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[The Labour Statesman]
BC Historical Newspapers
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Supported by Sixty-two Local Unions NO. 376-EIGHT PAGE'S VANCOUVER, CANADA, FRIDAY, JULY 17th, 1931 Unemployment Insurance Is Wanted Immediately Officials of Local Labor Movement Urge Government to Put ' .Jauiurance Into Effect and To Start Public Works; • • ' Request Action During Present Session _xh^_.hjunpr^ T^-^rjmtrrr-iiiuveiiieirr Jfir~V5ricouver voiced "tlieir Tentiments last Sunday at a special meeting in the Labor Headquarters, on the vital .question of unemployment. In the opinion of these men, unemployment insurance was the most practical way in which the Government could immediately and seriously cope with the situation. With this in vie.w, a night letter was sent to the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada urging the executive to immediately send a delegation to Ottawa and strongly point out the necessity of establishing unemployment insurance, this session. Some 300 officials representing the seventy-two unions and approximately 15,000 members affiliated with the Vancouver, New Westminster and " District Trades and Labor Council at tended a specially called meeting ' in the Labor Headquarters on Sunday evening to discuss the vital question of unemployment. Despite the fact that the delegates were of many political faiths, the meeting was practically unanimous in assenting to the remarks made and the resolutions and declarations passed. Every local union had been invited to send its officials to the meeting and the response was very good. Colin McDonald, president of the Trades Council, occupied the chair and outlined the reasons for the meeting. He also took the opportunity of stating that criticism was sometimes thrown at the Trades Council for what critics termed not taking an active part in the unemployment problem. This only showed, he said, that the critics were either not conversant with all the work that the Council had done and was doing, or wanted the Council to do things that past experience showed were not satisfactory or were of no real value. Unemployment, he said, is world wide and this Council is not in a position to solve the problem. He reminded the delegates, however, that last year we had an opportunity to elect representatives who knew the needs of the workers. During the election campaign the Conservatives stated that they would solve the unemployment problem, they had been in power for a year and it has not been solved yet, and, as a matter of fact, it is worse. One thing that they have done, he said, is to pass the buck to the provinces and municipalities. The problem, however, is beyond the control of municipalities and provinces, for the Federal Government has far greater power of taxation and means for raising finances than any other body. The unemployment problem is menacing the welfare of every family, and if the KpMor»knen$.«cannot solve it they had better admit it and, give, up the job. ' ." Vo Frank McKenna, international representative of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, addressed the meeting along lines published elsewhere in these columns. Immigrants Pour'In Secretary Bengough read a declaration and resolutions which the executive recommended for endorsation by the meeting. These, published at the end of this article, were practically unanimously endorsed. Secretary Bengough pointed out that Canada occupied second place in the number of unemployed, compared to population, Germany being first. Canada second and the United States third. During the past two years of depression, however, the unemployment situation had undoubtedly been intensified by admission of more immigrants into this country. , In the past two years, ending March Slst, 1931, a total of 251,511 immigrants had been allowed into this country in addition to repatriated Canadians. Of these 163,288 came in during the year which ended March 31st, 1930, and 88,223 up to March 31st, 1931. This statement brougmt forth strong condemnation from the delegates. Bums and Tramps Secretary Bengough also pointed out that the Trades Council circularized organizations and municipalities last year urging them to endorse unemployment insurance and forward same to the government. This had been done by a surprising number of municipalities, but the government was still apathetic. Attorney General Pooley was not in favor of the measure which he described as a "dole." When assistance is rendered some of our politicians and other alleged heroes, it is called a pension, but when the workers need -assistance after doing much useful work it is called a "dole," and we are informed that the "dole" will only make bums and tramps out of the workers. Well, said Secretary Bengough, the family of Lord Nelson has been drawing some £5,000 a year ever since Nelson was made a Lord after the battle of Waterloo, but it has not made bums and tramps out of them, nor out of the hundreds of other lords and "heroes" that get government "pensions." Discussion took place on the declaration and .the resolutions, and many delegates spoke on the subject and,,expressed themselves very forcibly on the matter. Some Criiicism Suggested remedies, such as camps, farms and labor battalions were condemned, and the $1.00 a day proposals of the Provincial government was emphatically condemned. No stipulation as to the amount of unemployment insurance was suggested in the resolution, but a suggestion of a minimum of $15 a week for single men and $25 for married men seemed to meet with most approval. While not actually condemning unemployment insurance, two delegates expressed themselves as being in'favor of immediate nationalization of industry. It was pointed out, however, that the Conservative government was in power and that subject was beyond hope from them. A resolution was endorsed urging the Provincial and Dominion governments to provide work as speedily as possible on public works of various kinds, at union rates of pay. Oppose Wage Cuts The meeting voiced its opposition to wage cuts and pledged its support to any organization resisting wage, cuts. Engineers Beat Back Attempt To Cut Wages Operating Engineers' Local . 118: was threatened with a wage cut last week by the Northern Construction Co. on the C. P. R. tunnel job. The union, having no intention of accepting a wage cut on this or any other jobt called the men off, and mass picketing went into operation. The ranks of the pickets were swelled by other" unempIoyeVr union men, and this added enthusiasm to the ranks of theTstrikers. The men were pulled out on Monday' at 2:30, and by Tuesday morning the company had had about . enough.. They called George Pettipiece, the union business agent, in and besides bawling him out for pulling the-strike, intimated that they wanted the men back to work at the old scale. The business manager thought, however, that this was a good time to get some other little grievances settled, so besides getting the company to agree to pay the old scale, he succeeded in getting the pay increased 50c a day for engineers on electric locomotives. ' This ends the story of another attempt at wage cutting among building construction contractors in Vancouver, This strike, ljke that of the carpenters, was short and sweet, and now organized labor is looking round to see who wants to be next to be compelled to toe the mark in this wage-slashing mania. Locomotive Unions Want Six-hour Day Columbus, Ohio.—Decisive action recommending the substitution of the 6-hour day for the present 8-hour day without reduction in pay was taken by the 32nd convention of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engine-men in session here. Steps toward unemployment relief and stabilization of jobs were adopted in the same measure1. Establishment of a minimum force of employees was recommended as part <of the stabilization plan. Will Press Program International President D. B. Robertson was directed to co-operate with other interested organizations and to employ the most competent legal counsel available in order that these measures be carried out with as little delay as possible. "The action taken by the convention is quite in line with the movement for a shorter work day, unemployment relief and stabilization of employment inaugurated by the protective committees of the Standard Railroad Labor organizations and later molded into a uniform program l>y J lie Railway Labor Executives' Association,"'. President Robertson stated. Joint political activity was endorsed and President Robertson was authorized to co-operate with other railroad labor organisations in the interests of the workers, which may eventually mean the formation of a Labor Party as suggested recently by the Brotherhood of Railway Conductors, when in convention. Expelled The Milk Drivers' and Dairy Employees' Union, Local 464, hae expelled the following men from membership in the unions, L. H. Stanton,JWirlra^rT«wT ford and F. J. Washington. on unemployment insurance, a night letter was to be sent to the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada asking the executive to act as a delegation to the government to urge the establishment of unemployment insurance this session. ' Delegates representing the Camp and Mill Workers' Union informed the meeting that Japanese had been refused the right to apply for city relief. The meeting urged the trades (Continued on page 8) Union Meetings at Labor Headquarters FRIDAY, JTJXY lTth Engineers, 116 ;■.'. 3 Molders, 281 .". „...,.. 311 SATURDAY HakirrH „^-_ 3 afORDAY Kleetrlenl "Workers 1 Boilermakers 4 In connection with the resolution^ J_| c\mS?Tt JJJ ( ement Finishers 315 —trsday Trades nnd Labor Council 1 Lithographers „.: 313 bricklayers ■. ...' I Ironworkers ..„.....■. I Tilesetters ". ,...'_ 315 280.. rainier*. 138 Sheet Metal Workers, t'nlon Label Trades 4 n~>ay, —xt a<th Milk Salesmen ...._ . 1 Plumbers and Steamfitters __ _ 1 Welder* (13 Relief Most Urgent. Says Frank McKenna Frank McKenna, international representative of. the Brotherhood of Railway Carmgn for Canada, addressed the union meeting held ony Sunday in Labor Headquarters to discuss the present unemployment situation. He stated that in hi3 travels throughout the country he found unemployment conditions rampant in every city, and items in the press 'intimated that it was predominant throughout all industrial countries. The situation in his craft was daily getting worse and the C. P. R. was talking of giving half-time to the men still wprking, and possibly more lay-offs. The same thing is happening on the. C. N. R., he said, ft seemed to him that some plan of a constructive nature was needed quick, and he felt that parliament should be met by a representative body, of men, and unemployment insurance insisted upon. In 1914 the government found ways and means in that crisis to protect pur national interest. Parliament should again consider the present conditions as a crisis. The Old Age pensions Act shou'd be made to apply to people at the age of 65, so that these can quit work and give the younger men a chance. • A big scheme of public works should be launched; we need publie buildings," new roadways can be made and old ones greatly improved; . national parks could use quite a number of unemployed in improvement, and town planning has paved thc way for more. Shorter Work Week We are finding new ways of doing things, he said, and the working week is being reduced, but it can be still greatly reduced. The next burst of prosperity will be a short one, he said, unless conditions are improved in our industrial system. FIVE CENTS PER COPY Marine Culinary Union Receives Its Charter The Marine Culinary Workers, Local. 381, of British Columbia are in receipt of charter and supplies for their union. Meetings will be held this week-end, when it is expected that officers will be elected and matters of importance given consideration. Quite a large percentage -of—the—members- have—been—m-the- labor movement before, many of them previously holding membership in the Marine Cooks and Stewards' organization of Great BritainJ whilst in some cases others have bee* affiliated with the Australian Marine Culinary Workers. There is some good timber in this newly-formed local, and' prospects of electing an. highly efficient executive seems assured. A general feeling is exhibited to build up an organization that will be a credit to the labor movement and an acquisition to the members.. Local 381 may be an infant organization, but there is nothing to denote this feature amongst those who have formed its ranks. We are looking expectantly forward "to the near future when we believe that Local 381 will take prior rank to its two sister locals in the city. Painters Just Raring To Go To Picnic The Painters' and Decorators' Union and the Sign Painters' Union are ready for the big picnic on Saturday to Selma Park. The boat will leave the Union Steamship Dock at 9 a.m., and the fun will start right away. Thc usual union orchestra will be on hand to liven up the crowd on the boat and again in the dance pavilion. A splendid bunch of prizes are ready for distribution to the winners in the many sporting events that the unions are putting on. This is going to be a big lime, in spite of the depression, but if you have any blue feeling, Ed. Smith says that this will be the place to get rid of it. Nobody has ever come away from the Painters' Picnic disappointed, even if they did not win a prize, and this is not going to be any exception. Tickets are 1.50 for adults and 75c The for children. Get to the boat early shorter work week and higher wages on Saturday morning, July 18th. will help conditions, and if the | churches, social dull? and fraternal' organizations, ^who are discussing these problems, could realize the value of reduced working hours and higher wages it would help considerably. He spoke of the decline of car loadings which indicated factories on short time; he spoke of the bread lines in every city, and of boys and girls riding on box cars from town to town looking for work, chased on by the authorities in each town until tbey come to the end of the line, and then they start bank across the country again. What kind of citizens are we going to have in the future under these conditions, with the younger people mixing under these conditions and learning from older people all the worst features of human life? Something must be done to relieve this situation and the government ought to do it before the house ad' journs. Dairy Employees' Picnic The picnic day for the Milk Salesmen and Dairy employees is Thursday next, July 23rd. A special boat wi(l leave the Union Steamship Co. dock at 2 p.m. for Bowen Island. Everybody is welcome and we hope to have*-a good turn-out. BIG STRIKE IS ENDED PITTSBURGH.—A strike of organoid structural ironworkers which had ied, up construction on more than M.Offll.OOO worth of building projects was ended last week. The Building Trades Association and the Structural Ironworkers' Uniori agreed on a rate of $1.50 an hour and a five-day week. Taxi Drivers Approve City Taxi By-law Sixteen new members at their last meeting shows the activity of the Taxi Drivers' Local, 151, says the local secretary. Many expressions of approval were made at the enforcement of City Bylaw No. 2095, .better known as the Taxi Bylaw. Some "of our less desirable citizens, who use taxi driving as a cloak for other things are now trying to get the City Council to rescind the 'BylaW. It iB hoped that the City Council, having now passed the law, will keep it enforced. Companies engaged in legitimate transportation business are entitled to some protection against the class of men that simply use taxi driving as a cloak for bootlegging and other illegal purposes. The Local, with one vote against, voted $100 to the Trades Council Convention Fund. . *■ The Local voted t*> change their meeting days to. the second Mondays at 8 p.m. and second Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. * SOUTHERN RLY. SHOPMEN ADOPT 4-DAY WEEK Washington.—The 8,000 shopmen employed by the Southern Railway Company have voted to adopt the five-day week as a measure to relieve unemployment. H. P. Carr, vice- president of the International Association of Machinists, says that no wage cut is involved in the change. The1 union contract with the railway company called for the six-day week,, and the consent of the shopmen was necessary to change to the five-day week. TT. fHE LABOR STATESMAN :■.