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E BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST UNITT: STRENGTH OFFICIAL PAPER: VANCOUVER TBADES AND LABOB COUNCIL; AND B. C. FEDEBATION OF LABOB YEAR. No. 4 VANCOUVER, B. C, FRIDAY, JANUARY 26,1917 JUSTICE OF LABOR'S CLAIM IS BONG Contention That Registration Apply to Wealth Is Supported Says War Profiteering Must Be Checked By the Government THAT THEBE ia undoubted justice in tho protest of organized labor as to the unfairness of the registration of the man-power of the Dominion, or thu taking of stcpB, direct or indirect, looking toward a policy of conscription unless there is taken, hand in hand, a registration of the wealth of the Dominion and plans outlined for its conscription as well, is shown by tho statements of the press, aB well as the actions of various organizations. Locally, the subject was taken up at the meeting of tho Pioneer Political Equality league, a women's organization, last week, the tfubject coming forward on the initiative of the South Vancouver Women's Forum. The president, Mrs. Wm. McConkey, said that tho men who were going to the front wero endangering their lives not only for the protection of their homes, but also for the protection of capital. This condition made it only fair that there should be a registration and conBcrip< tion of war profits, and also of wealth ' The meeting was in hearty accord with the viewB of its president, and appointed a committee to draft a resolution covering the point and present it at the next meeting for adoption. Money As Well Aa Men. In an editorial dealing with tho subject of the limited response to the recruiting campaign, the Vancouver World of Jan. 20 notes the statements of Mr. Bonar Law to the effect that the wealth of the British IbIcs must be devoted to the prosecution of the war, being taken by force if not voluntarily given, and the fact that the Imperial authorities have already taken drastic action in Great Britain with referonce to levying upon wealth imposts on account of the war. The editorial closes with a summary of the conditions pre vailing'in Great Britain and Australia, as compared with the inaction of the Canadian authorities as follows, the closing clause of th« editorial forming just as accurate a statement of the case as has ever been taken by trades unionists in thoir protest against thc demand for the signing of the registration cards of thc National Service commission: Comparison of Methods. "It will be seen that Britain, supposedly the most conservative of countries, is in reality the most revolutionary. She does not hesitate to deprive the rich man of his wealth if thereby tho state bo served, Australia has followed her example by confiscating war profits altogether, "But in Canada no adequate action has been taken, and not a hint of a new policy waB disclosed in the speech from the throne at tho opening of parliament. Munition profiteers flourish with seventy-flvo por cent, of their takings going into their pockets. How this fact affects recruiting can easily be im- ■ agined. It is indeed liordly too much to sny that if the wealth of Canada wore conscripted tomorrow in Britain's drastic fashion, there would bo Buch an increased response to the call to the colors thnt the cry of compulsion, now so insistent in every pnrt of tho Dominion except Qaobec, would fade into the background. Conscription of wealth and conscription of men havo become almost inseparable in the public mind." Suits for Enormous Commissions, Tho extent to which profiteering has gone during the wnr period is a subject on which it is hard to obtain definite informntion. A sidelight is thrown on the subject, however, by statements of many uctions for commissions on munition contracts onw pending in the United States courts. When the press states, for instnnce, that E, W. Bassick, one of the Americans mentioned by Sir Sam Hughos as having organized big plants to fill the fuse conttrncts, sues the Aetna Explosives Co. for commissions of npproximately $3,000,000, and the Bradley Construction Co. being compelled to pny Chas. Fuller, a New Tork lawyer *400,000 commission on Bussian munition contracts, tho public naturally wonders just how far this "commission" game has gene. And thon it begins to think what muat bo the profits on contracts on which such great amounts are paid as commissions, Oalgary Press Condemns System, The Calgary Horald deals with this subject of profiteering in a pointed manner in the following editorial: "According to the Financinl Times, if the war lasts aix months longer, Dominion Steel, a Canadian company, will finish the year's business with cash holdings of $15,000,000, after liberal appropriations for depreciation, tho wiping out of all bank loans and such reduction of annual fixed charges as will mnke an astounding revelation of SUCCCBS, "Steel of Canada, the snmo paper says, will be able to show a cash surplus equal to, if not exceeding, $100 for ovory share in tho company's common stock. Canadian General Electric will bo worth its weight in gold when the war orders cease; while Canada Foundries nnd Forgings surplus profits will probably bear a greater percentage to capital stock than any other company in Canada today. "Some tine ago tho Horald made the statement that no one in Canada could be regarded as truly patriotic if at the close of the war he woro wealthier than he was before the war started from contracts for war supplies or munitions. I The same statement wns made later by I the chairman of tho Imperial munitions , board at a meeting in Toronto. And tho question now arises, what of the immense profits of the concerns above* j named and of many others, all of which have been made posflible by war contracts V Profiteering in Necessities. Another phase of the subject, covering a condition which brings the quostion of the regulation of war time profits right homo to the pockets of the ordinary citizen, is found in the columns of the Pulp and Paper Magazine as follows: "Millers today are gutting almost double for a barrel of flour what they got two or three years ago, yet this would-be regulator at Ottawa has not stepped in and interfered with the miller 'b profits. Shoe manufacturers, clothing manufacturers and every other manufacturer catering to the necessities of the people, have raised the price of the commodities, yet Sir Thomas White does nothing If he doubts our word, let him glance at the cost of living chart prepared by his colleague, the minister of labor. Everything the people of this country require, such as food, clothing, etc., has made enormous advances in cost, yet Sir Thomas White remains silent." After roading the many expressions of opinion, of which the above are only a few instances, The Federationist is of the opinion that the demand of labor that wealth and man-power shall be equally treated in any government registration or conscription movement, is making a decided impression upon the public mind. OPENING 80CIAL EVENING OF STREET CAR MEN Whist Drive and Dance In Odd Fellows' Hall Next Monday Evening. Pioneer Division of the street rallwaymen's union asks for the hearty support, not only of tbe members of the division but all trades unionists of the city, in making the whiBt drive and dance which it will hold In tbe I.O.O.F. hall, Main Btreet and Sixth avenue on next Monday evening a success ln every particular. The plans for the event are now complete and promise an evening's enjoyment of which full advantage should be taken. The entire building has been engaged for the evening. At 8 o'clock the whist drive, under the direction of Mr. H. Netherton, will be started In the upper hall, this arrangement providing for the games not being Interfered with by the dancing programme which, under the direction of Mr. J, Poole, starts In the main hall at 9 o'clock and will continue until 2 a.m. During the evening refreshments will be served under the direction of Mr. B. J. Davis. The original plans for a free dance have been altered and a price of 50 cents per couple with 25 cents for extra ladies will be charged, the proceeds to go to the Province Tobacco Fund. Mr. H. Cameron, a well-known member of Pioneer Division, has made . arrangements for invitation dances which will be held in the Odd Fellows' ball every Tuesday evening. His work, .is being heartily appreciated by the lovers of the "light fantastic" among the street car boys. The officials of the division last November sent Christmas boxes to its members who are now at the front, and acknowledgments of the receipt of the timely cheer have been received from the following: A. Coutta, Wm. McClelland, Tom Clinton, Alex. Macaulay, M. Rosle, W. Chivas, Jas. Duncan, Alex. Buchan and Robt. Turner. In the letter from W. Chivas, he states that within 15 minutes after receiving his box he was wounded by being struck by shrapnel, his helmet being all that saved him from serious injury. The letter from W. Turner was sent from the hospital where he Is recovering from wounds. AH the other boys were well at the time of writing. CONGRESS OFFICIALS GET HARD KNOCKS Labor Unions of Northwest Believe Conferences on Registration Were "Bungled." The attitude of trades Unionists throughout the Northwest on the manner in which the Dominion congress officials have dealt with the government ln connection with the registration plans of the National Service Commission, is one of severe criticism, almost bordering on open revolt. Their position on the subject is reflected ln a paragraph of a private letter from a labor representative who thoroughly understands the views of theBe parties, which reads as follows: "In my Judgment, labor never had a better opportunity to enforce its just demands than was given it on this question. Instead of considering any assurances that Borden and Bennett had to give as to the future, it was the congress' opportunity to tell them we would have no truck or dealings with them or their National Service schemes until they declared the government's position on tbe nationalizing of Industry engaged in the production and forwarding of war supplies. Lnbor tn Canada la making itself more ridiculous all the time by continually yowling and crawling." m^e POLITICAL UNITT: TICT0B7 <fa«SrS5T) $1.60 PER YEAR Discuss Question of Industrial Conscription With Premier Promises Labor Will Be Consulted If the Plan Is Considered ALBERTA LABOR MEN JOIN IN VANCOUVER'S PROTEST Labor Convention Calls Upon Mr. R. B. Bennett, M. P, for Apology. The Alberta Federation of Labor passed at its annual convontion, held in Edmonton last weok, a resolution with roferenco to the reported atatementa of Mr. R. B. Bennett, M. P., along tho aame lines as the resolution pnsBcd by the Vancouver Trades and Labor council last week. The Federation resolution called upon Mr. Bennott to retract hiB statements as reported in the press to the effect that the opposition of organized labor to the registration plan of the National Service commission wns prompted by German agents or motives. It Ib also suggested that Premier Borden be asked to apologize to organized labor for the rash and ill-timed statements of his colleague. Tho Federation also discussed tho methods followed in connection with the patriotic fund. On this subject it was decided that the present plan of I raiBing monoy for thiB fund by volun-1 -v subscription was improper, and that the government should guarantee the