Decatur, Ill.

to

Branch 317 held its regular meeting December 4. The meeting was largely attended as it was time for annual election of officers and a lively contest followed. The following officers were elected serve Branch 317 for the coming year: President, M. Kirkwood; vice-president, Chas. Agan; secretary, Dott Frantz; treasurer, J. Harry Johnson; sergeant-at-arms, Van Smith; trustee to serve three years, A. L. Peck; clerk, N. S. B. A. and collector, M. B. A., W. H. Hammans; delegate to national convention, G. Murray Morris ; alternate delegate to national convention, A. Kowalsky; delegate to State convention, Wm. H. Cashin; alternate delegate to State convention, Chas. Agan.

The salary committee reported that they heartily concur in the wishes of the national officers in asking every member of each Branch to write to his Congressman and have him go before the Post Office and Post Roads committee recommending adequate increases in salary. By standing vote all members present agreed to write.

Motion was passed ordering Secretary to write Penn Garment Company that no carriers in Branch 317 would wear Penn uniforms as long as their shop remained non-union.

Secretary was ordered to write Postal Record

that this Branch disapproves of Penn Garment Company advertisements in its paper as long as they remain non-union.

Nine candidates as follows: Lem Neville, Ray Trowbridge, Geo. Chambers, Harold Kirkwood, Everit Walk, Earl Curray, Frank Ware, Van Smith and Parke Morgan, were initiated into Branch 317, making membership almost 100 per cent.

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We were honored with the presence of two Mattoon, Ill., carriers at this meetingC. L. Ellis and Geo. F. Albeck, President Illinois State Association of N. A. L. C. Each gave an interesting talk.

During the evening a mock trial was held in which Curly Wagner was accused of stealing a tail light off of Powel's Ford car to place on his so-called Briscoe, but in the evidence that followed it was proven that Curly had only taken his own property. After the meeting refreshments served, followed by games of cards, dominoes and checkers till the early morn ing hours. AUGUST KOWALSKY, DOTT FRANTZ,

Denver, Colo.

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President. Secretary.

In glancing through the Postal Record for December one notices that President Gainor is very much in evidence at big Branch meetings in the East as well as at State conventions and special gatherings. The rest of us far away from the big centers who do not have an opportunity of hearing his stirring characteristic speeches and his Billy Sunday method of delivering them are compensated in part by his pen, pencil or typewriter contribution in the last issue entitled "Cooperation the Only Way." President Gainor must have outdone himself on this article if one may judge the numerous comments upon it here in Denver, such as "That's the stuff;" "Did you read Gainor's letter?" "Don't miss the Gainor article, it's the real thing." The contribution tells plain truths in a plain manner, so plain in fact that it is positively homely in its simplicity, and leaves little for the imagination. It is full of such wise epigrams as "As the desire for cooperation is a mental attitude rather than a definite program of action, men cannot have it forced upon them." In other words it must come as a voluntary act for mutual self protection. Again he says: "Simply stated cooperation means that men want to pull together for the general good rather than to strive solely for individual advantage." The rest of President Gainor's article is devoted to showing how the beans have been spilled in the past and who spilled them, and what must be done in the future to put them back in the pot, so that all those concerned will get what is coming to them.

It is safe to say that none of the Postal Records for December found its way to the waste-baskets in Denver. Bro. Bernard J. Curtin once said that if we never secured any other privilege than that of wearing shirt-waists in summer, that one privilege was worth the entire cost of our membership. Old-timers like Barney could

enumerate 57 other varieties of benefits and privileges now enjoyed. Among these is the greatly appreciated privilege of reading articles of news interest and benefit in our own monthly journal, articles that cause us to hope that the dawn of a better day will soon be breaking.

At our first December meeting four new members were initiated and six applications were read. Some record for a town of Denver's size. Nominations for Branch offices were held, but the election on the third Saturday of December is a future date at the present writing. The first business meeting in January, 1921, would ordinarily fall on New Year's Day, but it will be eliminated and a two-in-one meeting will be held on the third Saturday. Besides the installation of officers there will be a special program and a record attendance is looked for. One of the features will be the presentation of solid gold stars to an esteemed veteran still in service who has just completed thirty-five years of faithful work for Uncle Sam. He is a former member of Branch 36 of New York City. His name and the details of the presentation will be recorded in the next letter.

Discussion of the Retirement law-the fifty-fifty proposition-brought out the same dissatisfaction here that it has elsewhere. It was suggested that in view of the very large amount being deducted from our salaries each month for this fund it would be advisable to have one or more of our national officers serve on the National Retirement Board. It was further suggested that the pension be increased to at least 50 per cent of the salary received on date of retirement, and that the different annuities be graded according to years of service. definite stipulated service was favored rather than the 65 year rule-to be optional with the employee. It was the further opinion of the meeting that employees who were able and willing to continue work after serving the required number of years, should be encouraged to do so and that they be granted an additional annuity for their loyalty and pluck.