£.■ Friday, July 17th, 1931 UNION FIRMS PERRY & DOLK Men's Tailors 18 Hastings West Room 33 Wilson & McNeill Painters and Decorators Everything pertaining to the trade. 3016 VICTORIA DBIVB Phones: High. 106 and Pair. 4148-B Union-Made Shoes CORNETT BROS A CLARK 33 EAST HASTINOS STBBBT Florsheim. Strlders. C. B. A C. .Men's and Touth'a WILLIAM DICK, LTD. Union Label Shoes for Men and Youths. THE ONLY UNION MADE SHOE aad Repair Factory la British Columbia. ■■„ W. J. HEADS 30 WEST COBDOVA BT. SEY. 3330 MEN'S SHOES PROM S4.9S UP. German Unions Resist ency Decree Emerge For the third time during the per iod of office of the bourgeois Brunr ing cabinet, Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution has been used to prohibit the Reichstag passing a decree which "in the interest of trade and finance" bringfcsuch a terribly unsocial burdening of the masses and an entirely unjustified privileging of property, that there has been a spontaneous outburst of anger and of unanimous and co-ordinated opposition against the malpractices of the reactionary bureaucrats at present in office. Soon after the promulgation of this decree the central organizations of the organs ized workers and salaried employees protested in the sharpest possible terms, wjiich showed their readiness to fight against this new burdening of the workers, which flouts all conception of social justice. , At a joint meeting on June 10th, the executives of the German, General Federation of Free Trade Unions and the German Federation of Salaried Employees adopted a resolution recognizing the necessity of sacrifices being made by the whole of the German people to enable the country' to save its financial sitiWtian_.-and_surYive-.tha economic crisis, "The emergency decre'e, however, contains such a host of social injustices that violent opposition must be provoked from the whole of the working classes. If enforced the consequences to ecom- Fellow Unionists, demand, the Union Isabel, Shop Card and Working Button, and patronize fair employers and employ UNION LABClt. . Internat'nal Labor Press Meeting in Vancouver Members of the International Labor Press of America are looking forward to thc coming meeting at Vancouver, B. C, October 6th, with much enthusiasm. It will afford many opportunities for a most enjoyable outing. Canadian trade unionists are doing every thing to make the gathering one grand time. The press convention is held the evening of the second day's session of the American Federation of La- bori which meets at Vancouver on October 5th. Members of the Labor press who are not delegates to the A„ F. of L. convention will be accorded privileges for all the. ^entertainment features.- Each member will be given a guest badge. This will be a desirable opportunity to visit the great northwest and cross the border into Canada. The National Development Bureau of the Department of the Interior at Ottawa has made available for free distribution a series of automobile road maps showing the main connecting highways between the United States and Canada, also a number of booklets on various phases of recreation.^. The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific has been chosen as the official railroad route to Vancouver.—I. L. P. of A. . Junior Found Out The 4-year-oltl boy, perched on his father's knee in the crowded bus looked hard at the stouf, gaudily dressed_ woman as she bustled in "and edged herself into' the only seat "left. Then he turned to his mother. "Mum," he said loudly, "it's a lady." "Hush, dear," his mother said; "we know it is." The little boy looked puzzled. "But, mummy," he said, "you just said to dad, 'Whatever's this object coming in?' "• Rustic furniture—HoVdog stands and gasoline pumps. For T_ Health, Strength and Beauty, eat onr Whole Wheat Brown Bread. A wholesome body builder. Doctors recommend it. Fruit and Raisin Bread, Pastry and Meat Piea, Pumpkin Pies. THE ESTHER BAKERY Phone: Highland 1309 3728 HASTINGS ST. EAST finances will be disastrous. The trade unions will strain every effort to obtain the absolutely necessary alterations of the emergency decree." The executive of the German Civil Servants! Federation, meeting on June 16th, issued an equally categorical declaration that the new burden and wage cuts imposed on the civil servants "far exceeded the limits of what was bearable." The violent protests of the trade unions led the Reichs Chancellor Bruning to meet the leaders of the central organizations of all tendencies on June 15th. The President of the German Federation of Trade Unions, Leipart, strongly urged the necessity of the worst provisions of the emergency decree being revised before July 1st, demanding especially reconsideration of the reduction in the rates of unemployment pay and the provisions on rates for seasonal and young workers. The representative of the Salaried Employees' Federation protested against the especially hard burdening of the employees of public authorities and the gross impairment of unemployment insurance for salaried employees. A unanimous challenge was raised against the further attack on the status of thc collective agree- inents, which was but the prelude to further wage cuts in private indus try. The unions also unanimously declared that they could not countenance towards their members the socially unjust grading of the crisis tax.. In spite of the stubborn attitude of the Chancellor, who at first was not prepared to undertake a re vision of the emergency decree before the reparations negotiations had produced some concrete result, the representatives of the free trade unions upheld their point-of view and pointed to the dangers fbr economic life and the State which would in evitably result if that stubborn atti tude were maintained. Thanks to this energetic stand of the free trade unions, the Reichs Chancellor, Bruning, has in consultation with the Social Democratic Parliamentary Party, condeded to call at an early- date a meeting of the com mittee of ways and means of the Reichstag to consider what revision of the emergency decree is necessary. Debt Moratorium To Relieve" Private Debts The French admit that "Germany is passing through difficult days," but they point out that France was in similar straits in 1926. They were wise enough to decline a big loan from the "House of Morgan" and insisted on working out their problems in their own way. •. Asia consequence they are now economically independent and it is difficult for the international bankers to exert "pressure" on them.' The French know that those same bankers will be the chief beneficiaries of the moratorium and do not hesitate to say so. ,:' Where Bankers Come In Their position is confirmed by William Hard, a brilliant Washington correspondent, whose devotion to President Hoover cannot be questioned. ■ '• In an article printed in a number of leading papers recently, Mr. Hard said: "The total of long-term fixed American investments in Germany is probably in excess of $1,500,000,000 at this moment. "Last week it was gravely .feared that^ instability in Germany might ■ultimately result, in an incapacity Dy Germany to meet its obligations to its American private creditors," See» Cancellation Coming According to Hard, Germany is obligated to pay $360,000,000 to . . . Traffic■'regulations. should be framed with the vieiv of moving people not veh ides ow more persons NOT MORE THE street car, by virtue of its economy of space, Alt greater than that of any oiher mode of transporta- tion.can claim-firs, right to consideration. VEHICLE! With 35,000 persons clamouring for transportation homeward within two onic life and therefore also to public J private creditors this year. He adds: • "That is the basic cause of the world's present willingness to abate reparations, in some degree, in. order that Germany's payments to its creditors abroad may continue. "Public debts are being rolled out of the way for private debts." Hard predicts that the proposed "debt holiday" is just one step in the direction of cancellation of war debts. Conceding that HooVer is sincere in saying that cancellation is not contemplated at present, Hard nevertheless insists the government will continue to make concessions to the allied powers "every time Germany threatens to stop payments to American private investors." Farmer-Labor Party in U. S. Resucitated Believing that now is the opportune time for the Farmer-Labor Party to come out into the open, a rejuvenated county organization which shall be the directing force in an endeavor to supply Chicago with an organization that will grow into a powerful weapon for the working classes, the Cook County Farmer-Labor Party held a convention recently in Musicians hall. The new third party proved to be a lusty child, with a strong and insistent voice in demanding that this government pf ours take some action immediately to relieve the distress of millions of idle and hungry workers. If enthusiasm counts for anything, the Cook County Farmer-Labor Party, as now constituted, is bound to grow by leaps and bounds and will undoubtedly cut a lot of ice in future local political campaigns. According to the report of Dr. R. B. Green, chairman of the Creden- German Moratorium The real unsolved problem is, of course, what shall be done at the end of the year's moratorium, Germany cannot pay her reparations except by an enormous sale of goods abroad, creating a. large "favorable" balance bf trade. The other chief nations are not prepared to permit her to do this —England and the United States, because these German goods would partially displace their own in the markets of the world; France because such a development would mean that Germany would again become strong, and a potential war menace. Such reparations as have already been paid in cash have for the most part come from borrowings abroad, and these borrowings have now ceased for the good reason that Germany is mortgaged up to the hilt and it is no longer good business to lend to her. The payments of reparations in goods (in "kind") have been achieved by depressing the standard of living of the German working class, by increasing their hours of labor and reducing their pay, by putting upon the middle class and the rich a tremendous burden of taxation; This burden is rapidly becoming insupportable, and the German people are showing with increasing clarity that they will not endure It much longer, they will repudiate their own government or any other which seeks to keep their necks beneath the yoke. The Allies, as everyone now knows, in so far as they have been paying their debts at all, have done so out of what they have received from Germany. If reparations should stop, they too would be confronted by the difficulties the Germans now face. Not only would they find the transmission of the sums enormously difficult, but the imposition of taxes in order to accumulate the necessary funds would work, great hardships both on Workers and the rest of the population. The world-wide acclaim with which the Hoover plan was greeted was due, in our judgment, primarily to the recognition .of these facts and to the belief that once war debts and reparations are suspended they will never be resumed, or at least not on anything like their present scale. The New Republic. • hours every weekday cvemngithFprob- lem becomes one of getting the maximum number of street ars through the streets with the least possible delay. Cooperate with your street railway company to aid this great transportation movement. It will help downtown business and help the eighty per cent who must travel by street ar. Stmt tan tut tht lt.M fact ftr J>atiengtr B.C£lectric Un.'iti lihtitr, Coiumbim BRITISH COLUMBIA ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO. LTD, A. E. HARRON Phone N. V. 134 North Vancouver J. A. HARRON Phone Fair. 134 55 Tenth Ave E Q. M. WILLIAMSON Phone Fair. 134 55 Tenth Ave. E. farrnn Sroa. Sc ttiUimttsott FUNERAL DIRECTORS 55 EAST TENTH AVENUE PHONE FAIR. 134 RED STAR DRUG STORE "The Mail Order Druggist" w. Make a Bpeolal Effort to Get floods Oat br First Mall After Receipt of Your Order. COBNEB COBDOVA AND C ABB ALL VANOOrjVEB, B. O. I know not truly which is worse— he that maligns all, or he that praises all.—Ben Jonson. tials Committee, fifty-five unions and organizations were represented with 100 delegates:—Federation News. Women Workers Are in Ruthless Competition The Women's Bureau of the Unit ed States Department of Labor has just published an exhaustive study of women's wages in thirteen states, made before the present depression, which shows in fine more important respect how far our economic order is from justice or efficiency even when we are supposedly prosperous. Jit manufacturing industries, the median weekly earnings of women ranged between a high point of $19.13 in Rhode Island and a low of-$8,3f> in Mississippi. The longer, the" hours, as a rule, the lower the earnings. Comparing the earnings with estimates of minimum living costs for single women, the bureau concludes "that most of the industrial workers in practically all the states included in the present study earned amounts too low for adequate subsistence." The growth of profits and of productivity during the period would have made possible considerably higher-wages. Why were they not forthcoming? Because, in our competitive and unplanned order, wages are determined, not by what ought to be or can be paid, but by what wage earners can be hired for. The supply of women in the labor market is sufficient in relation to the demand so that wages are kept down; there are enough women who will take less so that those who need more cannot get it.-—The New Republic. That's That "I am a woman of few words," announced the haughty mistress to the new maid. "If I beckon with my finger, that means come." "Suits me, mum," replied the girl. "I'm a woman of few words myself. If I shake me. head, that means I ain't comin'." Economist Warns Financial Leaders Sir Arthur James Salter, former director of the economic section of the League of Nations, in his recent address before the Bond Club of New York gave an admirable example of the spirit in which important economical questions ought to be considered. He pointed out to the assembled financiers that the later development of our competitive, individualistic capitalist system has brought out with increasing clearness both its merits and its defects—the former consisting .essentially jn its stimulus to productive activity, the latter in its inabalify to utilize its capacity regularly and to distribute the results justly. If we are not to have chaos, then, we are faced with a choice, he declared, between collective leadership by industry and finance on the one hand and collective control by the state on the other. Hence he urged upon his audience the necessity for consultation in order that they might help furnish the leadership- the world will need in their field, particularly in the way of checking mad speculation and undesirable government loans. Capitalism plainly cannot vindicate and maintain itsejf except by the exercise of collective responsibility on the part of its leaders, as Sir Arthur Salter suggests. Why can we in this country not have a larger measure of such thoughtful and reasoned consideration of tbe actual problems of our present position, with an attempt to find practical solutions, instead of the passionate and unreasoning defense of things as they ai ■ that marks the utterances of our President and other public men of the same type?—The Nation. Our best cemeteries are filled with intelligent people who tried to laugh off a cold. Friday, JulyV .i7th, ~193* "> ■■■Wfr*1*- THE LA B 0 R. STATESMAN Page Three A Trades Union Directory LABOR HEADQUARTERS, 529-531 BEATTY STREET Vancouver Trades aad labor Council— President, C. McDonild; general secretary, Percy R. Bengough. Office. 200 Labor Headquarters, 531 Beatty St. Phone Sey. 7495. Meets In Labor Hall at 8 p.m. on the flrst and third Tuesdays In month. . Bakery ana Confectionery Workers' International r/nlon, Local No. 4«8, meets flrst and" third Saturday' Ja month at 7:00 p.m. at Labor Headquarters. President, • Jas. Brydson; Secretary's Office,. Room 304. Labor Headquarters; Hours 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Phone: Sey. 3349. ■evera*-. Dispensers' Union, Wo. 678— Meets last Sunday at 8 p.m., Koom ™;_, 2' I^D0r Headquarters; second Friday at 10 a.m. at the office Pres., ■ M... J. Oalvln; Secretary and Bus. Agent, T J. Hanafln. Office: Room 1, Eagles Hall, 536 Homer St. Phones Sey. 4783 and Bay. 1656-11. > Hours: » to 2 p.m. Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, liocal 97, Int. Assoc—Meets every Wednesday, Hall 3, Labor Headquarters, at 8 p.m. President, W. Dickson; Secretary, p. Laurel, Koom 311, Labor Headquurters. Phones; office, .-Sey. 7495; Residence, High. 5679X. Mill and Factory Workers' Union, looal Vo. ISM — Affiliated with United Brotherhood of Carpenters A Joiners. .Meets first and third Thursdays In Hall N'o. 3, Labor Headquarters. Pres;, G. Campbell. Secretary-Treasurer, C. Carslake. .1124 Albernl StV- Motion rictur.i Projectionist*' Union, Local 348, of I.A.T.S.E. fc M.P.M.O 11:30 p.m.; first Friday In month. In Hall'No. 3 Labor Headquarters. President, Locksley Clark; Secretary, J. C. Richards, "Box 345. Phone Douglas 1574-R; Business Agent, J. R. Foster, Phone Trinity 6708. Musicians' Mutual Protective Union, Local 145, A. T. ot tC—Meets at the O.W.V.A. Auditorium, second Sunday at 10 a.m. President, J. Bowyer; General Secretary, W. Coullng; Organ^ > ., Uer, F. Fletcher. Office. Suite 307-319, .failure." West Pender. Phofie Douglas 2290. Building Trades Council, Vancouver— Meeis second and fourth Tuesday In Hall 315, Labor Headquarters. Presl- ■5SF w D;,w"8on: secretary-treas- urcr XV. Pago Room 301, Labor Headquarters. Phone SVy. 7495. *mSS1!! J»Jr»• yman International Union of Am.rloa—Local 120, meets second and fourth Tuesdays In each month. In Hall No. 3? Labor^Headquarters. President, Fred Dawe; Sec- ?r?aa,oC'JE' He"-e't. Office 104 Labor Headquarters. "»""•"' l°o*i Ho. 106, Int. Broth- !5£fc£_*. "econ'1 Tuesday In month at Professional and Business Woman's Club, Empire Bldg ,603 'imOMihS:. 0Pl-e"l.den'. Mrs. Harvey 84|7HQaUntib,tonSse.Cretary'Th08- CarroM' i'kn\aI'sV »n<,t,1—»<>»« International Union Mo. 1—Room 309, Labor Head; 982&>Zk Meetf «<=ond and fouTth Wednesday, In Hall No 3. Prealdent J. O. Greenwood. Phone Bay. 8047-T: fo.chr,e,flprhyo„rrFfir.D,f?fRi: &„ ir ^e'FnT'&.n128*"*"»°»* Crap and Mill Worker.' r.a.rai j,.^. Union Wo. 31_Vancouver andiVlclSlu meets every second Wednesday it 'aSnT-'it "^f0™" Street E. "prel! Tsuyukl Mlya'awft' Secretary, K. °*hS!Jt,r" *?" Jote«». "nlt.d Brotherhood of, „eal 488—Fr.eid.nt Wm. ffiWi Financial Secretary, R.W hL'h y- .°"ice' Room 3 0 Labof g» Mlt?ed,?r T^eaaVr arTd pi,„Sine8Sa.A^nt' W' * Scribblna. 3208 jffi W& fe8""^ J *•'»»* CItJo Employ...' Union, Local «S— Meets first and third Frldaysln thl oTh vr 2£IH, «"«»»> £t, at I F™«»r Pro?lde.nt' „jBck Wood. «71 . oWrii HStreet; Secretary-Treasurer, George HarrlBon, 3427 Triumph Street. '^trta^h"' E*1'?' ** "-Meets In !hf™i air0'- He"<"<J"«"rs. first and B rd.iMo,n,d.a/™n m.onth' President, HmSJISS-M* 21st: Reeord Sec^ «*.?<?; M 8\,D' Simpson. 627 Carnar- Y°" __,V New, Westminster; Flnan- ma%TiSS:^ MttrJor,e Deye"' Painters, Decorators and Pap.rhang.rs, Local 138 Meets second and fourth Thursdays at Hall No-. 2. President. A. I). Hodge; Rec. Secretary, A. E. varan, 14.42 Gjark Drive; Financial Secretary,-T. Katie. Office: Koom 313, Labor Headquartera. J?hon> St-y.-3609. PH. Drivers, Bridge, Wharf and Dock Builders, Local Wo. 8404—Meets every Friday night at 8 o'clock In 122 Hast- Ingsg St. XV. President, S. (loy; Jas. Thomson, Secretary, P. O. Box 320. I'hone Svyy 7874 . rlasterers, Eocal 89—Op.ratlv. PlasUr- •rs' and Cement Flnl.hers' International Association—Meets flrst and third Wednesday ln month at Hall No. 2, Labor Headquarters. President ^.9,' ^alBho "8 IM* 37th. Fras. 108 R; Cor. Sec. A. Harry, 1116 East 33rd Fair. 3222 R; Fin. Sec. E A WIlllamB, 830 East 12th Fair. 5219 X. Cement Finishers' Cor. Sec Balnes, 2866 Turner St. ' Phone J. W. ■IjgiljjtJWWtoW, Local 813, Internn- ^5" ■«>*»«»nood-Meets flrstand third Monday, at 8 p.m., at Labor Headquarters. Prealdent. D. Me- Dougal; Business Manager, E H Morrison. Office, 201 Labor Headquarters. Phone Sey. 1510 ■"ESt"*—international Onion «f Over- nW^'i'fS**?*' ™" "S—Meets 1st and 3rd Friday at 8 p.m.. Hall 3. President. F. L. Hunt; Rec SecTo. E nLWlV _ft_™ Agent *ni F|n. Sec, George Pettipiece. office, 301 Labor Headquarters. Phone, Trinity 6434 fire Tighten, Mo. U, International rM*S°" ,°/-Meet. .v.Ty^nth^ a„Pf ."k d\m 5' nl* Hastings E. President. N. McDonald, Ut6 McLean Drive; Financial Secretary C A Wat- son, 1624 East 8th a"n„. * W,t PloorUyer.. Union, „. U75, U. M. of Ti,„7.Hf^ *;—Meets flrst and third Thursdays In month at Hall No. I, Labor Headquarters. President, Oscar Soderman; >ln. Sec, Jack N.laon; SlJii.h fe.Jo.hn McDonaId. 2905 W«t Twelth; Business Agent. W D Wll- »on, 1636 Fifth Av. w ' "' W" and Marin. Cook, and Stewards — Local 28. Suite 39, 411 Granville St. meets wcond Monday each month at 3 p.m., and last Monday at 9 p.m President. Flo Allen; Secretary- Treasurer and Business Agent, Harry Wood. Phone Seymour IK. ■roth.rhood of Carp.nt.ra — Meets every flrst and third Wednesday of each month in Hall 101. Labor Headquarters, at I p.m. Prealdent, Mrs. C. J. Atkinson. 730 19th Ave. W.: Secretary, Elisabeth J. Hope, 1041 7th Ave. K. **<>■'■«*■ yooa. Wire ana M.tal, mur- and third Mondays In month at Labor HeadquarterH. Secretary, F. Macey J4B6 Weat Seventh Ave. Phone Bayvlew 6831 L *2S,.tal,!VlJ.I'20*1 «»«-Presldent. Thos. 8111s, 1352 Burrard St.; Secretary P. R. Bengough. Office. Room ttt, Labor Headquarters. Meets on second . and fourth Tuesdays In Hall 111. Milk Wagon DrlT.n aad Bain Bmpl.y- mi, ; Looal 464— Office 108, Labor Headquartera Meeta second and fourth Fridays In Hall No. 1. President, J. Mitchell; Secretary-Treasurer. Blrt Showier, K41 Triumph. Phone High. (117, Plumbers snd Steamfitters, Wo. 170, International Association—Meets every second and fourth Friday In Hair No. '2. President, Val Pearson, 787; htitat 62nd; Financial Secretary and Business Agent. W. Watt, 305-7 Labor Headquarters. Printing Pressmen and Assistants, Local Wo. 69—Meets every second Tuesday In the month at 8 p.m. In Hall No. 2, Labor Headquarters. President, W. W. Qulgley. 2047 West Second; Secretary, Thos. S. Exert, 1807 East Thirty-eighth. Ballway Carmen of America, Lodge Wo. 58—Meets first and third Friday ln month at Labor Headquartera. President, A. S. Ross. 6806 Sophia Street; Rec Secretary, J. D. Valllamy, 2116 Weat 16th. Editor, Labor Statesman. Sir,-^-Sohie things can be st'ientifi cally demonstrated, others may be logically assumed, but to prophesy which is the irifallable line of political tactics to pursue to attain a desired social economic condition is something' which even angels mijiht hesitate to attempt. ■ Yet your critical correspondent in ;last week's issue takes me to task (I assume I am, at least, partly the target of his shafts) for attempting to "conciliate the communist elements of the working class," for, as fie says, "all attempts to reconcile the irreconcilable are foredoomed to, Street and Hleetru Hallway Employ..., Pioneer Division Wo. 101—Meets K. P. Hall, 8th and Kingsway, first and third Mondays at 10:15 a.m. and 7 p.m President. J. E. Smith: Recording Secretary, J. Price; Financial Secre- !?J7 and. Business Agent. H. W. Speed. Office: Corner Prior and Main streets. Phone Sey. 5000. Sheet Metal Workers' Association, Looal Union Wo. 880—Meets second and fourth Thursdays ln Hall No I. President, Jas. Strachan, 2206 W. llth; Business Agent and Secretary, Df^ MacPherson, 108 Labor Headquarters. Tallon' Journeymen Union of Amerloa Looal Wo. ITS—Meetings held second Monday, each month, 8 p.m. Executive meets fourth Monday of every month In Labor Headquarters. Presl- ' dent, Colin McDonald; Secretary, W. ' W. Hocken, 1682 llth Ave. E.; Finan- ' clal Secretary, H. Nordlund. 1930 llth Ave. E. *axl. Stag, aad Bus Driver., Looal 161 ~I*Jt*.,s eecond and fourth Mondays at 10.10 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. President, W. Wilson. Office. 306 Labor Head- quarters; Phone. Sey. 7496. Teamsters, Chauff.urs, Stabl.m.n aad Htlpers, Local 468—311 Labor Headquarters. Meets every First and Third Monday, Labor Headquarters. President F. T. Goodrich, 1239 Woodland, High. 2095-X; Secretary - Treasurer, Blrt Showier. Room 306, Labor Headquarters. • Theatrical Stag. Employ...' Union. Local 118 of the I.A.T.S.B. fc M.PM.O. Meets second Tuesday In Labor Head= quarter!! at MO a.m. President, Geo. W. Allen; Recording Secretary H Pearson; Business Agent, B. McGlone address. P. Q. Box 7-11. ' Typographical Union, Wo. 880—President, C. a. Campbell; Vice-President, K. R. Bayley; Secretary^Treasurer. R. H. Neelands. 100-2 Labor Headquarters. Meets last Sunday of each month at 2 p.m., In Hall No. 1, Labor Head- quartera. Union Label Trad.. Connoil meets in Hall No. 4, Labor Headquarters, til Beatty Street, second and fourth Thursdays in each month at I o'clock. President, Colin McDonald. 1884 St. George Street, Phone Fair. 1117-T. Secretary, Motile Dolk, 1687 Fifth Avenue East. Phone High. 477-T. - 'iPrince Rupert Trades & Labor Council MEETS second Thursday in each "* month. President. S. D.- McDonald, Box 288. Secretary, Frank Derry, Box 498, Prince Rupert.B.C. NOTARY PUBLIC P. R. BENGOUGH 1 Secretary Trades fc Labor Council Woom 100 Ml Butty Strs.t Phones; Sey. 74I8-II7* Granted, but, personally, far from regarding these1 two groups—Communist and I. L. P.—as irreconcilable I am so assured that in the very near future conditions will compel them to cease magnifying the importance, of their "superficial differences and get together to further the fundamental essentials upon which they agree, that l will not waste time or effort in keping alive a spirit of antagonism,. particularly-- white the forces' of "capitalism are so'"strong and the active workers for socialism so few. Such an attitude may be "a source of amusement to some and derision and ridicule to others," but it certainly cannot be a source of' widening the gap between those who eventually must be. together. "Workers of the world Unite" is to me something moreiJian an empty shibboleth. The two groups at the moment represent two types of individual and tactics—^so distinct that it wouid be disasterous to attempt at the present time to bring them in to ope organization. There is work for each group and each tactical policy, and despite our critic's disagreement it may be that the actions of "a self-appointed minority, disguised under the high- sounding phrase of 'the dictatorship of- the proletariat' may be the medium of. attainment of 'democratic socialism based upon the consent of the majority of the population'." Who knows? Might I suggest that in assessing the merits of the Communist party and its tactics it is unwise to limit your horizon too close to home. Distance sometimes lends clarity to the vision. If for no other reason than the successful accomplishment of the Russian revolution, and the remarkf- able example of organization, enthusiasm for a world revolution, and integrity of the Communist party as exemplified in that country, we must, or at any rate I will, express by appreciation by refusing to devote any time or effort to fostering antagonism between the local groups of the respective class-conscious working-class parties. E. WINCH. THE WORLD-WIDE DEPRESSION AND IT'S CAUSE Editor, Labor Statesman. Dear Sir,—Some few wise-head mathematicians, early in the postwar rebirth, of the so-called gold standard, predicted that unless that fiction were discarded and an honest return to paper money, recognizing same as tokens of credit without any trammelling gold backing, that well within its fifteenth birthday the whole world would And itself lint broke. We are now oriiy a sfiort way off that same birthday, and need no comment on conditions. This is the way these men arrived at their conclusions, and without suggestion of posing as prophets, are seeing their predictions come true. Now if one trades upon credits and pays as low as five per cent, for that credit, he must, by compounding again and again that instalment paid interest, pay exactly $2,000 (together with principal) for a $1,000 loan that has run fifteen years. We have but to consider the fact that many loans and credits run into usurious rate of many times that percentage, and, because of their individual smallness, are passed 'as of no great importance, yet stand for figures when considered collectively. . Demonstrating that because of this so-called gold standard which only exists in name, for no gold ever has or will again come into circulation, we have been trading on heavily taxed credits, meaning that because such, every dollar floating has to find its way back to its original loaners, the banks, mortgagees, insurance capital, etc., etc., leaving the small trader flat broke, with he and his kind unable to employ labor,- or continue to restock. The process is as simple as the cure, if one but takes a casual glance Hat two newspaper excerpts here following (copied from our local Vancouver newssheets about November, 1921): . . '••'■' .'/'.. , Growth of a Beuak "lii" 190,0, there were thirty-four chartered banks operating in Canada, there are but nineteen today. The eager industry of establishing^banks has not beijn very pitofitable, 'yet banking business has grown enor-; mously, Sir Frederick Williams Taylor, general manager of the Bank of Montreal, makes the surprising statement that,the assets of thi3 bank today are equal teethe whole combined assets of the thirty-four banks of seventeen years ago." * * + . '"November,. 14th, 1922- The Montreal Star' scathingly denounces Montreal-Merchants Bank merger as cowardly. Asserts returns . wej-e false, in spite of court's findings. By those unacquainted With facts at the time of the disclosures, the inference was drawn that the bank's capital must have been seriously impaired to justify such a step. "When it was discovered that eve* under drastic accountancy, cutting down surplus, the bank's capital was; intact; unimpaired1; "and over and above its capital was a surplus of: $1,600,000, there was widespread dismay and well-founded indignation at the surrender of the property. . i .- Und*r —- careful - ^irertOTC^ttH!' shareswere-well worth $160,- andnot the trifle forced on the stockholders by the Bank of Montreal. "In effect, judge Deearie's judgment declares ihat in a legal sense the erring report was not known to be false. "It -was false and was known to be so, but as collusion or otherwise, branch reports concealed facts that were known, to directors and were ignored by them." The above may be easily verified by any sufficiently interested in their own and national welfare, and is by no means the worst of these chartered banks' depredations against public weal, for by now only numbering ten, all working into each other's hands they not only create fictitious booms when they desire another carousal, but, by advising depositors (when it suits their time to make a slump) to by no means invest in anything whatever, they call in outstanding debts, refuse to make new loans or carry the old ones, then when prosperity (their own false and forced one) comes crashing down wipe off these debts as a loss, thereby holding their otherwise'big dividends, at a seemingly reasonable figure around twelve per cent, pass the bad debts over to a trust company which takes them at a. mere) trifle of their face value, then proceeds to rake in by way of foreclosures colat- teral many times the original amount of the loan, when, puff goes the banks again, lulling the public into indifference by flaunting opportunities of easy money to be made by reinvestment. The Banking Act, open to any, at the public libraries, will show the very small capital any bank needed to commence business, so allowing they did hot put up greater than was needed by the government, then consider they have erected buildings across the country regardless of costs as to sites and structures, have paid big dividends, wages (such as they are), taxes, loaned the government and commerce millions counted by thousands, made collossal losses, then brag about their accumulated wealth and power, it suggests time has more than arrived to make tha whole a national privilege, strictly and only. ■ ■ ' - ■ ';**'• Raising loans to alleviate conditions as suggested by our Premier is not only no alleviator, but an aggravate of conditions, for, if this $100,- 000,000 runs in the nature of thirty- year bonds it means (by accumulated and compounded interests) that we will be-faced with a'debt of four times the original amount, with conditions worse than ever so soon as the whole has found its way back again to the banks. By nationalizing our banks and currency