Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, January 28, 1894, Page 13

LOOKING INTO THE PAST Investigation of Corporate Abuses by a Bpecial Committee of the Benate, THE RAILROADS AND THE PEOPLE Favoritiam in Passenger Tolls, Free Passes aud Other Evils—Federal Restriction A Remudy for Gross and Burs densome Abuse: PART 1V, {Fourth installment of testimony of Mr. E. Rosewator before the select committes of o United States senate in Omahia, June 22, 1885.] enator Platt—I am told that the New York Central railroad carrics passengers from New York to Albany for $1.40, which is less thau a cont a mile Mr. Rosewater—Yes, sir; and if all the dead-heads and all the drummers were cut off they could carry passengers here for 2 cents a mile. Drummers and commercial travelers should be put on the same basis 1 other travelers, It is maintained by the railroad men, and some of them, I sup- pose, would insist upon it, that it is to the advantage of the raiiroads to reduce the passenger rate for a commercial traveler, because it increases the traftic on a railroad That is the only ground they could e me for sending a commercial AV lower rate than they charge a furmer or Do they make a lower rate lorst Senator Platt to commercial tr: Mr. Rosewater—They sell them a {1,000 mile ticke it 2 cents a mile inlowa,l think, and in this state at J cents. Sepator Harris—Do they not sell ticket to anybody at the same rate? Mr. Rosewater—No, sir. There are 200,000 commercial travelersn the United States who enjoy this privilege. As I claim, there 1s not one pound more carried over any rail- road by reason of these commercial travelers going over it than would be carried without them, excepting alone the samples which the commercid men carry in their grip- sacks or baggage. The Thousand-Wile Ticket. Senator Platt—I think the eastern roads do not make any difference as to the person to whom the tickets are sold Mr, Rosewater—We will adinit that there is'a much heavier population in the east, but they treat all people alike. They sell ata minimum or very low rate to anybody who can pay the money. Here a large percéntage of the people pay nothing. The Chairman—If they did sell to all alike there are a great many men who do not want 8 1.000-mile ticket and who would not ride 1,000 miles in very many years. They would have to pay the regular rate. so that you are discrimmnating against the poor man or the man who occasionally travels. Senator ’latt—Very likely, but that is not quite 50 bad as to sell a 1,000-mile ticket to one man and not let another man have one who travels just as much, The Chairman—Is it right to sell a 1,000- mile ticket atallat less than the ordinary fare which everybody pays? Mileage Tickeis ut Fixea Rates. Mr. Rosewater—The proper way would be 1o sell to everybody such a mileage as they need at the regular fixed price, just as wo buy postage stamps at the postofiice. There isone of the causesof discrimimation and also of favoritism, because in this very matter there are those who are favored and those who are not. The retail dealer who may go out of this city has to pay the full vprice. He is to some extent a shipper, but 18 not a commercial traveler. Me does not ship enough to warrant him in making an application in the proper form. They have to show that they are heavy shippers over the road. The result is that those who have heavy trafic have the advantage. Senator Platt—You touch on the system of issuing pusses; to what extent is it done here? Under Pass System 10 Ver Cent Travol Froe. Mr. Rosewater —~The system of issuing sses on the Union Pacific up to the change n Mr. Adams’ administration has been very extensive. I have talked witk the conduc- tors and they have said that at least 10 per cent of the travel is free. Since Mr. Calla- way has come in a large avmy of political followers who had passes all over the state to travel at leisure has been disbanded. The Burlington road still transports, in my opinion, not less than 10 per cent of all its passengers fre Senator Platt—Do you not think if the pass system were absolutely abolished by the roads it would be better for them and that one great cause of irritation of the peo- ple would be done nway with? Mr. Rosewater—Certainly ; because when men travel who arepaying, and they see large numbers of people who do not pay, they feel that there is some 1mposition upon them, or that there are people who are favored. The Chairman—It is a source of irritation to those who do not get the favora? Mr. Rosewater—Yes, sir; and 1t_ought to be abolished. 1 pelieve if they haa cut down their pass system in this state entirely five, six or seven years ago and hud adopted then a 8-cent milcage rate, instead of keeping 1t at B cents up to within two years and 4 cents since, they would have had a larger mcoma in the ageregate from the passenger earn- ings than they got at the 4 and 5-cemt charge, Commission for Seliing Tickets. The Chairman—What do you say as to the commission allowed to agents for selling tickets? Mr. Rosewater—That is a subject I have not investigated. That is an internal ar- rangement among railroads that 1 have heard no complaint of. Senator Harris—You have scalpers? Mr. Ro: ter—We have scalpers every- where, but 1 do not think these Ipers are employed by the railrouds. They are parties ‘who buy through tickets from parties whose destination is to a certain point and who have bought tickets through, aud when they reach that point sell the balance of the ticket. Senator Platt—Every city has a ticket offize for every principal road. How are those ticket oftices supported ! Mr. Rosewater—In the large citles it i quite v on the part of the railroad The sc ¢ not employed by the rail- roads. ro is another thing about the scalpers’ oftices. The scalpors are a sort of detective system, in_my opinion. They are used by the rairoad companies to detect frauds upon the pass systel Parties who want to soll ther free transportation to —®ome scalper are generally immediately spotted, and notice is served and they are usually ested. 