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The Branch went on record as opposed to the acceptance by the Postal Record of advertisements from uniform manufacturing firms not employing union labor.

In the last issue mention was made of the sad and sudden death of Bro. Charles R. Reid. This month we regret to have to chronicle another death that of Bro. Samuel Lloyd Higby, which also was sudden and unexpected. While at work he was the victim of an acute attack of kidney trouble and after three days of intense suffering he succumbed. He was but twenty-seven years old, and before entering the service won fame as an expert rider and broncho buster, having participated in many public contests. During his five years service as a carrier he had endeared himself to all for he was a man of winning ways and of genial personality. He leaves a wife and little daughter to mourn his loss.

Another genial soul who has recently joined the "Silent Majority" was former Bro. William F. Lazell, aged 71 years. He came to Denver on a transfer from Boston in 1887 and was in constant service until he resigned in 1903. Shortly before his resignation he fell heir handsome to a legacy. He is especially well remembered by old-timers, who recall his stately and dignified manner, his quick and active movements and military carriage. In uniform or in civilian's clothes he was the embodiment of neatness. His patrons good naturedly called him "Uncle Sam,' and he enjoyed the name. His wife, who died some years ago, successfully conducted a large millinery store in the heart of the retail district. His sole survivor is his son, Dr. Edward W. Lazell, who during the war was and who now is attached to the medical staff of the Army and Navy Hospital for the Insane at Washington, D. C. The recent deaths in our ranks forcibly remind us of the small gap between the here and the hereafter and give us cause to pause and contemplate. Death comes like a thief in the night and yet it is better so. We that we know not the day nor the hour should be thankful to the Author of Life that He will summon us. Our wise duty then is to put our house in order and keep it so and be prepared when we are called. Edmund Burke, the brilliant orator, in the midst of an exciting campaign to retain his seat in Parliament was brought word by a friend that his opponent had just died from apoplexy and that Burke would now have a "walk-over." The great defender of the American colonies was not elated

East Orange, N. J.

Rain, Rain, Rain! It had been raining all day, it had got on the carriers nerves. They were visibly affected by it, as the anti-saloon leaguers used to say in days gone by.

It was the regular meeting night and on account of the weather it wasn't expected that there would be many out, but it had been noised about earlier in the day that "Our Joey" was running for office at the election to be held this night, and whether the crowd came out to vote against him will have to be decided some other time.

There were very few missing when the Impresident called the meeting to order. mediately after this the janitor come down and did some calling also, notifying those present that less noise would be in order. I think this was showing poor judgment on his part. Maybe he forgot that it was so near Christmas. Maybe the carriers forgot it, too, for I haven't recorded any motion for a donation to him, but I guess the boys will be more liberal next month.

In the future this Branch will collect the extra assessments at once and send the moneys collected to the National Secretary, with the names of the ones failing to pay. This Branch was temporarily suspended on account of one or two failing to pay promptly.

Five new members have been added to our fold, and the president has pulled off a good thing by appointing them on different committees. This will give them something to do and an excuse to attend the meetings.

The following officers were elected for 1921 E. J. Briscoe, president; Weldon Sheets, vice president; Jos. E. Hilton, recording secretary; Herman Rothenberger, financial secretary; Thos. E. Brennen, treasurer; Thos. Hoar, sergeant-at-arms; D. P. Webster, collector M. B. A.; Arthur Brown, clerk. S. B. A. Executive Committee Arthur Brown, Geo. Ulrich, Chas. Bruce. Entertainment Committee T. Gilcrist, Thos. Hoar, W. Sheets, John Pickett and James Slattery. This committee will furnish a first class affair for the members and their friends shortly after the holidays. Brothers Briscoe, Bruce, Edwards and Carr were appointed to gather in what "Jack" they could to help one of our former brothers who has been disabled for years.

JOS. E. HILTON.

Indianapolis, Ind.

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Nominations of officers was the feature of our November meeting. The present officers of Branch 39 were renominated, also a new candidate named for each office excepting secretary. We are hoping a spirited election will bring faces to our December meeting which seldom have with us. The attitude of the Penn Garment Coma matter of considerpany to labor was able discussion. Hoosier City Branch 39 has gone on record against buying their goods until they can sell under the union label. This firm has many customers here. Trade with this company becomes a breach of the principle of the soliditary and cooperation of labor until they can again sell under the union label. Any carrier who purchases a uniform without this label is greatly out of accord with the unanimous sentiment expressed at our meeting.

Another enthusiastic report was received from the St. Louis Club. They are planning a ball for February 21, the night before our State Convention. They expect to make this ball the one great occasion of the winter.

