CONTENTdm
[The Labour Statesman]
BC Historical Newspapers
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|~TNO. 367-rEIGjrJT PAGES VANCOUVER/CANADA, FRIDAY, MAY 15th, 1931 FIVE CENTS PER COPY Unemployment Ravages | "Wage Slashing is Greatly Intensifying^ thei Treaent EconoTn.c Crisis While the Government "Promises" —' ,■;:■''■ ... . - Some Distant Relief "T*HE POWERS THAT BE on this continent'don't appear to be working very hard toward alleviation of the present unemployment situation. 'The situation is riot getting- any better, and the general attack on wages'upon the part of the business element is certainly not helping the situation. Organized labor has been very successful in offsetting wage reductions, but the ravages made among the unorganized is appalling, some firms in Vancouver making as much as forty per cent reductions: While this action intensi- . fies the situation, there is no relief in sight except a "promise" of an unemployment insurance "investigation" from Ottawa, but even should we get this reform it will not by any means remedy the larger question of intensive production and underconsumption. Some very outspoken' statements are being made from various quarters in connection with the stuation, _wh_ch_ shows that even though -the | government sleeps, there is an undercurrent of rebellion that sooner or later will sweep away that apathy and force more important legislation than our present governments dream of. Speaking on a motion made in the Federal Parliament by Mr. A. Heaps, Labor member for Winnipeg North, which read: "That, in the opinion of this house, the government should take into consideration the immediate establishment of a federal system of assurance* against unemployment, sickness and invalidity." Mr. J. S. Woodsworth, Labor member for ' Winnipeg North Centre, 3uoted a letter from a returned sillier, extracts from which read: "1 was in France and Belgium in the Canadian Expeditionary Force infantry. . . . Born in England, 1895. . . . Come to Canada 1906. . . . Thirty-seven years of age. ... Married. ... I sleep in a box- car to save rent" HeJtefers to his experience at the front: "The horrors of the flash of steel. ... the baying of maddened men, . . the blood-curdling roars of bayonet- ted men . . . the hideous faces upon the doomed, cut-off from any back up. . . . the mania to murder and the mania to survive . . . silence which men keep after the bloody slaughter .'... the wading over dead and wounded bodies ... the standing up to the waist* in cold water in winter . ..'. vermin . . .hunger and thirst ... this is the rememberance of one who heard the call in 1914. "It is nothing to the grim struggle of today against hunger, unemployment, fear, and police terrors. Organization is. smashed ruthlessly by our police . . . the (tress poisons the public to cruelty to all distress . . . the churches ignore the corruption of capitalist society . . . thousands of veterans robbed of their pensions by red tape ... wandering . . . freight cars their bed . . . back doors their existence . . . employment, just like a vision. "A way must be found to change this old order, because crime will get a* yet We must survive, crooked or otherwise. ... It it impossible to get a decent living and lam starving. ... I am ready for arms even at the expense of death; so long- as my sacrifice brings to someone else what I died for, I am amply repaid. "I will join the militants. ... I don't expect a bite without a fight." One or two gentlemen laugh, but I think most men here will not feel like laughing at that. It comes out of the heart of a man who today is simply desperate. The present industrial depression la "an indictment against a civilization which has'gone mad in producing wealth" but has not yet mastered the problem of its distribution, Senator William E. Borah of Idaho declared in _\ speech before a. great / crowd in Carnegie Hall in New York recently. "The gathering was under the aus- ■pices of the committee which is rais- ing funds for the relief of suffering Jews in Eastern and Central Europe. The famous Idaho Progressive was brought from Washington to deliver the principal address. "People talk about overproduction today because they are ashamed to speak of underconsumption," he said. "Underconsumption directs our attention to gaunt and hungry people, to homes without food, to children begging for something- to eat, and therefore we prefer to speak of overproduction. Violate Laws of God "Yet we know perfectly well that, when there are 900,000,000 people in the world living on the ragged edge of want and some actually starving, there is in no true sense any overproduction. "We only have overproduction because a vast amount of the human family are not getting that which under the laws of a just God they are entitled to. , "Building up the purchasing power of these millions of people will put them .on their feet economically and overproduction will- trouble us no more." The problem of unemployment is world-wide, the Senator-said. Economic Ills Uppermost "Anything like general and durable prosperity must be shared with the rest of the world," he declared. "America cannot escape from this deep trough of depression and at the same time leave the balance of the human race behind. "Europe seems very restless, very 'suspicious and very unhappy at the present time—even more so than in 1/114. The deep-seated cause of all this is economic and we are all Involved in H. "Our own welfare and our own happiness are involved and our own peace may be menaced unless we all play our part in solving these economic problems. Wipe Out the Bread-Una 1 ''If the statesmanship of the world. can work out a system of economic justice, a system which would more equitably distribute our vast wealth —that would contribute more to the cause of. peace than they contribute, now by Weeding their people white] for armaments. "The great and dominating factor in any scheme of security is having the people free from the horror nnd humiliation o fthe bread line." THE THIRD WINTER President -William Green of the A. F. of L. recently renewed his suggestion that President Hoover call a national economic conference to take steps to deal with unemployment and related problems. Mr. Green said he was surprised at the lack of vision displayed by those business leaders who participated in the United States Chamber of Com- Present Wages Fail To Equalize Output New Yofk.—Wage reductions is a 'confession of despair," said JQr, reo--:Wolman— of; --the- National-"Re^ search, at. the semi-annual meeting -of*'th'?r A^demy"bjr*Pglitical Science. ' ."Wfl-fiflM' W_{f._-"4_r-_iJ pur pros- perity peak were nowhere near production. Per capita output of labor in all manufacturing industries increased more than 17 per cent between 1923 and 1929, but hourly earnings rose only 5 per cent in the same period." --'-■- • - Labor costs, he continued, are only one .item in industrial and commercial costs. "There is grave doubt whether many of these other costs had or could be reduced in proportion to their importance. In' a factory in which the total direct labor cost was %h per unit of output, and the total annual output was 100,000 units, the salaries of several executive, fixed at the peak of the bull market, still stood at $100,000 a year, * or the equivalent of 20 per cent of the total labor costs." merce meeting at Atlantic City. "We are approaching the third winter of the worst'depression since 1873," said Mr! Green, "with every assurance that millions will still be out of work and the charitable resources of the nation seriously depleted. "Apparently the .employers have failed to grasp, the seriousness of the situation, and it is high time that the Federal, goyernment.took a hand..-.—. "The need involves.more than immediate relief. A national economic programme is called for. A conference of representatives of industry, labor, government and trained economists, should be called at once by the President." CHILDREN SUFFER- MOST Children have been the greatest sufferers during the present, industrial depressjon—a fact which carries a threat" to civilization, President William Green of the American Federation of Labor declared in a nationwide radio address May 1st. "Men and women are stronger and are able, to some extent, to cope with the forces of cold and hunger, but the children who have been subjected' to the misery and unhappiness resulting from unemployment of their fathers will never be able to make up the advantages lost because of the poverty they have endured," he said. "Because of the instability of our industrial system, little bodies and little minds have been injured through under-nourishment." The problem of -providing each family with an income adequate to meet its needs is of national importance, Mr. Green emphasized. "We feel that it is our duty and the duty of industry and government to remove the causes and effects of this present depression," he said. ".Upon the degree of success reached in solving this problem and providing a proper income for workers rests the home life of the children of this nation. And upon the home life rests the civilization of our time." CHURCH SPEAKS OUT Straight thinking and plain speaking marked a special meeting of the Presbytery of New York,, called recently to consider unemployment and its problem. The discussion led to the adoption of resolutions proclaiming that service should come, before profit; that the fruits of industry should be distributed 'in keeping with the "principles of justice and brotherhood"; that the church was obligated to work for economic justice, and that the cause of and remedy for unemployment should be studied. Professor "Broadus Mitchell of Johns Hopkins University sounded the keynote of the meeting when he asserted the church should not recognize as a member in "good standing" an employer who ignores the plight of the jobless. 44,190,525 UNIONISTS I At the end of 1928 there were.ac- cording.to the International Federation of Trade Unions, 44,190,525 trade unionists in 76 countries of the world.' . . Poi*>l In Tut W-nroii Ithe Industrial A_sociation_ oi San... . ratal tv A.Ul TragcS. Francisco announced recently that '. n, we' ~. a " '.""hi ". -'"*"■ -_?__ *p--_-r--i_*--«-ks«io-tK«^_vt»_-__-___; Big Employer Warns — H wages are "-cut all industry will be hurt and the employers will suffer along with workers, A. C. Dorrance, president of the Campbell Soup Co., a large employer of labor, told the Camden, N. J.,- Chamber of Commerce. He tore into employers who are advocating wage reductions as "short sighted, blind to their own interests." "Wage earners consume 69 per cent, of all they produce and are our best market. Every dollar taken from their wages is.a dollar less of consumptive capacity," Porrance said. He predicted that next winter we will have unemployment and asserted "our job is not yet done in taking care of those who want to work but can find no work." 'Frisco Employers To Maintain Wages San. Francisco, Calif.—Declaring that reductions in wages would re- sult in -chaotic business—conditionsT- the industrial Association of San 300 San- Francisco "cbntractora"-hav-. ■_■'■' agreed to maintain wages at current 1. vola- - ' ■ "' It is estimated that these contractors have about $50,000,000 wOrth of work in sight, and that half of that sum will be paid out in wages during the remainder of this year. Jobless Assisted by Crossing Program Madison, Wis.—About ten thous. and men who are now unemployed will be furnished jobs during the next few months as a result of an extensive programme launched under the leadership of Governor "Phil" LaFotlette, for the elimination of railroad crossings. "*.~* ' "Under Tiormarconditions the eliminations would have been carried out fradually over a three-year period, 'he governor's plan, however, "bunches" all the work and furnishes jobs now when they are needed badly. ., In order to prevent wage cutting, contractors will be required to pay the prevailing wage in each locality, and maintain eight-hour day shifts. The railroads will pay 40 per cent, of the cost of the projects and the state will pay 60 per cent. The state's share of the complete programme which will cose about $6,- 000,000, will be raised through a 2- cent increase in the gasoline tax. Culinary Workers Sign New Cleveland Contract Cleveland, O.—-The Cleveland local union of "the Hotel and Restaurant Employees and Beverage Dispensers' International Alliance has signed a new and favorable contract with all union restaurants iA the city. Th** contract immensely strengthens the union in its fight with the big Cleveland hotels, who locked out the union waiters and waitresses last July when the workers refused to sign a "yellow dog" contract. As a result of the lockout, Cleveland has lost several big conventions. Union Meetings at Labor Headauarters r»lD_T, MAT 15th Hallway Carmen, 51 2 Mi,hi. rs. __T~ , 311 Engineers 816 - BATV»DAY Bakers, 468 , ... MMBAT Electrical Worker*. 211 i I Rottermakers .... 4 Esg fli-ader* .,. 311 Painters' f'ommlttee IS 313 Cement Finisher* 316 TT.B8DAV Trade* Council ...j.,... 1 l.llllrr, r . ■ J. I, - I - . _„..'.._ 313 WBDMESDAT Plait-rent. 8» „ M Ironworker*!. 97 _ _ I Elevator Constructor*. 12 311 T_nr_MSAY Floorlayers 2 Mlllmen. 1613 .*...._. I Office Employees ..: 1.'. 4 81irn Writers 315 1-Ubat, mat ataa Milk Salesmen. 4(4 :..._ 1 Plumbers and Steamntters. 170....:.... 