many citizens the city council was to a great degree responsible tor any condition of affairs which made an Investigation of the Are department necessary. It was claimed that too often the opinions of aldermen had been followed regardless of the views of the men in charge ot the department and that the aldermanlc bickering and squabbling had indirectly done its work among the Aremen. Pros. McVety on Two-Platoon System, At the same time the aldermen had neglected to consider the claims of the SYNDICALISM IN FRANCE BEFORE AND SINCE THE WAR A Critical Survey of This Powerful Movement in French Republic—Its.Organization and Revolutionary Purpose—Its Welding Together of the Industrial and "Intellectual Proletariat" for Emancipation SHIPBUILDERS ON 01 [Written for The Federatlonist by Dr. Mack Eastman, formerly professor of history at the University of British Columbia, now probationer at Work Point barracks.] F ALL THE MULTIFORM movements of soeial revolt or social reform which have characterized the opening decade of this cen- tury, none has been more intense, more enthusiastic, more militant than the revolutionary syndicalism of France. From 1908 to 1911 I had thc privilege of knowing thc movement and its leaders through personal contact. No professor or philosopher has stimulated my intellectual life more than those idealistic workmen of Paris —those "ignorant foreigners" as they would be styled, should some of them migrate to Canada. Yet nothing has perplexed observers more than their conduct since the catastrophe of 1914. Were they not hostile to thc state and the army? And are they not shedding their blood and winning military medals in defence of both? Have they then denied their faith? But we must not begin with the conclusion. We must first study Syndicalism itself. The word comes from syndicat, a labor union. Syndicalism is a body of doctrine evolved by the French labor movement. ♦cial powers may dominate the colonial, men for relief from working conditions which compelled them to be on duty for 126 hours weekly aB well as subject to call at all other times. The request pf the firemen for a plebiscite on the two-platoon system, supported as it as by over 8000 citizens and the cost if taking which the firemen volunteer- id to assume, was a perfectly fair proposal and when,the aldermen turned own the request they directly support- i\h\($ continuance of working eondi- lons such as made the existence of a re department, composed of thoroughly efficient men who intended to ream permanently on tho force, well ilgh Impossible. In view of these conditions Mr. Mc- ety considered that lt was inadvis- Its Interpreters This philosophy haB been brought to the attention of the world largely through tho workB of Sorel, Lagardelle and other middlo class writers, who naturally have been mistaken for its creators. They were, however, merely its sympathetic interpreters, while the syndicalist ideas themselveB have been evolved by the workers and recorded in their congresses. The real working class leaders have been men like Belloutier, Griffeuthcs, Yvetot and1 Jouhaux, who have risen from the ranks of labor and who by their writings and personal influence, have powerfully affected the movement. Organization Now this syndicalist movement is organized in the General Confederation of Labor—a sort of economic parliament or workers' government, consisting of two sections. The Section of the Foderation groups up the great national federations of trades and professions, while the Section of Bourses co-ordin- ateB the activities of the labor temples (bourses) all over Franco. A joint committee of five members, presided over* by the general secretnry, acts as the executive for the whole system. The federative principle is carefully respected; thnt iB, the component parts of the general confederation enjoy a large measure of local autonomy. The central treasury haa never been large, and the salaries of the permanent officials are quite modest. Syndicalists havo' a wholesome fear of entrenched bureaucracy, and even their enemies acknowledge the disinterestedness of their chiefs. Component Elements. Tho confederation includes not only organized labor, properly speaking, but also what they sometimes torm the "intellectual proletariat," i. e., unions of artists, m usicians, medical men and teachers. The public school teachers of France show a tendency to sympathize hqartily with the wage-workerB. Here is a resolution drawn up at a congress in 1912: "The congress of teachers' unions addresses to the working comrades grouped in the 0. O. T. (Confederation Generate du Travail), the expression of its lively sympathy with the daily effort they are making for education and liberation. The teachers follow with an impassioned attention the daily struggle conducted by the working class to ameliorate its lot and defend its dignity. Sharing its anguish and its hopes, they are proud to flght in Its ranks, and once moro they declare their solidarity with all the wage workers united under the banner of the C. G. T. Only a week later, a more conservative body known as the Federation of Friendly Societies of Teachers, numbering nearly 100,000, issued a manifesto in which they declared: ''Sprung from the people, educators of its children, wishing to adapt our teaching to their needs, we could not remain outside of the great movemont of emancipation, political and economic, which aurociates all who produce and all who work." The teachers are well ablo to take care of themselves, but sometimes weaker unions call in the-militants of the confederation. On ono such occasion, Putnud, the secretary of the electricians, camo to the rescue of the workers at the opera. This evening, King Alfonso of Spain was tbe guest of honor. Fataud seized the psychological moment; plunged the audience, king and all, into utter darkness; brought the managers to terms, and turned on the current. Several feats of this kind won for Pataud the title of "King of Light." Negative Side of Philosophy We now enquire what woro tho main features of syndicalist philosophy beforo tho war. Thore were two sides: destructive and constructive. On the destructive Bide, thc so-called revolutionary syndicalists criticized tho over-centralization of France, the omnipotence of the political state, the inefficiency of the parliamentary regime, the futility of political parties. In 1010 nn extreme anti-parliamentarian made the following harflh indictment of tho chamber of deputies: "Once In the chamber, oven a representative of the working masses loses contact with hiB class ana is apt to succumb to the pressuro of bourgeois influences which surround him in bis new environment. In fact, tho deputation is a trade like another, but better remunerated than many others; a means for the laborer to escape from the proletarian hell; for a lawyer without clients to win a rich practice; for a writer without readers to find a welcome in the best reviews; for a broken man to retrieve his fortunes; and, above all, fl meanB by which the great finan- military and tariff policy of the nation in their own interest. The political parliaments have outlived their usefulness, and our exploited classes have little to hope from them." Such teachings led many syndicalists to abstain on principle from voting; but these abstentionists never amounted to more than a small minority. The great majority voted with more or less enthusiasm for the parliamentary socialist party of Jean Jaures. The Positive Side. And now for the constructive, positive side. Elements of this come from Earl Marx, especially the idea of class struggle. In a resolution of 1912, the C.G. T. reaffirmed this principle thus: "It is clear that at no moment can there be the leaat community of thought and action between the opposing classes." Like the primitive Christians, the syndicalist leaders have tried to keep the movement "separate from the world," the capitalist world. Labor should work out Ub own salvation without '' fear or, trembling.'' It should strive to develop! a lifo, a culture of its own, instead of submitting to external, bourgeois influences, well-meant but misleading. To Proudhon, too, tho syndicalists would appear to be more or less consciously indebted. Liko him, they regard the unit in society not as a voter, but as a producer, or group of producers. Future society will consist of a federation of freely co-operating groups of producers. In fact, the C. G. T. is a skeleton outline of the new Bocial structure, with the local bourses co-ordinating the economic activities of each region and the federations organizing each trade and profession on a nationwide scale. Philosophy of Action But the syndicalists aro not strictly Marxian or Proudhonian. Rather, they are PragmatistB. They hnvo a horror of abstract doctrines and fixed dogmas. Countless syndicate wero torn asunder in tho early days by quarrels among rival economic chapels and Beets. At TolouBe, in 1907, they decided that the Byndicats should be open to all workers regardless of their religious, political or philosophical preferences. In that economic sphere at least, there are no oternnl truths. "We learn by living,", (Continued on page 7) Demand Increase in Wages and a Reduction of Working Hours Decision Made Late Last Night at a Special Meeting The members of Vancouver local No. 194 of the Boilermakers, Iron Shipbuilders and Helpers', decided at a late hoar last night to go on strike this morning. The boilermakers are demanding an increase of wages from 60c per hour to that of the Seattle minimum scale, recognised as the Pacific coast standard rate, namely, 66V4c, and about the same ratio for other classifications of their membership. In addition they want the eight-hour day, instead of nine. The firms affected are the Wallace Shipyards, Vancouver Engineering Works, B. O. Marine Ways, Boss & Howard, and the Vulcan Iron Works at New Westminster. About 160 men are Involved. MASS-MEETING TOMOBBOW NIGHT OP BUILDING TBADBS Hotelkeepers Waiting for Final .Result of Prohibition Vote Before Making Changes. The prevailing inclement weather appeared to have a bad effect on the meeting of the Vancouver Trades and Labor council last evening, the session probably creating a record for brevity. President McVety and Secretary Midgley I had not returned from the Bevelstoke convention, and their places were occupied by Vice-president Hoover and Financial Secretary Knowles. There was a dearth of correspondence, and none of ' the delegates appeared to have troubles which they desired to ventilate, so the entire meeting took place in less than 30 minutes. A letter from the Licensed Hotelkeep- s' association, in reply to a letter of enquiry concerning the city hotels dispensing with Asiatic help, pleaded that there was little use of making any changes until an official announcement had been made upon the prohibition vote. Mass-meeting of Building Trades. Del. Nagle stated that on Saturday evening there would be a mass-meeting of oil workers connected with the building tradea. The gathering would be a got together!' meeting, with the idea of arriving at somo decision as to concerted action when the outdoor working season opened. The latest statistics of the French Labor department show tnat by the close of the war there will be ot least 1,750,000 more women than men in the republic. FORCES OF PROVINCIAL LABOR MEET AT REVELSTOKE "Get Together" Spirit Evident Throughout Seventh Con. vention of B. C. Federation of Labor—Delegates Pass Strong. Resolution Against Conscription—Decide to Hold Next Year's Convention in Vancouver IHE SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION of the B. C. Federation of Labor concluded its work at Bevelstoke yesterdi. _. __ ' worth while. Though adverse conditions obtained throughout the province it was one of the best attended in recent years, and moreover, it was thoroughly representative of the province, delegates being present from Prince Bupert in the north to Fernie in the east. Very little time was given by the delegates to entertainment. The weather was cold and all the time available was given over to com* mittee work and the daily sessions of the delegates. The outstanding feature of the convention was the unanimity and sincerity of the delegates in their desire to really accomplish something of interest to the wage-workers of the province. Many resolutions were, of course, submitted and dealt with, but the discussion was at all times free from the acrimonious character which has played an all too prom* inent a part at previous conventions. The selection of officers for the ensuing term was almost unanimous and the Federation can be complimented on the strong executive committee whieh will have charge of its affairs for the coming year. The standard of the discussions throughout the convention was of a high order. There was an entire absence of petty bickering and evidence of a desire to "do the best thing" throughout the debates. Differences of opinion arose, of course, but even at such times, while the delegates spoke their minds frankly and openly, there was but little trace of hard feeling or desire to advance personal ends at the expense of what was considered the best interests of organized labor, THE NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. Pretident—J. Naylor, Cumberland, acclamation. Secretary-treasurer—A. S. Welle, Victoria, acclamation. Vice-presidents for Vancouver Dlitrlet—J. H. McVety and V. R. Mldgley, acclamation. Vice-president for New Westminster district—W. Yates, acclamation. Vlce-prealdent for Victoria district- Joseph Taylor. Vice-president for Vancouver Island Walter Head, South Wellington, acclamation. Vice-president for Prince Rupert district—W. E. Thompson, acclamation. Vice-president for Crow's Nest Pass district—W. B, Phillips, Fernle, acclamation. Vice-president for West Kootenay district—Albert Goodwin, Trail. Trustees B. C. Federatlonist, Ltd.— President-elect Naylor and Sec-Treas. Wells. REVELSTOKE, Feb. 1. — At the concluding session of the B. C. Federation of Labor this morning Vancouver was chosen as the place of meeting for 1918. \ Secretary-treasurer A. S. Wells was elected as delegate to the Ottawa convention of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada, to be held in September. Del. J. Gordon Kelly of the Longshoremen's union, Vancouver, was elected as fraternal delegate to the next convention of Washington State Federation of Labor. The Federatlonist this week hurriedly endeavors to "cover" the proceedings of the Revelstoke convention of tke B. C. Federation ot Labor; but necessarily little space Is devoted to reports of the discussion participated in by the delegates. The officers' reports, many of the re* solutions submitted and some of the salient features of the convention are mentioned. This, along with a review of the convention by Sec.-Treas. Wells, in the next lsue of The Federationist, will be printed separately and mailed to the secretaries of affiliated unions on or about Feb. 10. IN THE CRUCIBLE OF WORLD WAR AND AGONY Labor Is Being Tried As By Fire—May It Emerge from the Melting Pot Purified and Strengthened for Its Battle with the Forces of Rule and Exploitation—Great and Complex Problem Will Press for Solution and Labor Alone Must Solve Them I able for the aldermen to hold any In* vestigatlon of the department but that any enquiry which was deemed necessary be held by a proper judicial authority. The aldermen took up the subject l Monday night and, although no formal charges or basis for an Investigation was before the council, lt was decided that an enquiry would be open- ed on Friday. The propriety of having the enquiry conducted by an outside authority was mentioned, but the council decided that lt would personally conduct the investigation, all the parties affected being allowed repre* sentatlon by counsel. S THE GREAT FLOOD TIDE of political, social and economic change brought about by thc great European war and which today engulfs the major portion of society to subside without Labor having gained a single vital point in the solution oi' that great question, which clamored so loudly for a solution before the war broke out, viz., how Labor may live and secure for its own sustenance and support thc product of its own toil? That the sooial and political future of ages to come is now in the melting pot and that any onc of a dozen ways may be adopted to meet the demands of after-war conditions is conceded by all who give any thought whatever to this matter. That the politicians and financiers of tho economic master class are even now busy concocting schemes to deal with this problem every issue of the daily press bears witness. Land-Hog Fears Sacrilege. The latest one is a proposal to develop a two-hundred-million-acro tract of farm lands in Western Canada, and from tbe fact tbat lt is credited with hnving as its sponsors no less a power than the Imperial government, this alone should command Its careful consideration. Details of the proposal are very meagre, but Immediately the Idea wus published it is to be noted that the land-hog interest in Canada rises to say: "Certainly let us discuss every possible suggestion for rapid economic development of tke Empire resources, but do not let us forget the elementary principles of ownership and proflt." \ The lengths to which the principle of nationalization and government control of industry has gone in England is viewed with, alarm and great disfavor by our petty Canadian exploiters, and one can well Imagine the dismay with which such land-holding Interests as the C. P. R.. and the Hudson's Bay company would hear of any such scheme, unless they are flrst assured that no sacrilegious hand is liable to take, without full payment, any ot the broad acres they have succeeded ln hoodwinking the Canadian people Into thinking belongs to them. A land map showing the portions of Western Canada held by these two precious institutions alone is a more eloquent Indictment of the scandalous way in which the people of the Dominion have been cheated out of their heritage than mere words cnn utter. One thing is certain, and that Is that If Imperial necessity causes the present leader of the imperial government to interest himself in Canadian land reform be will have a large and enthusiastic following ln this country who will back him to the limit. The Principle of Nationalization, As a rule, however, all such schemes are put forward with a view to presenting something tangible that may bc used to stifle the demands of Labor for more drastic reforms that have to do with Institutions located a lot nearer the Empire's centre than are the western provinces. Tbe Labor men of England huve seen that by the application of tho principles of nationalization to tho industries and resources of Great Britain, the massed Industry of her working population is not only able to provide for their own wants far better than in times of peace, but can maintain unprecedented millions of armed men ln the field and at the same time make good the wreckage and wastages of war. And they are fn"t likely to overlook the point that what the nation can do to win a war it cun continue to do far moro effectively and comfortably when tho war is over—that is, maintain its system of production for thc good and welfare of the common people of Britain who, becnuso their labor creates the wealth of the nation, have flrst claim that the industry and wealth of the tuition should be theirs. LABOR TEMPLE MEETINGS DURING THE COMING WEEK SUNDAY, Fob. 4—Bartenders; Moving Picturo Operators. MONDAY, Feb. 6 — Electrical Workers; Boilermakers; Tailors. TUESDAY, Feb. 6—Amalgamated Carpenters; Railway Firemen; Cigarmakers. WEDNESDAY, Fob. 7 —Press Feeders; Plasterers; Tile Layers; Brewery Workers. THURSDAY, Fob. 8 — Horse- shoors; Machinists; Milk Wagon Drivers; Hliect Metal workers; Shipwrights & Caulkers. FRIDAY, Fob. 0— SATURDAY, Feb. 10-- Capitalism vs. Feudalism. That this is the viewpoint of the BrltlBh worker Is evidenced by the alarm the capitalist masters on this side tbe Atlantic show at the political developments in England, It is also shown by the staunch support tho organized labor bodies of Britain have nccorded the present government. In this respect their vision may be much clearer than that of tbe Canadian workers. The tendency among a large section in tills country Is to take the view that the present war Ir a dirty and condemnabie struggle between rival capitalist nations. This Is not true. It Is true ln a sense that it Ib a capitalist war, but it Is capitalism vs. feudalism, and to the scientific student of social evolution it Is easily explainable that it is not only necessary hut inevitable that those countries which have experienced tho bourgeois revolution should flght to tbe death to prevent their social system being submerged beneath tbe mere political ambitions of the reactionary feudal dos* potlsms of mid-Europe, of which Got** many is the leader. Democracy Not Warlike. Liberty, equality and fraternity were the watchwords of tho French revolution, and the same ideals were held wherever tho new order of soolety fought and overcame the old. Inspired by tho ideals represented iu these three words, men have lived, fought (Continued on tinge 8) REVELSTOKE, Feb. 1. — (Special to The Federationitt). —In the doting hourt of the convention thit morning tht delegates instructed the ntw executive committee to utt ltt belt efforts to oppose conscription. Retail Merchants Take Up Idea of 48-hour Week Very Seriously Reject Proposal for Summer Saturday Half-holiday at Present Discussion concerning the relations of the retaall clerks and their employers has ben plentiful luring the weak, no less than three well attended meetings having taken up various phatet of the subject. The net result of the week's work can be reckoned, however, to be purely of a preliminary character as practically every proposal tor a definite statement aa to the alteration of existing conditions wat defeated or laid over for further consideration. The meeting on Monday night wu termed a mast meeting of retail clerki although the call was not Issued by the clerks' official organization nor were Its officers responsible In any way for the gathering. The action of this meeting was to defeat a resolution which propoaed that the clerki declare their satisfaction with a Saturday half-holiday for the four summer months and 6 o'clock closing for the balance of the year. On Tuesday evening the official organization of the clerks held a meeting. No action was taken on the various points now under public discussion, the meeting simply taking up the perfecting of plans for the advancement of the Interests of their trades union organization. . On Wednesday a convention of re- tall merchants from the Island and all parts of the Lower Mainland was held in Vancouver. The chief subject discussed was the suggestion for legislation covering a 48-hour week for the clerks. The vote on the queatlon wat, however, a tie and the subject wu referred to the executive for further consideration. Vlewt of Pretident C. D. Bract. Interviewed last night by The Federationist concerning the situation Mr. C. D. rBuce ot the Retail Clerks' union said that the organised clerki were simply watching and watting, t present there appeared to be no unanimity among the merchants as to the atand they proposed to take. "My attitude On the matter" said Mr. Bruce, "Ib that this Is not the time for us to talk. The clerks now have their half-holiday, although the day now In force in Vancouver does not, perhaps, suit many of our number. The attitude of the clerkB on the proposal to substitute a summer Saturday half- holiday with u o'clock closing for the balance of the year was settled on Monday night when the proposal waa defeated at a meeting which was evidently called for the express purpose ot putting the clerks on record in favor of the plan. This Idea originated with the merchants and, now that the clerks have declared their opposition to the plan, lt would seem that we should wait until some idea Is developed wblch we can consider with some chance of Its being favored. Until that time comes our motto may well be 'What we have, we hold.'" The meeting on Monday night waa presided over by Mr. G. A. Howker and was well attended. After a discussion of the half-holiday question which also took in the proposals for a 48-hour week, a resolution was proposed by Mr. H. H. Bishop which declared the sentiment of the clerkB to be that the half-holiday legislation should be amended to provide for a Saturday half-holiday for the summer months with 6 o'clock closing for the balance of the year. The action of the meeting was to defeat tills resolution by a count vote of 108 to 85. Meeting of Organized Clerkt. Tlie meeting of the organized clerks on Tuesday evening was in the nature of a conference on the arrangement of plans for Inaugurating a membership campaign. Mr. W, R, Trotter was In attendance and assisted the officials In thoir deliberations. The outlook for a strong union of the retail clerks was said to be most promising and tho ofll. clais were much pleased at the reports which wore mado as to the manner ln which the movement was being re* ceived by the clerks. The meeting of the retail merchants on Wednesday was attended liy about 100 representatives of various trades. It was decided to form un organization in order to securo thorough cooperation of the merchants and the fol. lowing list of ollicers wore selected: President, Mr. J. N Harvey; lirst vice* MONDAY'S SESSION. THE SEVENTH ANNUAL convention ot the B. C. Federation of Labor convened at the City hall, Revel* stoke, on Monday morning last at 10 o'clock, with Mr. R. Miller, president of the local Machinists' union, in the chair. On behalf of the local unions affiliated with the Federation Chair man Miller welcomed the delegates and hoped the convention would re* suit in the advancement of the Labor movement of the province. Referring to the trade depression he regretted that the local trade union movement was to some extent dormant, but while there were several locals of the rati- road brotherhoods in the locality they did not seem to realize their position In the workingclass movement. Introducing Mayor McKinnon he stated that he was an old-time unionist and was now serving his third term as mayor of Revelstoke. He thanked him for the use of the convention hall, which had been granted free of charge for the convention. Mayor's Address of Welcome. In welcoming the delegates Mayor McKinnon, who was well received, said that all the bouquets were not earned and although this waB the flrst convention of the Labor organizations ever held In the city he stated that it had always been looked upon as one of the homes of trades unionism. Speaking of his twenty years' association with the Locomotive Firemen nnd Englnemen's union he said the average trade unionist did not seem to realize tlie value of trade unionism and referred to conditions of the pnBt ns ngalnst those of the present timo, pointing out that better working conditions now prevailed, largely due to the efforts of trado unionists. He re* grettcd, however, that conditions had improved to such an extent thnt many members of the trados unions had seemed to lose their interest In those factors which had mndo for the Improved conditions. He nlso referred to men outside tlie Labor organizations who were reaping thc benefits without in uny shape or form contributing to the movement which had made those things possible. In concluding Mayor McKinnon made a special plea on behalf of union men patronizing union- made products at all times. He wns J president, Mr. Chas. Woodward; sec- a strong believer in the efficacy of the ond vice-president, Mr. Walter ('arson, union label. Ho hoped the convention pf Henry Dirks & Sons; honorary sec- would see lit to lay plans to copo with I rotary-treasurer, Mr. Thos. Cnrtor, of the returned soldlors' problem, and!Cordon Drysdale, Limited. An execu- ngaln extended the freedom of the city to the delegates, hoping that ns a result of their deliberations jnueli good would bo accomplished for tho working people. Chairman Miller's Best Wishes. Chairman .Miller, in handing tlie gavel over to Prosidont MoVety, said that ho hoped the delegates would drop any or alt of thoir personal differences and do every thing possible to make the convention a success. President McVety Takes Charge, President McVety, in calling tho convention to order, said that many questions had been directed to him as to how many of the local dignitaries were to wnstc the time of the convention. It was the flrst timo that the mayor of a city so far as ho could recollect, conveyed tho Bame knowledge of the Labor movement as had Mayor McKinnon. Mo thanked tho mayor for his address of welcome and referred to somo of the criticisms which hnd been made concerning the choice of KevolHtoko as the convontion city. In his opinion Revelstoke was (Continued on pngo 2) tive of 19 members, each representing a line of retail trado, was also chosen. At the evening mooting of the merchants a recommendation ln favor of legislation covering a 48-hour weok for the clerks In lieu of the present half- holiday act was presented by the executivo. The report stnted that the Islnnd merchants had endorsed the plan and the committee thought the scheme would bo the best Idea for Vancouver. 