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fault, but a misfortune; it is not a crime, but a crime against the immigrant, and the United States should be the last nation in the world to oppress those already oppressed. Restrict the delinquent, the dependent, the feeble-minded, but do not reject a man or woman because through no fault of theirs they cannot read or write.

Then, too, we have jails full of very shrewd undesirable men who know how to write so well that they can even write another's name on a bank check as well as their own.

When Banker Walsh went to Leavenworth prison he found twenty-eight bankers there, enough to form a Bankers' Club, and no one could accuse them of not being able to read or write.

Rightly did Presidents Cleveland, Taft and Wilson veto the literacy test, for it is no criterion of present or future citizenship. Give us physical, moral and character tests, but not a test of reading fifty words as a form of citizenship.

All the objections now unjustly used against the Italian, the Jew and the Slav were once used with equal violence against the German and the Irish. They were long ago proven to be false and now no one denies that the German and the Irish have assimilated and indeed for the welfare of the whole country. Why therefore can't the new immigrant, and especially his children be assimilated? Let our immigrants cling to all that was best in the land of their birth, and add to it the noblest that we have to give them.

In conclusion let me sum up the immigration problem in the eloquent words of a great writer:

"I am the immigrant.

"I look forward toward the United States with eyes kindled by the fire of ambition and the heart quickened with new-born hopes.

"I approached its gates with great expectations.

"I have shouldered by burden as the American man of work.

"I contribute 85 per cent. of all the labor in the slaughtering and meat packing industries.

"I do 70 per cent. of the bituminous coal mining.

"I do 75 per cent. of all the work in the woolen mills.

"I contribute 90 per cent. of all the work in the cotton mills.

"I manufacture more than half of the shoes.

"I build 80 per cent. of all the fur'niture.

"I turn out 80 per cent. of all the leather. I make 50 per cent. of the gloves.

"I refine 95 per cent. of the sugar. I make half the tobacco and cigars, and yet I am the great American problem." Local No. 4. BOSTON.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

To the Editor:

Local No. 5 gave their annual ball on Tuesday evening, February 13, at the Moose Auditorium.

This is the latest acquisition to our number of large places for social purposes, very conveniently located, thoroughly furnished, and up-to-date for any social function.

The stage was set to represent a garden, with blooming plants, ferns and palms in profusion. This background for the handsome decorations of flags and bunting in which Old Glory predominated, made a thrilling impression on all present.

The portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, draped with beautiful flags, and back of these the banner of Local No. 5, attracted much attention and favorable comment. It seems the portraits of such ideal men inspired our members to great efforts, and we being the ideal local of this city, certainly did our best to please.

The Reception Committee were on hand early, and saw to it that every one present enjoyed themselves, and became better acquainted.

An impromptu concert by two combined orchestras in the early part of the night gave zest and vim to the entire party, as they played such old

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time melodies as "Way Down South in Dixie," "Maryland, My Maryland," and a host of other selections ending with a medley of the National Airs of the World. When the "Star-Spangled Banner" was played the entire assemblage was filled with admiration and enthusiasm. The grand march, which 150 couples took part, was led' by Brother Charles McIntyre and Mrs. McIntyre, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith. The intricate movements of the march were finely executed and thoroughly enjoyed. Seldom has a more fair or finer body of men and women graced any assemblage as did our members with their wives and sweethearts. Not only did the younger element but the older members were just as courteous and gallant as any knight of old to any fair lady.

The supper room became the mecca for all about midnight, and here sociability and good fellowship reigned supreme. At many tables groups of friends would gather, then others would pay their respects. This led to a better feeling among our members than has ever existed, and gave our wives the opportunity of seeing and becoming acquainted with our friends and associates.

A lot of musical talent (vocally speaking) was unearthed, as several of our members entertained the company with very fine solos.

