New York

The tenth convention of the New York State Association of the N. A. L. C. convened in the City Hall at Jamestown, N. Y., September 5, 1910.

Pres. Jas. J. McNamara called the meeting to order and introduced Bro. Chas. Alton, of Branch 165, Jamestown, who welcomed the delegates to the entertaining city.

Mr. Samuel A. Carlson, Mayor of Jamestown, welcomed the delegates and gave to them the freedom of the city. Dr. Geo. W. Grannis offered a prayer. C. B. Ingalls, Oswego, N. Y., was appointed assistant secretary of the convention.

Pres. Jas. J. McNamara read his report. Motion made and seconded that the report be accepted as read and spread upon the minutes and that the recommendation contained therein be brought up under the head of new busi

Less.

Secretary B. M. Sherman read his report. Motion made and seconded that the report be accepted as read and spread upon the minutes of the meeting.

The President appointed the Credential Committee as follows: Chas. Walker, Utica; F. J. Sullivan, Albany; Geo. A. Terhaar, Buffalo.

Report of Delegate at Large Edward J. Casey, of Binghamton, was read. Motion made that the report be accepted as read and that it become a part of the minutes of the meeting. Carried.

Motion made and seconded that a committee be appointed to take up the recommendation made in the different reports of the officers and report on the same tomorrow. Carried. Committee-Brothers Kislingbury, Rochester; McKee, New York; Ainger, Syracuse.

The convention was then addrested by Bro. Fay Trafton, of Cleveland, Ohio, Chairman of the Executive Board of the National Association, who explained the work performed by the officers of our association. He called attention to the many barriers the officers had to overcome and reviewed

at length the work of the past and referred to the many advantages we enjoy. He touched on the forty-eighthour law and the thirty days' vacation. He also recommended a hearty cooperation of all employees with the Department. Brother Trafton congratulated the New York Association on its numbers and the interest taken in everything that affects the welfare of all. His remarks were enthusiastically received.

John Clark, of Rochester, addressed the convention on general conditions in the order.

A. W. McKee, Branch 36, New York, in eloquent remarks upon the efforts being made by the Civil Service League of the State of New York, asked the privilege of the floor for Mr. Jno. Stengle, of New York, which was granted. Mr. Stengle then addressed the convention. In eloquent language he told of the very successful efforts he had met as State Organizer of the Civil Service League in the State of New York. He told of the welcome he had received in all of the cities he had visited and hoped that the result of this movement would soon become national in its scope and that at no distant day the civil service employees of the State would soon be enjoying a fair trial before they are removed from the service and an equitable retirement law and extension of the merit system. Mr. Stengle's remarks aroused enthusiasm among the delegates. It was suggested that a delegate from this association be sent to Albany, N. Y., on Saturday, September 10, to represent this body at a convention of the New York State Civil Service Association. This matter was deferred until we hear from President Kelly. Bro. A. W. McKee moved that a vote of thanks be extended to Mr. Stengle for his able remarks. Carried.

Announcements were made by Bro. Alton of the local Branch: Parade at 1 p. m. Boat ride on Chautauqua Lake and picnic dinner twelve miles up the lake. Motion made to adjourn until tomorrow, September 6, 1910, at 10:30 a, m. Carried.

The parade started at 1 p. m. sharp and after a short line of march we landed on the beautiful Chautauqua Lake boat. In the parade was the Buffalo Letter Carriers' Band, as well as a local band and about 500 letter carriers. The boat took us about twelve miles up the lake to the picnic grounds. There a fine layout was served and the afternoon and evening were spent in fishing, bathing, dancing, ball games and a general good time.

We returned to Jamestown at 9 p. m.. after one of the most pleasant Labor Days that we ever enjoyed.

Tuesday, September 6, 1910, convention called to order at 10:50 a. m. by President Jas. J. McNamara. Treasurer Jos. J. Watts, of Buffalo, read his report. Motion that the report be accepted as read and become a part of the minutes of the meeting. Carried. The president appointed the following committees:

Auditing-R. B. O'Connor, Rochester; Oliver Lee, Troy; Chas. Bryers, Binghamton.