48-Hour Week Discussed. Mr. Martin, ot tho hardware men, said the working period would be too limited on this plan and the employers would not be able to get the full amount of work from tlio clorks. Mr. William Dick said tho 48-hour week was successfully operating ln 22 states. It was nu elastic plan which enabled each line to follow out a business policy best suited to its peculiar demands. Aid. W. R. Owen considered that the Idea fully met the case as it would en- ablo merchants to fit their business hours to the demands of the publlo. Mr. H. H. Bishop snid the plan would Increase the expenses ot tbe large (Continued on page 8) A\ FAjGE TWO THE BRITISH COfrUMpIA FEDERATIONIST FRIDAY... Published everr Friday morning by tho B. 0. Federationist, limited B. PWra. Pettipiece .Manager Office: Boom 217, Labor Temple Tel. Exchange Seymour 7405 Subscription: $1.50 por yoar; in Vancouver City, $2.00; tc unions subscribing in a body, $1.00 • REi?RESENTATiyES; New Westminster W. Yatofl. Box 1021 Princo Rupert 8. D. Macdonald, Box 268 - Victoria A. S. Wells. Box 1588 "Unity of Libor: the Hope of tbe World' CONVENTION AT BEVELSTOKE. FRIDAY February 2, 1917 THE CONVENTION of the B. <J. Federation of Labor, held at Bevel- -stoke this week, wns the most noteworthy and phoraisoful of nny yet held since the inauguration of the Federation. Over forty delegates wero pro sont, and perhaps the most significant omen for the futuro usefulness of tho Federation is found in the fnct that pructicully none of tho convention'h time wot devoted to the petty squabbling nnd personal bidte^r ings that unfortunately marked at least some of the previous gatherings. The entire personnel of the convention appeared to be actuated *jy a desire to press forward actjal constructive work along th'e line of furthering thc interests of Labor, and the entrenching of those interests against the persistent assaults of capital, rather than to waste time in bewailing tho mistakes of the past or lamenting tho shortcomings and weaknesses of individuals. * * • The Federationist has often expressed the hope that the convention would put forward some definite line of political action calculated to separate the politicul fortunes of Labor from the sinister and baneful influence of the capitalist parties. It is indeed pleasing to record that the authority tc do so was placed by the convention in the hands (of the executive, with instructions to take such steps as may be necessary to carry out that purpose. * * • The years following the war will be replete with readjustment and change in the political and economic structure of society. The part* to be played by Labor will become more and more prominent as the days go by, until the working class becomes master of its own living and its own life. * * • That the delegates to the Bevelstoke convention were alive to the new and wider responsibilities to be inherited by Labor as an outcome of the present wnr, is clearly indicated by the report of its proceedings found in this issue. DUSING THESE days of war, many earnest appeals aro made to tho patriotism of the workers to induce them to come to the aid of tho Empire and its Allies in the terrific struggle against the feu- PATRIOTISM dal reaction of Con- THAT PAYS tral Europe. They DIVIDENDS. are asked to offer their lives upon the altar of their country, and to the call millions have responded, and still they come. Becruiting agencies are upon every hand, and numerous schemes are in evidence to increase the military strongth and efficiency of the allied powers to tho end that the war may be brought to u victorious issue as speedily aa possible. But while men have responded nobly to their country's call, and have offered themselves by the million for immolation upon its altar, it is most pronouncedly noticeable thnt tho wealth of the nation has not been disposed to make any sacrifice that its owners and beneficiaries could avoid. However loudly these owners may havo appealed to the patriotism of others, they have, as a rule, taken precious good care that they neither endangered their own hides by rushing to the battle front, nor risked their precious wealth except upon terms most profitable, indeed. * * * Whilo "National Service" iB being much talked about here in Canada, and mnny soulful appeals are boing mado for tho purpose of awakening tho lugging patriotism of thoso who are unmindful of thoir country's needs, it might not be amiss to noto that nevor in all tho history of profit-making liavo such huge gains boon made from industrial and commercial undertakings as haa been thc caso since this horrible war has deluged the earth with its blood and carnage. While it is a mattor of common knowledge thnt industrial overlords and financial mongers in neutrnl countries huve been gleaning fabulous fortunes by means of the opportunities afforded by this blood debauch, lot it not be forgotten thut similar gleanings have been made, aad are still being made, by scores of good patriotic British subjects, both hore in Cnnnda and in tho British Islos, us well as in all othor parts of the Empire. That profits are mnde solely out of tht. unpaid wage of labor, is a matter of common knowledge. Thero is no other source from which profit can bo gathered. That the proflt game is a vile one, and brings a thousand and one evils in its wake, is beyond question. But as low, mean and vile aa H may bo in timeB of peace, it is ti thousand times more so when nu- tions uro convulsed with war und these profits are gathered from the agony and travail of blood ond slaughter, In timus of poace, the proflt monger may bc classed with the weasel or skunk that robs the chicken house, but in times of wnr he becomes flrst cousin to tho buz zard and vulture that gorge themselves upon the dead on the battlefield. * * * Som<' interesting information as to how unscrupulous patriots stuff their greedy wallets at the expense of tho nation 's agony, conies to us direct from Englnnd, the clussic ground of modern capitalism. A great doal has been said about tho remurkuble strides being made over there in tho line of nationalizing industries, etc. It has been oven hinted that the British government had taken over, or wus about to take over, tho shipping industry. This seems to have been only talk. The shipping industry is still in the hands of patriotic capitalist interests. And it appears that thoro interests huve issued some statements that throw most valuable light upon the renson for their patriotism, and tho fervor they manifest In pushing the war to its ultimato limit. The Morning 1'ost and Shipping Gazette, of London, early in the war, very naively stated the cuse in the following word:;: "Why should we not tuko advantage of our presont opportunities to make ns much money as we o»u? War is but a temporary incident iu the life of u nation." Thore yuu havo it. The real patriotic capitalist view of the mutter. War is merely an incident, u sort of heaven-presented opportunity for patriotic worthies to make a littlo extraordinary profit. Plain enough, is it not? * * * In February, 1915, Mr. Denniss, M. P., in the House of Commons, quoted from an American newspaper as follows: "Freight nites from America to Europe have gone up 900 per cent. No wonder the British shipowner is anxious to carry goods at such a prico. They have only gone up 650 per cent, from the Argentine to England, so he prefers to carry at 900 per cent, increase, for a foreigner to carrying at 650 per oent. for Great Britain." At the sume time Mr. Denniss, in referring to the entire indifference of the shipowners to the public welfare, quoted one of them who had written threatening the government if it dared to interfere with ships, as follows: "They have beea able to collar the railways, but they shan't collar our ships. We Will boycott the United Kingdom and will carry goods for foreigners," Lot it be notod that this was nearly two years ago, and the government has not yet "collared our ships." * * * The report of 27 British shipping companies for 1916 showed an increase of profits over 1915 of more than 100 per cent. This affords some indication of how patriotism pays, thnt is if it is properly worked. And what has been accomplished by the shipping interests has been happily duplicated by all other interests catering to war requirements, And let no ono was^o any sympathy on the poor shipping interests because of tho loss of so many «hips through tho activity of Hun submarines. Not only are these ships insured by n loving gov ernment, but freight rates advance in the same ratio as the loss of tonnage occurs. Patriotism pays. Nothing can bent it. Not even Hun submarines. VICE CRUSADES uro no new thing. They muy be counted on to spring up at any time, in this glorious old world that is so sadly afflicted with sin, also with u plentiful sprinkling of "holier than thou" AND THE folk . whose chief PARSON OOULD mission in the great NOT ANSWER. scheme of things is to point the finger of scorn at poor sinners and bawl them out for their frailties. And were it not for sin and sinners what would these sanctimonious '' holier than thou'' souls do for something to wail about f And thut seems to be about all the jny they havo in life anyhow. They never seem really happy unless they are making themselves miserable over the sinful condition of others, and every little while they become so intoxicated with their own pure and sinless state, that thoy break out with a vice-crusade raBh that often proves far less irritating to sinners than humorous to neutrals and non-combatants. Parsons are perhaps more apt to become afflicted with the vice crusnde microbe than the ordinary sinless person. This is doubtless due to his divine appointment to the office of pious knight-errant whose duty it is to fruntrute sin by scaring sinners off the promises dedicated to pioty and righto- OUH11l.HH. * * * Rov. Paul Smith, a Sun Francisco purson, hus recently been conducting n vice crusnde in that city, which wo ure led to believe is not altogether free from Hin, His crusudu, of course, wus directed ut tho so-culled fallen women of tho city, and his purposo ovidently being to drive them away from the vicinity of his church, thus forcing them to leave tho city or take up residence in othor pnrts of town. When tho good man got his purifying crusado nicely going, he was waited on nt his church by a delegation of some 200 prostitutes, who, through ono of thoir number, who in'ted as spokesman, proceeded lo nBk tho paBtor some vory awkwurd questions, so awkward in fact that he could not answer them, Thoso womon wished to know what was to be dono with them or whut was to become of thom and those who were dependent upon them, if they were to be driven from town, or out of tho only calling that stood between thom and starvation for themselves and those who looked to them for support? And the pnrson could not answer. * * * Upon questioning tho women, ho found that about, hnlf of tliem hnd children depondont upon them, and nil of them had resorted to prostitution because they could not earn enough to enable thom to live by working for wages. Fully two-thirds of them had been unable to obtain' work that would even pay them as much as $8 per week. Tlie interview with the pastor brought out the fact that prostitution was merely the result of economic conditions, and not of innate human sinfulness. And nnother outstanding fact that was duly impressed upon the reverend vice-crusader, was that no solution could be tound for the objectionable thing that did not involve some such radical readjustment of social nnd industrial conditions as would make it possible for women to lead clean and honorable lives. Although the parson, could not make an- swor to the questions that were thrust upon him, he evidently had the problem of prostitution pluced beforo him in u new light, und one well calculated to enable him to doal with it, in the future, in a more intelligent manner than heretofore. * * * And what is prostitution but a product, a concomitant of human slavery? Cnn it be conceived of in any form uf human society that >s not based upon the owning nnd exploiting of slaves, and the buying and Belling of their attributes und thc things they produce? Is it not as legitimate and cleanly a part of our boasted world civilization of trnde and commerce ns anything else? Is it less degrading or more ignoble for a woman to sell her virtue in order to escape starvation, than it is that she be compelled to sell her life force in uny othor manner for a similar purpose? Does it make slavery nny tho less obnoxiouB, ignoble and objectionable, any less vulgar, degrading und vile, by terming the slaves miserably insufficient recompense a wage, rather than the price of prostitution? Is not slnvery itself the eufnrced prostitution of all thnt is good and worthy, and commendable, and noble and honorable in human kind, to the base purpose of gratifying the avarice, groed, lust and all other of the base and vulgar passions of the human animal? Human slavery is prolific of sin because it is itself the primal sin, the mother of all sin. And slavery is none the less existent because the slave's stipend is termed wages. Wages nro only equivalent to the slave's keep at any rate, and the standard or measure of that keep is entirely beyond his or her control, so much so, in fact, that it may at times be imperative that honor and virtue be offered for sale in the market in order to avoid starvation. The solution of the problem involves something far more drastic and sweeping than merely juggling with wnges and futile attempts to so adjuBt them as to admit of slaveB retaining their manhood and womanhood under the stress, and strain of a market in which all things, not even excepting the virtue of woman, are mere articles of merchandise to be bought and sold. The wage system, the last system of human slavery, will have to go, before the honor of mon and the virtue of woman can be lifted from the category of wares in the market place, and vice crusading pastors no longer be called upon to exorcise prostitution from the abiding place of piety and righteousness. Under the present circumstances and conditions, no wonder the San Francisco parson could not answer the questions put to him. He surely could not answer them and hold his job. All of which goeth to show that there is prostitution other than that which abideth in the redlight district. FORCES OF PROVINCIAL LABOR MEET AT REVELSTOKE (Continued from page 1) an eminently suitable city for the convention, as there was nothing else to do but work, and the delegates were here for work, not for pleasure. Instancing /some of the .reasons for choosing Revelstoke he said that this was the first time that the Federation conventions had been held away from the coast. He thought it was only fair, as the Federation was a provincial body, that Its sessions should not be confined to any one place. He then called the convention to order and declared the session open for the transaction of business. Committees Named. The following commutes were then announced as having been named by the executive committee: Credentials Committee—Chairman. John Day, Victoria Trades councir; Burt R. Campbell, Vernon Typographical union; A. Sykes, International Brewery Workers, Vancouver; G. Dingwall, Metalliferous Miners and S. W. I. union. Rossland. Resolution Committee—G. .1. Kelly, chairman, International longshoremen, Vancouver; T, Nock, Street Rallwaymen, Victoria; J. Naylor, U. M. W. A„ Cumberland; W. R. Phillips, U. M. W. A., Fernle; T. B. Roberts, M. M. S. W. I. union, Klmberley; J. A. McKinnon, M. M. S. W. I. union, Trail; A. Goodwin, M. M. S. W. I. union, Trail; C. Robinson, 13. R. C, Revelstoke; J. Taylor, I. L. A., Victoria; M. Martin, M. M. S. I. Union, Nelson. Committee on Officers' Reports—V. R. Mldgley, Trades and Labor council, Vancouver; G. Thomas, I. L. A., Vancouver; J, Renfrew, I, M. A., Victoria; W. Smith, M. M. S. I. union, Phoenix; W. A. Sherman, U. M. W. A., Fernle. Constitution ond Law—J. Roberts, M. M. S. W. I. union, Greenwood; D. McCallum, 1. M, A., New Westminster; R. S. Phillips, U. M, W.-A., Fernle; J. Goble, B, of B. and H„ Revelstoke. Audit and Grievance Committee— D. Irvine, U. M. W. A., Ladysmlth; G. C. Marshall, M. M. S. W. I. union, Rossland; J. Beckltt, Painters, Victoria. Ways and Means Committee—P, Parker, I. M. A„ Revelstoke; B, Campbell, I, T. U'„ Vernon; G. Dingwall, Mi M, S. W. I. union, Phoemx; J. Day, Trades nnd Ubor council, VlC' torla; A. Sykes, 1. B. W., Vancouver. Rules of Procedure. The following rules of procedure wero adopted: Hours of sessions, 9 to 12 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. Robert's Rules of Order to govern debates. Roll call to be by card, fifteen minutes after the opening of sessions. Duplicate ...pebruary 2,1917 credentials to be handed hack to the delegates for identification, these to be produced upon request. A limit of 30 minutes to be placed upon all speakers, unless'ordered otherwise by a two-thifds vote of the convention. Movers of motions to be allowed 10 minutes to reply to debate, this not to apply to moyers of resolutions, but only to movefr'of motions disposing bf business before conventions. Credential Committee Report. The Credentials committee recommended the seating of the following delegates, and the report was adopted Vancouver—J. H. McVety and Victor Midgley, Trades and Ubor council; A. Sykes, Int. Brewery Workers' un* ion; E, H, Morrison, Int. Electrical Workers; Gordon J. Kelly and Geo. Thomas, Int. Longshoremen's Assoc; .J. T. Brooks, Int. Machinists' Assoc. Victoria—J, Day and J. Bass, Trades and Labor council; Jos. Beckett, Paint- el s aud Decorators' union; A. S.Wells, A.S.U.U. Carpenters; .las. Renfrew, Int. .Machinists' Assoc; Harry Marsh, Int. Stage Employees; Tlios. H. Nock, dtreet and Electric Railway Employees; Job. Taylor, Int. Longshoremen's Asboc. New Westminster — D. McCallum, Int. Machinists' Assoc; W. Yates, Street and Electric Railway Employees, Revelstoke — C. Robinson, Brotherhood Railway Carmen; Phil. Parker, Int. Machinists' Assoc; Jas. M. Goble, Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers. Fernie—W. A. Sherman and R. S. Phillips, United Mine Workers; W. R. Phillips, Dlst. 18 United Mine Workers. Vernon—Burt R. Campbell, Int. Typographical union. Nelson—Marcus Martin, Metalliferous Miners and S.W.I, union. Trail—Aid. Goodwin and J. A. McKinnon, Metalliferous Miners and S. W. I. union; E. G. Morris, United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Klmberley—Thos. B. Roberts, Metalliferous Miners and S.W.I, union. . Rossland—Geo. Dingwall and G. C. Marshall, Metalliferous Miners and S. W. I. union. Phoenix—Wm. Smith, Metalliferous Miners and S.W.I, union. ^Greenwood—J. Roberts, Metalliferous Miners and S.W.I, union. South Wellington — Walter Head United Mine Workers of America. Ladysmith — Dave Irvine, United Mine Workers of America. Cumberland — Jos. Naylor, United Mine Workers of America. Prince Rupert — W. E. Thompson, Trades and Labor council. Officers' Reports. The officers' reports, published else where In this issue, were then presented to the convention and referred to the various committees for consideration. Resolutions, from Nos. 1 to 16, were read and referred to the Resolutions committee. A motion prevailed fixing Tuesday, 2 p.m., aB the latest hour upon which resolutions would be received without the unanimous consent of the convention. Convention adjourned till 9 a. m Tuesday. TUESDAY MORNING SESSION. President McVety called the convention to order at 9 a.m. Chairman,of the local reception committee announced that a dance was to be held on Wednesday evening, under the auspices of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, to which the delegates and their friends were invited. Resolutions, from Nos. 16 to __, were read by Secretary Wells and referred to the Resolutions committee. Chairman Midgley was then called upon to give the report of the Committee on Officers' Reports. President's Report. The committee reported, commend* Ing the action of the president in acting upon the Returned Soldiers' commission, and urged the executive to keep a representative of organized labor on the commission. Approved. Registration. — Recommended that the action of the president, as set forth in his report, be endorsed. Approved, with the deletion of the last paragraph under the sub-head "Registration," with a roll call vote, 19-15, Political Action. — The committee recommended that a referendum of the'ous Minors' union: Demanding provln- entire membership, of the Federation ] ciul legislation providing for monthly thoroughness and neatness displayed in the affairs of his office. Respectfully submitted. D. IRVINE, J. BECKETT, G. C. MARSHALL. Resolutions Committee. Chairman Kelly of the Resolutions committee reported on the following resolutions: Resolution No. 1—Submitted by Victoria branch of Federated Assoc of Letter Carriers: "That, recognizing the desirability of the fullest development of the educational system of the province, this convention use its Influence with the provincial government to the end that all school supplies be furnished free of charge to all pupils of the public schools throughout the province." Resolution approved and sent to the provincial government for consideration. Resolution No. 18 — Submitted by Del. E. H. Morrison of Electrical Workers' union No. 213: Endorsement of legislation for the regulation covering the placing, erection of, use and maintenance of electric poles, wlreB, cables nnd appliances, and providing penalties for violation. Concurred In and referred to provincial government. Resolution No — Submitted by Del. J. Roberts of Greenwood: Providing for altering the date of the Federation convention to the first Monday in August. After thorough discussion tbe resolution wns not approved. The time for tbe electloh of officers was, by motion, fixed for Wednesday at 2 p.m. At 4.H0 p.m. the convention adjourned until Wednesday at 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION President McVety colled the convention to order at 9 a.m. Secretary Wells rend two telegrams to the convention, as follows: From the retail clerks of Victoria, stating their decision to organize a local of tho International Union of Retail Clorks. From C. P. Tnylor, Becrotnry Washington Stato Federation of Labor, ox- tending fraternal greetings > from that organization. Both wires wero received and ordered to be spread on the minutes. Convention Supports Winnipeg M.P.P.'s In view of the fact that press reports stnted that the Winnipeg board of trnde hud passed a resolution favoring the nrrcst of R. A. Rigg, M. P. P., nnd H. R. Dixon, M. P. P., on account of their stand against the national registration plans, the exocutive submitted n resolution. This stated that should any member of the working class be arrested for treason, as intimated as possible by tho press reports, the Federation should, through its exocutive officers take such action as was deemed udvisable with the view of supporting the dependents of the parties'affected and nlso to nid the men in putting up a vigorous defense. Resolutions Considered. Resolution No. 19—Submitted by Del. Taylor, Victoria local of Internntionnl Longshoromen's union: Declaring that in view of the opposition of orgaalzed labor on the question of conscription and tho effort of the Dominion government to impose a registration plnn without Premier Bordon giving nny satisfactory assurance that the plan was n prelude to conscription, that this convention pass a vote of non-confidence in tho Dominion governmont and send it to thc Trades and Labor Congress and all Trades and Lnbor councils in the Dominion with a request for endorsement. N Concurred in with direction that resolution bo sent to Trades and Labor councils throughout the Dominion for endorsement and copy sent to Trades and Labor Congress. Resolution No. 9—Submitetd by Del. Midgley, Vancouver Trades and Labor council: Calling upon Mr. R. B. Bennott, M. P., and Premier Norris of Manitoba to make good or retract thoir statements as to organized labor acting ns traitors or boing -inspirod by Gecman influence in connection with their opposition to the registration scheme. Concurred in. Copy of .resolution to be sent to The Federationist for publication. Resolution No. 2—Submitted by A. Wilson et. al., of Kimberley Metullifer- be taken on the question of the Federation entering the political arena. This was adopted and the president's report, as amended, approved. I&ecutlve Committee's Report. Recommended by the committee that the provincial government be condemned for ignoring the request of organized labor that a representative of organized labor be appointed on the Workmen's Compensation Act commission. The committee also commended the action of the executive in opposing the National Service and registration scheme, and recommended tbat the incoming executive be instructed to prepare to use the entire energy and force of the Federation in opposing any measures that the gov-{ ernment may enact to enforce conscription. Fraternal Greetings. A wire was received and read by tbo secretary, from President J. A. Kinney of the Alberta Federation of Labor, Edmonton, conveying fraternal greetings and good wishes for a successful convention. TUE8DAY AFTERNOON SESSION. The committee, ln dealing further with tbe subject of registration, recommended that the Federation censor tbe executive council of the Tradea and Labor Congress of Canada for endorsing the registration scheme. Ap' proved. The legislative programme, as outlined by the executive, was endorsed. The committee commended the excellent work of Secretary - Treasurer Wells, accomplished during the past year, by the securing of affiliations and maintenance of tbe membership under economic conditions such as have prevailed In British Columbia during that period. Approved. Audit and Grievance Committee. Fellow Delegates: Your committee, appointed to audit the books, vouchers, etc., pertaining to the office of secretary-treusurer, have found them correct, with the exception of a clerical error of CO cents in the disbursements for June, making the disbursements appear BO cents too high on secretary's report. Checks were on hand for all expenditures, with the exception of $132.10 account balance on Compensation Act committee, due Vice-president Carter for lobbying, this amount having been; retained by Bro. Curter from the per capita tax due from, District 18, United Mine Workers. We desire to .compliment Secre tar y*treasurer Wells on the inspection of mining camps by health officers, better regulntionB governing the operation of dining-rooms nt those camps, and also adequately providing for medical and hospital treatment and the provisions of flrst aid appliances. Concurred in and referred to the provincial governmont. ReBolution^No. 3—Submitted by Del. Thomson of Prince Rupert Trades nnd Labor council; In view of the fact that the torin of current or prevailing rate of wages iu government contracts docs not fully cover tho demands in all ensos, that tho provincial govornment bo naked to puss legislation which will secure tho insertion of a fair wage clause in snch contracts such ns will secure the payment of the established rate of union wnges and recognize union hours of the district. Concurred in und roforrod to tho provincial government, Resolution No. 4—Submitted by Del. Thomson of Prince Ruport Trados and Lnbor council! Owing to the present system of political patronage being against tho interests of public service, this convention approves of tho prlnolple of civil service examinations, irrespective of party affiliations, on appointments for ull offices. Concurred in and referred to tho provincial government. Resolution No. 6—Submitted by Dol, Thomson of Princo Ruport Trades ui'd Lnbor council: In view of tho ostublish- ment of "company" towns by largo corporations in Northern B. C, and thus depriving workingmen of the possible benefits of ' businoss competition, this convention nsk tho provincial government to use forcible moans to have those private towns thrown r.pj'i for ordinary competitive business. Concurred in und referred to provin- ci:i. [rovurnment. Resolution No. 0—Submitted by Dol, A. Wilson, et. al., of Kimberley Metalli- forous Minors' union: As certain employers of labor refuse to allow union officials to visit their camps, the provincinl government bo asked to legislntc so as to provido for organizers ahd secre- times of labor unions to visit such .■limps for the purpose of collecting d iios, organizing or other legitimate business. Concurred in and referred to provincial govornment. Resolution No. 7—Submitted by Vic toria Laborers' Protective union: Ow ing to the present unsatisfactory me Hinds of dealing with the organization of unskilled labor, that tho Federation provido n fund, by por enpita tux or speciul assessment, for tho purpose of covering this Held, and thnt a commit teo be appointed to doal with the matter. Concurred in and referred to incoming executive. Resolution No. 8—Submitted hy Victoria Laborers' Protective union: As, during the period of depression, mnny persons belonging to mechanical tradea unions have taken employment at ordinary labor without joining the union covering such fields, that the Federation rule that.Jn such cases the man must deposit his card with his old union and bo transferred to tho laborers' union. The convontion amended the resolution to read that the Federation condemned tho action of trades unionists who work at ordinary labor within the jurisdiction of a union covering thia field without becoming members of such union. Resolution No. 11—Submitted by Jos. Naylor, United Mine Workors, of Cumberland: Owing to the increasing number of Asiatics being employed in the Island coul mines, espociully the Canadian Collieries, this convontion approves the passage by the provincial government of a minimum wago law of *O0 per dny for all adults working underground, tlio penalties to bo $1000 in the ense of companies, $100 for managers and $25 for minors failing to report any reduction of thiB wago. Concurred in and referred to tho provincial government. Resolution No. 12—Submitted by Gladstone union, United Mlno Workers: That the convention approve of the establishment of n penBion system of snch a character as to provide adequate funds for the maintenance of widows and famiHcs otherwise left unprovided for. Concurred in and referred to the Trades nnd Labor Congress. Resolution No. 15—Submitted by J. H. McVety of Vancouver Trades and Lnbor council: Protesting against the passage of provincinl legislation covering the exemption of church property from taxation. Concurred in nnd referred to provincinl government. Resolution No. 1(1—Submitted by Rossland Miners' union, No. 38, I, U. of M. M. & S. W.: Owing to the hardships resulting from thc system of monthly wage payments, that this convontion request legislation covering a fortnightly pnydny throughout the province, nil wages to be paid in caBh. Concurred in with'amendment to effect that not more thun six days' wnges be held back. Eight-hour Day Resolutions. Four. resolutions wore submitted with reference to the establishment of nn 8-hour dny by tho provincial legislature us follows: No. 27—Submitted by Wm. Yates of New Westminster Street Railway Employees: Covering an 8-hour day for motormen and conductors. No. 18—Submitted by Gladstone local United Mine Workers; providing for an 8-hour duy on all work uround minos. fto. 14—Submitted by Trail local of Brotherhood of Curpenters: Providing for an 8-hour day,/ with a maximum week of 48 hours for all wage workers. No. 17—Submitted by Roaalund Miners' union, No. 38, I. V. of M. M. &.S. W.: Providing for the insertion of the words "from bunk to bunk" in tho provincial legislation providing for an 8- hour day in metalliferous mines. The principle of nil theae resolutions wus concurred in nnd the resolutions sent to the incoming exocutive. Resolution No. 20—Submitted by John Day of Victoria TradeB and Labor council: Requesting legislation which would mnke it a criminal offence to "scamp" on work in connection with the construction of public buildings. Non-concurred in, owing to arguments against contract work in such cases, and opposition to tho workor boing called upon to onforec the law at tho risk of discriminatioa and for the benefit of the employing class. Resolution No. 22—Submitted by John Day, of Victoria Trades and Labor council: That the provincinl govornment be asked to follow the example of the Dominion government in establishing a department of labor and the appointment of fair wage officers. Concurred in on grounds of previous action of tho convention in its action on executive committee's report. Resolution No. 23—Submitted by John Day, of Victoria TradeB and Labor council: Requesting provincial legislation for the examination atid registration of plumbers and tho enforcement of better sanitary regulations. Concurred in. Resolution No. 24—Submitted by John Day, of Victoria Tradea ana Labor council: Requesting provincial legislation for the eaforceraont of proper sanitary regulations in the operation of barber Bhops. Principle of resolution concurred in und nmendmonts made providing for the legislation covering tho licensing nnd examination of all barbors. Resolution No. 25—Submitted by, John Day, of Victoria Trades and Labor council: Requesting tho Trades and Labor Congross to take up with the Dominion government the appointment of" additional fair wnge officers. Non-concurrod in. Resolution No. 2(1—Submitted by W. Yates, of New Westminister Streot Railway Employeos: Requesting legislation demanding 15 dnys' instruction and a certificate of fitness from a competent instructor for all persons working ua JOHN A. BARBER Fire if*p Automobile * - - JVt Marine, etc. ESTATES MANAGED, VALVATOBS 680 Blcbarda Btr-ni Sey. 4434 motormen or conductora of a street railway. Concurred in. Resolution No. 28—Submitted by Vnncouver Union of Steam and Operating Engineers: Requesting various nmendmonts to the provincinl Boiler Inspection Act. s* Concurred in. Resolution No. 29—Submitted by W. Head, South Wellington United Mine Workers: Requesting the provincial government to .establish a department of labor, some of the functions to be: Tho establishment of government employment agencies; the colloction of [data dealing with the cost of living; the ■ extent of unemployment and nationality of employees in the various industries and, in goneral, devise ways and moans 'for running industries so thnt the peo- iplo shnll receive the benefit. Concurred'in. Subject covorod in report of exocutive, Resolution No. 31—Submitted by Del. Taylor, of Victoria, International Longshoremen's association: Requesting I provincial authorities to appoint a com- 'potent person to inspect tho gears used for the loading or discharging from vessels aud thus ^roduco tho risks of longshoremen to a^mini/nam. Concurred in und referred to incoming executive. Resolution No. 32— Submitted ' by W. Head, of South Wellington United Mine Workors: Ab, owing to coustnnt | moving about of workors, they ure often deprived of thoir franchise, tho provincial government bo asked to arrange for a voter remaining a voter as long as he stays in the province and shall have the right to cast his vote at any point whero he may be located. To provent irregularities, voters shall bo given an 'identification curd when registering, which shall be stnmped when the vote is cust. Concurred in with the exception of portion referring to provision of identification card. Resolution No. 33—Submitted by R. S. Phillips, of Fernie United Mine Workers: Thnt, owing to the mnny nccidents due to the non-enforccment of the j Conl Minos Regulation Act, this convention recommends that mine inspectors be named and elected by the organized minors of the province, and should any gross negligence bo proved against theso1 inspectors, the minors shnll have power to recall the nppointment. Concurred in as amended in committee and convention. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION President McVety culled the conven- , tion to order ut 2 o'clock, and nfter a j fow announcements wore mnde by Secrotary Wells, election of officers, 4s reported above, took place. Only in a few instances were there nny contests,- und those were o^the friendliest nature. ^ The Federationist. Resolution No. 10, introduced by Del. , Midgley, Vnncouver, ns followa, was then read by Chairman Kelly of the re- J .solutions committee: "Resolved thnt the incoming execu- j tivo committeo bc instructed to devise | ways and menns of supplying ench mem- ber of every union affiliated with the B. . C. Federation of Labor with n copy of ] Tho Federntioniat every weok." Dol. Thomson, Prince Rupert, submitted a motion thnt the incoming oxecu- , tivo committeo be nlso instructed to 1 look into the feasibility of securing < complete control of the pnper for the I Federntion, with a view to making it . even more provincial in its scope. Upon invitution of the convention, Mr. R. P. Pottipiecc, manager of The] Federationist, was usked to address thej delegates concerning Tho Fedorationist. He urgod that the executive devise somo plan of increasing the circulation to include overy trade unionist in the province. Del. Midgley's resolution was concurred in and another motion, submitted! by Del. Goodwin, Trail, eonvejrrW appreciation of the delegates to the management of The Federationist for its offorts, under adverse conditions, in conducting such a worthy Lnbor paper. Have you ever tried a meal at the Delmonico Cafe, just off Granville on Robson Btreet. It's bo different. All- union, too! Some chef. And speaking of "service"—that's the word. Drop in tonight for dinner, or any old time. Always open. Out-of-town Union Men who visit Vancouver should pay a visit to Perry & Dolk Tba Labor Ttmple Union Tailors Pick out ti spring suit nnd got it properly mnde, unimi-mudo, combined with right treatment. MAKE YOUR DOLLARS FIGHT AT THE FRONT. BUY DOMINION OF CANADA THREE-YEAR War Savings Certificates $ 2B.OO FOR $21.BO eo.oo " 43.00 100.00 " 83.OO INDIVIDUAL PURCHASES LIMITED TO 11503. FOR FULL PARTICULARS APPLY AT ANY BANK OR ANY MONEY ORDER POST OFFICE FlNANOl' DlPARTMINT IAN. 0. 