Devoted to the Interests of

House, Sign, Pictorial, Coach, Car, Carriage, Machinery, Ship and Railroad Equipment Painters, Decorators, Paperhangers, Varnishers, Enamelers, Gilders, Glaziers, Art Glass Workers, Bevelers, Cutters and other workers in glass used for architectural and decorative purposes and the Trades Union Movement in General.

Statement of Ownership and Management (Required by the Act of August 24, 1912) The Painter and Decorator is published monthly at LaFayette, Ind., by the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America. Its editor, managing editor and business manager is Chas. J. Lammert. Its owners are the members of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, and no individual, firm or corporation owns 1 per cent or more of its stock; neither has it any bonded or other indebtedness.

CHAS. J. LAMMERT, G. S.-T. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 22nd day of March, 1923.

ADVERTISING Correspondence relating to advertising should be addressed to A. S. Murphy, Advertising Representative, Colonial Trust Building, Philadelphia, Pa.

The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising contracts at any time.

The Painter and Decorator, published at LaFayette, Ind., is the official journal of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America and the only publication issued under the auspices of that organization.

The A. S. Murphy Co., is the only agency or person authorized to solicit advertising for the official journal of the Brotherhood. Local Unions and District Councils publishing programs, semi-annuals, annuals, or souvenir publications of any description should refrain from designating them as "Official Journal of the Brotherhood," either upon the publication itself or on their advertising contract forms or stationery.

Matter for publication in The Painter and Decorator must be in this office by the 14th of the month previous to the month of issue.

Correspondents will please write on one side of the paper only. We are not responsible for views expressed by correspondents. Address all mail matter to CHAS. J. LAMMERT, Editor, Room 401, Painters and Decorators Bldg., LaFayette, Ind.

Entered as second-class matter July 14th, 1905, at the post office at LaFayette, Ind., under the act of Congress of March 3, 1879.

Accepted for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, act of October 3, 1917, authorized August 2nd, 1918.

Labor and reform papers are respectfully requested to exchange with The Painter and Decorator.

GEO. F. HEDRICK, Gen'l President, Room 201, Painters and Decorators Bldg., LaFayette, Ind. CHAS. J. LAMMERT, Gen. Sec'y-Treas., Room 401, Painters and Decorators Bldg., LaFayette, Ind. JOHN M. FINAN, 1st Gen. Vice-President,

549 Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, Ill. JOSEPH F. KELLEY, 2nd Gen. Vice-President, 1617 South 55th St., Philadelphia, Pa. CHAS. A. CULLEN, 3rd Gen. Vice-President,

509 Grafton St., Worcester, Mass. JOS. F. CLARKE, 4th Gen. Vice-President,

1804 S. 11th St., Tacoma, Wash. CLARENCE E. SWICK, 5th Gen. Vice-President, P. O. Box 304, Memphis, Tenn. JOS. P. HUNTER, 6th Gen. Vice-President, 34 Bridge St., Niagara Falls, Ont., Can.

There have been repeated controversies over the accountability of labor organizations for their own acts. Frequently these have resulted in the form of a demand for drastic court action or for some other purely legal device to insure responsibility. The liability of labor organizations for damages resulting from unlawful acts now has been established by the United States Supreme Court. In the light of this fact it scarcely can be contended that labor is "legally" responsible.

Fortunately the labor organization is made up in the majority of men of high caliber who recognize the ultimate question as one of ethics rather than law. Responsibility can in no sense be accounted for by the technicalities of a mere legal formula. It is the serious obligation of the majority to impress upon the minority the significant fact that the continuing power and influence of orgonized labor and its standing in the community at large will depend in large measure upon the degree upon which it can be said that organized labor's word is as good as its bond. This is a New Year's ideal worth striving for. Organized labor needs only this to be made one of the greatest, most efficient and beneficial organizations in the world whose effort is consecrated to humanity's cause.

Our Membership Passes 110,000;
Make it 125.000 in 1924

As the Old Year passes out and the New Year enters we indulge in a mental review of our achievements during the past twelve months and it is with a feeling of intense gratification that we realize that much has been accomplished which is definite and constructive. Of particular significance is the steady growth in membership, the 110,000 goal already having been passed with

glowing prospects for a membership of 125,000 in 1924.

This increase in membership naturally redounds to the benefit of the Brotherhood. It means more careful workers, rendering a higher class of service and thus winning approval of the public and employers; it means a more secure standing among wageearners in other trades; it means a more substantial co-operation and a better understanding between those with mutual interests.

In few of these outstanding facts, we reserve for ourselves the privilege of claiming that we have moved forward during the past year. We should continue to move forward in the present year. A membership of 125,000 is no idle dream. It can be attained and the key to attainment is a conscientious effort by every local union and every member thereof to seriously concern themselves with the affairs of the Brotherhood and work unceasingly in its behalf, to establish a closer affiliation among themselves and to understand and appraise every individual effort with more appreciation and tolerance.