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Local No. 5 feels proud of the entire committee, which comprised the following: Ball Committee, John William Young, chairman; Howe, treasurer; D. J. Greer, secretary: Grand Conductors, F. Holberg, H. W. Harvey. Committee of Arrangements, W. Birnie, S. Bacon, E. Birnie, C. Cooper, R. Fulcrut, C. Fisher, F. Feeney, W. Giberson, W. Graham, G. Giberson, F. Isard, L. Kraft, R. McLaughlin, R. Maclean, J. McClintock, Chas. McIntyre, J. McLaughlin, Neill, J. Riddle, J. Sweeney, Smith, F. Schneider, H. J. Schueneman, R. W. Smith, C. Wolf, John Tres

T. H.

sel, F. Way, V. Wheeler, D. M. Young. Our old college chum, Drory Neill, being the advertising agent.

Business Agent Smith was in great demand. Every fellow wanted Bob to be introduced to his wife or friend and, generally, an invitation to eat or drink followed. Every firm of elevator constructors in the city had representatives present, also a delegation from the Central Labor Union, headed by Edw. J. McMahon, president, and Leonard Kraft, secretary of the Building Trades Council.

The Ball Committee was appointed December 4, 1916, so it was only five weeks from start to finish. You can readily see that we had a live, hustling committee, and the local has received many compliments on the success of the ball and, in return, thanks one and all who in any manner helped.

Work continues at top speed, with about thirty permit men working. On Washington's Birthday four of our members met with serious accidents when a scaffold on which they were working gave way.

Brother Walter Nowell is the most seriously injured. The physicians cannot determine as yet whether his back is broken or not.

Brother Merkle had his ankle broken.

Brother Fritz, an apprentice, hurt internally.

Brother Stuart, hurt internally. The Bureau of Building Inspection of this city is almost swamped with plans of contemplated building improvements, which must be approved started. This before operation is looks very good for plenty of work for some time to come.

W. B. MacALLISTER. Local No. 5.

PITTSBURGH, PA.

To the Editor:

Apologies to Local No. 6 for not having an article in the February Journal. I was too busy renewing old acquaintances in Erie when I should have been doing the literary stunt.

On January 24 the Good Will Boat

and Elevator Club gave one of their eminent musical entertainments. Brother Wallace Stewart was immense as a soloist. Brother Stewart was ably assisted by Harry Little, a former elevator constructor. Brother McKenna was guardian of the peace, and was assisted by the watch dog, "Rowdy." Brothers Nichol and Lighthill handled the refreshments in grand style, but they would have looked more at home in blue overalls. Their white aprons made them look like strangers to us.

In the experience meeting that followed, Brother Lighthill copped the prize. His experience sounded something like this: A few years ago while traveling in Brazil for his health he was eating his dinner in a restaurant and, wishing very much for a glass of milk, was unable to make the waitress understand (his Spanish was no good), so he secured paper and pencil and drew the outline of a cow and held up two fingers. The waitress rushed out and in about fifteen minutes returned with two tickets to a bull fight.

Ice yachting on Lake Erie beats sailing schooners at the "Good Will Club." Burkhart is the skipper of this ice yacht, and his duties are mostly in explaining the funny cracks in the ice to the ladies. Markle, otherwise known as "Cupid," or "Pushbutton George," is chief of motive power when the wind goes down. All he has to do is get off and push. Dunn is chief helmsman and has to assist the chief of motive power when necessary.

This contingent of Local No. 6 in Erie has been putting in some good hard licks, and I think in the near future we will register a local in Erie, as there will be considerable work here another summer. At present Brother B. I. Burkhart is installing two worm-gear tractions in the new Ariel Building. Brother Markle is installing a push button in the Epp Brothers Furniture Store. Dunn is installing a worm-gear traction in the Commerce Building, and there is a

drum machine to install in the Reed House. Material is all on the ground and waiting for a man.

We don't know anything about what is doing in Pittsburgh since February 1, but we do know the outlook in Erie is very good for the near future, and I believe, if possible, we should have a local here in Erie, for there has been a number of machines put in here.

If the weather doesn't warm up soon we will have to go south. When you consider hustling elevator machinery across a ten-story roof with three feet of snow, the wind howling forty miles an hour and ten below zero, you guys with the warm cream in Pittsburgh can kiss yourselves.

With best wishes to all the boys and special greetings to the boys of No. 6 in Pittsburgh.

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