Our Publicity Committee has the work for salary legislation well in hand and we hope the present Congress will grant our just appeal.

wonder if we correspondents fully appreciate the opportunity offered us through the Postal Record. When we are to address a gathering of any importance we study the subject many days before hand; we rehearse; we choose our expressions with great care and endeavor to make a good and telling impression on our audience. The Postal Record is circulated among 36,000 of our fellow workers. If one man in ten reads our contribution we hold an audience with 3,600 minds. Gainor, Cant

or

sense,

well, Scoggins and others of a like caliber hold a vastly larger audience through the medium of our Postal Record. Every word enjoys a greater audience than its writer ever personally addressed. That's the work of the Postal Record. Loyally and earnestly we should improve it, never belittle it. Hence, I am deeply impressed with the dignity of our privilege. We are imposing our thoughts into the minds of a host of our fellow carriers; we are appealing to their hearts; we are influencing their lives. Every line we pen for this audience to appropriate should be free from jealousy, malice, prejudice, deception, littleness meanness. Full and intelligent discussion is necessary, but if we must cross-fire let's not do it before the audience. Plain and truthful statement of facts is always proper, but pessimism is hurtful to any audience. If stinging personalities must be uttered, it is far more proper to do it behind the curtain of a postage stamp and a private letter. We should spare our audience for our fund of common compliments and bouquets. The Postal Record has many ladies in its audiences. Not seeing our face and mannerism, they do see our thoughts. If our minds are not courteous and respectful, this audience soon detects it. Besides, I maintain that the humblest carrier in our ranks is equally entitled to the highest consideration and respect. This Postal Record is the voice of our nation-wide organization and sarcasm should have no place in the conversation of brother with brother. Bitter and scathing remarks are an offense and a hurt to our audience as well as to our opponent. I especially appreciate the high class tone of the Postal Record. It is regrettable that so many carriers waste their thought and time on non-personal reading and fail to study the Record, always filled with information directly affecting our interests as carriers. Notice the President's address and the editorial remarks in the December number. Full, forceful and absolutely free, from rancor or belittling cavil, every expression is worthy of the attention of the most dignified, refined and intelligent of audiences. The correspondence from the different Branches, many telling of their publicity activities, was a live-wire contact with enthusiastic, hopeful and resolute workers, men who are doing things to make our jobs better paid, more pleasant, attractive and respected as a life work. If you haven't read it, dig it up and enjoy it. Every Branch should be a circle of Postal Record readers with every carrier in that circle.

The Postal Record, the N. A. L. C., the local Branch are each doing all in their power to win your individual interest in our organized effort in your behalf, but it is up to you personally to be interested.

Join our organization, attend the Branch meeting, read and appreciate our Postal Record and work with us in the common cause of our mutual benefit. Organization and self-education are the especial tasks of the local force. The Branch is the one and the Postal Record the means of the other. From this foundation arises all our many benefits and activities. So work with 100 per cent "pep" for a 100 per cent organization of 100 per cent efficiency.

We cannot be too careful of what we say and how we act before the audience of our own home Branch. There is absolutely no excuse for rough language, personal exchanges or heated retorts in our monthly meetings. In all our expressions we should be sincere and respectful, remembering that every man listening to us is a gentleman. Abuse and enmity strike at the life of our Branch, while mutual respect is the strongest bond of our organization.

Branch meeting January 11. Come and boost for the new year.

My Job and Payday

Fellows, I get lots of fun
Totin' letters every day;
Meetin' people on my run

Glad to see me pass their way.

Sure, I like the job I've got,
Greetin' smiles from door to door;
Happy with my load an' lot,

Makin' friends just by the score.

Home-played music that I hear,
Children fillin' in the scene,
Liven up my life with cheer
Better'n any movie screen.
Yes, my job's just what I like,
Workin' with a jolly crew,
Spite of weather, load or hike,
But my payday makes me blue.

Branch 759 held its annual meeting and election at the home of Bro. Robt. Rea on Saturday evening, and the members considered it of sufficient importance to request that a brief report be published in the Postal Record..

Therefore, for the first time in twenty years the correspondent asks your indulgence, and if you don't care to hear from us again, so notify our National Secretary.

You members of the smaller Branches don't know what you are missing if you don't meet once a month around at the different homes of the members. We of Branch 759 find them very inspiring and we always have a good time. Our meeting at the home of Brother Rea was an exception-we had a particularly good time. After the routine business and election of officers (Branch 759 is more generous than some of our larger Branches; we gave each member present an office) ushered into the dining room. 'Twas then we changed from letter carriers to interior decorators. Our host not only dined us, but he brought the old demijohn also.

we were

I'll say the grapes on his arbor don't go to waste; not by a jug full. Of course it was grape juice and that reminds me

'Tis said that Mr. Bryan

From his neighbor Thomas Ryan, Once took a Jersey Cow to try.

To his barn she got admission He named her prohibition

And the same day the cow went dry. But, I mustn't wander like that. I supOur pose you'd rather read Branch items. Branch is in excellent condition and we If another assesshave money in the bank. ment is necessary, we are ready to come across, too.