1011 OTTAWA OmotAl PATES VAKOOUVEE TBADES ASD LABOB OOOTOH. THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST oitioial fapib nmn COL- IDU rBDUUTDM OP LABOB EIGHTH YEAR. No. 5 EIGHT PAGES VANCOUVER, B. C, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1917 (ta«Mf) $1.50 PER YEAR SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE B. C. FEDERATION OF LABOR AT REVELSTOKE THIS WEEK PRESIDENT'S REPORT Vancouver, B. 0., Jan. 16, 1917. Officers and Delegates: Glancing back over the period since the last convention even the most peBBimiBtic will, I think, agree that conditions have taken a turn for the better. With fewer men unemployed, due to enlistments; men leaving the country, and a general improvement in industrial conditions within the province, there has been a tendency on the part of .the organizations to secure increases in wages. This is particularly true in tho various mining districts of tho province. Through the active assistance of the working people, the Bowser government has gone down to defeat, and while it is unfortunate that the new legislature doeB not contain a singlo representative of the working clasB, the coming session will no doubt prove whether the electorate Is to receive tho many benefits promised by the Liberal party during the past few years; and, immediately prior to the general election, or whether better results would have beon obtained by nutting working class candidates in the field in such constituencies as preaentea a reasonable chance of success. The Compensation Act. As the compensation question is being covered in another report, it is unnecessary to deal > with it at any great length. The work in this province, has, however, attracted a great deal of attention from other provinces and countries; and, in response to requests, all the available copies ot tho compensation report, and hundreds of copies of the act itself, have been distributed. In addition, the workers of Idaho and Alberta are preparing for the passage of new acts at the legislative sessions to be held next month, and have been calling upon your president very freely for information and assistance. Help was also rendered the representatives of labor in Manitoba; Saskatchewan and Quebec, the nrat named province having passed1 a new act white the latter two have them 'under consideration. A general campaign of educational publicity has been carried on during the year on the subject, resulting in a better understanding on the part of tho workers who are now subject to its provisions. Latterly, it haB become evident that the insurance interests are making a strenuous effort to again enter the casualty field, the literature they have issued and the support given the Hon. M. A. Macdonald making it an almost certainty that he and others have given the insurance companies assurances that the act will be amended at the noxt session of tne legislature. On the other hand, at my suggestion, Acting Secretary Sivertz wrote Mr. Brewster In connection with the stories in circulation, and his teply was a straightforward denial, the concluding paragraph reading as follows: "As a matter of fact the principle fin strongly endorsed by our party would be entirely destroyed if the State insurance provisions wore thuB nullified, and I shall appreciate very much a denial made by you to any such statement, which is entiroly without foundn- tion." After the election, however, in response to a letter from myself, the Prime Minister was not so positive, a paragraph of his reply roading: "I may stato thnt it is not the intention of the Government to deal with this question "until every phase of the question is considered, and every reasonable argument pro and con has been heard." _ If the convention is desirous of preserving the legislation intact, it will elearly be necessary to instruct the committee which has had the matter in charge to watch the situation and enter an energetic protest against permitting the insurance companies to again enter the field, ^Through some misunderstanding, it was* able to arrange a working agreement with the international president of the Western Federation of Miners. As president, I took the matter up with President Moyer of the miners, and he immediately cancelled the agreement. I am pleased to report that the engineers have again taken out a charter from the international. The Vancouver city firemen were also organized by a representative of the engineers under the Canadian Federation; but this charter has nlso been returned nnd replaced by one from the A. F. of L. With the surrender of these two charters in Vancouver, and that of the local of Brewery WorkerB in Victoria, goes tho last vestage of "purely Canadian unions" In Western Canada. •■\ftestern Federation Convention At the request of the officers of District No. 6, Western Federation of Min- 6tb ; I attended their convention held in Trail in March, explaining the Compensation act and other matters of interest. A revival of the mining industry made it poasiblo for them to re- affiliate with tho Federation and this action was taken. Returned Soldiers Commission committee has been An advisory commute —-_ formed in connection with the, Returned ~ *31— ^ommiaalon, and I huve accept- on the committee. As suit me movement in this provim had nono of the trouble experi by the Moving Picture Operators, through the dumping of returned soldiers indiscriminately intq the easier acquired trades available to impaired men. I have endeavored to assist men returned from the front, and have been of soTvlce to a considerable number, principally men who were or are still members of provincial unions. Sick Mariners' Fund. An effort was made, through Mr. H. H. Stovens, M.P., to secure an amendment to the Canada Shipping net to compel tho payment of the dues for the payment of sick mariners by the fishing steamers operating out of B, 0. ports. After an extended correspondence it was evident that the department did not look vory favorably on the idea, and as the condition complained of will be remedied by the compensation act, the matter was allowed to .drop. Exclusion of Labor from TT. S. The government haa repeatedly ne- newed the order In council for the exclusion of labor from the United States, but laterly has been admitting labor where it could he conclusively shown that a sufficient supply oould not be se* oared within the province. During the paat six months, the writer has been able to make an arrangement with the immigration authorities whereby we are advised of appllcatlqns to. bring in workmen, and, In a great many cases, we have been able to show that there is an ample supply available, when the wageB are advanced to the proper or '* union rate and decent working conditions, provided, with the result that permission has been refused to employers to, bring men in. In aome cases, where men have come in under false pretences, they have been deported. On the other hand, the writer has agreed, ln a number of Instances, to the admission of men for industries that could not be supplied locally, and, in a few cases, has, at the Jrtfltiest °' a union, arranged for men io be brought In. Recognition of "Purely Canadian" Unions During the year, the Vancouver local of the Steam Engineers surrendered Its International charter and affiliated with ! tM Canadian Federation of Labor, REPORTS AS SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION OF DELECATES Dominion Congress Convention. Although Secretary-treasurer Wolls was elected by the last convention to attend the Toronto meoting of. the Trades CongreBs, whon the time arrived ho decided that tho funds' required could be better expended in other directions and ns I was attending ns delegate from the Vancouvor Trndes and Labor Council, he suggested that I should represent both bodies. Aside from tho resolutions regarding conscription and registration and the decision to increase the executive from three to five members, there ia nothing that requires particular mention at thiB date. Release of Aliens and Convicts At the request of Mr. Jos. Naylor, of the United Mine Workers, Cumberland, B. C, I took up the question of the release of strike-breaking aliens from the internment camp at Edgement, and'the detention of those who were membera of the United Mine Workers, and who refuse to work tn the mines at Cumberland with Messrs. Clements and Stevens, members for Comox-Atlin and Vancouver City, respectively. After a lengthy correspondence which includes letters from the Superintendent of Immigration, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Labor, the men were released. Another case arose from the Vancouver Longshoremen's Union whero one of the members was interned in the Vernon camp at the request of the Vancouver police. His release was also obtained, v The early release has bIbo been arranged from the New Weatminster peni- tententiory of a former member of the United Mine Workers who has served eight years on a twenty-two years sentence and who iB losing his eyesight. I have mado arrangements for the proper care of this man upon hia reloaso in the spring and for preferential treatment in the meantime. Registration. Acting on the beliof that the Congress officers would make a pronouncement on the registration question in keeping with the policy decided upon at tho Toronto convention, tho Federation officers paid little attention to tho subject, until Mr. R. F. Green, M. P., Director for the llth Military District of tho National Servico Commission, began Interviewing employers and exploiting the powers of the Commission through the daily papers. On December llth, I wired President Watters, asking for information regarding the powers of the Commission; and his reply indicated that he had very little information, and had been unable to securo copies of tile order-in-council creating the commission. Ho suggested, however, that we should interview the Prime Minister when he came, to the coast. An effort wus mado to arrango the interview in Victoria, but aa this was found impossible, it waa arranged in Vancouver. Vice-presidents Morrison and Yates and Secrotary Midgley, of tho Vancouver Tradea Council, accompanying me. Sir Robert Borden, nccompanyied by Mr. R. B. Bennett, M.P., Director-General of the Comission, mot the delegation nnd for 40 minutes wo endeavored to secure a frank explanation of the purpose of the registration, and what use was to be made of the information when compiled. "The government had not come to a decision," Sir Robert stated in reply to the latter question. He would give no guarantee that conscription would not follow, although he did not think such would be the case, "A man may decide that he will not mortgage his houso, but may afterwards have to change his mind," was the way Mr. Bennett put it. Our delegation then explained the situntion in this province; tho preference that was and is boing givon "alien enemies" and Asiatics, even in the manufacture of muni' tions, and advocated that the govern mont should take ovor the basic industries bofore. conscription or thc regis- tration of men, but to theso proposals wo were told that the governmont was already taxing war prontB very heavily and could not take any furthor action without the consent of Parliament. Following the meeting with the Prime Minister, a joint meeting of tho coast officers of the Federation was hold, together with the exocutivo committeo of tho Trades Council of Victoria, Vancouver and Now Westminster; and while the meeting wob unanimously agalnBt the registration proposal, It was divided as to the prospects of success-; ful opposition to, it, in view of the cen- Borshlp of the press, mails and telegraph service. Spontaneously, however, all the Western Tradea Councils, without any common understanding, took action against the registration scheme. Resolutions wero passed ; mass meetings wero held, and the worklug people advised to Ignore the cards, a policy that was followed to a large extent In the larger centres of the province. Naturally enough, the govornment press and some misguided individuals have caustically criticised the "unpatriotic" stand taken by the labor organizations, overlooking entirely the fact that the workmen of Canada aro quite willing to co-operate in any schemo of genuine national service, but refuse to to be a party to any arrangemont by which < the government hopo to turn large numbers of workers over for exploitation -to the profiteering manufacturers of this eountry, who, while every, second or third home in Canada is mourning the loss of some member who has lost his life in protecting the property of the plutocratB, are wringing the hearts blood out of the Dominion for private profits. Admitting that State capitalism doos not abolish exploitation, It is a process capitalism muat paaB through and the workers Would be better satisfied if they knew the surplus value was being used for the genoral good of the nation instead of enriching a flock of buzzards who fatten on the necessity of the Empire. Past, Present and Future, It is easy enough to tell of what has and Is being done, but who hastMcVety, explaining hia position, and as' prophetic vision to look into the future " t^T.-— * of Labor in thiB province! Having reached bed-rock, both industrially and politically, whatever move is made cannot result in anything but good. The unions are coming bnck as rapidly as can be expected, but what will be the condition when enlisted men return after the warf Politically, the con- have grown steadily worse, until Labor has not a singlo representative in the Legislature or on any of the municipal councils, with the exception of Prince Ruport, Nelson and Fernio. Reluctantly, we have to admit that the S. P. of 0. is no longer a factor in the political life of the province, despite tho correctness of Its platform, and -anlesH the workers have accepted the slogan of Mr, Gompers, ' • Reward your friends and defeat your enemies '' which I very much doubt, tho time seems opportune for consideration of a programme that will permit those workers who desire to vote for working clnss candidates to do so. Whether thiB can be done and how, muBt be left to the delegates, and it is for the purpose of inducing a discussion that the matter is mentioned in this report. Space preventB mention of a multitude of matters attended to during the year, all of interest to those immediately concerned, but not of any particular general interest. Between 175 and 200 letters have been written in connection with the work of the Federation, many of them of considerable length, not to mention articles written for tho Federationist, which I consider the beat method of keeping the membership informed of the work of the Federation, and at the same time carrying out the spirit of resolutions repeatedly passeo by labor conventions about assisting and supporting the labor press. The excellent manner in which the duties of the office of Secretary-lTflasnrer has been handled by Mr. A. S. Wells Is deserving fo mention, as also the work or Vice-President Sivertz, who acted as Secretary during the absence of Mr. Wells on work connected with his own organization. Fraternally submitted, J. H. McVETY, President. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT Immediately after the adjournment of the Vancouver convention, the executive met to deal with the matters left from the convention. Following out Inst year's procedure, a Bpooinl committeo was appointed to deal with the question of the Workmen's Compensation Act, tho following being appointed: Chairman, A. S. Wells and vice-presidents, A, J. Carter nnd W. Yates, It was also decided that other legislative measures referred to the executive should be left in the hnnds of this committee, as it would be necessary for them to be in attendance at the sessions of the Legislature, With what succoss the committee's efforts wore crowned, Is now common knowledge, tho Workmen's Compensation Act now being in force. The following legislative measures were also advocated: An act for the examination nnd registration of plumbers, and for the enforcement of annitary regalationB. To provide for the abolition of property qualifications for the holding of public offices. To provido for the oxtenalon of the franchise to all bona-fide residents without the payment of the present householders tax by municipal electors who are not property holders. An act for the compulsory payment of all wagoa at least, every two weeks, such payments to be in currency An amendment to the Trespass Act, to provide for the right of entry to company property, in mining camps, etc. An amendment to the Metalliferous Mines Inspection Act, to provide that all inclined shafts nnd raises bo included in sections 21 and 22 of this act, whenever tho inclination is at or exceeds an angle of thirty degrees. An amendment to the Provincial Elections Act, to provido for at least two months to elapse between dissolution of parliament and the date of election, and that n special court of revision be held on the first dny of the second month following dissolution. A further amendment to tho foregoing not, by tho abolition of the present election deposit. An act to prevent the employment of Caucaatnn women or girls by Asintics. The following is a copy of n letter from Premier Bowser in connection with our requests: May 11, 101(1. A S. Wolls, Sec-treas. B. C. Federation of Labor, P. 0. Box 11538, Victorin, B. C. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the first Inat., in which, instructed by the executive of your fedorntion, you place beforo me tho various matters for consideration In the way of legislation, etp., to be dealt with by this government, I may Btate that I nm keeping before mo the various suggestions which your executive offers, nnd I can asBuro you that I shall give these my very best consideration In the near future. Yours faithfully, W. J. BOWSER. It is not nccensary for the executive to make a report re the work dono by the special committee, as the committee's report on this work will give full information to tho mombors, and delegates to tho convention. Following out the Instructions of the last convention, the executive took Into consideration the question of appointment of two vice-presidents for Princo Rupert and interior. Recommendations were received from tho interior for Bro. H. A, Stewart of tho Western Federation of Miners, and he was appointed to represent the interior. Tho Prince Ruport Trades and Labor Council recommended Bro. W, E. Thompson of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters for that district, and he waa appointed. Re representation at congress, .Secretary-treasurer Wells, returning from the Old Country earlier than lie ex- pected and being asked to undertake work for his own organization on his way back to the coast, wrote President the expense wouldliavo been mo're than we could afford, no other delegate was appointed in his place, credentials being issued to President McVety, he being a delegate to represent the Vancouver Trades and Labor Council. Compensation Act Commission Following out the wishes as expressed at the last convention, Secretary- treasurer Wells was instructed to write Premier Bowser informing him that President McVety was the unanimous choice of tho federation for the position of commiasioner to represent organized labor for the administration of tho Workmen's Compensation Act. Later it was found that the Railroad Brothorhoods had nominated M. Crawford, a member of tho Locomotive Engineers. Steps were taken to offset this by circular letters to the various bodies affected. On the late governmont being defeated, Sec-treas, Wells forwarded the following letter to the Premier- elect: Mr. H. C. Brewster, Premier-elect, Province of British Columbia, Victoria, B. C. Sir: For some considerable timo the organized labor movement of thia province haa been deeply interested in the question of workmen's compensation for industrial accidents, and on the occasion of our laat convention, made reprosonta- Componsation 'Act Commission. Mr. J, H. McVety, waa the unanimous choice of the convention, and he has been endorsed for that position by the trades councils of Victoria, Vancouver, New Westminster, Prince Rupert, as well aB by the miners' unions, and numerouB organizations throughout the province. At the last convention of the Dominion Trades Congress of Canada, a resolution was passed by ununimous vote, that Mr. J, H. McVety bo recommended by .the convention for the position of commissioner to represent organized labor when the act was in force. The act provides for the appointment of the commission in the month of October this year, and .so that you may be able to give to our desires that consideration which we believe they warrant I take this opportunity of placing before you tho above facts, rind trust that when the appointments are made, that our requests will receive tho favorable consideration of your administration. I remain respectfully your, A. S. WELLS, Secretary-treasurer, A reply was received from Mr. Browster to the effect that should he be the leader of the new government our recommendations would receive serious consideration. Later a deputation consisting of Vice- presidents Yates, Sivertz and Brooks, along with Sec-treas. Wells, representing the federation, and V. R, Midgley representing the Vancouver Trades and Labor Council, waited upon Premier Brewster, and placed the matter before him personally. The deputation was givon a good hearing, and waa questioned as to the ability of President McVoty to fill the position, etc., and then promised that our views would be given consideration. On the appointments boing made, it wus found that our choice had been rejected, nnd presumably Mr, Parker Williams, M. P. P., was appointed as tho reproaentative of Labor. This is again another instance which denotes that until the workera get representation in the legislative assemblies, that their wishes as expressed from time to time will not receive the favorable consideration of the government in power. Indentured Chinese Labor. It being called to the attention of the executive, by the Victoria Trades Council, that an agitation was boing carried on on Vancouver Island for tho use of indentured Chinese labor for agricultural purposes, the secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Malcolm Roid, immigration inspector, calling to bis attention, that with the return of the two thousand harvesters from tho prairies, there would be an abundance of labor available in the province, and objecting to the removal of any of the present immigration restrictions. Mr. Roid replied to tho effect that our objections as outlined would be referred to the department at Ottawa. Registration and National Service. Considerable doubt boing in the minds of most men as to the powers of the National Servico commission, also as to the iatent of tho commission with regard to the information gathered by the registration schemo, it was decided that Congress should bc nppoulcd to for information. President McVety wired us follows to Prosidont Watters: J. C. Watters. Dec, 11, 1016. Preaident Dominion Trades CongrosB, Ottawa, Ont.: "Considerable feeling horo and Victoria over statements of R. F. Greon, M. P., that National Sorvice commission has powor to compel workmen to answer questions and can draft mon from ono part of tho country to another without adjustment of pay and leaving mon without redress. Will be obliged for statement covering powers of commission, and what action Congress has takon in the matter. Am suro men hero will resist ony attempt to enforce any such regulation as givon out by Greon. Apawer* "(Signed) J. H. McVETY." President Watters replied to the effect that he was not in possession of order-in-council governing powors of tho commission, nnd suggested that as Promier Borden and Mr, R. B, Bennett wore in tho west, that we ahould secure an interview. Secretary-treasurer Wells endeavored to got an interview in Victoria, but na tho time which Premior Borden and hia collnague would be in Victoria was so brief that thia was found to be impossible. Thia information was communicated to Preaident McVety over the longdistance phono, and he immediately took stops to arrango for an interview in Vancouver, at which interview tho following wero present: Preaident McVoty; Vico-proajdents E, H, Morrison, W. YatcH and Socrotary Midgley, of the Vancouver Trades and Labor council, Tho result of tho interview, as expresB- od by Presidont McVety is as followa: "Without desiring to be paradoxical, It may be said that the interview waa both satisfactory and unsatisfactory. 'Satisfactory in the sense that the delegation found out just how little information the government were prepared to give out regarding the work of the commission, and unsatisfactory from the viewpoint of thoso that expected that the primo minister would stand by the pledge of tho government that the enforcement of conscription was not contemplated. Later a meeting of the coast members of the executive, along with repreBOiitatives of the various central bodies, was held in Vancouver, when no definite action was taken, the general feeling being that until we knew what action Congross would take, no definite steps should be taken. Vice- president Watchman, of the Congreaa, attended this meeting by request, and explained his position, and what he had done in connection with the mattor, which was along the Hoes of the resolution of the laat Congress convention, as being opposed to registration. Ia fact the general feeling was tbat the scheme was only a prelude to conscription, and should be opposed. Appended is the report of the members who interviewed Premier Borden and Mr. R. B. Bennett. Vancouver, B. C, December 18, 1916. Owing to the lack of definite information regarding the purpose and scope of the National Service eommission, an interview was arranged, through the courtesy of Mr. H. HvStevenB, M. P., with Sir Robert Borden, prime minister of Canada, and Mr. R. B. Bennott, M. P., director-general of the National Service commission. An attempt had been mado to arrange the interview in Victoria, but this waa unsuccessful, owing to the short time Sir Robert was in that city. Short notice prevented the presence of the Victoria officera at the Vancouver meoting, the Federation of Labor being represented by President MeVety, Vice-president Morrison, Vancouver; Vice-president Yatca, New Westminster, -and the Trades and Labor council, Vancouver, by Secretary Midgley. During the interview, which lasted from 30 to 40 minutes, the prime minister was informed that the workerB of this province desired information regarding the powers and purpose of the commission in connection with the compilation of the information now being asked for from ench male citizen of Canada. He was frankly informed that the prevailing opinion is that tho scheme is the first Btep for conscription, to which the workers were strongly opposed, not only in British Columbia, but all over Canada. Sir Robert explained that the purpose of the commission waB to ascertain the available man-power of Canada in order that the necessary industries can be - supplied, with labor at the expenae of the less necessary. Mr. Bennett, in reply to questions, informed the delegation that it ia obligatory to answer the questions, asked on the curds now being mailed. Tho commission did not contemplate aaking any workmon to move from one section of the country to another or to work in any industry for less than the wnge prevailing in that industry. Asked why labor waa not represented or consulted in connection with a work that waB apparently industrial in character, Mr, Bennett stated "This is a quasi-military body." Questioned as to the ultimate use to be made of the information received, both Sir Robert aad Mr. Bennett stated that the government had aot coma to any decision. Confronted with the pledges given to deputations representing the Dominion TradeB Congress by Sir Robert and the Hon. Robert Rogers, that there was to be no conscription, Mr. Bennett replied, "A. man may decide not to mortgage his house and then change his mind." Sir Robert neither amplified this explanation nor made any statement in connection therewith. Asked for copies of the order-in- council creating tho commission, Mr. Bennett promised to famish fifty copies and to leave them with Mr. Stevens, M. P. This has not been done. To tho suggestion that the unions were entitled to information, Mr. Bennett read a letter now being mailed to secretaries of unions, in which organized labor is commended for the assistance rendered tho Empire, and asked to further co-operate by having their membership fill up and return the question cards promptly. It was oxplaincd to the prime minister that British Columbia had already dono its share, and that the workers remaining did not appreciate the exclusion of union men from shops manufnc luring munitions nor the employment by Amorican mining compnaieB of alien enemies in preference to unemployed citizens. Neithor did they enthuse over the replacement of enlisted men by Asiatics. The treatment accorded dependents of Munition workers now in England was mentioned, it being point ed out thnt the separation allowance had now been cut off. Without desiring to be paradoxical, it may be said that the interview was both satisfactory and unsatisfactory, Satisfactory in tho sense that the dole gation found out juat how little information tho government wns prepared to givo out regarding the work of the commission, and unsatiafactory from the standpoint of thoso who expected that the prime minister would stand by tho ptedge of tho government that thc enforcement of conscription was not contemplated. Your exocutive ure of the opinion that, as it ia too late to deal with tho registration scheme, ond that, to a groat extent, Congress has placed the workers in aa awkward position, through their lock of definite action, that wo should lay down plans at this convention for the opposition of all conscription proposals, either industrial or military. And thnt our efforts should bo to resist nny attempt toimpoBO any Prussian mothods on thiB country. Conscription of man-power ahould only follow the conscription of the means of production, and then only with the consent of the people, gained through the medium of a referendum vote. After War Problems. Your executivo would recommend that a department of labor bo established, in order that proper statistics could be obtained as to employment in the provinco. The returned soldiers' problem will bo one that effects all. Many returned soldiers are members of our afflliated bodies, and we aro in duty bound to protect them from thc exploitation of unscrupulous employers, Two things we must guard against* are: (1) the exploitation of the returned soldiers, who with small pensions, could be employed at leas wages than the ordinary worker, to the detriment of the ordinary workers and so tend to reduce wagea, and (2) to see that the returned soldiers' pension shall not be for the benefit of the employing class, but a reward for services rendered to the Btate, A department of labor, under a xe- sponsible minister, could, if administered rightly, be of benefit; but if administered, us is the department at Ottawa, it would be useless. However, with an awakened working class ,those responsible for tho administration of the department could, by the only force the powers that-be recognize, namely, political power, be made to toe the lino. Electoral Reform. Your executive would recommend that this convention consider the following questions: Proportional representation and the grouping of constituencies; the franchise of all workers, irrespective of whether they reside in the constituency or not. Under present conditions, many workers such as miners, lumbermen, etc, are seldom in possession of the franchise, aa, through their migrations following the elusive job, they are seldom able to qualify under the present elections act. (223.20 June- June 22. Cowan k Brookhouse, printing .. ( 38.00 " " A. J. Garter, expenses re Compensation Aet eommitee 132.10 $104.70 July- July 13. G. Sivertz, post, etc.....( 7.75 " 18. B. O. Federationist, card 0.00 " Victoria Trades council, long diet, phone. 5.25 " J, H. MeVety, long distance pbone 1.20 Blines Regulation Acts. Your executive would urge that all efforts be made to have tbe present acts enforced, and for amendments of same where necessary, in order that the present high rate of mortality be reduced to a minimum. Electrical Workers. Your executive would also 'recommend that the same efforts be made to protect the workerB. in the electrical industries, whieh haB an abnormal rate of mortality. Organisation. Being restricted in organizing work by the depression in industry, our activities along the lines of organization work haB necesBurily been small. The re-affiliation of the Western Federation of Miners is the most notable result along these lines, and was gained by the visit paid to their convention in March last by President McVety, who was requested to attend. We are, however, pleased to report that in spite of the conditions that the membership has been more than maintained. Finances. Following out the wishes of the laBt convention, Congress was approached for a further grant, for legislative purposes. Our request was complied with, and a further (200 was received, making a total of (300 for the year. „ The financial position, as shown by the secretary-treasurer, will be, we feel sure, very acceptable to the convention1 and the members at large, and leaves us free to carry oat our work for the coming year without any adverse balanco at the commencement. With tbe hope that our efforts at this convention will bring results for labor, and that our work in the past year will meet with the approval of the delegates and members of affiliated bodies. We respectfully submit the foregoing for your consideration (Signed). J. H. McVety, president; E. H. Morrison, J. Brooks, Christian Sivertz, W. Yates, A. J. Carter, W. Head, W. E. Thompson, H. A. Stewart, vice-presidents; A. S. Wells, secretary- treaaurer, SECRETARY-TREASURER *S REPORT To the Officers and Delegates of the Seventh Annual Convention of the British Columbia Federation of Labor: Gentlemen: I submit for your con sideration tbe following financial statement and other matters pertaining to the office of secretary-treasurer for the year 1910. Receipts and Expenditures. Per Capita Tax Receipts— January $ 181.23 February 19.80 March 47.43 April 171.84 May 7.20 June 218.63 July 83.40 Auguat 2.05 September 3.00 October 140.55 November 47.91 Pecombor 108.30 Total per capita receipts $1031.04 Grants from Congreaa for legislative purposes ( 300.00 Balanco from 1915 12.73 Bal. Compensation Act fund forward from 1015 0.00 Total recoiptB from all sources..