Resolutions-J. P. McNabb, New York; H. M. Peterman, Elmira; P. J. Cleary, Brooklyn; P. S. O'Connor, Syracuse; B. M. Ladd, Watertown.

Mileage and Per Diem-Geo. Young, Jamestown; Jno. S. Carpenter, Utica; C. Antone, Syracuse.

Nominations-J. S. Champion, Albany; Frank Reuther, Syracuse; J. R. Shelly, Schenectady.

Report Credential Committee-Qfficers, 8; delegates, 33; proxies, 13; total votes, 117.

Postmaster Larmonth, of Jamestown, addressed the convention and expressed regret at his inability to be with us on the trip up the lake on account of sickness.

Bro. John Clark, of Rochester, addressed the convention on the reception it was intended to extend to the delegates attending the national convention to be held there in 1911. He urged all delegates to take an interest in making this one of the largest conventions ever held.

Executive Board report read by secretary of board, J. S. Champion, of Albany. Motion made that the report be accepted as read and become a part of the minutes of the convention. Carried.

Motion that a committee of three be appointed to go through the new Constitution and By-Laws as laid down by the National Association and fill in the blanks which were left for the convenience of the different associations and report to the convention at the afternoon session. Carried. Committee-Mahaney, Buffalo; Shipley, Jamaica; Sullivan, Albany.

Dr. Grannis of the Lord's Day Alliance was requested to address the convention at this time. Dr. Grannis in most eloquent language called the attention of the delegates to the supreme importance of the conservation of the nation's chief asset-man, and the carrying out of God's intention that man should have one day in seven to himself. Dr. Grannis dwelt upon the importance of the fellowship of the home and said this was above all others the supreme fellowship. Dr.' Grannis said that a bill was up for discussion at Washington at the last session of Congress to compensate the Government employee by giving him one day to himself for the work he is called upon to do on Sunday. Dr. Grannis said that the United States Steel Corporation had for two years investigated the question as to whether Sunday work paid and had concluded that it did not, and that in and about the works of the Steel Corporation it was as quiet on Sunday as a church yard. Dr. Grannis suggested that each Branch and State Association appoint a committee to call upon the ministers and priests of each locality and interest them in this cause. Motion that a rising vote of thanks be extended to Dr. Grannis for his splendid address. Carried.

Bro. P. J. McNabb of the resolutions committee reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopt ed by the convention:

Resolved, That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers go on record as favoring a system of retirement on the plan of the Goulden Bill, and urge our national officers to continue their efforts in its behalf until success is achieved.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers go on record as favoring such legislation as will eliminate the present $600 grade for letter carriers, which is neither a fair nor adequate salary under conditions of living that exist at the present time.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers go on record as favoring such action by our national officers as will tend to secure to every deserving man in the service the maximum salary, the present fifty per cent clause being very often unjust in its operation, and not conducive to the best interests of the service.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers believe that carriers injured while on duty are entitled to at least half pay while under the care of a doctor, and that the general public-the citizens and taxpayers are under the impression that our salary does continue when ill, and would be favorable to such legislation. We therefore hope that the Sterling Bill, with this object in view, now before Congress be given the support of our association through our national officers.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers believe that owing to the constantly increasing cost of living, especially in the large centers of population, salaries of letter carriers in first-class offices should be graded up to $1,400, and in second-class offices proportionately, and that we favor the introduction of such legislation as soon as our national officers consider it wise and expedient.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers, believing that much of the Sunday work now done in the postoffices of this and other States is unnecessary and may without injury to the service be dis

continued, we therefore recommend to our national officers that they continue to work in conjunction with the Lord's Day Alliance and kindred organizations to secure legislation for the minimizing of Sunday work and securing of compensatory rest time on succeeding days to all employees who perform duty on Sunday.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers endorse the work of our national officers in their efforts to better the condition of all letter carriers, and pledge our hearty support.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers express their sincere thanks to the carriers and citizens of Jamestown for their splendid hospitality on this occasion, enabling us to harmoniously and pleasantly transact the business of our convention.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers recommend to our national officers that they continue their efforts to secure such legislation as will place the position of substitute where it will attract and hold the best men in their respective communities by allowing them the full salary of a regular carrier whose route they Ferve, regular hours of employment wherever possible, and having their time of substitution count in classifying them when appointed to the regular force.