Well, boys, if any of you come to Greenwich, Conn., let us show you this historic, beautiful town. We have so many pretty girls here that the leather peak on our caps is worn out before the rest of the cap shows a sign of wear.

Banch 759 wishes you all a very Merry Christmas, and may the following lines from the pen of "The Bald Headed Poet of America" be your sentiment.

Old Year and New

Old Year, must you really go
And must I say good bye?
I'm grieved to have you leave me.
It brings the tear drops to my eye.
You've been so very kind to me.

You've filled my "horn of plenty." You've been the best year of my life: Good bye Old 1 9 2 0.

New Year, accept my greeting,
You smiling little boy.

I ask, what wilt thou do with me,
And must I be your tov?
Please use me as the Old Year did,
I ask, now you've begun.
I'll not request another thing
Of 1 9 2 1.

MANLY RITCH.

Kansas City, Mo.

The November meeting of Branch 30 was well attended and all appeared to enjoy the meeting. The present officers were all nominated for reelection at the December meeting, so the activities of the Branch during the next year will probably be directed by "the same old gang." But you never can tell. "There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip."

Congress is in session, and we read that the members of each house are getting down to hard labor on the many great problems of the day-immigration, foreign trade, return to peace basis, etc. Matters of greatest importance and should be handled with the utmost care and dispatch. When these momentous questions are disposed of we hope the postal employees will come in for the fair and earnest consideration of

their employer-the Congress of the United States.

Ours is by no means a one-sided case. First is the little matter of salary, which is, of course, paramount. Regardless of the fact that there seems to be a slight reduction in the cost of living as regards clothing and eatables, the cost of living as a whole has not been reduced one iota. Fuel is higher than it was last year except during the miners' strike, rents are even higher than they were a year ago, and among others, physicians and undertakers have increased the charges for their services to a probable average of more than 60 per cent over last year. It is not unusual to hear it said, "The present generation will not 'see pre-war prices again." Then how can anybody consistently contemplate a material reduction in the near future? As we are all agreed our salaries should be made to equal the pre-war scale as compared to the present purchasing power of the dollar. We read that in Milwaukee some building tradesinen have volunteered to have their salaries reduced to a dollar an hour. Well, say now, wouldn't we be mighty glad to accept eight dollars a day for our work? True, it requires certain training to learn to spread mortar and lay bricks in it. to properly saw boards or to drive nails without mashing one's thumb, but it does seem that we who went through the war period on a great deal less than was actually neces sary in the way of something to eat and wear, serving our Government to the best of our ability in every possible way, should receive compensation at least comparable to the wages of mechanics in the common trades. We must work for it, men ; it is our just due.

now

The retirement law needs patching up a bit. It should be so amended as to permit employees with thirty years service to retire on the maximum allowance regardless of their attained age. What matters it to the Department how old an employee is if retirement is intended as a reward for service rendered? Service, not age, should be the consideration.

At this time it appears that the 2% per cent deducted from salaries exceeds the amount paid to retired employees. This may not be the case as a whole. If it is the amount deducted should be reduced or the benefits increased. These and other phases of our case should engage the fair and serious consideration of our legislators. As I have previously stated, we can always rely upon our national officers to do their part and we must not lose an opportunity to help by keeping and cultivating public sentiment.

In the initial pages of the December Record we read a very interesting article on cooperation by President Gainor. Let us now apply this policy as never before. The time is now at hand when we as members of this organization should cooperate with our national officers to the fullest extent by diligently and consistently applying such suggestions as they may from time to time find necessary. Truly, "Cooperation is the only way."

H. A. LEONARD.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Branch 24 held its annual election of officers on December 4, which election passed off even more peaceably than that of last year. The entire list was elected by acclamation, and their names will doubtless be forwarded by the recording secretary. There will be some of last year's officers, some new ones and some of the old-timers back in harness again.

Our application "getters" seem to have taken a vacation last month, only one being read. Five were initiated, which is also a smaller number than usual. Perhaps, however, the station delegates have secured all the applications possible.

Considerable discussion was caused by the announcement in the Postal Record for December that a certain firm of uniform makers had ceased to employ union help and could not therefore furnish uniforms bearing the union label. While the N. A. L. C. is not a trade union, yet we are doing all in our power to improve our working conditions and should also help those organizations with which we are affiliated. Branch 24 wishes to go on record as being opposed to the purchase of any uniforms not having the union label attached. If every carrier would demand the label on all uniforms and also on other articles it would be a great help to organized labor throughout the country.

Broadway, since the building was erected. George has thrown away his alarm clock and gone back to the farm with the cows and chickens. And last but not least, Bro. Frank Posey, one of the first colored letter carriers in New York, a black man with a white heart, loved and esteemed by all.

As customary, a joint installation of the officers of the Branch and Ladies Auxiliary 37 will be held on Sunday, January 2, 1921, at the Yorkville Casino, 210 East 86th St., at 2 P. M.