Aim for greater things, exploit the purposes of your Brotherhood at every opportunity, broadcast its activities and eventually you will find that your influence is far-reaching beyond all your expectations and an inspiration to those who will be eager to affiliate themselves with such a noble example of Brotherhood as you represent.

Don't Think You Are Beaten;

If You Do, You Are

Self-pity, passive submission to preventable hardships, loss of individual respectthese are the characteristics of the habitual loser, the hopeless failure. If you think you are beaten, you are. If you cherish the idea that a job is too big for your shoulders, you and the job are destined not to be long together. Your union can accomplish things only to that degree in which you place confidence in your union. Achievement is obtained by the spirit to move forward; the union whose membership is indifferent, inactive and submissive, can not achieve substantial recognition.

Successful unions are not made by two or three general officers. They develop only when the membership is of the necessary high caliber. The officers may have to their credit a reasonable measure of attainment, but if they lack membership support and

concerted action, that which may have been gained is easily sacrificed. There does not exist today on the face of the earth a union but what can be made a vital factor in labor's program of advancement, if the membership so wills it. There are no obstacles so stupendous that they can not be overcome by united action and intensive effort.

We are entering upon a New Year. The great game of life will continue to be played. It depends upon you and your brother players whether or not you will be a loser or winner in this game. Resolve, therefore, to be a winner. Mobilize your forces, cultivate a will to do and nothing within the bounds of reason can halt you on your forward march.

Educate Your Community to

Clean Up and Paint Up

Few persons are naturally inspired to betterment. The majority must be taught their own needs. Thus, our public roads remained unimproved until concentrated propaganda was directed toward improvement and so did people succumb to the ravages of disease and filth until proper sanitation was taught. Therefore, communities which are backward in keeping up respectable appearances should be made to undergo an instructive course in “clean up" and "paint up."

There is nothing so utterly depressing morally, physically and spiritually as unpainted, unattractive homes. The shabby home in the environment of an unkempt yard and street has a deadening effect upon the family; many shabby homes affect the community in a like manner. A dirty town invariably is a backward town and its sinister influence is demoralizing upon business and civic activities.

Now is the time for us to put our best foot forward in educating our community to the blessings of paint and cleanliness. Our town should look clean not only to ourselves but to our visitors. There is a very definite way to educate the people to this condition. They should be made to know, first, that paint not only is a preserver of wood, but of character. Paint means beauty and cleanliness and long life for wood and in these things are found a quickening of the senses, an awakening of the soul to purer aspirations. The schoolhouse which is well painted will send forth into the world better and cleaner students, who will have had instilled into their hearts and minds an honest abhorrence of slovenliness. These students will do better work

for the world at large and the beautifying qualities of paint and cleanliness will have been indelibly woven into their daily thoughts and acts.

Let us, then, all pull together in rousing the people to the significant importance of "paint up" and "clean up." The campaign should extend to every dwelling, every barn, every store, business house and edifice in the community. The time is opportune now, so everybody, let's go!

Flaxseed and Linseed Oil Tariffs

Benefit Convicted Interests

Increases in the present duties on flaxseed and on linseed oil are being urged by Senator Ladd, of North Dakota, who expects to obtain them either through the Tariff Commission or an amendment to the FordneyMcCumber tariff. The Oils and Fats Economic Review recently published an article showing that the tariff on flaxseed was really a gift to the flaxseed crushers and was of no material benefit to the farmers, for whom it was said to have been intended.

An advance in the duty on linseed oil would be a bonus to many large interests which only last spring were found guilty by the Supreme Court of the United States of committing unlawful acts in restraints of trade. The defendants were the American Linseed Oil Company et al., comprising twelve corporations in six different states, and Julian Armstrong, who was operating Armstrong's Bureau of Related Industries at Chicago.

It was alleged that the subscribers to this bureau's service were required to furnish it with a schedule of prices and terms and to adhere to these. A penalty was imposed on any subscriber who failed to "attend a monthly meeting and report upon matters of interest to be discussed there and to divulge no secrets," the Supreme Court found. The defendants were forbidden to continue these practices.

The suit to dissolve this bureau was begun long prior to the passage of the FordneyMcCumber law, which imposed a tariff of 3.3 cents a pound on linseed oil. The Oils and Fats Economic Review has given figures to prove that while the gain to the growers from the tariff on flaxseed has been about $1,610,184, it has cost them in higher prices for oils, paints, varnishes, linoleums, etc., about $7,539,816. Meantime the flaxseed crushers have been profiting to the amount of $30,500,000 a year on this tariff that was supposed to protect the farmers.

New Year Begins With Grand Old

Veteran Still at Helm

Labor will start on its 1924 pilgrimage with that grand old veteran, Samuel Gompers, still piloting the trusty ship of the organized workers to the promised land of greater security and more generous recognition. At the recent convention of the American Federation of Labor, Mr. Gompers was re-elected as president of the A. F. of L. by unanimous vote, no candidates having chosen to oppose the "grand old man" for this honor.