dependents of'soldiers tho fullest security for adequately meeting the conditions arising because of the beads of households being at the front. THE QUESTION of the possibiUty of industrial conscription in connection with the operation of munition plants, was recently discussed by John McClelland of the Machinists' union, at a conference with Premier Borden and the members of his cabinet. Mr, McClelland told the premier and his colleagues that there was a state of unrest among the labor interests of the Dominion, this unrest having been brought about by reports in newspapers of speeches delivered by men in different parts of Canada. "We feel," said Mr. McClelland, '' that there is danger that at some time in the" near future there will be introduced into the munition factories and other industries some form of industrial conscription. A large number of manufacturers have expressed themselves in favor of it, and have been pressing Mark Irish, the director of labor for the Imporial munitions board, to have lawa enacted or an order-in-council passed making it a criminal offence for a workman to leave one factory and go to another for work and generally to place the employers ia a position to direct labor along those lines. The representatives of the machinists have held a four-days' meeting, and wo can say, with assurance, that we havo done all that ia possible to evade industrial troubles, so that the manufacturing of munitions might be facilitated. But the co-operation hus been all one-sided, and we havo had very little co-operation from the government. Labor Is Willing to Help. "We have brought our men here in order that we may stem the tide of discontent among those we represent. Our object in coming before you today is to ask if you huve any intention of introducing such legislation as I have suggested. After hearing whut you have to say, we intend to let our peoplo know what you have Btated. We foel that thia ia one time when we muat protect oursclvea, and we want to hear what you have to say.. "We didn't want to toll you all that wo have endeavored to do, but I may make reference to the fact that Mr. Irish wanted a number of good tool makers, which cannot bo obtained here at the present timo. Wo made arrangements to canvass tho different cities on the other Bide and we have been busy getting men in all the important centres in tho United Statea. I have the names of between 70 and 80 men who are willing to come here, but we hnd to stop thom nnd find out what the govornment intended to do with reference to the proposnl from the manufacturers to enforce industrial conscription, so that these men will not be in danger of conscription. We do not intend to bring these men over here under false pretences.'' Premier Borden's Reply. Sir Robert Borden, in reply to Mr. McClelland, .stated that he had nover heard anything, not evon a suggestion, nnd had nover been approached with roferenco to introducing any form of industrial conscription; in fact, he had not heard anything of it. He said that ho did not give any consideration to anything so undosirablo. "Whnt we desiro," said the premier, "is to got from labor willing service to holp in prosecuting the war, and to perform the gigantic task in ordor that the Allies might win. You can assure your men that nothing of the kind is contemplated, nor never hns it been considered. Wo wnnt nnother kind of service altogether." Mr. McClelland again pressed the premier for a definite statement as to whether the government would confer with Labor representatives, should it consider tho establishment of any form of industrial conscription. "Certninly, I will givo you that as surance," replied Promier Bordon, who then turned to tho minister of labor and asked him to keop Mr. McClelland's request in mind and boo thnt thc assurance was carried out. 8. D. MACDONALD President of Prince Hupert Trades and Labor Council, whose popularity among the trades unionists ot the Northern Metropolis of the province was shown last week by his re-election for a third term, Twenty Now Employed at Engineering Works and More Coming Men Who Were Laid Off Refused Work, and Women Taken On WHAT SHAREHOLDERS IN IM B. O MINES RECEIVE Some Interesting Figures Which Trades Unionists May Well Remember. Six metalliferous mining companies in Britiah Columbia paid out in dividenda to their aharoholdors $2,891,583 on account of business during 1916. This is an advance of nearly 100 per cent, over the dividends for 1915, when $1,335,088 wns distributed in dividends. This report covers only the Canadian Consolidated, Granby, Hedley, LcRoi, Rambler Cariboo, Standard and Mother Lode workings nnd does not tako into account the operations of private concerns. Tho dividends do not by any moana represent tho net earnings of the mines for tho year aa in every case the directors have passed over to surplus or reserve accounts largo amounts and have also expended largo sums on extensions, equipmont and tho purchase of new properties. The Granby mines show the largest dividend increaBo for tho year, its division of $1,040,894 nmong* its shareholders representing an advance of about 400 por cent, over the 1915 dividends. Miners Strike at Marysville, Tho Miners' union of Marysville, Mont., haa declared a strike in the mines of tho district on account of tho refusal of the owners to pay nn incrcaso of 50 cents por day. The men nre organized as a local of the Western Federation, the union having beon only recently formed. The employment of women on tbe manufacture of munitions in Vancouver plants is now an established fact, the Innovation having gone into effect in the Vancouver Engineering Co. shops this week. About twenty women are now employed at the plant, their present work being that of cleaning and band pressing, but it is understood that more will be taken on in the near future. Mr. Mark Irish, Director of Munitions Labor, recently stated at Ottawa that it was not the intention to replace men with women on munition work, the idea being to provide for the work of the men to be spread over a greater time and a greater number of machines. Whether this idea Is being carried out in the local plant is being questioned on account of prevailing reports. 4 Former Male Employees Dropped. Some time ago the manufacture of 18-lb. shells was dropped at the plant on account of lack of orders, all the work done being on- the shells of larger calibre. A number of tbe men were laid off on this account and told to come around later when new orders for 18-lb, shells were received. Learning that such an order had been received and that preliminary work for carrying It out was being started, these men applied for employment. They were told that there was no work for them, as it was the intention of the firm to take on women. The reports from the east concerning women In the munition plants state that 5,000 females are now engaged on the work, and that the applications for employment were far greater than could be handled. Their work was of the lighter clans, such as on primers and fuses, as well as inspecting, sorting and packing. They were paid from $10 to $22 per week, or just as much as men engaged on similar work. FINAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR REVELSTOKE CONVENTION Secretary Welle Says Great Interest in Work of Federation Is Shown Throughout Province. Secretary A. S. Wells of the B. C. Federation of Labor, arrived in Vancouver yesterday morning, leaving for Revelstoke last-evening in order to complete final arrangements for the convention which opens on Monday morning. He states that there will be from 40 to 50 delegates in attendance, which is considered to be a good showing in view of existing conditions. The communications to the central office with reference to the convention show a feeling of increased Interest through out the province in the work of the Federation. This is also evidenced by tho fact that during the week several applications for affiliation have boen made. The decks of the Federation will be cleared for the work of the convention at a meeting of the executive on Sunday afternoon at Revelstoke. Among the subjects on which action will.be taken are tbe strict observance of the Mines Regulation act, the campaign for an eight-hour day and matters arising from the plans of the National Service Commission. Excellent Reports at Annual Meeting of Trades and Labor Council Reported Invasion of Halibut Industry by Orientals Taken Up LABOR TEMPLE MEETINGS DURING THE COMING WEEK SUNDAY, Jan. 28—Typographical union. 29 — Electrical Retail MONDAY, Jan. Workers. TUESDAY, Jai Clerks. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 31 -- Press Feeders. THURSDAY, Fob. 1-Trades and Labor Council; Garment Work- era. FRIDAY, Feb. 2—Railway Carmen; letter Carriers; Civic Employees. SATURDAY, Feb. 3 — Building Trades Council; Bakers. PRINCE RUPERT, Jan. 22 — (Special Correspondence to The Federation* 1st). — The annual meeting ot the Prince Rupert Trades and Labor coun* cil was well attended and the reports of the officers showed the organisation to be ln a flourishing condition. During the past year four locals have been admitted to the central body, and there are at least two more In sight for the coming term. The finances of the organization are ln such shape as to cause the officers no anxiety, ahd, on the whole, 1916 was not unkind to the parent body of organized labor in the northern capital. President S. D. Macdonald was unanimously re-elected for a third term. The following is a list of the officers: President, 8. D. Macdonald; vice-president, Geo. Rudderham; secretary, R. H. Llnzey; financial secretary, Geo. Waddell; treasurer, J. Mor- rlson; warden, John Dean; legislative committee, W. E. Thompson, Geo. Rud* derham and L. W. Rellly; finance com* mittee, J. Dean, H. Hanson and L. W. Rellly. Oriental Halibut Fishers. W. E. Thompson was the unanimous choice for delegate to the Revelstoke convention of the B. C. Federation of Labor. There has. been a feeling prevalent In certain labor circles ot this city that the Federation has been too much of an "inner circle" organization and, as vice-president for the district, "Bill's" work has been hampered on this account. However, on his return from Revelstoke, he hopes to overcome what he claims Is an erroneous opinion. More power to his elbow An Important question, brought to the attention of tbe Trades council by Delegate Munro of the Deep Sea Flsh ermen's union at last meeting, was the reported invasion by Orientals of the halibut industry in northern B. C. Past experiences ln the salmon Industry should be sufficient to warrant strong measures being taken to keep this promising industry free from the yellow hordes, and the council now has the matter in hand. Strong Local of Fish Packers. The Fish Packers' union, one of the youngest and certainly one of tbe moBt prosperous locals In the city, on Thursday last elected the following new officers: President, F. Shaw; vice-president, A. Small; general secretary, F. W. Grlmblo; treasurer, J. Rank; guardian, G. Fafolo; guide, T. Bussanlch; trustees, Aid. Casey, Jackson and Sinclair. This young organization Is particularly fortunate ln being able to retain the services of F. W. Grlmble, who has proved a most efficient secretary, J. Storfold, for the last few years business agent of the Deep Sea Fishermen's union In this city, has moved to Seattle with his family. He has been