1 think that is one of the causes for doing that. If the pass system was done away with the scalpers would soon follow. Senator Platt—Do you understand that it is the practice of the railrosd companies to allow a commission o the ticket agents who have their oftices in the different cities for doing businesst Mr. Rosewater—They may do so. not be surprised if that were t of salaries they may ba paying cc The Chairman—On that 1 should Instead Jmissions. road tway pay a sal- ary and_another road pay commissions, as 1 understand it. There may bo a ticket agent in this town or in another town, aud a man comes into his office and wants to buy a ticket to Pittsburg or to Boston. It isa question as to what road he will go by, as there ure severalhie can go on after he loaves s town by some given road. The ticket t uses his influence to get hm to go on a Line from which, if he sells a ticket over hat line, he will be paid a commissiou. Mr- Kosowater—1 thiak that 18 douo here a he Chalrman—What do you think of that! Apply Commission to Reductl Mr. Rosowater—I should think that was an-dmposition in part, becavse it causes just that much more outlay t the railroad com- pany, and consequently prevents it from re- duciug the fares. As far as | see, the object should be to give the public the lowest ssible rato for which u ralroad can af- ord to carry passengers. Senator Plati—It has boen testified before us that very large commissions were allowed in some iustances by the rouds to agencies in distant cities for selling tickets. If the pass system should be cut off and the com- mission system could be cut off, and all the ings thus affected could be deducted from the price of tickets, it would be a consider- ablo ftem in the way of reductio Mr. Rosewater—lI bave covered that branch, I presume. 1 havo shown, so far as the people in this state are coucerned, that they will still continue to sgitate the enact- N of Fare THE OMAHA DAILY BEE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 28. 1894 IXTEEN PAGES. ment of aws that will establish a maximum f:llmulnwd immigration and the settlement rate, or at least a limit to the charges, and they will undoubtedly continue to agitate until they get a more stringent penalty for violations of the law with regard to dis- criminations and have it defined much more clearly than at present. Jurisdiciion of the National Government. Senator Platt—I understand you to say, with reference to all these roads that have been chartered by the government in the territories which have since become states or which are suill in a territorial condition, that the government has full power to deal with all passenger and freight rates’ Mr. Rosewater—I think the charters of those roads are all drawn pretty much af! the July, 1862, charter of the Union Pacific railroad. They are all abouton the same model. They all state tbat congress rescrves to itself thatright only after 10 per cent of dividend is earned upon the stock. That is, when the road can earn more than 10 pe cent upon its investment, then congress muy step in. But I think it has been generally construed and held that congress can at any tune legislate upon that question. Senator Harris—Congress reserves the right to alter, amend or repeal the charter? Mr. Rosewater—Yes, sir; there is no doubt that congress could regulate the tolls so far as sengers and freights are concerned, over the main lines on these two great rail- roads in Nebraska. Senator Platt—Because that is interstate business? But is there anything, now tha Nebraska has bscome a state, by which it makes it any more dificult for the govern- ment to say what passenger rates shall be charged from point to point within the state than it was before Nebraska became a state, witn reference to the government ronds? Mr. Rosewater—I do not believe that on and-grant railroaas there is any ques- tion but that congress can regulate both freight ana passenger tariffs in Nebraska. On their branches [ suppose it would sbe difficalt. Senator Platt—They have been built under aws of Nebraska? Mr. Rosewater—They have been built under our general laws. They can be regu- lated, of course, by the state propes, because by epting the right of eminent domain ve placed themselves directly under the regulating power of the state. A Local ool Senator Platt—Have youa local pool of the railrosds which compete for business east of Nebraska? Mr. Rosewater—Yes. I think there has been a local pool hereall the tima or most of tne time. The only thing 1 wish to speak of further is as to the questions you have put in your circular. With regard to the remedies to bo applied by congress my idea would be inthe first place, that the primary remedy to be applied is, if possible, to wring the water out of all the land grant railroads. That may be a confusing statement. The Chairman—Would you not wring it out of some others, also? Mr. Rosewat 1f congress had the power I would have it wrung out of all of them. Senator Platt—If congress is going to fix rates on interstate commerce of course it can fix the rates with reference to what is the real honest capital of the railroads. Mr. Rosewater—Parties who operate the railroads for gambling purposes do not seem to be. satistied, no matter how much wring- ing out there is, and will not be satisfied un- til there is congressional regulation that will lim1t stocks. We should have a law tnat will say how much stock a railroad company shall issue above its indebtedness. Present Railrond Bureau SufMcient. Right here I will say that the United States bureau of rail: s which is already established, for some six or eight years, is amply competent to handle the matter, as far as its jurisaiction can go. It already has jurisdiccion over the land-grant railroads, and in my opinion all the railroads should be required to report to that bureau. But there should be a limit to the issuance of stocks and also of bonds for railroad purposes. When that is done, the first step will be taken so far as excessive incomes of railroad investors are concerned. The real investors in these railroads have probably had nothing 1o do with their construction. A great deal has been said about the orphans. We are admonished that congress should consider the rights of the poor widows and orphans in Massachusetts and in New England gen- erally. 