The steadfast loyalty which has maintained Mr. Gompers in office for these many years reveals a devotion, respect and support scarcely equalled in the annals of history. It represents a worthy tribute of recognition and appreciation for Mr. Gompers' undaunted courage and inestimable service in constructive trades unionism; for his tremendous effort and sacrifice in obtaining for the toilers that equality and justice which is their due. Like a sturdy oak in the primeval forest, Mr. Gompers stands pre-eminent, weathering the devastating storms of opposing elements, erect and majestic under his more than three score ten years, and affording shelter and succor to those who seek his protection. As the battle-scarred general of a mighty organization, Mr. Gompers is a veritable symbol of the great cause to which he has dedicated his life.

Setting of Metal Trim Question

Still Hangs in Balance

At a recent meeting in Washington, D. C., of the National Board for Jurisdictional Awards, the setting of metal trim was referred to the board by the Building Trades Employers' Association and the Building Trades' Council, of Boston. In line with its previous decision in this matter the board decided that it has no jurisdiction over the controversy so long as the carpenters' union refuses to affiliate with the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L.

The request for a rchearing of the reinforcing rod decision was presented by various employers' associations. This matter involves the setting of reinforcing rods by members of the iron workers' union, which is a skilled craft drawing commensurate wages. The contention is made that the setting of reinforcing rods should belong to the laborers and should be paid for at the laborers' scale. A full hearing will be granted at the next meeting of the board.

All disputes involving the plasterers were also laid over until the next meeting with

the consent of all parties involved. A request from the engineers' union for a rehearing on the low pressure temporary heating plants' decision was granted and evidence taken.

Only two decisions were made by the board, one giving the setting of Alberine stone slabs, used in connection with sinks, to the plumbers. The other also conceded to the plumbers the right to set all bathroom accessories, except where anchors must be built in, when such work shall be done by the bricklayers.

Various changes in the personnel of the board have taken place since the last meeting. Edward R. Lee, Pittsburgh, was seated as the successor to E. J. Russell for the American Institute of Architects; Tyler Field, Cincinnati, replaced J. R. Wiggins of & the Associated General Contractors, who had resigned; and George F. Hedrich, president of the painters' union, succeeded John J. Hynes of the sheet metal workers' union, who had resigned.

Pittsburgh was selected as the place for the next meeting, and February 4, 1924, was set as a tentative date.

1923 RATED AS RECORD BUILDING

YEAR

The year 1923 is rated as a $5,000,000,000 building year. The figures, including DeEcember, according to estimates put out by S. W. Straus and Co. of New York, indi

cate a 25 per cent increase in building during 1923 as compared with 1922. The showing also is for a much larger volume of winter building than in any winter season in the nation's history. In November, in 250 major cities of the United States, the building increase was 28 per cent over November a year ago. The general gain in eleven months was 26 per cent. St. Paul, with a 331 per cent gain, led the cities. Toledo showed 132 per cent increase and Cleveland 61 per cent.

ANTI-UNION CONCERN TURNS TO
UNION SHOP.

Milwaukee, Wis., Jan. 1.-Another antiunion concern has seen the light. This time it is the Miller Brewing Company of Milwaukee, which has signed a union shop agreement with the Milwaukee Brewery Workers' Union after having fought union labor for a year and a half.

"The Miller Brewing Company has now realized that a fight with the organized workers is really a losing game," says the Brewery Workers' Journal, "and that a business can be conducted better and more profitably with good, reliable and satisfied union men."

Never give up; there are chances and changes

Helping the hopeful, a hundred to one; And, through the chaos, high wisdom arranges

Ever success, if you'll only hold on.

At the urgent request of the Panama Metal Trades Council and Panama Central Labor Union, President Gompers, of the American Federation of Labor, has appointed General President George F. Hedrick, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, to membership on a commission which has been created to thoroughly investigate labor conditions in the Canal Zone. The General Executive Board has appropriated $500 to help defray expenses of this commission.

The Panama Central Labor Union reports that the Canal Zone is being flooded with aliens, mostly British negroes, who are supplanting American workmen. At the present time, it is stated, there are approximately six thousand in the employ of the

United States government, two-thirds of whom are aliens doing the work of carpenters, painters, plumbers, bricklayers and other building trades branches, as well as brakemen, firemen, clerks, policemen, butchers, bakers and numerous others.

The appeal for co-operation further states that during the depression in 1920-21, while millions of workers were idle in the United States some ten thousand of these aliens were employed on work that should have been done by Americans.

The object of the Panama Zone expedition which will be undertaken by the Labor Committee, is to gather information and data to be presented to Congress in furtherance of legislation that is to be sought as a relief measure from this unwarranted and unfair competition.