elected to a position of greater responsibility In the Sound metropolis, and his promotion will be learned of with satisfaction by his many friends who, nevertheless, regret that he Is leaving Prince Rupert. As a member of the Trades and Labor council Mr. Storfold was Indefatigable In his efforts to promote the cause of tho workers. Prince Rupert's loss will be Seattle's gain and the best wishes of the boys go with him to his new field of work. CIVIC EMPLOYEES ASK OLD MINIMUM WAGE City Engineer Will Present Report On Subject for Consideration at Estimates. A request that the city restore the minimum wage ot $3 for its outside employees and also take up through a board of arbitration a number of questions which are now ln dispute was laid before the Vancouver authorities on Tuesday afternoon by Mr. V. R. Mldgeley, representing the elvlc employees' union. Aid. Gale suggested that a special committee be appointed to go Into tho matters ln dispute, but this proposal was defeated and the city engineer was instructed to bring ln a report covering both this subject and the requested advance ln wages. The arbitration proposnl of the employees wsb that a representative appointed by the aldermen, a man selected by the employees and a chairman appointed by these two men should take up the points at Issue. Among the questions Involved Is the case of some men who are now working on Saturday afternoon at straight time, whereas the arrangement provides for time and a half for such work. Another point covers the cases of the teamsters who work longer for $2.60 per day than do others who are receiving $2.75. The question of tho establishment of the old minimum wage rate of $3 per day will probably como up In connection with the board of works estimates. SHALL ORIENTALS SUPPLY MATERIAL FOR CITY WORK? Aldermen 8ay Evasion of Terms of Contract Mutt Be Stopped. Tho question as to whether contractors on city work aro to be allowed to sneak around the clause of their contracts which prohibits tho omploymcnt of Orientals by using material secured from white firms but which Is produced by Asiatics Is now up to the city authorities for a decision. On Tuesday formal complant was made to a civic committeo that on the Coal Harbor causeway rock had been used which 'wu supplied by Evans, Coleman & Evans, but which was the product ot Oriental labor. Although the point wu not brought out ln the discussion the question of the rock supply tor tbe Canadian Northern seawall also enters Into this question as the same firm provided rock from the same source for this work a few months ago when Immediate operations were contemplated. The aldermen discussed the question and, after It had been pointed out that the contract prohibited Oriental labor "directly or Indirectly," they were of the opinion that the question was a serious one. The committee accordingly directed Aid. Gale and Woodslde to take up tbe subject with City Counsel McCrossan at once. MAT MAKE ELECTION SAT A STATOTOBT HOLISAT Premier Borden Declares His Sympathy i With Trades Oongress en Question. j At the recent conference of Tradei And Labor Congress of Canada repre* uentativeB with Premier Borden and members of his cabinet, thc premier ' stated that he was in sympathy with the resolution of the Congress that the day on which Dominion elections was held should be a statutory holiday. The subject was presented to the Dominion authorities by J. W. Bruce, of the Plumbers and Steamfltters' onion, who read the resolution of the Congress which requested the making of election day a statutory holiday and, in the event of such legislation not being enacted, that the hours for voting be extended so that workingmen would have a better chance to use their franchise. He said that in the great industrial centres, a better expression of the will of the people would be obtained if election day was made a public holiday. In the country districts, the time of the year 'at which the election was held had a great deal to do with the number of votes cast. In the industrial centres, the hours for voting were too limited. Workingmen were only allowed one hour in adidtion to their noon hour, and had to be exceedingly interested in the elections to cast their votes. In such large centres as Toronto and Montreal, it was almost impossible to get to the polls as thoy were congested with voters about noon hour and 5 o'clock. In concluding his address, Mr. Bruce said: "If the government will take 'up this question, it will be to their advantage, and to the advantage of the electors. If election day is not made a public holiday, the government should at least give the men an' opportunity to go to the polls after they have had their supper. Some men refuse to stand in line in Inclement weather on election day, and we feel that if their hours are extended, there will be a better expression of the people's will at the polls." ENGINEERS' UNION AIM TO RAISE 8TANDARDS Propose to Bring Several Matters Before Bevelstoke Convention The recently organized local of the international organization of the engineers is considering the presentation of two questions at the Revelstoke convention of the B. C. Federation of labor. One of the subjects alms at the extension of the provincial boiler inspection act so as to cover the Inspection of boilers on floating craft, such as 1 pile drivers, etc. At present, equipment of this class Is not Inspected and may be operated by any class of labor, despite the fact that the operation usually means as much danger as does the operation of boilers in ordinary plants The other matter alms at shortening of the hours of stationary engineers The new local has set a good example to many of the elder locals by subscribing for Tbe Federationist for its entire roll, thus assuring Its members of an opportunity of keeping in touch with the labor news of the ro* vince and dominion weekly. MONTHLY MEETING OF TYPOS. SUNDAY AFTERNOON Two Local Typos. Leave to Fill Positions in Northwest Cities. Members of Vancouver Typographical union are reminded of the regular monthly meeting of the union to he held on Sunday, January 28, at 2 o'clock. Of late theHe meetings have been brief nnd Interesting, and the usual good attendance of members Ik anticipated. I3y attending regularly and giving clnso attention to the business before tbem from time to time, members of the union can mako tlieir organization Just what they wish it to be. During the past week two members left for iirnlrlc cities—Mr. C. W. .Mann leaving for Calgary, and Mr. Clarke W. Pettlplece for Kdmonton. Mr. L, Wnrd, of the firm of Ward, Rllwood & Pound, is n patient in the General hospital, which Institution ho entered on Tuesdny to undergo an operation for appendicitis. CONSCRIPTION OF WEALTH IS URGED Old Country Trade Unionists Setting the Pace—What of Canada A dnily prcBs despatch from Mandator, Englnnd, yesterday siiys: Immc-, diato conscription of accumulated wealth to lighter the financial burdens of the i war is demanded in n resolution adopt-1 od unanimously nt tho annual mooting: of tho Labor party The rosolution calls for taxation of not Iosb than fifteen shillings on tho pound on unearned incomes, direct taxation of land, and' the nationalization of the banking sya- tom. In introducing the resolution, Ramsy Macdonald, Labor member of the House of Commons, snid that nfter tho war tho country would bo loft with a debt of $20,000,000,000, with an annual fixed chargo of more thnn ^10,000,000,000. A now local of the international union of boilermakers hns been organized at Princo Rnpert. The following is the list of officers, (ts elected nt a meoting of tho local held last week: President, J. Harris; vicc-presidonT, Wm. McLeod; trensurer, E. Ornggs; fliiiiiicinl secretary, corresponding secretary, W. 8. Hammond; recording socretary, 8. Hardy; nnd James Sturgeon, aud Inspector, Alex. Halcrovo. I Mass Meeting of Retail Employees Favors Union Affiliation Plans of Clerks Will Be Further Outlined Next Tuesday Evening DEFINITE! PROGRESS haa been made during the week on the effort to work out auch an arrangement aa will provide for the retail store clerks, having the full force ot organized labor behind them, meeting their employers and collectively discussing the many questions as to their employment delations whloh have come to tlie surface recently In connection witb the discussions dealing with the weekly half holiday legislation: As far as the clerks are concerned the decision ot a public meeting held at the Labor Temple, on* Tuesday evening was that tbey should organize as a local of tbe International or ganlzatlon and aot In concert wltb local trades unionists through affiliation with the central labor organization. A meeting of the Vancouver retail merchants on Wednesday took up the question of the half holiday and weekly limitation of hours of work; various suggestions being made, but that which appeared to meet wltb greatest favor being the declaration for a 48-hour week. Both employees and employers will hold further meetings during next week. The clerks will hold a mass meeting for organization purposes In the Labor Temple on Tuesday evening, while the merchants will hold a conference of the trade trom the entire Island and Lower Mainland on Wednesday afternoon. Enthusiastic Meeting of Clerks. The Labor Temple meeting of the clerks was fairly representative ot the line, about 800 being present at the opening of the meeting. Mr./ W. - R. Trotter outlined the advantages which would follow a decision to formally Identity their or ganlzatlon with tbe trades union movement. He pointed out that collective work and co-operation with the trades union movement would place the clerks on a far stronger footing than was possible as an Independent organization. Tbe organization plans had hitherto centred around the half holiday movement, but this was a comparatively minor matter when compared with the question of wages, hours and working conditions, all of which were subjects wblch the clerks of Vancouver | should carefully consider. Mr. V. R. .Mldgeley also addressed the clerks on the value of a real trades union organization, stating that not only would they then receive the support and assistance of organized labor but they would also enjoy the advantages of sick benefit funds, etc. Mr. H. H. Bishop spoke against the plan to enter tbe trades union movement, claiming that all that the re- tall clerks desired to accomplish could be secured through the present Independent organization. The half-holiday question was still open and until this was settled by an arrangement providing for the closing on Saturday after noons during the summer and at 6 p.m. for the balance of the year, or some other provision, the old organization should be maintained. Mr. O. D. Bruce replied to those objecting to the new organization plan. He snld that his experience with the old association bad proved that It was Inefficient If real results were to be obtnlned. Real solidity and efficient work could be done only through so I acting as to secure the co-operation of the organized labor interests. Tbe clerks would also receive the benefits of international organizations in the line of benefit funds, something which was Impossible through a local organization. Opposition Is Defeated. A resolution declaring that while sympathizing with the organized labor movement, it was not deemed advisable that the present was the right time for