When the powdered flaxseed is in proper condition the seed passes out under the former between two camel-hair mats. It is then placed in the presses, the mats being one above the other, and when the press is entirely set up a large hydraulic ram forces the mats together pressing out the oil from the seed.

The material left in the press is the linseed oil cake, and all the surplus oil is found at the edge of the cake. The cake consequently is passed through a trimming machine, which takes off this edge, and the cake is then baled up ready for shipment, and the trimmings are sent back to go through the process once again. This cake is used largely for a cattle food, and the largest portion of it is shipped abroad to Belgium and Holland.

Conse

The oil is filtered by presses, passing through filter cloths, and is then ready to be filled into the barrels. Thus we have our raw linseed oil. The oil at this point, however, is not in proper condition for use by the varnish maker on account of the fact that, when heated to a temperature of about 450 deg. F. mucilaginous material, otherwise known as the "break," separates from the oil. quently it is necessary that the linseed oil manufacturer further refine his oil, which is done by means of various chemicals and mechanical devices, in order to produce an oil which will meet conditions imposed by consumers. At this point also the various driers are added to the oils, in order to prepare the boiled oils found upon the market. These processes are secret, and although the general process is known, various details make considerable difference in the ultimate results.

The next oil we shall consider is an oil which perhaps is not quite so familiar to you all as linseed oil, being our China wood oil, an oil made from the nuts of the tung tree, a tree indigenous to China, growing largely in the interior of China, particularly along the banks of the Yangste River. These trees bear fruit about the size of a small orange, each fruit contains five segments, each segment contains a kernel. The fruit is roasted over a fire, which breaks open the segments, the kernels separate and these kernels are then placed in the crushing machines.

The first form used by the Chinese for this purpose was nothing more or less than a large stone rolled back and forth in a trough and the kernels crushed The more modern crusher consists of a large stone weighing several tons; this is

drawn around within a circular trough by means of mules, horses or other animals, and the kernels, as they are crushed, gradually move toward the center. From all this you can see that it is a very primitive way of carrying out these processes, but it must be remembered that individual Chinamen carry out the process on their own farms and therefore the machinery cannot be very complex.

The powdered nuts are then tempered by being placed between bamboo mats and heated over a kettle of boiling water until the powdered nuts have picked up sufficient moisture, and the mats are then placed edgewise in the large press. This press also is of rather primitive style, consisting of large logs between which the mats are set edgewise, and a large wooden ram forces the mats together, pressing out the oil. The oil is then filtered through bamboo cloths and carried down to the China wood oil broker in large baskets, the baskets being lined with a peculiar oiled paper. Each Chinaman carries four baskets suspended from two sticks swung across the shoulders; each basket of oil which is purchased is tested and its richness determined. The oil is then emptied into the tanks and from these tanks is drawn off into the barrels, in which it is shipped to varnish manufacturers.

China wood oil is very different from linseed oil, and, in fact, from any of the other oils, having three chief characteristic properties. China wood oil, when allowed to dry by itself on glass instead of drying with a clear transparent film as does linseed oil, dries with a cloudy opaque film, very much resembling a piece of ground glass. Secondly, China wood oil when heated at a temperature of about 450 deg. F., instead of gradually thickening as does linseed oil, almost instantly goes over to a solid jelly, very much resembling soft rub ber. Thirdly, China wood oil when placed in a bottle and exposed to the light, even though the bottle is air-tight, will, by the actinic rays of the sun, be converted to a lard-like mass. This last property is very easily overcome by the heating of the oil. The gelatinizing of the oil is also very easily taken care of by proper treatment with various gums, etc. However, the most difficult feature to overcome is that of the "dry flat," as the varnish maker terms it. This is due to a wrinkling of the varnish film, and I would add it has cost the varnish manufacturers a great deal of money, and they have spent a great deal of time in order to overcome this very serious drawback. However, after years of study the

larger manufacturers understand this property thoroughly and have overcome it entirely.

