The Belding Banner News

FINE HOME OF UNION PRINTERS
Institution of Which Organization Has Right to Be Proud.

NEARLY THIRTY YEARS OLD

Beneficent Work Done In Palatial Abode at Colorado Springs Would Be Hard to Overestimate-Union Has Glorious Record.

In the year 1850 there was a gathering of union printers in the city of New York, composed of representatives from a dozen different cities, and the foundation was there laid for what was destined to become 'the world's greatest labor organization.' From this modest little meeting the International Typographical union was called into being, and ever since that time it has been the purpose of union printers to spread the gospel of trades unionism throughout the world. In the early days of its existence the International Typographical union met with problems that threatened its very life, but those self-sacrificing pioneers of the trades union movement, through patient and painstaking effort, overcame the perplexing difficulties encountered and launched a movement that since has taken root in every industry in the land. In fact, the union printers were the first to appreciate the necessity of a national body and were primarily responsible for organizing the American Federation of Labor.

The history of the International Typographical union is one of achievement. Among the more progressive and humanitarian measures adopted and put into force may be mentioned the sanitary workshop, a living wage, the eight-hour work day, arbitration and conciliation, woman suffrage, one day's rest in seven, initiative and referendum, equal wages for men and women, prohibition of child labor, old age pensions, mortuary benefits, supplemental trade education, a home for old members and a tuberculosis sanatorium for victims of the white plague.

Of all the beneficent features connected with the International Typographical union the Union Printers' home perhaps has given the organization more publicity than any other one activity. This unique institution was erected and is maintained by the membership of the union. It was dedicated in 1892. Since that time hundreds of old printers have passed their closing days in this haven of rest. Many members who have fallen victims to the dread white plague have been nursed back to health at the tuberculosis sanatorium and returned to their families as useful and self-supporting members of society.

It is the boast of union printers that their members do not become public charges when overtaken by age and adversity. They have their own home to go to, a home for which in the days of their earning power they have paid, a home which is theirs as a matter of right and not as a matter of charity. Everything that is necessary to comfort and contentment is supplied without cost; the members at work pay the bills. The home is located at Colorado Springs, Colo., and has been visited by over a quarter million people in the past 25 years, and these pilgrims, journeying from all countries and representing all classes and walks of life, have paid their wealth of compliments to the home.-James J. Hoban in the Cleveland Sunday Leader Magazine.

In Unshakable Position.

The justice of labor's cause and the pride which Americans feel in their country as the best country of workers under the sun are what hold public approval steadfast in support of labor.