the clerks to affiliate with organized labor, wur presented, but did not receive sufficient, support to bring lt to a vote. The action of the nieeting was then declared In favor of the adoption of the trades union organization, nnd tho enrolment list was started, a number of names being promptly secured. At the meeting of noxt Tuesdny evening tho leaders of the clerks' new organization will outline plans tor fully covering the field of operations ln Vancouver and make arrangements for an active membership campaign. Mr. Bruce, who has been at the head of tbo retail clerks' organization for some time, asks The Federatlonist to state that the organization work of the new union is not based on any definite policy on the question of half- holiday, working hourB or minimum wage. The Idea of the supporters of tho movement Is to securo a live and active organization of the clerks who, nfter full consideration of the queB* tlonB affecting them, can decide as to the propor course of action. Then, backed by thc organized labor Interests of the city and province, they wilt be in a position to meet and confer on these questions to beBt advantage. Tho retail grocors of KltBilano nnd Fairviow are inaugurating a campaign for tho closing of all grocery stores throughout Vancouver at 6 p.m. except on Wednesdays, when tho Imlf-holiday prevail*, and Saturdays, when 0 p.m. is suggested. An effort is bcinb made to havo the mator dealt with by tho city council In tho form of an enrly closing bylaw framed according to the demands of a petition of the required percentage of concerns in the trade. PAGE TWO THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST FRIDAY January 26, 1017 THE INCORPORATED 1855 BANK OF TORONTO $73,000,000 54,000,000 Household Banking Accounts in The Bank of Toronto have been found by many to be a great convenience. The accounts may be opened in the names of husband and wife, and either may deposit or withdraw money. Interest is p:.id on these accounts twice a year. Paid-up capital 5,000,000 Reserve Fund 6,500,000 Corner Hastings and Gamble Sts. Will the Yellow Race Dominate the White Race? ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION THEN SEE "The Yellow 1 Menance" -^ ■^m AT The Broadway Theatre CORNEE MAIN—BROADWAY Monday, Tuesday 6 Wednesday January 29, 30 and 31. COMING Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Charlie Chaplin IN HIS LATEST SHOW "THE RINK" SUBENE8S AND SPEED IN THB TELEPHONE It is ono of the odd thingB in this world that the iiuickcttt way is almost Invariably the simplest and the best. It is so with the telephone. It is instantaneous in action, and absolutely certain in transmission of sound. Yon know that what you say Is going as you said It, and you know the next moment that it haB been heard. Nothing excels the telephone in sureness and speed. B. O. TELEPHONE CO., LTD. SOME OF OUB BEST! CUSTOMERS are among the trade unionists of Greater Vaneoaver. We WiU Make Terms to Suit You Come in snd look over the biggest and best stook of furniture in British Columbia. 41 HASTINOS ST., WEST T. B. CUTHBERTSON & Oo. Men'8 Hatters and Outfitters Three Stores PANTAGES Un.qatU.d ViOlnUU Item, IAHTAOE3 VAUDEVILLE THBEE SHOWS DAILY 3:<S, 7:80. »:16 Shim's Prico: MitlnM. lis! Bnntnil. 18c. Ms. Quality Supreme Sou-Van Milk Fall. 2624 Union Delivery PRINTING COWAN & BBOOKHOUSE labor Temple Press Sey. 4490 CENTER & HANNA, Ltd. UNDERTAKERS Refined Service 1049 GEORGIA STRUT One Block west of Court House. Use of Modern Chapel and Funeral Parlors free to all Patrons Telepbone Seymonr 2428 IB.C.FEI Published every Friday morning by the B. O. Federatlonist, Limited Office: Boom 217, Lahor Temple Tel. Exchange Seymour 7495 Subscription: $1.50 por year; in Vancouver City, 82.00; to unions subscribing in a body, fl.00 REPRESENTATIVES Now Westminster W. Yutos, Box 1021 Prince Rupert S. D. Macdonald, Box 268 Victoria A. S. Wells. Box 1538 FBIDAY January 26, 1917 NO DOUBT great things havo been expected of the new government of this province. It surely came into power with quite enough noiac, and blustor, and bombast and blowing of horns, to warrant by-3lcctioii referred to, is more than evident. That thiB element is growing in strength and determination is one of the most cheering signs of the times, It is also one of the omens indicating a very strong probability that the pie- Bent government will not be able to long survive, unless Brewster should prove big enough ■ and courageous enough to openly defy the machine—thc "old guard" so-called—and repudiate such of his associates as are known to bo its tools because they carry its defiling pitch upon their garmonts. To date Premier Brewster haa given no evidence that he is big enough, or sufficiently courageous, to rise to the occasion. Undor the circumstances, Tho Federationist feels justified in asking how long can such a government hold together? Sir Henry Drayton's proposal for the IHALF-HOLTDA-T AOT nationalization of shipping arouses no T0 __* AMENDED enthusiasm in marine circles in Eng- . . hind. And why should itf We do not New Attorney-general Declares Present recall ever having heard of any one Measure to Be FuU of Flaws. who had been enjoying a soft snap ever iWW "*"'" becoming intoxicated with delight at That the retail clerks' half-holiday the prospect of losing it. And come to act "was one of the most loosely-drawn think it over, it does'nt seem reason- and poorly constructed pieces of legislative that they should. On tlie other tion on the provincial statute books, hand, we are heartily in favor of the and was sure to be amended at the nationalization of shipping. We own forthcoming session of the legislature," no ships. iB the opinion of Hon. M. A. Macdon- aid, the attorney-general for the new In his reply to the New Year's greet- government. No declaration was forth- ing of the Archbishop of Cologne, the coming as to tho manner in which the German kaiser and admiral of the At- government proposed to deal with the lantic said, "May Qod's grace and measure, but it was stated that, aside goodness be granted to our dear father- from the agitations arising from the land in the future nnd give us strength, workings of tho act, thero were so ;it this grave time to overcome victori- many technical flaws that the govern- ously our heavy affliction." That seems ment must step in and make the act to be the most earnest and Boulful ap-<more clear as to scope and intent. HOW LONG the assumption that OAN IT HOLD marvelous things TOGETHER? would bo speedily done and a sweeping and effective transformation in Die political life of the province be at once inaugurated. Borno months havo elapsed since the edict was given at the polls that relegated the "infamous Bowser regime" to the liinbo of lost souls, and brought the purified and sanctified disciples of good government and clean politics to the citadel of power and the seats of the mighty. But up to date nothing more serious has been done than merely leading to the trough a few of the faithful who are thus enabled to reap their just and due reward for the part they played in the Don Quixotic crusade against the forces of evil' formerly glued to the governmental flesh-pots. In spite of the loud boast of political profundity so ably put forth by this clique of adventurers upon the stormy sea of politics, there is us yet nothing to show that boast to be anything more meritorious than a reck- lesB expenditure of loud noise. Perhaps the alleged profundity may expose itself to the public eye once the next session of tbe house is undor way, but it is safe to assert that there are no signs yet pointing in that direction. * # * Among the many serious problems confronting the new administration, it seems that the question of finance is the most pressing. Some method must be devised to bring more ducats to the treasury, and as an indication of the wisdom of the new bunch, when that wisdom is directed to the solution of financial problems, it is worthy of note that it is probable that the government will resuscitate that most objectionable of all forms of taxation known as the '' poll tax,'' which the McBride government, in spite of its confirmed iniquities, had at least the decency to abolish after much delay. In these days of vast wealth and much vaunted prosperity, any government that cannot find means to replenish its treasury without resorting to a resuscitation of the poll tax infamy, needs to go no further in certifying its own moral bankruptcy and political ineptitude. As a political measure calculated to strengthen the hand of the government nt future elec* tions, it deserves to be classed along with the many equally brilliant moves made by the German rulers in connection with the present war. If this alleged liberal government does reinstate the poll tax in this province, it will add to ita popularity and strength to about the same extent as did the invasion of Belgium add to the strength Of the Hun cause. * * * We should worry, however, for tbere ia said to be "many a slip 'twixt cup and lip." If the signs of harmony at present in the Liberal camp of this province are to be taken as an indication of what is yet to come, it should be about an even bet that the present government will not last a twelve-month. In spite of all attempts by the "old guard" to exorcise the ghost of past misdeeds, that ghost will not down. And why ahould itf For is there one person in this provinoe who does not know that the term "old guard" is merely another way of spelling a certain political machine that for long held sway over this end of the Dominion, the magnitude of whoso operations and tho corruption of whose touch made tho puny grist of the Bowser machino look like thirty cents.in comparison? At least thero are none resident in this immediate "neck o' tho woods" who do not instinctively connect a certain party not altogether unknown to the grocery trade, with the "old guard" ond of that interesting littlo family spat that is going on within tho Liberal happy family, over the ghostly happen- inga and weird performances of tho by- election period of last year. That the aforesaid old and unscrupulous political machino is again nosing its way bnck to power, is by no mennso a guess. And that in so doing it is resorting to nny means, no matter how corrupt, in order to attain its end neod surprise no one who knows anything nbout tho political machine of modern capitalism, ita characteristics and its habits. That this particular machine is any cleaner or more scrupulous in itfl purposo and methods, or that its boosters, henchmen anil tools are one whit purer, nobler or higher in the moral scale than these self-flame worthies alleged to be true of tho Bowser machine and his cohorts, is too ridiculous to deserve tho attention of anyone endowed with common sense and ronsoning fncultins. That thero is an element in the Liberal ranks flint docs not stand for the sort of filing that is tho aole characteristic of all corrupt political machines, and which was undoubtedly expressed at the THB FEDERATIONIST understands that the miners of Ladysmith have decided to nominate J. H. Hawthornthwaite for the Boat in the provincial house made vacant by the appointment of the LADYSMITH recently-olected lib- MINERS, eral member, P. ALL HAIL! Williams, to oflico under thc new Workmen's Compensation Act. Just when the bye-election will be pulled off is not yet known, but whenever it does come,'we