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That we, the New York State Association of Letter Carriers, in convention assembled, do most heartily endorse "The Chief." journal of the civil service, published in New York City, as worthy of the support of every man in the public service, because of its many and constant efforts in behalf of the merit system, the prohibition of unjust removals and its advocacy of an equitable retirement fund for aged civil employees. To its editor, Joseph J. O'Reilly, and his entire staff, we desire to express our heartfelt thanks for the many favors bestowed upon our officers, both national and State, as well as upon the rank and file in the service. May "The Chief" live long to espouse the cause of justice and fair play and may its influence for good increase as the days go by.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers believe that for the promotion of greater efficiency, the appointive offices in the public service should be placed on a business basis. Therefore we approve (1) The extension of the merit system; (2) The protection of civil employees from unjust removal; (3) Some equitable retirement system, to the end that "The Best Shall Serve the State."

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers in convention assembled request the postmasters of the State to grant the carriers in their respective offices a full holiday on Labor Day, 1911, that they may take part in the parade in Rochester, N. Y., and thus uphold the prestige of the Empire State.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers, appreciating the great measure of work done for our cause by the Rev. Geo. W. Grannis, through the Lord's Day Alliance, hereby express to him our thanks and pledge him our support whenever he may need it.

That the New York State Association of Letter Carriers commend the National Sick Benefit Association, its aims and objects, and request the delegates present to use their best endeavors to procure new members, as we consider it one of the best features of the N. A. L. C.

The committee appointed to digest the President's report unanimously favor the adoption of the recommendation to abolish the office of delegate-at-large, but find that the National Association made manifest the impossibility of such action as we would wish to take by a mandatory section of the State constitution. We therefore recommend that the New York State Association of Letter Carriers favor a change in the phraseology in Section 3. Article VI, by the substitution of the word "may" for "shall," in the first line.

We recommend that the Board of Officers of the New York State Association be empowered to ascertain from the various sanitariums in our State by communication or

otherwise, all information regarding the cost of maintenance of our members suffering from tuberculosis, the board to report with recommendations at our next State convention.

We recommend that the Board of Officers inquire into the advisability of holding our State convention at the same time and places as the State Association of Postoffice Clerks, and report thereon at our next State convention.

President Kelly then addressed the convention on the working of the organization since the St. Paul convention. He called the attention of the delegates to the importance of the proposed legislation in Congress relative to retirement of civil service employees and the importance of protesting against the Gillett Bill. He spoke on the forty-eight-hour law and explained the manner in which the change was brought about and expressed the opinion that at the next session of Congress it would reenact the straight eight-hour law. He also spoke on the scheme of promotion, and the merit system, and expressed the opinion that at the coming session of Congress this matter might be remedied. He also said that an amendment would be offered at the coming session of Congress making it possible to promote all the carriers that are entitled to promotion. He spoke upon the importance of cooperating with the State Civil Service Association in its efforts to promote the interest of all civil service employees. President Kelly suggested that a resolution be sent to Mr. Thorp, formerly Superintendent Division of City Delivery, congratulating him on his promotion to the position of Superintendent Division of Salaries and Allowances. Moved that the Secretary be instructed to congratulate Mr. Thorp on his promotion. Carried.

The President called upon Mr. F. J. Burke, of Syracuse, a former letter carrier, but now superintendent of carriers in the city of Syracuse. Brother Burke made an eloquent speech and was heartily applauded.

Brother Kislingbury, of Rochester, addressed the convention on the part played by the old men and calling upon the young men to become active.

Motion to adjourn until 2:30 p. m. carried.

Committee on

Meeting called to order at 2:45 p. m. T. J. Mahaney read the report of the Constitution. Moved that the paragraph as contained in the old Constitution providing for the basis of representation remain the same. Carried.

Moved that the representatives of seven Branches constitute a quorum. This is the same as contained in the old Constitution. Carried.

Moved that the Executive Board consist of four members. Carried.

Moved that the per capita tax remain the same, 10 cents per member.