bur governments could then borrow of themselves at a fraction of one per cent., just sufficient to cover costs of auditing. Then again, the farmer could get long- term mortgages at one per cent., also the home-owner at a like figure, going the whole hundred per cent, of the real value, and while this may sound at lirst sight like risky business, improves itself as solid as earth. Allowing the nation had one million loans averaging $3,000 at such interests, she would be raking in $80,- 000,000 a year clear profit aside from the huge volume of instalments paid in monthly, weekly or whatnot, so with all this accumulating profits she coUld not only cut down taxation but spend lavishly on unlimited though needed developments and never again know hard times. If Jones built a house worth $3,000, sold it to Smith for that sum, who gets his government mortgage for the full amount, then Jones, not CHfifcOPRACTOR KOBT. A. TRETHEWEY Maimer Graduate. X-Bay Service Tune in on CJOR Every Tuesday- and Friday mornings from 9:4Q to 9:55 704 Dominion Bank Building' Phone: Seymour 5833 Phon. Say. 5046 Dr. B. G. VINSON DENTISTS 5 Chairs 46 Hastings St. East Independent "V Undertaking CO. LTD. C. FRANK EDWARDS HAROID H. EDWARDS 705 W. Broadway. FJ^r^6.??. caring; to carry so big a sum around, does the only sensible thing, places, it in the bank. The government not only, has Smith's house and efforts as security, but has Jones' $3,000 again in it* b«V<ta-t«-fffwm-'wi»rking -aritrr"" . L.Hhen consider -the huge numfier of floating checks that stands, each, un- til_.,Cashed, a floating loan to the banks at no interest. Again, the number of bank bills that get lost, burned, or otherwise taken out of circulation for good, all this would be profit to the nation instead of to chartered bank manipulation. I ' ■ " It is all very easy to bring about if the workers will but get together. on this point, -insist and see it becomes law' and once started would soon be followed by other countries, and, because of the fact that rent- paying would go out entirely, with every unit of each nation a stake in his country, wars would be impossible, for Mr. Man would -look too well after his own and fariiily's interests to risk any smashing-up. The whole scheme has got anything Marx ever dreamed of backed off the map, and must eventually be the outcome of what Russia is striving to accomplish, for by this, initiative is not crushed, and the zest to work, produce and consume enhanced. Hoping sortie more able pen will follow this up, I remain, yours hopefully, E.A.Y. M .«s. French Deputies Block Battleship Building The French Chamber of Deputies has set an example to parliaments everywhere by refusing to vote the 23,000-ton battleship- which the minister of marine demanded as an offset to the new 10,000-ton German vessel. For once legislators have refused to be led by the nose by their- government and the so-called naval experts. Would that our Congress might.profit by the example! It was admirably pointed out in the debate that if France built a 23,000-ton battleship Italy would build one of 35,- 000 tons, and that there would be no end to the thing; also it was insisted that it was preposterous to vote this ship when Europe is on the — verge of a disarmament conference which will take place before the keel of the ship could be laid. This, and the tremendous popular acclaim given to Briand's pacifist speech at Qourdon, give us further reason to believe that the French'people are not so frightened about their security as the politicians would have us believe. On the contrary, we still feel that if there is any real anxiety among the French people about their safety, it is because they have been whipped into it by their conscienceless politicians for the sake of politics and personal preferment. . ..- HIGHER PRICES URGED TO CURE DEPRESSION NEW YORK.—An advance in the prices of commodities which 110.000.000 people in the United States have to- buy in order to live is recommended as the best of all cures for the present business depression by Thomas F. Wood- lock, special writer on the Wall Street— Journal. Mr. Woodlock was formerly a member of the United States Interstate Commerce Commission, . Of ctwrse.an advance in, the.prices of commodities would lower the living standards of labor, and competent authorities claim that employers now are iftying millions of workers less than a •'cent living wage. But a little thing ke. lowered standards of living for the 'tej ruts no figure with the Wood- rk type compared with more luxuries '■" those who own our industrial estab- 1!,'hments and consequently the commodities which proceed from the brain and brawn of labor. • i * . Page Foiir THE LABOR STATESMAN Friday, July 17th, 1-93-1 The Labor Statesma Published every Friday, ;tt l.;il *■ j' *_ ,r_A'_ _ - *nr\ win J>or...,. Headquarters, Vancouver, &.C. Owned ,,by 4he Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council. THE OPEN ROAD "/■ AFOOT WITH JACK LOGIE H. W. Watts, Man. Editor. PRESS COMMITTEE: \ ' Ed. Smith Chairman; W. Watt (Building Trades Council)J, P. R. Bengough (Machinist Trades); (Printing Trades); (Building Trades); B. Showier (Teaming Trades); Tt Hanofln (Beverage Tradea); C. Herrett (Label Trades); Bert Speed (Transportation Trades), • Subscription Rates: $2 per Year: to Unions, 16c per month per member. Fhon.I Seymour 6379 Vancouver, Friday, July 17, 1931 SEEDS FOR DISCONTENT Every' person or interest taking advantage of the present depression to reduce wages or otherwise impose increased hardships on labor without corresponding increases in remuneration is helping to sow the seeds of unrest and discontent. _What there-. actioTT io".'a'"general reduction in wages would be no one can foretell but'it is certain that it would be most stubborn and determined. If those who today are' in a posi tion to turn the tide against the growing mania for cutting wages fail to <lo so then dark days indeed lie ahead. Those who are most helpless and who can least afford to have their earnings reduced are the very ones being slashed most unmercifully. In most cases there is no legitimate excuse for this cutting of wages. As . Having just completed a little jaunt which began at, the town of Tia Juana (Aunt. Jane), on the. Mexican border, and ended at Victoria, a few impressions gathered .... ..,._ along the way might be of interest. R. H. Neelands On aMong trip of that sort one loses" Dan McPherson touch with the outside world and is mainly concerned with the incidents of the road and life is circumscribed by the width of the highway and the houses, fields, gas tanks and hot dog stands which bound it on both sides. I haven't seen a newspaper for so long that I have mo idea what ia gojng on in the world and I don't care. A punctured tire on the top of the highest summit was of more moment than the fall of stocks and the bursting of monetary bubbles, and the collapse of German finances faded into insignificance before the imminent collapse of my own. ,1 heard it rumored that someone had flown around the world in record time but my problem was how to get the old flivver to the nearest garage with two cylinders missing and a broken spark plug. The whole world is on the road these days, and_Jf you keep, your eyes and "eats open as you wander along you may get some yer/ interesting sidelights on life in general and the economic system in particular. The rich whizz past in limousines gleaming with nickel and brass, the poor limp along in tirriizzies tied together with haywire and rope, and. the very poor tramp along in the hot sun carrying a roll of blankets on their backs. * * ■.■.—*-.'• One day as we ate our lunch by the side of the road,, an old man, poorly dressed but very neat and clean in appearance, stopped and things now stand prevailing wages asked if he might have a drink of have been permitted to fall so far water. I asked him if he was on the behind the increased output preva- road looking for a job,' but he anient in our% day and age that the swefed that as he was 79 years of direction in'which practically every age a job for him was out of the industry should move is in the direc- question. I said that there was tion of increased wages accompanied nothing left for us but to fight for by materially shortened -hours of la- Socialism, but he replied, "Even that bor and a substantial decrease in sell- is not'for me. All I have to look ing prices of nearly every eommod- forward to in life is a struggle for ity which is produced aftd sold in the very existence. There are hundreds open market today. of such old men tramping the roads Unless industry, as organized and today, and how they manage to live want there is the most glaring waste. Sixteen carloads of bananas were dumped in Los Angeles harbor; the apricot crop of Ventura county was not even picked, but left on the trees; thousands Of tons of grapes are left on the vines to rot, and the same story is true of peaches. The productive forces of the country are scarcely touched, but the products are wasted and spoiled while the people who need them go hungry. It's a mad world. ■!** « » * * In spite of the economic stress and struggle of competition the one fact which stands out above all others is that, at heart, people are inherently kindly and always ready to lend a helping hand to a weary wayfarer who needs assistance. I met with unfailing courtesy from everyone I contacted and still have faith that out of this economic mess in which we all suffer and agonize, the spirit of human kindliness will raise us to greater heights of- brotherhood and co-operation. Everywhere the demand.for a change in our economic system is rising in a mighty, xoar,-and seme daym the near future the cry for justice from the old men who wearily tramp the highways, from the migratory workers who, sick at heart, search' for work where no work can be found, and from the farmers who labor for no reward, will awaken a response in the hearts of the common people. - Musicians' Notes By Con Sordine * conducted today, can figure out ways and means to move in these three directions as far as it is possible to go, then our entire system of production and distribution becomes a dismal failure. What good purpose does- it serve to have improved machinery of every description, turning out an, enormous quantity of everything that human beings need, if those who constitute the rank and , file of the population are denied the opportunity to earn enough to supply their wants? „ " It is not the agitators who are doing so much to create unrest- in the land as it is those short-sighted and greedy individuals, who press every unfair advantage to the limit for their own, enrichment. - To reduce wages at such a time as the present is to plant most dangerous seeds of discontent; and no matter how profitable the practice may seem to those who are doing it, such unjust gains today are jn danger of becoming the spoils of a hungry"innt desperate mob tomorrow. . Think well,»you wage-cutters of today, what the consequences of your acts may be. Is there not enough discontent already ' without - planting more of it? A strike-breaker who was trying to hold down a job on one of the construction jobs which was involved in a lock-out against union carpenters, who would not accept a reduction in pay, was arrested last week for carrying a concealed weapon and fined $25 in police court. That's picking them out. One union in Vancouver has instructed its secretary to tear up any letters that come from Mr. Leckie, the secretary of the General Contractors' Association, who has set himself up as a sort of Mushsolini against the trades unions. Other unions might follow this action, even though the Association is about knocked out since their wage-slashing campaign failed. Government apathy'in connection with our present day conditions seems to be the order of the day, whilst as Harry Wood says in his "Fog of the Capital" story, the municipal, provincial and federal governments are doing everything excepting what they should do. No wonder the workers are growing restless. . A one-ring circus is like a bad cigar. The band is the chief attraction. is beyond.my comprehension. This man was a Swede and had grown grey in the lumber and railway camps of the country and his reward was to sleep by the roadside and beg \his food from door to doorr As I drove on I thought of that hobo verse which says: "He built the road; With others of his class he built the road; Now o'er it many a weary mile he packs; his load And walks and walks and walks and walks; And'wonders why in hell he built the road." - , . In Southern California the wayfarers were nearly all old men, but as we got further north younger men were in evidence. Those who are young and strong can ride the bumpers or pool their slim resources with two or three others and nurse a decrepit old flivver so long as it will hang together. But the old men have to walk. We saw scores of families migrating from place to place, in search of the elusive job with all their worldly goods piled high and tied on with rope and a dog or cat standing guard on the summit of the heap. The worker has to keep on moving but the farmer sits by the side of the road and has at least a place to sleep until the bank or mortgage company kicks him out to join the great majority. All farms seemed to be for sale, judging by the signs which were displayed, and most farm houses looked as if they ought to be mortgaged, as they were badly in need of paint and general repair. The only barns which had been painted were those which recommended in large letters that you should chew "Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco" or use "Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription for Weak Women." However, for the farmer, all is not lost. When agriculture fails he can still put in a gas tank, put up a few cabins, plaster his place with hot dog and Coca Cola signs, call the outfit Sylvan Dell or Rocky Glen and cater to the world which whizzes by his door. The oil companies keep the premises clean with fresh paint and a spurious air of prosperity is lent to the ensemble. If his farm is off the main highway the poor agriculturist is out of luck and all he can do is work hard and go broke without making too much fuss about it. *•_:'"'» . Everywhere the general sentiment is one of pessimism and hard times. An agreement has now been arrived at between the -Canadian Pacific Steamships .and the Union, and an'orchestra of five of our members is to commence work on the R.M.S. Empress of Canada on Saturday, July 18th. Bro. George Redfern is to be the leader. The happy result which has attended the negotiations has pleased our office, and it is hoped that the agreement will be extended to cover the other trans- Pacific Empresses. * * * '. ~ Radio Station CHLS, recently signed up with the local, and for a long time using non-union music, is now employing a dance band of our members regularly every Saturday evening. I. LP. Notes The I. L. P. is spreading fast. At the regular popoganda meeting held Wednesday, Comrade W. E. Turner spoke on the subject "National insurance." The questions and discussion were exceptionally good. This meeting proved, as we have stated mi more than one occasion, that we have in the labor movement men and women capable of filling any position. On Friday evening at $ p.m. in the I. L. P. Hall, Hollybum,West Vancouver, Comrade Hawthorne will speak on what is undoubtedly the most appropriate subject to day, "Co-operation." At the next regular-business meet (Vancouver Branch), to be held Wednesday, the 22nd, in the Williams building, all the comrades are requested to attend as very- important business is to be transacted.— Press Committee. NORTH BURNABY ORGANIZED Permanent,, organization of the North Burnaby Branch of the I. L. P. was completed last Friday evening at Culley's Hall, Vancouver Heights. The following officers were elected: President—Ernest Burns- Vice-President—T. O'Connor. Rec. Secretary—J. L. Worsley, 5206 Hastings St. E. Fin Secretary—W. J. Holden. There is much promising new material among the new members of this local, and live wires were elected on the executive and other -committees. Arrangements were entered into to hold a mass meeting in Capital Hill Community Hall on Friday, August 7th. Speakers: Dr, Lyle Telford and others. An educational and business meeting will be held in Culley's Hall, Hastings street east, on Thursday evening, August 13th.—K.ll. They tell me that "Pity is akin to Lovs"; if so, Pity must be a poor re- Side by side with poverty and actual jation.