1say, if anybody who is an adminis- trator for orphans and widows would invest their money in stocks that are gambled in on Wall street, he should be branded ana sent to the penitentiary. No person should invest orphans’ funds in such securities. If he does 1t would make no difference whether he invested it in the Union Pacific or Wabash. If he had invested it 1n Wabash he would have been wrung out en- tirely. A receiver has been appointed for the Wabash and other railroads have had receivers appointed. It seems to me con- gress should not look to the few widows in Massachusetts but to the millions who are residing in this western country who are all subjected to thas perpetual tax. The tax should be made uniform and reasonable, and the tax should be wade with a view to their interest instead of in the interest of those who have put their money into railroad stocks that are liable to be up or down from day to day. Kaliroad Stocks Not Snfterlug Unduly. 1 do not think the railroad stocks have been suffering so much. I received this table a day or two ago from Bell & Hatch, bankers and brokers, 48 Wall street, showing the average value of eighteen lead- ing stocks between September, 1883, and Jun 585. 1 will not be sure aboutthe other roads, but I refer to those we are in- terested in. We will take the first, the Burlington & Quincy. In September, 1883, its stock was quoted at %0; in May, 1884, at 108; on the 10th of June, 1885, 123. So that the'orphans in that divection are not very. much injured or very badly off, even with the terrible squeezing the roads have been subjected to. 1n 1878 the Chicago & Northwestern was 40, in 1584 it had gone up to 93, and now it stands at 90. I suppose that road has been pretty well inflated, too, by 1ts watered stock. Still it is held auv 90, Rock Island is also iu the same category in this state. We deal with that road. We flnd that in 1878 its stock was 86, in May, 1884, it was 108, and now it 1s 114 on the 10th of June. The Union Pacific was 45 m 1873, 85 in May, 1884, and on the 10ch of June, 1885, it was 1 do aot know what it is today. what? That was the price of the stock, not only of the Union Pacific as it was quoted in 1573, but of some twenty odd millions addi- tional stock that has been merged into it, all now called, in general, the Union Pacific railway. Still, its stock is 53, Widows and Orphins Not Badly OT Certalnly the widows and orphans in Massachusetts are not so bad off, after all, as 1 thought they were. So far as congress is concerned, it certainly could legislate with regard to these railroads without actually impoverishing these widows, anda at the same time do justice to our people. T think the fixing of a mavimum 1ate that would be rational and reasonable per ton per mile and the establishment of two units, 100 pounds tor broken car lots and a carload as the unit for each carload lot, would be very essential for this section of the country. Seuator Platt—If you have thought on the question. let us hear what you think the of u reduction of rates would be on the ate or net earnings of the road. What would be the effect of the 25 per cent reduc- tion all arouna? Mr. Rosewater—I do not think a cut of 25 per cent would be admissible. 1 do not think the tariff of the road would increase proportionately to make up that amount. 1 would not want to believe that. There is, of course, & limted amount of trafiic, now that four or five other Pacific roads are com- peting with this road. Effect of 25 per Cent Reduction in Rates. Senator Platt—The cost of a ticket from New York to San Francisco, 1 think, is §125. Suppose that ticket was reduced to $100, which would not be a reduction of quite 25 per cent. Tbat would have some effect to increase business over the road, would it not? Mr. Rosewater—1 thiuk that with regard to passengers the 25 per cent reduction could be made very safely, because in that case there would be an incentive to travel that would increase the uwumber of passengers very materially. Scnator Platt—[t would increase the amount of immigration, too,would it not? Mr. Rosewater—And imwmigration also. Senator Platt—And when immigration came that would increase the freight busi- ness? r. Rosewater—Oa the other hand the t trafiic is not to bo increased by any ntive of that character. That is, in my opinion, 3 reduction on freight would not create uew freight. Senator Platt—Not immediately, but if it of the country it would eventually stimulate freieht, Mr. Rosewater—That would be at some distance off. There is no doubt a reduction ought to be made, not a horizontal reduction going through the trafic indiscriminately. Senator Platt—I speak of that only for il- lustration. Mr. Rosewater—1 think there should be more than that on_some classes of freight, aslfind the traffic now. I think there should be 50 per cent on some classes, accord- ing to the rates now exacted by the road, be- cause they are not uniform, considering dis- tance and service, Senator Platt—In the case of gas compa- nies, when any reduction in the price of gas has been made in any city, the result has been that the receipts for gas have kept up to what they were at tne former price. Would not the same principle operate as to railroads to some extent’ Mr. Rosewater—The gas receipts depond on the meters a good deal. They can prob- ably regulate the meters so as to make the incomo keep up. But I do notthink the rail- roads have meters enough, ot rather they have not the machinery to do it. Senator Platt —In other words, the freight business is limited by the capacity of the company? Ir. Rosewater—Yes, sir. enator Platt—And the production? Mr. Rosewater—And production, merce and manufactures. com- e DIUN'T KNOW BIERBOWER. That Was Where the Gamblers Tripped In Thelr Bunco Game, “It was while I was stationed at Fort Omaha,” said Colonel GGeorge Barry at the Lotos club, New York, in hearing of a Sun reporter, “'that I first heard this story about Bierbower. Hierbower was the United States marshal for the Nebraska district, and, judging from ail 1 h he was o mighty good one, too. That a long timo ago, though, and it has been years since I saw or heard of him. Why, was before Colorada was admitted to the union, and that was in '76. “Well, as 1 saying, Bierbower got after some feliows who were counterfeiting gold. He worked a long time before he got the right trail an he got some good men to