Moved that the Secretary's bond remain at $200; salary, $75 per year. Carried.

Moved that the Treasurer's bond be $400.

Motion that the Constitution as a whole as recommended by the committee be adopted. Carried.

The Auditing Committee reported that they found the books of the Sec retary and Treasurer in good condi

The President asked the vice president to announce the ballot. They were declared elected.

Brother Mugavin, Chief Clerk of the National Sick Benefit Association, addressed the convention on the advantages of the Sick Benefit Association. Brother Mugavin said that the Sick and Accident Association had entered the second stage of its career in a flourishing condition, and that they could look into the face of any carrier and not be ashamed to ask him to join.

Brother McKee addressed the convention on the efforts in behalf of the progress of the Civil Service Retirement movement. Brother McKee being one of the best informed of our members on this subject, made a fine impression on the delegates. He called attention to the original Gillett Bill, and how he had met the author of that bill, Mr. Brown, in joint debate at a meeting in New York City, and how he had caused many alterations to that bill, but maintained that the bill was entirely inadequate to what we believe to be the merits of the employees. Rising vote of thanks for the very able remarks Mr. McKee made on Retirement.

Mileage and Per Diem Committee reported bills and recommended that they be paid. Motion that the report of the committee be accepted and bills be paid. Carried.

Bro. Jno. Mugavin, of Cincinnati, Ohio, national officer, was asked to install the newly elected officers. Brother Mugavin then installed the board of officers.

The meeting adjourned to meet at such time and place as the executive board should select, it being the desire of the delegates to hold the next convention at the same time and place as the New York State Post Office Clerks.

Bro. Al Tharp, member of the National Executive Board, was called to the platform and addressed the convention very interestingly on the impression the State Association made upon him. He related how he had worked in the city of New York to have Branch 36 come back into the State Association. He stated that the only desire of New York City was harmony and that dissension would retard any movement.

Brother Cleary, of Brooklyn, was called upon for a few remarks.

Brother Sherman, of Elmira, also addressed the convention. Brother Mahaney, of Buffalo, and Walker, of Utica, made brief remarks.

Motion moved by McKee, of 36, that a message of greeting be sent to the

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National Association of Post Office Clerks in session at Saratoga. Carried. Motion made to adjourn. Carried.

The last event on the program for the entertainment of the tenth convention of the New York State Association of Letter Carriers was a banquet given by Branch 165, of Jamestown, at Sheldon Hall on Chautauqua Lake. Promptly at 7 o'clock the party consisting of the members of the local branch and of the local postoffice, the delegates and national officers and invited guests, to the number of one hundred, boarded special trolleys for the boat landing, where the steamer City of New York, which was chartered for the occasion, was in waiting to transport the party to Sheldon Hall. A short stop was made at Celeron, where the Ladies' Auxiliary of the local Branch and the visiting ladies were waiting to greet their husbands and friends. After a short visit the boat proceeded to Sheldon Hall, while the ladies attended the theatre where arrangements had been made for the party.

Immediately upon arriving the party was escorted to the dining room to partake of as nice a banquet as a letter carrier would wish to partake of, and as a rule they can hold their own on such occasions. After prayer by Rev. Dr. Jas. McAllister, pastor of the Pilgrim Memorial Church, an excellent menu was served.

At the conclusion of the repast Postmaster Larmonth, the toastmaster, made a very pleasant speech and finished by saying that he wished that the city of Jamestown could some day entertain a convention of the National Association of Letter Carriers. The following speakers were called upon and their remarks were very heartily received:

Samuel A. Carlson, Mayor of Jamestown; J. Charles Alton, Carrier No. 1, Jamestown; Jas. J. McNamara, President New York State Association of Letter Carriers; A. W. McKee, Branch 36, New York; J. T. Mugavin, Chief Clerk Sick Benefit Association, Cincinnati, Ohio; Wm. E. Kelly, President National Association of Letter Carriers, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Rev. Dr. McAllister, Jamestown; P. J. McNabb, Branch 36, New York City.