hopo to be able to chronicle the triumphant election of tho irrepressible ".Tim" and his re-appearance in the house where he for many years so persistently and ably defended tho interests of the workera against the equally persistent aad stubborn encroachments of the interests of the masters and exploiters of industry. * * * It is not the province of The Federationist to indulge in fulsome flattery of individuals, or to throw bouquets at either deserving or undeserving persons. As a rule men in public life act according to the light that is within them, and are probably as little deserving of flattering approval when they do that which we deem right, as they are of our disapproval and harsh criticism when they do that which in our opinion they should not have done. In the matter of judgment, the workers are by no means infallible. They are doubtless as prono to mistakes aB any other people. They have frequently placed their political trust in men only to have such trust betrayed. The miners of Vancouver Island will not need to greatly refresh their memories to recall at leaat one or more; instances within their own experience confirming this. But at leaat in the case of J. H. Hawthornthwaite, they made no mistake. Ho did not betray them, nor did he at any time fail to show that he fully understood the position of their class in present- day society and used that knowledge as a compass to direct his every political act. It is only by and with that knowledge that any representative of labor can tread the straight and narrow path of political righteousness, no matter how honest and well intentioned he may be In attributing that knowledge of the working class and its real interests to the redoubtable "Jim," The Federationist "disclaims any intention of swelling him up by means of flattery, or currying favor with him in expectation of favors to be thus conjured forth from the future. This humble tribute iB offered more in the way of a pat upon the back to the Ialand miners for their fortunate selection of a representative, in the past, and their wise choice at the present time, utterly regardless of whether such selection has been due to their rare judgment or is merely the result of a lucky throw of the political dice. * * * With all due apologies to the Mc- Brides, the Bowsers, the Brewsters, the John Olivers, and a horde of capitalist political hacks of similar dull luminosity, "Jim" Hawthornthwaite comes by far to being the nearest approach to a "live wire" that has appeared in the house of gas at Victoria since the "memory of man runneth not back to the contrary." Many a shock did he administer during tho dozen or more years he was in the house. There has been no ginger there since he left. It is up to the miners of the Newcastle district to return him to that cave of the winds, to the end that ita dull gloom may once moro awaken to the echo of nbor's voice, and there again be n greut rattling of dry bones in the char- nel houBO of graft nnd exploitation, and a repudiation of tho equally dry and in- nutritious husks of capitalist panaceas and promises. All hail to the miners of Ladysmith. As they raised the standard of political revolt in 1903, may they ngoin raise it by returning "Jim" Hawthornthwaite at the coming byo- election, is the fervent wish of Tho Federationist. peal that we ever knew an "affliction" to put up on its own behalf. It really deserves a favorable answer, because of ita evident sincerity. When it comes down to greed and avarice It looks as though the feminine wage-worker ts just as bad as the masculine article. Why, right down there at Ann Arbor, Mich., only the other day 850 employees of the Hoover Steel Ball corporation, the most of them girls who were actually drawing down salaries of 14 cents per hour for a 54-hour week, had the sublime gall to go on strike for the purpose of enforcing a demand for an increase of 4 cents per hour. What do you think of that? An English firm has secured a large contract for 14 and 16-inch shells for the government of the United States. This Arm's bid was over $200 less per shell than that of the lowest American bidder. Free traders are cautioned against seizing upon this incident as nn argjmeht in favor of their pet theory, for it is nothing of the kind., It merely Bhows that the present tariff is too slow. Otherwise the struggling "infant industries" of the United States, such ns Bethlehem, for instance, would not be nt the mercy of such ruthless and ruinous competition. AS GOOD AS GOLD - Is Gold's best recommendation AS GOOD AS ROYAL CROWN Is Soap's best recommendation Accept no substitute for any Royal Crown products SAVE ALL ROYAL OROWN COUPONS AND WRAPPERS THEY ARE VALUABLE The Royal Crown inn ui Vancouver, B.C. (We keep British Columbia clean) A man was rocently arrested for having asked a banker to hand him out 932,000. MacKenzIe & Mann could have shown him a more effective and far Hafer way to get the money tban that. And he would have run no danger of being arrested either. He would have been far more likely to have been banqueted. Owing to the high cost of living ono of the largest lumber companies ln Skagit county, Wash., has found It necessary to raise the price of board of its employees to $7 per week. To the company's eternal credit lot lt be known, however, that the princely wage of its common laborers has not been cut. They aro still receiving $1.75 per day. The penalty a man deserves for getting married has now been legally established. A Montreal man found guilty of bigamy, having been caught with four wives, received a sentence of four yoars In prison. One year for each marriage. No man need to get married, henceforth, without realizing the enormity of his offence beforehand. Just at present the wholesale merch ants of Vancouver are leading the ugi-j tation for the amendment of the act ns the decision of the electors that Wed- nesday was tho day for the half-holiday : does not work in with iheir business, i where trado conditions have for years caused Saturday to be a half-holiday. _ The governmont said it could not ox-! empt the wholesalers, and a largo number of theso flrma aro keeping open on Wednesday, nnd thus laying themselves open to a chargo. David Hartman, of Dover, Ohio, is as dead as a doorknob. He is for a fact. David recently won a prize for an article on "How to Live Cheaply." He demonstrated his theory by living on three cents a day, and was getting on fine until a nose-poking physician informed him that he was starving to death. Tills ridiculous information apparently frightened bim into a loss of confidence in his theory and a reckless plunge into riotous living and gormandizing. He suddenly increased his daily allowance from three cents to ten cents. That croaked'him. EVASIVE REPLY FROM GREAT NORTHERN Another evasive reply from the Great Northern to the enquiry of the city, forwarded as the rosult of a complaint of the Trades and Labor council as to the employment of Asiatic on the False Creek development work and the working of the men on Saturday afternoons was presented to a civic committee Tuesday afternoon. As to the employment of Asiatics it was stated that the report was unfounded. The committee waB not satisfied with the statement on the point and advised that the city's counsel be asked to go Into the matter. As to the working of men on Saturday afternoon at straight time wages, definite particulars were requested and the aldermen, expressing the opinion that the railway must live up to its agreements covering the pro* tectlon of labor, instructed the solicitor to take further proceedings to outline the city's attitude on the question. Some western newspaper that $1,000,000 bo expended on" the shipment of 1,300,000 war widows from the old country into Canada. Commissioner Lamb, the head of that mundane transport service commonly referred to as the Salvation Array, ridicules the suggestion upon the grounds that seventy-five cents per widow is not enough, in theso dayB of high war freights. Just because "salvation is free," and therefore it coats nothing to transfer the immortal aoul from here to the heavenly beyond, is no valid reason why a buxom widow could be shipped across thousands of miles of tempestuous ocean for six bits, is itf A California Holstein cow is snid to have yiolded her owner $500 in milk during the year 19HV From this we infer that, if tho cow could milk herself and churn hor own butter for her owner and master, and waa so stupidly foolish as to insist on doing so, she would be as profitable an investment ob an ordinary wage slave. Another point in her favor would be due to the fact that she could not always be blathering about "justice," and hollering for higher wages. Still far be it from 'ub to wish to stir up discontent and unrest nmong cows, or plant in their docile bovine hearts the seeds of class hatred against those who live from their but- terfat. NEW YORE FIREMEN TRY TWO-PLATOON BYSTEM Excellent. Reports As to Its Working Lead to Adoption of Plan. For many yoars an effort has been made to introduce the two-platoon system, for which the Vancouver city firemen have been putting up an energetic campaign, in tho fire department of New York city. Recently an aldermanic committee recommended that a six months' tost of the Bystem be made in one of the city's fire districts, the rapid advance of the syBtem and excellent reports as to its successful working being of such a character as to compel attention. WORKINGMEN'S RATES ON PORT MANN TRAINS Efforts of Royal Oity Trades Oouncll Will Probably eB Successful. The efforts of tho New Westminator trades unions to secure lower rates on tho workingmen's train to Port Mann may bo successful. The labor men asked thnt tho government mako a concession on tho operation of this train ovor the Frnser river bridge, but it was re plied that such an arrangement would violate the agreements with other railways using tho bridge. Tho Groat Nor- thorn and Northern Pacific are now be- ing asked to ngroo to the arrangement and, with their consent secured, the govornment will again bo approached on the subject. JOHN A. BARBER > Fire Ute Insurance ___^_ ESTATES MANAGED, VALUATORS 690 Blcbarda Streot Sir. "34 VANCOUVER UNIONS ADVANCED-WAGES FOR HALIFAX LONGSHOREMEN New Agreement Will Give 1000 Dock- Workers Increase of 6 Cents Hour. Tho longshoremen's union of Hnli-, fax haa made a new agreement iwth the steamship agents at the port whicli securos for the men nn increase of 5 cents per hour on both day and night work. The agreement is the first mnde since 1012 although an increaso of 2 cents, per hour waa made last January by arrangoment, About 1000 mon will ahare on the benefits of the increas'e. PROVINCIAL UNIONS B. O. FEDERATION OF LABOR— Menu in annua] convention in January. Ext>c< utive offieura, 1016-17: Preaident, Ju. H. Mc Vety; vico-preaidenta — Vauoouvor, John Brooks, E. Mormon; Victoria, G. Sivt-m, New WcBtminater, W. Yatea; Prince Rupert, W. E. Thompson, P. O. Box 158; RoEtiland. H. A. Stowart: District 28, U. M. Wt of A (Vancouver Island), W. Head; District 18, U. M. W. of A. (Crow'i Nest Valley), A. J Carter. (Secretary-treasu'er, A. S, Wella, P O. Box 1538. Victoria, B. O. 'HADES AND LABOR COUNCIL—MEETS first oud third Thursdaya. ExooutiM hoard; James H. McVety, presidont; Fred A Hoover, vice-president; Victor lt. Midirley goneral aeeretary, 210 Lahor Toinplu; Fred KdowIob. treasurer; W. 11. Cotterill, atatiitl* clan; A. J. Crawford, Jas. Campbell. F, HhIkIi, trustees. ' ALLIED PRINTINO TRADES COUNCIL— Meets aecond Monday ln tho month. *resident, J. McKinnon; secreUry, R H Neelanda, P. O. Box Otl, BARTENDERS' LOCaITNo". 