help him. But he finally located his men somewhere up in Colorado territory and wentafier them. They got the counterfeiters all right, and with them a gripsack full of bogus gold. You can understand that the party started back for Omaha feeling pretty 00d. Ly Trains didn’t run so fast in those days as they do now, or anywhere near it, and the boys, of course, enlivencd the trip inany way they could. It was after they left Sid- ney, 1 think, or maybe it might have been North Platte, but anyway it was up in that bunchgrass part of the state that a pretty smooth-looking chap, who said he was a traveling man, and who evidently didn't know who Bierbower was, came up to the marshal and proposed a little game of cards. “Bierbower joined smooth-looking traveler, whogot a couple of other fellows, and the game began. It happened that the counterfeiters were asleep and the mar- shal's deputies were watching them, so that the men who were in the game with Bier- bower had no opportuuity to find out who he was. “Well, the game went on with varying success for some time, until finally the traveling map said he had had enough. He had lost all he cared to lose at one sitting, he said, and he made it a rule never o go beyond his limit in any game. While they were settling up with the banker the travel- ing man picked up the deck and runaing them over in his hands selected three cards, the two red jacks ard the ace of clubs. As the board was cleared of the poker chips he said: ‘<1 don’t want to play any more poker at this time, gentlemen, but L'l tell you what 1 will do. I've gota little trick here that T'll bet any gentleman he can’tao. I don't want to bet any money, but I'll bet you the cigars or T'li bet you a bottle of wine. Now, see here.’ “He raised his right hand and showed the three cards teld between the thumb and the first, middle and third fingers respectively, You see, gentlemen,’ he said, ‘the ace of clubs is in the middle. You see I make a slow, easy, swinging motion—the ace is in the middle remember—and I follow that motion with a sharp, quick swing, and have thrown the three cards on the table. There they are, gentlemen. You saw how easily and plainly it was done, and you remember that the ace was in the middle. Now does any gentleman want to bet me the cigars for the party or a bottle of wine that he can pick out the ace?’ * ‘Three-card monte, or I'm a goat.' said Bierbower to himself; ‘I wonder if I can'v have some fun here.’ *He leaned back in his seat and watched the sharper, who began to banter the crowd in the effort to get a bet. Nearly all the men in the car crowded around the card manipu- Jator, but no one seemed auxious to pick the ace. «'‘What has become of your sporting blood, gentlemen? he asked. ‘Where in the world is your sand? Won't anybody bet the cigars or the wine? Pshaw! I'm surprised.’ “He went on hectoring the crowd in that manner for several minutes, frequently picking up the cards and throwing them agaln, and always careful to call attention to the fact that the ace was in the middle. At last, when it was evident thatno one would try him on the bet for cigars or wine, his’ capper reached out his hand to- ward the cards, and said: **I'll bet you twenty I can pick the ace.’ “The gambler just looked at the capper and laughed. ‘My dear fellow,’ he said, ‘didn’t you just hear me say that T did not want to bet any money? 1simply show you this little trick for the sake of the amuse- ment it offers.’ He threw the cards once more and looked up for the bet, but there was none. Then he started to gather them up, but just as he was about to rise the capper said again: *‘I'll make you a bet. I'll bet you twenty 1 can pick the ace,’ * ‘I've told you several times what I'd do and what I won't do,’ replied the gambler, sharply, ‘I wow't bet any money, and there's the end of it.’ Ol well,’ said the capper, ‘if twenty's too much I'tl scale it down to suit. I'll bet you ten I can pick the ace.’ “The gambler turned to the crowd. ‘Gen- tlemen,” he said, ‘you see for yourselyes that this man, whom I have never seen be- fore, forces me to bet with him under the implication that Tam afraid. Now you,’ ho said hotly, turning sharply and facing the capper, ‘you 1moly thatlam afraid to bet with you. I'll tell you what I'll do. Since you are so anxious to bet I'll bet you §100 and not a cent less that you cannot bick out the ace.’ “Well, it was the call down fair and square, and of course the capper put up the hundred, Of course he chose the card that everybody thought he would choose, and of course it was the right one. Of course, also, that nettled the gambler, and he declared that he must bave satisfaction. Well, that started the betting, and ina few minutes tho suckers were viting pretty well. Then Bicroower took a hand. He had some of the ‘queer’ gold in his pocket and he went 1o the gripsack and got u lot more. In the rogulation way the gamblers let him win a good bit at the start for bait. Bierbower knew the game from A to Z, and tho way he played those fellows was beautiful. All the money he won from them at the start was good. That he shoved deep down in his vocket. But when he began to lose he fishea up the ‘queer’ bhe had taken from the coun- terfeiters and paid with that. The gamblers were 100 busy with the game to notice what was going on, and the marshal keptat it until be had won quite a nice little pile. Several suckers had been lured into the game and had dropped a good bit of money, and Bierbower was sure of all the evidence he wanted. *So when he thought the thing had gone far enough he tipped the wink to one of his deputies to step over to where he sat. Tho deputy came and then Bierbower said to the gambier and his capper: ‘**I've been looking for you gentlemen for some time and 'm very glad, indeed, to have met you today. I am the United States marshal for the district of Nebraska and it is with the greatest pleasure that I place you both under arrest. 