—Sir Arthur Keeps. 0 T}u»m**$*ii (Enmpflita^ |MCOR>ONAT(0 t*t HAY IBTO. '. _ WhwnKW. TaWaa, DOWNSTAIRS ECONOMY FLOOR Solid Leather Work Boots T\0 you work out of doors? Then you'll get a lot of satisfaction out of these substantially-made, comfortable boots. Solid leather uppers and soles; rubber heels; black. Sizes 6 fo II. ■ Established 1896 In three years the Policy Holders of the "FIRE INSURANCE MUTUAL" —THE WAWANESA—have saved ONE MILLION DOLLARS WAWANESA MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. FIRE 624 Birks Building AUTO This advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia. \ ■"■'"■ y~:eS ; y - .• v V-'.V <. " Friday, July 17th, 1931 /--. THE, LAffPft STATESMAN VANCOUVER'S ONE HUNDRED PER CENT. ALL-CANADIAN WAIKATffON NOW NEARING ITS 1200 HOUR. Five .and a Half Couples Left A Real Endurance Contest! LISTEN IN ON CKMO (EXCLUSIVE BHOADCABT] Dally 7:30 a.m., 2:30, 3:30 ana 11:30 p.m.; Mondays and Tuesdays 10:30 to 13 p.m. VANCOUVER THEATRE Phone Sey. 852 Admission: Adults 25c, Balcony 15c Lend Me Your Eyes! (By BILL) ■ objections to loaning men from one employer to another. The most notable and unique feature of the whole instrument is that at so early a date they, had trade agreements, especially in the building trades. No doubt this, early date will be surprising to iii-'iny; some may doubt the statements made, but. according to the information from Thomas E. Burke, who claims to have evidence of much earlier agreements dating back to the hi„i, j~— -. —'-'-- Page Five L Belcarra Park Popular Picnic Ground of the 'North Arm. A 1ot.1t spot to hold jroor picnic Return Fare, 70cj Children, SOe - SPECIAL RATES ;FOR,.-.— PASTIES ■■ Boats leave Gore Ave. Wharf daily 10 a.m.. Sat, and Sun.,. HARBOUR NAVIGATION CO. JUmlt*d Pbone Seymour 6163 Fhon. I Bayvlew 5457 Demonstrations and Estimates Given. Hygienic Rug Cleaners Bug's and Carpets Electrically Washed ln Tour Own Horn. or at Onr Plant One Day Service Orientals a Specialty All Work Guaranteed Specializing- ln Cleaning On.st.r- nslds and Upholstery 1116 West Broadway Buy B. C. Product! and boost your own payroll Dutch Maid MAYONNAISE at all stores DUTCH MAID PBODUCTS LTD. Vancouver, B. 0. GREGORY & REID PAINT CO. Everything for the Wall P*S"l, Brn~«». Xalsomlnss, VBUVavex, 3-*ly Tonal. Antlmo Whit. II Weit Haitingi Street T.lephon.: Seymour 4036 What Is Wrong with Burrard Street Bridge? . --Tt appears that it has finally dawned on some of our city aldermen that ballyhoo, etc., does not build a bridge. Yes there is something wrong at the Burrard street bridge, and there has been something wrong for some time, but six months have .[ Pftssed-~ain£a_ things went-- wrorrg.- First of all the employer attacked the conditions of employment established by the men on bridge work in British Columbia for a period of 30 years. In this we presume that he had the full support of some of the members of the Building and Construction Industries Exchange, of which organization the contractor on the Burrard street bridge is president _ .Experienced men- at bridge construction refused to' accept any lower standard of working conditions than what was established in the trade and those men were compelled to leave the job because they would not work with inexperienced men; The same men, ratepayers of this city, placed their case before the City Council and were advised that the council would not take any action as they had the assurance of the contractor that everything would be alright. We believe, at that time, mention was made of bridges built in China by the same party; anyway they were built far enough away that the council could only see the pictures of them. Experienced bridgemen were given no consideration by the council and our information is that in order to offset the doubts created in some minds about the conditions on the bridge being as good as stated by the contractor, the firm adopted the system of showing motion pictures of the construction of Burrard street bridge. "* The daily press of this city came out with glaring headlines of supposed progress made on the construction, and this continued until one of the piers floated away some two months ago and the fact that we have not heard any more about the bridge in the daily press and the contractors ceased showing their handicraft by motion pictures proves that the City Council is not entirely up to the minute on, our daily, news. Of course, it is possible that the council might have thought that the pic- We were told by the Conservative SaSSSSr** Br"ish Columbil ,ha a number of changes would take place and with'tiTl W,'th the ^«uor S"«d! emlv hi T?r WW***! appar- itel- wy,.ar'',vln« upjo their prom-1 =»»<er agreements dating back to the as chairman v!oml,fon- «*» appointed nigh dayLs of antiquity, especially rte s.Z-T ,a ver^U-P't°-date salary- TUnn? thl- buiIdinS °f Solomon's orands of he^r fby U!'-'"-K"1K w ■ rther I6""1*. wmch was j" the year 700 tt"X Jril°m dr,ffeJe"t Parts Ah & SeVr,en c-enturies Prior to the ia* tried *L f "g iUrther afield he Shrist'an Er«- and "'so quite authen- i'mlv the Won fr.onl.Ho»an<i. Appar- •«« evidence that with the thousands fancv f„r Holland bra"d "ckles his _ workmen engaged on that great oil hand?r; acord,nS '» the information structure, they had the same slogan Arrived ;,,vm°re Carloadsflfbecr has we hav5 today for a shorter work- We Lud nTT," f0m Holland. d«?. and which was in vogue then, as totaler ,w!l? «/huat make even a tec- 't ls found they only worked eight int Jhl hi "What ,s be,,ind a» this,' JPU» a day- So after all many of for henr ^ W* to send to Holland tne improvements we have in work- everv ™ e.spe.c,a."y ».* this time when lne fond.tions are not new. It is ion for th! y'"W !" find Some solu- ^'tf/'ear a,so that this agreement B6hPrem,h nnCmploym^m lotion? would indicate there was quite a "Mil t remicr Bennett and Premier Tol- lar8e building program goin* oir in heir r^werh»y fC doin* «"*!.«.,, in "id Sardis at the tin?e Ts* igree mentrH br"18 about an adjust- ment was entered into. One thing I Hon Th»e P.re.se"t ""employment situa- f<*' sure about is that the building 1« !ykf?'Vhat they wil1 d0 their tradesmen in those days did, in many hS heip« boost anOrotcct the. ways, enjoy better conditions than mfe>Trfrmi KSel pay rL°"- Did Pre- Speeded up and 8W«ated ljke our of LS sanefon such a rotten piece P^sent system.- The work) they pro ot business? If he has then it is up duced had. to be of first class work to Premier Bennett tn nr„t«. „■ »i_ manahin' ~<l „.,♦ n- Is. ., ... D. B. Kleenup Cleansers, Detergent,, Floor Oils, Disinfectants, Toilet Paper, L— etc. Dustbane Products Limited 326 We.t Ha.ting. Street Seymour 6491 FRED DREW CLEANERS AND DYERS Odorless Dry Cleaning ■— — Guaranteed! Doug. 4862 882 Homer St; .,,-«. ii" ——a'" <.ta\. me pic- mmoia going t< tures really represented some, of state of affairs ? Port o' Van Ice Cream Is All Non-union Several complaints have been received at the office of the Dairy Employees' Union that the Port O' Van Ice Cream Co. claims to be em- ____ ,nn nor nav« thev ploying union help This statement, ^n W 8t f«Vs °six or°„ve morthZ lvyf. I* U"^» P„eri-en'yv»8nar80l»«eR" What the alderman did suspect is ly false. The Port 0 Van Co. was h t • N 3 ^ t d t of a,-.nHnT,n°th,h'e lit8™ cftmp"n,,e8 op- place by the tide and that, we un j W "i, ° y- . °mie y 2" "Pi ' dertta.nl actuallv hnnn»n»H and they have consistent^ r»f>.=«J »•■ *, ,,c ,ias men u is up to Premier Bennett to protest at this imposition, owing to the fact that the B. C. Government is shouting for more money from the Federal Government, for the purpose of feeding and creating work for the unemployed in this province, when they at the same time are sending to Holland for their products, which means more unemployed among brewery workers. I don't . know— just what excuse or alibi they can put for- vard. The Holland beer costs more to the consumer, and according to thc evidence received from a number of Hotel- keepers, we are told that the British Columbia beer is far superior in quality. However, no doubt Mr. Thompson will have some alibi lo offer, but the fact remains that he. is doing his utmost to throw more workers on the unemployed list, and at the same time create more expense to the taxpayer who eventually has to foot the bills for thc relief department. At the present time the Brewery Workers in Vancouver and New Westminster and other districts are working only half time, and the pospects don't look bright for even keeping the present employees on that basis, and on the fact of this the Chairman of the Liquor Board deliberately goes ahead ind brings in ten car-loads of beer from Holland. The importation of beer from- Holland is more serious than most of us would imagine. It does not only throw a number of Brewery workers out of employment, but it effects many other workers and industries. To mention 1 few, we have the Farmer who is growing hops close to our City, a Vancouver firm who is manufacturing bottle wrappers and cartons, hag and sack, manufacturer, the sheetmetal manufac-1 turer of caps, the bottle manufacturer, the printing trades, and several other industries, and in each case it means more unemployment, and especially at this time when so many of our people are begging for work of aqy kind. Just how long are the people in British Columbia going to stand for this rotten _._. - * ** » * —t —5—" those built in China Pier Become* Barge Yes, Alderman Bennett, things are not as they should be on the Burrard street bridge job, nor have they • «mv7 -,1'iiic years ago, and they have consistently refused to do any business with the trade unions, but,want the unions to give them orders for their ice cream for their picnics. The company does not employ any union help, and no self- respecting man will work for them under the conditions they have to work under. There is union-made ice cream, however. The Hazelwood Ice Cream • Co. has- employeed union men ever since, they start ed business, and has always been fair to the trade union movement. When you buy ice cream I insist on Hazelwood, and you will ] get qua'**" °"J : ^_,,_ rlL1. real fr __, ..„„ m»u« irom zen' to he]p tne contractor out of a Sf'*i. L i iL ,. t ,• hole. We would advise the aldermen The better class stores that believe of this city that the taxpayers must in the worker getting a square deal be protected at all cost and that the all handle Hazelwood. contractor must assume the respon- _ ««„ .w... .<%«. „,... ........ sibility. Promises made by the con- $3,000,000 JOBLESS FUND t,^ must be carried ^t to the IN PHILADELPHIA ljmit. There having been competent iia.—The official proced- engineers on the jotfrepresenting the- in. »- ■•> '- * city of Vancouver during the time of construction, we venture to suggest that the engineers have a lot- of interesting information on the question ioi«»J «— a i i derstand, actually happened. We are also informed that the probable cause of that happening was when caisson was sealed with approximately 26,000 yards of concrete and made a floating plant, there was no weights used to hold caisson in place when the water waa pumped out We are also informed that experienced men always use wieghts for that purpose and experienced bridge contractors know that it is absolutely necessary. We wonder if the contractors expect the taxpayers to pay for such Believing that this will be of interest, ana educational as well, and owing to the fact that the Building Trades Council of Vancouver has been trying for some years to get an agreement with the building contractors, I am submitting herewith an old building trades' agreement,' entered into between the Roman proconsul of Sardis, Asia Minor and thei Building Trades Unions of.that city in the year 459. According to Thomas E. Burke, International Secretary-Treasurer of Plumbers and Steamfitters, hfirreceived the copy of this agreement from Bro. John Frey, secretary-treasurer of the Metal Trades Department, who some years nreviqusly received same from Mr. W. H. Buckler, the American economist and archaeologist, who had .„ v* nisi tiuss worK- manship, and naturally they had the opportunity to take a pride in their work, their slogan being quality before quantity. It would be hard to read from the agreement just what kind of relations they enjoyed from the employers, and I am wondering if they had any Keens, Tuckers or Leckies to deal with! I don't think they had, because if they had, they would not have had any agreement. Herewith is a true copy of the agreement: '—- Copy ot Agreement 459 A.D. • '* j Declaration under oath by the j builders and artisans of the most dis-1 tinguished metropolis of the Sar dians. - l In the consulship of the most dis-J tinguished Flavius Patricus and of thc consul who shall have been proclaimed an. the fifth before the calends of May, in the most distinguished metropolis of the Sardians twice honored with an emperor's temple, in the twelfth most happy indiction and on the fourth of the month Daesius, we give the most excellent Aurelianus, devoted commissioner and defender of the said renowned metropolis, our assent to the things hereinafter set forth: Whereas your excellency has received divers accusations against divers persons practising our craft, to the effect that they take in hand pieces of building work, leave these unfinished and obstruct the employers, deeming it important to abolish an injustice so detrimental to the employers, you have requested from us this agreement and declaration under oath in the following terms: "We do agree and make oath by the holy and life-giving Trinity andl by the safe preservation and victory I of the Lord of the inhabited earth, ' m Castle Taxi TEDDY M.ABI, Prop. SEYMOUR 660 ■mart, ■SlcMnt Barrio*. City, SOo, 75s and $1.00 NERVES! Constipation, Indigestion, Piles, Rheumatism, Skin Diseases, Blood Pressure, Neuritis, etc', success- - fully treated by Electric Steam Process. ■ — ■. P. McDONAlD, N.S. 724 Birks Bldg. Sey. 6083 PHONE SEV. 2800 Star Steam Laundry 00. LTD. 1115 BICHARDS STREET Also Pan-Co-Vesta Dry Cleaners 547 Howe Street Phon. Bay. 2834 city's public works, while the artisan shall be compelled to pay eight pieces of gold, and shall further be liable, even after exaction of the fine, to prosecution under the divine edicts on the charge of injustice; the present agreement remaining firm, unbroken and undisturbed in perpetuity, and being irrevocably carried out in strict conformity with all things above determined and promised by us; "(7) And for the full discharging of the fine we pledge under a lien both general and individual, all our property present and future of every kind and sort." And when as to all things above written the question was put to w by your excellency, we gave our assent to this agreement and declaration under oath on the day and in the consulship above written. Hot From the Oven and Emperor eve™rtIn? Augustus,and bakery workers is now in force, and Emperor . ••-.-»_•,-... "(1) That we will complete all pieces of work given out to us by any one of the employers, provided the employer is prompt in paying to us thc wages mutually agreed upon; "(2) Should the man undertaking the work have any plea on which he declines it for some rejspn. of ilia own (•either private or public, another arti- starting from July 1st, 1931. The master bakers have had thirty days in which to adjust their shops and get them on an eight-hour basis. Just how the masters intend to carry* out this act can only be determined from time to time by keeping them under strict observation. There.is.nn doubt many of them are trying to evade this act, as was done by many of thorn in 109B i :~i-i.--- . <mn r.™ "* H"""t, auotner arti- th s act, as w riming traces unions of.that city|w°<* «*j_^»#Bffi in the year 459. According to l nc.' understanding that the man *U »- ESPiS?-?* PS' ^oday they Thomas E. Burke, International c|ming it, whether he be the artisan , . _. . .1 who b jt Qr the man tun have taken his place, is one of our- If I "."d*8* no reason of our own are evading the act by putting their salesmen on a commission basis.' No doubt they will try to adopt some move with the bakery workers along similar lines. So, brothers and trade ......... .....^.i.n, nil" li, ill spent six years before the war in - • i i :rr» "" "v *™J l"r aucn a*uaHtv1.nj"iW00<1, and you ""> mLvah!