the substitute with the original bill, but the amendment was defeated, which practically makes it lawful for railway companies to use negroes as head brakemen.

House Bill No. 108, by Mr. Kilpatrick.-To amend Section 9007 of the General Code to include all employes of a railroad company and to limit the number of hours they are to work consecutively. This bill was referred to the committee on Labor who failed to report on it. It was opposed by railroad officials and certain men posing as representatives of labor.

The measure provided that railroad companies should not permit a conductor, engineer, fireman, brakeman or trainman on a train, or telegraph operator, switchman, flagman, crossing tender, section hands, baggagemen or other employes

who had worked as such for twelve consecutive hours, again to go on duty or perform work until they had at least eight hours' rest, except in cases of detention of trains caused by accident.

House Bill No. 138, by Mr. Bell -This bill was referred to the committee on labor, which reported same for passage as amended.

This measure, as you are aware, was endorsed by our State Board and I took a keen interest in same. With the exception of the Employers' Liability and Workmen's compensation bills, it had more hearings than any other. The bill was bitterly opposed by the officials of every railroad entering the State and many operating officers journeyed from New York, Pennsylvania, and Indiana to enter their protest. It was also opposed by various chambers of commerce and manufacturing concerns throughout the State. Representatives of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers openly opposed it and gave for their reason that a similar measure had been introduced at Washington, D. C.

After the bill had been amended to meet some of the objections raised, the same vigorous protest was renewed which delayed its progress. The steering committee, consisting of Messrs. Russel, Langdon, Nye, Calvey, Gusweiler, Erwin and Evans of Stark County who resigned later, advanced the bill and placed it on the special calendar, and the same would I believe have passed the House May 4, 1911, had it been pushed by the newly appointed steering committee, consisting of Combs, Friebolu, Gotshall, Gibbs, Crist, Langdon and Russel. It therefore was not passed.

Certain conductors worked in an underhand way to defeat this bill as well as others beneficial to railroad men. I am

sure the Legislative Board of the O. R. C. did not pay them. Who, then, paid their time and expenses at Columbus, O., during the entire session of the Legislature?

The measure was intended to provide for the safety of employes and travelers upon railroads by requiring railroad com

House Bill No. 451, by Mr. Colter.-Relating to trespassing upon railway tracks. This bill was referred to the committee on Cor porations, which reported it for passage. Failing to reach it in its regular order it was lost. Attempts have been made repeatedly to enact such legislation, one effect of which would, in my opinion, be to prevent union men from picketing during a strike. The author of the bill is a member of the B. of L. E.

House Bill No. 538, by Mr. Reynolds of Franklin -To amend Section 13154 and 13155 of the General Code, relative to the use of name or seal of labor unions was passed. It was introduced to put a stop to the abuse of union labels and increases the penalty for fraudulent use of same.

Senate Bill No. 2, by Mr. Reynolds of Cuyahoga. -To provide for the election of judicial officers by separate ballot. This bill was passed.

There is much I could say about this measure, but space will not permit. By referring to my last report, page eight, there will be found a complete explanation of same.

Senate Bill No. 11, by Mr. Green.-To amend certain sections of the General Code, relating to the preservation of the health of female employes in manufacturing, mechanical and mercantile establishments.

This bill was passed. It had several public hearings and some of the lowest sort of tactics were used to defeat it. This is one of the bills which the grand jury investigated concerning bribery charges. Senator Green is to be complimented for the diplomatic manner in which he handled the bill.

Senate Bill No. 15, by Mr. Green.-Provides for, the nomination and election of delegates to the constitutional convention on a non-partisan ballot.

This bill was referred to the committee on Judiciary. It was bitterly opposed on the ground that it conflicted with the constitution. So determined was the opposition that the bill was not reported out until April 3d, nearly three months after its reference. An amendment by Senator Green, providing a method whereby the liquor question could be kept separate and apart from the great questions which will confront the convention was put and carried after considerable debate. The bill finally passed both the Senate and House.

This is one of the best measures enacted by the Seventy-ninth General Assembly. It gives labor in Ohio an oppor

tunity to unite on good men for delegates to the convention regardless of party affiliation, men who will guard the interests of the toilers in the making of a new constitution.

Organized labor should at once get busy and see to it that the right kind of candidates are nominated, and that being done they should unite at the polls and elect those pledged to labor's constitutional convention platform.

The convention will be called upon to provide for the initiative, referendum and recall and we sincerely trust the delegates will report a progressive constitution, placing labor on an equal with capital in the enactment of laws for the betterment of conditions and the preservation of lives. We also trust that the report of the delegates will be so broad and fair that the people will not hesitate to adopt it.

Senate Bill No. 32, by Mr. Krause.-To amend Section 3650 of the General Code, relating to the power of municipalities to abate any nuisance.

This bill was passed. It has quite a history. It was introduced last session and lost. It seems that the Cuyahoga delegation were determined to abate the smoke nuisance. The measure they proposed was very drastic and would have our enginemen in jail the greater part of the time. The bill was amended to

exempt locomotive smoke and provides punishment only when it can be absolutely proven that the enginemen were careless.