1think you will agree with mo that I have secured quite enough evidence this afiernoon to warrant wy doing so. “Well, they didu't say a word, you sce. Bierbower bad caught them red-handed and they gave up aud went along. They real- ized that there was no use in trying to get out of it, so they both pleaded wuilty and received the full penalty of the law, which was very strict against bunco gambling. Bieroower was goue when | was at Omaha, but that story is one of the old standbys of thefort.” TRYING T0 GET TOGETHER Effort to Unite All Lybor Organizations in One National Body. THE SCHEME HOW IS PROGRESSING Londers Without Exeeption Favor Great Idea—Present Year May Witne: Its Realization—ifficuities In the Way—Labor Notes, Indications are that the year 1304 will wit- ness the union in one solid body of all labor organizations in America. For the past three or four years there has been a general clamor all over the country in both the American Federation of Labor and the Kuights of Labor for the two great organiz- atlons to unite in one body instead of having separate existence, as at present, which has in many cases caused no small amount of bickering and trouble. The differences now existing between the United Garmeut ‘Workers and the Knights of Labor is said to be a good 1llustration of the past dificulties in reaching a proper settlement of labor troubles and it is claimed by the labor leaders that if the two could be united in one, hereafter the trouble often experienced in labor circles would be entirely avoiaed. Tt was argued that as long Powderly remained at the head of the Knights of Labor and Gompers at the head of the Fed- eration no union of forces could be secured, and this genecral belief was the chuse of several delegates 1o the geucral assembly receiving instructions to vote to displace Powderly. It will also be noticed that Gompers' scalp was sought at the last meet- ing of the Federation, as out _of about 2,600 delegates he only beat McBride 82 votes. President Gompers accordingly made an in- vestigation to learn, if he coald, what the main objection to him was, ana it did not take him long to ascertain that the principal cause of the falling off of his supporters was their wstructions to vote for a new man in order that the proposed union o! the two or- ganizations wmight be accomplished. Mr. Gompers has, therefore, in the language of Jesse Blake, “taken a_tumble to himself” ana hastens to place himself on record in tavor of the proposed unmion. In an inter- ow a few day ter the meeting of the Federation in Chicago he is quoted as fol- lows: ‘The workingmen of the United States have been forced to consider and act upon this contempluted alliance. 1 believe that 1t will be a success, that it will bring bar- mony, redress n wrougs and lead to tie ultimate emancipation of labor.” What Caused the Change. One of the causes that brought about this change in the president of the American Federation was the action taken at tho last general assembly of the Kuights of Labor. At that meeting a strong resolution was passed declaring in favor of the two organ- izations uniting, ana. a; committee was ap- pointed to bring the matter before the Fed- eration and ask that orzanization to elect a conference committee to act with the Kuights of Lapor and tay to agree upon some basis which would be satisfactory to all to unite upon. 3 The delegates to the Federation meeting voted almost unauimously for the proposi- tion to elect the commiitee, which proved conclusively that thé' members of both or- ganizations realized the necessity of union and favored it. The joint committee has now taken up the matter and is giving it careful consideration. Its headquarters are at the ofice of John/W. Hayes of Philadel- phia. The first action of the committee was 10 address several letiers to prominent labor leaders of the country, and in this may find out wnat the general sentiment really was. Already many answers have been received and all go to show that the proposed union is the united demand of labor. James R. Buchanan in his reply says: ““The forces of labor must be united by some form of federation into one greal American union. Itcan be done and will be done. If the men who are at the front now are not willing to take the necessary steps others must lead off. It is in the air.” P. J. McGuire, who is one of the leaders in the National Carpenters union, says: **Do I favor it? Yes, with all my heart and every power L possess.’ John McBride, a noted leaderof the United Mine workers, finiskes his reply as follows: “The practical and most speedy way to bring about a unification of our forces will e to hold a convention made up of a limited num- ber of delegates from all organized labor in the country, who would provide a sound, safe and comprehensive basis for a newer, grander and more serviceable labor organiza- tion than the world ever knew.” John W. Hayes of the Knights of Labor is reported as follows: ‘I believe the timeis here when workingmen of all classes must get together to bring about udity of action gn measures for the benefit of humanity.” Letters approving the proposition have also been received from Robert Bandlow of Cleveland, George I". Murray of New York, Samuel L. Leflingwell of Indianapolis, Chris Evans of New York, Robert Schilling of Milwaukee, John B. Leavon of New York, Frank K. Kaster of Boston, Joseph A. Laba- die of Detroit, Eugene V. Deobs of Terre Haute, Robert Pyne of Hartford and many other noted labor leaders, In no instance, 1t is said, has a letter been received by the committee opposing the proposition. Where the Difficulty Lies. The main stumbling block that will be en- countered in this movewent will be the trouble in agreeing upon a basis that will give general satis: on. Several of the Federation have declured that the Knights should simply drop out of existence and come into the American Federation, while there are Knights to be found who would agree to unite, provided the American Fed- eration members dropped the Federation and joined the Knights. Itis not to be be- lieved, though, that this class of men will control the action of the national meeting that is likely to soon be called. From the latest advices received it is quite probable that the proposition of Johu McBride of the United Mine Workers witl be the principle upon which the union will be affected. He proposes that the national couvention of both of the organizations be called at the same time in the sawme city and that, asa basis for uniting, the Knights of Labor give up their present existence