676.—ORm. Room 208 Labor Temple. Meets flrat Sunday of oach month. Presidont, Jamea Campbell; financial seoretary, tl. Davis Boi 424; phono, Soy. 4752; recording seoretary. Wm. MotUshaw, Olobo Hotel, Main street. VICTORIA, B. O. JOURNEYMEN BARBERS' INTERNATION- al Union of America, Local No. 120— Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays In the month. Room 205 Labor Temple. President, L B Herritt; secretary, S, H. Grant, 604 Georgia streot. VICTORIA TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL— MeetB flrst and third Wednesday, Labor Hall, 1424 Oovernment atreet, at 8 p.m. President, E. Christopher, Box 887; vice-president, Christian Siverts, 1278 Den- man street; secretary, B. Simmons, Box 802, Victoria, B. O. INTERNATIONAL UNION OF STEAM AND OPERATING ENGINEERS—Local 446, Victoria, B. O. P. 0. address Box 02. Local unton meeta flnt and third Sunday, 10 a.m. Place of meeting, Labor Hall, DeCosmoa blk. Presidont, J. Johns, 322 Dallas road; secretary, J. M. Amer, 1045 McClure atreet; business agent, 8, Cullum, phone 1101R. BREWERY WORKERS, L. U. No. 281, I U U. B. W. of A.—Meets first and third Monday of each month, Room 802. Labor Temple, 8 p.m. President, R. N. Myles; secretary. Frank Graham, 2256 Twelfth avenne west. NEW WESTMINSTER. B. 0. BARTENDERS' INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE of America, local 784, New Westminster Meeta aecond Sunday of each month at l'BO p.m. Secretary, F. W. Jameson, Box 406. PRINCE RUPERT, B. C. PRINCE' RUPERT TRADEB AND LABOR Council—Meets second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, In Carpenters' hall. President, 8. D. Macdonald; aeoretary, J, J. Anderson. Box 273. Prince Ruport, B. O. SOUTH WELLINGTON. V. I. LOCAL UNION, NO. 873, U. M. W. OF A.- Meets second and fourth Sunday of each month, at 3.80 p.m., Richards Hall. Presl dont, Walter Head; vice-president, Wm. I ven; recording secretary, Jas, Bateman; flnanclal secretary, S. Portray; treasurer, J. H, Rich' ardson. W. R. OWEN Malleable Ranges, Shelf and Heavy Hardware: screen doora asd windows. 2337 MAIN ST. Pbone: Pair. 447 ORDER BY MAIL Tour Fruit Trees, Shrubs, Roses, etc., from BRITISH COLUMBIA N0RESR- IES OO. LTD. 1493 Saventh Ave. Weit, Vancouver, Satisfaction guaranteed. Descriptive catalogue FREE. Handsome premium ln plants for list of prospective planters. Reliable seedsmen wanted li B. C. and Middle West provinces, et our attractive proposition. Write today. llnion MADE Deer ^A> Of America r$br commoHT &TM0I hark nmmmo igcj Vote against prohibition T Demand personal liberty in choosing what you will drink, Ask for this Label wben purchasing Beer, Ale or Porter, as a guarantee that It is Union Made. This Ib our Label BRICKLAYERS' AND MASONS', NO. 1— Meets every 1st and Srd Tuesday, 8 p.m., Room 807. President, F. Dickie; corresponding secretary, W. 8. Dagnall, Box 58; finanoial aeoretary, W. J. Pipes; buslneas agent, W. S. Dagnall, Room 215. BROTHERHOOD OF BOILER MAKERS and Iron Ship Builders and Helpora of America, Vancouver Lodgo No. 194—Meeti first and third Mondays, 8 p.m. President, A. Campbell, 73 Seventeenth avenue west: secretary, A. Fraser, 1151 Howe street. DEEP SUA FISHERMEN'S UNION OF THB Pacific—Moots at 437 Gore avenue every luesday, 7 p.m. Russell Kearley, business agent. ELECTRICAL WORKERS, LOOAL NO. 218 —Meets in Room 205, Labor Temple, overy Monday, 8 p.m. President, D. W. Me' Deugall, 1162 Powell atreet; recording secretary, R. N. Elgar, Labor Temple; flnnncial socretary and business agent, _._l. Morrison. Room 207, Labor Temple. INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN'S AS- sociation, Local 88-52—Office and hall, 10 Powell street. Meeta every Thursday 8 p.m. Secretary-treasurer, F. Chapman; busl- new agent, J. Mahone. MACHINISTS^"Nd7T82—MEETS SECOND and fourth Thursdays at 8 p.m. President, Wm. Small; recording secretary, J. Brooks; flnanclal secretary, J. H. McVety, 211 Labor Temple. Seymour 7405. MOVING PICTURE MACHINE OPERA- tors' Union, Looal 848, I. A. T. 8. E. * M. P. M. O.—Meets first Sunday of each month, Room 204, Labor Temple. President. J. R. Foster; business agent, Sam Haigh; fiiiiMieifl aad corresponding secretary. H. C. Honsome, P. O. Box 345, PATTERN MAKERS' LEAGUE OF NORTH America—Vancouver and vicinity.— Branch mutts second and fourth Mondaya, Room 205, Labor Temple. President, Ray MeDougall, 601 Soventh avenue west; financial secretary, J. Campbell, 4869 Argyle street; recording secretary, E. Westmoreland, 1512 Yew street. Phone Bayvlew 2698L. BROTHERHOOD OF PAINTERS—Local No. 138—Meets second an fourth Thursdays of eacb month, room 803, Labor Temple. President, John McMeil; finanoial seoretary, Goo. H, Weston; recording socretary, Jas. Wilson, room 803, Labor Temple. STREET AND ELECTRIC RAILWAY EM- ployees, Pioneer Division, No. 101— Meots Labor Temple, second and fourth Wed* nesdays at 8 p.m. Prosldent, J. Hubble; vice-president, E. 8. Cleveland; recording sec, tary, A. V. Lofting, 2561 Trinity street, phone Highland 168R; financial secretary and business agont, Fred A. Hoover, 2409 Clark drive, offico corner Union and Main streets. JOURNEYMEN TAILORS' UNION OP America, Local No. 178—Meetings held first Monday In each month, 8 p.m. President, Francis Williams; vice-president Miss H. Gutteridge; recording secretary, W, W. Hocken, Box 503; financial secretary, V, Wood, P. 0. Box 503. TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION, NO. 226—Meeta last Sunday of eaeh month at 2 p.m. President, H. C. Benson; vice-president, W. R. Trotter; secretary-treasurer, R, H. Neelands, P. 0. Box 66. - THE MINISTER OF FINANCE REQUESTS THE PEOPLE OF CANADA TO BEGIN NOW TO SAVE MONEY FOR THE NEXT WAR LOAN JAN. t. III? DEFABTMB.NT OP FINANCE OTTAWA CANADIAN NORTHERN IS HEDGING ON ITS AGREEMENT Local Officials Say Work On False Creek Seawall Will Be Delayed. Prom present Indications Aid. Gale, ns chairman of the civic railways committee, is going to have hard work ahead of him In forcing the Canadian Northern to carry out the terms of its ngreement which cnll for immediate work on the False Creeli seawall. When Sir William Mackenzie was here some weeks ago he promised that work would be started at once, but on Tuesday afternoon Aid. Gale informed his committee that the local stifrf of the railway intimated that work'would not proceed on this project until the dredging of False Creek nt the point was completed. As there is considerable doubt as to Just when this work will be done, Mayor McBeath was Instructed to write the railway o cials, stating the city's determination to demand an Immediate start on tho work. The city's counsel Is also to be asked for a written opinion on the matter, which .■ill be laid before the aldermen at next Monday's meeting. TO INVESTORS THOSE WHO, FROM TIME TO TIME, HAVE FUNDS REQUIRING INVESTMENT MAY PURCHASE AT PAR DOMINION OF CANADA DEBENTURE STOCK IN SUMS OF $500, OR ANY MULTIPLE THEREOF Principal repayable 1st October, 1919. Interest payablo half-yearly, 1st April and 1st October by cheque (freo of exchango nt any chartered Bank in Canada) at the rate of five per cent per annum from the date of purchase. Holders of thiB stock will have the privilege of surrendering at par and accrued interest, as the equivalent of cash, in payment of any allotment made under any future war loan issue in Canada other than an issue of Treasury Bills or other like short date security. Proceeds of this stock are for war purposes only. A commission of one-quarter of one per cent will be allowed to recognized bond and stock brokers on allotments made in respect of applications for this stook which bear thfir stamp. For application forms apply to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ottawa. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCB, OTTAWA OCTOBER 7th, Ult. FBIDAT January 26, 1917 THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST PAGE THBEE WEDNESDAY / Ends the Great January White Sale Fill your wants NOW while prices are so greatly reduced \^_ ' _J mmmmi un ataunr i nmwrn. iwmt c turn hum* ( ^»^ ) Granville and Georgia Streets WOOD Our mill is now operating, and we are now in a position to make immediate delivery on SLABS—EDGINGS- INSIDE FIR Forty Tteams at Your Service J. Hanbury & Co., Ltd. FOURTH AND GRANVILLE Bayview 1076-1077 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. Building up a Community There is no factor so important in the life of a district than the progressive service of a big electric railway, light and power company. The sole aim of this company is to further the interests of its consumers by giving service such as they want so that general benefit may accrue from an up-to-date electric light and power and railway system. In order to get the most out of its servioe, this company invites its patrons to co-operate with it by submitting fair criticisms or suggestions. By that means, we hope to be able to go on improving our service in the way a growing community demands. (MCS&cfoic V Phone Seymour Carrall and Hastings 5000 MED ON I Suggestion ofMissionFarm- ers to Let Bars Down Not Popular i Will Train School Children and Women to Aid the Fruit Growers THE PBOPOSAL of tbo amall fnait growers of Mission and vicinity that the bar which restricts the immigration of Orientals bo raised during the war period, has not met with a hearty reception in any quarter. Ab a matter of fact, the press of the province has treated the suggestion in, a manner which thoroughly agrees with the policy of organizod labor, thut tho invasion of British Columbia by Orientals will tend to lower the standard of the provinco to auch an extent that it cannot afford to countenance the plan in any way, The attitude of the government on the matter is indirectly reflected in a statement recently made by Hon. Dr. McLean, minister of education. ThiB outlines a plan whereby the posaible shortage of labor for the picking and packing of fruit may be met through the enrolment of membera of tho senior classes in the public and high schools for work of this class. Thia would be a temporary arrangement, and would obviate any ground for the agitation for employing Orientals on such work. To assist in the movement, the department would mako special arrangements as to fixing of term holidays, so that the pupils might be at liberty to work on the ranches during the entire season when there is a special demand. A circular letter, containing the views of the department on the subject, will be issued shortly. The claim of the Mission ranchers that Orientals are abaolutely necessary for the picking of berries during the coming season is given some hard1 knocka by a correspondent in the Vernon News. This writer points out that the berry output from the Mission district is small compared with that coming from Washington, where white labor is employed exclusively. It is said that if Washington ranchers can produce fruit with white labor and compete with British Columbia shipments, nfter paying the required duty, there is something radically wrong in the syatem prevailing around Mission. It is stated that in some of the beBt fruitgrowing districts of the Okanagan, not an Oriental ia employed on the ranches in any capacity and