(1350.67 Detailed Statement or Disbursements. Januury— Jan, 1. A. Watchman attending executivo meeting ( 8.00 'J 2. A. 8. Wells salary for Nov., 1915 30.00 Transfer (1.50, express 90c, exchango 55o 2.05 '' 20. Cowan , & Brookhouse, printing 37.15 ' 20. B. C Foderationiat, bal. of account 30.00 ' " J. H. McVety, rent convention' hall 6.00 ' " Labor Temple employeos 10.00 ' " W. Yates, bal. of account ro Compons'n Act 12.00 (144,10 February- Fob. 22. A. S. Wella, salary for Doc ond Jan ( 60.00 ' " Exp., exchange, wirea.... 3.05 ' " C. Sivertz, postage, otc. .70 ( 63.75 March— Mar. 4. J. H. McVety, on a/c.. attending W.F.M. con.( 40.00 A. S. Wells, aalary, post- Act committee . 10.00 I (103.30 May- May 2. A. 8. Wells, on a/c expenses re Compensation Aet committee A. J. Carter, do. .... A. 8. Wells, salary and office supplies, post, etc. B. O. Federationist oa a/c printing, etc, 15. W. YatesL on a/c ex- 80.00 50.00 24.05 25.00 29. penses re Compensation Act committee ..... *.. A. 3. Wells, sol'y, May 23.00 20.00 (20.20 August— Aug. 10. P. II. Draper, Tradea Congreaa per capita .... 10.00 ♦10.00 September— Sept. 15. A. S. Wella, aalary June, July, Aug. * 60.00 * ' * 60.00 October— Oet. 10. A. 8. Wella, aalary. 8 20.00 " " P. O. Box rent 8.00 " " B. C. Fed'iet, oard 8.00 " " P. M. Draper, Tradea Congress per capita 10.00 * 36.00 November— Nov. 1. A. 8. Wella, aalary, postage and exchange. t 22.40 6. C. Sivertz, postages, etc .80 " B. C. Fedorationiat, card and bound copies of Federatlonist, 1015.. 8.00 " Victoria Trades council, long diet, phones. 4.18 December— t 35.35 Dec. 1. A. S. Wella, aalary. * 20.00 W. Tatea, delegation expenaea re appointment of O. Aet com... 8.80 J. Brooks, do tM A. 8. Wella, postage for call, ete 10.00 J. H. McVety, telegram to Congreaa re registration scheme .... 1.78 A. B. Wells, attending meeting of eoaat members executive re national service registration scheme 14.05 W. Bead. do 17,88 Cowan A Brookhouse printing creden. forma 1917 convention 11.25 B. C. Federationist, for Nov. and Dec 2.00 W. Yatos, bal, of a/e re Comp, Act com 25.00 A. 8. Wells, aalary for -A Dec and exchange 20.20 1139.00 Diaburaeraenta. January ... February , March ...... April* May June July **♦ 144.10 ... 63.75 91.90 193.30 ..... 223.28 164.70 20.20 Auguat 10.00 September 60.00 October : 36.00 November 85.35 December 139.90 Total disbursements 41182.45 Recapitulation. Total per capita receipts $1031.94 Ornnts from Congreaa 300.00 Balances from last year. 18.73 Total receipts 41350.67 Total disbursements 1182.45 Balanco Dec. 21, 1016 * 108.22 Liabilities Dec. 31, 1010, nil, leaving nn actual cash balance of 8168.22. Organlxatlon. With stagnation to a great extent in nil industries, ospeciully in tho building and kindred trades, very littlo organization work has been possiblo. Presidont McVety wits, howover, requested to attend tho Western Federation of Minors' convention in Maroh. And as a rosult we secured thc affiliation of all locnls of that organization in District 0. Considerable correspondence has been exchanged with those locals not affiliated* And, with a return to normal conditions, there is no doubt that a lnrge number of now affiliations will bc secured. Oreat credit is duo tho offlcors, who have in many cases, tit great personal inconvenience, carried out organization work in their several districts. Tho now affiliations secured this year are as follows; Western Federation of Minors—Local No. 8, Phoenix; local 22, Greenwood; local 38, Bossland; local 8], Sandon; locnl 85, Trair; local 05, 8ilver* ton; locnl 00, Nelson; local 100, Kimberley; local 105, Trail; locnl 113, Van Anda; local 161, Hedley. Teamsters, Rossland; barbers, Cranbrook; laborers, Vancouver; milk wagon drlvors, Vancouver! Trades and Labor couucil, Princo Rupert—making a total of 16 now affiliations. Withdrawals during the year wero very few. Railway trainmen, Vancouver; pattern makers, Vancouver. In ad- dition to those, howover, a fow small locals, mostly in the building trades, havo lapsed, tho impression being that they havo died as a result of tho state of trade. Tho Fedcrntion, however, having retained its membership with a .gain Tn numbers, per capita tax has ago, exchango ...".....". 23.60 j been paid on 4290 members, and as J, H; McVety, bal. ajc. thero aro still some locals that hnve not atending W.F.M. con... 28.40 yot paid up for the last half of 1916, we cnn congratulate ourselves, under $01.90 'the conditions, on the splendid showing made during the worst threo years in the history of the Federation, so far as Industrial activity ia concerned. April— April 3. A. S. Wells, salary and exchango 8 20.30 20. A. J. Carter, on a|c expenses ro Compensation Act committeo 150.00 " A. S. Wells, do .... 10.00 " P. O. Box ront 3.00 ' 27. A. S. Wolls, on n|c expenses re Compensation Finances With tho greater expenditure for leg* islntivo purposes than in any year since I assumed office, and in spite of the depression and consequent decrease in the (OoitUied on ptft 4) PAGE FOUR THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST THE INCORPORATED 185S BANK OF TORONTO Deposits ..$73,000,000 ... 54,000,000 Household Banking Accounts in Tho Bank of Toronto have been found by many to be a great convenience. The accounts may be opened in the aamea of huaband and wife, and either mny deposit or withdraw money. Interest iB puid oa those accounts twice a ji-*.r. Paid-up capital 5,000,000 Roserve Fund 0,500,000 Oorner Hastings and Gamble Sts, SOME OF OUR BEST CUSTOMERS are among the trade unionists of Greater Vancouver. We Will Make Terms to Suit You Come in aad look over the biggest and best stock of furniture in British Columbia. 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Men's Hatters and Outfitters Three Stores PANTAGES UBsqulled VMdwrUlt Hubs I.VHTAOES VAUDEVILLE THUS SHOWS DAILY 2:.6, 7.S0, CIS Sunn's Prleu: Mrttoe, l»Ci Breams, 15c, SSe. Quality Sou-Van Milk Fair. ISM Union Delivery PRINTING COWAN il BBOOKHOU8E labor Tomplo Press Sey. 4490 Miners and Prospectors who have copper properties worth while, can be placed in touch with actual buyers if they will send full particulars to DBAWEB 4, 0|0 B. O. FEDERATIONIST, Labor Temple, Vancouver, B. 0. To the Trade Unionists of Canada . When you get tired hunting for socialiat newB in capitalist papers, subscribe for The Milwaukee Leader, the big socialist daily. Samples on request. Milwaukee, wis. The Daily Milwaukee Leador and Tho Federationist, ono year, $1.50. CENTER & HANNA, Ltd. UNDERTAKERS Refined Service 1049 GEORGIA 8TREET One Blook weat of Court Home. Uae of Modem Chapel and Funeral Parlors free to all Patrons Telephone Seymonr 2486 FRIDAY... strneted to see the premier about it. Bro. Crawford was informed by the premier that the govrenment wns going right thnt the government was going right inst., the bill reached tho committee stage. On Wednesday, May 10, Mr. Pineo SEVENTH CONVENTION (amount equal to $5 per week, unleBs the | About the beginning of Mny the com- AT REVELSTOKE workmen,s average earnings are less j mittee took into consideration the' time than $5 per week, in which case he shall ft! JS. JaA ft™ before the house also rpppivB (.nm»»«n.,n+'„ • * . deIay.in -** pausage, and voiced the per capita receipts for tho last threo ™°,t c.Tp8MBt,oa m an ""^ I opinion that Bomething'should be done vflfir« I hnvi, ™.»t nleafluro in ronortinr ??ual , av.er.age earnings. It wns | to get the government to push the bill years, I have great pleasure in reporting the general opinion of the committee ! through in order to curtail tho expense that ut the end of the year we were in that nothing less than $5 should bo j to the organizations that they repre- a better financial position than for somo Pnia"» nnd the question of tho computing ;sonted. The subcommittee were inconsiderable time, no liabilities, and an °^ "ie average wages camo into the dis- actual cash balance. Mission, and it was pointed out that This position has been made possible thore were many cases where through by the following: The grants from no fault of the workman, but duo to Congress, the reduction in the expenses Blackness, that it could be shown that in connection with this office, and more t"e average earnings of men in tho particularly by the work carried out by lower-paid occupations could be com- the officers in many instances for bare puled at less than $5 per week, and as Bent for the committce'to give them the expenses. ' J^afoguard against this, it wns felt that effect of the proposed amendment to tho minimum should be irreduciablo, provide for the miners engaged in train nad from tho humanitarian viewpoint, ing for, or in the mine rescue work- it wus felt that thia was the lowest pos- the intent being to provide for these sitjlo sum that could bo given in order men, providing they were so engnged, to prevent tho worker being in actual with the consent of the employer or his wa'lt- . . I "gent. This was ngreed to by the com- Several interviews were held by thc mittee, us rend and interpreted by Mr. subcommittee with Mr. Pineo, who Pineo, pointed out that we were asking that Mr. Pineo did not hold out any hope men who received less thnn *5 per week for tho suggested amendments to Bee- should, when injured, receive moro than tion 17 and 19, and slnted thnt if the they did whilo working. greatest good was intended for the Aftor considerable discussion in com-, greatest number—and thnt wns our de- mittee, it was finally decided that the!sire in the suggested amendments, that whole committeo wait on Mr, Pineo, and j n reduction in the maximum nnd nn in- a request be made to him to recommend crease in the minimum wns the beBt that this section be amended to road!wny to accomplish the object. But ho Policy. In my report last year, I expressed the thought that the Foderation could bo mndo the most useful organization in the province, so far us tho position of tho workers is concerned. Political happenings during the year hnve confirmed thut opinion. It must be apparent to all, that the workers, so far as definite ideas are eoneorncd along political Hues, have yet some distance to go beforo thoy can say that they ure of a common opinion as to politicnl action. And without some organization with which the majority of the organized workers can affiliate, in order thnt they may look nfter the legislative needs of those who toil very little could be uc e.omplished. Reform in electoral laws aro needed. Under present conditions a great number of tho workers being, through thoir constant change of residence jCausod by their being compelled to Beck employment in different local! lies, disenfranchised, which again militates against their being able to express their politicul views ut election times. While assurances have been asked for, that no conscription should take place in this country, witho-at being referred to a referendum of the people, the government huve not given those assurances. And, if we uro to bo guided in the futuro by the experience of this year, I feel that the convention should outline u policy for the opposition of all conscription proposals. It is very evident that the workers of the province are waiting for tho responsible men of the Labor movement to give them a lead. Congress executive has issued their opinion of the registration scheme, with which I do not agree; and while one of the members of the executive has differed with his colleagues, I feel that it is the duty of the convention to take some definite action, and to give the incoming executive somo specific instructions on this most important situation that is agitating the minds of all thinking men, nnd not for us to depend too Much on the Congress executive. Conclusion. I cannot conclude without mention of the loyalty of the affiliated organizations who, in spite of financial difficulties, have paid up their per capita; and I have on many occasions had the proof that the payments have been made under great difficulties. This spirit makes it possible for the officers to work with the knowledge that the affiliated organizations aro, as far as possible, with them in their efforts. Owing to the fact that I was in the old land representing my organization I had to request Vice-president Sivertz to act ub secretary.. His help has been very gladly rendered on all occasions when requested, and it is my pleasure to at this time acknowledge Mb assistance. In conclusion, I desire to thank all officers of the Federation, and of organizations affiliated with tbe Federation, who have rendered me assistance in carrying out the duties connected with the offico of secretary-treasurer, to their aid I owe much, and I trust that I may have been of some assistance to them. Respectfully submitted, A. 8 WELLS, Secretary-treasurer. BEPOBT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE On Workmen's Compensation Act for Industrial Accidents. Mr. President and Members: Having been appointed by the executive of the Federation to watch the interests of Labor re the Workmen's Compensation Act for industrial accidonts and diseases, we beg to submit the following report of our activities: March the 4th saw the representatives of Labor in the city of Victoria, in addition to the committee, represent* ing the Federation, tho following were in attendance: Representing the railroad brotherhoods: T. Coughlin, M. Crawford,, T. Bloomer, H. W. Harbour and at various times the following attended the meetings of the committee, and took part in the deliberations: D. Irvine, representing the U. M, Workers; W. Graham, District 18, U. M. Workers; O. Hendrickson, U. M, Workers, and Mr. Best, representing the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen. Your committee agreed to a proposal for thc different representatives of Lnbor to form themselves into a committee, and this course was followed out, Bro. T. Coughlin being chairman; Bro. Irvine, vice-chairman, und A. S. Welts being elected socretury. A sub-committee composed as follows wub elected for the purpose of carrying out interviews with the government: Mi Crawford, A. J. Curter, W. Yutes and A. S. Wells. On Wednesday, April tho 12th, tho bill was introduced in tho house by Premier Dowser, and on Thursday morning the oommlttee met to consider tlio various clauses of thc bill. Thc first soction that gave rist- to nny discussion and question as to its meaning, was in the interpretation of tlio word "Accident," which rends, "Accident" shnll include a wilful and nn intentional uct, not being the act of the workman and a fortuitous event occasioned by n physical or natural cause; the general opinion thnt it might bo co'aslrued to mean "thnt an accident caused by a physicnl or natural cmuse, wus not an accident undor the net." Tho subcommittee waited upon Mr. Pineo, nnd nt the interview, J. H, McVety wus present, and both assured us thnt there wub no doubt of the menning of tho clause, which was meant to cover any nccidents which wero caused by a fortuitous event occasioned by a physical or natural cause, and was drafted from the words used nnd recommended by Sir Win. Meredith of Ontario, whose work on the question of workmen's compensation is so well known. Mr. Pineo, however, said that he could sec no objection to a transposition of the clause, which wo-jld then rend, "Accident" shall include a fortuitous event occasioned by a physical or natural, and a wilful ond nn intention uct, not being iilg the act of the workman. Sections 17 and 19, subsection 2 of both of those clnusos was tho next that wus found not tp meet the approval of the, committee. Theso subsections 'deal with minimum nmount of compensation lo bo paid to workmen suffering permanent disability or temporary total disability, und rends as follows: "Tho compensation awarded undef this section shall not be less than an that the amount of compensation pay ablo undor this section shnll bo nn amount not loss than an amount equal to .$5 per week; and, in the event of Mr. Pineo not seeing his way clear to accede to oar request, that wo wait upon tho premier nnd roqueBt him to have this inserted in the bill. The secretary made arrangements for nn interview with the premier on Monday, May the 8th, at 12 o'clock. The committee waited upon the premier on Monday morning, May 8, and were requested to go to the executive council chamber, whero the interview took place. Those present, representing the govornment, were as follows: Premier Bowser, Mr. Manson, chairman of the executive council; Mr. Lome Campbell, Mr. W. Ross, Mr. ThoB. Tuylor and Mr. Pineo. The question of sections 17 and 19 were taken up, as was also the question of provisions for miners engaged ' training for, or in mine rescue work. Mr. Campbell said the question for the provision under the act for men engaged in mine rescue work was a point well taken. Mr. Pineo said that he thought that they should be provided for, but the question was how to provide for them nnd the administration of the act covering them. Suggestions were offered by the committee^—A. J. Carter suggesting the term workmen should be amended to include them. On the question of the minimum, the government promised considorntion; and, as it has not beon embodied in the act, tbey evidently could not see our contentions. In the case of the mine rescue workers, however, our requests were granted. At the interview, the premier pointed out that the workers would be in a position to bring recommendations when next the house sat in January, 1917, and that if serious defects were found after some time, they would be able to amend the act. Section 22, which deals with the methods that may be adopted by the commission to decide what thc workman's average earnings have been, or what best represents the loss of earning capacity, came in for considerable discussion. It was felt that possibly there was too much left to the commission, und that possibly a clause, as in the New York state act, would be better, as this clause makes a rule that is definite, and leaves little to the commission; again it was thought that possibly a hard and fast rule might work considerable hardship in some cases. All were of the opinion that all depended on the commission as to whether the workman would get a square doal under tho section under discussion. After considerable discussion, the subcommittee waited upon Mr. Pineo, who stated that the clause was framed to give the widest scope to the commission, in order that they could act fairly and to give an equitable decision ub to the average earnings in each caae, quoting Miles Dawson and Mr. Hinsdale, who had organized the compensation act bonrds in Washington, Ontario, Nova Scotia and other places, as being of the opinion thnt fairer treatment would be given to workmen by leaving it to the commission without making any definite and hard and fast rule. Several interviews were held with Mr. Pineo on this question. The concensus of opinion, in the committee, finally, was that if the minimum was established, ub previously dealt with, that possibly it would be better to stand by the section as it stands, and to watch carefully the operation of the act, and the actions of the commission, in the administration of thia section. Soction 24 next cume under discussion. This clause gives powor to the commission to commute payments of compensation in certain cases. The committee were of the opinion that permission of the injured workman, or of the dependents of the injured workmen, should bu obtained in nil cases before commuting of payments into lump sums should be undertaken, Sovoral interviews were held with Air. Pineo on this section, the committee pointing out that, aa the injured or their dependents woro tho parties most concerned, they should bo given tho privilege of Buying whether tho periodical payments should be commuted or not. Mr, Pineo pointed out, tho folly of huving small sums for very minor cases paid for any period. After consider- able discussion, ho suggested a way out of tho difficulty by providing in tho section "that whero tlio disability wns over ton per cent., tho commission mny commute payments for a lump sum with the consent of the injured or the dependents. This was agreed to by tho committee. * One of tho principal reasons for the committee asking for this section to bo amended wus tho fact that statements hnd been made ns to the administration of this part of thc Washington Stnte Act, that in somo cases commutation had been made thnt were not equitable to tho injured or tho dependents, nnd it wus felt that if the consent of tho injured or tho dependents had to be secured, thnt this would be u -'Peguard against any unfair decision oi the commission. Industrial disonses ns lnid out in tho schedule wero discussed. As thoro are other diseases other thnn those specified, such as cedar nsthinn, which is contracted iij wood-working factories whero considerable cedar is worked, the committee took tho precaution of having nn interpretation of tho term "Industrial Iiiseaso" in the interpretation in section 2, nnd wero informed that if in the event of u workman suffering from nny disease that could be attributed solely to the occupation in which ho worked, Hint tho commission hnd the power to plnco the worker undor tho net na suffering from an industrial disease, nnd that lie would bo entitled to compenaation just us if the disease was included in : the schedule of industrial diseases. did not think that tho unions would stand for this reduction in the maximum. On Thursday, llth inst., the committee mot again to discuss the result of the interview with the governmont and Mr. Pineo. It wns moved, "That the matter of sections 17 and 19, -Subsections of ench section, so far as this committee is concerned, be loft as it Btnnds." Bro. Irvine stated the committee have filed their protest, nnd he could not see whnt else the committeo could do. The motion wns carried with two dissenting. Conclusion Appended are some of the q-ueBtions raised in the house while the act waa in committee, and beforo its final adoption. Wo feel that they may at some later stage be of some assistance to us, and to affiliated locals. The outstanding opposition to the principle of the act came from the casualty companies, who have yet not let up in their efforts to get a share of the insurance under the act. And it may be possible that we ahull have to com bat their effortB in the future. Experi ence in othor places haa shown that where such companies operate, that it has beon detridmcntnl to the interests of the workers ond employers, as well as the state. We submit this report with the hope that our efforts will be acceptable to the convention, and that we fulfilled the trust placed in us. Respectfully submitted, A. S. WELLS, chairman. A. J. CARTER. W. YATES. Questions and Answers. Following questions and the answers thereto were given while the Compensation Act was Tn committeo of the whole house prior to the third reading: Section II, subsection 2: Mr. Parker Williams and Mr. McDonnld objected to this section as it might be construed to prevent a boy, who was working under nge, from receiving compensation. Mr. Miller, in reply, said: "This sec^ tion was to provide for a boy, under the age of 21, who was of the legal age to work in the industry In which he was engaged to claim compensntion himsolf, and not have to have his parents or guardians make the claim for him, and would not debar him from compensation if he was working under the age as fixed by law to cover the Industry." Section 22: Mr. Parkor Williams raised the question of the commission having so much power aB to the computation of the average earnings. Mr. Miller, in reply, snid in effect that in the industry of smelting, a man might be put to work at a job that was lower paid than the one he usually followed, and instanced a furnacemnn receiving $5 per day being put to a lower paid job, and said the commission will take into consideration not only the position he was in, but tho earning capacity of a furnnceman. Section 25: Mr, Miller in reply to questions, said in effect this section gives a very liberal interpretation, ana that a man at lunch on a job, and not actually working, was covered if injured. Later Parker Williams asked if a man returning from work in the minea at Extension to Ladysmith, or going from Ladysmith to the mines at Extension, and was injured, would he receive compensation Y Mr. Miller replied to the effect ibat "in such casea tho men wore covered by the Act. ». J. Place oaked what would be tho earnings of a mnn engnged in mine rescue work computed atT Mr. Miller replied to the effect thnt It would bo based1 'upon the miner's earning power when ordinarily engaged in his daily work, and thnt his* earning capacity would bo considered. Parker WilliamB raised tho point ns to whother men engaged in mine inspection work, gos committees, etc., appointed by tho men in the mine were covered, Mr. Miller replied that thoy were not covered by tho Act. Sections 17 nnd 19, subsections 2 of ench section: Parkor Williams rnised the question of men who, through the depression of trade, wero compelled to work on relief work, nnd gave instnnees whero men in tho locality he referred to wero earning less than $10 por month, and asked what would bo the eomputa- tion of avorngo earnings under such conditions. He nlso referred to ono who had not tho opportunity to oarn moro than $5 per week nt thoir usual occupations through slackness in trade, Mr. Miller said in reply that Bection 22 was to provide for such cases, and gaVO tho commission full powers and that men who hnd through conditions not been able to work moro than two or throe days a month, thc previous earn inga would be tnken, and snld thnt tho principle of the bill was based upon earning capacity, und tho commission could not in such enses bnse the nvernge earnings on the earnings of two or three dnys n month, but would have to tnko the earning enpneity. Section 42: Mr. Miller suid that in the case of industrial diseases tho disability would date from the timo that tho diseaso disabled tho workman—no mutter if ho had left the employment in which ho had contracted the disease; under the act, nccident or disense would bo timed from tho time of disablement. Ho quoted a ense of n man contracting lend poisoning which disabled after four or five years aftor ho had left thc employment in which ho contracted tho disense, and that he would hnve one yenr from the time of disablement to innke his claim, and that the workman would give notice to the employer in whoso employ he wns in when the disense was contracted. ..February 2,1917 TRUSTEES' REPORT Aa trustees of tho Federation, appointed.... to represent the Foderation interests in the B. C. Federationist, we beg to report as follows: Finance. Your representatives attended the directors' meeting, held in October, 1916, when the report of the auditors was presented and adopted, which showed a proflt of $402.95 for 'the year, which, compared with last year's statement, is creditable. Like all other concerns, however, it hns felt tho pinch of the prevailing depression. Management. At the directors' meeting all possible information was laid beforo the directors by the management, and the present manager wus re-appointed, viz., R. P. Pottipiece, as was the secrotary- treasuror, J. H. McVety. Editorial. Dqring the your tho paper has continued the high standard of past years, fearlossly expounding the ideas of the working class and its position, and by cIobo und searching analysis of thc current ovents and happenings, hns exposed nil things that hnvo tended to bo reactionary and detrimental to tho workers of tho province nnd tho Dominion. In our opinion The Federationist stands pro-omiuont of nil tho Lnbor papers in the Dominion, as being the most forward nnd virile exponent of working clnss idons nnd interests. In viow of the fact that Labor papers do not receive the support that their efforts warrant, wo would urge that all trndes unionists should do all in their power, by subscribing and pushing tho pnper to thoso outside thc organized movement, to support tho papers that support thom, and we would specially urge the delegates to this convention to undertake this work. The paper can, like the Lnbor movement, bo mnde just what the membership desires. It Ib up to you, fellow trades unionists. Respectfully submitted, A. WATCHMAN, A. S. WELLS, Trustees. COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE ADVOCATED Greater Vancouver Recruiting League Will Hereafter Work Under Another Name, The Greater Vancouver Recruiting League voted itself out of existence on Wednesday evening, a meeting of its supporters having decided that everything possible to stimulate voluntary recruiting in Vancouver had already been done. In place of the old organization a War and National Service League was organized, the resolution defining its alms being, in part, as follows: A motion was made by Reeve Bridgman, of North Vancouver, that "to advocate and do all in its power to secure the immediate introduction of compulsory military service, accompanied by adequate measures for the national control of our financial, In- j dustrlal and national resources, so that they can be utilized for the effective prosecution of the war." Mr. H. O. Bell-Irving suggested that I the representatives of labor should 1 be asked to assist the league In its work, his idea being that by securing the sympathetic co-operation of labor, a more substantial basis for Its operations would be provided. GOOD WORDS FOR B. O. WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION Alberta Federation of Labor Advise Similar Legislation There. That the British Columbia Workmen's Compensation Act covers tho field in a manner which fully protects the interests of labor, was shown at the recent convontion of the Alberta Federn- tion of Lnbor. Whon the question of Alberta legislation of this character was brought forward, tho completeness and excellent provisions of the British Columbia act wero pointed out. The result of tho discussion was that the Federation executive wns directed to take steps to havo a similar law passed for Alborta. It. was proposed, however, that the field of casual labor be covered by tho compensation provisions, .and that there bo some alteration as to the amounts to be paid. The convention diseuBaed tho Alberta prohibition legislation, and recommended thnt the net be amended so ns to permit the sale of threo per cent, beer direct from the breweries to the consumer. Tho election of officers for tho ensuing yonr resulted in the choice of Aid. J, A. Kinney of Edmonton as president and W. Smitten of Calgary as secretnry. The next convention will be held at Lethbridge. CHINESE POPULATION HA8 INCREASED IN VANCOUVER Spread of Orientals to New Locations Makes Work for Health Department. In his annual report to the Vnncouver authorities Medical Health Officer Underbill stateB that there has been an increase in the number of Chinese in the city during the past year and that such a condition of affairs meant additional work for his department. Dr. Underbill atates to The Federationist that, owing to the city census reports covering the Item of Oriental population as a whole, It was difficult to give accurately the figures covering this advance. From the reports of his inspectors lie wns certain, however, that the Chinese population was increasing even though the city census might show a decrease in the Oriental population as a whole. The work of the health department was nlso increasing In connection with the Chinese population owing to the manner in which the Chinese were spreading. When, some years ago, their quarter waa entirely west of Main street it was possible to deal with it quickly, but now they had gone far east of their old quarter and the work of hts Inspectors was being greatly increased on this account. THE BTRIKE Sny what ye will, ye owls of night, Tho striko upholds tho cause of right; The striko compels the king to pause, Tho statesman to remold tho laws. Sny whnt ye will, yet, without ruth, Tho strike drives homo tho bitter truth; Tlio striko tears off the musk of things, To mass nnd class the issue brings. Sny what ye will, the striko is good; It clears things long misunderstood; It jolta the social mind awake; It forces mon a stand to take. Say what yo will, all else above, The atrike is war for bread and love; For raiment, shelter, freedom; all The human race can justice call, ' —Anon. Heaters at Half Cost This week only, we are offering bargains in gas heaters, such as will never be offered again, Here are some heaters we have had on sale at our Oarrall street or Granville street salesrooms: 2 Black Enamel Fires $14.75 reduced to $ 6.25 3 Brown Enamel Fires 14.00 reduced to 6.25 3 Brown Enamel Fires 15.00 reduced to 9.00 2 Brown Enamel Fires 26.50 reduced to 12.00 5 Crimson Enamel Fires 17.00 reduced to 7.26 4 Crimson Enamel Fires 23.50 reduced to 10.00 3 Crimson Enamel Fires 32.50 reduced to 14.00 3 Green Enamel Fires 14.00 reduced to 6.25 2 Green Enamel Fires 21.50 reduced to 9.00 2 Green Enamel Fires 26.50 reduced to 12.00 These fires are heavy flre-enamel and suitable for the most artistic rooms giving intense radiant heat. 20 Radiators, 4 column $19.00 reduced to $ 9.00 8 Radiators, 8 column 30.00 reduced to 13.60 Suitable for stores, halls, etc., requiring a quick steady heat. 16 Bungalow Heaters, white enamel finish, $10.00 reduced to $5.00 8 Bungalow Heaters, white enamel finish, $9.00 reduced to $4.60 9 Bungalow Heaters, white enamel finish, $12.00 reduced to $6.00 These Heaters are suitable for almost any room and are of attractive design. Carrall and Hastings 1138 Granville Street CANADA'S BEST "The Beer Without a Peer" A CANADIAN PRODUCT BREWED FROM CANADIAN BARLEY AND HOPS Drink Cascade Beer With your meals—Cascade is a heauthful, nourishing beverage. FOR SALE EVERYWHERE BREWED AND BOTTLED AT THE BREWERY Vancouver Breweries, Ltd. AS GOOD AS GOLD Is Gold's best recommendation' AS GOOD AS ROYAL CROWN, Is Soap's best recommendation Accept no substitute for any Boyal Crown products BAVE ALL BOTAL OBOWN OOUFOMS AND WBAPPEBS THEY ABE VALUABLE The Royal Crown 5 > i > i . I Vancouver, B.C. (We keep British Columbia clean) Scatua curud, StA-iaM 7ioctf<kvtiAfed thataRoyal Household % tht mcxlt ^economocal cud wtMad tfi% 4t6t fibouA, io 1/Al. ARE YOU? fynot -buy "RoyalHousehold cvnd you,xuriM,-6t. , ©<§oakog§ t Rqyal Household CANADA'S BEST FLQVR To BE HAD AT ALL DeALEi\S FBIDAY February 2, 1917 THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST VANCOUVEB UNIONS TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL—MEETS first snd third Thursdaya. Exaoutirt board; James H. McVety, president; Fred A. Hoover, vice-president; Victor R. Midgley. Seneral secretary, 310 Labor Temple; Fred [nowles, treasurer; W. H. Cotterill, statist! clan; A. J. Crawford, Haigh, trustees. Jas. Campbell, F. ALLIED PRINTINO TBADES COUNCIL- MeetB second Monday In the month President, J. McKinnon; secretary, R. H Neelands, P. 0. Box 66, X BARTENDERS' LOCAL No. 678.