2 Welders , 318 Knglneau ._. I Building Contractors Hit Wage Slashing Chicago, Advocates of wage cutting received a severe setback when the Chicago Building Construction Employers' Association went on record last week for the maintenance of high wages. Edward M. Craig, secretary of the association, issued the following message to the builders of this city: "An extensive study of conditions now prevailingrln the construction industry has indicated to the Associated General Contractors of Amer- ica.'the advisability and propriety of enunciating the following principles with respect to wages and hours of labor: "First: It is contrary.to the best interests of the construction industry and society at large for contractors or other employers to utilize the present surplus > of workmen, as a means of depressing wages, or establishing excessive hours of employment. * Contrary to Public Intermt "Second: It is contrary to public interests for a public body to award * a contract to a contractor whose hi. is predicated on the exploitation ot labor by either excessive working hours or reduced wages. ___. "Third: It is contrary to- the desires of the people as expressed by extraordinary appropriations of Congress during the present emergency that workmen's wages paid out of public moneys should b£jjepressed below that required for"*a3ecent standard of living. Therefore, be it "Resolved, by the.General Contractors of America, that public awarding agencies have a moral obligation to co-operate with the responsible contractors of the country in preventing exploitation of labor. Be is further "Resolved, that the Federal government, when assisting the states financially, and the states when assisting any political subdivision, should enforce such regulations as may be necessary during the present emergency to maintain a reasonable scale of wages:". Radio Musicians Get 5-Hour 6-Day Week Chicago—-A step toward a six-day week and a five-hour day for musicians throughout the United States was taken with the signing of a two- year contract by James "C. Petrillo, president of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, and G. F. McClelland, vice-president and general manager of the National Broadcasting Company. The contract assures the short working day for 400 musicians in six brosdacting studios in Chicago. It calls for the highest wage scale ever - paid to union labor, according to Mr. Petrillo. A three-year contract continuing the prevailing agreement was signed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra by Mr. Petrillo. The contract calls for the services of 98 men, each to be paid $90 a week. A few years ago we had a war to. save the world for Democracy. As far as the workers are concerned we won the war but lost Democracy. If the workers will.persist in voting for their masters, what else can you expect. L * —___ ' f Page Two THE LABOR STATESMAN -Oonservatives Decline To -r Consider Unemployment pOLLOWING is the continued debate on the attempt of A. A. Heaps and Angus Maclnnis, Labor members of the Federal Parliament, to get through a motion for the House tb discuss unemployment: « Most of us-are still living in "bu_ we must have-* concrete pro- the ..earlier pioneer days when j_e j.p0sals for next winter, and not just '' " fdrift. along." -;;-■ * •■'• • I am afraid we are just drifting had .6' produce more as the only way in which we could eat anything at all. - •. * We are living' in an age of surpluses; the question is not to get niore hut to distribute what he have. The unemployment we have today is a result of the labor-saving devices which have been introduced during the last few years and the labor-saving organization that has taken place, which together have resulted in greater efficiency. Unemployment ' has resulted from these causes, yet we turn around and treat the poor unemployed almost as **i-* they were criminals. If we, as a community at large, have in any waj benefited by all this''wonderful "developments' of the past hundred "years it seems to me .that .the _very .least we can. do is to take care of those individuals who through the maladjustments of our system are thrown out of work. I would. ask the government and the Prime Minister to give the most serious consideration to this question, and I would point out again that if there was any occasion to call a special session in September to deal with this question, there is an equal or greater occasion for dealing with it at this stage of the present- session. Mr. A. W. Neill (Comox-Alberni): Mr. Speaker, I had intended to speak on the address, and had listed this question of unemployment as one of the matters which I wished to take up, but I-am glad to take advantage of the occasion and present my remarks to the house now. This was the one policy amongst all the policies of the government on which I felt compelled to unhesitatingly and unqualifiedly criticize the government, the lack of any mention in the speech from the throne of any preparation 1 for meeting the unemployment situation not in the past but in the future. I admit that if you look at the speech from the throne with a microscope you wil.1 find a very delicate reference to it, but a very cautious reference,, indeed. I find that the refer ence is to suggested: " possible safeguards against a 'ecurrence of the present subordination to world forces." That is a very mild way to refer to the unemployment situation. The other references to unemployment in the speech from the throne all deal with the past, as to what has been done and with what success those measures have met. The speech contains nothing whatever to give us any hope or any anticipation that the n , , , , . government intend to bring forward | „_*;2ead.T of soc'e}j' the **"•? ma«- at this session any proposals to deall?***-68 of ha?™?*: these people who with what is immediately, orvery £«- 8,ec"re ^V.__f?..n£ P?81' soon will be, in front of us. I refer -J°J' aTI _f the? fortfied by hav-nB to the destitution which will be in'l* hanle.d down **10r,a Keneration or evidence next winter. I tw_i' ?heae PeoPle have acquired a I believe that next winter the un-ffflft f°uf T*' conItIented 0?tl°0*f. on employment situation will be* worse & \ley have *VeaJly co™e *?_Nfr than it was last vear. and T h_.» that they are o_f finer clay than the along here, and. will continue to do so uhtil a desperate situation faces us. Then.we find, as one of-the hon-members who preceded me said, a reference to a small riot that took place last week in Vancouver. There were over 1500 men engaged in that riot, in the middle of spring when there should not have been any person out of work. God knows how many more unemployed men were not engaged in that demonstration. In the same paper we find that a delegation went down from Nanaimo to Victoria asking the government. what they wese going to do to- relieve the -situation in- that coal mining area, which is very bad at the present time. Again, in the last paper- I - received from home I, find that Premier Tolmie is coming down here—and this may be news to the Prime Minister—to ask that $100,000 be given to the city of Vancouver to help out their present unemployment situation without the city being asked to match it dollar for dollar, because the city frankly state they have followed that policy up until now, but that the civic funds for relief-purposes are virtually exhausted. What are they to do unless Premier Tolmie can get that $100,- 000, and not on the basis of dollar for dollar? A I say, now; is the time for us to make preparations for next fall and next Winter. We do not want to have to call a special session of parliament to deal with the situation, so now is the time for us to consider what plans can he made to meet the inevitable destitution that will ensue next year. I saw the case- of the unemployed summarized in a couplet the other day, and with the permission of the house I will place that couplet on Hansard. It was as follows: Five wolves hunt for the soul of men And all have hunted me. Hunger and cold and fell disease^ Aloneness, misery. .-■■■— I think that puts the situation in a sentence. I might go further than that and say, "Let us beware lest we allow these wolves to he turned loose on society." They have tasted blood, so to speak, in the sufferings of the unemployed, the destitute unemployed and their wives and children, hut suppose they are not satisfied and want more. What a feast they would have if they were turned loose on perhaps least calculated to produce the needed reforms of which the people themselves were only imperfectly awanT" SoT' Mrr Spe«_t_f, ,t' might warn the wealthy, ruling classes. * An hon. Member: Where are they? Mr. Neill: We' should take steps now, not to prepare against a revolution but to prevent the causes of revolution. An hon. member asks: Where are the wealthy ruling classes? They are to be found, in almost every country of the world in spite of our supposed democratic systems of government. If you doubt it, Mr. Speaker, obtain Bradstreet's report on the financial resources of the federal cabinet ministers. Or, if you liker-do-the-same thing with refer ence to the cabinet ministers of the province of British Columbia. If that does not satisfy Your Honor, go to the big moneyed companies of Canada ana inquire if they do not expect something in return for their large, campaign fund' contributions. Were those contributions made simply from a lovev of humanity?- I rather doubt it. ' : It-behooyes us to consider how we can meet this situation or overcome th^e-eonditionsr-^emedies-will-have to. he adopted and policies considered which are. of a far-reaching character.—Greater-co-operation than-that which now exists will have to come about between capital and labor. Today some; of the far-sighted industrialists of the United States are looking towards that greater co-oper ation. I will not use the expression, "production for use and not for profit" because that would hurt the sensibilities of some hon. gentlemen opposite, but perhaps some of the best ideas conveyed in that, phrase will sooner or later have to be adopted in our economic system. However, that is for the years to come, and -in order to meet the situation which we will have to face for the next ten years there should be some form of unemployment insurance. As -the hon.--member for Winnipeg said, that cannot be brought about in a day, because it would necessarily take time' and be a contributory scheme which would have to be worked out by the best actuarial ability we have. Tne only thing we can do meantime is to make some provision for the emergency which is confronting us and provide work for the coming winter. That would mean the voting of money and the laying out of a programme possibly somewhat similar to that carried out at the special session. Let me conclude my remarks-with a quotation from a hymn. I will mention that this is taken from the hymn book of the United church, because otherwise it might be thought that I was lending myself to communistic or bolshevik propaganda. This hymn is as follows: When wilt Thou save the people, Oh, God of mercy, when; The people, Lord, the people, Not crowns and thrones but men. Lord save the people. Thine they are, They children like Thine angels fair. From want, oppression and despair God save the people. (To be continued) it was last year, and I have several reasons for making that statement. The reserves are all gone. The workingman, the small man who had put aside a little sum of money in order to allow bis daughter to go to normal school to become a teacher, or to help his son go to technical school, has had to use that sum of money in the support of the family. The car has been said, and so on. Then again, the municipalities, and especially the smaller ones, are in the same position. They thought they had an unusual condition to contend with last winter and stretched their resources. They spent money when they had to perhaps borrow it in order to help the situation. They were compelled to do so or they would not have received the assistance of the government in ,unemt«_-y. ment relief. These municipalities will not be in a position to do the same thing next winter. Even the railways will not be able to help as they have last winter. The big railway companies have been subsidized by the government, at enormous expense, to anticipate their building programmes. They can hardly be expected to project their developments so much further ahead in order to do the same thing again this coming winter. We find that other bodies take a similar view of this matter. I have in my hand a column out of the Vancouver Daily Province dealing with common run of humanity, and they think that no matter what suffering may come to the submerged masses, as the saying is, it never can come to them. I would suggest, however, that they be not too sure, because what has happened in the past may happen again in the future. We admire the -massive bulwarks of the great concrete dam, which holds back waters which have a potential energy of a million horse power. But dams have been known to crumble and the greater the dam the more disastrous its dealth-dealing capacity; the more terrible the onrushing force of the water which overwhelms the whole community. In our day and generation it is not good to permit dry matches and powder to be too close together. It has been said that the cause of the French revolution was. a remark made by a gentleman of high rank to the effect that if the common peo pie were starving they could eat grass. Of course, that is quite wrong because a silly remark by an ignorant man was not the cause, hut only the match which set fire to the powder, which was the realization by the people of the great chasm existing between what were called the upper and'the lower strata of society; the utter lack on the part of the ruling classes of comprehension of, let alone sympathy with, the misery and de- gradation suffered by the masses of conditions in that city. A special ■ the people. The result was that the meeting of the city council was call- •l*"n burst, and out rushed the pent- ed to consider■ this question,of the UP forces of these desperate people, conditions, which will prevail nest Just •■•"' the water, careless of where winter; and one of the prominent al- }t went, striking recklessly and wild- dermen said: ly, doing great harm in the manner ,'"***_■_=__-■ Canada's Unemployed Estimated at 500,000 Harry M. Cassidy, assistant professor in social science at the University of Toronto, writing on unemployment insurance in the "Canadian Forum," says: / "We have no accurate statistics of the number of persons out of work, but the index numbers of employment issued monthly by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics make it possible to work out reasonably good estimates. On the basis of these figures, the number of Canadians out of work from January to May, 1930, was probably between 350,000 and 450,000; the number did not fall below 250,000 last summer; and during the first three months of this year, even in spite of the* extensive programs of relief work that are under way, the number has been higher than last winter, perhaps 500,000. . . . Last winter the percentage of unemployment was actually higher in Canada than in Great Britain, and it is probably about as high this winter, although it was considerably lower during the past summer and autumn. . . For the last ten years our annual average of unemployment from all causes ... has been probably from six to eight per cent'of our total working force. In a world, we have had the equivalent of an army of 150,000 workers, a greater number than the Canadian Corps ever mustered in France during the War, standing idle during the whole of the post war decade." - The modern girl has discarded tight clothes, but the tight-husband problem is still unsolved. British Columbia progre_e and U. C Electric progress are going hand in hand. By developing its electric power, gas and transportation services, this company ia helping in every way possible to develop this province in which it has so great a stake. - BRITISH COLUMBIA ElECTRJC RAILWAY CO LIMITED Vancouver - New Westminster Victoria A Factor in Your Protftrity . CW 10 This advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia. A spokesman for Henry Ford is quoted in dispatches from Detroit as saying Ford refuses to consider or permit wage reductions in his own plants, or \n the more than 5,000 .other factories that supply him with I material and) pares. In. Japan when a strike is called the strikers certainly use novel forms of opposition to the bosses. One of the strikers pulled the stunt Of climbing a 130-foot chimney of the dye works and will sit there till the strike is over. / t "•4 ____________ _^ ijMili-'i'PpBB . Friday, May 15th, 1931 THE LABOR STATESMAN Page Three Trades Union Directory LABOR HEADQUARTERS, 529-531 BEATTY STREET Vancouver Trad., one) Labor Council— President, C. McDonald; general secretory, Percy R.. Bengough. office, 200 Labor Headquarters, 531 Beatty St. PhOne Sey. 7485, Meet, in Labor Hall at 8 p.m. on the flriit and third Tues- ... days in month. •_ , Bakery sad Confectionery Workers' International Union, Local No. 411, meeta flrst and third Saturday in 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.. Beverage Dispensers' Union, Vo. 678— Meets last Sunday at 8 p.m.. Room No. 2, Labor Headquarters; second Friday at. 10 a.m. at the office. Pres., M. J. Calvin; Secretary and Bus. Agent, T. J. lianaIIn. Office: Room 1, Eagles' Hall, 535 Homfer St. Phones Sey. 4783 and Bay. 1656-R. Hours: . to 2_p.m. - - t ■ridge _pd __-_-t_r_l Iron Workers^ Local 9fl, Int. Assoo—Meets every Tuesday, Hall 2. Labor Headquarters, at 8 p.m- President, Robt. McDonald, Fraser 1248-R; Secretary, P. Lauret, Room 311, Labor Headquarters. Phones: Office, Sey. 7496; Best- dence, Fair. 6167 B, Building Trade* Council, Vancouver— Meets second and fourth Tuesday In - Hall 315, Labor.Headquarters. Presl- :.. ..de._^--W;'-*_l.'