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The entertainment committee has ranged for an excellent vaudeville program and concert by our band, in conjunction with the installation ceremonies. Prominent men in public life, including esteemed postmaster, Senators and Congressmen, the officers of the N. A. L. C.. nearby Branches and past presidents of Branch 36 have been invited to attend. This occasion has also been selected to tender a testimonial of our appreciation, love and esteem to that staunch loyal friend of postal employees, Hon. Henry M. Goldfogle, member of the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads in the 66th Congress, in the form of a beautiful silver loving cup suitably engraved.

Branch 36, N. A. L. C., extends the greetings of the Yuletide season to every Branch of the N. A. L. C., with the hope that the year 1921 will prove more fruitful and golden as a result of our united efforts and cooperation.

FERDINAND L. DOUGLAS.

Omaha, Nebr.

The movement inaugurated at the November meeting to make Branch 5 100 per cent in point of membership a reality is fast assuming a tangible form.

The enthusiasm manifest in the November meeting seems to have gained impetus, and nothing short of victory will deter the brothers from carrying out their aims and ambition. All stations except one reported progress at the December meeting, and a live committee was appointed to visit this Branch of the service and endeavor to inject a spirit of revived interest in this particular station that seems to have remained somewhat dormant for a few months past.

Bro. John Britton was selected with two others to endeavor to use some of his magical powers to bring about a renewed feeling of their duties and obligations and it is safe to predict that the January meeting will see many of their smiling faces present with us again.

The large class of new members that joined the Association at the December meeting gave ample evidence that the active men of the rank and file are cooperating with the officers in their endeavor to get every brother within the carrier service to join.

From the time that Bro. Fred Jorgenson announced that "the meeting would come to order" until the final rap of the gavel indicated that the business of the evening was finished, there was not a dull moment. The election of officers for the coming year perhaps brought out a few that might not have been present otherwise, but the attendance is gaining with each succeeding meeting and the interest shown from time to time is gratifying to the ones who have been selected to fill the various offices and others who have the good of the Association at heart.

That retirement from the active service might cause the older men to drop out of the meetings was disproven when Bros. George Kleffner, Chris Rose, Jacob Jensen and others honored us with their presence. Like a large family reunion, both the Branch and the Ladies' Auxiliary were well represented by the members from all parts of the city, and those absent from sickness or otherwise were the subjects of discussion during the evening. Money was raised to assist several who are suffering from disease and unable to work temporarily and the spirit of brotherly love and friendship was dominant throughout the entire evening, giving ample evidence of the importance of keeping in "good standing" in the Branch.

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Bro. Casper F. F. Michaelsen, who has proven his ability to head the organization, was again honored by being chosen president, the vote being unanimous. seeking the office, but like the old saying that some people have "honors thrust upon them,' he graciously accepted the responsibility and promised as did the other newly selected officers to do all in his power

to promote the growth and prosperity of the Branch affairs in every way possible.

After having served for fifteen years as treasurer, Bro. Charles B. Newton declined to continue in office any longer, although repeated attempts were made to have him change his decision. Finally Brother Ed. Hynek was chosen as his successor. He accepted with an appropriate speech promising to endeavor to successfully discharge the duties of the office for which he had been selected.

Bro. Fred McCormack, who has been one of the most active members of the Branch for years, will serve as vice president during the coming twelve months, and it is needless to predict that he will devote much of his time and talents towards entertaining for which he is so well fitted and qualified.

Bro. David T. Reed, one of the old-time war horses, whose name and familiar face are too well known at both local as well as national gatherings to need any comments, was unanimously selected to succeed himself as recording secretary.

Brother Riley was selected sergeant-atarms and Bro. M. A. Martin, of South Side Station, was chosen to continue as a trustee for the Branch for a period of three years, he having done such efficient service that the well merited confidence reposed in him was not misplaced. He will be remembered as being one of the active members of the "Convention Committee" which entertained the convention in Omaha in 1915. The incoming officers were chosen as a committee on arrangements to make the necessary provisions to give a banquet and entertainment for the members recently elected as well as the older ones at the January meeting and a sufficient sum was voted out of the treasury to insure the brothers from being hampered in their work.

Among the newly elected members, Bro. George Wagonseller is considered a valuable asset to the Association when it becomes known that "George," as he is familiarly called, possesses marked dramatic abilities, his brother and other members of his family being well known theatrical people and it is expected that in the very near future the members of Branch 5 will have the pleasure of being entertained in a very pleasing manner by George and others whom he may select to assist him. Bro Ernest Kauffold, who was one of the active members of the former "Seven White Hairs" organization, introduced and sponsored by the late Bro. Dell Lough, is desirous of reviving a similar "stunt" to be used at coming meetings in initiating candidates. thus enlivening the meetings, and his desire is acquiesced in by other members and the new members at the January meeting or some subsequent gathering may be compelled to ride "the Goat" as is done in other organizations.