—Offlce. Room 206 Labor Temple. Meets first Sunday of each montb. President, Jamei Campbell; financial (iecretary, H, Davis, Bos 424; phune, Sey. 4762; recording seoretary. Wm. Muttishaw. Globa Hotel, Main street. JOURNEYMEN BARBERS' INTERNAT10N al Union of America, Local No. 120— Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in the month, Room 205 Labor Temple. President, L. E Herrltt; secretary, S. H. Grant, 604 Georgia street, BRICKLAYERS' AND MASONS', NO. 1— Meets ovory 1st and Srd Tuesday, 8 p.m., Room S07. President, F. Dickie; corresponding secretary, W. S. Dagnall, Box 68: flnanclal secretary, W. J. Pipes; business agent, W. S. DannaU, Room 216. BREWERY WORKERS, L. U. No. 281, I. U. U. B. W. of A.—Meets first and third Monday of each month, Room 302, Labor Temple, 8 p.m. President, R. N. Myles; secretary. Frank Graham, 2256 Twelfth avennr west, BROTHERHOOD OF BOILER MAKERS nnd Iron Ship Builders and Helpers of America, Vancouver Lodge No. 194—Meets first and third Mondays, 8 p.m. President A, Campbell, 78 Seventeenth avenue west' aeoretary, A. Fraser, 1161 Howe street, DEEP SEA FISHERMEN'S UNION OF THE Pacific—Meets at 487 Gore avenne everj Tuesday, 7 p.m. Russell Kearley, business agent. ELECTRICAL WORKERS, LOCAL NO. 218 —Meets in Room 206, Labor Temple every Monday, 8 p.m. President, D. W. MeDougall, 1162 Powell Btreet; recording secretary, It. N. Elgar, Labor Temple; Atlantis) secretary and business agent. E. H. Morrison, Room 207, Labor Temple. INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN'S AS sociation, Local 38-52—Office snd hall, 10 Powol] street. Meets every Thursday 8 p.m. Socretary-treasurer, F. Chapman; business agent, J. Mahone, MACHINISTS, NO. 182—MEETS SECOND and fourth Thursdays at 8 p.m. President, Wm. Small; recording secretary, J. Brooks; financial seoretary, J. H, McVety, 211 Labor Temple. Seymour 7495. MOVING PICTURE MACHINE OPERX tors' Union, Local 848, I. A. T. S. E. A M. P. M. 0.—Meets flrst Sunday of each month, Room 204, Labor Temple. President, J, R. Foster; business agent, Sam Haigh; fllnhiu'lal and corresponding secretary, H. 0. Hansome, P. 0. Box 845. PATTERN MAKERS' LEAGUE OF NORTH America—Vancouver and vicinity.-— Branch meets second and fourth Mondays, Room 205, Labor Temple. President, Ray MeDougall, 601 Seventh avenuo west; flnanclal secretary, J* Campbell, 4860 Argyle street; recording secretary, E. Westmoreland, 1612 Yew street. Phone Bayvlew 2698L. BROTHERHOOD OF PAINTERS—Local No. 138—Meets second an fourth Thursdays of each montb, room 808, Labor Temple. President, John McMeil; financial secretary, Geo. H. Weston; recording secretary, Jas. Wilson, room 803, Labor Temple. STREET AND ELECTRIC RAILWAY EM- ployees, Pioneer Division, No. 101— Meets Labor Temple, second and fourth Wednesdays at 8 p.m. President, J. Hubble; vice-president, E. S. Cleveland; recording sec. tary, A. V. Lofting, 2561 Trinity etreet, pbone Highland 168R; financial secretary and business agent, Fred A. Hoover, 2409 Clark drive, office corner Union and Main streets. JOURNEYMEN TAILORS* UNION OF America, Local No. 178—Meetings held first Monday in each month, 8 p.m. Presidont, Francis Williams; vice-president Miss H. Gutteridge; recording seeretary, W. W. Hocken, Box 608; flnanclal secretary, V. Wood, P. 0. Box 603. to represent Nanaimo City in 1900, and took bis sent in the House on February 21st, 1901. Ho was elected to take the placo of Ralph Smith, then Independent Labour Representative, who had resigned his seat for the purpose of entering into the contest in the Dominion. Mr. Hawthornthwaite was elected as a representative of the Independent Labour Party, and, upon the breaking up of that party in the Province, joined the Socialist Pnrty nnd has Bince represented the working class only in the House. During the First Session he introduced several Bills of importance to workers, more especially the miners ot his District. The first Bill introduced waB for tho purposo of providing an examination for Coal Minors.' A great many nccidents had occurred in British Columbia and members of tho Miners' Union thought that this was partly owing to the unskilled men working at thc "face." The Bill provided that r- miner should work at tbo "faco, '' cutting,'' sheoring, breaking .. loosening conl, who is not in possession of a Certificate of Competency. Mr. James Dunsmuir was Premier in the House at thot time and a fiorce passage at arms took place across the floor of tbo House between him and the mom ber for Nanaimo. Tho Minister of Minos, however, promptly adjourned the debate, and the Tjovornment shortly afterwards announced its acceptance of tho Bill. Later on when the Bill was brought down by the Governmont, Mr. Hawthornthwaite added somo further amendments, which provided that shot lighters, fire bosses and overmen should nlso have to undergo an examination to prove their competency and be provided with Certificates. Thia amendment was also accepted by the Oovernment. In the same year, when the Government brought down "An Act to pro- vide for the Collection of a Tax on Persons," he introduced an amendment exempting persons over sixty yeara of age from the Poll Tax which carried, nnd another which exempted all firemen, or members of a fire brigade which was defeated. Jn 1902 he introduced nn amendment to a Bill relating to Trades Unions. It wns the first measure ,'ntrodiiced in the Dominion of Canada for the purpose of protecting Trndes Unions nnd their Funds. Old Country workingmen knew the far-reaching effects of the celebrated Taffvale decision, whicli first drove the English Trades Unionists to take political action. Immediately following this decision, Mr. Hawthornthwaite introduced his amendment, which completely protects the funds of the Unions and until 1907 it was tho only Act of the sort in the British Empire. The following is the important clause:— "No trade union nor nny combination of workmen or employees in British Columbia, nor tho trustees of Buch union or combination, in their respective capacity shall be liable in damages for any wrongful act or commission or omission in connection with nny strike, lockout or labour dispute unless the members of such union or combination or its council, committee or other governing body, acting within tbe authority or jurisdiction given sucli council, committee or other governing body by the rules, regulations or directions of such union or combination or tho resolutions or directions of such resident in the locality or a majority thereof, shnll have authorized, or shall have been a concurring party in, such wrongful aot." \ It was formerly tho practice in this Province for tho employors of Labor on Election Days to prevent their working men from voting by detaining them at work. To prevent this, Mr. Hawthornthwaite introduced an ame*d- ment to the Provincial Elections Act, which he Buceooded in carrying through the House. It enacts as follows: "Polling Day in any Riding shall be i a Public Holiday, and overy registered | elector of the Riding who is within the Riding on that day, and who is a workmon or employee by hire, shall be allowed by ,his employer to be free from IiIb emploment on that day for ot least four consecutive hours between the opening nnd closing of the poll, and every employer who offends against this provision without reasonable justification shall bo liable to a penalty of not moro than $100, to be recovered under tho 'Summary Convictions Act and amendments.' " Ho noxt introduced at the request of the Engincors' Association, an amendment to the "Boilers InBpoction Act." This was defeated, but was re-introduced on the following yearB until it curried, with numerous amendments of a liko nature. Mr. Hawthornthwaite introduced thiB yeur tho celebrated Workmen's Compensation Aet and after a fiorce debate, lasting nearly a month, succeeded in carrying it through tho House. It is simpler in its operations than tho English Compensation Act, and has been tho means of securing, since ils enactment, tens of thousands of dollars for workmon injured, and the dependents of those killed. Tho Manufacturers' Association put up nn organizod fight against tho passage of this I Bill, and huve recently moved in tho direction of huving its provisions amended In tho interests of tho employing class, or entirely superseded, lt is probable, therefore, that during the next Hcssion of the Local Legislature stops will be taken to repeal the Act and introduce somo form of insuranco to which the workors will bo compelled to contribute. Tho great benefit derived from the Compensation Act is SYNOPSIS OP OOAL MUTING BEOULA- not bo much the amount received by TIONS. way of compensation for injury but a_-&___aa-&-t\\W& »«* "» S^^r_\ ""^ rf kon Terirtory, the Northwest Territories and making employers of labour more core- in a portion of the Province of British Colum- i'ul in their operations and hence re bia, may be leased for a term of twenty-one ducing tho number of so-cnlled acci- years at an annual rental of $1 an aore. Not , . ° , . ,, , . more than 2,560 acres will be leaaed to one dents. An insuranco schemo would not applicant. _ .... have the same effect. Mr. Hawthornthwaite moved, during J. It. HAWTHORNTHWAITE'S RECORD IN THE LEGISLATURE J. H. Hawthornthwaite was olected coal mined or obtained, then the weight TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION, NO. 226—Meetn last Sunday of eaoh month at 2 p.m. President, H. C. Benson; vice-president, W. R. Trotter; secretary-treasurer, R. H Neelands, P. 0. Box 66. PROVINCIAL UNIONS B. C. FEDEBATION OF LABOR—Meets in annual eonvention in January. Exeo utive officers, 1916-17 i Preaident, Jaa. H. Mc Vety; vice-presidents — Vancouver, John Brooks, E. Morrison: Victoria, C. Siverts; New Westminster, W. Yates; Prince Rupert, W, E. Thompson, P. 0. Box 1SS; RosBland. H. A. Stewart; District 28, U. M. W. of A (Vancouver Island), W. Head; District 18, U. M. W. of A. (Crows Nest Valley), A. J Carter. Socretary-trcasu-er, A. S. Wells, P 0. Box 1538, Victoria, B. 0. VIOTOBIA, B. 0. VICTORIA TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL—Meets lirst and third Wednesday, Labor Hull, 1424 Govornment atreet, at 8 p.m. President, E. Christopher, Box 387; vice-president, Christian Slvorts, 1278 Don- man street; secretary, B. Simmons, Box 302, Vlotoria, B. 0. INTERNATIONAL UNION OF STEAM AND OPERATING ENGINEERS—Local 446, Victoria, B. 0. P. 0. address Box 92, Looal anion meets flrst and third Sunday, 10 a.m, Place of meeting, Labor Hall, DeCosmoi blk. President, J. Johns, 822 Dallas road; secre- tarv- -J. M. Amor, 1046 McCIure streot; business1 agent, S, Cullum, phone 1101R. NEW WESTMINSTER. B. 0. BARTENDERS' INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE of America, local 784, Now Westminster Meets second Sunday of eaoh month at 1*30 p.m, Secretary, g. W. Jameson, Box 496. PRINCE BUPERT, B. 0. PRINCE RUPERT TRADES AND LABOR Council—Meets second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, In Carpenters' hall. Pre sident, S. D, Macdonald; aeeretary, J. J Anderson, Box 273, Princo Rupert, B. 0. SOUTH WELLINGTON, V. I. LOCAL UNION, NO. 872, U. M. W. OF A.- Meets second and fourth Sunday of each month, Bt 8.60 p.m., Richards Hall. President, Walter Head; vloo-presidont, Wm. Iven: recording secretary, Jas. Bateman; flnanclal socretary, S. Portray; treasurer, J. H. Richardson. ^&&m Of America rf£br COPYKICHT cUMDE HARK REGISTERED 1903 Voto against prohibition! Demand personal liberty in choosing what you will drink. Ask for this Label when purchasing Deer, Ah> or Porter, as a guarantee that It is Union Mado. This Is our Label Applications for lease must bo made by the Ppllcant In person to tho Agent or Sub-Agent ,,, , , , -. of the district in which the rights applied this year also, minimum wages for for are situated. " skilled labour employed on railroad con- ArSSft iJlAJwitoi4.'; ^T' ™s ™» d<*»">d ^»'■"•e° sections, and in onsnrveyed territory the majority, tract applied for shall be staked by the ap-: In 1003 Col. Prior came into the P Each^pTlilatlon muat bo accompanied by % <? 1Promicr> and ™ for tt limo ''•. !p.6 ot ?5.. which will be refunded if the | sustained by a na rights applied for are not available, but not 1 otherwise. A royalty shall be paid on the merchantable output of tho mine at the Nte of flvo cents per ton. Thn person operating the mine shall furnish the Agent with aworn returns accounting for the full quantity of merchantable coal mined and par the royalty thereon. Ii the coal mining rights are not being operated. I snch returns should be furnished at least once a year. Tho lease will Include the coal mining rirpts only, hut the lessee may be permitted to purchnno whatever available surface righti may be considered necessary for tho working of the mlno at the rate or 110 an aero. Fnr full Information application sionld h* jmade to the Seeretary of tho Department of liho Interior, Ottawa, or to any Agent or Sub ('Agent of Dominion Lands. W. H. CORY. Depnty Minister of the Interior. N. B.—Unauthorised publication of this s9 , vert If em «•• wtl* t^t bo paid for—80690 narrow majority. During his Premiership Mr. Hawthornthwaite introduced several important amendments to tho "Coal Minos Reg" lation Act," every onc of which wero defeated. It is worthy of note, howover, that in subsequent soss'ions these amendments were re-introduced until many of them wore enacted. Tho following aro the amendments referred to:— "No person sbnll be employed underground in any conl mine for moro thnn eight hours from bank to bank in every twenty-four hours.'' , "Where minors or mine labourers are employed in mining or getting out coal under contract or by agreement at a given or ngreed prico for each ton of of such ton of coal shall not exceed two thousand two hundred and forty pounds, *' "Where miners or mine labourers are employed underground in mining, digging or getting coal under contract or by agreement at a given, fixed or agreed price for oach ton of coal mined or obtained, then the wages earned or accruing to such miners or mine labour ers shall be paid in full at periods not less frequent than once in ovory two weeks.'' "In plaees where it is found to bc not reasonably practicable to constantly keep a reasonable supply of timber in a working place, thon it shall bo the duty of the owner, ngent or manager to omploy skilled mon (othor than the miners or-mine labourers employed under contract or by agreoment in getting or mining coal at a givon or agreed price per ton in such working places) to properly and safely timber such working places" Soon after the defeat of this measure, Col, Prior lost the confidence of the House, and Bichard McBride was called upon as Premier. It was under his regime that Mr. Hawthornthwaite's new law, relating to Trades Unions, was voted upon, and Mr. McBride made his celebrated comment, '' that Hawthornthwaite wus taking up two-thirds of the time of tho House with his labour legislation." The following is the Penalty Clause of the Bill, which will show its purpose: "An employee shall, at all times be at liberty to join a Trades Union or similar Labour Associations, international or otherwise, and any employer who discharges an employee, or discriminates in any way against an employee for becoming or being about to become, or having "become, a member of any such Trades Union or Association, acts illegally and may be enjoined therofor, and shall nlso be liable to prosecution under the ' Summary Convictions Act' and amending acts, before two Justices of Peace, or a Police Magistrate, and upon conviction for such offence shall be liable to a penalty or fine, not exceeding $1000" The following is the vote:— FOR—Neil, Curtiss, HouBton, Hawthornthwaite. AGAINST—Every other member of the House, including every Conservative. Mr. Hawthornthwaite introduced in this year a number of amendments for the purpose of obtaining the Coal Rights for tho settlors inside the E. & N. Railway Belt, all of which were defeated. In 1903-04 the McBride Oovernment was returned to pover with a narrow majority, labour in the Province being represented by two Socialists and one Independent, W. Davidson. While not having the power to defeat the Governmont still their strong opposition enabled the Socialist members to introduce, and force through, much labour legislation, a position which as a Liberal paper expressed it: "They mercilessly took advantage of." Mr. Hawthornthwaite introduced his Eight Hour "bank to bank" amendment to the Coal Mines Regulation Act, whieh carried. He followed this with several amendments to the Steam Boilers Inspection Act, which were carried and placod that Bill in a fairly satisfactory shape for tho Engineers' Association. Ho noxt took up the position: of the Farmers under the new Assessment Act, and introduced an amendment which exempted the farmer's stock and effects, up to $500, and reduced the tnxa- tion upon farms of the assessed value of $1000 or under, some 40 per cent. Both of these amendments carried. Ho next took up the Game Act an*, brought in an amendment preventing the shooting of doer for sale, whieh was accepted by tho Govornment. Following this, he introduced two amendments to the Provincial Elections Aet, of vast importance to the working class in its effort to obtain political supremacy. Tho first was au amendment to reduce the deposit as required from candidates, from $200 to $100, which aftor a hot and long fight was finally carried through. His amendment allowing voters to transfer thoir votes from any District up to thirty days before aa election was curried without much objection. He introduced this yoar tho Settlers' Rights Act, which was nccepted by tho Government and mode law. This Bill has boen strenuously contested by tho E. & N. .Ruilway Company in tho Courts. It has successfully withstood all assaults. It has been tho means of opening up somo four new coal mines on the Island, and has proved of materiul benefit to farmers residing inside the Railway belt and owning these lands. He introduced au amendment making it compulsory to railroad corporations to givo freo transportation to Judges, Assessors and members of tho Legislature. This was defeated by a narrow majority. In 1905, not boing satisfied with the Penalty Clauses in the Eight Hour Bill in Coal Minos, which the E, & N. Railway Company was attacking in the Courts, ho introduced some further amendments which woro carried and mado tho Bill impregnable. Mr. Haw- thornthwaile followed this with a Bill dealing with the manufacture and sale of explosives, which provides that "ovory cartridge, stick, parcel or pack- ago containing uny explosive, excepting gun powder, for uso in mining, quarrying, blasting, farming or other industrial occupations, shall have printed or stamped thereon in legible characters— (a)—Tho month and year whon such explosive was manufactured; (b)—The percentage of explosive materiul contained." Heavy penalties wero attached for any default of this law, which was carried. He next took up the fight of tho Matflqui Farmers in connection with the Dyking Act, and succeeded in embodying their wishes in certain amendments to that Act, receiving a hearty voto of thanks from them for his efforts. Ho noxt amended tho Assessment Act reducing tho taxation upon farms of tho assessed value of $2000, or under, and was successful in having this enacted Tho Eight Hour Day in Smelters- First introduced by Mr. Hawthornth- waito in this Session, was defented on tlie following vote:— FOR—McNiven, Jones, ' Davidson, Henderson, Hawtltnrnthwnite, Williams, Houston, Clifford, Fraser, Gif- ford, MacQowan, Shatford. AGAINST—Mclnnis, Drury, King, Brown, Murphy, Evans, Tanner, Oliver, Munro, Paterson, Hall, Cameron, Tntlow, McBride, Cotton, Ellison, Bowser, Rosb, A, McDonald, Greon, Fulton, Garden, Taylor, Wright, Young, Grant. His amendment to the Workmen's Compensntion Act increasing the amount of compensation from $1500 to ; PAGE FIVE $2500, was carried through two stages, but was finallv defeated by the adjournment of the House. He succeeded in carrying through an important amendment to the Natal Act dealing with the class of settlers whieh should be. admitted into this Province. During this session Mr. Richard Hall introduced his notorious amendment to the Eight Hour Bank to Bank in coal mines, endeavoring to eliminate the "Bank to Bank" clause und thus make the eight hours from the "face." The fight over this amendment is historical and led to much bitterness against Mr, Hawthornthwaite by the Coal Operators ia the Province. After several heated debates Mr.'Hall's amendment was finally defeated by a small majority. In 1906, Mr. Hawthornthwaite introduced an Act to extend the franchise to women. Thia Bill was defeated by a large majority. The Conservative Party voting solid against it, Mr. McDonald, the former leader of the Liberal Party, voting with them. Mr. Hawthornthwaite next introduced tho "Ambulance Act," as an amendment to the Coal -Mines Regulation Act. It provides that: "A candidate for a certificate of competency as manager, overman, shift boss, fireboss or shotlighter, shall produce a certificate from a duly qualified medical doctor showing that he haB taken a course in ambulance work fitting him, the said candidate, to give first aid to men injured in coal mining operations." "Tho owner shall provide one good and sufficient ambulance box in every mine for each one hundred men employed therein" This carried. For the second time he introduced the Shops Regulation Act amendment Act, but was obliged to let it drop owing to tho lack of interest taken in it by those directly interested. He introduced this year an extension to tho Settlers' Right Act, giving settlers, who had failed to file their claim under the previous Bill, twelve months further time. This was defeated. A Bill was introduced this year for the purpose of amending the Boilers Inspection Act, which bill was highly objectionable to the Engineers throughout tho Province.. Tbe Socialists proceeded, for the first time, to clever methods of obstruction, and defeated the original clauses in the Bill, and succeeded in replacing thom by four amendments introduced ' by Mr. Hawthornthwaite, at tho request of the Association. His Amendment to the Columbia and Western Railway Subsidy Act, 1896, reads as follows: "Provided alwayB that where any settler or squatter has occupied continuously, or improved to a reasonable extent, or made written application for, prior to tho year 190B, a portibn of land not exceeding 160 acres in extent, situated within the Crown land granted by the said Act, he Bhall be entitled to receive from the said Company a grant for same in accordunce with existing regulations governing the disposal by pre-emption of Crown lands.'' This carried In this Session his amendment to the Provincial Elections Act reducing the deposit required from candidates, was finally made law and he also succeeded in carrying through the House an important resolution dealing with the regulation of Slaughter Houses. In the fall of this year a general Provincial Election took place and Mr. McBride was returned to power with a strong majority. A number of important Bills were introduced by Mr. Hawthornthwaite during tho next throe Sessions of the Legislature but owing to the strong position held by tho Conservative Government his succobb was, naturally, not great. In 1907, ho succeeded, as the result of a three-years' fight, in carrying through the Eight Hour Day in Smelters, which brought relief to the seriously-exploited Workers in those industries. Previous to the enacting of this measure, Bmoltermen were employed eleven hours per day and thirteen hours at night work. It was stated that the pus- sage of this Act would ruin the smelter industries of this Provinco, but judging by the enormous'profits obtained by thc Granby and other smelters since its enactment, no such disastrous results have accrued. His Bill to amend the "Workmen's Compensation Act" by striking out the words "or serious neglect" which hud boen introduced into the bill whon first enacted, and which somewhat hampers the oporation of the Act, wus defeated on the following vote: FOR—King, Nudcn, Eagleson, Jones, Yorsten, Kergin, Hall, OHvor, J. A. Macdonald, Headerson, Munro, Jardine, Brewster, Williams, Hawthornthwaite, J. Mclnnis—16. AGAINST—Tatlow, McBrido, Fulton, Ellison, Bowser, Ross, Shatford, Mc- Phillips, Thomson, Hunter, Cotton, Young, Taylor, MacGowan, Gifford, Grant, McGuire, Hayward, Parson, Davey, Schofield—21. The Liberal members supported the amendment. He introduced a furthor amendment to the Assessment Act reducing thc tux ation upon farmers, which was nlso defeated bdt succeeded in carrying through uu amendment to the Elections Act, which made it easior for workors to transfer their votes. In 19118, Mr. Hawthoriitlnvaite tempted to impeach James Dunsmuir, Lieutenant-Governor of tho Province, in connection with his endeavor to bring into the Provinco fur use in his mines sonic five hundred Japanese miners. His effort was finally defeated after u bitter struggle in tlie House in whieh Mr. Hawthornthwaite narrowly escaped suspension or expulsion for his alleged defiance of tho rules. Failing fo make liis impeachment good in tho House he took his fight un tlio public platform in spite of threats of arrest. In this year he introduced a minimum wnge clause of $2.50 for the lowest form of unskilled labour fnr workers employed on railroad construction. Tho object of this Bill, of coarse, was for the purpose of excluding Oriental labour. It was defeated on the following voto: FOR—Jones , Henderson, Brewster, Hawthornthwaite, Yorston, Jardine, Williams, Mclnnis—8. AGAINST—King, Bowser, Huntur, Behnsoh, Nadon, Cotton) Fulton, Man- son, Hall, Ellison, Young, Hayward, Eagleson, Ross, Taylor, Maekay, Kergin, Shatford, Garden, Parson, Munro, MOPhilllps, Gifford, Davoy, Tatlow, Thomson, Orant, Schofleld, McBrido— 29. Three amend ments introduced by him to the Factories Act to provide for the exclusion of Child Labour, an Eight Hour Day in Laundries and an Eight Hour Day for Nurses, wero defeated. At the request of a deputation of farmers from Comox Valley, another amondinent to the Vnncouver Island Sot- tiers' Rights Act, .1904, provided for a further extension of time for all those settlors who had failed to get nn application on tho first Act. This Bill was defeated on the following vote: FOR—Hall, Oliver, Munro, Williams, Jones, Macdonald, Jardine, Hawthornthwaite, Yorston, Henderson, Brewster, Mclnnis, Kergin—13. AGAINST—Tatlow, Shatford, Taylor, McGuire, McBride, McPhillips, Garden, Maekay, Bowser, Thomson, Gifford, Parson, Cotton, Hunter, Behnsen, Davey, Ellison, Fulton, Manson, Schofiold, Boss, Young—22. He next introduced an Act entitled "An Act to Amend 'An Act Relating to the Island Railway, the Graving Dbck and Railway Lands of the Province, 1884' " This Bill was an attompt to amend the Settlement Act of 1884, with the object of giving all settlers in the E. & N. Railway Belt or purchasers of land from such settlers up to 1887, their coal rights. On Mr. McBride's motion this Bill was ruled out of order by the Speaker, who was sustained on the following vote: FOB—Hall, Jardine, McPhillipB, Manson, Eagleson, Tatlow, Hunter, Hayward, Jones, McBrido, Fulton, McGuire, Yorston, Bowser, Young, Maekay, Kergin, Cotton, Taylor, Parson, Macdonald, Ellison, Garden, Davey, Henderson, Ross, Gifford, Munro, Shatford, Behnsen, Schofield—31. AGAINST—Brewster, Williams, Hawthornthwaite—4. , At the request of the TradeB and Labor Council of the City of Vancouver, Mr. Hawthornthwaite, next introduced an Act to amend tho Hours of Labour of Telegraphers und Signalmen: the following being the enacting clause: '' No operator shall be employed for a longer period than eight hours in any twenty-four; provided always that nothing herein contained shall prevont sueh employment in case of an accident, or for tho purpose of saving human life." "Twenty-four hours, for the.purposo of thiB Aet, ahall mean from midnight to midnight." . The urgent necessity for the passage of such a Bill is well known, signalmen and telegraphers are frequently kept at their posts from twelve to nineteen hours at a stretch, and this is one of the most prolific causes of railroad collisions and accidents. Notwithstanding this, however, the Bill received scant courtesy and was defeated on the following vote: FOR—King, Oliver, Jardine, Hawthornthwaite, Nnden, Macdonald, Brewster, Mclnnis, Hall, Henderson, Williams, Schofield, Kergin, Munro— 14. AGAINST—Tatlow, McPhillipB, Taylor, Manson, McBrido, Thomson, Garden, Hayward, Bowser, 'Hunter, Macgowan, McGuire, Cotton, Fulton, Gifford, Maekay, Ross, Young, Shatford, Behnsen, Davey—21. A great agitation was carried on in the Province in 1908 to prevent further influx of Japanese, who had been coming into tho Province in hordes. It had been stated upon the floor of the Houso repeatedly by different Attorney-Generals, that the Province had no power to deal with these people so as to prevent their employment in' the different industries. Mr. Hawthornthwaite, however, succeeded in drafting a Bill, which iB intra vires, that is within the power of tbe Province to enact. It is known as an " Act to Regulate Employment in Dangerous Industries." The following are the enacting' clauses: "No person who shall fail to road or write this Act in the English language or in any language of Europe, shall be employed in any of the industries named und set out in Section 4 of this Act. Tho following industries, for the purpose of this Act, shall be classed as dangerous industries: Coal mines, powder works, sawmills, quarries, lumber camps, metalliferous mines, cement works, shingle mills, sash and door factories and planing mills." The Attorney- Gone ral admitted that this Bill was constitutional, but opposed it on the ground that it would throw Manson, Hall, McBride, Fulton, Hay- Ward, Eagleson, Bowser, Young, McGuire, Jones, Cotton, Taylor, Maekay, Yorston, Ellison, Garden, Parson, Kergin, Boss, Macgowan, Davey, Macdonald, Shatford, Gifford, Munro, McPhillips, Grant, Schofiold—35. In 1909, Mr. Hawthornthwaite introduced an Act to amend the Coal Mines Regulation -Act, which contained the following provisions: "If, in any mine, the winding apparatus is not provided with some automatic contrivance to prevent overwinding, then the cage, when men are being raised, shall not be wound up at a speed exceeding three miles an hour, after the cage has reached a point in tho shaft to be fixed by special rules." '' There shall be attached to every cage when used for lowering and raising persons in any shaft, a proper and adequate automatic safety clutch, which will effectually prevent tho falling of any cage upon tbe breaking of the rope or the failure of the brake to operate." This Act shall come into force upon the 1st day of May, 1910. This Bill was carried after much discussion and considerable delay. As ihe Coal Mines Regulation Act stood, the examiners for Coal Miners applying for certificates had to be actually working in the Colliery in which the men were employed, who applied for these Certificates of Competency. Mr. Hawthornthwaite succeeded in having the words "actually working in the Colliery" struck oat. This is an important advantage in certain sections of the mining communities in British Columbia. Two further important amendments of his, however, went down llo defeat. One provided that: "Every person employed underground in any mine shall be paid at intervals not to exceed once in every two weeks, and no contract "shall be entered into that provides for payment of" wages or remuneration at longer intervals than once in two weeks.'' This was defeated on the following vote: FOB—Naden, Yorston, Jardine, Hawthornthwaite, Hall, Oliver, Brewster, J. Mclnnis, Eagleson, Henderson, Williams, Boss, Jones—13. AGAINST—King, Ellison, Taylor, Manson, Macdonald, Shatford, Garden, Hayward, Munro, McPhillips, Macgowan, McGuire, Tatlow, Thomson, Gifford, Maekay, McBride, Hunter, Grant, Parson, Bowser, Fulton, Behnsen, Davey, Cotton—25. The other provided that: "Notwithstanding anything contained in any Act to the contrary, an inquest shall be held by the Coroner, on the bodies of all persons whose death may have been caused by explosion or any accident in any mine." It was defeated on the following vote: FOR—King, JoneB, Henderson, Williams, Naden, Yorston, Munro, Hawthornthwaite, Hall, Oliver, Jardine, Eagleson, Macdonald, Brewster, Mcln nis—15. AGAINST—Tatlow, Shatford, Taylor, Manson, McBride, McPhillips, Garden, Hayward, Bowser, Thomson, Macgowan, McGuire, Cotton, Hunter, Gifford, Maekay, Ellison, Fulton, Grant, Parson, Robb, Young, Behnsen, Davey- 24. Mr. Hawthornthwaite next succeeded in carrying the following resolution dealing with the Liquor Traffic in thiB Province; but the Government has not seen its wny to carry it into effect. His position on this mntter has been much misrepresented. It is evident, however that had the government car- rried the resolution into effect the people of thc Province would hnve been in possession of valuable information a great many of the Orientals out of ] which would havo enabled them to cast employment and create a possiblo con fusion and difficulty in the operation of the industries specified. It is well known, however, that thero were some fifteen or twenty thousand white men unemployed in the Province at that time, Nanaimo alone contributing somo three or four hundred. These mon could easily have taken thc places of the dismissed Orientnls, who might readily havo been shipped back to the countries from which thoy came. Notwithstanding these facts, however, tho Bill was defeated on the following vote: FOR—Henderson, WilliamB, Hawthornthwaite, Jardine, Mclnnis—5. AGAINST—King, Munro, McPhillips, Grant, Nnden, Brewster, Thomson, Behnsen, Hall, Tatlow, Hunter, Man- son, Eagleson, McBrido, Fulton, Hayward, Jones, Bowser, Young, McGuire, Yorston, Cotton, Taylor, Maekay, Kergin, Ellison, Garden, Parson, Oliver, Ross, Macgowan, Dovoy, Macdonald, Shntford, Gifford, Schofield—36. Ho next introduced an Act to Regulate the Hours of Lnbor in Marine and Shipbuilding Works, which met n similar fate. The operatives in these works, iu Esquimalt, had been an strike for a considerable time for nn Eight Hour Dny. It was rofusod by their employers on the ground that this concession would plnco them at a disadvantage with similar industries in Vancouvor nnd elBewhoro. This Bill would have placed them all upon a similar footing and settle the strike, nevertheless, it was defeated on tho following voto: FOR—Jardine, Williams, Hawthornthwaite, J. Mclnnis, Henderson-— AGAINST—King, Naden, Tatlow, Thomson, Hunter, Brewster, Behnsen, an intelligent vote. This is tho motion: "Whereas it is in the interest of tho people of this Province,and of humanity that some solution of evils arising out of traffic in intoxicating liquors be arrived at: Whereas local option, which aims at prohibition in given locnlitios, of the sale of intoxicating liquors, Is objectionable from certain standpoints and ineffectivo ors a remedy: Whereas the Government hns decided to grant a plebiscite at some future date on this question: '■ i WhereaB it has been shown that the Gothenburg system of manufacturing and distributing intoxicating liquors removes many of tho evils complninod of; and Whereas it iB desirable thnt the people of this Province, before taking a plebiscite, be seized of full iaforma- tion on the question: Bo it, therefore, resolved, that an address be presented to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, nBking him to tnko into consideration thc ndvisibility of appointing a Royal Commission immediately, to inquire into nil matters in relation tf* the mnnufnct'ire and sale *'f intoxicating liquors in this Province, with n view to ascertaining tho nmount of liquor manufactured, imported, and sold in the Province, tho nmount of enpitnl invested, the number of wnge- earners employed, tho estimated profits obtained by such employment, and farther to obtain such information in regard to the Gothenburg system ns may onable tho pooplo to Intelligently comprehend its merits or demerits with n view to the possible adoption nnd establishment of this system, or a niodifica- W. R. OWEJK Malleable RugH, tOMt lad Heir? Hudwan; aena dooti and window.. 