Great pressure was brought to bear on the governor by various chambers of commerce to veto it, but an equal amount of resistance loomed up from railway organizations which placed the governor in a tight place, and he chose the lesser of the two evils and allowed the bill to become a law without his signature.

Senate Bill No. 52, by Mr. Haas, known as the Loan Shark Bill.-This bill was introduced for the protection of the wage-earner from loan sharks who continually prey on the poor and unfortunate.

it passed the Senate by a unanimous vote; it also passed the House without a dissenting vote. Labor has worked for the passage of this measure through three sessions of the Legislature and finally rewarded by its being enacted into a law.

was

Many insurance measures were introduced, copies of which I forwarded to the Grand Lodge for an opinion. Only H. B. No. 398 by Mr. Tidrick affected our organization, provided the contemplated move to Cleveland becomes effective. Upon suggestions of Brothers Carter and Hawley the bill was so amended as to relieve fraternal societies. Following is a copy of the amendment: "Except fraternal organizations that write insurance only on people engaged in a single hazardous occupation."

Workmen's Compensation Act.

Senate Bill No. 127, by Mr. Green.-To create a State insurance fund for the benefit of injured employes.

This bill is better known as the GreenThomas Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation Act. Introduced in both Senate and House and after passing through a score of committees, being subjected to the consideration of a conference committee because of the inability of the Senate and House to agree on certain amendments, it finally became a law.

Senator Holdren voted against it.

After several hearings and bitter arguments against it the measure passed the House.

The amendments were disagreed to.

The members of the House who voted against it are: Messrs. Canfield, Colter, Connolly, Cooper, Gardner, Huber, Irvin, Lewis, Lowry of Henry, Miller, Morris, Muhlbach, Reid, Smith of Muskingum, Vaughan, White of Sandusky, Whittemore, Woodrow-18.

My last report, page 31, mentions that the Legislature authorized the governor to appoint a commission to inquire into Employers' Liability and other matters. Brother Winans, Representative of the B. of R. T., had the honor of being appointed as a member of that commission and after months of careful study reported to the Seventy-ninth General Assembly what is known as the Minority report, being unable to agree with the majority due to their unfairness to labor and much credit is due him for having this law on our statute books.

It provides for the payment of 10 per cent. by the employe and 90 per cent. by the employer. It insures every workman who is in the employe of an employer that has contributed to the fund to the amount of $3,400.00 to be paid in weekly installments of two-thirds of the wages; in addition it allows $200.00 for hospital services and medicines; also $150.00 for funeral expenses and should an employe be permanently injured for life he will receive two-thirds of his wages for life.

To compel the employers to join the insurance fund, the bill takes away all their common law defenses of assumed risk, fellow servant and contributory negligence. So that if an employe or his representative is compelled to sue to recover damages for death or injuries, he is certain of getting a reasonable compensation from the courts. Should the accident be caused by the willful act or any violation of the law by the employer the employe can choose, whether to sue under the Metzger or Norris laws or take the insurance.

It is estimated that the 10 per cent. ccst of the premium to the employe will never exceed $1.00 per year, and while we did all in our power to eliminate this 10 per cent. charge on the toiler, I do not anticipate that our members

will object to paying this amount for an accident insurance of $3,400.00.

It should be remembered that there will be no benefits allowed for the first week after the injury is received, except for medical, nurse, hospital services and medicine, not to exceed $200, and for funeral expenses not to exceed $150. This is in addition to all other allowances.

In case of permanent total disability the awards will be paid at the rate of 663 per cent. of the average weekly wage, and will continue until the death of such person.

Wholly dependent persons at the time of the death of the injured employe will receive 663 per cent. of his weekly earnings, same to continue for the remainder of the period between the date of injury and six years thereafter, and not to exceed $3,400.00 nor be less than $1,500.00. In case of temporary or partial disability the injured employe will receive 663 per cent. of the impairment of his earning capacity during the continuance thereof, not to exceed a maximum of $12.00 per week nor to less than a minimum of $5.00 per week, except in case where the employe's wages were less than $5.00 per week, then he will receive his full wages, but not to continue in any case longer than six years from date of injury, nor to exceed a maximum of $3,400.00.

I am pleased with the action of the Seventy-ninth General Assembly in passing the Green-Thomas Workman's Compensation Act. It is, in fact, one of the best labor measures that has ever been placed upon the statute books of the State of Ohio. It is most gratifying to me to report that the governor and members of the General Assembly took a very keen interest and showed a strong desire to have a suitable workman's compensation act passed.

It should be remembered that all waste and uncertainty have been eliminated, and that all injured employes, regardless of fault and negligence, will be fairly compensated, and we do not believe that it will be any more expense to industries than they are now bearing.

It is true that this act is not complete, but a fair trial and experience will show what changes should be made.

House Bill No 48, by Mr. Crosser.-Provides for the initiative and referendum for cities.