that, even thbugh a very large number of the men have gone to the front, all tho work is still being done by white labor. Fruit Packing Provincial Horticulturist E. M. Wins- low stated that his department ia opening courses of inatruction in fruit-packing for women and high school pupila in the districts where fruit is grown, and he considers thnt this plan will do considerable to enable tho 1917 demands being met with white labor. Already requests for auch claaaes have been made by 16 schools and it was thought that arrangements would be made for classes at 40 points before the fruit-packing season started. Mr. Winslow said that there was great need of immediate action on the 'matter, as he believed that the great majority of men eligible for fruit-packing had gone to the front. The increased production thiB year would be about 25 per cent., and the demands for additional white labor in. tho Okanagan would be very heavy, aa in some parts of the district the growers were last Jear compelled to employ Orientals to a great degree. The attitude of the Women'a Ratepayers' association of Nicomen Island, on the claim of the MisBion City'ranch- ers as to the need of the restrictions on Oriental immigration being lowered, was outspoken in its opposition to the idea, as may be judged from itB resolution on the subject, which was aent to the Mission City board of trade, and which reads as follows: "Inasmuch as the farming industry of British Columbia has been jeopardized by the Chinese vegetable grower and peddler, who are sapping the province ofthous ands of dollars yearly, and whereas it is illegal to peddle, in almost any part of the British Empire, and Despite Vigorous Opposition Aid. Casey Is Returned By Big Majority Other Labor Men Make a Good Run—One Defeated By Two Votes PRINCE RUPERT, Jan. 22.—(Spe- whereas it is desirous thot logitimato lnial Correspondence to Tho Federatlon- markoting be encouraged in British Co- j W.-^Th* second attempt of the Prince lumbia, therefore bo it resolved, that petitions be forwarded to the minister of agriculture asking that legislation be enacted at the coming session of the legislature, making it illegal to peddle vegetables in the province of British Columbia, and that Orientals shall not soil vegetables except in Oriental storeB.'' EIGHT-HOUR DAT LAW PREVAILS IN ECUADOR South American Republic Establishes a Model Working Day. The type of legislation indulged in by South American republics is generally not of such chnractor as to interest the rest of the world. The republic of Ecuador, however, has set an example worthy of the study of tradeB 'unionists inasmuch as it has formally placed.on to statute books a law providing for a universal eight-hour day covering all lines of business and industrial activity. The law is specific as to eight hours constituting a day's work and provides that when overtime work is neceBsary, it Bhall be paid for at from 20 to 100 per cent, advance over the regular wago according to the increased time for which the work iB demanded. TWENTY-FIVE TEARS AOO Trades and Labor Council. January 29, 1892. Chas. Harling (Plumbers), ChaB. Kaine (Amalgamated Carpenters), Pat Cody, Clarence Mono)' and Robt. Watson (Stonecutters) took seats as delegates. Mrs. Webster, secretary Alexandra hospital, thanked council (proceeds of concert) for donation to her' institution. Locksley Lucas addressed council on Chinese question. (Later Anti-Chinese league organized.) H. Brooks, J. Andrews, and Dan Stewart, and President Bartley appointed committee to arrange mass meeting. Aid. J. L. Franklin reported progress for constitution committee. H. Cowan reported thirteen items for parliamentary committee. Head a letter from Dan .1. O'Donoghue, chairman of legislative committee, Toronto Trades and Labor council. A vote of thanks extended to parliamentary committee. Rupert Trades and Labor council to contest municipal supremacy with the allied powetB in the city, has come and gone, with the advantages slightly against organized labor. On last year's council Aid. Casey and Barrle, represented labor, but this year Aid. Casey stands alone; W. O. Barrle being defeated for re-election by only two votes. The fact that Mr. Barrle had been in the east for tour months preceding the election, and only returned to the city the day before the poll, is probably responsible for his defeat. J. J. Anderson and Fred Shaw were the other candidates on the labor ticket, and they have no reason to be ashamed of the showing they made. Aid. Caiey Bitterly Opposed. When it became known that Aid. Casey was standing for re-election as one of the four candidates of the Trades and Labor council, the powers that be vowed that Casey should be beaten. The supporters of the mayor and. stand-patters took counsel with one another and the word wa§ passed to "get" Casey. He had been sitting as an alderman in 1916, been independent, fearless, astute and vigorous—a real thorn In the flesh of the mayor; as he could not be "worked." Labor's Champion Returned. Well, Casey does not bear an Irish name for nothing. The big guns thundered, the small arms rattled, verbal shrapnel whizzed and hit, hot air blew in all directions, and clouds ot poisonous gas came drifting around the chief objective point. The light raged from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., by which time most of the enemy's ammunition was exhausted. Then be. gan the process of seeing who was killed, and on every lip was the query, "Where is Casey?" It did not take long to find out, as it was no funeral for labor's champion. Casey emerged from the scrap fresh as to paint, with hardly a scar, and a good thumping majority. So, throughout 1917 he will again hold down his seat in tbe council chamber and Bay what he likes when he likes and be dictated to by' nobody. The mayor and his standpatters, when they contemplate this fact, and reflect on the struggle of January 11, make wry faces, and accept the situation with the best grace possible. For Casey Is still at the bat: Have you ever tried a meal at the Delmonioo Cafe, just off Granville on Robson street. It's so different. AU- union, tool Some chef. And speaking of "service"—that's the word. Drop in tonight for dinner, or any old time. Always open, DAVID SPENCER, LTD. DAVID SPENCER, LTD. WE are HEADQUARTERS for Men's Goat Sweaters YV7E have always made provision for taking care ," of the Men's Sweater business, and there is never a time that you can come to Spencer's and fail to find a Sweater of the right style, right weight and right price to suit you. Already this season we have sold several thousands, 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 $6.75 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, Eait Wing David Spencer Limited DAVID SPENCER, LTD. I DAVID SPENCER, LTD. OUR OWN WORKERS MAKE OVERALLS They are certainly the best made. You sure have a right to insist on getting the Carhartt Overall. Eevry dealer should carry them. Factory and Offices: The Entire 8th Floor World Building VANCOUVER, B. C. DAUGHTER'S LETTER TO ^ HER MOTHER ^SW m -"te a. ■&■*«**■ 'titan <? ' **■/***«££; c?<7^-- '<8&k f^^^^ZxT-^ -c,.<> m ■<*<>€ .Jte a/<j, ^<A0-t2t^ cjZ^t CU v^Jtu^G^X,1 f -Aoiy ^/iscj? <*».<£. (xe^^ 'ct^Crt0t p* f^gtny ^JUvf^urt< >6\_ tJW1 -. •'' ■*<-* Py, JCU- & ^;,^^, "WW. -AW ,/fUr-JtkL Js„;o rrru^^ Ol £,.. z& cJi,ty x^_L ££'■•(& E^ a*-e^,L(, yjj*fr JZJ* ■ !^*^^^^^^^*'^^|i ■.% *^!^#^ft^S-^i ■ -(^lyvJi/o. —"-'/TifiSjlsjf'j^-^ y/-.' *'■;',*>. -v ' 'Ami rt^^x^^iyM^. 6^w*,,i 'CX^usze.. rity&t?-flfeziQ^r^,., Xf^ L° I i , J-/ * ■ , \. in-^ ~1Z__tv_ *_ a-r. ct :-fyu>.,<_£j2^ s^j^ aJs >Wu V- / Xjl yV J / . ±t_ - ':<-*-tii rrnjiaJL. ,,a n p''■'''■■' a. % PAGE FOUR THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FEDERATIONIST FRIDAY January 28, 1917 From now on we will employ Only Union Clerks and we advocate a 48 hour week for all store employees, believing this to be the correct solution of the Half- Holiday movement. WILLIAM DICK LIMITED Vancouver Pickle Co. aak (ot B. 6. HOME BRAND PICKLES, KETCHUP, SAUCE Highland 21 Factory 801 Powell Jobbing Work a Specialty E. A. BAILEY FLUMEMO AND STEAlinilnjO Phono Sey. 186 end Roe. Bar. 77 1033 OBANVILLE SI.. Vancouver THE NANAIMO COAL BEST QUALITY BEST PRICE BEST SERVICE Evans, Coleman & Evans, Limited Wharf Office: FOOT COLUMBIA AVENUE Seymour 2988 Uptown Office: 407 GRANVILLE STBEET Seymour 228 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 FREE HOMESTEADS BRITISH COLUMBIA Along line of P. O. E. Bailway open park line lands, The finest mixed farming lands in the province. Good water, best of hunting and fishing. The settlers 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 OREAT EASTERN RAILWAY Welton Block, Vancouver "The Temperate Man's Drink" PHOENIX BEER Brewed from the finest Malt and Hopa, and, incidentally, fur- niihes a living to some forty odd brewery workers. MANUFACTURED BY THE Victoria Phoenix Brewing Company, Limited On Sale at all Liquor Storei in VANOOUVER AND VICTORIA yam J The War and Canada's Part Therein Is Discussed at Forum Industrial Problems After War Greater Problems Than War Itself That the working people of Canada were anxious to "fall In line" behind nny "laudable proposal (or real nation* al servioe," but that the Borden government had not so far brought forward anything nearer it tban giving profitable munitions contracts to its friends, L. T. English spoke at the People's Forum in the larger O'Brien hall to a large audience Sunday. Judging from the applause given tbe principal speaker and tbe remarks of most of the other speakers wbo followed, the bulk of the audience looked upon the matter from the same viewpoint as Jlr. English. People Are Skeptical. "One of the reasons," said the speaker, "why the working people of this country have opposed the so-called national registration of the Dominion government is because there is a deep-rooted suspicion in tbeir minds tbat the scheme is like so many other schemes which have been brought forward, and is not for the good of the nation at all, but for the good of a few of the friends of the government, The people have been hoodwinked so often before in tbe name of patriotism or of loyalty that they suspect this is the same old thing. "But perhaps the greatest objection to the scheme is that tbe time has come wben the people frankly seek an issue with the present Canadian government on the question of the conduct that has been pursued by the government in the prosecution of tbe, war. Wanta Genuine National Service, "1 believe in national Bervlce, but in order that national service may be genuine, it is necessary that the basic industries of the nation should be owned by the nation and operated by the government, as it was necessary that the means for employing labor should be in the hands ot the government for two reasons: first, that labor might work directly for the benefit of the state in providing munitions for war; and, secondly, that the problem of employing labor after the war was over could be solved by the same means, "I think everybody in Canada felt proud that the British Empire drew the sword in aid of Belgium. I believe that tho Germans deliberately overrode all sense of justice and right when tbey committed tbe atrocities on the Belgians. I have been a Socialist and believe I am one yet, but the German Socialists did not do their part in the international Socialist movement. They allowed