2337 MAIN 8T. Pbone: loll. 447 Vancouver Pickle Co. aak for B. O. HOME BBANP PICKLES, KETCHUP, SAUCE ElgUaadtl Factory 801 PoweU Jobbing Work a Specialty E. A. BAILEY PLUHBZHO AMD UTEAjmTTWa Phone Bay, 186 and Rm, Bay. 77 1033 OBANVXLLS ST., tion of it. in the Province of British Columbia." He again introduced a Bill to extend, the Franchise to Women. It, however, met the fate of its predecessors, being defented on the following vote: ' FOB—Naden, Oliver, Jardine, Hawthornthwaite, Hall, Henderson; Brewster, Mclnnis, Jones, Monro, Williams, Garden, Yorston—13. AGAINST—Eagleson, Boss, Young, Hayward, Macdonald, Shatford, Taylor, Maekay, Tatlow, McPhillips, Macgowan, Parson, McBride, Thomson, Grant, Davey, Bowser, Hunter, Behnsen, Schofield, Ellison, Fulton, Man- son—23. The Conservative Party, aa - usual, voted solidly against this measure. Mr. Hawthornthwaite succeeded in securing the passage of some important amendments to an "Act dealing witb the Profession of Medicine anl Surgery," which were much appreciated by the osteopaths and the retail druggists throughout the Province. His Act to amend the Shop Regulation Act, 1900, which would reduce the hours of employees, provide a weekly and other holidays and improve the general position of shop assistants, wai again withdrawn owing to lack of interest and support. Mr. Bowser, this year, introduced hie Act to amend the Provincial Hegulntion Act, which provided that upon a voter ceasing to reside in any District, hie name could be struck off the list. There can be no question but that thie amendment was aimed at the right of the proletarian workers to vote. Formerly, a voter had to leave the province before his name conld be struck off, but this device would have enabled the registrar to strike the names of thousands of workers off the lists who had merely left the district for a few weekB in search of work. Tho fight pat up by the Socialists In the House against his iniquitous measure will long be remembered For over two weeks tho three members succeeded in obstructing tho passage of the Bill unaided. Tho Liberal party in the House then joined forces with them and Mr. Bowser, with his associates, Bpeedily came to terms, accepting a modification of the Socialist proposals. Mr. Hawthornthwaite 'a motion to publish the names in some local paper of all voters proposed to be struck off being accepted, twenty-one days, however, being inserted instead of thirty dnys, ae originally proposed. Mr. Mclnnis' motion requiring twelve month's absence, wns reduced to six months and accepted also. In this resume, no attempt hns been mnde to give In full detail all the various Bills, Amendments, and Motions jntroducod by Mr. Hawthornthwaite; sufficient hns been given, however, to Bhow the nature ana volume of the work undertaken nnd accomplished by him. Secretary S. P. o* C. Mr. Hawthornthwalte was two years longer in the local Legislature after this record was printed and brought in mnny important amendments of great benefit to tbe working people. A world filled with worry and woes is sighing and praying for peace; but thero will be no lasting peace until Labor comes into its own. When Labor BCOgnlzod as the greatest factor in the world, and given a voico in tho na- ionnl councils of the governments— vheii it is conceded its rightful place is the most important force in nntionnl Ifo and in the councils and congresses if the world, then there will be a banco for permanent pOaeo nnd real progress.—O. A. Tveitmore. TO INVESTORS THOSE WHO, FROM TIME TO TIME, HAVE FUNDS REQUIRING INVESTMENT DOMINION OF CANADA DEBENTURE S TOOK Principal repayable 1st October, 1019. Interest payable half-yearly, let April and 1st October by cheque (free of exchange at any chartered Bank in Canada) at tho rate of five per cent per annum from tho date of purchase. Holders of thin stock will have the privilege of surrendering at par uid accrual interest, as thc equivalent of cosh, in payment, of any allotment made under any futuro war loan issue in Canada oilier than nn issue of Treasury Bills .or other like short dato security. Proceeds of this stock are for war purposes only. ( A commission of one*quartcr of onc per cent will bo allowed to recognised bond and stock brokers on allotments made in respect of applications for this Htock which bear their stomp. For application forms apply to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ottawa. DEPARTMENT OP FINANCE, OTTAWA OCTOBER 7th, 1916. PAGE SIX THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST FRIDAY... ..February 2,1917 FREE HOMESTEADS BRITISH COLUMBIA Along line of P. G. E. Railway open park line lands. The finest mixed farming lands in the province. ** - Good water, best of hunting and fishing. The Bottlers who have gone in there are all boosters, as they are making good. If you want to go back to the land, write A. S. WILLIAMSON LAND CRUISER PACIFIC GREAT EASTERN RAILWAY Welton Block. Vancouver Great Northern Transfer Co. LIMITED (McNeill, welch a wilson, limited) Cartage Agents—Furniture, Piano and Safe Removers. Baggage, Express and Motor Truck Service 80 Pender East Phones, Day and Night, Sey. 604-605 PURE FOOD There is nothing in the nature of compound in the FAMOUS "SQUIRREL" BRAND PEANUT BUTTER which is an absolutely pure food, both nourishing and delicious. Hade up to a standard and sold at the standard price of 25c per 1-lb., in bulk and in 1-tb. tins. 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Dr. Brett Anderson Crown and Bridge Special* i 002 HASTINGS STREET Cor. 3*vnmir $5 I NEW POLITICAL CABINET OF OfflCM open BitortUyi tn One p.m. Means Anxious Moments for Lands Bordering on the Pacific Ocean READERS, ATTENTION! When you are through with this copy of The Fedorationist, take it along on your way to work and leave it on the car seat. Hand a copy to your acquaintances now and then. Among yoar friendB and fellow workers aro many who would appreciate a certain article. Mark the item for them; they will enjoy reading it. Many never had a copy of thia paper to read. You can place every copy where it will find new readers. Don't destroy this copy, but pass it along. New Prime Minister Stands for Militarism and Expansion (By W. Francis Ahern.) SYDNEY, N. S. W., Jan. 2.—(Spe- cial correspondence to The Federatlonist.)—It can be said that the downfall ot the Okuma cabinet in Japan was due to the Jingo party of that country objecting to the peaceful pas* siveuess of Okuma as prime minister. Okuma had a profound respect for Western dictation and restriction, and wished least of all to defy the outside world. This was due to his long experience of Western methods, his knowledge of the English and American tempers as few men ln Japan know them. And right here, let me say that It was entirely against Oku* ma's personal wish that the famous demands were made on China in January, 1915, but he had to run with the Jingoes or expose the cabinet he was head* of to grave danger. The hand of the Jap froeign minister was too strong for Okuma, yet because he could not defy Western scruples he was eliminated. But the Jingoes set to work to make further Interference ln Chinese affairs, and when the southern rebellion tailed they brought about the Chengoniatan affair. Okuma, how* ever, failed to take the hint to depart from the policy of respect of WeBtern opinion, and bis enemies resorting to every device, even to attempts on his life, he had to either go or die. Okuma Ousted. The unfortunate part of the whole business was that Okuma did not belong to either of the two great clans that make Japan's government and policy, and as his fellow* cabinet members were for the most part of the commercial world, he could not win the confidence of the Genro. The latter especially condemned the Okuma cabinet for the method in which it went about the Chinese affair related above, and though the elder statesmen may not have h#d any intention of adding to his downfall, they, in co-operation with the Jingoes, brought about the end of Okuma, politically. FeudalismXWins. When Okuma saw that there was nothing for it but to adopt a Jingo policy he retired. The Qenro, the Jingoes, and the Press were against him, and there waB no other course open to the veteran statesman. When he decided to retire the successor chosen to follow him was Count Terauchl-- then governor general of Korea. Oku. ma made the mistake, however, of consulting wtth Terauchl, and recommending that he be appointed provided he adhered to the old Chinese policy of Okuma, for in this Terauchl refused to-acquiesce. Okuma set him aside at this, and recommended Viscount Kato tor tbe position, but this the Genro would not stand for. Terauchl re. presented the great Chosan Clan, while Kato stood for the commercial classes—and had already made a mess of Japanese diplomacy in China. So the Genro would not have Kato, and went at once to the .Japanese throne and recommended Terauchl. Good Press Censor. Now, Terauchl Is a soldier and a bureaucrat—a man of great Individuality and Independence of character, but he is narrow and unrelenting, consumed with a burning nationalism. He Is the sworn enemy of the freedom of the press, and iB thus hated by the papers of Japan. And as he has suppressed every paper In Korea that dared criticize him, he is bound to lay a heavy hand on the Japanese main* land presB. The Jingoes alone have something to say in his favour, since In him they see a man not afraid to defy Western sentiment and opinion. And so we can entertain considerable anxiety for the peaceful progress of his policies. It Is then that we Bhould keep a watchful eye on Japan's policy tor the next few months at least. WIN Purchase Support. With all the political parties ot Japan dead-set against him, and all the newspapers (with perhaps one or two exceptions) equally opposed, lt Is difficult to see how Terauchi Ib going to fare. Ills only hope lies in buying over sufflclent support to give bim a majority. But as Okuma Is credited with having done this ln hia time, there does not appear any special exception to be taken to tt. Clan Rivalry. The fundamental difficulty in Japanese politics is one not seen by tbe outside world. It lies In the existence of bitter clan rivalry, centuries old. Today lt Is a light between the SatBU- ma and Chosan Clans, with minor clans and their Interests rallying about the two Bupreme opponents on either side. Thus every difference between Japanese policies iB influenced by a deeper difference which is centuries old, and the various powers of government are seized upon to promote clan interests and Jealousies. At present, the army stands for the Choshu (or Chosan) Clan, while the navy stands for the SatBuma. Terauchl and the Genro mainly are Choshu men, and so the Satsuma men and the navy are thrown out. They have been out since the downfall of the Yamamoto cabinet, and during the Okuma cabinet, and for which the latter was never forgiven by the Satsuma. Thus the Okuma cabinet suffered the disadvantage of being on neither one side nor the other, aiming to be Japan's first really party cabinet. But party politics have made but little progress ln Japan, for party politics Is looked on as a degradation of clan politics. Troublous Times Ahead. So Japanese politics can be said to be a system of "wheels within wheolB," without familiarity with which no outsider can understand the drift of national sentiment, much less say what will be the* outcomo of any movement. And then, ln these clan interests, are the gangs of political desperadoes, who assist which side has the most money to spend. But, of course, being well organized they skillfully officer the Jingoes, and thus they have to be reckoned with ln politics, since they know the ways and means of swift life or death. No wonder, then, that Okuma washed his hands of the whole business. There are troublesome times ahead for territories that border on the Pacific, and we can only- look to the outcome with the most careful Interest and anxiety. EMPLOYERS ARE ALSO DISSATISFIED B. C. Manufacturers' Asaoclation Criticise the Appointment on the Compenaation Board. The personnel of the commission recently appointed to carry out the provisions of the B. C. Workmen's Compensation Act, ts still being criticised, employers now Joining hands with labor ln declaring that the appointments of the government do not meet the demands of the case. The voice of labor on the question was raised at a recent meeting of the Trades and Labor council, when a resolution of protest was passed because of the government passing over the claims of Mr. J. H. McVety, who had been endorsed by labor for appointment on the board as the representative of its Interests. On Tuesday evening the B, C, Manufacturers' association took up the question from the standpoint of the employer, and the discussion showed that the manufacturers thought they also had a legitimate "kick" coming on tbe appointment. A committee reported that strong endorsements for the appointment of Mr. A. V. Pineo as chairman of the board had been presented to the pro- vincial authorities and it was promised thatfthe request would receive consideration. Nevertheless, a day or so later, the appointments were gazetted without any attention being given to the suggestion of the employers. The manufacturers took no formal action on the matter, but ln closing the discussion Mr. Curran said that he considered the action of the government in connection with the appointments to theboard had been very Ill-advised. There nre firms doing thousands of dollars worth of business annually in this district that are not contributing one cent towards patriotic funds, and somo others are giving a few dollars annually. The men in the mine and the mill are each contributing more monthly to the different patriotic funds than some of the business houses do annually. Any Woman of thc sewing circle gives ten times 08 much for HbeTty.— Hedley Gazette. Every individual workman owes it to himself, to his family nnd those dependent upon him for thoir livelihood to join with his fellows in the union of his craft to assure himself against the losses incurred by thc lack of employment and in case of sickness, and to leave some competency to hiB ramily when departing from life. Every honest workingman iB bound to protect himself und his family against the vicissitudes and hazards of life, by contributing to a fund that will securo to him some relief in evory emergency that Is likely to befall him. Tho trades union is the best and cheapest institution to afford protection to tbe wnge-earner. "There is a little article'that every body uses, and yot ono nover sees it nd vertised. One looks over the daily and weekly press in vain to find whore it can be purchased. On tnis thoy nro as silent ■ as the tomb. In vain one looks nt the signs on the streot, or in the shop windows for it. It is sold in evory village, and hnmlet In the land, nnd yet no drummer ever carries samples of it and never takes an order for it. Its price never rises, and yot it pays handsomely all who deal in it. And, strange to sny, there is usually but one place in a small town that keeps it. Thoro is always a supply of it—never too m'jch nor too littlo. It is never tnxed, no mattor how many thousand dollars' worth nro in stock. There has novor been any corner or speculation in it and its prico nt wholesnle or retnil is always the samo. It haB never mndo a millionaire or n paupor. The little thing is a -postage stamp, nnd if ull articles wero produced and handled in tho same way, there would bo neither poverty, crime nor in sanity in the world. Trv it. "—Canadian Forward. The lesson is a good one, ns fnr ns it goes. But evon tho proceeds of the snlc of stumps go to tho railroads, corporotion-owncd, who mnke thc government pay through tho nose for currying mnil servico. And the postal employees' pay ouvclopcs bom* little evidence of the millenium. S. S. Krcsge, an extensive owner of 5c and 10c stores in tho United Stntes, employs some thousands of girl clerks at from 05 to $7 per wook wages. While this appears to bo somewhat hard upon the girls, it is omply offset by tho fact that this KreBge person recently gave ♦300,000 toward the erection of a Moth* odist Episcopal church in Detroit, Mich. Thus it mny bo seen thnt the rich mnko sacrifices as woll as the poor. What tho girls employed by Krcsge aro unnblo to obtain in tho way of earthly extravagances, because of tbe scantiness of thoir wages, they can more thnn make up in the way of heavenly blessings, or at loaBt promises thereof, at tho Methoditt Episcopal fountain so generously endowed by their pious employor. And who shall say that they are not tho gainers thorobyt Surely nono but here* tics, doubters and unbelievers, and the evidence of such is not worthy of ered* onco in nny court of tho true faith. Nervous Old Lady-r-Now, are you sure you have tho medicine mixed right f l'orlcy, thc Pharmacist—No, ma'am, I wouldn't go so fnr as that, but I've got it mixed the way tbo doctor ordered it. Compulsory Feature Declared Unwise By U. S. Investigators Arguments for Repeal of Legislation Presented to Cabinet The Lemieux act has come in for some hard knocks recently, the criticisms being put forward ln connection with the hearings of the Interstate Commerce Commission- at Washington, which is considering the advisability of framing similar legislation for the United States, and by the representatives of the Dominion Trades and Labor congress when presenting the congress' request for the repeal of the legislation. At the Washington hearing Mr. Ralph M. Basely of New York, chairman of the National Civic Federation and a well-known authority on the relations of oapital and labor, was outspoken in his expression to the Commission that any U. S. legislation along the lines of the Canadian Industrial disputes Investigation laws would be a serious mistake. Mr. Basely pointed out that according to the author of the Canadian compulsory investigation act the compulsory feature of the law has made more law breakers than all the jails in the Dominion of Canada could hold He also showed that, regardless of the law, in 22 per cent, of the cases the decision of mediators was ignored and strikes ensued. He cited numerous specific Instances where labor disputes developed and where reference to the act failed to bring about amicable settlements. "When we consider," he said, "that Greater New York has a larger population than the whole Dominion of Canada, comparing problems ln Canada to those in the United States seems a little grotesque." In closing, Mr. Easely said: "There are twlee as many disputes, involving five times as many employees, settled by voluntary boards in New York city every year, as ln all the disputes under the Canadian compulsory Investigation act during Its life." A strong statement against the purpose and methods of tbe Lemleux labor legislation waB made by U. S. Senator Borah in connection with the effort to introduce lt In the States, as follows: Opposed to Established Rule. "I do not see Just how those who are advocating the Canadian arbitration law for this country, or any law for effective compulsory Investigation and arbitration, are going to get by certain well established principles. "There seems to be an impression that the whole thing is made easy because we are to deal with a body of men and not a single Individual. In other words, lt is supposed, apparent* ly, that while you cannot compel an Individual to work or to punish him because he quits work, that you can compel a body of men acting collectively or as a union to work or punish them because they agree to quit work. To say that the concerted action of powerful bodies of men shall not be permitted to stop the industrial progress of the nation does not meet the situation at all. It Is true, however, that powerful bodies of men acting together may quit work.' and may decline to accept employment, and If their quitting work has the effect of stopping the operation of trains it is nevertheless their right to quit. "A man's constitutional right, either Individually or collectively, cannot be measured by the amount of Injury which the exercise ot hiB constitutional right may do to society. Employees' Right to Quit. "In my judgment employees have a right either singly or collectively to quit work becauee they are dissatisfied wtth their wages or for any other reason which has to do with tbeir general welfare, such as sanitary conditions, etc., as workingmen. It is just as much an invasion of a man's personal liberty and just as much In contravention of his constitutional right to compel him to remain in the service of another when he is a member or acting witb his union, as lt wrfuld be to com* pel bim to do so if he were acting individually. "If you can prevent men from acting collectively and as a union In regard to their wnges, to their sanitary conditions and to questions of hpalth, surroundings and such things, then you have, of course, destroyed collective bargaining absolutely and have found a way by which to Inhibit collective action upon the part of labor, and It would be the beginning of the end of union labor. "Collective bargaining and collective action both upon the part of capital and labor are in accordance with the spirit and principle of the age, and some other way will be found to adjust these matters than that of taking a backward step and destroying collective bargaining and collective ac tion so long as the action Is for lawful purposes." Ask Repeal of Dominion Act. The criticism of the Lemleux Act by Canadian labor interests was made in the form of a request for the re* peal of the legislation, presented before Premier Borden and his cabinet by representatives of the Dominion Trades and Labor congress. An advance report of the discussion on this subject at the conference reads as follows: "President J. C. Watters strongly urged the repeal of the Lemleux Act, and said tbat by an almost unanimous vote the Toronto convention of the congress, had gone on record' ln favor of the repeal of the act. The measure has given satisfaction ln some instances and dissatisfaction in many others," snid Mr. Watters. "It has been commended hy some employers and some employees, and likewise condemned by both employers and employees. The dissatisfaction among the trades affected by the act was so emphatic that we were urged to ask for its repeal. The main reason for this request Is the compulsory features, while the disappointment, owing to the refusal to appoint boards when requested by unions, has also contributed to the general dissatisfaction. Definite Cases Stated. "There are two Instances that might be quoted. In the case ot the Thetford mines difficulty, although the minera asked for a board It was refused, but the miners wero reminded that it was illegal to strike. This did not prevent them from striking. There were five mines Involved, and the men asked that one board be appointed to deal with the differences ln the different mines. The operators should have been compelled to appoint a man to represent them. The miners of Cobalt also applied for a board to 'investigate the differences in the forty-two different mines ln that district, but instead ot the board being appointed a royal commission was appointed. So far as the compulsory features of the act are concerned they should not take away the right of men to atop work. "The act was designed to prevent strikes, but there is no data to show, that lt has done so. In the case ot the Crow's Nest Pass miners' difficulty the act was entirely Ignored. With reference to the application of the net on the railroads there is no proof that strikes have been prevented. In the United States and Great Britain, where there is no legislation similar to the Lemieux Act, strikes are very few on the railways. The penalties imposed by the act are useless and cannot be enforced. It Is impossible to drive hundreds of men to prison because they violate the act. Compulsory Methods Ineffectual. 'Mr. Watters referred to the case at Inverness where a merchant was penalized for an offence against the Lemieux Act because he supplied food to men who were out on strike. He said that he thought Neilson was the name of the merchant who was punished. Hon. Mr. Crothers said lt was a case of the union providing men with food who were out on strike, and that the action of the union came under the clause of the act which made it Illegal to Incite men to strike. "Mr. P. M. Draper said that the decision was given by Justice Towns- end. "Mr. Watters pointed out that this was the only prosecution made under thc act with the exception of a case In the Cobalt district. "Compulsory measures never gain the end sought," said M. Watters. "If men had the right to strike on given notice to the company there would be a keener sense of responsibility. When thirty days' notice is called for lt gives the employers a chance to employ strike breakers and take advantage of their employees. Conciliation Plan Proper. "With machinery to provide for investigation without the compulsory features there would be no necessity for existing legislation. I will not enter info the details ot this argument owing to the lack of time, but it Is the conciliatory feature of the act which commends lt to the people. The fact that men are prevented from striking has not produced as good an effect as the conciliatory features of the act. "When investigations are conducted the public do not know the facts, and owing to the limited means of publicity the public do not get the necessary Information to Judge as to the merits of the men's demands. It la doubtful as to the value ot the act to prevent strikes and the delays in reaching an adjustment creates serious dissatisfaction. The congress has asked for the repeal of the act, and I want to lay emphasis on the fact that men should have the right to work or refuse to work If they consider lt essential. The mere fact that men are compelled to work brings the act into a certain amount of disrespect. If the government repeals the act lt Is just possible that something will tako itB place that will be more satisfactory." PROFIT AND LOSS. (A Song of tbo Profiteers.) Not of the fools am I who say Tbat war is waste and ennnot pay. Dear is grain, but I don't complain, And human life is cheap today. Why must theso wage-slaves grumble. prayf No sacrifice too great, I say. Our purposo one is to crush the Hun, For human life, is cheap today. To it, my soldiers! Win the day, And steal tbo Teutons' trado away. The land I feed, and you may bleed, For human life is cheap today. (Chorus.) War is waste and the cranks have said: We gamble in ships, and coal, aad bread, And this iB tho burden of our lay: Human lifo is cheap todny. —Albert Griove, in Herald (Eng.) The Federationist has just completed arrangements with Mr. Geo. F. Stirling to make a tour of British Columbia for tho purpose of boosting its circulation. Union officials and friends and readers of The Federationist are asked to extend all thc co-operation possible to Mr. Stirling. He is woll armed with a knowledge of the international Labor movement, a good speaker and an untiring worker. OUR OWN WORKERS MAKE OVERALLS They are certainly the best made. You sure have a right to insist on getting the Carhartt Overall. Every dealer should carry them. Factory and Offices: The Entire 8th Floor World Building VANCOUVER, B. C. THE MINISTER OF FINANCE REQUESTS THE PEOPLE OF CANADA TO BEGIN NOW TO SAVE MONEY FOR THE NEXT WAR LOAN MN. t. Il» MMtTMINT Of FINANCE OTTAWA FBIDAY... ..February 3, Jgl7 THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST PAGE SEVEN Our February Furniture Sale Starts on Monday, February 5th It ofiers wonderful saving opportunities WAIT FOR IT! 1,-V iMWMriB ltw hiwmti ao*Miaet. ttmt eatwiAwantn ff ( ^S^ Granville and Georgia Streets If Ll Highest Ever Reported Is Quoted for December of Last Year SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS OF THE EIGHT-HOUR DAY Revelstoke, B. C, Jan. 30—In a remarkably lucid and interesting address, illustrated by stereopticon pictures and diagrams, Dr. A. McKay Jordan of Vancouver, took up the "Scientific Aspects of the Eight-Hour Dny'Vbefore the members of tha B. C. Federation of Labor assembled ia the City hall hero tonight. In his introduction, the speaker pointed out that tho genesis of the eight-hour movement reached bnck tea centuries to the reign of King Alfred who deelured that the 24-hour period should be divided into three equal parts —one for sleep and rest, oae for study and recreation, and one for work. Alfred the Great inaugurated many reforms and established many important institutions, among which was to be counted the present navy, which is so important at tho present crisis in world affairs. The eight-hour day did not securo so firm a footing, us labor had not assumed much of its present status, nnd Dr. Jordan stnted that this movement for efficiency was more readily appreciated now when it was considered that at that timo, it is boing propelled by the workers themselves. The speaker then called attention to the share which industry bears in causing illness, and quoted statistics of tho American Association of Labor legislation, showing the economic loss through illness in the United States alone. Among tho startling figures wore those pertaining to wage Iosb and the cost of medical attention, which Show annually at upwards bf $(180,000, 000. The doctor then outlined the modern scientific theory of Vitalism, which he showed by authorities to bo replacing tho cell theory, and explained that cells are the storerooms of electrons— those pnrticles of electricity or radiant energy whicli animates tho living organism. 'Man is a machine, built of chemicals and operated by electricity. Life is an elaborate electro-chemical process,'' said Dr. Jordan, who then proceeded to show how radiant energy from the sun , is the source of all energy and all lifo upon tho earth, aad how it energizes and animates the human machine. Ex- lining the office of the brain and the HoiWtJ which he compared to a storehouse und distributing plant of an elaborate electric system, he showed by diagrams^the mechanism of the eyo and how, when malformed, it misdirectB the light entering it, causing electro-chemical changes in cell mntter, and how de* feets of the eyo cause disturbances of motor and nerve centres of the bruin. 