\8nd >w "jny ^h" thingsI Mr. Buckler was kind enoug frp,hy« " CIcam made, from, ZILl?V,-nsidered transferring the Mr. Prey a photograph of fresh cream, and not made from ^M^* tthe f*vera*e 'iti>'nd translation This agreement was •r-- "" t0 help the contractor „„t „f J carved on a slab of grayish marble charge of the archaeological excavation work being done at Sardis, and Mr. Buckler was kind enough to send "- " ^ - ■ ' the slab Philadelphia—The official procedure to secure an appropriation of $1,000,000 of the proposed $3,000,- 000 emergency loan to the newly- created bureau of unemployment relief in the Department of Public Welfare has been initiated.- The fund, which will be distributed through district offices, will be used solely for direct relief and not for "rtiadej work.". ...........nbiuu. un me question raised by Alderman Bennett, and we are sure that the citizens are interested in the engineers' reports, and, without a . doubt, the people -"■'»■ ■" ■ ■ . , .. i „ -■ -this agreement th»t th.r. «... ..._- ..... ... Q.ajiou nun im and was uncovered in the Forum at Sardis, Asia Minor by Mr. W. H. Buckler. This agreement is interesting in many ways; the wording of same proves that even away back in the year '459 A.D. the problems of the building trades unions were similar to ours in many ways. We note one paragraph which says the building trades agree to carry out all that follows provided the employers are prompt in paying to us the wages mutually agreed upon. This clearly shows that back in those early days they also had their trouble in collect- . -~~ mini is aiso evidence in I this agreement that there was some" . -w iu our own i similar lini » -.-«.. stands in the way of the ..work; unionists, when buying the staff of "(3) Should the man undertaking life always look for our union label the work once hinder the employer in on the loaf where just and fair con- any way while it is, aa we said, under ditions exist.—J. D. I. construction if he who either began 1 ' it from the Wi—i —" • CARLETON BRANCH I. L. P. The Carleton Branch of the I. L. P. meets on the second Thursday of each month at Norquay Hall, not Tuesday, as published in a recent edition of. the Labor Statesman. - • A propaganda meeting will be held in the Norquay Hall, Slocan and Kingsway, on Friday evening, July 24th. Addresses by . prominent speakers. Our last meeting, held Thursday, July 9th, /waa wiall attended and membership is increasing. Have just returned from most successful meeting rally at Abbots- ford.—E. Lowe, Secretary, Carleton Branch. , . ..<■». uvtiuu a ne wno either began I it from the beginning or shall have ■ taken the place of any artisan is one of ourselves, we shall for such hindrance pay indemnities according to the actual contract between the employer and artisan; "Ml Should the employer show indulgence, if he be for seven days hindered from working, the work shall be left to the artisan undertaking it; . '' "(5) Should the artisan fall ill. the employer shall wait twenty days, and if after such indulgence for twenty days the man shall get well, but show no disposition to work at that time, another shall take his place on the terms stipulated by us as the man who has declined. "(6) If when the man undertaking the work' declines it some one' of us be found neither doing anything nor performing work in accordance with the provisions herein Written i»« KJnJ -— ' Fighting Dad ! ' "And there, son, you have the story of your dad and the Great War." S^^l^!^^a;l.,^^ta,!^'t-""J ^ , •■ ' *. 'V- .1 1 •'. r- ' *'•' < >'.''. .-- 1 ' ■' f • * Page Six THE LABOR STATESMAN Friday, July 17th, 1931 "BUILD B. C. PAYROLLS'' What Is Its Secret? A MILK expert has gone so far as to say he' has found none equal to Pacific Milk. What can the secret be? The milk creating conditions of Fraser Valley, the herd, the packing. The packing is highly important. Pacific Milk Factory at Abbot.ford, B.C. - t<B) Bet een t.-British - Coinm bia~ Owned and Controlled a Dodson Hotel "A COOL PARLOR" 23 Haatinga Street East B. Wishart - Props. - W, Stirling- (Late of Central Hotel) Ye Olde English Fish and Chips ALL Vt'tfiTB BBLP! Phon. Sey. 7524—Your Order Will Be Beady! 614 ROBSON ST. THEO. TITUS, Prop. Absolutely Pure! A British Columbia Product Defective Vision at all kinds Corrected Olassss Supplied at a cost to rait all! Phon. S.y. 1744 for appointment J. F. HIGGINBOTHAM, R.O. Ey.«ig-ht Socialist 535 WEST OEOROIA STREET The Week At Ottawa Employers of Union Labor By ANGUS MaclNNIS, M.p. "%> Jobless Increasing; i Work Rationing Urged Washington. — The number of workers without jobs in increasing, according to the unemployment report by the American Federation of Labor. It is estimated that the unemployed now number over 5,300,- 000. The report regrets that employers •are hot applying more generally the policy of rationing work. "The employer who lays off his men and allows them to depend on relief from charity and become a public charge is shirking his responsibility," the report states. "Se is adding to business depression." The report estimates' that the com- .bined buying power loss of the workers from total unemployment, part- time employment and wage cuts during the first half of 1931 is $5,000,000,000 less than in the aame period in 1929. It is stated that thia loss in buying power has reduced the trade of retail merchants 16 per cent, below the 1929 volume and has caused ^nany business failures. "In the half-year ahead we face another similar loss in workers' incomes," the report predicts. "But if layoffs are avoided and workers given part-time employment when - full work is not possible, some of this loss can be prevented. By following this policy employers can lessen human suffering and help to maintain workers' buying." Many a proud father who thinks his children are worth a million dol- ' lars apiece accepts with considerable equanimity the deduction of $400 each that the benevolent government allows for them on the income tax sheet about this time of year. The hot weather of the last week had no perceptible effect in lessening the flow of words that during each day of the session gushes forth from the springs of confusion on Parliament Hill. It has been said by somebody that language was givento man to conceal his thoughts. Whether there was any special prearrange- ment to that effect I am not in a position to say, but from observation 1 am free to say that it invariably serves that purpose, though on occasion somewhat clumsily, and perhaps never sufficiently deceives the "sophisticated. The particular reason for conflict of opinion this week was the government's bill for the appointment of a Tariff Board. It will be remembered that prior_to_tHe; ejections..last,year, Canaaa had a TariffBoardwhich, had been created by the King administra-» tion. One of the first acts of the present .government was to dismuss the Board, and the'present bill is to create a new Board to which the government can make the appointments. This government is a high protection government, as Tory governments have always been, at least in theory. It is, therefore, safe to presume that the appointments to the Board will be persons holding similar views. This being the case, impartial decisions on the evidence is hardly to be expected from prejudiced judges.* The position taken -by the Liberal opposition, as embodied in their amendment to the bill, is that the board entrusted with the duties of examining and reporting on matters pertaining to tariff and taxation should be such as would at all times have the confidence of the government of the day, unless such board were appointed on the recommendation "i independent agencies, and should hold office during pleasure. The bill provides that the members of the board should be appointed for a term of ten years, removable only for cause. The opposition made a dead set against this, which was possibly their main objection to the bill. They took the ground that in . an appointment of this kind the government had no right to go beyond the life of any one parliament. Although there was a great deal of debating on the merits or otherwise of the bill, it is hard to find that there is any fundamental difference between the government and the official opposition. .We might save ourselves from a great deal of confusion if we would only inform ourselves of the class nature of human society, and realize that at least ninety-nine per cent, of the political discord and economic chaos which we find about us is not due to any inherent meanness in human nature. There is at all times a struggle going on between the two classes which compose society as to which will control, or appropriate, the largest share of the products of labor. This, as far as it refers to control, may not be altogether correct as the working class have never interested themselves particularly in the question ef control, although they have in various ways tried to increase their share of the product of their toft. They have been satisfied in the past in looking for a master; someone to whom they could sell their ability to produce. The terms and conditions under which they work have always been largely dictated by the owner of the job. Manufacturers and producers who seek the protection of an import tariff do so because they feel that a duty on foreign goods will lessen competition. Less competition means less of the particular commodity concerned on the market. ,lt also means that the fewer'the organizations or individuals competing, the easier it is to control the market. Control confers power to raise the price, which is the aim of everyone who has something to sell. Tariffs as now manipulated are the essence of special privileges. The Liberal amendment laid down that the "Board unless appointed upon the recommendation of independent agencies .... should hold office only during pleasure," which prompted Mr. Cahan to ask: "Where in this country do those so-called independent agencies representing different views or interests exist?"' Then we find the Hon. Ernest Lapointe, for Minister of Justice, putting the case in these words: "The tariff, whatever may be said to the | contrary, cannot be taken out of politics. It will always affect certain interests and certain particular . classes in the country." Thia, it seems to me, pqts the case clearly. "Tariffs affect certain interests." Yet politicians will, with the most plausible arguments, attempt to represent those interests that will, benefit by the imposition of tariffs and those interests that are adversely affected by tariffs. , . • If the working class only understood what in essence is a political party they would be saved a great deal of confusion. They would cease to .wonder why pre-election promises ate' 'so soon forgotten. A political party is the collective expression of an economic interest. When a political party emerges as the victor in aft election, all it means is that that economic interest of which it is the political expression will'be the ,(lonl- jnatiagJnflue^^e«--^n--the--gover7l^re^t during its term of office. Through its elective representatives it will see to it that its interests are protected and advanced. The issue between different economic groups was not always determined by the marking of ballots. And the superficial though irritating wounds from the verbal mud-slinging of an opponent were not the only wounds inflicted before the issue was decided. Edward Jenks, in his History of Politics, points out that the very phrases we use in our election campaigns are ample proof of the war-like nature of the clash of economic interests in the past'. , The speakers for the government contended that they were elected as a high tariff party, that the tariff was the election issue, that they have a mandate from the people to increase the tariff to protect Canadian industry; all of which is only partly true. The tariff was not the main issue in the election. The chief election cry was unemployment. The tariff was only secondary. The present government received a mandate, if they received a mandate at all, to end unemployment. How well they have discharged that mandate is demonstrated by the ever-increasing numbers of unemployed since they took office. I doubt very much if they would feel so very safe in appealing to the people today on the same issue. Tariffs are resorted to by nations as a means of restoring economic health for the same reason that a sick person who does not understand the laws of health goes from one nostrum to another. He goes from the "regular" quack to the "irregular" quack for something that can only be had by living it. When we understand that unemployment and our other economic ills arise, from the profit system, we may have sense enough to put an end to it. Our present system of production produces unemployment as surely as it 'produces profit, and the greater the profits the greater the unemployment. Mr. Raymond, one of the Montreal members, made a very interesting speech on the budget debate on June 15th. He spoke in French, and the translation did not appear until a week later or I might have commented on it sooner, , - , One of the industries that received considerable increased protection at the special session last year was the textile industry. Mr. Raymond gave a short history of one concern in Quebec, the Dominion Textile Company, possibly the largest concern of its kind in Canada. The company was organized in 1905. Its preferred stock has always paid: a regular dividend of seven per cent. It has issued to the original stockholders 50,000 common shares at ten dollars' per share; that is $500,000. The first year after these shares were issued they paid a dividend of 60 per cent. The dividend was increased from year to year up to 1922, when they paid 120 per cent. To the Mathers Commission of 1919 the general manager of the company admitted that in 1918 the company made a dividend of 291 per cent. In 1922 there was another issue of shares to hide the profits. But, the profits still mounting, a new company was formed in that year, carrying the same name as the old one. Yet, from 1924 \o the present time, the company has paid to its shareholders dividends at the rate of 150 per cent. Besides this, the balance sheet of the company, March 31st, 1930, shows that the original inevtment of $500,000 has increased in value to about $12,000,000, and that, in addition to the dividends distributed to the shareholders, there has accumulated profits not. yet dis- 1" • ttd amountlfig to $7,490,000. This is one of the struggling industries which Bennett is going to help "or perish in the attempt." HAZELWOOD ICE CREAM THE ONLY 100 FERMENT. UNION ICE CREAM IX THE CITY! PHONE: SEYMOUR 9090 Hazelwood Creamery, Limited "Only Union Pish and Chips in Rritish Colombia" , Ye Olde English Fish & Chips Believing- on. remedy for unemployment la tb* shorter work week, all onr fiila are now working- flv. days par week, without reduction ot trtsgeu. 44 HASTINOS WEST 3 Doors W.St Of ~aataf«s" —*-VANCOUVER'S LEADING UNION HOUSE ! The New Orpheum Cafe \. "Private Banquet Hall 762 GRANVILLE STREET . Prop.: Jas. P. Dwyer PHONE: SEY^Mdj^ Demand VAN BROS.' PURE APPLE CIDER LIONS GINGER ALE or ORANGE KIST / THE ONLY UNION SOFT DRINK FIRM IN VANCOUVER! PHONE: HIGH. 90 105S VERNON DRIVE The oldest, smoothest, finest Rye Whisky on the shelves. V B.C. 11 YEAR OLD DOUBLE DISTILLED RYE $3.50 'Rep. Quart Every drop 11 years old—age, Government guaranteed. For mJ« at Vcn.lore, or direct from the Liquor CoatroJ Board Mail Order Deportment, Victoria, B. C 10-B This advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia. But how fares the increased employment that was to take place from the increase in thfe tariff? Mr. Raymond continued: "To help out the high tariff party in the last elections! The Montreal Cotton Mills at Valley field. Quebec, closed their mills for eight days in July to show that they could not carry on against foreign competition. The Tory party was elected. They gave the increased protection. This protection was to increased employment. Let us see how~well.it has succeeded. Mr. Raymond said:. "The worker employed at the Montreal Cotton Mills at Valleyfield receives less wages and works two or three times Unemployment Puzzle harder than previous to the increase,. -Wa»hlhgton.