themselves to be ruled by the military class of Prussia. A great deal of criticism has been made of the churches, and they have served it. However, they can and have in some Instances accomplished good, and all honor should be given the priesthood of Belgium for staying with their people. They did not fail where the Socialists of Germany did." Canadian Mllltla Ignored. The recruiting methods followed were criticized and the manipulation of the department of militia and defence* for party patronage condemned, The speaker pointed out that the Dominion military authorities had made no provision whereby competent and qualified officers of the militia could claim service overseas except they obtained their appointments as a favor or enlisted in the ranks. Several speakers who followed Mr. English said that it was futile to look for anything from the present government, one claiming that it was largely composed of men who were large shareholders in corporations which were making money out of the war. Another speaker, who has "done his bit," said that there was something wrong with Canada, when the United States could boast that it had more Canadians within its borders than the Dominion Itself. In replying to criticisms, the speaker' declared that the government not only had a lathe, but a $2,500,000 machine shop, which the British government had asked them to put in operation for the making of munitions, but they had refused, Premier Borden him self stating that they did not want to compete with private munitions makers in employing labor. Tribute to France. Mr. English did not believe, with some speakers, that every war had been for commercialism, and cited the American civil war as one tn which progress had been won for the human ruce. Neither did he think that commercialism was wholly the basis of the present war. Germany, In his opinion, stood for a dying cause. To Prance he paid the tribute of having the greatest conception of liberty in the world today. Prance was fighting for a great cause, without class distinction. It was decided that Dr. Lyle Telford will be the speaker next Sunday. His subject will be "State Medicine," and it Is understood that he will propose a plan for the nationalization of medical service. F. L. Budlong will be chairman. TRADES UNIONISTS STAND BY SUSPENDED WORKERS Action Covers Caae of Letter Carrier Who Dared to Criticise Registration Scheme. The Winnipeg Trades and Labor council has decided that it will pay the regular salary of Mr. W. H. Hoop, president of the Federation of Letter Carriers, who was recently suspended from duty, aa well aB that of another man who received similar treatment. Readers of The Federatlonist will remember that Mr. Hoop and his fellow-worker were suspended recently on account of their activities as members of trades unions ln connection with the criticism of the plans ot the Natonal Service commission. enmans Hosiery Seconds on Sale At a Liberal Discount Women's Seamless Lisle Hose in black, with double garter top. Reg. 35c value, 25c. Mercerized Lisle Hose — seam less throughout, with double garter tops. Beg. 40c value, 27y2o. Black Silk Lisle Hose— With special spliced heels ad toes; superior quality. Reg. 60c values. Three pairs $1.26, Out-size Lisle Hose, seamless throughout, i black only. Reg. 60c value. Three pairs $1,25. Cashmere Hose, in an unshrinkable quality, in black only. Reg. 60c. Three pairs, $1.25, 575 Granville 'Phone Sey. 3540 LECKIE SHOES Good stout all leather shoes. ALL LECKIE shoes are the same as {ar as quality is concerned. There is the neat, stylish shoe for the man about town, and the heavy working boot for the logger, miner, farmer or city workman, but we never change the quality. Look for the Name LECKIE on every pair. Made in British Columbia. When next you phone the grocer order a pound or two of NABOB TEA It possesses both body and strength, a delicate flavor and an aroma that is most agreeable. Yellow, Green and White Labels More Cups to a pound AT Mil Pres. McVety Addresses the Delegates on Compulsory Arbitration Convention Told of Labor's Opposition to Canadian Legislation As The Federatlonist goeB to press the Washington State Federation has just concluded Its annual session ln the city of "Smokestacks, Jlmcracks and Blackjacks," the attendance of delegates being normal, about 210 putting in an appearance. President McVety yas a visitor for a couple of days and, in view of the keen interest now being shown in compulsory Investigation and arbitration in the United States, was asked to address the convention on this subject, as well as other matters of common interest on both sides of the line. The Seattle Daily Times reports his address ln part as follows: "Compulsory arbitration and similar laws designed to limit the right of the worker to strike, were shown In a new light at tbe convention yesterday afternoon, wben Mr. Jas. H. McVety, president of the B. C. Federation of Labor, speaking as a fraternal delegate, declared that in the Antipodes such legislation to gag and bind labor had proved a boomerang to the schemers who fathered them. "Workers bad been literally forced to organize, politically as well as Industrially, to fight for the right to live under the compulsion laws, he said, and the outcome had been that labor had gained the whip hand ln the government to a large extent and had attained a strength and solidarity that otherwise would have been of extremely slow growth. Wandering Labor Organizes. "Even sheepherders and sheepshear- ers and wandering ranch labor of that kind, never successfully organized on the American continent, McVety said, had been brought into the Antipodean labor movement by the laws that were intended to strangle that movement and make lt harmless by taking away Its best weapon—the right to strike. "Commenting on recent declarations of trades and labor organizations on tbis side of the line against compulsory Investigation and arbitration laws, McVety spoke pessimistically. The trend of public opinion was toward such legislation, he asserted, and labor of the United States would be forced to accept some such laws, no matter how unpleasant, and notwithstanding the fact that no such law was ever passed for the benefit of the worker or for any other purpose than to Increase the power of the ruling, employing class. "It was probably mainly because labor was so bitterly opposed to such legislation in the United States that it would be enacted, declared McVety. The governing class would force it through to head off such great mass organization movements as the threatened strike of the railway brotherhoods. Discusses Canadian Act. "The text for Mr. McVety's general discussion of compulsory arbitration laws was the Lemleux trades disputes act of Canada, which seems to be regarded as a model for similar legislation in the United States. He was unsparing in his criticism of this law, which labor In Canada has dubbed tbe "Lemon" act, regarding It as hav Ing been "handed" to the workingman by the Dominion (parliament. He told how the Canadian Trades and Labor congress bad recently made a unanimous convention demand for the repeal of the act In consequence of the entire unfairness of itB provision to the workingman. "But after all, he declared, the law was not so bad as those who were entrusted with the task of enforcing it, The administration of the act had put It in its worst light before the working men of Canada, he said. It was In tbls connection that Mr. McVety recited what had been told him regarding the different workings of similar acts in the Antipodes. "Mr. McVety said that he had himself always heen opposed to government control of labor power, which, differing with Samuel Gompers, he regarded as a commodity pure and simple, but sold that If the government assumed such control lt should go further and assume like control over all commodities and all industries." "The convention," says the Times, "adopted unanimously a resolution urging the legislature to defeat any and all bills for compulsory investigation and arbitration of wage disputes, and demanding passage of a law to make effective ln the state the provisions of the Clayton anti-trust law, legalizing activities of labor organizations." WAGES IN RETAIL STORES OF VANOOUVER Women's League Believe Tbat Existing Conditions Bhould Receive Attention. At tbe meeting of tbe Pioneer Political Equality league, an organization of Vancouver women, tbe question of tho inadequate wages which are paid girls who act as assistants in many Vancouver retuil stores, was brought forward. Tho^ meeting was docldedly in favor of thc viow tbat something should be done to remedy the reported conditions, but the subject was laid over without action on uccount of tho matter having already beon taken up by the Women'b Forum on the basis of "equal pay for equal work." #pl JwmiAooDc aaa Do You Know —that the 8-hour day was established ten centuries ago? —that a great English king decreed the division of the 24-hour day into three parts? —that wage-earners in the United States lose $680,000,000 annually? ■-that they pay out $180,000,000 annually in doctor bills? —that thc human body is a machine and may be worn out by overwork; that men die from exhaustion? —that ill-health is mainly thc result of improper living and working conditions, and largely preventable? —that science supports the economic phase of the 8-hour day? These and many other interesting facts and statistics bearing upon the highly important "Scientific Aspect of the Eight-hour Day" will be dealt with by DR. A. McKAY JORDAN i in his lecture before the British Columbia Federation of Labor at Revelstoke, B. C at the CITY HALL, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 30th 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. | Made up to a standard and sold at the standard price of 26c per 1-lb., in bulk and in 1-lb. tins. IT'S MADE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA We recommend that readers of The Federationist try a pound tin. Seymour 1116 1285 PENDER STREET WEST WE EMPLOY UNION LABOR ONLY —LET THE— Hillcrest Dairy supply you with pure, fresh Milk—Ours ia a Sanitary Dairy—not sanitary in name only—having every modern facility for handling milk. AU bottles and utensils are thoroughly sterilized before being used. The milk comes from the Fraser Biver Valley. PHONE YOUB OBDEBS TO FAIBMONT 1934 THE HILLCREST DAIRY 131 FIFTEENTH AVENUE WEST Union Delivered Milk for Union Men The Best on the Market Beaconsfield Hygienic Dairy Office: 90S Twenty-fourth Avenue East. Tel. Fairmont 1697 Ring us up and we'll tell you all about it. Or watch for our drivers. The Daily Tasks Call For Perfect Bodies AND you can not hope to keep your physical condition up to a hight standard unless your teeth are ln good shape. If your teeth hove worn away you may have them replaced, quickly, painlessly and with a minimum of expense. Crowns and bridges are a specialty in my practice. MY PERMANENT CROWNS AND BRIDGES The teoth are reinforced on the wearing surfaces, strengthened with platinum pins, fitted with the best 22*k., '*0*ga. gold. Fer tooth <|)5 TeL Sey. 3331 For A Free Examination. Offlcai op.n Tauter tal Friday Bvtnlagi Bavin to mjhl Dr. Brett Anderson Crown and Bridge Specialist 002 HASTINGS STREET Cor. Stymour Offlcti open Batuufi lo Ont p.m. 1
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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