-'nuaen;-~-Mer-tary-t'reas- t: urer, W; "Page; Room 301, Labor Headquarters. Phone ffey, 749(1. __ Barbers' Journeyman International Union of America—Lncul 120. meets second and fourth Tuesdays In* each month, In Hall No. 3, Labor Headquarters. President. Fred Dawe; Sec.- , Treas c. B. Herrett Office, 104 Labor Headquarters. Bookbinder.' Local JTo. 108, Int Broth. erhood—Meets second Tuesday In month at Professional nnd Business Woman's Club, Empire Bldg., (Ot Haatinga W. President, Mrs. Harvey, 4487 Quebec; Secretary, Thos. Carroll 842 Hamilton Bt. Bricklayers and Masons International Union Ma. 1—Room 309. Labor Headquarters. Meets second and fourth Wednesday, In Hall No 3. President, J. C. Greenwood, Phone Bay. 8047-T* Secretary, W. S. Dagnall, 1244 East 20th, Phone Fair. 846-R; Fin. Sec, Albert Wright. 4128 Knight Road; Fair. 2(io..-n. '-< Phone Fall Camp and Mill Workers' Fe deral Labor Union Ho. 31—Vancouver and vicinity, meeta every second Wednesday at 8 p.m., at 6.4 "Powell Street E. Pres- ment, H. Miyaxawa;, Secretary, K. Tsuyukl. Carpenters aad Joiners, United Brotherhood of. Local 453—President. Wm; Page; Financial Secretary, R W Hatley; Business Agent, W. Hargreaves. Office, Room 310. Labor Headquarters. Meets second and fourth Mondays, 8 p.m., in Hall No.-l. 0i\r BaU Employees' Association— Meets first Wednesday of each month at 195 East Pender SL at 8 p.m. President, E. Mitten: Treasurer and Business Agent, W. J. Scribbins. 3208 Pender, at E.; Secretary, J. Tarbuck, 3617 West 26th. Clvio Bmployees' Union, Local 38— Meets flrst and third Fridays In the month at 251_, Hastings East at I p.m. President, John McRltchle, 804 West Twelfth; Secretary-Treasurer, George Harrison, 8427 Triumph St Bgg Graders' Union, Mo. II—Meets In the Labor Headquarters, flrst and third Monday In month. President, R. Gela, 3287 West 21st: Record Secretary, Miss D. Simpson, 827 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster; Financial Secretary, Miss Marjorie Deyell, 556 East 20th, City, Electrical Workers, Local 313, International Brotherhood—Meets flrst and third Monday, at 8 p.m., at Labor Headquarters. President, D. Mc- Dougal; Business Manager, E. H. Morrison. Office, 201 Labor Headquarters. Phone Sey. 3510. Bnglneers—International Union of Op.r- atlng Engineers, Local 118—Meets every Friday at 8 p.m., Hall 315. President, F. L. Hunt; Rec. Sec. G. E. Jones; Business Agent and Fin. Sec, George Pettipiece. Office 308, Labor Headquarters. I'hone Trinity (414. Blr. righters, Bo. 18, International Association of—Meets every month at call of President at 261H Hastings E. President N. McDonald, 1136 McLean Drive; Financial Secretary, C. A. Wat- son, 1824 East 8th Avenue. KUl and Factory Workers' Union, Local Bo. IBM — Affiliated with United Brotherhood of Carpenters'-: Joiners. Meets flrat and third Thursdays In Hall No. I, Labor Headquarters. Pros., Cl;. Campbell. Secretary-Treasurer, C. Carslake, 1124 Albernl St Motion Pictures Phoje.tlon.at_' Union, Local 348, Of I.A.T.8.E. ft M.P.M.O.— 11:30: p.m., first Friday in month, ln Hall Np. 3 Labor Headquarters. President, Locksley Clark; Secretary, J. C. Ki.-hards, Box 848, Phone Douglas 1674-R; Business Agent, J. R. Foster, Phone Trinity 6708. Mutual Protective Union, Local 148, A. T. ot M*— Meeta at the G..W.V.A. Auditorium, second Sunday at 10 a.m President J. Bowyer; general. Secretary, W. Coullng; Organ- er, F. Fletcher. Office, Suite 307-319 West Pender. Phone Douglas 2290. Painters, Deooratora and Paperhangere, Looal 13a—Meeta -second and fourth Thursdays at Hall No. 1. President, W. Hunt; Rec. Secretary, A. E. Varah. 1442 Clark Drive; Business Agent, Ed. Smith, Office: Room 313, Labor Headquartera. Phone Sey, 3609. Pile Drivers, Bridge, Wharf and Dock Builders, Local Bo. 3404—Meets every Friday night at 8 o'clock in 122 Hastings*; St W. President, s. Goy; Jaa. Ph-nTsSy^«ra^^'.'_Bi_S-:M(--. .y---mn0yed -tha.--the-"Premier h_B taeitly admitted the need of" some Planter-ire, Local 89—Operative Plaster- . ers' and Cement Finisher*' International Association—Meets first and third Wednesday in month at Hall No. 2, Labor Headquarters. President, F. G. Walsh. 378 East 37th. Fras. 108 R; Cor. Sec, A. Harry, 1116 East 33rd, Fair. 3222 R; Fin. Sec, E. A. Williams, 830 East 13th; Phone ' Fair. 6219 X.** Cement Finishers' Cor. 8e&, J. W Balnes. 288( Turner St Plumbers aad Steamfitters, Bo. 170, International Association—Meets every second and fourth Friday ln Hall No. 2. President, Val Pearson, 787 East 52nd; Financial Secretary and Business Agent, W. Watt, 305-7 Labor Headquartera Printing Pressmen and Asalatants, Local Bo. 89—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. Ezart, 1807 East Thirty-eighth. _ Railway Carman of America, Lodge Bo. 58—Meets first and third Friday In month at Labor Headquarters. President, A. S. Ross, 5806 Sophia Street, Rec. Secretary, J. D. Valllamy, 2215 West 16th. _. ______ Street and Electrio Ballway Employees, Pioneer Division Mo. 101—Meeta K. P. Hall, 8th and Kingsway, flrat and third Mondays at 10:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. President, J. E_ Smith; Recording Secretary, J. Price: Financial Secretary and Business Agent, H. W. Speed. Office: Corner Prior and Main streets. I'hone Sey. 6000. Sheet Metal Workers' Association, Looal Union Bo. 380—Meets second and fourth Thursdays In Hall No 3. President, Jaa. Strachan, 2205, W. llth; Business Agent and Secretary, D. MacPherson, 308 Labor Headquarters. Life Insurance -___.„__.SPASM THE- SECOND- "Dole"-ful Dialetics . ,___ast_.w^k ._g&J___- a. . picture of an army pf Canadian people embarking for the Orient with club-bags full of gold and attache-cases loaded with legal documents in an effort to get some one to buy our surplus goods- This procession was headed by Mr. K. J. Cromie as the possessor of the massive brain that • thought out this unique solution of our social troubles. If on the way to Hie boat our gales- men met - Canadians who were in need of the gdods they were going to the Orient to sell they were carefully instructed not to part with any of the gold or ■provide any credit facilities to help Canadians buy their own surplus. The only people who could open the bags and cases were orientals, and they must be in the Orient. The oriental in Canada hadn't the "open- sesame." Only by such conditions could this really profound solution be made to operate satisfactorily, and the benefits return to our distressed be interesting to see what the life nation. - j companies in the States have done, Naturallly, considering that the then we can get a better idea of whole problem Of .unemployment and, what Canadian companies are going _■ . By "PAUL PRY" '.'. Many years ago, when, this writer was .even more cabbage looking than he is today, Sir Wilfrid Laurier was supposed to have said, and every president of every Board of Trade repeated it at every banquet, that while the 19th century belonged to the States, the 20th belonged to Canada. A statement that was followed by loud applause. Far be it from me to question this pronouncement and phophesy; w,e would just as like question R. B. B.'s that the Western farmer is prosperous. But whether the worker in the States has reason to be thankful for the great part his country played in the world's economy or not, we know, for a surety that the life insurance companies have. And seeing we are to have their mantle, I mean the thing that Laurier meant, it might poverty had in this way been disposed of so satisfactorily last week, the Evening. Sun this week is serious- Tallors' Journeymen Union of America, - Local Bo. 178—Meetings held second Monday, each month', 8 p.m. Executive meets fourth Monday of every month In Labor Headquarters.- President, Colin McDonald: Secretary, W. W. Hocken, 1682 13th Ave. E.; Financial .Secretary. H. Nordlund, 1930 12th Ave. E. Taxi, Stage and Bns Drivers, Local 181 —Meets second and fourth Mondays at 1030 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. President, W. Wilson. Office, 306 Labor Headquarters: Phone, Sey. 7496. Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen ' aad * Helpers, Local 488—311 Labor Headquarters. Meets every First and Third Monday. Labor Headquarters. President, F. T. Goodrich, 1239 Woodland, High. 2096-X; Secretary - Treasurer, Blrt Shdwler, Room 306. Labor Headquarters. A Ploorlayers' Union, Bo. 1878, U. B. of £• •■■*. *—Meeta flrst and third Thursdays In month at Hall No. 2, Labor Headquarters. President, Oscar Soderman; Fin. Sec, Jack Nelson: Rec. Sec, John McDonald, 2905 West Twelth; Business Agent. W. D. Wll- aon, 1636 Fifth Ave. W. The Botel aad Bestanrant Employees aad Blarlae Cooks aad Stewards.— Local 28, Suite I*. 413 Oranvllle St. meets second 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 126. Ladles' Auxiliary. Looal 171 —United Brotherhood of Carpenters — Meeta every flrst and third Wednesday of each month In Hall 201. Labor Headquarters, at 8 p.m. President, Mrs. C. J. Atkinson, 730 19th Ave. W.; Secretary, Elisabeth J. Hope, 1042 7th' Ave. E. Lathera. Wo6d, Win aad Metal, Inter- aatiftlal Union, Local SOT—Meeta flrst and third Mondays in month at Labor Headquartera Secretary, F. lfacey, 14S( ' West Seventh Ave. Phone Bayvlew 6881 L. Maohinl-ts' Local 8M—President. Thoa Bills, 1362 Burrard St.: Secretary. P. R. Bengough. Office, Room 200. Labor Headquarters.' Meeta on second and fourth Tuesdays In Hall 818. Theatrical Staff* Employees' Union, Local 118 of tbe I.-tJJ. A -LB-BO. Meets second Tuesday In Labor Headquarters at 9:30 am. President, Geo. W. Allen; Recording Secretary, H. Pearson; Business Agent, B. McQlone address, P. O. Box 711.. Typographical Union, Bo. 898—President, c. 8. Campbell; Vice-President, E. R Bayley; Secretary-Treasurer, R. H. Noelands, 100-2 Labor Headquartera Meets last Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.,' In Hall No. 1. Labor Head- quarters. . Union Label Trades Counoll meeta ln -Hall No. 4, Labor Headquartera, 629 Beatty Street, second and fourth Thursdays In each month at 8 o'clock. President, Colin McDonald, 2814 St. George Street. Phone Fair. 2117-T. Secretary, Mollle Dolk, 1587 Fifth Avenue East. Phone High. 477-T. Prince Rupert Trades & Labor Council MEETS second Thursday In each ln month. Prealdent. S. D. McDonald, Box 268. Secretary. Frank Derry. Box 4*8, Prince Rupert.B.C. MUX Wagon Drivers aad Dairy Bmpley- ees, Local 484—Office 308. Labor Headquartera. Meeta second and fourth Fridays In Hall No. 1. President, J. Mitchell: Secretary-Treasurer. Blrt Showier. 2141 Triumph. Phone High. 6827. * NOTARY PUBLIC P. R. BENGOUGH Secretary Trades * Labor Council Boom 888 811 Beatty Street Phones: Say. 7495-8171 form- of unemployment insurance. An editorial by Cromie's man Friday takes on hand to dispose of this hurtful suggestion. It appears that it is a confession of want of statesmanship, which, as you all know, is a ipost serious confession. And to make matters worse, it might be so construed to cover all the reformist.organizations that urged the Premier to the confession. The charge is, equally valid ' against the trade unions, ratepayers' associations, church organizations, etc., which have passed resolution's in favor of the proposal. It is really annoying that we should all have been passing resolutions under the urge of our extreme need that would at once classify us as unstatesmanlike. It is a consideration wc must all pay more-attention to in the future. Another objectipn to unemployment insurance is that anybody could have thought of it That's the worst of these ordinary people who pester the government to do something— their suggestions are so commonplace.. The originality of the'"Sun's" chink financing scheme must- commend itself to all. But the serious objection is that unemployment insurance "brings the vicious and demoralizing principle of the dole into a young country like Canada." It "promotes idleness because it makes idleness attractive and puts a penalty Vn work." Call it what you will, the Canadian people know that it is a "dole," etc, etc. ■ Seriously, the editor of the "Sun" cannot responsibly classify insurance for unemployment as a "dole," though I see nothing demoralizing in that even if it were so. By a mere coincidence, '"The Evening Sun" tonight tells us that Mr. W. J. Bowser has accepted the offer of Lieutenant- Governor of British Columbia—the principle of monarchy vicariously ex emplified. By virtue of his new posi Hon, Mr. Bowser's income will be estimated for in the provincial budget, just like interest charges, war debts, or therRoyal family* in Britain. Others have held this position before and they were not demoralized by the "dole," and it is reasonable to believe that Mr. Bowser won't either. If our best people can stand t'he "vicious" and demoralizing principle of the dole," maybe we could survive, it too: It ought not to be necessary at this time of day to explain that unemployment insurance is a proposal whereby the employee, the employer, and the State all contribute to a fund to insure that when men and women are unemployed because of want of work, and no.other reason, they will be assured of some semblance of support. To designate such payments as charity is absurd. The fact that the unemployment fund in Britain has had to borrow enormously from the State during the last few years does not render it open to the charge of charity either, because, obviously, all the laws of borrowing and lending are based on the presumption that all borrowed money will be repaid. T.p presume differently in this case is tb accept the present world crisis as a permanent situation and the "Sun, with its amazing solutions, cannot afford to accept such a premise. This inspired editorial tells us that what the Canadian people want is work, not charity. That is rather unfortunate. Everything in life is against them. All the new machines are reducing the. quantum of work neceesary; all the planning of business executives is to install labor- saving devices; in fact, if improvements dp not lessen the labor necessary they are no good at all. .Modern science applied to industry is making possible a life rich in wealth and tip do. In the first place, there are about 360 life insurance-companies of any size operating in the United States, ami sitting in a lonely bedroom in a strange city, we laboriously looked over their business. Space would fail us were we to attempt to put down the vast wealth that these companies have spent during the last 30 years, so we will look at two items only; After using up the contents of . two never-sharp pencils, and stretched the adding machine my parents endowed me with to the limit, I found that the life companies of the States had spent in commissions, salaries, advertising and office rents, with a large block thrown in for Miss. Cellaneous (this good lady has got even Clara Bow backed off the map when it comes to eating money), for in one year they spent, I mean there was spent, on these items seven hundred and fifty-five millions of dollars, and even after, that—riot they tlad an excess of income over disbursements of one billion four hundred and thirty-two millions. This excess of income invested at five per cent, would bring in annually aver seventy-one millions. ■:'-■'": < If the above figures are too big for comprehension, let us look at the 41) companies that operate in .the state of New York. Nearly thirty years ago, there was a great insurance scandal in that state, and it is now agreed that the insurance laws of New York are more watertight than exist in any other place on the American continent. In the year 1859 the companies operating in New York numbered 14; their total assets were $20,636,- 085, and their surplus amounted to $5,071,148. ,In the year 1929 these assets had grown to fifteen billions and fifteen millions, and the surplus had grown'to nine hundred and fifty, five millions. The total premium income for these 49 companies for 1929 was two billion eight hundred and twenty million, and the excess of income over disbursements was one billion two hundred and seventy-six million. At the end of 1929 these companies' assets included the following, and we would like some bright boy to figure out just what portion of the wealth of the United States is now owned by the insurance companies, and how long it .will take, at the rate of progress they are now making, before they own the whole continent, hag and baggage: * ■ Real estate .......