as trades assem- blies and that hereaiter all new orgamza- tions of mixed trades be given charters as mixed assemblies and all trades organizi- tions be given charters as trades unions, and that in consideration of the Knights, 1n part, giving up their existeuce the Federation of Labor is to adopt the principal planks of the Knights of Labor preamble. This proposi- tion scems to be recaived with more favor than any suggestions that have thus far been made, und it is ctaimed by the friends of this basis for uniting that it would give .;Lxl(ismvuuu to all concerned 1n organizad abo! Several of the local labor leaders have carefully considered the McBride proposi- tion and pronounce it to be about the only basis upon which America’s labor forces could be solidly united. It is generally thought that the exira expense of calling and bolding a npational conference for the purpose of carrying out the proposition is not necessary, but th&t both organizations meeting at the same tawe wod place woula be desirable instead. By this meauns it is claimed that the union Would then be sure to be accomplished by the real representatives of labor and that this would tend to give better satisfaction than negotiations ata speciul called meeting. Then the fact that all of the organizations have recently borne the expense of sending delegates to the na- al meetings leads mauy of the members 10 0ppose any more expense at this time, especialiy during the present dull times. 1t is reported that the committee having the matter in charge is haviog some trouble in agreeing upon . just how many, aad what » ks of the Knights of Labor preamble shall be inserted in the preamble of the pro- posed organization. The propositions to do away with child labor, establish eight hours as aday's work and to abolish the contract system on all publio works, have been casy 10 agree upon, but the plank in the Knights of Labor preamble demanding the gove ment owaership of railroads is causing some delay. The Federation is willing to accept the plank domanding government ownership of telegraph lines, but hesitates about the raroad question. The plank regarding money was soon agreed upon by slightly modifying the demands of the Knights. It is said there was no change made in the meaning of the plank, but the language was somewhat changed and is said 1o be satis factory to voth sides. The plank regarding the land question seems to be causing the most trouble and may not ba agroed upon untilthe general meeting is called. This meeting will probably take place before the year 1504 is ended Res of Thanks. The following resolutions were adopted by the Bricklayers union No.1 of Omaha at the last regular meeting: Whereas, Omakia has been honored by one of the most successful conventions ever held within hor Iindts, namoly, that of the Brick- Iayers and Masons International Union of the United States and Canada, and Whereas, The manner in which tho dele- tes to sald convention have been entor- ined refle atcrediton our her hospitality. and will be known through- United States and Uanada, now there- f No. 1 of ore thanks ens of Omia 1y nided us in s0 tender our ¥ for the liberal of tho conven- h Omiabia who ainuients, and w thanks to the press of the o v alloted to us for the use be it further Thata copy of these resolutiol be given to_the press of the city for public tlon. By order of the unjon Jonx H. Thisses, Sccretary. Labor Notes. The maltsters at Newark have won their strike. he filo and rasp workers have organizea at Olneyville, A Pittsburg conl company has voluntarily advanced wages. A rolling will at McKeesport, Pa., has re- sumed operations Birdsboro, Pa.. nail down until Ap.il 1. The Ute ana U mines, Lake now employing 17 en. The Arkansas valley smclter, Leadville, is to start up with 200 men. Factories at Passaic, N. J., have reducea their working force 25 per cent. Mayor Brown of Paterson, that 15,000 are idle in that Nearly 00,000 were spent in ments at Farivault, Minn., in 1503 Mahoning valley, Ohio, coal miners will strike against a 10 per cent reduction, It is estimated that four-fifths of the cloth- ing operatives in Boston are unemployed, A lavge portion of the spinning machinery in the Grinnelt mill, New Bedford, is idle. The New York State Federation of Labor endorses Alteeld for pardoning the anarch- ists. The Pomeroy mills, Pittsfield, Mass., wilt suspend for two months unless business im- proves. The Pullman Palace Car company is re- ducing its force of employes all over the country. The union of window glass workers in- cludes all men workiug at that trade in the country. Chicago business men are meeting great saccess in their efforts to assist in relieving the poor. A Pittsburg cork firm declares will be removed to Europe if the W is passed. Three easterr railroads report that the worst effects of the depression have passed for all lines. Edward Atkinson says that wages are going up, while capital is gaining less for its investment, Several large tie contracts have been let at Del Norte, Col,and the camps have started up again. A Johnstown, Pa., steel works is two months behind on orders and 1,000 men are working overtime. Union men must be employed on all mu- nicipal works in London, and the union scale must be paid. The spinners emvloyed by the Meriden, Coun., woolen mill have had a reduction of 25 per cent in wages. The trouble between the Knights of Labor and,United Garment workers at Boston has not yet been sestled. The Knights of Labor at Nebraska v have asked Congressman Bryan to oppose the proposed bond issue. The Lippitt, R. I, Woolen company is run- ning five days a week, eight hours a day, with about half of a force. Five hundred miners have gone outona strike at Mercer, Pa., rather than accept a cut in wages of 55 per cent. Several mill girls were injured at Norris- town, Pa., in trying to get out of the mill on account of a false fire alarm. Two hundred glass workers have lost po- sitions on account of the reduction of force at a factory av Bridgston, Pa. The employes at the Enterprise glass works of Beaver Falis, Pa., have struck rather than accept a reduction. All the Australian settlers in Paraguay were offered free passage back home by the government. but none returned. A bicycle factory at