'The electronic theory iB accepted by modern scientific men," said Dr. Jordan. "All matter is reducible to electrons oscillating at difforent wavelengths. It now remains to be absolutely demonstrated that the physical and mental activity and vitality in the living organism depend entirely upon the capacity of tho cells for storing, and the nerves for distributing these electrons summed up iu the term, 'nerve energy.' " "To reduce tho normal store of thiB nerve energy, so called, by groat drains upon the nerve ceatreB, resulting from sustained grief, emotion, shock, or physical excesses, is to lower tho vitality and to starve the particular organs which make the demand upon tho electronic storehouse in the brain." Tho speaker went on to explain how electricity, or nervo force, iB developed or generated in tho brain cells, and how the receptor mechanism of the eye and other organs receive direct electronic energy and send it to tho brain. He explained how ho found the proof of this theory during a quarter of a century as un eye specialist, and had prepared a summary of the cases of defective eyes which had come under hia cure. The eye, according to Dr. Jordnn, is not only the organ of vision, but the chief receptor of energy. Mnlformed eyes not only cause electro-chemical changes which vitally affect tho motor centres and cause serious functional disturbances, but, beeuuse of their being constantly in use, depleto the storehouse of tho brain and so rob the important organs of their share of thiB vital energy. The constant use of the eyes for long periods of close work, particularly if they are malformed und/the defects remain uncorrected by leases; the strain of long periods of physical exertion, and the effect, of grief and other strong emotions, tho speaker stated to be the principal cunses of the most prevalent illnesses. Stereopticon illustratioas Bhowing micro-photographs of sections of the normal brain, adrenals and liver, and thoso of a soldier who had died of exhaustion on the long march from Mons to the Marne were used by tlie lecturer to demonstrate how the cells were finally faded out and disrupted by sovere drniiiB mnde on them by fatigue and hunger and emotion. He dealt with the Bpectrum which analyzes light into its constituent rnys of different wave-lengths, und then told of tho vibrations above and bolow the spectrum, showing how light is only an octave in the keyboard of radiant energy and the one which the eye is capable of perceiving, and then spoke of polarity, the force which divides the electronic force from the chemical and physical combinations which make up all matter, both inorganic and organic Disease was said by the speaker, who quoted Haeckel, llemsen and other scientista iu support of his stand, to be nn electro-chemical phenomenon. In dealing with the physical effects of light upon the human organism, he quoted Dr. Albert Abrams of Snn.Fran- cisco, nn eminent investigator, to the effect that from the brain of an individual ia the dork, the energy output haB a potentiality of l-25th of an ohm, whereas ia the sun, it is 17-25ths of an ohm. The highest efficiency in the human machine, according to the speaker, iB a proper balance between the generating capacity of the body and the demands made upon the energy in storage in the brain, Efficiency, health and longevity, as well as happiness, aaid the speaker, depend upon this balance, which physical, mental and emotional wastes naturally overthrow. The eight-hour day was pointed out to be founded on sound physiological, ns well as economic bnsis. - Dr. Jordan paid a high tribute of grntitudo to Prof. Edgar Lucian Larkin, the famous astronomer and physicist, to whom he wns deeply indebted for his books on radiant energy and the electronic theory, as well aa for the personal interest which hud inspired him tu oo-ordinate his practical experience with the scientific phase of tho question with which he had dealt. SYNDICALISM IN PRANCE BEFORE AND SINCE THE WAR (Continued from page 1) 2000 TONS —OP- NUT COAL IMMEDIATE DELIVERY llidcllcsboi'o Coal is quality coal, mined in British Columbia. Phone your order NOW. Middlesboro Colleries Limited Sales Depot, Sey. 1003 Branch—Bay. 2827 FORD CARS PARTS AND ACCESSORIES DISCO and ORAY & DAVIS STARTERS and WOLF'S HEAD OIL You can at the present prico easily afford a Ford Car, in laet if you reside far from your place of business you will save money by owning onc. Cars sold on Cash and Easy Terms. Let us show you a new 1917 MODEL. Best of Service given on all cars, new or old. We also,from time to time have good used cars Por Sale, Cheap. SULLIVAN-TAYLOR MOTOR CO. 240—250 KINGSWAY, NEAR MAIN STREET Phones Fairmont 2730—2731. Increase in Household Expenses for Year Over 25 Per Cent. The cost of living, as computed by the Labor department for the month of December last, shows the high, est figure since the department started keeping records In this field. The resort shows that the man whose wages did not increase 25 per cent, during 1916 is really behind during the year, that being the general advance in the cost of living for the year. The Index figure of the cost of Ing for the month is 204.8 as compared with 161 for December, 1915, an increase of 43.8 or slightly over 25 per cent. Translated into terms of common necessities of life the report states that sjtaple foods for an average family which, would have cost ¥8.13 at the end of 1915 would, last December, have cost $10.11. The great advance in the price of staples took place during the latter half of the year, grain, breadstuff's, vegetables and fruit being reported as scarce and high in price with dairy products, eggs and live stock advancing because of the shortage and high price of feed. Rents rose during the year as did also the cost of fuel. The average index figure for 1916 is given at 182.6 as compared with 148 for 1915; 136.1 for 1914 and 135.5 for 1913. sny the lenders. "The syndifealist movemont," assertB Delesalle, "follows no preconceived theory, bat seeks in the lifo of every day and according to the needs of the moment, its tactics and the solutions of its problems." It substitutes for the fntaliBm of Marx, a vigorous voluntarism, aa appeal to the will of the workers. In some ways its spirit is akin to that of the eminent Pragmatic philosopher BergBon, and aB one writer whimsically put it: "The college of France collaborates with the Temple of Labor," and "the flute of personal meditation harmonizes with the trumpets of the social revolution." Direct Action. The syndicalists hold, or used to hold, thnt their movement can attain com- plut^naturity only by dircct'action,' i. e., through the economic struggle directly with the employers and not indirectly through parties nnd parliaments. By intensifying" this struggle they hoped ultimately to lead the whole army of Labor to a victorious assault upon entrenched privilege; in other words, to assume control of natural resources and large industries in the name of all producers. The method of action which most clearly reveals the opposition of interests between the classes, is found in the strike. The finnl blow will be dealt capitnlism through the general strike. Some writers, like Sorel, have represented thc idea of the' general strike as a "Bocinl myth," a hope nnd u Bymbol which, though unattainable in practice, stimulates practical action.- Remember how the early Christians looked for the return of tho Messiah. But most of tlie workmen themselves thought of the general strike us a possibility in a not-too- distant future. Sabotage. Accompanying strikes, there is sometimes sabotage. The word comes from the sabot, the wooden shoe the workmen sometimes threw in the ma- chine^maBuing riots of last century. Today sabotage is used metaphorically. If takes different forms, but it usually implies "mnking the machino go on strike too," as wben striking engineers carry off certnin vnlves nnd thuB make it impossible for strike-brenkerB to re- placo them at thoir engines. Occasional nets of vandalism accompanying tho practice of sabotage gave rise among the bourgeois and among foreigners, to the erroneous impression that syndicalism nnd sabotage wore almost synonymous terms, whereas we see that the latter wbb merely 'an exaggeration of ono of tho doctrines of tho former. Notable Incidents. The C. O. T. was completely organized in 1903 anil for ti time its growth was rapid. It soon embraced half tlie organized workmen of France. Their preparation for a grent celebration on Mny 1, 1900, together with their theories of economic violence, soured both tho govornment and tho bourgeois (who emembered the Commune), aud there vas n rapid flight of the latter from the npitnl. Tho alarm was needless, however, us syndicalistic violence did not nvolve barricades or street fighting. In tho grent post office striko of 1909 nntl the greater railway strike of 1910, sabotage consisted chiefly in cutting telegraph wires and stopping communications. In tho latter case, tho ex-Comrade Briand was prime minister. He promptly declared the fatherland in danger and called tho "insurrectional" strikers to the colors. In this clash between tho stato and tlio C. G. T., tho state was victorious. However, tho monarchist Lo .Taulois felt that the confederation might ono day turn Ihe tables on thc victors, und it remarked editorially: "The Genernl Confederation of Labor is a state within n stnte. Formidably armed for destruction, it awaits its hour and mocks tho public authorities." Premier Briand was logical enough in taking control of tho situation in the name of tho nation, but he was illogical in straightway nbnndoning this control and iu handing over the militarized strikers, bound hand nnd foot, to be punished at plonsuro by the private companies. Such incidents served to deepen the workers' dislike of the army and their distrust of political parties. Outside Influence, Meanwhile, syndicalist ideas wero circulating outside of Franco. In England we have an analogous movemont in the New Unionism and in America in Industrial Unionism. Everywhere, the tendency has boon toward a breaking down of craft and trade unions and tho grouping of whole industries in one big union, making a battalion in the industrial army. Yet only too frequently the syndicalists outside of France have emphasized the accidental rather than the essential ideas of the French philosophy. Antimilitarism Not only in the economic sphere, but also in the politicnl, the influence of syndicalist doctrines have been felt abroad. The General Confederation iB especially famous (its enemies say infamous) for its antimilitarism. The motives for Labor's opposition to militarism in peace time are frequently Btated thus:— Social' reform stagnates while the war budget swells continually; the enforced barracks life of their sons spells hardship to the poor; in industrial conflicts the workers too often have found the national army utilized as a Btrike-breaker for the benefit of the master-class; competition in armaments leads eventually to cutuBtrop.be,* the imperialistic and economic rivalries which give rise to ttioao armaments, are of interest only to the propertied and educated classes and not to the disinherited masses; the latter therefore turn more naturally to humanitarian and international thun to "patriotic and national ideals. For 15 yenrs beforo the war, the French syndicalists hud been developing theso ideas. Thoy worked enthusiastically for world peace and bade defiance to tho forces which, they felt, in all countries wore working for war. Here are a few lines from a typical resolution passed by a special congress of the C. G. T. hold during tho Balkan troubles of 1912:— "While advancing toward its own liberation, it (the working class) is determined to sacrifice nothing to a war. On the contrary it is resolved to proflt by evory social crisis to havo recourse to revolutionary notion .,. If by folly or by calculation the country in whose bosom we are plaoed, should hurl itself into a military adventure, in scorn of our opposition and our warnings, the duty of every worker would bc not to respond to the call to arms but to join his class-organization. Deserting the fuctory, the workshop, the mines, the fields, the proletarians, ought to get together in the unions of the locality. . . to take tho measures dictated by . . . circumstances, their objective being their own emancipation and their meumj, the revolutionary genoral strike." In conclusion they expressed the belief (which was really only hope) that the labor movement in neighboring countries was equally devoted to international' idea's. The Teachers' Unions This* resolution, accompanied by monster meetings held simultaneously in Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, is characteristic of tho policy followed boldly and consistently by the C. G. T. for "a whole decade. Even the teachers' associations, to which wo havo already referred, used language almost as vigorous. In September, 1912, they issued a manifesto resenting the government's imputation of unpatriotic tendencies. "If," they argue, "to be a patriot is to wish for a France ever more prosperous, but uIbo ever more just and humane, then wo are resolutely patriotic. But our patriotism is not made of bragging and swaggering .... and we cannot protect too strongly against thc jingoistic excitations nnd mnnoeuveres of politicians and financiers which at each instant run the riBk or provoking a general conflagration." Again, thoy denounce the "interested nationalism of commercial loaders'' and they '' distinguish between extravagant militarism and the defensive role of the republican army.'' Before the war, socialists and labor-men and many radicals felt that in Frnnce as well as in Germany economic motives wero pushing the nations toward disaster. The Syndicalists and the War. Yet Bince August 4, 1914, these very men have been foremost in the fight. Mnny of them have fallen; many hnve achieved military distinction. The older men and boys volunteered to dig trenches for the defence of Paris during the "Tragic Week." How can wo explain this pnradox? Let us call upon the loaders of the General Confederation. Jouhaux, Bled and Marck will receive us. The explanation of the ind,ist rial workers is clear and simple. For twelve years they had vainly striven for the principle of international labor ongresses which should "form an international mentality and create cur rents of opinion broad" and unified," capable of grappling with the war pro* blein. From 1905 onward thoy had sought without success to have the annual conferences of national secretaries discuss antimilitarism and tho general strike. The German labor leaders, supported by others, refused to debate political ideas which, belonged properly to tho socialist pnrtieB. When tlie cntnstrophe wns npproaching in July, 1914, on tho twenty-seventh, at Brussels, the presidents of the French and German organizations met. Jouhaux pressed those questions upon Legion; "Whnt do you count upon doing to sfuve off the war that is in prepurtioni Aro you resolved to act? Fur our part, we arc rendy to respond to your call or to move at the same time, if it be so agreed." Legien could give no answer. Still hoping agalnBt hope, tlie Confederation organized demonstrations in Paris arid on July 30th wired a final appeal to Berlin. ' Meanwhile the leaders bourne cognizant of the desperute offorts the French government wns making to avoid disaster Juures declared: "If I wero the French government, I could do no belter." Next evening thc Con- federation hoard that Jaures was murdered. They realised in their anguish that he was only the first victim of the coming war. Jn thoir manifesto of August 1st they confessed themselves "submerged by events":—"Yoa women who are weeping at this liour, wc liavo done everything lo spare you this sorrow, but ulas! to-day wo can only deplore the accomplished fact." The European proletariat hud not understood the situation "unanimously onough." A Soul Stirring Flea. In the course of his eloquent oration nt the funeral of Juures, Jouhaux exclaimed: "Driven into thc struggle, we rise to repel the invader and safeguard tho patrimony of civilization and generous idealogy whioh history has bequeathed us . . ■ Emperors of Germany nnd Austria, junkers of Prussia and great Austrian seignors, you who, through hatred of democracy have willed this war, we undertone to sound tho knell of your reign. We shall bo the soldiers o'f freedom to conquer for tho oppressed a regime of liberty, to create harmony among the peoples by a free entente among the nations We have not lost all hope of seeing thc German people, these millions of organized workmen, awake from their unhappy slumber, shake off tho baneful grip of Emperor and junker, aud by n supreme effort, in which wc shnll be happy to co-operate, end forever the dishonoring rule of their martinets and join us on the road to liberty." MRINOFK IET WILL FORM An energetic campaign is now botne pressed for the organization of the fishermen operating In the vicinity of Rivers Inlet and it Is probable that a union which thoroughly covers the field will be In existence by the time the annual fishing season opens. The fishermen held a mass meeting on Malcolm Island recently, the decision of the meeting being strongly In favor of an organization of both the independent and attached licenses of the Rivers Inlet district. The alms of the organization will be the protection of the fishermen against exploitation, by the cannery owners, to secure better nrlces1 for their catch, to raise a protest against restrictions which now Inconvenience the fishermen and, in general, to better the conditions under which the men are operating. No effort has been made by the promoters of the organization to outline any policy or course of action, the decision on such matters being left over until a general meeting which will be held just before the fishing season opens. In the meantime the organization plans are being heartily endorsed by the fishermen and the outlook for a strong union Is excellent. Strong Union on Columbia River. Some attempts were made to throw cold water on the plan by refering to the history of attempted organization among the Fraser river fishermen, but this has been more than met by the showing made by the Columbia river fishermen who won out by sticking to their organization. It is considered that the present year is a good time for the fishermen tn orsanize. The men realize that If they do not act together the cannerymen will effect such an organization as will make it difficult for them to collectively defend themselves against profit mongerlng during the coming season. In the appeal to the fishermen for cooperation in the movement the committee in charge of organization work make the following appeal: "It is a difficult task before us, but a work that must be done if we desire to go forward to better conditions and higher prices for the product of our toll." Mr. B. Kaarlo, of Sointula, B. C, Is taking an active part in the promotion of the Rivers Inlet organization and will give any information desired concerning the plans. Plans Outlined at Malcolm Island Meeting Heartily Endorsed Union pf Fishermen Show the Great Benefits of Co-operation And ^ as these labor leaders showed me'their letters and speeches, vibrating nil at once with patriotism und internationalism combined, I recalled how years ngo, I hud heurd Oriltuclhos speak witb some emotion of France us tbe "home of syndicalism und of the aeroplane." Yos, oven the wage-slave hns something to light for. There is tho political democracy of republican Franco,which he prefers to the military autocracy of imperial Germany. Thero is, moreover, the social instinct, tho common language, tho common culture whose advantages he shares, though so .nievenly, with the wealthier classes. In brief, thero is la France! Wage a Manly Warfare And so thoy fight, not bitterly, but manfully. Their newspaper, La Bu* tailie Syndiculite, now significantly shortened to La Bntaillc, frequently raps tho jingoes over tlio knuckles. Onco it thanked "for tTieir irresistible lowncry, all the gruntcrs of tho rearguing the greybeards unfit for military art, who Ngo on crying; 'Kill, crash, sabre, Vivo la guerre!' and the ponr wretches, afflicted perhaps with rliej- mutism enn hardly budge from tlieir nrm-chnirs" With equul vigor, it criticizes the lack of historic sense in the bellicose rlietoricans and piffling pum- phlctcors who talk of "dismembering" or "dissecting" Oermuny, nnd who thus play into ihe hands of the Prussian ruling custe. Happily, the labor- men know thut this chauvinistic minority hns no plnce in the government. Accordingly, though they criticize when necessary, they help all the time. Abandoning their former policy of ('liiss-isitlntion, they assert their intlu- onca strongly wherever they cnn render service to the nntion. Their president is a member of thc Comite' de Secours Nntionnl, whose scope Is wider than thnt of our Patriotic Fund. Not content with denouncing the ravages of alcoholism among the musses, The 0. O. T. lias ullied itself with other organizations in nn effectual wnr upon spirit- .lous liquors. In the management of munition factories thc syndicalists have pluyed u beneficient pnrt by securing a decent minimum wnge, equal for men uud women, and nlso by greatly in- ('reusing the output, l.nst April, the socinlist Minister of Munitions thnnkeo them Heartily for "tho present union of effort nnd orgnnization, whicli the most audacious nmong us nevor would huve dreamed was possible.". Is Enduring Alliance Possible? Whether there will be an enduring alliance between syndicalism and pur* linnii'utnry socialism nfter the war, is not yet certain; but oven before the wur, during tho two years of militarist reliction which swept over Franco nfter Agadir, Juures had boon acknowledged by tho syndicalists as tlie strong tower of democratinc strength ngninst the boisterous waves of aggrossiyo jingoism which uccompnnied tho rising tide of new national isciousnoss. In Muy, 11114, thc electoral triumph nf the Unified Socialist Party proved that the Ibinds of chauvinism wero subsiding, nnd nlso that syndicalist sympathy was potent. Two months later, after tho assassination of the grent scholar, orator und statesman, across his grave tlie labor men joined hands with all Frenchmen in the Union Sncrec, anil tlieir eloquent lender, Jouhuux, declared: "Jnurfs was our thought, nor living doctrine; it is in his Image, U Is ln his memory thnt we shnll find our strongth in thc futuro. Bent over tho working-class, ho listened to itB pulsa DAVID BPEJT08R, LID. DA7D5 fra-JfCTi, L?p. WE are HEADQUARTERS *>M Men's Coat Sweaters \Y/E haye always made provision for taking care v of $e Men's Sweater business, a»3 there is never a time that you can come to Spencer's and fail to hnd a Sweater of the right style, right weight and right price to suit you. Already this season we have sold several ttyqusands, for the fact of this store's pre-eminence in this line is well-known. Pride of place belongs to "Pride of the West" brand coats, which sell here for ?6.7§ and $7.50, and are available in the most wanted colors. We have a very good coat at $3.95, and of course both higher and lower prices. Let us show you some of them more intimately. —Main Floor, East Wing David Spencer Limited DAVID BPENOER, LTD. I DAVID SPENCER, LTD. tions rising toward bim; be analyzed them; ho translated them intelligibly for all." To iha'ny Frenchmen, this spontaneous outburst appeared prophetic of a permanent rnpprocnement between the two great political and economic parties of progress. Progress of Social! Democracy. At all events, since August, 1914, organized labor in France has pursued a vigorously positive and patriotic policy, nnd undoubtedly the nation has taken important steps forward in the direction of state-socialism. At the outbreak of war, thore was much talk, of a clerical and royalist reaction. It has not materialized. On the contrary, the crisis has thrown the power moro largely than ever into the hands of ultra-democrats. Viviani, Briand, Pain- leve, call themselves Independent Socialists, while Albert Thomas (Minister of Maintains), Marcel Sembat and Jules Quesde belong tu the Unified Socialist Party. With the exception of pelcnsse, Kibot, and General Lyautoy, practically all the ministers possessed of dynamic energy huvo been tinged more or less with socialism. Never again will tlie reactionary or plutocratic press be able to persuade the middle classes that socialists and syndicalists are unpatriotic; and that chnrge wns the great obstacle to their progress before the war. In order to succeed, forward movements must take place in u sympathetic environment; and, now thnt the scarecrow of untipatriotism has been blown away, the lower middle classes are ready to recognize the logie and justice of certain socialist aims. The aristocratic editor of a great conservative newspaper told me that since the socialist labor men bud saved France instead of deserting ber in tbe hour of peril, he had no strong aversion to their programme of social reform. Indeed, he confessed, even their antimilitarism had uot been ridiculous, although he had often ridiculed it. Working-class anti- militarism had boen the last desperate hope of averting catastrophe, but hia paper had always attacked it in France because he was sure it was not making great headway in Germany. Ho had feared that at some international congress the French delegates might persuade the German social-democrats to pledge themselves to an antimilitnry general strike on tho eve of war,—a pledge which they would not be able to fulfil, but which might arouse false hopes among Frenchmen. Views of Anatole Franca past year, appealing especially to men of his type, the great writer, Anatole France, exclaimed: '' Frenchmen, thai you may prevail against the enemy, bold your goods nnd your thoughts in ommon. Toward our motherland, be not more niggardly of your wenlth than of your blood;" and, thanks to tho pressure exerted by Labor, Socialism nnd circumstances his ideal is being realized. Not only is wealth being conscripted, ns well as life and labor, bat the soldier is being offered some guarantee against future unemployment hy national control of certain grent industries.! Since 'August, 1914, France hns supplied nearly 6,000,000 fighting men. Nothing less would have saved her. In addition, four millions of people linve l)oen mobilized for war-work; and these include not only women but nlso foreigners and tens of thousands of Africans. Tins black invasion causes no disquietude to organized labor, for the invaders aro imported by the government and will be deported by the government wheti returned soldiers need their places. Conscription gives the French government control of the men of the nation,) and it is consequently easy to acquire control of industry and wealth. Nl a li -1 Inry and economic conscription combine to create formidable governmental If democratically dcrs in socializing machinery whb inspired, can do national life. Ttae Future However, in spito of its wealth of ideas and ideals, and in spite of the absorbing interest of its growth and transformations, French syndicalism will Influence the immediate future less than the gigantic, lnbor movement of Britain. The syndicalists are bright, more philosophical, more literary, more individually energetic- than tlieir Eng* lisli brethren ncross the channel, but , they lack the hitter's mighty mass. France is still preponderantly ngriciil- \ tural, and peasant thought is touncious- i ly individualistic Yet while this fact retards industrial progress, it does not wrest it. Today n the syndicalist doctrinarians who used to hold thnt thc workingman hns no country) aro nfivo to the fact thai now is his best time to get one. Thnt is the ray of hope shining through this deep horror of darkness, Tbo Peace Party. Is there then no pence pnrty among French syndicalists? There nre indeed peacfl advocates fow In number yet not entirely negligible. Ruoh intluenee ns they possess arises largely from two facta) (1) Thnt while France la in danger literally uf being bled to death, her Allies have not yet. made their proportionate offering "of lighting men; nnd (2) that nt any time Frnnce eould make a peace with Germany which, for tho time being at lenst, would bo most advantageous to tho former. Frnnce hns burled a grent army of men in their primo—probably about a million and a quarter. Her situation is desperate, and her Allies must do their relative share quickly or all will suffer together. Among ber Allies she counts Canada. Canada and France. What do the French syndicalists say of Canada's part in the wart I discussed tbe question with many of them. As anti-militarists they could have understood Canada if she bad kept out of the war altogether. As militant laborites, they might have even admired the strength of Canadian Labor had it successfully opposed our entry into the war. But as Frenchmen, as Europeans, as logical thinkers, they cannot understand our making war upon the most formidable militnry power in Europe, and then refusing to exert our uttermost strength to avoid disaster and to achieve the triumph of our cause. Like all Frenchmen, the syndicalists are filled with admiration for our heroic volunteers in tho frenches, but they cannot admire tho rest of us who arc failing to follow up. "Your voluntary plan," said one old militant, "is all right for a while, and it would be all right all the time if modern war were merely a sport, a hunting party. But your enemy is mobilizing his total force, human and materiul, and if you do not do likewise, you may be crashed. This is not a French war; it is an international struggle between opposing types of civilization; it is yours as truly as ours; I know you Canadians would be too proud to ask ub to do more proportionately then yourselves, We must all stand or fall together, and our common ideals are trembling in the balance." A soldier on leave, an ardent internationalist, summed up the general view thua: "Our political ideal is international; it is inherited from the early years of the * French revolution. We look forward to the federation of democratic nations in a league of liberty. Before the war, only the international labor and socialist movement proclaimed this ideal insistently and boldly, but wrhopo that after the Allied victory the enlightened government* of the world will mako our programme their own. In that great task wo shall need the help of Canadian democrucy. We want you at tho peace conference, nnd wo want you to earn your full right to be there. One-sixth of our population is being mobilized to fight, and as yet less than one-twentieth of yours. Well, don't worry; you'll have time to catch up with us before this accursed wur is over. Our armies are being worn down, and our population is limited. If we were to fail, Gormanism would trample upon you as surely as upon us. And official Germany is the deadliest foe of our common ideals of democracy and disarmament and internationalism." That waB over a year ngo, but the other day I received a letter from a syndicalist. It was a sort of hurry up call. "If thc British dominions would mobilize ull tlieir resources for the cause," he said, "it would assure overwhelming victory, which alono can liberate German democracy, along witb ull other democracy, from tbo oppression of a hideously effective militarist autocracy. After the victory, our historic ideals will triumph, for very few militarists are left in France, even among our officers. '' Writer's Closing Argument, Iu conclusion, I should like to add my argument to theirs. Some of our loading citizens demand conscription of men. Some Lnbor groups hnve demanded conscription of wealth. Some groups have demnnded both. These last are right. It is vain to usk our feeble federal government to nationalize industries and conscript surplus wealth, unless at tlie same time we .strengthen it by giving it control of the man power of the nation. The next few months of war might do more tlmu many years of peace to socialize our material resources and democratize our economlo life. But to that end we must build up the power of the central government, widen its sphere of controlj and then insist thnt it be used in tho interest of the whole nation. Only thus cnn we grapple with the formiduhle problem of unemployment after the end of tho struggle, and only thus can we wrest some permnnent , social good from the endless ills of the world war. Militnry conscription in peace time is a plague; but the Hurcst way to be rid of it in future is to accept it now as n necessary hardship nnd a temporary expedient for the achieve- ment of victory by Hie free democracies in their death grapple with militarist autocracy. Canadian Labor now has a unique opportunity to help snve tho situation and to strengthen its influence iu our national life. acco. PAGE EIGHT THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST FBIDAY... --February 2,1917 STREET CARMEN Agg: ressive Set of Officials Chosen at Semi-Annual Election Budget of News Giving Gossip and Views from the "Bull Pen" VICTORIA, Jan. 31.—Special Corres- Bpondence to The Federationist.)—At tbo recent semi-annual election of offico bearers of tho Victoria division of streot railway employees, Pres. T. H. Nock and Fin.