*..... 1 282,881,657.67 Morta'tag.s ......... 6.214,833,168.95 Bonds and Stocks.. 5,837,297,108.18 Collateral loans.... Policy loans... , CUsh Uncollected Preml urns—mr..;-: Other assets For that year these companies collected for interest on the above assets nearly two hundred and fifty millions. • . Some idea of the vast ness of these figures might be gained by looking at Canadian industries. The total capital invested in Canadian manufacturing plants in 1926 amounted to three billions nine hundred millions of dollars. That is, the assets of the companies mentioned above was more than four times the amount at stakT'in mantifa.t_*rmg**ph*tn._ -4n Canada. The total wages paid in all Canadian manufacturing plants in one year was a trifle over five hunr dred millions. , To earn this sum three hundred and eighty-five thousand men and one hundred and fourteen thousand women were employed, yet the total wages of this army , of half a million was only double the interest earnings of the investment of these forty-nine companies. Or put it another way, the total wages paid to Canada's largest industries—'wood and paper products- was one .hundred and twenty-six millions, or just about half of the interest earnings mentionedi One more comparison and then, we will quit for this week. In the four Western provinces there was employed in' 1926 in twenty-five of the leading industries, eighty-three thousand eight hundred men and women: Their total earnings for that year amounted to one hundred and one millions. Oh that basis these workers would have to work two ami a half years to pay the interest, earned by the forty-nine, companies. ____=___.. - -j.-— Looking .over theJjorder with anxious eyes, we see the life insurance army of Canada. They are, hoping and praying that Laurier was a true seer, those billions "make a tremendous appeal. Next week we will look at the Life Insurance Oligarchy and see how sixty men working for five companies earned two million and three quarters in one year. ___„_.. Income Comparisons Make Interesting Notes Duluth, Minn.—The 1929 net income of 504 millionaires was compared with the income of farmers and industrial workers by Wm. E. McEwen, editor of the "Labor World," in a, radio talk over station. WEBC. "These 504 millionaires paid taxes on net incomes of $_U85,135,330." said the labor editor. "This is equal to the wheat and cotton crops owned by 2,332,000 wheat growers and cotton planters. "The net income of these 604 millionaires for a single year, exceeded the life wages of 40,000 factory workers with average earnings of $1000 a year.- It exceeds the wage of nearly 500,000 union bricklayers, the highest paid American building mechanics, if they are fortunate enough to work 200 days in a year, which they are not. It is greater than the incomes of 700,000 union carpenters. "In low-wage, anti-union shop Duluth it would take 504 laborers 2600 years to earn as much as these millionaires netted in a single year. "The 504 Duluth anti-union shop laborers would have to start at the time of Jeremiah the Prophet, nearly 700 years before the birth of Christ, and work continuously at their present wages until today to earn as much money as the 504 favored Americans 'earned' in 1929, and whose incomes for that year amount.^ ed to all the money on deposit in all the banks of 20 cities the size of Duluth. "I make these comparisons for the purpose of visualizing the tremendous incomes of the super-rich*. And while wealth is rapidly concentrated into fewer hands each year, international bankers have - entered into a conspiracy to force the wages of the workers still lower." 4,641,043.55 1,991,811,607.18 91.836,994.72 333,718,664.69 9,618,491.77 leisure where the possibilities of culture and art may dominate the mind and sustain the spirit- But we do not want any .leisure for, culture or any other form of enjoyment.' What we want is work. Like the man in John Bunyan's "Pilgrims Progress," the man with the muck rake, we are content to continue with bent back and eyes fixed on the ground scraping and scratching at the straws and filth of life completely oblivious to the life, filled with leisure, and music, and culture that modern civilisation makes possible for its people. —JACK DAV.TS. Pickets Are Blocked at Five-block Limit .Philadelphia.—Pickets at tbe Apex Hosiery Company mill were ordered to keep a distance of five blocks from tne mill by Judges Thomas D. Finletter and Otto K. Heiligman. A * former decree restricted the number of pickets to two at each mill entrance. George Wharton Pepper, former United States Senator, as counsel for the mill management, asked that officials of the Hosiery Workers' Union be cited to answer charges of contempt of court. Policemen testified for the mill owners that the pickets had not co-operated with them. This was denied by the strikers' attorney, who said: j "We have 10,000 union nfembers and 100,000 sympathizers. The union officials have done everything to keep matters under control." That the mill owners are determined to stop picketing is shown by the appeal of the Rodgers Hosiery Company, who have asked that pickets be removed under ' an equity order. -V ' , * . . A cross-word puzzle—why does one.want to use cross words- taiiii\titiinmiaimanawttSMJ^fta\jMtfBfMa*MM*aatta^^ ■■■ THE L-AyOR STATESMAN Friday, May 15th, 1-931' The Labor Statesman Published every Friday, at Labor uiitamrterer- -V«reouverrS:6.'"' __Qwned by thc Vancouver, New Westminster ailtj District Trades • "* — and Labor Council. H. W. Watts, Man. Editor. PBE8S COMMITTEE: Ed. Smith, Chiirman; VV. Watt (Uulldlnc Trades Council); P I: Ben- »ough .Machinist Tr.-idi-s;. R. H. Neelands (I'rliiilng Trades], Dan McPherson (Building Trades), B. Showier (Teaming Trades). T. Hanofln (Beverage Trades), C. Herrett (Label Trades); Bert Speed. (Transportation Trades). • - Subscription Rates: $2. per Year; to Unions, 16c per month per member. Phone: Seymonr 8878 t- THE OPEN ROAD . --AFOOT WIT4«-M€K--teGl-r- . Vancouver, Friday, May 15th, 1931 THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS Up to a couple of years ago the capitalist world was repairing and rebuilding the wastes of war and re- equiping the industrial plants with the mechanical short-cuts -that the war had shown possible, with the result that there was a fair demand for labor, and the--worker did about* as well as he ever did during history At this time the wage worker of the capitalist world was pictured as an opulent individual rolling in wealth. At this same time the whole Russian people was painted as a filth-covered grisley mendicant, peering out from beneath matted locks of hair, and asking the world for alms, and the alleged disparity in the condition of the two individuals was said to he an unfailing index to the relative merits of the capitalist and the cooperative systems of wealth production. The one. was said to, give wealth and plenty, automobiles and radios, and the chance to become a millionaire, and thc other poverty, destitution, and all that goes with it. . If all this was a correctly drawn picture it would not be difficult to choose between the two systems of "production and forms pf "government that stands behind them, but unfortunately the thing was overdrawn in both directions. The American and ;Canadian workman's car and radio was , not paid for. In- fact, the clothes on his wife's back was had on the installment plan. His apparent prosperity was an optical illusion produced by mortgaging his next year's earnings, and the Russians alleged poverty was sixty per cent propoganda, falsehood and forty per cent self-denial of the same healthy character that a sensible person will practice while trying to get on to his feet so that he can, to some extent, influence his own destiny, instead of being its slave. The Russian has progressed as he deserved, and while he has not abolished poverty, his worst" enemy will admit th*_t he comes nearer to eating three meals per day than he ever did "before, and that nothing short of some calamity beyond his control, or criminal Insanity in his methods of handling his affairs, can prevent him winning out and building up within his own territorial lines an industrial system that will give plenty to every individual among his people. To produce this result he' requires no material change —in his present plans. All that hie has to do is keep straight along the road that he is now travelling.' In the meantime, however, the worker in the capitalist world has fallen on evil days. His automobile is worn out; his radio has been seized; the bottom has fallen out of the whole industrial system, and he is working part time at a reduced wage, or he is in- the bread line. Just what ails the system or what is its cause or cure the people who are so willing to tell him all about the Russian system are quite unable to say. Men like Sir Herbert Holt, who are so wise that they are able to live like royal Turks and still save a million dollars per year for every year since they left the cradle—men of this calibre have no remedy to offer. The one evident fact that stands out and is contradicted by no other known fact or facts, ia that of the things which the worker requires there is too much, and again it is beyond dispute that so long as the worker has no revenues coming in he cannot Contribute towards reducing this surplus of commodities. Notwithstanding all this, the wise gentlemen who control industry and finance and bread, demand a greater output per man from the worker and pay a reduced wage, and thereby in both directions increasing the* present economic difficulty. At any time in history "the house of plenty" and its multitudinous agents has assured "the house of want" that regardless of the hardship of which it produced, and visited on the latter alone, any other scheme of production or government was quite unthinkable. People who About six years ago I was asked to prepare an article for the. Daily Province describing the work of the Art League at the Log Cabin afcSum- merland. My literary style evidently failed to suit the "Province," as the article was never published and was returned to me, Lately I came across it among my papers and am giving here an extract from it in the hope that it may start a discussion. The farmers and fruit, growers are. no longer confronted by/ a theory, but by a condition which will force them more and more to fall back on their own resources. The student of Socialism should also understand all the implications of the slogan, "production for use," and determine whether he wishes the regimentation and machine production of Bellamy's "Looking Backward" or the handicraft and agricultural combination as . expressed in "News From Nowhere," by William Morris, and "Fields, Factories and Workshop'-," by Prince Kropotkin. At present our chief concern is to capturercontrokaf-the machine-y^-of production and that can" only'be done in a country no vast as Canada by a union between the worker in the city and the farmer in, the country, and a thorough understanding of each other's problems. It is my own impression that with the attainment of socialization there will be a reaction against purely machine production and a revival of handicraft, machinery being used only for transportation, heavy iiF dustry and work which is drudgery. It was with that idea in view that I wrote the article which I called "Art and Industry." '• * * Like the writer who began* a book on the "Snakes of Ireland" with the statement that there were no snakes in Ireland, We might preface this article by saying that here in British Columbia we have very little art and hot enough industry. The only art which is distinctively Canadian is the Indian, and there must be something wrong, With our industry when so many of our brightest- young -men-are forced to leave for the United States and so many unemployed walk our streets. Tbe basic causes for this condition are not far to seek, but are outside the scope of our present article, which will attempt to deal only with that phase of rural industry which has tc do with the development of an art which will be distinctively .British Columbian. Art is international but displays its highest expression only when each country contributes its distinctive note to the whole. Our forefathers, the sturdy pioneers who hewed their homes out of the forests of Eastern Canada were self-supporting. They grew the Wheat; in many cases, ground it themselves or carried it to the nearest mill, and returned with the flour. They spun their own wool, wove their rugs, made their clothing and shoes, and in the long winter evenings were busy manufacturing the wooden tools and furniture which they required. If the harvest was bountiful they firospered and their economic prob- ems were solely of production. Now we have the steam plow, the advocated any other plan were classified as "dreamers," freaks" and so on. But the situation is now entirely changed. It can no longer be pleaded that the "dreamers" plan is an impossible one. The Russian, using as his experimental ground the most difficult racial and territorial unit that could be selected, and With every obstacle- known in his way, has proven that the' co-operative principle is a practical one. The situation (hen that we have is that at this moment the civilized world has the two systems under test Both cannot exist side, by side indefinitely. If capitalism has nothing to offer but its periods of ruin and starvation because there is too much of the things which We need, it requires no foresight to see what the consequence of the increasing success of the Russian's plan must be. The capitalist system has reached its present stage through each individual -holding to himself all that by any plan, trick or device he could secure. We have now reached a period when those who so immensely profit by it might well consider whether this ruthless plan is not endangering the foundations of the scheme of things which has been so kindly to themselves, and what sacrifice they are willing to make to secure its continuance. If the Russian can keep his head while solving lesser problems than he has solved, the Canadian Premier may yet have' to consider, what he will do with a cargo of Soviet grain sent to feed ,our hungry workers: —M, threshing machine, the tractor, and scores of other machines to lighten the labor of the farmer, but'is.he any. better situated than his grandfather'' Perhaps in some ways he is, But. where the old man had one problem,- the present inheritor ot. the family acre has a dozen. In fact, problems are something "which the farmer' has "nothing else but," and in many cases he is walking off his prairie farm or British Columbia fruit ranch and leaving the solution to someone else. Nj r » • —1_ -N-r: •—* Farming is the original cross-word puzzle. The poor farmer gets the cross words from his banker and the merchants to whom he owes money, and the puzzle is to make the farm pay- ' . He boasts of his independence and the price he pays for it ia his dependence upon everyone. He relies on the factory for" all he uses and when, as often happens,, his own products fair to find a market,TheTis ih a difficult position. '■.,,,,_;„ ,< .