Toledo, O., has re- duced its working force from 700 to 800. Ten thousand are idle in the city. Three thousand poople assembled in Cooper Union hall, New York, and protested against the passage of the tariff biil. The men employed in the mines of Forbes. Cormichael & Co., Wellsburg, W. Va., will strike against a 10 per cent reduction. The labor unions of New York have been investigating the convict labor system, and report toat all convicts are working on full time. Mayor Rankin of Elizabeth, N. J., an- nounced last week that one-fourth of the laborers in that town were unable to get work. Several labor leaders of Europe, including John Burns, will visit America soon. They will give a series of free lectures in the principal cities. Their expenses will be paid by the labor organizations of England. The American Nettie mrineat Ouray, Colo., closed last week because the men demanded araise of 25 cents a day, the management haviug contracted to board them 15 cents cheaper. ‘The mines will start up soon with a new force. The Miners union of Cripple Creek is be- coming dissauisfied with the nine-hour schedule and has made a demand on all of the most prominent mine owners for a re- duction of time toeight hours, but to still re- tain the nine-hour scale of wages. Reports from the ‘differcat mining eamps near Pittsburg indicate that the miners have failed to obey the general strike order and the greater number of pits are working. At the offices of the Hackett Coal company and the Pittsburg and Chicago Gas company the mines superintendent reported the mines in operation. The Australian ctories have closed City, are J., says improve- papers brought by the Warrimoo are full of accounts of great dis- tress in Austr the unemployed sulcides and burglaries are occurr- ing with alarming frequency. Co-operative settloments are being formod and aidea by the gov oh is granting land. Tn the different colonies monster processious parade the streets with banners bearing in- ptions, “Work, Not Charity,” ete. Minis- ters of all denominations are joining in the big cities to raise a poor fund. e A Fol wor of the Grip, The persistent cough which usually fol- lows an attack of the grip can be perma- nently cured by taking Chamberlain's Cough Remedy. W, A. McGuire of McKay, O., savs: “La Grippe left me with savere cough. After using several different medi- cines without relief, I tried Chamberlain's igh Remedy, which effected a permanent cu 1 have also found 1t to be without an equal for children, when troubled with colds or croup. 25 and 50-cent bottles for sale by druggists. i il L zlance over the contents of Work and for December shows an_interesting ty of topics embraced in its talks to ones. The teachers' supplewent 1s a valuable feature. Work and Play compauy, 0. e DeWitt's WitchHazel satve cures piles. e The Salyation army has been in existence twenty-eight years and nas 4507 mission stations, seventy-four homes of rest where ofticers 'go whose health is broken down, sixty-six training schools for the training of officers, sixty-four slum posts, forty-ni rescue bomes for fallen women, prison-gate homes, fifty-two food and shelter depots, thirty-four factories aud employment oftices and five farm colonies ity and | IB,\DUMVILK' IS BEING SOLD Reaults of Tests Made by Board of Health and by The Bes. HOW THE ORDINANCE IS BEING VIOLATED Extent to Which People Are Tmposed on hy Dealers—Swmples that Fall Below Grade Keqoired--Brewery- Fed Cowr, of tho council in confirming the appointiments of the mayor and the con- sequent uncertainty of the personnel of the Board of Healtn for the coming two years is avtributed the aelay in entoring upou the enforcement of the new wilk ordinance, which was to have gono into effect tho first of the year. Milk Inspector Holmes says that he is not certain that he is to remain in his present position, and it is regarded as quite sure | that Health Commissioner Somers will not, and to this is due the continuation of the old state of affairs. Themilk1 that the milk now being sold in the oit, comes nearcr reaching tho two extreme than has ever before been the case; that is, the better class of dealers aro selling much better milk and the less reliable dealers much poorer milk than ever before, The ordinance prohibits the selling of milk which contains less than i per cent of butter fat, but thore is a ereat acal of milk now being sold in the city that will not stand testof that kind. The following figures are taken from the annual report of the inspector for the last seven months of 1593: No. Be- Ayorage Samples L low Grade. T Inspected June 101 July August .l September ... 5 October & 23 Nov 3 5 51-10 9 31-5 seven months was and the lowest 135, the average being st 3 per cent During this tir dalries were inspected spections and tests made, od handled the mitk of 0ws, an increase of 421 over 1802, Six vere condemued and were killed or taken away from the herd, although at that time the inspector had no authority to tack up his orders in that respect. He found 140 aairies running wagons, and in none of the figures given are incluged the small dairies keeping from two to five cows, the milk of which 18 peddled by hand. Result of The Bee's Inspections. So much complaint was made regarding the quatity of milk peddled in the city that Tue B empc ily went into the milk in- specting business onits own account, the fluid bemng procured from various parties, and the test made with the standard instru- ments in the oftice of the milk inspector, and. their correctness certified to by that indi- vidual. In tne selection of samples of milk for in- spection no partiality was shown. Iach member of Tue Bee force was requested to furnish the office one pint or milk, purchased from his milkman, ina clean bottle. The sample was given a number and sent for in- spection without the name of the milkman being given to the official making the test. In this way twenty-two samples of milk were secured and tesiea with the resuly herewith given: Per cent of Dealer butter fat. John 1. Bichel Windsor Hotel John H. Bichel Fox & Hensm, Louis Little . . Washington County crean John Robn rie Eddy’s cow Jorenson John Hansen C. Wintl 0x & Hensman Jolnson Madsen . Henigsen. Sum Peterson Schaick. 