-Sec'y R. A. C. Dewar were returned without opposition, the boys feeling that they had made good in their respective positions and it was useless to consider making any change. The result of the poll for the other offices was as follows: Vicepres., W. I). .Campbell; Recording Sec'y, J. M. Richardson; Conductor, E. E. Boll; Executive Board, R. *W. Nunn, Oliver Swaith, J. W. Miller, J. R. MacDonald and J. j-.ow with Bon Goodileld to represent the barn-men and L. Redgrave the meter-men. Keen interest was taken in tbe election and tbe executive chosen, under the virile leadership of Pres. T. H. Nock, should forn/ a strong and aggressive representation if tbe membership will continue to show their interest by attending the meetings. Fetch your kicks, and keep kicking un- til results follow, and it is only in tbis way can you keep tho executive at concert pitch. i Wo extend tbo glad band to Billy Nunn and welcome him back as an offico bearer. After a session's reBt ho should feel good. To some of our members who stood for election and wero defented, we say: "Don't be down hearted but try again. Your defeat is not because the boys do not want you, but because they don't know you as well aa the ones they chose.'' S Tommy Nock was undeniably tbe choice as delegate to the convention at Bevelstoke and we hope their labors there will live down in the ages1 and that tbey will include a "kick" that will be felt as far ub Ottawa by the great Bennett who talks, talks, talks without think, think, thinking and thereby gets the applause of the shallow-pates who haven't brains enough to see two Bides to anything. Views On Compensation Act. We are now under the new Workmen's Compensation Act and though it 1 ia a step in the right direction and bas some very good points, we hope to aee a little amendment to be paid to a family in order that they may bave enough to live on and not die by starvation. As a matter of fact, if tbe amount paid aB compenaation and rate of living in normal times was compared ' fairly with tbe amounts granted to a destitute family by a Poor Law Relief Board in England, the latter board would look like princes of generosity, and yet we were told that this Act is the best of its kind on the American continent. May the friend of the orphan look well after the rest of America, as B. C, with the provisions of this Act, may not need his help. Our company was sure prompt in letting us in with our "one cent" but doubtless they will not be slackers in doing their little bit and right here we would add that though we have kicks and lots of legitimate kicks, es- Socially on working conditions, we be- eve tbe company has done quite a lot surreptitiously for tbe dependents of our boys at the front. If tbey have so done, credit is due to them. Division Numbers 70 men at the Front The honor roll of boys from this division now at the front struggling for the cause of the allies is well over 70. Taking into account those who have been rejected for age and physical disabilities the record of the Victoria atreet car boys looks very handsome and the real slackers, as tbey are termed, are few in number. We are receiving very cheery lotters from some of them "somewhere in France," full of such news as they can give without censorship and showing they have not forgotten the boys tbey left behind. To those who have been wounded we wish a speedy and thorough recovery, discharge and a return ticket, huving done their bit. Gossip From Victoria "Bull Pen1 Wo are pleased to record the success of Bro. Qeorge Bridle as' alderman- elect for another term nt Esquimnlt, These naval village people show some good sense. Bro. Bill Flight has taken the matrimonial leap and is now on his honeymoon, if be is not still stuck in tbo mud at Cndboro Bay. Bill deserves happiness and we wish it to him. May all his future troublos be very littlo ones. We notice Bon Soper vory often in his leisure making towards the Bay. Ben haB suro got the disease and may he Boon get the cure. Bro. John Gilflllan is harder to please. Victoria girls do not come up to John's standard nnd he is about due for another trip to Vancouvor. Our thanks are due to Jack O'Brion for his timely gift of cigars and cigarettes at tho New Year. May his shadow never grow less and mny tho boys keep him in mind when tbeir plug is .finished. All the boys are wishing a speedy recovery to Archie Kerr. It was a bad beginning, Archie, but wo hope your luck has changed. Much sympathy is felt for Bro. Lang- ley whoso home was completely destroyed by Are last week. Not even a <uit of clothes was left him, but ho is thankful .that his littlo boy was resiled. Considering tho weather tho atork is loing fairly well. Ho must have a 'Ford" to get around as ho does, but wore anon. ' The Chiol. INTERNATIONAL GATHERING OF LABOR REPRESENTATIVES Meeting Will Be Held After Close Of War to Consider New Conditions The Manchester conference of the British Labor party decided by a vote of two to one that it was highly advisable that an international labor conference Bhould be hold aftor peace had been declared. It was considered that there had been such an upheaval of all conditions regarding labor in connection witb the effort to carry the present war to a successful issuo thnt united nnd concorted action would bo necessary at its close in order to properly protect the rights of the workers. It was also recognized that the end of the war would bring about a necessary readjustment of affairs, tho exact scope of which Was still uncertain but on which it was advisable that a firm stand be taken by organized labor interests. Commenting on this decision of the Manchester conference tho Vnucouver World ot January 27, editorially says: "Tbeir voice will bo heard, and justly, after the war they have dono bo much to win. Two of thoir numbers are in tho War Cabinet today and wo may expect that they will not fail to mako thoir influence felt :n tho post- boilum settlement. That that settlement will be of a far-reaching and revolutionary character ia hardly to bo doubted. Labor in Britain is now fully conscious of its power; its demands are comprehensive, and theso must bo satisfied. It seeks at the moment heavier taxation than ever on the incomes of tbe rich and "conscription of wealth" whilo the war is going on. Tho future may seo even further developments of this policy; their demands seem to be steadily veering to the point whore industry will be regarded as only secondarily for the production of profits." ANNIVERSARY HONORS FOR PRESIDENT GOMPERS Celebration of Labor Official's Joining Trades Union Forces SO Years Ago, Last Monday signal honor was paid Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor, when over a thousand representatives of organized labor assembled at New York to take part in a testimonial dinner wblch marked a new milestone In the career of their gueBt. The occasion was Mr. Gompers' sixty-seventh birthday, as well aB the fiftieth anniversary of his entrance to tbe ranks of organized labor and his golden wedding. President Wilson expressed his regrets at his inability to be present, and among the speakers were officers of the. Federation and leaders of all the great trades union movements. In his address President Gompers reviewed his career in the field of labor and said thai conditions now prevailed which made industrial life much better for the worker than when he flrst joined the union. He urged that labor should take a firm ground and, while not defiant, should ever be determined. It should never neglect any opportunity to protest against conditions which threatened hardships for the wage worker. CITY WORKMEN WILL PROBABLY GET INCREA8E When Advancing Their Own Salaries Aldermen Intimate Favorable Action, There appear to be good grounds for believing that the appeal of the Vancouver city laborers for a return to the old rate of $3 per day will be granted when the city estimates are considered. The aldermen started the movement for higher wages on Monday night, when they voted both themselves and the mayor an advance on the civic indemnities paid last year. The application of the city employees entered into the discussion, and several aldermen intimated that the men would get their requested advance. At the meeting of the Vancouver park board the wages of its workmen was considered, and the commissioners approved of an advance to meet the Increased cost of living. At the meeting of the municipal em- j ployees of Burnaby last week, Reeve1 Fraser announced tbat the council had decided to go back to the old scale of ?3 per day for ordinary labor and $3.25 for foremen. ROYAL CITY TRADES COUNCIL IS GROWING Two New Unions Affiliate—Officers Elected for Ensuing Year. At the regular meeting the New Westminster Trades and Labor council there waB a good attendance, the semi-annual election of officers beine held and a large amount of business transacted. The officers elected for the ensuing term are as followa: President, Jas. Feeney of the Cigarmakers; vice-president, C. R. Craig of the Machinists; secretary, W. Yates of the Street Railwaymen; treasurer, A. H. Lewis of the Typos; sergeant-at-arms, T. O'Brien of the Civic Employees; trustees, Dels. Morris, Furnia and Hamilton. The Civic Employees and Machinists presented applications and were formally afflliated with the council. A good report was presented for the Machinists, It being stated that there was a 100 per cent, organization at Port Mann. A request from Reglna tbat a resolution passed at a labor mass meeting which condemned the national registration scheme called upon the government to resign be endorsed was laid over as there was no seal or signature on the communication to show that it came from the Regina Trades council. The council elected Del. Yates as its delegate to the convention of the B.C. Federation of Labor. He will also represent the Royal City Street Railwaymen at the meeting. It was decided that the Interest in the work of the council would be promoted by holding a social evening and arrangements will be made for a smoker on the last regular meeting night of February. ESTABLISH BRANCH PENSION OFFICER IN VANCOUVER Col. J. D. Taylor, M.P., Advocates Liberal Treatment For Men Injured at The Front. Ottawa press despatches state that in order to fully cover the matter of applications for and information concerning war pensions it has been decided to open a number of branch offices, throughout the Dominion, one of which will be located in Vancouver. Pending the completion of these arrangements all requests in connection with pensions must be forwarded to the head offlce at Ottawa although general information on the subject will be given at the various headquarters of the Patriotic Fund or the Military Hospitals Commission. Speaking in New Westminster recently, Col. J. D. Taylor, M.P., said he intended to advocate a pension schedule which would restore a maimed soldier to the same earning capacity he had when enlisting or place the dependents of soldiers who had given up their lives In the same position as if their breadwinner had not gone to the front. PUBLIC SCHOOL TRAINING FOR MUNITION WORKERS Women Are Being Taught Metal Working Trades In Technical Schools. The training of women in the technical classes, which form part of the public educational system ln the large cities, in the metal working trades bo that they may enter shops as munition workers, is already under way in Winnipeg, and It Is suggested that the plan may be taken up in Vancouver. The Vancouver technical school equipment includes metal working machinery Installed at King Edward High school, on which may be taught turning, screw cutting, boring, drilling, etc., and it is proposer to purchase additional equipment In the near future. Mr. G. J. Lister, In charge of the work of the technical classes, says that It is practicable to train women for the essential parts of munition work with this equipment, although the question of opening such classes has not yet been taken up. In Winnipeg the instructor of the technical schools has over GO women in special classes for instruction on munition work, with a number on the waiting list for another class. Only women between 21 and 45 years of age are admitted to the classes. PRINCIPLES OF LEMIEUX ACT ARE REJECTED, U. S. Railway Legislation WIN Not Be Burdened With Its Unjust Features, The effort to have the compulsory features of the Lemleux act embodied In the eight-hour day legislation for railways which is now being considered by the U. S. government, was not successful, and tbe Interstate Commerce committee of Congress will report the bill without any provision which will prevent employees from striking if they deem such action wise. The great dissatisfaction with the compulsory clauses' of the Canadian legislation ub expressed by labor organizations of the Dominion, probably played no smnll part in bringing about the defeat of the proposal to saddle upon the employees of U. S. railways this unfair and unjust provision. "Trade unionism does not antagonize 'abor-saving machinery. It welcomes all ucb innovations. It does believe, how- ■vor, that such machinery wub intend- d to be a blessing, and ln order tbat t mny not bocome a curse, a shorter vorkdoy is advocated, ao that a gigan- ic proportion of labor shall not be dls- daced and thus become sufferers in' tead of recipients of somo of the benefits gained by modern invention." HALIFAX STREET OAR MEN ASK BETTER CONDITIONS Will Request Legislation Giving Them a Weekly Day of Rest The Vancouver division of tho streot railwaymen hus been requested by the street enr men of Halifax, N. 6., for particulars of tho regulations under which they aro nssured of a weekly day of rest. The Halifax mon are putting up a strenuous campaign for one day off in eight but state thnt the compnny docs not givo their claim much consideration. Tho men contemplate, if tho company does not net on tho roquest, placing their claim beforo tho provincial legislature and peeuring tho passage of tbo necessary legislation. PROPOSAL TO AMEND HALF-HOLIDAY AOT (Continued from page 1) GOVERNMENT ACT8 ON MINERS' PROTEST Interned Aliens Not Allowed to Work In Coal Mines on Island. As the result of energetic protests from miners as to interned aliens being allowed to work in the coal mines on Vancouver Island, the provincial authorities have ordered an Investigation, which has already resulted in a number of such men being ordered out of the Nanalmo mines, and which is now being continued at other points. Last year over 40 interned aliens were allowed to work In the Nanaimo mines, but were removed after the miners had taken the matter up. Recently a number of these men were returned to tbe mines, and a complaint was made to Hon. Wm. Sloan, Minister of Mines. He declared that such a condition of affairs was directly against the public Interests and ordered Chief Mines Inspector Graham to Investigate and take action. On Monday, Inspector Graham ordered twelve aliens removed from the Nanalmo mines, and then proceeded on hts investigation of the conditions at other pointB on the island. Unique Corset Service The Result of Associating Ourselves with the Best THB WELL DRESSED woman ever keeps in mind two things when selecting her corset. Her first thought is of its smartness, and secondly its comfort. Our stock of corsets ably affords these essentials by reason that it furnishes tbe best model in both front and back- laced styles. This corset service has been attained by careful study of all requirements and by giving the best possible attention to various details essential in making our corset department of real value to our patrons. Take Advontage of This Corset Service. If you have experienced difficulty in securing the proper corset, or if you believe that you could be better suited, we would be glad of the opportunity to show you the various makes and assist you in making a satisfactory selection. Store Opens at 8.30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. 575 Granville 'Phone Sey. 3540 IN THE CRUCIBLE OF WORLD WAR AND AGONT (Continued from page 1) stores and prove a burden to the man with a small staff. He also thought the clerks should be consulted, adding that only recently a petition favoring a Saturday half-holiday during the summer and 6 o'clock closing the balance of the year had been signed by 800 clerkB. Mr. J, N. Harvey approved of tho 48-hour weok nlong the samo lines as Mr. Dick. The vote on the 48-hour proposal was taken at a late hour when only 45 merchants were present. Tho resolution endorsing the plan resulted in a tie vote and the Idea was sent to the executive for further consideration on the casting vote of the president, HOW OAN WHITE LABOR BE FULLY PROTECTED? Present Oriental Labor Olause In Oity Contracts Does Not Cover Case. The protection of whito labor by moans of. clauses in city agreements which aim to prohibit tho work of Orientnls would appear to bo a difficult tusk It is evident from a recent opinion of the city's legnl advisers that some other clauso than is now used must bo drafted if whito labor is to receive the protection it has tho right to expect from tbe authorities. On Mondny night McCrosBan & Har- i per, counsol for the city, advised the aldermen that the clauso in tbo contract for tho Coal Harbour causeway which prohibits Oriental labor "directly or indirectly" would not cover the supplying of rock for the work by a sub- contrnctor wbo used matorlal which waa tho product, of Oriontal labor. Tho opinion advises tho Council that tho connection is "too remote" to enable action to bo taken on tho mattor. Address on Asiatic Exclusion. At tho opon forum mooting in tho O'Brion hall noxt Sunday afternoon at 2.30, an addroBs on Asiatic Exclusion will bo given by Mr. Jaa. Boult, the chair boing taken by Mr. O. L. Charlton. and died to rear the political institutions which distinguish the bourgeois republic and monarchies of today from those peoples which, like Germany, still live under the shadow of the old regime. In spite of the loose assertions of many thoughtless ones, capitalist countries have not yet been shown as essentially military or warlike. There has been no war yet caused by and between countries wholly under the regime of capitalism. That capitalism Is in arms today is not because of any wish or choice on the part of the Entente Allies, who represent the principle of republicanism and democracy, but because the war lords of feudal Europe set out to conquer them. It is true that Germany had a tremendous growth of capitalist institutions, but such institutions never dominated her political destinies and were merely made use of to strengthen the power of her feudal and military masters and leaders, It was necessary that democratic England should maintain her fleet, and republican France her army ln order to protect themselves from the ever-present menace of feudal aggression, and It is by the same token necessary that the feudal caste of Germany be utterly broken and destroyed, because It Is only with a democratic or republican Germany that capitalist civilization can make terms of an enduring peace. In spite of the glib talk of capitalism promoting war, no one fears war between essentially capitalist countries like France, England and the United States because it is instinctively felt such a war would be suicidal. A Wise Move. It is true tbat in order to co-ordinate and solidity the full force of tbe nation's strength to the national defence, Great Britain has erected a form of government whose powers are almost despotic, and those heretofore democratic safeguards have for the time being largely disappeared—the right of free speech nnd assembly and even that cardinal principle of bourgeois government, parliamentary representation and responsible government—but the working people of England through their representatives and conventions, havo approved and consented to nil this, wisely reserving to themselves the right to have a full voice in the terms of peace and In the settlement of those vital economic problems which will arise after the war, and on a correct solution of which so much that spells progress for humanity depends. War Issue Is Confused. The Canadian labor • movement is slow to grasp these essential features of the general situation brought about by tbe great European war. Even such a doughty champion of the working clnss ns R. A. Rigg, of Winnipeg, confuses the issue of the war and is evidently of the opinion that it is one caused by rival capitalist countries. In a brilliant and impassioned oration before the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, of which he Is a member—a Report of which Is published ln the current issue of the Winnipeg Voice- he attacked and denounced the selfish and unprincipled crew who were and are so vigorously waving the flag and prating about their loyalty and patriot- Ism, while merely taking every advantage of the war to reap benefits for themselves and their friends; but tn his address he makes this mistake. It ts one that Is quite easy to make, and all the more so when one reads of the "economic combines" to be en forced by the traders and manufacture ._. ._, ... ... ers of the Allies against German Indus-1 means of getting a Hne on how much trial development after the war Ib over. A moment's careful thought will show that sueh ideals are not only unworthy but impossible of being worked out, and could only be resorted to in the event that the war was concluded on the unsatisfactory basis of tbe present feudal caBte remaining in the saddle of the German government after peace is restored. "The Big Brother. One sentiment which "Dick" Rigg gave expression to in the concluding paragraph of his address reads as follows: "I want to say one last, brief word to the returned soldiers who have already returned from the front, and to all those who will return, that the working class movement of Canada will act the part of the big brother to them, when the flag-waving politician, having exhausted his use for them, has deserted and forgotten them." Bravo, Brother Rigg! But the time for Labor to start on the problem of dealing with after-war conditions is right now when Labor can make its voice most effectively beard, because Labor's support is essential to tbe successful prosecution of the war. Carry on the good work of indicting and exposing the incompetency, favoritism, partyism and graft which have marked the administration of public and military affairs, but let us stand prepared to back the Empire's quarrel to the end If that end is nationalization of industry, the participation of labor in government and the responsibility of government for the economic welfare of the people. If we In Canada can force a recognition of these principles In the social and economic structure of this country, as the workers of the mother country bid fair to do with the "mother of nations," then we will have accomplished all that can be reasonably hoped for at the present stage of social development. "Now Is the Accepted Time." If ever there was a time In the history of this country when much might be accomplished by Labor that makes for genuine progress, that time is now. Prudence and foresight on the part of our Labor representatives and spokesmen count for more today than they have ever done before. The clear enunciation of those policies which will advance the political and economic status of Labor is essential if we are to act as a unit in the social structure for the advance of the principles and program which Labor has laid down as the goal to be attained. One of these objects Is the public ownership of those basic industries of the nation which because of their size and importance to the well-being of the great mass of the people who are dependent upon them both for service and employment, should be owned by the government and administered for the nation aB a whole. A Real Labor Representative. The speech delivered by R. A. Rigg, of Winnipeg, before the Manitoba legislature reveals that he is a true representative of Labor. No one can read that speech without becoming convinced that its author has carefully thought over the many and perplexing situations confronting the Canadian workers brought about especially by the war and the conditions arising therefrom. One argument he advanced was the merit of not only being illuminating and convincing, but has the additional merit of pungency:. "If a Labor government had been in power at this time and had proceeded to conscript capital and offered a Bpeclal inducement to Labor on a voluntary basis, what a howl of condemnation would be received from the ranks of the capitalists." That utterance stamps Dick Rigg as a man who sees Labor's problem from Labor's standpolnt.and as one in whom full confidence may be safely reposed to make tbe most of his opportunities to at all times work for the highest and best interests of the cause he not only represents but adorns. Oh, What a Contrast! What a contrast, however, confronts the reader when he turns from reading Rigg's inspiring utterance to a contemplation of the attitude and position of the Executive of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada. When the Conservative government was forced by public condemnation to seek to justify itself before the Congress Executive, thnt was the psychological moment, as a correspondent in our last issuo points out, for that Executive, acting aB the mouthpiece for the Canadian Labor movement, to demand from that government a true and just plan for national service. But In this it failed, and lt stultified itself and humiliated the Canadian Labor movement by allowing Itself to be drawn into the position of endorsing and standing sponsor for a thing it should never have countenanced. If that Executive had viewed wltb the same disfavor the many acts of shameful incompetence and favoritism which have characterized the conduct of public affairs ln this country since the commencement of the war, that has excited the condemnation of those that make up the rank and file of the Labor movement, it would have taken full advantage of the high ground it occupies as the mouthpiece of Labor to demand that the government first clenr itself of the sinister Influences which so palpably dominate it and either formulate a clean and leglti mate proposal for national service or else resign and put their case in the hands of the electorate. Getting Away With Noise. Speaking before tho Ottawa Trades and Labor council, President Watters is reported in tbe local press of tbat city to have said that the western cities who were opposing national registration, did so because of tbeir erroneous belief that this was but a prelude to national conscription, and that the west, far from being as progressive as the east, wns really much behind and merely got away with a lot of stuff because of its ability to make a noise. One thing about this criticism that is particularly apt is that the west certainly got away with a lot of noise when It wished Watters on the Trades Congress at the memorable Congress held ln Calgary, As for the reBt of his criticism, the western labor men acted on flrst hand information given them by Sir Robert Borden and R. B. Bennett, who toured the west to boost their pet measure. If registration was not a prelude to conscription, of what use or value was lt? And how is It that Mr, Watters knows, or thinks he knows, something about the nature of this proposal not generally known to the rest of us? There Ib one other use to which the issuing of those registration cards might be put, and that is it is concolvablo that a government guilty of tbe blunders the present one is guilty of might very well adopt this opposition there was to them and their schemes, while at the same time having the appearance of really doing something big in the way of aiding in the war. At any rate, the offhand acceptance of this proposal by the Executive exhibited an understanding between and a confidence in the government which the latter bas never earned by any of ItB public acts, either toward Labor or In its management of the affairs of tbe country, STREET OAR MEN'S SOCIAL WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL Attendance Was Far Greater Than Highest Expectations of Committee The whist drive and danco held by Pionoor Division of the Btreet railway- men in the Odd Fellows' hall, last Mondny evening, waB such a success as far as attendance was concorned thnt the entertainment committeo was at times "up against it" to keep everything moving smoothly Everybody np- poarod to have a good time, however, and the members of tho committee loarnod by actual experience a number of things concerning tho running of social evenings which will stand them in good stead on tho noxt occasion. / Over 500 street railwaymen and their friends turned out for the gathering, this number being far greater than was anticipated. Dancing was tbo chief magnet of attraction although the whist drivo on the upper floor -vas as popular as tbe limitations of tho room allowed, all the tables boing tukon. The flrst prize for ladies was won by Mrs. Norris, while for gentlemen's first prize Messrs, J. Addison and II. Rcece played a tie and, on cut, Mr. Roece won out. The booby prizes were won by Miss Rougiu and Mr. R. MaeKny. , The dnncing on tbe main floor continued until an early hour the following morning and it is safe to say that at no time was there a lack of couples for any number. As a mattor of fact, so great was tbe number of dancers, the floor was uncomfortably crowded at times. Floor Manager Poole worked like a drum major, howover, and did everything possible to accommodate the crowd. A meeting of the entertainment committee will be held in the Prior stroot reading room next Sunday, at 7 p.m., to wind up affairs in connection witb the occasion. REQUEST FOR WOMAN FACTORY INSPECTOR Attorney General Macdonald Replies That Proposal Appears Only Reasonable. A deputation from various women's organizations recently waited upon Attorney-General Macdonald in Vancouver and presented a number of requests for reform legislation. Among these requests waB one presented by Mrs. J. C. Kemp, covering the appointment of a woman factory inspector. It was pointed out that this plan was followed In Manitoba where a woman shop und factory inspector had been working for several years, the results having been very successful. In replying, the attorney-general said that it only appeared to be reasonable that where so many women are employed as Is now the case in this province, that a woman inspector should be appointed. He assured the deputation that the matter would be given careful consideration. LOCOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOPS ARE PROMISED Officials of the Great Northern state tbat in connection with the operations on the False Creek terminal station, the railway will" establish a round house and repair shops at the point. Tho round house will accommodate ten engines, with provision for enlargement so bb to accommodate five addition engines as busbies develops. When the repair shops are opened they will employ about 30 men with an increase in the force as needs develops. It Ib expected that the new station will be completed by next May. STRIKE OF WINNIPEG PACKING HOUSE WORKERS The Vancouver Trades and Labor council has been notified from Winnipeg that the workers ln the packing houses of that city are now out on Btrike. It is thought that an effort will be made by the employer.* to obtain labor in Vancouver and other coast points and the coast labor bodies aro asked to warn workingmen of the conditions and keep them from aiding the Winnipeg employers. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO Trades and Labor Council. January 20,1802, II. Cowan and H, Brooks made lengthy reports relative to proposed legislation appointing fuctory inspect- tors. F. Carter-Cotton, M. P. P., had Bnid that if some practical illustrations whore workmen had boen injured in a factory or worjes on account of negligence ou tho part of the proprietors, woro submitted, ho would push the matter in tho local legislature at Victoria. On motion of Aid. J. L. Frank lin and Fat Codythc delegates were instructed to secure evidenco along those lines. Dan O'Dwyor reported that tho Fife and Drum band needed three now drums, at n cost of about $100. Discussed by J. Gale, C. Marshall and President Bartley, who favored assistance. The time to plant roses and other orna- mentals, ns well ns fruit trees and small fruit plants Is near nt hnnd nnd owners of fmrdeiiH nnd orchards should be making jilnns as to what they cnn plant in the spring, to make tlie homo surround- Intra more beautiful and useful. When lt Is found that a few roses and shrubs, or other plants nnd trens can be used to advantage, aome reliable nursery firm should be communicated with, and nn order made up and sent In during the month of February, ho the trees can be delivered ln good time for planting. The nursery people are usually very busy during tbe month of March Oiling the hundreds of orders sent In earlier In tbe season, add late orders ennnot usually bo tilled with the same satisfaction as can those that have been received in good time. Tho British Columbin Nurseries Co., Ltd., of Vancouver, whose udvertlHcment will be found ln this Issue, have a reputation for fair dealing, and for furnishing choico tree*, nnd plants truo to name, and we have pleasure In recommending this firm to our reuders. Thoy Issue a descriptive cutnlogue of fruits and ornamentals, an well us an artistic rose catalogue, both of whicli aro free to Intending planters for the asking. Write for them If interested and plan to comply with the prevailing Idea of moro production. They have room for a fow more reliable men to act as salesmen, and will outline terms on application. INSIST ON CROOKES LENSES These give relief when no others will by absorbing the harmful ultra violet (chemical) rays and purifying the light before it enters the eyes. They are the invention of that eminent English scientist, Sir William Crookes, and to those wbo do not obtain relief from their present glasses, or who Buffer from headaches, Neuralgia, Dizziness, Intolerance of Light, and other symptoms of eyestrain, we shall be pleased to demonstrate bow speedily theso lenses will give relief. DR. PIERCY Professional Optometrist 649 ORANVILLE STREET Hard weather on boots — it finds out the weak places in inferior footwear. Not so with LECKIE BOOTS —there are no weak places— nothing but sturdy leather stock throughout. And tho workmanship which is put in a Leckie Boot is in keeping with the leather — absolutely reliable. Your dealer sells LECKIE BOOTS The Quality] Goes IN^rON IF it'a a STEAK or a CHOP -a FISH or a SALAD- the place to get it is at the Orpheum Vancouver's Leading Union First Class Cafe Directly Opposite the Orpheum Theatre, Gralfi' ville Street I Nabob Coffee Is always ot one quality and that tbe very best. —aged for half-a-yoar after blending, this fine coffee is always full-bodied, full-flavored and mature. When ground NABOB COFFEE i is packed full weight in big air-tight tins. KELLY, DOUQLAS ft CO., LTD. Makers of Nabob Pure Foods. I PRINTING OOWAN ft BROOKHOUSE Labor Ttmplt Press Sey. M00
Publisher changes in chronological order: Vancouver Trades and Labour Council (1912) ; The B.C. Federationist, Ltd. (1912-1915) ; The B.C. Federationist, Limited (1915-1922) ; The B.C. Federationist (1922-1923) ; The British Columbia Federationist (1923-1925).
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