-,..■ The* problem *£ the^rui.'-worke-i is" no less serious.' The packing sea son., is short—and for the winte months there is nothing to do. The married men earn a precarious living cutting each other's cordwood, and the single ones go to California. There can be no lasting prosperity until this condition is remedied. , When you have 'no .noney you either make the things you need for your own use or you. go without. Through bitter experience the farmer is again leadning how to become more self-supporting and sufficient unto himself. He is still dependent so far as machinery and heavy industry are concerned, but in the field of light industry and handicraft he is beginning to see new possibilities. Sonie time in the near future we may find him spending the long winter evenings making articles of beauty and usefulness_ with his hands_in- steail of reading Eaton's catalogue, which is his favtorite indoor sport at present. , . We need a revival of Cottage Industry, Peasant Craft or Handicraft as i(; is variously called. This is no new idea, but is* as old as the hills and furnishes the main source of income for the mass of the country population of Europe. Conditions in British Columbia are ideal for the successful working out of this form of industry. Each farm house or orchard home should be a potential factory, the owner growing his foodstuffs from the soil in summer and in winter manufacturing the things which he needs for his own use and to sell if there be a surplus. In most districts electricity is available and power is at the disposal of the work er if required. If, as some economists say, the industrial keynote of the future Will be production for use, we have here the keynote of the new system. So much for the economic and materialistic side. There is another even more important aspect, the cultural or artistic. ' This is the machine age and much of the industrial unrest arises from the fact that the workers have very little chance to express their individuality but become automatons, repeating over and over again their monotonous motions in that industry without art which Ruskin says is akin to brutality. The creative instinct is strong in moat people, but will remain dormant unless given a chance to express itself in the production of beautiful things. This is why we need technical and art- schools in this country to place tuition in the fine arts and handicrafts at the -disposal of our young people. Then beauty, which has fled from the factory in despair, may find a home in the country and a new art sprung up as a seasonal occupation on the farm. Then we will have a culture worth while, because it -will be based upon* the soil and the love of beauty in thc common people. YOUNG PEOPLE'S BRANCH OF 1. L. P. IN HAMILTON Hamilton now has a Young People's Branch of the Independent Labor party, officers being elected at a meeting last month- Kenneth Mc- Conachie was elected president. Harry J. Penton, president of the I. L. P.. Central Branch, installed the officers. Brief talks were given by Controller Sam Lawrence, J. F. Reed, president of the Trades and Labor Council; William J. Burr, vice-president I. L. P. Central Branch, and Mrs. Elizabeth Wood, member of the Hamilton Hospital Board. The Western Canada Labor Women s Social and Economic Conference is in session this week-end (May 9, 10 and It) at Saskatoon. 0 Ifahwfcvm INCOftKMtATtO ««. _-*** lBTt\ C-r-T. _-__■*_--«, The Secret? Why he's wearing one of our' BROADCLOTH SHIRTS, $1.25 (With 2 separate collars $1.69) •He knows that the snappy tailoring, latest shaped collar and dear, fast-washing color of bis shirt makes it the smartest shirt in town. They're made with different sleeve lengths, too, so his cuffs woo't bast d*wn___rJ»it_* uft! Roubk ciiffs; «-«_-- to IV/i. Downstairs Economy Floor, H B C THE "FOG" OF THE CAPITAL (With apologies to Bruce • _.' . Hutchinson) By HARRY . We differ with Bruce in more ways than one. In fact, we start off right away by changing just one letter in the heading, and, presto, everything is as clear as mudr— "Corning events cast t*heir"shad6w"8 before," and with rumors. of new* governments the shadow has fallen. Not alone are; these shadows portrayed in a moulding process, to supplant the present regime with others of the same cast, but the prospects of us enduring another four years of Conservative administration seems a forlorn hope. Or, as some would say, "sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." Without reservation we declare ourselves as not manifesting any interest in the progress of Mr. Jones' load of business; as we think he has placed a heavier load on the backs of the scantily employed masses. .But we read on and inwardly digest his surprising achievements, including the verse dedicated to the r working girls falling for his line (of course, this happened in Victoria), and then we were enlightened. Mr. Jones played inside right wing in the days of yore. Now we know, or think we do, the whereas's of the expression "political football." Bat after the cards are re-shuffled we venture to guess that many aspirants to public office will be designated to a position on the political soccer field of left outside. Fishing also comes under our category, and whilst we do not remember receiving any data as to whether the fish were biting in the years previous to 1928, yet we are about to go' fishing, and the catch will probably land about six 200- pound labor members in the next legislature. Of course, we have no effectively named cities in B.C. like Moose Jaw or Gastown, for instance, but we haven't the slightest doubt that where such individuals are elected from, such persons will affectionately refer to that city as- tbe rear end of a horse's anatomy. But the most delicious "tit-bit" would be, if parliamentary procedure allowed, to.hear Tom Uphill refer to the honorable member from the place previously mentioned.' The political open season is upon us, and at the late Bill Sloan was emphatic rfi declaring that election issues are decided twelve months or more previous to the date when the ballots are cast, it looks like the time is just approaching when it will be necessary to start packing up our belongings and hitting the long, long trail once more. BUT B. O. FB0DT/-T8 and boost your own payroll! TNALLEY'S SANDWICH At All Grocers Nailer's Pore roods Oo. Vancouver, B„ C. Ooorl Union Men ar* comlnir D»o_ a-jaln and again to eat at Art's Dairy Lunch "Ser*f_oe with a ■mils'' 448 ABBOTT , ST., VANCODV_B I . .'1 . (Next to Lotus Hotel) WORLD IDLENESS GROWS Washington.—Unemployment is increasing in most foreign countries, according to official figures .received by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the majority of 25 countries, 22 of them European, the latest reports reveal new peaks in unemployment since May 1929. These reports were issued largely in December and January, but some are for November and October. Two are as. recent as February. British Premier Hits Wage Cut Story The British Labor government did not authorize Montagu Norman, gov- ernpr of the Bank of England, to attempt to inter-jBt the American government and American industrial and financial leaders in an international wage-cutting campaign. That fact is definitely established by a cablegram which the editor of Labor received from Premier Ramsay MacDonald last week. . While Mr. Norman was in this country a few weeks ago, some newspapers persistently reported that he ■was telling those with whom he conferred that world conditions demanded a general lowering of wage levels, and intimating that his position had the support of the British Labor government. Mr. Norman did not take the trouble to deny these rumors. In an effort to get at the truth, Labor cabled Premier MacDonald, giving the substance of the newspaper reports, and adding: "American labor movement is opposing wage reductions with every resource at its command, holding that industrial" rehabilitation can only be achieved by the general adoption of higher' wages " aft- shorter hours. In the circumstances, the suggestion that Britain's Labor government is encouraging financiers and industrialists to inaugurate a wage-cutting campaign, is most unfortunate." Premier MacDonald promptly replied: "Statement alluded to in your cablegram is absolutely untrue." . Axel Spoke Ont of Turn Axel Nelson, Chicago, seeking a divorce, from his wife, was not making much progress until he told the judge .of how she had gone to the dog pound and brought home a nondescript mongrel which she named Axel. "Well, that's different," the judge exclaimed. "And not only that," continued Axel, "when she would call 'Axel, Axel,' and I would answer, she'd say: 'Not yon, I want the other dog'." "Divorce granted," /shouted the court; "next case." No wonder the Irish have a reputation for humor! They now tell us that they have found the "remains" of a king and queen that was buried 200 years ago. DOMINION OF CANADA 1931 CONVERSION LOAN The Minister of Finance of the Dominion of Canada offers to holders of the undernoled Dominion issues the privilege of exchanging their bonds into lunger dated issues, in the following terms and under the following conditions: "1. t This offer affords to. holders of bonds eligible for conversion, *'i the same interest payment and tax-free privileges, for the life J of and as contained in the present bonds, and the opportunity .1 of extending the term of the investment at 4' _•'; per annum. . • • WAR LOAh15% BONDS MATURING 1st OCTO- VICTORY LOAN }yi% BONDS MATURING BER, J93I—Holfferl of these bonds have the privilege of exchanging into bonds maturing 1st November, 1956, bearing interest from 1st April, 193-1.- The firef coupon will be for sir months' iax-free interest at the rate of 5% per annum payable 1st October, 1931; the second coupon will be for seven months' interest at the rate of Ayi%■ per-annum payable 1st May, 1932; thereafter to maturity interest will be payable half-yearly at 4 K % per annum. * RENEWAL LOAN i%% BONDS MATURING 1st NOVEMBER, 1932—Holders of these bonds have the privilege of exchanging into bonds maturing 1 st November, 1957, bearing 4 yi % interest payable half-yearly from 1st May, 1931. There , will also be attached to these bonds three adjustment-coupons payable respectively on 1st November, 1931, and 1st May and November, 1932, for additional interest at the rate of 1% per annum. 1st NOVEMBER, 1933—Holders of these bonds have the privilege of exchanging into bonds maturing 1st November, 1958, hearing -1 '..', interest payable half-yearly from 1st May, 1931. The first five interest coupons, being those to and including 1st November, 1933, will be tax-free. There will also be attached to these bonds five tax-free adjustment-coupons payable respectively on 1st November, 1931, and 1st May and November, 1932 and 1933, for additional interest at the rate of 1% per annum. VICTORY LOAN$yi% BONDS MATURING 1st NOVEMBER, 1934—Holders of these bonds have the privilege of exchanging into bonds maturing 1st November, 1959, bearing 4 >-_% interest payable half-yearly from 1st May, 1931. There will also be attached to these bonds seven adjustment-coupons payable respectively on 1st November, 1931, and 1st May and November, 1932,1933 and 1934, for additional interest at the rate of 1% per annum. Conversion applications im the terms of the foregoing are invited to a total of $230,900,000. Tb* Minister of Finance reserve?, however, tbe right to increase or decrease this amount at bis discretion. Subscriptions will be received and receipts issued by any branch in Canada of any Chartered Bank and by recognized Canadian, Bond Dealers and Stock Brokers, from whom may be obtained application forms and copies of tbe official prospectus containing complete details of tbe loan. Applications will not be valid on forms other than those printed by tbe King's Printer. ____ The subscription lists to the foregoing will open on llth May, 1931, and will close t at the discretion of tbe Minister of Finance. \ or before 23rd May, 1931, Department of Finance, Ottawa, llth May, 1931. • -^ ._**•** r\ Six THE LABOR STATESMAN Friday, May 15th, 1931 "S-HD B.C. PAYBOIIS" Help Each Other! Mrs. Martha Lennox, bereaved of her husband, sends us a letter on the good derived from buying home products. Her only son is on the payroll of a plant that sends some of its output to our plant and so, she writes, Pacific' Milk and other British Columbia industries indirectly are giving her son employment. Pacific Milk * Factory at Abbots, ord, B.C. 100 per cent. British Columbia Owned and Controlled & £ *_ _? At All Reliable Dealer, Union-Made Shoes CORNETT BROS A CLARK 33 BAST HASTINGS STBEBT ' rinrsheim, Strlders, C. B. A C. Men's and Youth's. WILLIAM DICK, LTD. Union. Label Shoes for Men -and -Youths; THE ONLY UNION MADE SHQE Bepair Pactorx la British Columbia, W. J. HEADS 30 WB8T COH.DOVA BT. SET. 8880 MEN'S SHOES FROM 81.95 UP. Fellow Unionists, demand the Union Label, Shop Card and Working Button, and patronise fair employers and employ UNION LABOR. UNION CAFES & MERCHANTS Seymour 3168 Always Open Empire Cafe and Grill ' y. Vancouver's Best . . Under Personal Management of HAROLD DEGG BOB KRAUSE 76 Hastings St. E., Vancouver, B. C. In the Labor Statesman of April 24th, I notice a mild criticism of the speech made in the HouSe by Wilfred Hanburft M.P. for Burrard. We may not agree with Mr. Hanbury's understanding of economics, but we must concede that in this day and age it requires a certain amount of courage for a politician to advocate reducing wages. I - will, however, try and analyze the part of Mr. Hanbury's speech where he outlined his solution for our economic difficulties. "There is today a greater variety and volume of commodities in the world than in any other time in history. This fortress of plenty is encircled by a magic wall, the component parts of which are machinery, science, transportation and communication. This wall is contracting day after day, and year after year, and in the process it is forcing the nations of the world into closer contact With each other, and each country into closer competition with all the others. To my Wind it is this contracting process which brought about; the upheavel known as the World War." In the rather figurative language in the foregoing, Mr. Hanbury is trying to say that because of the industrialization of the various countries of the world, and the extension and improvement of transportation and commercial