You may ask, with all these drawbacks, why is it that the varnish maker will care to use China wood oil at all. In the first place, China wood oil has two important properties which are not found in linseed oil. A varnish made with China wood oil will be very much more waterproof than that made with linseed oil. In the second place, China wood oil has the property of causing the varnish to harden very much quicker than when linseed oil is used. These two properties make China wood oil a very important and essential feature in certain classes of varnishes. It is necessary in a floor varnish, for instance, to have waterproofness, hard drying and elasticity; consequently we look to the China wood oil for our waterproofness, we look to our gum and China wood oil for our hard drying, and we look to our linseed oil for elasticitylinseed oil being considered more elastic than China wood oil, consequently by the proper use of the linseed oil and China wood oil we can accomplish results positively unknown years ago. The important feature which must be remembered, however, is that while China wood oil is an excellent oil for certain purposes and has its special advantages, yet at the same time linseed oil has certain properties which make it, in certain cases, very much better than China wood oil. China wood oil is an oil which has come to stay with the varnish maker, and without it the varnish maker would be at a loss to know how to accomplish certain results.

The next part of my talk will be regarding the way in which turpentine is produced. The sap comes, as you all know, from our Southern pine trees. The trees were formerly cut; this method of gathering the sap being known as the "box method." In other words, the sap flowed down the side of the tree, ran into a box at the bottom of the tree, and was then emptied from the box into a receptacle, then into barrels in which it was carried to the still. Today, however, on account of the fact that this method shortens the life of the tree, undermines the resistance of the tree to storms, we have perfected what is known as the "cup and gutter" system. The sap after being gathered from the tree is taken to the still, where a small amount of moisture having been added, it is heated in a large copper retort; the turpentine passes over through coils, is condensed and we have our gum spirits of turpentine. The residue left in the retort is rosin, which is subse

quently strained, cooled and prepared for the market.

This concludes what I have to say regarding the raw materials used in varnish making, and we now come to the process of varnish manufacture itself. In the varnish factory the turpentine is stored in large tanks, being received at the factory in large tank cars. China wood oil is received in barrels and is then pumped to large tanks and stored in a room of which the temperature is about 75 to 80 deg. F. Here the China wood oil is aged in order to improve its quality and at the same time permit the dirt and other foreign material to settle down. The gums are stored, being received on the second floor of the gum shed and as desired are emptied down a chute into the bins on the first floor, from which they are weighed to the tubs, usually in about onehundred pound lots. They are then trucked from the gum sheds to the gum melting chimney. The general process of manufacture is as follows:

The gum is placed in the copper varnish kettle, which stands about three feet high and is about two and one-half feet in diameter. The kettle is then rolled upon the fire, the gum melted and held there until a certain proportion of the gum has been distilled off. At this end point, which is determined by the varnish maker, the melt is withdrawn from the fire and the oil, which has been heating at an adjacent chimney, and which has been previously prepared, is emptied into the kettle. The gum and the oil are then thoroughly stirred together, the kettle being run back on the fire and the gum and oil heated until thoroughly amalgamated. This end point is also determined by the varnish maker, who has his own particular way of judging as to when the melt is finished and when the batch is completed. The kettle is then withdrawn from the fire and allowed to cool, when it is taken to the thinning room, where the turpentine or other thinners are added. The varnish is then pumped into coolers, where it is allowed to cool to a certain extent before passing to the filter presses, which take out all the dirt. This is done very carefully in order to take out the minutest particles of dirt, and the varnish is then pumped to the aging tanks, where it is allowed to age for a certain period of time, according to the quality of the varnish. After the varnish has been properly aged it is then pumped to the filling tanks, whence it is drawn into the can or package, which is then labeled and we have our finished product.

Local 196, of Cambridge, Ohio, gained an increase of 64 cents per hour which took effect June 1, 1917. The eight hour day prevails, and the local is in a healthy condition.

of

The Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of Utica, N. Y., and their friends, to the number of several hundred, recently celebrated the thirtieth anniversary Local Union No. 69. A banquet was served after which President Gleason introduced as toastmaster Bro. John J. Conway, the popular former, business agent of the local. He called upon Bro. Max Fehr, treasurer and charter member of the local, who told of the ups and downs of the union in the thirty years during which he had held membership.

General President Geo. F. Hedrick delivered an address which was greatly enjoyed by the members and their guests. Organizer Wm. Rander, President Gleason and Bro. Simon Smith, another charter member, also made interesting addresses.

The speeches were interspersed with songs and music. The affair was greatly enjoyed by all who had the privilege to be present,

A Correction.