^lubili~Uo"n of em- in tariff. Moreover, machinery has replaced hand labor, and while production is greater, less hands are employed. Young girls, who in the spring of 1930 operated three warpers .. . were paid $30 every fortnight; now they operate six warpers and are paid less than $22 tor the same time. They work twice as hard, tire out sooner, and earn 30 per cent, less in wages. Where two employees were earning, now there is only one. In the card room' 18 men operated 324 machines, that is 18 machines each. Today eight men do the work of the 18 men and receive leas wages." • . Weavers: One worker operated four looms and was paid $40 every fortnight; now operates six looms and is paid from $22 to $25 every fortnight—40 per cent. less. Another who operated 12 looms at wages of $40 to $45 every fortnight, now operates 32, and is paid but $25 and earns but $30 every fortnight. This is the general trend all over this Dominion, and it is well that every thinking 'person should pause and ask himself the question, how long; with machinery displacing labor, with the increasing of hours of labor, with the speeding up of labor, with the reduction of wages, will it take to find employment for everyone who is willing to work, as Mr. Bennett promised just a year ago? Business Men Study ployment figures prominently in the program for the coming year drawn up by the board of directors of the United States Chamber of Commerce, declared Silas H. Strawn, president of chamber. "American business has a vital interest in the stability of employment and in the possibilities of minimizing the disturbing effects of seasonal cyclical fluctuations," Strawn said. "Employment regularization experiments have demonstrated unmistakably that the management of every type of business enterprise can exert some measure of control over the economic forces which produce intermittent employment. "The special cdmmittee 'of the chamber now giving attention to this subject is exploring the possibilities, of supplementing individual efforts at stabilization with a wider co-operative trade association effort Un- every fortnight. That is 50 per cent doubtedly, present successful Individ less. Other reductions of wages in the same, plant—and this is typical of what Has happened and is happening all over Canada: Workers earning $40 per fortnight now earn $16, a cut of 60 per cent, and operate more machines. Workers earning $4 per day in 1980, cut to $2. Others who earned $40 to $45, straight time only, jiow receive $28, which includes overtime And the last he quoted was a worker operating 12 looms during 80 hours received from $32 to $34 every fortnight, now operates 24 looms, works 110 hours ual methods can be applied on a much wider scale and with greater effect by whole industries." A ruckus had developed between rival sewer construction bosses, and, harsh words were flying. . The First Boss (bellowing): That i there ladder belongs to our gang, I j tell you} — -——r—■——*—. —1 The Second Boss (yelling): The eternal hades it does! ' One of my men stole that ladder from the telephone company with his own hands! a-— -.''-... ' ♦ .•.,.:-:;■' *:'v"'«V:'.■"■>;■■ .; _ Friday, July 17th, 1931 ' ¥kE LABOR'STApSUAW" Page Seven Union Bakeries The London Balcerv ; Gold Wheat Bread Fairmont 122. 439 7th A». F. Wh.n Better Cakes and Fa.trla. ars Made, W.T1 Hak. 1ml Golden Rule Bakery CO.. LTD. TWO ADDRESSES: .,,' 957 Granville St. • Sey. 8656 620 Robson St. - Sey. 2641 Delicious Bakery Union-made Braad and Pa.try. Ask for it at your local store or PHONE HIGHLAND 706 and have our salesman deliver ljt Classified Ads, BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS WaUis —. L.f.anx, 402 Metropolitan Building. Phon. S.y. 68B7. Hastings Stun Rata* Frio. 38e Only 766 Ha.tings Str..t Ratt. '■' ~ DENTISTS A. Rutl.dg., 108 Hastings Wilt NOTARY PUBLIC P. B. B.ngough Labor H.adquart.rs. Dr. W. Labor Stat..man, Labor H.adqnart.r.. RUPTURE SPECIALIST O. a. Menta ,■'■ __*la »>oo»on. African Natives Send Aid to America's Jobless News of the miserable plight of jobless millions in the United States reacts differently upon different people. It moves the. president every other week or so to tell these hungry workers and their dependents that they must not look to their government for help. It turns our wealthy business men and bankers to brooding over the possibility of revolution and to making bewildering and misleading promises of prosperity about to revive. In Africa the news has inspired a small group of natives, themselves immersed in poverty, to offer out of their meager resources the sum of $3.77 to help the "starving in America," about whom they had been reading in the newspapers. "As actual money this sum is small," wrote Dr. Albert ,1. Good, missionary in Cameroon, Africa, to the Board of Foreign Missions, of the Presbyterian Church, "but as you well know the conditions out here and what such a sum of money means here, the gift is really large." This ought to melt a heart even of Hooverian hardness, but it probably won't. The day after it published this African contribution, the New. York Times, through, its Washington correspondent, described Mr. Hoover as being "in a very pleasant state of mind over the economic outlook." He was said to be particularly pleased with "a report covering the whole country which - indicated that not a' single bread line was now being maintained." So the situation k not nearly so bad as the facts available had led us, and the natives of Cameroon, to believe. Perhaps we had better suggest to the Board of Foreign Missions that it return the $3.77 to the donors, who were guileless enough to believe— like most Americans—that upwards of six million people in this country are unemployed.—The Nation. "The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists" Civic Employees of Frisco Get 5-Day Week San Francisco.—Organized labor's campaign for a five-day week for this city's day-wage workers ended in victory when an ordinance passed by the Board of Supervisors on June 22nd, without a dissenting vote, became effective in all municipal departments. ■ "It is up to the city to set a good example to private employers," members of the board agreed. . Will Pay Double-Time In addition to New Year, Memorial Day, July 4th, Admission Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, all Saturdays and Sundays are now declared to be legal holidays and double-time will be paid to any employee required to work on any of those days. Double-time will also be paid for all work in excess of the regular eight-hour day. CHAPTER XXV. The End While painting the conservatory in Sweater's house in bitterly cold weather Owen caught such a severe chill that he was obliged to take his overcoat out of pawn. . Although he had been luckier than most of his mates in getting odd jobs at Rush- ton's, he had never been able to save any money. All through the summer most of his wages had gone to pay off arrears of rent and other debts, and now,that the winter was upon them and work was very scarce his Saturday pay amounted to half a sovereign, seven-and-six, five shillings, or even less. One morning he did not get to the yard till ten o'clock and felt so ill thafhe would not have gone at all if they had not been.in sore need of all the money he could earn. The least exertion brought on a violent fiFbf -rsoughrngvirndTtwaabnry-by- aw almost superhuman effort of will that he managed to get through the work. When he arrived at the yard he found Bert White cleaning out the dirty pots in the paint shop. The noise he made With._.ihjL._scraping. knife prevented him hearing Owen's approach, and the latter stood watching him for some minutes before speaking. The stone .floor of the paint shop was damp and slimy and the whole place as chilly as a tomb. The boy was trembling with cold, and he looked pitifully undersized and frail as he bent over his work with an old apron girt about him. Although it was so cold he had turned back the sleeves of his jacket to keep them clean, or to' prevent them getting any .dirtier, for, like the rest of his attire, they were thickly encrusted- with dried paint of many colors. He was wearing a man's coat and a pair of skimpy boy's trousers, and his thin legs appearing under the big jacket gave him a grotesque appearance. There were smears of paint on his face,-and his hands and fingernails were grimed with it. But most pitiful of all were his dreadful hobnailed boots, the uppers of which were an eighth of an inch thick and very stiff. Across the front of the boot the leather had warped into ridges and valleys which chafed his chilblained feet and made them bleed. The soles were five-eighths of an inch thick, hard and inflexible, and almost as heavy as iron, and studded with hob-nails. • As he watched the poor boy bending over his task Owen thought of Frankie, and with a feeling akin to terror wondered whether he would ever be in a similar plight. When Bert saw Owen he left off, working and wished him good morning, remarking that it was very cold. "Why don t you light a fire? There's lots of wood lying about the yard," said Owen. "No," replied Bert, shaking his head. "That would never do! Misery wouldn't 'arf ramp if 'e caught me at it. I used to 'ave a fire 'ere last winter till Rushton found out, and 'e kicked up an orful row and told me to move meself and get some work done and then I wouldn't feel the cold." "Oh, he said that, did he?*.' said Owen, his pale face becoming suddenly suffused with, blood. "We'll see about that." -• He went out into the yard and, crossing over to where, under a shed, there was a great heap of waste wood, stuff that had been taken out of places where Rushton and Company had made alterations, he gathered an armful of it and was returning to the paintshop when Sawkins, who was clearing the place up, accosted hinu- "You musn't go burnin' any of that, you know! That's all got to be saved and took up to the bloke's house. Misery spoke about it only this mornin'." Owen did not answer. He carried the wood into the shop, and, after throwing it into, the fireplace, he poured some old paint over it and, applying a match, produced a roaring fire. Then he brought in several more armfuls of wood and piled them in a corner of the shop. Bert took no part in these proceedings, and at first rather disapproved of them because he was afraid there would be trouble when Misery, came, but when the fire was an accomplished fact he warmed his hands and shifted his work to the other side of the bench so as to get the benefit of the heat. Owen waited for about half an hour to see if Hunter would return, but, as he did not appear, he decided not to wait any longer. Before, leaving he gave Bert some instructions: . "Keep up the (ire with all the old paint that you can scrape-off those things and any other old paint or rubbish that's here, and whenever it grows dull put more wood on. There's a lot of stuff here that's of no use except to be thrown away or burned^ ijurn it all. If Hunter jays anything, tell him that t lit the fire and that I told you to keep it burning. If you want more wood go out and take it." "All right," replied Bert. On. his way out Owen spoke to Sawkins.- His manner was so mena cing, his face so pale, and there was such a strange glare in .his eyes that the latter thought of the talk there had often been about Owen being mad, and felt half afraid of him. "I ani going to the office to see Rushton. If Hunterromes here you say I told you to tell him that if 1 find the boy in that shop again without a fire I'll report it to the Society -for the-Preventionof Crtielty-trrChH- dren. And as for you, if the boy comes out 'here to get more wood, don't you attempt to interfere with him." "I don't want to interfere with the br——y kid," grunted Sawkins. "It seems to me-as if he's gorn off 'is b——y crumpet," he added, as he watched Owen walking rapidly down the street. "I can't undestand why people can't mind their own business. Anyone would think the boy belonged to 'im." , . That was just how the matter presented itself to Owen. The idea that it was his own child who was to be treated in this way possessed and infuriated him as he strode savagely along. As he drew near to his destination large flakes of snow began to fall. He walked so rapidly and was in such a fury that by the time he reached the shop he was scarcely able to speak. "Is—Hunter—or Rushton—here?" he demanded of the shopman. "Hunter isn't, but the guvner is. What was it you wanted." "He'll soon—know—that,""panted Owen as he strode up to, the office door, and, without troubling to knock, flung it violently open and entered. The atmosphere of this place was very different from that of the damp cellar where Bert was working. Ah asbestos gas fire threw out a genial warmth, and the air was fragrant with the cigar that Rushton was smoking, as he looked through his letters. Owen stood panting arid quivering in the middle of the office and pointed a trembling finger at his employer: I've—come here—to tell—you— that—if ,T find young—Bert White —working—down in that shop— without—a fire—I'll have you— prosecuted. The~place is not good enough for a stable—if you owned a valuable dog—you wouldn't keep it there— I give you fair warning .—-I know—enough—about you—to put you—where you deserve to be— if you don't treat him better—I'll show you up." Rushton continued to stare at him in mingled confusion, fear and perplexity. He did not yet comprehend exactly what it was all about. The fact that he was guiltily conscious of haying done so many things which he might be shown up or prosecuted for if they were known helped to reduce him to a condition approaching terror. "If the boy has been there without a fire I haven't known anything about it," he stammered at last. "Mr. 'Unter has charge of all those matters." "You—yourself—forbade him—to make a fire last winter—and anyhow —you know about it now— You obtained money from his mother under the pretence—that you were- going to teach him a trade—but for the last twelve months—you have been using him—as if he were—a beast of burden. I advise you to see to it —or I shall—find—means—to make you." With this Owen turned and went out, leaving the door open and Rush- ton in a state of mind compounded of fear, amazement and anger. As he walked homeward through the snowstorm Owen realized that Rushton would not give him fmy more work after this, and as he reflected, on all it would mean to those at home .for a moment he doubted whether he had done right. But when he told Nora what had happened she said cheerfully that whatever the consequences might be, she was glad that he had acted as he did. "We'll get through somehow, I suppose," said Owen, wearily. "There's not much chance of getting iillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!£ I Fraser Wet Wash Laundry J -^ § PHONE: FAIRMONT 1613 = = NO. 1 SERVICE WET WASH-! 12 lbs. for 68c I = NO. 2 WITH FLAT PIECES IRONED..;..,.... 12 lb., for 75c I. ^tlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllHIIIHIIIIIIIItllllllllllllMllllllillMlllllR ,_ ,. ^ (; 1 o I>o Painters & Decorators Phons High. 397 ALPRED WHITEHEAD Designs anil suggestions, for all typeVof decorative work cheerfully submitted. 468 HASTINOS ST. EAST. Phone "Tomorrow" For Your Ice "Today" See our complete line of high-grade refrigerators. Low Prices—Easy Terms MORROW COAL& ICE CO., LTD. 1035 Main St. ■•7. 8030 a job anywhere else, just now, but I shall try to get some work on my own account. I shall do some samples of showcards the same as i did-last ^winterr and ~hop«rto-get orders from some of the shops. But I'm afraid it's rather too late; most of them have already gotj all they want." About' the middle of December there was a heavy fall of snow, fol lowed by a hard frost lasting several days, and as time went on the long- continued privation began to tell upon Owen and his family.' Owen's cough grew worse, his eyes became deeply sunken and of remarkable brilliancy, anil his thin face was always either deathly pale or dyed with a crimson flush. ,. -»■ Alternately dejected and maddened by the knowledge of his own helplessness he went about the town trying to And some other work, with but scant success. He did samples of showcards and window tickets and endeavored to get orders by canvassing the shops in the town, but this was also a failure, for these people generally had a ticket writer . to whom they gave their work, and, when he did get a few trifling orders, they were scarcely worth doing at the price. He used to feel like a criminal every time he entered a shop to ask for the work, because he realized that, in effect, he was saying to them: "Take your work away from the other man and employ me." He was so conscious of this that'it gave him a shamefaced manner, which, coupled as it was with his shabby clothing, did not usually create a very favorable impression on the shopkeepers, who usually treated him with about as much courtesy as they would have extended to any other sort of beggar. Generally!, after a day's canvassing, he returned home unsuccessful and faint with hunger and fatigue. One night, when a bitterly cold cast wind was blowing, after "he had been out on one of these canvassing expeditions, his chest became so bad that he found it almost impossible to speak, because the effort to do so often brought on a violent fit of coughing. A firm of drapers, for whom he had done some showcards, sent him an order for ont which they wanted in a hurry and which must be delivered the next morning, so he stayed by himself tiU nearly midnight to do it.' As he worked he felt a strange sensation in His chest: it was not exactly a pain, and he would have found it difficult to describe it in words. 