The January meeting will be a joint installation between the officers elect of Branch 5, N. A. L. C.. and Ladies Auxiliary 78, to Branch 5, and a general good time is assured. It is hoped and expected that there will be a full attendance.

The newly selected officers for the Ladies' Auxiliary are as follows: Mrs. Florence M. Bouk, president; Mrs. Alvira Britton, vice president; Miss Dorothy From, recording secretary; Mrs. Olive McCormack, financial

and corresponding secretary; Miss Ethel Millberg, treasurer; Mrs. Evelyn Kauffold, sergeant-at-arms.

The personnel of the members chosen to guide the affairs of the two organizations are composed of men and women who have been active in Association and Auxiliary affairs for several years and it is expected that much will be accomplished during the ensuing year.

Much of the success of any organization depends upon the support given the officers and we bespeak for both the earnest cooperation that the membership-at-large should give. It is the duty of every member to attend meetings and not only lend their moral support but extend their efforts by contributing of their abilities and wise counsel to assist in solving the many problems that confront these two organizations from time to time.

The retiring officers have set an example that their successors will endeavor to maintain, but President Gainor sounded the "key-note" in his article in the December Postal Record, that of "Cooperation the Only Way," which is just as applicable to the local organizations as it is to the success of national affairs.

By the time this brief letter reaches the readers of the Postal Record, we shall have passed through the hardships incident to the heavy mails which each recurring

Christmas time brings, but the men and women in the service have successfully handled the mails before and may be depended upon to do it again.

In closing, we desire to thank our national officers for the very considerate manner in which they have treated your correspondent in years gone by, and to bespeak to the membership at large our best wishes that they may spend a "Very Merry Christmas" and a bright and prosperous "New Year."

W. C. BOUK.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

The sudden death of our esteemed and beloved friend Congressman Mahlon M. Garland, cast a gloom in our ranks, for the letter carriers in his death lost a man who was a friend staunch and true, and as such the carriers who were able, attended the funeral services at the Moose Temple, in full uniform as a token of our love and respect for the good work that he accomplished while on this earth.

Branch 84, N. A. L. C., in our last meeting thought it wise to re-elect the officers who so faithfully did the work the previous year. No one could resist to give our smiling Len Marloff another chance to swing the gavel in the president's chair, and his able vice president, A. J. Volmer, a pair hard to beat. W. H. Werner, who in the last year gave us a good record of what transpired in our meetings as secretary, was so tickled when he was re-elected that he nearly fell off his chair for joy. David Bissett who in the last twenty-two years kept that delinquent brother on the go, to pay up his dues and retain that membership card, will certainly be after them again this year. Chas. Vogel proved to be a very careful watch dog of the treasury and for his faithfulness was rewarded with another term.

Our little smiling Michael Reardon is still going to see to it that the members take out enough insurance in the M. B. A. that their wives will not have to work at a wash tub in a hurry. George Hunter said he would try to make the brothers protect part of the salary by taking out membership in the N. S. B. A.. Ben Watson, who also has a good story and advice to give, will again serve in that capacity as trustee.

The drive for a 100 per cent membership is in full swing in our Branch and as long as Bro. Harry J. Kinzler gets on their trail they cannot refuse to get in the ranks. In the last three months he was responsible for at least 30 applications. At the last meeting we had class initiation. Sixteen men became members of the fold. Our retired membership is growing every month and is enjoying that belated rest which Congress gives them and they also come back to our meetings with that broad smile of thank the Lord I am still a member of N. A. L. C. where good fellowship prevails.

The carriers of the Main Office recorded in the last year seven names on the "Arm Chair Club" roster. To be a member all is necessary to carry mail for 30 years in the Main Office and the seven fortunate ones last year were: Robt. Borker, Wm. Tremier, James Kerin, Wm. Kaltenhauser, Harry Schoenberger, Charles Thalheimer and John Johnson.

Our next meeting which happens to fall on New Year's Day will be set forward to the third Saturday in January and arrangements are now going on to treat the Ladies Auxiliary to a night out. Joint installation of officers and a good time, for you know we love the ladies. Now last and not least, everybody boost the National Sick Benefit Association, Mutual Benefit Association and urge every letter carrier to be a member of the good old N. A. L. C.

OTTO A. HOKAMP.

Pueblo, Colo.

Geo. Campbell went in a restaurant on his route and asked if they could fill a hungry man and the manager said "yes, but we do not fill silos."

There was a young carrier named Spence,
Who had piles of mail, immense,
He'd go out and stay
Most all of the day

Until the darkness was quite dense.

No doubt most of you have heard of crystal gazers and mystic men of such fame. This office claims the distinction of having one of the best of this class now in captivity. Anytime a carrier can turn in a report of his official count of mail

several days before the actual count takes place, isn't he there? We claim he is there and over. Von Gundy says that like most others he was born at an early age of respectable, consequently honest parents and he is the seventh son of a seventh son, born in the dark of the moon with a veil over his face, hence his foresight powers.