Among the "good news" items in the November journal was one crediting L. U. 295 (paperhangers) of Baltimore, Md., with having obtained an increase in wages of 50 cents per day. This increase was obtained by L. U. 953 (wall preparers). Local Union No. 295 is now negotiating with its employers for a revision of its price list and a change in working conditions.

Portland shipyard troubles ended.

The unions whose members are employed in the shipyards of Portland, Ore., and the shipbuilding concerns of that city have accepted the settlement recommended by the United States Wage Adjustment Board. The agreement provides for an 8hour day; overtime and holidays to be paid for at the rate to be decided upon by the Labor Adjustment Board. A committee of three from each craft is to be elected by the men employed in each shop or yard from which a sub-committee will be chosen to meet with the superintendent of the yard or president of the firm to adjust differences that may arise. Where no adjustment can be reached in this manner the dispute is to be referred to the Shipbuilding Labor Adjustment Board.

Hurrah for 732!

This Local was organized January 22, 1917, with thirteen members; now we have nearly thirty. We have done good work for ourselves.

We had a hard time to convince the painters of this town that their only hope to better their condition lay in joining a union.

Some months ago we began to decline in membership and we could not get any new members. A few of us got our heads together and decided to get up a scale to see if that would create a little enthusiasm. We decided to ask for a closed shop, nine hour day, with ten hours pay and a few other minor things. Headquarters sanctioned the demands. We had so stirred up the members they wanted to do business at

once but work being slack we decided to wait until the first of October. The agreement was presented to the shops to go in effect the 15th of October and was signed by every shop in town. Let me urg on painters coming this way to have a paidup card or they don't work until they see the secretary. This city has been known as a dollar-a-day, 10 hour town, and if a painter came here he was expected to work for that price. Since forming the organi zation we had a ten per cent raise before the agreement was presented, so I think we have won a great victory.

We are on the way for greater things and we hope that by the time our next scale goes in effect that we can ask for the eight hours.

No one but those familiar with this town can realize what a victory we have gained and without any trouble. The painters are now looking us up for application blanks for "no card no work."

W. S. WINDFOR.

R. S. of 732, Winston-Salem, N. .

Ninety-five per cent organized.

Local Union No. 724, of Salem, Ore., has thirty members, making the town ninetyfive per cent organized with good prospects of making it a full one hundred per cent in the near future. At a recent meeting at which all members were present, and also some visitors from Local No. 10, of Portland, after the regular business had been transacted the local went into social session. Music, songs and card playing kept everybody busy until ten p. m., when an efficient committee served pumpkin pie, coffee, cider and sandwiches, after which the ties in the card games were played out.

"BROTHERHOOD" DESERVES THE

TITLE

That fraternity exists in the ranks of organized labor has been clearly proven to the officers and members of Paperhangers Local Union No. 286, by the returns from the drawing held for the benefit of the widow and orphans of our late Brother C. H. Elliott, who was killed by a stray bullet at Warwood, July 4th, 1916. Many of the letters accompanying the checks or money orders contained more money than required to pay for the tickets sent. Some locals requested more, others made donations. While the paramount issues of organized labor are higher wages and shorter hours, brotherly love in the Brotherhood of Painters is as real and as warm as in the strictly so-called fraternal organizations and we say this with all due respect to the latter. That our cause was a worthy

one is unquestioned, but from the number of appeals of a similar nature sent broadcast and the present hard times and business slump, we must say that we were agreeably surprised at the generous way the locals responded. Ticket No. 3087, held by Brother T. Ordeman, of Local No. 586, of Minneapolis, Minn, was the winning ticket.

Space will not permit a detailed account of the collection, but a summary of the report follows. Four thousand tickets were printed and 784 letters were sent to local unions. Twenty-five letters did not reach addresses; 469 locals did not reply. Of the replies received 290 contained money. Total cash received and turned over to Mrs. C. H. Elliott, $370.23.

Extending the sincere appreciation of Local Union No. 286 for the loyal support given in our undertaking, with assurance that Local Union No. 286 will reciprocate should we be called upon.

JOHN H. BAKER, Business Agent.
C. W. SHAYES, Pres.

J. B. WHITEHOUSE, Treas.
CHAS. E. GARDNER, Trustee.
WM. K. HARRINGTON, Chairman.

From Mrs. Elliott.

Committee.

To Paperhangers' Local Union No. 286, of Rochester, N. Y., and Brotherhood in General.