2 e These inspections show conclusively that milk is being sold in the city directly in violation of the ordinance and the health department says that it will probably con- tinue until the “reorganization of the Board of Health is effected. Kond Hope Shattered. One of the samples brought to Tue Ber office for inspection was labeled as having been procured at “Plamnview Dairy,” and when the result of the test was koown there was a scramble for the address of the dairyman. Then it was discovered that an enterprising member of the force had secured o pwt of milk from his friend, George Eddy, who keeps a cow, and thoe hopes of the force for a better grade of milk went glimmering, owing to the limited supply. ‘These tests were made in December. That month, 50 those posted claim, is a fair dhe in which to make a test. The demand for cream is much lighter than during the fruit season and there is accordingly less tempta- tion for the milk dealer to furnish his patrons with skimmed milk. Inspectors a1s0 admit that the law's requirement that wilk shall contan 3 per cent of butter fat is ory low and that milk which does nov reach that requirement has certainly been diluted. REE R Lo [T Secrobs e Browery-Fed Cows. An unbealthy condition that the new or dinance seeks to remedy is the feeding of slops from distilleries, breweriesand vinegar factories, which is now carried on to 4 _very great extent by the dairymen selling milk in ity. The ordinauce distinctly specifies that uo milk from such stock shall be offered for sale within the city, yet never before has this practice reached ihe extent to which it prevails today. Inspector Holmes, in speaking on this point, said: ‘“The milk from cows fed on distillery or vinegar slops is not fiv for the use of any human beiag, and even that from brewers' siops is not fit for the use of chil- dren if the cows are fed very largely on it, although if mixed freely with good, wholo- some food, I do not know that there 'is any- thing wrong with the brewery feed. Stiil, the ordinance prohibits all of it, and its use will not be tolerated after the ‘enforcement of the ordinance 1s begun. People are im- »d upon to a surprising extent by milk i go into any of these agencies and ask for ‘cream and they will almost certainly ask if you want it for” whipping purposes. The pgrson who knows his business will say that he does want it to whip, fo n that way will ho get zood cream. The ordinance provides that no cream shall bo offored for sale that does not contain 16 per cent of butter fat, and cream that is poorer than that will not whip satisfactorily. The dealer knows that as well as I do, and he knows that if ho sells the poor cream for whippiug purposes it will be detected by the cook, so that if it 15 for whipping be wil furnish good cream, but if otherwise be will sell some stuff that is nothing but fiirly good milk." —s How to Cure La Grippe, About a year ago [ took a violeat attack of la grippe. I coughed Gay and night for about ‘six weeks; my wifo then suggested that I try Chamberlain's Cough Remedy. At first I could see no difference, but still takiog 1t, ang soou found that it was what | needed. 1f I gotno relief from one dose 1 took anotber, and it wasonly a few days until I was free from the cough, Ithink people in general ought 1o know the value of this remedy, and 1 take pleasure in acknowl- edging the benefit I have reeeived from it Madison Mustard, Otway, O. ceut bottles for sale by druggists. el An interesting paper on aerial navigation from the pen of Prof. Langley of the Smith- sonian Institute appears in the Junuary Aeronautics. This fascinating subject is now attracting popular attention, snd this jour- nal, so ably conducted; furnist the best and latest scieatific results of aerial experi ment and study. M. N, Forney, 47 Cedar street, New York 25 and 50- e DeWitt's Witch Hazel Saive cures sores. DeWitt's Wikch Hazel Salve cures ulcers | tion THE ALOE & PENFOLD CO. ar now located at 1408 Farnam St., opposite Paxton Hotel. Prescrip- Druggists, Surgical Instru- ments, Opti Goods, Mathemati- cal Instruments, Physicians’ and Hospital Supplies, Rubber Goods, Large stock. THE ALOE & PENFOLD CO. Low prices. For Successtul Photos of BABIES HIGH-CLASS PAOTOGRAPAT. 313, 815, 317 8y, 13t1 §t, 0mu Take Elevator. Between Farnam and Harney. This extraordinary Rejuvenator s the most wonderful discovery of the age. 1t hes been endorsed by the leading scientific men of Euiope and America. Hudyan 1 purely vege- table, Hudyan stops > Prematureness ofthe discharge| fezg in 20 days. ok Cures AVTER MANIIHOOD tipation, Dizziness, Falling Sensations, Nervous Twiteh.ng of the cyes aud othier parts. Btrengthens, invigorates niid tones the entire system. Hudyan cures Debility, Nervousness, Emissions, and cevelopes and 'restores wenk organs. Pains in the back, losses by day o night are stopped quickly, ‘Over 2,000 private endorsementa. Prematureness means impotency in the first stage, Itisa tymptom of seminal wen kness ard Larrenness. 1t can be stopped in 20 day= by the use of Hudyan. i The new discovery was made by the Special: 1sts of the old famois Hudson Medical Insti- tate, Itisthestrongesi vitalizer made. Itls very powerfal, but harmiess. Sold for §1.60 ageor 6 packages for §5.00 (plain scaled Boxesr. Written guaranteo given for a cure. it you buy six boxes and are not entirely cured, &lx more will be sent 10 you free of all charges, Bend for cireulars and’ testimonials, Address HUDSON MEDICAL INSTITUTE, 1032 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, CTOR SEARLES & SEARLES, PSPECIALISTS MALLe GHRONIC, NERVOUS AND PRIVATE DISEASES ! on or addrass with stann for o retlars ook, receipts, aud symptom blauks. Dr, Searles and Searles, 15 8220 1o s, First stairway south of postofiice, Fro om 7. PATHIN HOME INDUSTRIES OmahaTant-Awning COMPAN Flags, nammocks, oll snd rubber clothlng. roatalogae. 1iLi BREWERS. Fred Krug Brawing |0maiBzaia) dii1 COMPANY, | Our bottled Cabinet Guaran‘sy! Lo IRON WORK3. Paxton & Vierlin} adustral I Worcr IRON WORKS. Mauufasturiog aad ry W oughi and cast Iron ing of all Kinds of wulld ing work, englaes, v T4 8. 14a Draxs w a1 Visaas "~ PRINTING. Reed Job Printing | Pags 017 (r. COMPANY. Manufsctarers of Unlog Beo bullding ap. 115 Hiciury sk