Art Smith has spent most of the summer telling us that the horse never lived that could travel over his route twice on the same day. We all fell for his story and most of us unsuspecting innocents believed him until the boss went with him one day to inspect the route. Vile deceiver! a rocky mountain canary could jazz over said route with ease.

Elston came down to the office in a very bad state of mind the other morning and upon being questioned closely, admitted that he had had a fuss with his wife. She accused him of eating twelve pancakes and he said it was only eleven. He finally got mad and came to work without his breakfast.

Now that election is over we have decided that most everybody are fools except foreman and myself and sometimes I have my doubts about him.

We wish to take this means of thanking the correspondent to the Labor Advocate, Mr. A. W. Ragas, for the publicity campaign he has given to the rabbit and chicken enterprises of our members. If we had accorded him equally as much free advertising in the column concerning his dramatic ability, there is no doubt but what he would have Mary Picbanks and Douglas Fairford laid in the shade and out of a job.

In view of the fact that this issue concludes our contract with Branch 229, as correspondent, we thank you for your kind attention during the past year and wish you all a Happy and Joyous New Year. BERNAL M. TROSTLE.

San Diego, Calif.

It's an amusing and interesting game that we press correspondents, scribes and publicity agents play from day to day. If we write to try to please the fancy of Tom Jones, why, John Brown is displeased. One brother tells us that our articles are "rotten," and another brother says our "stuff" is excellent and just the kind that readers want. One reader is offended because we do not mention his name in our communications, while another one is angry because we do put his name in print.

Brother Smith wants to read the small gossip of his environment in the form of "personals," and Brother White tells us to "can the old-ladies tea-party nonsensible ramblings and to something give him 'heavy' something with a punch to it for real men." ." Tom says he wants the funny, humorous kind, the kind that will make him laugh when the every day trials and tribulations of life are digging wrinkled furrows of care on his unhappy face. But Dick likes the "sob-sister" variety, something to tone down his hilarious spirit a little. Some people are interested only in local affairs, while others want "news" that will tell them what is going on everywhere. Sometimes we spend a lot of time in an effort to compose a "literary gem" and take great pains to see that every word is used correctly and in the strict sense of its meaning, and we punctuate correctly and are very careful to give the proper grammatical construction to our sentences, and when the wonderful product is printed, if anyone reads further than the first two or three lines they never mention anything about it. At another time we sit down and dash out a "filler" in a few minutes, with no consideration of the correctness of the words or the grammar we are using, our main idea being to get something into type to show that we are still working and want to hold our unappreciated jobs. When the bungled specimen of nothingness appears in print (if it ever does) the brothers flock to us in droves, and its "Gee! old top, that was some piece-why don't you give 'em all to us like that one?"

Then, if through some streak of luck we should happen to satisfy the wants of our readers and give them an article that would suit their different kinds of temperaments, like as not the one whom we fear more than all others-the august editorwould discover something out of gear in it and he'd "kill" it. So it goes. We keep on grinding out the thoughts as they come to us, keeping in view the fact that our audiences are composed of people in all walks of life, with views that differ on all subjects, accepting the brick-bats and

bouquets that they throw at us as tributes to the power of the printed word.

Thus far this article is one of the kind that has nothing in it, but I'll bet two doughnut holes to a last year's bird's nest with the bottom knocked out of it, that if it gets by and shows up in print a whole lot of fellows will give it "honorable mention," but from here on, if you have managed to wade through to this point, you'll find something worth while.

Bro. Frank M. Newman, of Denver, in his contribution to the December Postal Record, informs us that his Branch has appointed a regular correspondent for the Denver Labor Bulletin, and I wish to heartily commend the action of Branch 47, to every Branch that is situated in or near a city that has a labor paper, and to urge them to follow the example of the Denver boys. Branch 70 has sent three delegates to the Federated Trades and Labor Council, ever since the N. A. L. C. affiliated with the A. F. of L. The Council owns and controls the San Diego Labor Leader, an excellent paper, with a weekly circulation of 8,000, among all classes of people, and the editor welcomes the regular contributions of our correspondent.

The public is always interested in any matter pertaining to the letter carrier and the postoffice, and there is no better medium for keeping the people informed regarding our needs than a good labor paper. In our campaigns for increased wages, retirement, etc., we had no stronger ally for publicity than we had in the columns of the Labor Leader.

Get a weekly column in a labor paper, if possible, and your Branch will find that the results will show big dividends, for a weekly news letter in a newspaper is an excellent stimulant to the activities and enthusiasm of the members. Every member of our Branch receives and reads the Labor Leader and the subscription price is paid out of the Branch's treasury. Take the matter up with your Branch, brother, and get it to appoint a regular correspondent for your labor paper and after you have tried the experiment I am sure that you will tell us that it is a paying proposition.