facilities .that international competition is becoming more keen, and that it was this competition for world markets that.was the cause of the Great War of 1914- 1918. So far we are in agreement with Mr. Hanbury, but we will go farther, and say that all wars have had an economic cause. "During the past fifteen years the process has been accelerated, and particularly within the past few years*~aided"_y the restriction of exchange of commodities, until today the nations have contracted the disease we now call economic depression, which in turn is accompanied by a lower standard of living. That is where we are today. We have reached the position where this contracting process has brought us into economic competition with the other nations of the world, and Canada is being forced to accept the lower ,. I admit I cannot follow the logic of. my honorable friend from Burrard. His logic may be good, but I believe there is a flaw in his reasoning. Why tighten our belt-if we are going to have more purchasing power? And of what use will more and cheaper money be to the wage-worker if his 'wages are going to be reduced? All the purchasing power the worker gets is the money he receives in wages. Our friend from Burrard is going to reduce wages, freight rates, and taxes; in fact, he is going to reduce everything but profits. However, may I venture to say that the first step out of our difficulty is a reduction in profits. More of the total production of labor must to the workers as consumable goods, and less to capital in profits to be reinvested in industry here or somewhere else. I think it is quite correct to say that this is the convinced opinion of economists in every country of the worid. ''Only by 'tti'iiwr'Tiglicies-^Cari "we HAZELWOOD ICE CREAMH __310B-.T -JB-PBB OB_T,_H____t _OB...QKMAMJB_ Tgg CtTXI - PHONE: SEYMOUB 2090 r Hazelwood Creamery, Limited RED STAR DRUG STORE "The Mail Order Druggist" We Make a Special Effort to Get Ooo.s Ont bjr Hat Mall After Beeelpt of Your Order. COBNEB COBDOVA AjrB Ctllll.T, VANCOUVEB, B. O. * VANCOUVER'S LEADING UNION HOUSE 1 The New Orpheum Cafe Private Banquet Hall Prop.: Jas. P. Dwyer ~ 762 GRANVILLE STREET* PHONE: SEY. 3346 lower the cost of living and thereby reduce tnVcost of production, which would permit us~to blast our way with our lower prices into the markets of the world." Is "it not just possible that other nations, seeing that Canada had found a place in the sun by way of lower production- costs, might start reducing production- costs in their particular countries and industries, and is it not just possible that realizing how easy it was accomplished, the foreigner, stupid though lie may be, might follow our example and cut wages a little lower than ours, and thus capture our favored place in the world of trade and commerce. Of codrse, following Mr. Hanbury's reasoning to its logical conclusion, we could tighten our belt another hole or two and then some other na- Demand VAN BROS.1 PURE APPLE CIDER LIONS GINGER ALE or ORANGE KIST THE ONLY UNIOB SO_"T D_Un__* __»M IB TABOOir^B' PHONE: HIGH. 90 105S VERNON DRIVE .. E. HARRON Phone N. V. 134 . North Vancouver J. A. HARRON . Phone Fair. 134 55 Tenth Ave E. O. M. WILLIAMSON Phone Fair. 134 55 Tenth Ave. B. patron %rO0_ & WtlltantHon FUNERAL DIRECTORS 55 EAST TENTH AVENUE PHONE PAIR. 134 .ion-would go US otie better, aiij this j could continue until we were orettin-r' "Only Union Fish and Chips in British Colombia" Ye Olde English Fish & Chips Believing one remedy for unemployment la tha shorter work week, all onr girls are now working five days per week, without * reduction of wages. 44 HASTINGS WEST 8 Boon West Of "P-ntages" cess .was carried on over a long enough period of time, man might adapt himself to living without wages, and the perfect robot, which captains of industry have been looking forward to, would at last arrive. The flaw inMr. Hanbury's reasoning is quite common with people, not only with people in his walk of life, , , __,„__ —-.,.— • "Tu1 but with people in all walks of life, standard of living prevailing in the ■-_,,,_„_ . ■ • — countries with which no Z _S ... p we,,we.e _ettln«: required to meet needs of the people "__? iZ La"LJPo_!'bl.y ,f the _*** I of nearly all countries. It has been said on good authority that twenty we -compete." Here is some food for thought for those people who still believe that if foreigners are kept out of this country, and a high enough tariff erected to keep out manufactured goods, that everything will be quite satisfactory, but they always overlook the fact PERRY&DOLK Men's Tailors 18 Hastings Wast Room 33 that under our present economic system goods are produced for a world market, and prices in the world market are set by the country having the lokest cost of production. May I say this, and many people may not agree with me, that there can be nolrJuction profit in producing for a home mar- and miay we say quite natural. With the advent of capitalism—beginning with the invention of motive driven machinery—the need for new capital, to meet the ever-increasing demand of expanding industry, was almost unlimited. Capitalism virgin world. ■took over a five per cent, of the productive machinery of the United'States is sufficient to supply the needs of that country, and other countries are in about the same position. The, situation then that we find ourselves in is that the demand for new capital is falling off, because we cannot have unlimited expansion in a limited world. But unless there is new capital invested continually the medium of exchange, in the circulation of commodities, contracts with every complete revolution in. circulation. It would, therefore, appear that the only solution within the present sys- that had com* »n_ _ 5'vlIlzat'ons|tem would be that as there is not tiad come: and gone through the sufficient room at the moment for ket, and fo. this reason if the people ages had scarcely scratched the surface of the earth as far as its natural resources were concerned. With the advent of motive driven machinery a new world was opened up. New countries began to be exploited. Pro- _„,_••— increased by leaps "and The frontiers of civilization bounds. Wilson & McNeill Painters and Decorators Everything pertaining to tha trad*. 3018 V-CTOBIA DBIVB I Phones: High. 188 aad Tair. 4148-B Castle Hotel Limited Visit the Finest Parlors in Vanconver; seating 6*0. Meeting Place of Union Men I 750 Granville St., Vancouver Phone: Say. 7907 • •- ■—\*"'V'K";| were pushed back and back into new of any country were able to buy the;and newer territory. Machine pro- *"*"' "' duction was displacing handicraft everywhere. And we know that machinery, in production as it is carried on under our system, is capital INDEFS-n-BMT I.ABOB PABTT VANCOUVER BRANCH Chairman - - A J. Turner Secretary-Treas.. It. E. Tlmmlns 511 Drake Street Meets 2nd and 4 th Wednesdays ROOM 88 Williams Bloo.. Cobhib Or _BANVILL_ AND HASTINGS Membership Pee -81 Per Tear total produce of that country, it would mean that the producers in that country were receiving in wages the full product of their toil. So it follows in order that industry may make a profit, a certain proportion of the product of industry must be sold or disposed of in some country other than that in which it was produced. . "Where are we going? Within this fortress the groupswe* calLjia- tions are beginning to realize that the only cure for the prevailing disease is to break through the wall and thus be able to move forward to the promised land of international cooperation, with its shorter working hours and higher standard of living. To my mind that is where we are going. But the cure will take years, because' each nation is ineffectively attempting to bring it about by the erection of tariff walls to. protect itself from other nations." This paragraph is quite a gem of its kind. "The nations are beginning to realize that the only cure for the prevailing disease is to break through the wall and thus be able to move forward to the promised land of international co-operation." But every time they realize that the cure lies in co-operation, up goes the tariff wall another foot or two. I shudder to think what would happen if the nations should happen to realize that competition was the- cure. "How can we tighten our national belt? Frst, we must provide more purchasing power by more and cheaper money; second, we must reduce wages; third, we must' reduce freight rates, and, fourth, as a natural consequence after the flrst three are accomplished, we must reduce our taxes.* the re-investment of new .capital, that the consuming capacity of the people be increased by increasing purchasing power. This could be done by increasing wages. We'think that this would be a better way than reducing wages, as well fed, contented workers, it seems to us, would be much more efficient producers than ill-paid workers and possible, in that way, would lnwpr the **"«♦" at r»rpd"c- tion. And it is quite certain that other costs would be reduced, such as the cost of relief, sickness and crime. Dual Unions Attack Standar d Wages _ One of the most encouraging features during the present long c on- tinued depression has been the open support of many large employers of labor and others in responsible positions to the policy of maintenance of wage standards. In Canada fact, if we make certain allowances, for m_.htnW°rld' aS far as the need ahn_. m. 6ry WM .°.ncerned, was in about the same position as Russia is in today. But let us not delude ourselves with the idea that this new capital was the savings of thrifty souls who denier themselves the n^T °f *">uth in order that they might have a competence in their old nIiIt.isteon"ded1by ali that labor ap- _ weak-"' TW Ie?our"s Produces wage standards, in Canada, as in seein* that t_l xi!* the case and the United S*-*tes. this policy, so poorer ^JJh £"?"£„"! g*tting ?longl? Seated by organized one mu-Ap «__,*_* h._*y' some IaDor «>r mahy y*k*> nas received thatThL n.^S °pnat1^ t-he wealth , the -*■! endoi-atbVof responsible funceonsas^canTt-fh0'?'181 "ever governmental authorities, th_ Cana- moreZ.Prf.if_/ta!« be '.*; ?n<?ney <>r dian Miniatcr of Labor, the Hon. X™^ .„T' unt*- -1 i8 liter- Senator G. D. Robertson, having in ducinTmrp i__H*,he ?roc_M of Pr°- a recent public ^declaration stated & Zh„o_! ^ In ,that process'that this was no time for employers ware. ?ecpivp!? «.e Va Ue of the t0 reduce wa<Jes- As the period of the -_naair!n-..m»e-irePaC-m*-t °f * dePression lengthens, however, there produced,«d5?t.™_i d,iMd hlS'(\e* Uihas become noticeable a number of -ermed nrnfit Ln/' T.al_e_' w_ich are influences working towards a rever- otthe __£_**^d wl.,ch by the rules sion to old-time methods and declara- theeLfrnTtlg to_the owner of, tions are becoming more numerous, inftiatfvp „„/ .Ume'-becau(,e of his especially from financial and banking noted that 25 e-nt«*T)r"»e. ^Let it be'people, that drastic cuts in wages __•___! th. " lS la.r?ely the bollSied must W made before prosperity re- DeSir.,Ll°JaC\i.n^ ,ndu«try. (turns. It was not to be expected to th_PL„_f y "I that may be said, that any body of workers claiming dIp lfvi_T 5ary' the nu**n-_- of peo- to be trade unionists would join in nrnfit _,/ JkS? .ent' ■n,terest. "nd advocating such reactionary and th? t__5_ ei g Iess ant? less- while short-sighted methods as wage reduc- elsv to Lp th't1.*.""688"*.' ?° jt i8ition' bnt this National Ubor Coun- toUl of ^SnS, Vth* J_"? ■•' the8Uni cil of Toronto. Incorporated, which J°r-"L_r?d_uctl?n that ia available'is affUiated to the "All. Canadian i Congress of Labor," has established For ' Health, Strength and Beauty, eat our Whole Wheat Brown Bread. A wholesome body builder. Doctors recommend it. Fruit and Raisin Bread, Pastry and Meat Pies, Pumpkin Pies. THE ESTHER BAKERY Phone: Highland 1309 3728 HASTINGS St. EAST _ l *L_r8-_____ui "'-. »o avuii; ior re-investment is continually there 2g'mTe r-nft i^' *?***> _*__ this unenviable record. Notwitbrl folks as aurckly as time does from mere is mor« capital than is actually 1standing the fact that agreements I the older folk*. exist between the international building trade unions and their employers in Toronto, an appeal has been issued by the National Labor Council that same be abrogated and that agreements with, the national .unions be substituted, the bricklayers section of this so-called national body offering as an inducement a rate per hour 25 cents less than that prevailing for the craft in the city. Only a few weeks ago President Mosher of the All Canadian Congress of Labor, using the columns of a Montreal Sunday newspaper, quite properly denounced as sinister influences, all and sundry who lent their support to wage reductions. As the Secretary of the National Labor Council of Toronto has been for years President Mosher's chief organizer in the Canadian Brotherhood of Railroad Employees and his right hand man in the affairs of the All Canadian Congress of Labor, it becomes apparent that while blatantly denouncing wage reducing policies on the one hand the "All Canadian Congress" is prepared to embrace such a policy if that is the only method by which they can destroy international trade unions. Unfortunately, the Toronto incident is not an isolated one, it having been preceded by similar actions in which other crafts have been involved. The most despicable feataure is that the attack on established wage rates comes when it is becoming increasingly apparent that all the'strength which organized labor can command is needed to protect workers' standards of living. It is evident from this that the real interest of the workers is only secondary with the leaders of the All Canadian Congress to their determination to satisfy their personal ambitions and «lust for power.—Canadian Congress oJurnal. Money slips away from the young ii__ -- —r____ ' .j -» - m ■"'... Friday, May 15th/ 1931 THE LABOR STATESMAN Union Bakeries The London Bakery Gold Wheat Bread Fairmont 122. 439 7th A-r-r.-E Whan Batter Cakes and Pastries are Made, Well Make _Hnl Golden Role Bakery CO., _TD. , __. TWO ADDBBS8ES: 957 Granville St. > Sty. 8656 820 Robson St. - Say. 2641 The following firms have "No Agreement" with local unions affiliated with the Vancouver, New Westminster am District Trades and Labor Council Patronize those who patronize youl Bakeries McOavIn Ltd., 2106 W. Broadway. Taxicabi Commercial Taxi Cab Co. Chf-eker Taxicab Co.. Ltd. ;y Dairios / - Steves Dairy, 2024 West .mb. Crystal Dairy,. 1102 Commercial. Restaurants Chocolate Shop, Hastings St. National Lunch,, 778 Granville. Trocadero Cafe, tbt West Hastings St WsIBorf Cafe, 616 West Pender St White Lunches, Hastings-Gran ville. . Printers Clarke A Stuart Co.. Ltd., 560 Seymour Street. Murphy A Chapman, SOI Seymour St Rose, Cowan ft I-itta, 741 Seymour Street. J. W. Boyd. Ltd.. 112 West Hastings Street. . Tailors G. A. Collard, 603 West Hastings St. Orchestras %, National Juvenile Band. Theatre "The Ragged-Trousered *tt Tt* atttmnWnmWaaanalnatWi '"L l-M***" ■»■--• ro__ ...» CHAPTER XVIII. '0').: The Slaughter The lecture announced by Philpot was not delivered. The men had had not aeuverea. ine men nua nnu nis minim ana linger into nis waisi- irfeit of what they called poli___oat/pocket; but on each occasion !...<■I.I,... II..... 1....I ... ..,,.IU;_.^ -tran ........ I ..... ',,._ I.,I «,.,,. _*_ 1......1 ...il-li tics; besides they had something even more disagreeable to think about— the impending slaughter. y\ About three o'clock, in the after-] noon Misery arrived and informed all the hands with the exception of Crass, Owen, Slyme, and/Sawkins' that they would have to stand off that night. He told'-them that the firm.had several joBs in view, work they had tendered* for and hoped to get, and said they could look round . aftet Christmas and he might, possi- Ibly, be able to'start some of them t^gain. They wouldbe piaid at the office/tomorrow—Saturday—at one o'clock as usual, but if any of them wiShetf, they could have their money that night. The men thanked Him, and most of them .aid they would come for their wages, at ..the usual jpajr-ttme isMtfwpntd--Bail .ron_d7Tts~_e Avenue Theatre, 711 Main Street. Royal Theatre, East Hasting Street, Union Restaurants AMERICAN CAFE—796 Main St. ART'S LUNCH—-445 Abbott St. BLUE GOOSE CAFE—1043 Gran- villa. BAILEY'S CAFE—322 Cambie. BELL'S CAFE—69 Mi Ea.t Hastings. BELMONT CAFE—100© Blk. Gran- villa. BANCROFT'S CAFE—338 Hastings VV. BROADWAY CAFE—105 Hastings E. CENTRAL CAFE—608 Pandar W. COMMODORE CAFE—872 Granville St. DOUGLAS CAFE—S44 Main. EMPIRE CAFE—76 Hastings E.. FRED'S DAIRY LUNCH—72 Hast- ings W.GREEN MILL CAFE—41B Abbott. GOLDEN GATE CAFE—130 Hastings E. NEW GOOD EATS CAFE—619 Pender W. LEONARD'S CAFE—831 Granville. LIDO CAFE—732 Main St LOVE'S CAFE—823 Granville. NEW ORPHEUM CAFE—762 Gran- villa. OLYMPIC CAFE—720 Pandar W. PARAMONT __EAFE-r-iO® Graa- villa str__t7~ PETER PAN CAFE—1138 Granville. PRESIDENTS' CAFE—938 Granville St. PROVINCE CAFE—738 Main St. YE OLDE ENGLISH FISH * CHIP Restaurant No. 1—614 Robson. YE OLDE ENGLISH FISH tt CHIP Restaurant No. 2—44 Hastings W. EMPIRE CAFE—New Westminster. FRASER CAFE—New Westminster. MINTO CAFE—Naw Westminster. Classified Ads. BAiai-mas and soiao_ro__s Wallls W. fcefeanx, 4M Metropolitan BaJI81ng. Phone Bey. 8887. Dr. w. A. Hastings -team Baths lldoa 88e Only 788 Hastings Street Bast. '. DBBT18TS BuU.d.e, 108 Bastings Walt. MOTABT rHILIO tabor Bea-a-arters. Labor Statesman. Labor Headqnart-rs. BU-TUBB SPBOIA__B*r O. B. Heard 818 Bobeoa. suggested, after the holidays to see if t^ere was anything to do. In all, fifteen men, including Phil; pot, Harlow, Easton, and Ned Dawson, were to ''stand off." They took their dismissal stolidly, without any remark, some of them even with an affectation of indifference, but there were few attempts at conversation afterward; The little work that remained to be done was done in silence, everjj^man oppressed by the same. terror—the dread of the impending privation and unhappiness which they and their families would have to suffer during the next few months. Then they cleared up the place, loaded the handcart with paint pots and ladders and wheeled it down the road. At the corner they paused- to -take a last look at the "job." "There it stands! said Harlow, tragically, extending his arm toward the house. "There it stands! A job that, if -they'd only have let us do it properly, couldn't have been-' done with the number of 'amis we've 'ad in less than four months! And there it is, finished,, messed up, slobbered over, and scamped, in nine weeks!" ''Yes, and now we can all go to ell," said Philpot, gloomily. \' ■ . The next morning while Crass and Slyme were finishing inside Owen wrote on the two front entrance gates, "The Cave," and on the back, "Tradesmen's Entrance," in gilded letters. In the meantime Sawkins and Bert made several journeys to the yard with the handcart. Crass, working in the kitchen with Slyme, was very silent and thoughtful;—Ever since the job was started, every time Mr. Sweater had visited the house to see what progress was being made,. Crass had been grovelling to him in the hope of receiving a tip when the work was finished. He had been very eareful to act upon any suggestions that Sweater had made, and had taken a lot of trouble to get just the right tints of certain colors, making up a number of different shades and combinations, and doing parts of the skirtings or mouldings of rooms in order that Mr. Sweater might' see exactly what it would look like when finished. He made a great pretence of deferring to Sweater's opinion, and assured him that he did not care how much trouble he took_8_s_ long as he was pleased. As the work neared-eom- nletion - Crass began to speculate upon the probable amount of the donation he would receive as the reward of nine weeks of cringing, fawning, abject servility. He thought it quite possible that he might get a quid! It would not be' too much considering all the trouble he had taken. At any rate he felt certain that he was sure to get ten bob: a gentleman like Mr. Sweater would never have the cheek to offer' less. The more he thought about it the more improbable it appeared that the amount would be less than a quid, and he made up his mind that whatever he got he would take good care that none of the other men knew anything about it. He was the one who had had all the worry of the job, and he was the only one entitled to anything, there was to be had. Besides, by'the time'a quid was divided up among a dozen, or even two or three, it would'hot he worth having. At about eleven o'clock Mr. Sweater arrived and began to walk over the house, followed by Crass, who carried a pot. of paint ami a small brush and made believe to be "touching up" and finishing off parts of the work. As Sweater went from one room to another Crass repeatedly placed himself in the way in the hope of being spoken to, but Sweater took no notice1 of. him whatever. Once or twice .Grass's heart began to beat quickly, as he furtively watched the great/man and saw him thrust his thumb and finger into his waist- „ i. 1...+. _..* __ —i. ——-— Swe_ter^'withdrew his hand with .nothing in it' After a while, observ- jtng that the gentleman was about to part without having spoken, Grass determined to break the ice himself, "It's a tittle better weather we're 'aving, now, sir." "Yes," replied Sweater. "I was beginning to be afraid as I shouldn't be liable to git heverything finished in time for you to move in before Christmas, sir," Crass contin- used; "but it's hal done now, sir." Sweater made no reply. "I've kept the fires agoin' in hall the rooms, has you told me, sir," resumed Crass, after a pause. "I think you'll find as the place is nice and dry, sir; the honly places as is a bit damp is the kitching and scullery and the other rooms in the basement, sir, butrof-eourserihat's nearly halways the case, sir, when the rooms is partly hunder ground, sir. But, of course, it don't matter so much about the basement, sir," he continued, -"because it's honly the servants what 'as to use it, sir, and even down there it'll be hall right hin the sunt- mer, sir." One would scarcely have guessed from the contemptuous way in which Crass spoke" of "servants" that his own daughter was "in service." "Oh, yes; there's no doubt about that," replied Sweater as he moved toward the front door; "there's no doubt it will be dry enough in the summer. Good morning." "Good morning to you, sir," said Crass, following him. I 'opes as you're pleased with all the work, sir; everything satisfactory, sir." "Oh, yes, -T think it looks very nice; very nice indeed; I'm very pleased with it," said Sweater affably. "Good morning." "Good morning, sir," replied the foreman with a sickly smile 8. Sweater departed. , . . . Crass sat down dejectedly on the bottom step of the stairs, overwhelmed by the ruin of his expectations. When he returned to the kitchen, his mates, fully determined to get their share, eyed him keenly, although he had been careful not to mention his expectation of a tip. "What did 'e.give yer?" demanded Sawkins, going straight to the point. "Give Hie?" replied Crass. "Nothink!" Slyme laughed in a sneering, incredulous way, but1 Sawkins was inclined to be abusive. He averred that he had been watching Crass and Sweater and had seen the latter put his thumb and finger into his waistcoat pocket as he walked into the dining room followed by Crass. It took the latter a long time to convince them of the truth of his own account, but he succeeded at last, and they all three agreed that Old Sweater was a sanguinary rotter, and lamented over the decay of the good old-fashioned customs. CHAPTER XIX The " Pandoramer' I^v dint of much screwing and scraping Owen and Nora had managed to put enough by .for a little Christmas party for Frankie, to which Philpot and Bert White were also invited. Bert White had npt _mly_ are.pted--th_-^ritatlpn::t-^~the- Christmas party, but had promised to bring his home-made "Pandoramer" with him, to entertain the other guests. It was, as he explained, "a show, like what they have at the Hippodrome"; and he supplied his own orchestra in the shape, of a mouth organ. Although the party was not to begin till six o'clock, Bert turned up at half-past four, bringing the "Pandoramer" under his arm. At about half-past five the other guests began to arrive. Elsie and Charley Linden came first, followed by Nellie, Rosie, and Tommy Newman. Then Philpot arrived with two large paper bags full of oranges and nuts, and after tea he started a fine game, pretending to be a dreadful wild animal which he called a "Pan- droculus." He wore a funny mask out of one Ot the crackers, and, crawling about on all fours, rolled his goggle e^es and growled out that he must have a little boy or girl for his supper. He looked so terrible that, although they knew it was only a joke, they were almost afraid of him and ran away laughing and screaming- to shelter themselves behind Norma or Owen- But, all the same, *whenever Philpot left off playing they entreated hint to "be it again," and so he had to keep on being a "Pendroculus" until exhaus tion compelled him to return to his natural form. After this Bert created a diversion by standing on a chair and announcing that he was about to introduce to their nntirp "Rprr Whit.p'_ Wnrlrl to their notice "Bert White's World Famed Pandoramer,* as exhibited before, all the nobility and crowned heads of Europe, England, Ireland, and Scotland, including North America and* Wales.*'''—-——i r- Loud Cheers greeted the conclusion of Bert's speech. The box was placed on the table, which was then moved to the end of the room, and the chairs were ranged in two rows in front. .'; The "Pandoramer" consisted of a stage front made of painted cardboard and fixed on the front of a wooden box about three feet' long by two .feet six inches high and about one foot deep. The "show" consisted of a lot of pictures cut out of illustrated weekly papers and pasted together, end to end, so as to form a long strip of ribbon. Bert had painted all the pictures with water colors. Just behind the wings of the stage front, at each end of the box, was an upright roller on which the long strip of pictures was rolled. The upper ends of the rollers came through the top of the box and had handles attached to them. When these handles were turned the pictures passed across the stage, unrolling from one roller and rolling on to the other, and were illuminated by the light of three candles placed behind. The idea of constructing this machine had been suggested to Bert by a panorama entertainment he had been to see some time before. "The style of the decorations," he remarked, alluding to. the painted stage-front, and inspired by memories of "The Cave" drawing-room, "is Moorish." * He lit the candles at the bank, and, having borrowed a tea-tray from Nora, desired the audience to take their seats, and imitating the manner of the lecturer at the panorama entertainment before mentioned, began us follows: "Ladies and Gentlemen: With your kind permission I ah about to hin- terduce to your notice some pitchers of events in different parts iVf'ltlt) world. As each pitcher appears on the stage I will give a short explanation of the subjects; and afterward the band will play a suitable collection of appropriated music, consisting of hymns and all the best and most popular songs of the day, and the audience is kindly requested to join in the chorus. "Our first scene," continued Bert, as he turned the handles and brought the picture into view, "represents the docks at Southampton. The magnificent steamer which you see Tying alongside the shore is the ship which is waiting to take us to foreign parts. As we have already paid our fare we will.now go on board and set sail." As an accompaniment to the picture Bert played the tune of "Good- by, Dolly, I Must Leave You," and by the time the audience had finished singing the chorus he had rolled on another scence', which depicted a dreadful storm at sea, with a large ship evidently on the point of foundering. The waves were running mountain high and the inky clouds were riven by forked lightning. To increase the terrifying effect Bert rattled the tea-tray and played "The Bay of Biscay," and the children sung the chorus while he rolled the next picture into view. This scene showed the streets of a large city; mounted police with drawn swords were dispersing a crowd; several men had been ridden down and were being trampled under the hoofs of the horses, and a. number of others were bleeding profusely from wounds on the head and face. "After a rather stormy passage we arrive safely at the beautiful city of Berlin, in Germany, just in time to see a procession of unemployed workmen being charged by the military police." As an appropriate musical selection, Bert played the tune of a well- known song, and the children sang the words; *> "To be there! .to be .there I Qh, I knew what it; was to be there! And when they tore me clothes. Blacked me eyes and broke me nose. Then I knew what it was to be ■• there!" S5 -,., ■ _M TTiirrng ,ffi?~ aitiging" H_f|: t_rnp_T the handles backward and again brought on the picture of the storm a sea. » - • " "As we don't want to get knocked on the 'ed, we clears out of Berlin as soon as we can, while we're safe, and once more embarks on our gallant ship, and, after a few more turns of the 'andle, we.fi.nd ourselves back once more in Merry 11 ingland, where we see the inside of a blacksmith's shop with a lot of half-Starved women making iron chains. They work seventy hours a week for seven shillings. Our next scene is hintitled 'The Hook and Eye Carders.' 'Ere we see the inside of a room in Slum- town, with a mother and three children and the old grandmother sewin' hooks and eyes on cards to be sold in drapers'shops. It Se_ underneath the pitcher that-384 hooks and 384 eyes has to be joined together and sewed on cards for one penny." While the picture was being rolled away the band played and the children sang with great enthusiasm: "Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves! •' _" Britons never, never, never shall be slaves!" "Our next picture is called 'An Englishman's Home.' 'Eere we see the inside of another room in Slum town, with the father and mother and four children sitting down to dinner:—bread and drippin' and tea. It ses underneath the pitcher* that there's thirteen millions of people in England always on the verge of starvation. These people that you see in the pkcher_mighthe ablel to .ge__a better dinner than this if it wasn't that most of the money wot the bloke earns 'as to go to pay the rent. Again we turns the 'andle and presently we comes to another very beautiful scene, 'Early Morning in Trafalgar Square.' 