This bill was referred to the committee

on elections, which reported it back February 10th and recommended its passage. After a hard fight it passed the House. The Senate amended the bill to increase the percentage on the initiative from 15 to 30 per cent. and the referendum from 8 to 15 per cent. and the bill passed.

House Bill No. 440 providing for the Oregon plan of electing United States senators by direct nominations and popular election was passed.

In closing I wish to say that my experience as your representative teaches

me that nothing substantial can be achieved for the improvement of the condition of the working classes, and better protection in their employment, without untiring efforts and co-operation. While all was not accomplished that we desired during this session of the Legislature, it is felt that we were as successful as might be reasonably expected under existing circumstances. It is very difficult to combat the opposition of railroad corporations in legislative matters, with their high salaried lobbyists, amongst whom are to be found men from the ranks of organized labor who sell their souls for a small pittance. They can be opposed successfully in but one way, namely, by the proper use of the "ballot." It is a bold assertion, but nevertheless true, that only the fear of defeat for re-election influences many of our legislators to finally record their vote in favor of legislation beneficial to the toilers.

I wish to express my appreciation of the favors that I received in the consideration and passage of bills in which we were interested. Those of whom I wish to make special mention in this connection are the members of the General Assembly, Lieutenant-Governor Nichols, and Speaker Vining for their fairness in considering our bills; the Senate and House attaches for the courteous treatment received; Brother Winans, Representative of the B. of R. T., and Bro. Ike Byrum, of the Ohio Federation of Labor, the Executive Board of our organization for the valuable assistance rendered me in the performance of my duties; Brothers Carter, Hawley, Dickson and McNamee for their assistance and advice, and last, but not least, the members of our lodges.

Again thanking the Legislative Board and the membership generally throughout the State for the support given me In performing my duties, and trusting that my efforts have, in some degree, proved beneficial to our organization, and with best wishes I will close, wishing you one and all a full measure of success.

R. B. ACKERMAN, Legislative Representative.

But They Don't Wear the Union Label.

Have read about all on the "boomer question" appearing in recent issues. Would say as to criticisms of the brother of 477 that I do him the justice to believe that he did not mean that every man out of employment and traveling from place to place is a boomer. If in a sense all such are to be so regarded, then there are two classes.

A man of the second class I would term a typical boomer, for as a rule he makes his way in the world traveling around. He strikes a job and gets a

never be expected to provide for those who are wilfully otherwise.

Let me here again say with emphasis that I by no means regard or class all brothers who travel as boomer-far from it. Many men are victims of circumstances and are compelled to go seeking employment, and to such I have never yet failed to lend a helping hand, and expect to continue to do so in the future.

True it is that I have never traveled much, but I by no means consider that that fact makes me any less broadminded than the average traveler I meet. If, however, I were to travel, particularly for entertainment, I would certainly endeavor to support myself while so doing.

Some worthy brothers have intimated that if it were not for the boomer we would not have good working conditions or good schedules, because boomers are not afraid of their jobs. This contention I will pass with the mere suggestion that the people I class as boomers do not stay long enough on a job to affect it materially one way or the other.

True it is that, like thousands and thousands of others, I would not care to lose my job, as I have put in thirteen years firing and six years running and because of family ties would certainly not care to go looking for another position. Let me say, however, that this fact by no means makes me a less staunch supporter of the principles of the B. of L. F. and E. than any gentleman who measures up to the highest and most complete standard of boomer qualifications.

Brothers, I think this discussion has already taken up too much space in the columns of our Magazine. I delayed in replying to some of the unkind criticisms of which from time to time I have been the subject, as I wished in a general way to answer them all at once, and while averse to wasting any more space in the Magazine with the boomer question I will say that if any of the brothers desire to continue this debate with

me direct, my address is No. 974 S. Academy street. Calesburg, Ill.

M. L. HOULIHAN,

Fin. and Rec. Sec'y Lodge 477.

Help the Aged Members.

I would ask the brother from Lodge 59 did he stop to think that a brother being, say, forty or even forty-four years old when he became a member, would have to go up into the seventies to get his insurance. Then consider the young brother that becomes a member at, say, twenty-one to twenty-five, who would, under his plan, draw his at from fifty-one to fifty-seven years of age, when he is still active, but the old brother loses out after all these years.

I think the age limit a better plan-as railroads have it; some have fixed sixty and others sixty-five years as the limit. Under such a plan the oldest brother could make out to hold his policy. I was forty-two years old when I joined the Tried and True. Have been a member for more than twenty years, and for the last three years, if the brothers had not helped me some, I would have lost out, and I have to save and economize to keep even.

I would suggest making a special fund for this purpose, and after two $1.00 assessments the fund would be large enough so that 10 or 15 cents a month from each member would be sufficient to pay all claims and still maintain the fund at $150,000 reserve for fifteen or twenty years without another assessment. Then it would be quite an incentive for a brother to hold membership, knowing that when he became unfit for service he would have a competence to assist him in his declining years.

Would like to have the brothers give this or some better plan their attention and instruct their delegates to the next convention to pass a law along that line. MEMBER, Lodge 21.