Nor

The power of the press and the extent of its circulation is wonderful. Today am writing this way down here in the southwest corner of the United States, and I do not know who will read it, when they will read it or where they will read it. can I know what effect, if any, it will have on the life and conduct of the reader who knows my name and where I live, and I do not know anything at all about him, but were it not for the medium of the press, neither

fit and then sends them to the Postal Record so we may see the fruit the efforts have borne.

In the December issue of the Postal Record I see the Penn Garment Company is coming in for its share of criticism relative to its behavior in regard to the non-use of the union label. The controversy ought but to remind us of the suggestion made in these columns at different times by correspondents from different sections of our country that the N. A. L. C. ought to go into the uniform manufacturing business. It's an enterprise we ought to have launched long ago. If there are still some civil service restrictions hindering us from starting such a business they ought to be removed at once. Conditions ever since 1914 have shown us that if we want what we need and can't get it on the basis of a square deal, it's time to quit depending on others. Start the enterprise with a spirit that prompted these words: "Millions for defense but not one cent for tribute." We have been a bunch of heavy tribute payers, especially since 1914, to more industries than simply uniform manufacturers. We have done a lot of pleading of late years for needed relief and made sacrifices and suffered hardships while patiently waiting for the consummation of our just and reasonable requests with but small success. Get this: The more we help ourselves, and the less we depend on others, the more we will grow in confidence and inspire confidence in others. Most men clothed with power and influence, no matter how obtained, will abuse it. These if they ever practice the square deal plan of behavior do it because they don't dare do otherwise.

The article by W. C. Guntrup, of Toledo, Ohio, "Danger in Mistakes," is a good one. He might as well have said: "Danger in Abuses.' Every abuse is a mistake. We'll all agree to that, but every mistake is not necessarily an abuse. At any rate, every carrier ought to read the article and then think some. If he does, it will perhaps show him, or at least lead him to see why every Postmaster General gets to hating us en masse before he leaves his office. Most of these men assume the duties of their office with a friendly feeling toward us, I am sure. But before they are done with even the chart class work of learning the duties they have assumed they get jolts from some of us that soon brings on an estrangement which with the unfolding years grows into undisguised hate and contempt for us. I have often wondered why this is and how it comes about. I think you can get the "why" of it from Mr. Guntrup's article. One bad man in any community gets more attention than do

new

Salina, Kans.

According to the reports I read in the Postal Record we are anything but a 100 per cent organization as yet, especially in our larger cities. If this is true, and I do not doubt it, it must be because the members joining our ranks neither know nor understand what efforts it has taken to build up this organization to what it is today. The salaries at which our pioneers, still with us, began work would be anything but inviting to get recruits to our ranks now. Even the present salaries do not entice them to stay with us once they get their eyes opened as to what the task is and what they must give up to remain in the service. If all civil service restrictions were put at the head of the list in bold type when calls for entering this service are made, I doubt if very many persons with superior qualifications would ever enter the service. Once a man is in and has grown used to the work he is very reluctant to change even though he does find much at times that is not at all to his liking. Note for example, such men as Frank Newman, Chas. Scoggins, W. H. McDowell, J. D. Martin and hundreds of others who have been in the service, some of them, almost a quarter of a century, and others more than that.

Many good hints, suggestions, and truisms are from time to time dropped in our Branch items that furnish excellent food for thought to more people than these contributors realize, for it's perhaps only one out of a thousand that puts these thoughts suggested on paper for our bene

some

of ordinary, good, and lawabiding citizens. A few trouble makers in our ranks sometimes undo some of the good things that have been accomplished by hard and patient work on the part of the loyal, faithful few. Most people are quick to pass damaging judgment on an organization by the worst examples they can find in it. It's a common failing of mankind. So-called superiors are no exception to it. Any amount of education does not seem to make us proof against it. In fact, it, in us cases, only makes worse. Now just see how this prejudice bump of yours works. For example: If you are a well inoculated Catholic you judge the whole Masonic Order by the bad Masons you may know, and vice versa. If you are a dyedin-the-wool Democrat you unload all the prejudice you can on the whole Republican party on account of some of the worst Republicans you actually know, and vice versa. If you are a grafting capitalist and have gone hopelessly money and power mad, you will hate the whole laboring class because of one or a dozen men like Mooney and Debs in it who are giving their lives to improve the working conditions of their co-workers and are demanding a square deal in every respect, and an adequate wage for all workers. If you are a chronic law breaker of any kind, you are nursing a perpetual grouch against practically all mankind, but particularly against such officers that are on your trail to keep you going straight. The feeling is a mutual one here too. If everybody in the world were always on the square we would have a better society and a better Government with fewer officials. That government is best that governs least. In our organization the motto should be: "Service; shirks to the exit." Don't do anything to bring us into disfavor in the eyes of those who think well of us and who have helped us so nobly and valiantly without fear or favor. Let's be grateful to them for all the concessions they have obtained for us from the powers that be.