1 He did not attach much importance to the symptom, thinking! it was caused by the cold he had tajken, but he could hot help feeling qonscious of the strange sensation all the time. Frankie had been put to bed that evening at the customary hour, but did not seem to be sleeping as well as usual. Owen could hear him twisting and turning about and uttering little cries in his sleep. He left his work several times to go into the boy's room and cover him with thl bedclothes, which his restless movements had disordered. As the time wore on the child became more tranquil, «nd about eleven o'clock, when Owen went in to look at him, he found him in a deep sleep, lying on his side with his head thrown back on the pillow, breathing so softly through his slightly parted lips that theTOffnd was almost ImpeTceptib' The fair hair that clustered round his forehead was damp wjth perspiration, and he was so still and pale and silent that one might have thought he was sleeping the- sleep that knows no awakening. About an hour later, when he had finished writing the showcard, Owen went out into the scullery to wash his hands before going to bed; and while he was drying them on the towel the strange sensation he had been conscious of all the evening became more intense, and a few seconds afterward he was terrified to find his mouth suddenly filled with blood. For what seemed an eternity he fought for breath against the suffocating torrent, and when at length it stopped* he sank trembling into a chair by the side of table, holding the towel to his mouth and scarcely daring to breathe, while a cold sweat streamed from every pore and gathered in large drops upon his forehead. Through the deathlike silence of the night there came from time to time the chimes of . the clock of a distant church, but he continued to sit there motionless, taking no heed of the passing hours, and possessed with an awful terror. So this was the beginning of the end! And afterwards the other two would be left by themselves at the mercy of the world. In a few years' time the boy would be like Bert White, in the clutches of some psalm- singing devil like Hunter or Rushton, who would use him as if he were a beast of burden, to be worked, driven, and bullied. His boyhood would be passed in carrying toads, dragging cart's, and running here and. there, trying his best to satisfy the brutal tyrants whose only thought would be to get profit out of him for themselves. As the vision of the future rose before him Owen resolved that it should never be. He would not leave his wife and child alone and defenceless in the midst of the "Christian" wolves who were waiting to rend them as soon as he was gone. If he could not give them happiness, he Could at least put them out of the reach of further suffering. If he could not stay and protect them, it would be kinder and more merciful to take them with him. , (THE END) "UNDESERVING" JOBLESS BARRED FROM RELIEF Philadelphia.—Competent investigators at salaries of from $100 to $125 a month will be required to administer Philadelphia's $3,000,000 unemployment relief fund, according to H. G. Lloyd, director of the newly created bureau of unemployment relief which will handle the fund. Mr. Lloyd, who is a member Of the banking house of Drexel & Co., is giving his services as administrator for $1 a year. He does not intend that undeserving out-of-works shall receive , any help, and it will be the business of the invCTtigatorg to apply expert knowledge to each case. Page Eight j THE LABOR STATESMAN Friday, July 17th_l?31 DICK'S JULY SALE! OIOANTIC CLEABANCE OP ALL SUMMXB QOODS. DRASTIC PBICE BEDTJCTI0N8 TO BFPBCT QUICK RESPONSE. .SUMMER SUITS Light all-wool fabrics; values to J40.00 „.._ —, *a*M Cither Suits as low as S15.00. MEN'S FURNISHINGS Bathing Suits at Less than Cost I HtrawMats ...Ona-thlrd OB Summer Underwear at bedrock -, . prlfces! BOYS' DEPARTMENT i (Third Floor) Trje greatest clean-up sale in the history of Vancouver.*" Merchandise of Quality at Pa*tory Cost I Your Money's Wortl Limited] lon.y's Worth or Yonr Monay Back HASTINGS at HOMES ^Printing QUALITY. SPEED AND SERVICE done in a Union Shop, tend your printing to A. H. Timms 236 14th Ave. E., Vancouver Fair. 205 «» Fair. 1372 W* Import All Onr Wooll.n. Dlr.ctl Vo Two Snlts Allk.i Hartle Bros.. Ltd. TAILORS THE HIGHEST GRADE OP CLOTHING MADE. A Special Department for Uniforms aa Supplied to th. City and at. 0. Electric. 883 SEYMOVB ST., VANCOUVEB (Opposite Hudson's Bay) PHONE: SEY. 1790 Union Label on Request H. F. STORRY & CO. TAILORS Style, Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed A. B. OATBNBY, Assoclat. Seymour 1383 653 Granville St. (Upstairs) NOTICE I Art's Dairy Lunch Mow under n.vr manag.m.nt Home Cooking our Speciafryl 448 ABBOT* BT., VANCOUVBB (Next to Lotus Hotel) Vancouver Tamale Parlor 818 BOBSON, w-Block off OraavUl. Tamal.., Enchilada., Spaghetti, Noodl.s THE "FOG'' OF THE CAPITAL , (With apologies to Brace; Hutchison) By HARRY We hear of Telford's radio, ban, and then we read of a denial, with an , additional buck passing 'from others. Wc listen breathlessly to an announcement that a Walkathon wedding is taboo, and then a guy by the name of Clem Davis tells us that we were misinformed, but still we retain our equilbrium, and the odds are that we will hold this pose when others of far mature experience have met their Waterloo in the election field, where promises are.made but seldom kept. Whilst our platform embraces the political organizatfon of all workers for the express purpose of securing, by constitutional means, control of the government of the. country, and adhering to the policy of socialization of industry, we find ourselves and the policy of nationalization . receiving endorsement from many sources. Our increasing membership, and newly- formed locals organizing all over the province adds to the amazement and discomfort of the- political -specialists who- tour the province in vain endeavor to bolster up the system that permits of exploitation, uri'erriploy- ment, relief at 30c per day.jtaxes on wager, 'whfTslrthe' "Increased necessity for social legislation to protect the workers standard of living remains unattended to. A bill to prevent the wage slashing that has been going on for several months, along with enforcement of hours of labor, of eight or less; coupled' with unemployment insurance, would have saved much suffering; not that it is agreed that the ills of unemployment would have been cured, but a measure of safeguard would have been established, and conditions today would be far less serious. New potatoes can be" 'obtained from the producer at $12.00 per ton, whilst in some prairie provinces the price has been quoted at $125.00. is this exploitation, or graft? The local press gave great publicity to the Solloway-Mills affair, but other than advising the public of the spread from producer to consumer of this necessity, no other action seems necessary. Of course this item is not stocks, etc.; the workers don't buy stocks, at least not to any extent; they need spuds, but not at stock prices. Whilst we read of great privation on the prairies, yet we learn of profiteering" in life's commodities, and amazement is expressed in some quarters at utterances of dissatisfaction. The City Council passes a bylaw to prohibit physical endurance tests and stipulates that walkathons, danceathons, skateathons and ice cake sitting comes under that category. They could not turn their attention to talkathons, because their pastime might be unduly interferred with. Probably through their inexperience they would.not ban an endurance test of wage-earners working 12 hours per day and 7 days per week. They probably could not distinguish between the term, an endurance test^and a contest to live. Notoriety might -be a desirable acquisition in a spotlight review^ but the spotlight of public opinion will reflect defeat upon many who consider that they are sailing in snug security, and the unchartered rock of the people's franchise, which varies in location and immensity, awaits the date of the election. ASK 6-HOUR DAY Sydney, N. S.—As a means of helping out unemployment, the six- hour day and the five-day week have been demanded in'the mines of Nova Scotia by District 26 of the United Mine Workers of America. 'UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE /IS WANTED IMMEDIATELY ' (Continued from page 1) | council executive to take -the matter up with'the authorities and demand that' the Japanese be given equal right in applying for relief. ' The subject, of the unemployed.be- ing allowed to hold meetings only after having.obtained a permit to do so was discussed at length, with the meeting finally requesting of the City Council that these meetings be al' lowed without a permit. * * .. * "'••',. Declaration of the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council in conn/ection with the present depression: A large proportion of the wealth producers over' the entire industrial and agricultural world are again suffering the ill-effects of another periodica, depression which is far more severe, lengthy, and far-reaching in its effects than airy previous depression, and as a result of which millions of people are now unable to secure even sufficient of the barest necessities of life. Millions are suffering from hunger in the midst of an abundance of all kinds of food, with agriculture perfected to such an extent that it is capable of producing an additional abundanae, and with 'farmers the world over in a state bordering on despair, because they have produced, OT will "produce";" collectively," Tn"ex-~ cess of the purchasing power of tjhe toiling masses under the present social order. Millions of people are suffering from the want of even the commonest kind of- shoes, clpthes, etc.,"while many warehouses are filled to overflowing with the same, and while modern textile, shoe, clothing and other factories are closed, or only partially operated, with their workers unemployed or working part-time. Millions of people are living, or existing, in improperly heated homes, while there is an abundance of coal and other fuels, and thousands of the workers who produce these commodities are suffering from unemployment in every country, due to the closing down of coal mines, oil wells and wood camps. Large numbers of, people are living in -^over-crowded or unsanitary buildings while stagnation in the building industry causes severe unemployment of construction workers. AH this at a time when the machinery of wealth production has been developed to its present perfect state; in other words, there is almost universal want, misery and suffering in the midst of plenty, all of which, in the considered opinion of this Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades Union Movement can only be completely abolished by fundamental changes in the present social and industrial system. However, in common with organized labor the world over, this meeting reaffirms labor's declaration that the present competitive system can only be made to better serve the welfare of the great masses of the people by shorter working hours and increased wages, thus making it possible for greater numbers to be employed, and, through increased wages or income, making it possible for both industrial and agricultural producers to be in a better position to purchase the ever-increasing product of the modern machinery. While organized labor has adopted, and will, from .time to time, adopt, and endeavor to have carried into effect, various proposals which will tend to alleviate the present critical situation for labor, its declaration for shorter hours and increased income, must be put into effect in all industrial and agricultural countries, otherwise want and misery, in the midst of plenty, will become increasingly pronounced. Reaolution Unanimously Adopted Whereas unemployment is on the increase throughout! the Dominiop of Vancouver Drug Company (1928) Limited , DRUG PRICES CUT COMPARE OUB PBICES WITH WHAT VOU HAVE BSBB PAYING. MAKE A PUBCHASE AT ANY OBB OT OUB IS STOBES ABB NOTE THE QUALITY, BBBYIOB, SAVINO! PBIDAY AND SATURDAY SPECIALS—JULY 17th and 18th .30 .25 .50 rf.25 1.00 Powder Puffs "... ....'.::" 10 .50 Cream of Witch Hazel .85 and Roses .14 1.00 Sulphur and Molasses 18 .40 Gold Medal Phonograph ■ .50 Needles .10 .25 Dr. Reld's Syrup of Pigs Ml .35 Cucumber and Witch Hazel Cream _ 14 .25 Colgate's Dental .Cream 17 ■ .50 Dr. Reld'a Guaranteed Hair Tonic _' .54 .25 Carnation Bath Soap a-for .17 1.00 Puritall Milk of Magnesia..:... .26 Jad Salts ._ M Dr. Reld's Magnesol— 08 Houbigant'B Face Powder Ml Dr. Reld'a Sage and Sulphur Ml Tincture of Iodine: 2-oz . .14 Williams' Holder Top Shaving Stick .._'..._ Ml Sun Visors ,14 Glycerin and Rose Water; 8-oz — -.: Mt Nail Scrubs 14 Papeterles JfS WB SAVE YOU MONEY. ,-. __ PHONE OBDEBS PBOMPTLY ATTENDED TO VANCOUVEBS OWN DBTTG STOBES—SIXTEEN IB THE CITY AT YOUB SEBVICE I H orse _^_,„"L -GRAND OPENING—SEASOr^OF^l—-—'- JULY 18th»JULY 25th HASTINGS PARK TICKETS—Good for Seven Days' Racing, at any one track, for only $6.00—an average of 86c a day. Season Tickets, 125.00. PROCURABLE AT 545 WEST GEORGIA STREET Jack, Canuck Tobacco Factory AIL OUB TOBACCOS HAVE TBB UNION LABEL—NO. 0 JACK CANUCK, fine or coarse cut 55c for M lb. JACK CANUCK, fine or coarse cut _ 10c per package, 1-12 lb, HOME TOBACCO, fine or coarse cut .'::?..-. 46o for W lb. HOME TOBACCO, tine or coarse cut So per package: 3 for 15c; 1-12 lb. BROWN AND BLACK TWISTS. (WHOLESALE PBICES TO BETAILEBSi 2173 Powell Street Stall 15, Vancouver Market Empress Manufacturing Company Limited Manufacturers of Jams, Jellies and Marmalade, Baking Powder, Extracts, Pickles, Catsup Canada bringing in its trail greater and more intensified misery to rapidly increasing numbers of workers, and ^v Whereas more and more industries are either closing down entirely or laying off workers in increasing numbers, and Whereas it appears to follow from this condition that private industry operating for profit has broken down and has failed to provide the means of a livlihood through employment, therefore, be it . Resolved, that the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council demand of Premier Bennett and his Conservative government to enact immediate legislation to remedy this condition by changing entirely th'e whole economic system now in existence, preventing all profiteering by the financial interests, and make a more equitable distribution of this country's' wealth so as to provide sufficient and adequate continuous regular employment to provide every human being in the country with an abundance of wholesome food, clothing and shelter, also recreation and entertainment. Honest Labor DEMANDS Honest Value You get the most for your money by buying slightly used furniture from the Dominion Trade-in-Dept. 1082 Granville "Whin th. Working M.n Bar" It is said that a shiftless transmission for the automobile has been invented. Now what is needed is to get rid of the shiftless drover. Stay Away From ThejROYAL §_ COLUMBIA Theatres If You Believe in UNION WORKING CONDITIONS -■,..,' • ' r . m a MOVWG PICTURE PROJECTIONISTS' UK.IOH
Title changes in chronological order: The Labor Statesman (1924-04-25 to 1965-03), The Labour Statesman (1965-05 to 1969-09). From 1924-04-25 to 1965-03 The Labour Statesman was owned and published by the Vancouver and District Labour Council. From 1965-05 to 1967-07 it was published jointly by the B.C. Federation of Labour and the Vancouver and District Labour Council. From 1967-08 to 1969-09 it was published by the B.C. Federation of Labour.
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