Kind Friends:-I wish to express my sincere thanks and grateful appreciation for the $370.23. This is indeed timely assistance to me and my five young children in our distress.

Perhaps no one can realize the joy of my heart. and just what it means to me. But I want you all to understand that I am more thankful than words can say. Sincerely yours,

MRS. C. H. ELLIOTT.

BE SURE YOU ARE RIGHT. The newspaper stories of "scarcity of men" and of high wages have led to a veritible stampede of painters from the inland to the coast cities where ship yards are located. In some localities the ship yards are yet under construction, in others the actual building of ships has not begun. Where the work is advanced so that painters are needed, there are enough men on the ground to meet the demand. This is particularly true of the Puget Sound cities and Portland, Oregon, which have been widely advertised. The rainy season is now on so that all outside work is suspended until springtime which leaves a surplus of men for the ship yards. Members thinking of making a change should first write to the

who will be pleased to give them information as to how business is and what the chances for employment are.

SUNDAY SERVICES.

Local Union No. 246, of Des Moines, Ia., has arranged a series of Sunday afternoon meetings to be held in the Trade Assembly hall. The officers and members of all the local unions in the city and the general public are invited to attend. The object of the meetings is to build up the membership of the unions and strengthen the labor movement and to discuss problems of education and civic interest.

At the first meeting-held particularly for the benefit of the men in our crafta number of applications for membership were made. The Central Labor Union has heartily endorsed the movement and will assist in making the meetings a success.

THE NEW YEAR.

The New Year comes

With a dawn of hope

That America,

By combat and sacrifice

Will establish a world-wide peace,
Not a formal peace-

A permanent peace is America's scope.
So that never again

Will the people of the civilized world
Have to lay aside the teachings

Of our Saviour,

To abolish autocracy,

As is necessary

For the sake of equity

To make the world

Safe for democracy,

And a place of freedom and humanity. Granite City, Ill.

DONATION TO WAR SUFFERERS.

Italian members send aid.

L. U. No. 874 (Italian), of New York City, circulated a subscription list among its members and friends, the funds raised to be used for the relief of those who suffered in the recent Teutonic drive into Italy. The amount collected ($400.00) was cabled to Prime Minister Orlando at Rome for distribution.

A. FERRARA, Rec. Sec. L. U. 874.

TWO "BIRDS."

Another way to kill two birds with one stone and get a home for all indigent painters and decorators and paperhangers, is by placing a small assessment of twenty-five cents per month for a period of three (3)

90,000, that would give us $684,000.00, half to be placed to the credit of the Painters' Home fund, and half, or $342,000.00 to be placed to the credit of the Death and Disability fund. The amount would not be missed by the members and would insure the indigent members a home; also insure members their death and disability claims in the future. I myself do not expect to participate, as I have drawn my benefits and am now an honorary member, but others will be sorely disappointed if the fund should become a thing of the past. I hope to interest other members and Locals in sufficient numbers to bring this matter to a referendum vote and thereby insure their safety and that of their wives and children.

Brothers, put this matter up to yourselves and think it over, talk it to your Locals; it is the only way you can make the matter good.

C. G. BISHOP, Galveston, Tex.

THE UNION BUTTON IN THE STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY.

The emblem for Labor and Democracy is a button bearing an inscription whereby all who read may recognize the union to which the wearer belongs and the cause to which he is committed. It stands for freedom and liberty; it means Democracy, the right of the toilers to direct their own destiny. Such are the teachings of unionism in which I believe as a free American and which are in accord with the constitution of our country.

Now capital is a tool in the hands of a few money kings who are working night and day to tear down the trade unions and labor organizations from the foundation of truth and justice upon which they are builded and to deny them the right to organize. This is what the corporations and the big capitalists are trying to do to organize labor in the state of Minnesota. In the last few months they have attempted to disrupt the organization of the Street Carmen and have refused to accept the services of the arbitrator appointed by the Federal Government. It may be necessary for these men to fight for their rights. If so I believe, as does every union man in the state of Minnesota, that we have a man in Washington who is big enough to see that the rights of the workers to band themselves together are respected and recognized. Right, not might, will rule in this our country dedicated to the cause of Democracy. FRED SCHWENZER.

Pres. L. U. 61, St. Paul, Minn.