'Ere we see a lot of Englishmen who. have been sleepin' out all night because they ain't got no 'omes to go to." As a suitable selection for this picture Bert played the tune of a music hall song, the words of which were familiar to all the youngsters, who sang at the top of their voices: "I live in Trafalgar Square, With four lipns to guard me. Pictures and statutes all over the __ * place, ~ . . Lord Nelson, staring me straight in the face. Of course it's rather draughty, But still I'm sure you'll agree, If it's good enough for Lord Nelson, It's quite good enough for me." (Continued next week) EDMONTON CARPENTERS AGREEMENT RENEWED General contractors of Edmonton have renewed their agreement with Local No. 1326, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, the same rate of wages to prevail as last year and no change in working conditions, DeL Mogridge told the Edmonton Trades and Labor Council at its meeting on Monday night in the Lt- bor Hall. He stated that, the local corpenters had received very valuable assistance from Mr. Pat Green, international organizer of the Brotherhood and also from the president and secretary of the Edmonton Trades Council. OPPOSE WAGE CUT Portland, Ore.—Organized street car men oppose a 10 per cent wage reduction that is being urged by. the local traction company. The company, last year, secured a 10-cent fare to pay a 4 per cent wage increase. The present wage reduction demand was unanimously rejected by 1,700 employees. /! —_y_- /C w THE LABOR STATESMAN Fritfejr, May iSth, 1931 DICK'S $250,000 MAY SALE OTBB-T.T.a blue denim bib overalls or jumii- jumiii-r*--.: Union-made; '_*___ per garment 1.95 OVEBA__S— Master Mechanic, Union-made, blue denim big overalls or jumpers; regular ta.25; ^ per garment......-.*. 1.65 CABPEKTIM' OVERALLS— Miistr-r Mechanic, Union-made, standard weight; regular ^ (2.50. Sale special 1.95 DEACOK WOU SKIRTS— Blue chambrays or denims* also khaki drills; full cut; triple stitch; values to $1.75;- ' Sale special .95 Yonr money's Worth or Your Money Back HASTIWOB AT HOMER For Printing QUALITY. SPEED AND SERVICE done in a Union Shop, send your printing to A. H7 Timms 236 14th Ave. E., Vancouver Fair. 206 offi*- Fair. 1372 we Import All Onr Woollens Direct i Bo Two Salts Alike I Hartle Bros., Ltd. . TAILORS THE HIGHEST GRADE OP CLOTHING MADE. A Bpsela) Department for Uniforms as ■applied to tb* City and ... ». O. Electric 883 IBTHOm At., VAMCOtrVER (Opposite Hudson's Bay) IB OWE! SEY. 1790 NEW SHOES Povfiaa FOR OLD! *"• —Bring 'em In on yonr way to work, and call for them on the way home. FraserShoeRepairCo. "Better Repairs for Lees" 191 Ea«t Kaetlaft (Opp. Library) mm "Iwanna" 5c ^8ar 100% Union Mad*' Also a for 35o am i for asa O. J. Oirntrd, prop, Kurt* ft Oo. For sale at K. A. Morris Cigar Store, 435 West Hastings. Union Label on Request H. F. ST0RRY & CO. TAILORS Style. Fit ahd Workmanship Guaranteed A. B. Vitl-IT, Associate Seymour 1383 . 6B3 Granville St. (Upstairs) The fight in Detroit to remove the private motorbus company from its streets is fast developing under the leadership of Mayor Murphy. An interesting side light has been exposed that at least two of the Detroit street railway commissioners are stockholders in the motorbus company.' • The Labor Government of Australia Is going to put a referendum to the electors requesting sweeping powers to overcome the present economic crisis. All the capitalistic forces have- organised to beat the government and thty will now have a battle royal. Lend Me Your Eyes! (By BILL) Prosperity. 'Years ago old-fashioned we used to have the parson who preached those "curse of gold" sermons, and who gave the hanker and moneyed men the devil of a roasting. _ If a banker heard the sermon he would feel like a bum, and if a bum heard it he would feel like a banker. In fact, he wopld assure them that to make a lot'of money, was the work of the devil. _.___ . a a * I believe the old parson waa fight, because 1 find you have to work like the devil to make it. However, we have a new bunch of preachers in Vancouver; they are not parsons but xbnt»c'_irv-»n--Aey:-ai'e-^>reachin*j*- Labor Party Will - Contest E. Hamilton Alderman H. Mitchell will be Labor's standard-bearer at the federal by-election in East Hamilton, which Ottawa despatches state will take place on July 2nd. Mr. Mitchell is chairman of the Provincial Executive of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada and corresponding secretary of the Hamilton and District Trades and Labor Council. - In accepting the nomination of the East Hamilton Labor Party and the I. L. P. Central Branch, Aid. Mitchell said: "I have no illusions of the strain the campaign will entail. It won't be any picnic. It is absolutely essential that if you hope to carry the seat you must remember that in making your choice tonight you have only just begun." . At the early part of the convention the delegates agreed to assess each member $1. The.money raised will.be used toward providing the $200 election deposit- and election expenses. "If we believe in the Labor movement-those who are working steady and can afford it will subscribe $5," said Controller Lawrence, adding that he woijld guarantee $50. the gospel that wages must be re duced. They are only a few but they are spreading the propoganda and. doing all the damage. These few, who are still living in the dead feudalists past, have no doubt been listening to ravings and whisperings of some, of 'our financial houses and gouging bankers, who claim wages must come down. - - * « « • ,_■ * ■it Js hard to understand why these reactionary few should create trouble at this particular time,' especially when the whole civilized world, and' the ablest and most profound students in all groups of society, are trying to find a way out of this awful and most serious nightmare of unemployment. These few seem determined to hinder any move being made for the laying-of plans-for the future, because of the experience gained at present, to eliminate, as far as possible, or to reduce to a minimum these periods of the cycles of industrial depression which create so much unemployment. * » • We have in Vancouver some of the sub-building trades who have entered into agreements and worked most harmoniously with their employers and been able to secure better working conditions, including the five-day week and other conditions which help to, preserve the higher standard of life and living. In spite of the trials and tribulatnons that our people are undergoing today in this great industrial panic that we are passing through,J____i_______fr_ii_have been able to uphold conditions. '. This has been accomplished because of the fine relationship and cooperative spirit between the employ er and employee, which is so necessary and which is growing more universal with all the human elements that compose these trades, and the employees appreciate this co-operation on the part of the employers, the vast majority whom are fair to us and realize, more so today than at any time in history, that if we ever hope to protect and elevate the particular industry, it can only be done by co-operation and collaboration together. - However,-on—the other hand, we have, as I mentioned previously, a few general contractors who are are not content with creating the worst conditions possible for their own employees, but. they continually . keep preaching to the sub-trade contractors, who have agreements with their employees and who have worked in a co-operative spirit, that they must lower the wage scale and try to con-, vince them that the five-day week is all wrong. • « * It is the duty of.the worker1 to aid all those who are standing with us to maintain our wage and working conditions. It will be necessary to use the best statesmanship within our command, and the most profound business ability must' be displayed, in a reasonable and rational manner, to be able to successfully overcome this troublesome minority who are trying to wreck the achievements that have been secured and which are so necessary for our higher standard of living. It is hard to understand the economic heretical actions of these reactionary employers and others engaged in finano. and industry, especially in the great progressive day when the vast majority of the great leaders of finance and industry has declared and are on record to maintain the higher wage so as to preserve the higher standard of living, and at the same time aid Shorter Work Week Has Economic Value Washington.:—"The five-day week would be of vast economic value, as billions of dollars would be placed in circulation,'' said Ethelbert Stewart, commissioner United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in discussing shorter working time. "There are 19,000,000 wage earners in the country and there are many industries which could adopt the five-day week without the slightest inconvenience, much less up- heavel," said the statistician. "Many industries and many establishments have already taken up the shorter working week and found it practical. The business depression has given momentum to the movement toward a five-day week, which was already fairly well established. Like every industrial change it is found in spots." Mr. Stewart.said that the transportation industry would benefit probably in all its phases with a weekend embracing two full days and a half. He cited the increased use of gasoline as an effect of the change. "If only half the approximately 26,000,000 car owners would use only two gallons more of gasoline per week because of their larger amount of leisure," he said, "they would spend some $200,000,000 for this additional moto rfeul in a year." E Vancouver Drug Company (1928) limited DRUGS AT CUT PRICES We hare 42 Graduate Pharmacists ln onr employ endeavoring1 to *(ive 'conscientious service. Hake a purchase at one of our stores and note the QUALITY. SERVICE and SAVINO. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SPECIALS—MAY 16th aad 18th 3.00 Ladles' Syringe ... 1.88 .8.-> Poekct Combs _ f£ .18 If. and :>:, Sun Visors 10 aad .18 ,2fi l>r. Reld'sTollodlrie (for euts and wounds) 14 1.30 Virol; 16-oz -.... 1.08 2.50 C.laxo 1.88 .25 Nail Scrub _..: .14 .50 D.;-r.eld's Blsmuthnted Magnesia Powder or Tablets....\ J3PI .10'Skintonlc Soap....... ..:8-for .19 \l4 ....... .07 34 >.'_ .25 Cedarnaptha Flakes 15 Mpth Balls, per lb;.... 60 Clem Biases WB SAVE YOU MONEY. ,50 Dr. Reld'a Syrup of Pigs........ .38 .25 .yerst'fl A. R 8. & C. Tablets, 100a 14 .40 Modart Writing Pad .23 .15 Modart Envelopes .08 .50 Or. Reld's Royal Mange Remedy . .............. .88 .15 William's Matine Violet Soap - 8 for .14 .50 Playing Cards 31 .50 Heating's Insect Powder .32 TE-.EFHOBB TOUBt WANTS VANCOUVEB'S OWN DRUG STOBES—SIXTBBB XV THE OITY AT YOUB SERVICE! \ B.C.BARBER SUPPLY & SUNDRIES, LTD. 64 HASTINGS STREET WEST..VANCOUVER, B. C. 'HONEi TRINITY S717 Z BIG VALUES IN SHAVING SUPPLIES FOR MEN $4.3- T-winplex -Stropper $3.50 Twinplex. Blades (5) .50 Twinplex Shaving Cream... .35 All for $2.98 ,',., -,'~ Blade Wijier Free! Williams Shaving Cream. ----.35. _5c Williams Talcum Free! Colgate's Tooth Paste, 2 for JS- 50c Tooth Brush Free! Prep Trial Size .10 B.iscolcne After-shave .35 Shaving Stick Refill Friee! Lifebuoy Shaving Cream ■ M 10c Styptic Pencil Freeh $1.00 New 6*fett- '-Ra-flr ..'.;.:., .*». Vinolia Shaving Cream * .25 Pal Blades (Packet of S) _» Red Head Blades (Packet 5) .25 Aqua Velva (ltt-o_.) 10 Harris' Hair Tonic Eradicates Dandruff, $1.00 and $1.50 J: UNION TAXI CABS LOCAL 464 All members are asked to attend all meetings pf the Local for the next few months. Many interesting events are being recorded, and under the presidency of Jimmie Mitchell, short, snappy meetings are the order of the day. Last meeting our attendance was over 150—try, and make it 200. Next meeting Friday, GRAY CABS LOWEST RATES IN VANCOUVER No Charge for JExtra Pastaagars. Union Drivers. You only pay for distance you actually travail SEY. 7131 B. C. MOTOR TRANSPORTATION LTD. Manitoba L L P. To 7- -Hold Convention May 22nd. Secretary Bengough of ^«S^S*-J^ hi*tor* oi the Trades and Labor Council has been asked to address our next meet ing. • LLP. Notes Membership in the Burnaby an- South East branches of the Indepen dent Labor Party is growing rapid! and the movement there is Hi a ver: healthy condition. In an effort t create even more interest, the I. Lj P. Players have been persuaili--] to put their play on' at the Memorial Hall at Kingsway and Joyce Road on Friday evening, May i22nd. Tickets can be obtained from members or at the door. Same prices: Adults, 35c; childrenTTt-. Save this date and bring some friends. ,* '■■■ • • » ** . „. / Women's Moating A women's meeting of labor sympathizers will be held in Room 39, Williams Building, Hastings and Granville, on Thursday, May 22nd. All interested in labor subjects are invited to attend. e ■ <e- e ■ Municipal Elections A joint meeting of the Vancouver branches is being arranged to select candidates- for the next municipal elections. Date and place of meeting will-be announced later. J-. The I, L. P./oi Manitoba will hold their annual convention on Saturday and Sunday,' May 16th and 17th, in the Fort .Rouge Labor Hall, Winnipeg. . / x -. i The annual convention will devote the Saturday evening session to a dramatic and musical entertainment in bringing back the full measure of prosperity that is so necessary for the progress and happiness and well- being of all the people. These reactionary employers are not only a menace to the peace and prosperity of our country, but, in tile last analysis, they are their own worst enemies. the local Labor movement. The Progressive Players, the, dramatic society of the I. L. P. have organized programme of four one-act plays: "Those Men," "The Cave Man," "The Hammer," and "Those Women." These, with a varied musical programme, will provide an excellent evening's entertainment. ' ' " -The-youthful'bandit of Fort Francis will not get the 20 lashes but will serve his five years sentence. J. S. Woodsworth was the man that started the protest against this vicious sentence on a mere lad and the powers at Ottawa also agreed in this case. —— British Lords Warned; Is Tory Sub-committee London, England.—The historic feud between the House of Commons and the House of Lords has | been re-opened by the letter's refusal to approve a land allotment j bill, passed by the House. The Dill, if made --".""would- permit ' the government to seize vast I estates, and divide them into small | parcels which could be tilled by unemployed. The lords are charged j with protecting playgrounds and foxhunting areas for the landed gentry. Premier MacDonald indicates that the old policy of appointing lords to offset Conservative influence in the | hereditary house will be abandoned, and that there is a possibility that the House of Lords, as an institution, will be wiped out In a recent speech he declared that the upper house is a subcommittee of Tory headquarters. .... A Texas cow has been sitting up in a tree for three day.. Now boys, see how far-reaching your recently required bad habit has- extended to! 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 SiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiimiuiiiiiiiiMHiiiuu: 1 Fraser Wet Wash Laundry I — PHONE; FAIRMONT Ifill 5 ■ NO. 1 SERVICE WET WASH :....:.. ..« lbs. for 60c E 1 NO. 2 WITH FLAT PIECES IRONED _._..„...,....ll lbs. for 75c I ^11 ■ 1 ■ 11111 1111111111 1111 ■ 11 ■ 11111 ■ I ■ 11111 f 111111 ■ 1 ■ 11111111 ■ 1111111111 ■ I ■ 111111111 .*= ""?.
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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Vancouver, B.C. : Vancouver and District Labour Council
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