The party returned to Jamestown by boat, arriving at 2 a. m., rather late for letter carriers, and thus closed the largest, most profitable and most successful convention that the New York State Association has ever held.

peruse the resolutions adopted at this meeting. We are satisfied to think that we have blazed a trail over which other State and District Associations may well travel on to Rochester.

In attendance at the convention we had President Wm. E. Kelly, Bro. Fay Trafton, chairman Executive Board; Bro. Al. Tharp, a member of the Executive Board, who was one of the delegates representing Branch 36; Bro. John Mugavin, Chief Clerk of the Sick Benefit Association, and the Rev. Dr. Grannis, of the Lord's Day Alliance. We also had Messrs. Stengle and McDonald, of the State and City Civil Service Employees' Association, who represented that body at our meeting.

President Kelly in a forceful and lucid argument laid before us the plans and policies of the National Board of Officers and must have demonstrated to the last Doubting Thomas that all that can be done is being done for improved conditions for the letter carriers of this country.

Dr. Grannis, than whom few if any are more entitled to the gratitude of the postal employees of this country, urged us to cooperate with him in his efforts to secure for us one day's rest in seven and did all but prove that besides being wrong from a moral and human standpoint, it was economically unwise to deny men one day's rest in seven; that men could give more and better work in a week with one day's rest than they could do otherwise.

Mr. Stengle, of the State and City Civil Service Employees' Association, in a powerful address assured us that the body which he represented was in accord with us in our efforts to help improve our conditions, that they extended to us their aid and support and asked us to join hands with all Civil Service employees, whether national, city or State, that we may better work for the extension of the civil service, the retirement question and no removals from the service without first having a fair trial.

Brother Tharp, of the Executive Board, proved to be not only an able man, but likewise progressive, and Branch 36 is to be congratulated on having him for their head.

Brothers Trafton and Mugavin are well fitted for their respective positions and only lack of time prevents our going into detail as regards their merits.

The time and place for holding our next convention is held open that we may consider the advisability of holding ours at the time and place at which the State Association of Postoffice Clerks hold theirs, and we may all agree that this is a meritorious proposition, the more so because we can better harmonize, and besides it will attract more attention to our doings by reason of our increased numbers.

The citizens and carriers of Jamestown did themselves proud in providing for our care and entertainment, and never before did visiting ladies at any convention receive better attention.

In conclusion we would ask that those few remaining Branches in this State not yet identified with our Association affiliate at once, that they stand with us in our endeavor to make more ideal the letter carrier's position, that they take home the thought that we are striving to help them with ourselves and that in no way can we do so better than by our standing together. JAS. J. MCNAMARA, President.

Pennsylvania

The third biennial convention of the Pennsylvania State Association of Letter Carriers convened at Johnstown, the "Flood City," Labor Day, September 5, 1910, and continued in session for two days.

The session on Monday morning was opened at 10 a. m. in the large and spacious council chambers in City Hall, President Quinn, of Philadelphia, presiding. The use of the hall was cheerfully and freely granted by both branches of council, the mayor signing the resolution granting permission. The roll call of officers showed all present. The next order was the reading of the minutes of the Altoona meeting in 1908. They were approved as read and then the meeting settled down to the general routine of busi

ness.

President Quinn appointed the following Credential Committee: Chairman Harry C. Young, Harrisburg; E. J. Gruver, Allentown; J. S. Reynolds, York; E. M. Harrison, McKeesport; H. L. Kelly, Butler.

The following is the official roll of Branches that are affiliated with the State Association:

Branch. City. Delegate. 17-Scranton, James F. Cavanaugh. 22-New Castle, 48-Butler, H. L. Kelly. 50-Williamsport, F. E. Plankenhorn

and Fred Bouchard.

84-Pittsburg, John J. Scully, W. H. Werner, William Sill, V. A. Gross and T. G. Brown.

101-Altoona, W. C. Walker. 113-Sharon, John J. Scully. 115-Wilkesbarre, O. A. Parfitt. 162-Pittston, James F. Cavanaugh. 157-Philadelphia, R. F. Quinn, George

J. Lawton, John P. Patten, Edward Van Etten and George D. Austin. 250-Allegheny-James. E. Shuff, Robert Dickson, Ed. Shoemaker, B. F. Metz, John McCreary.

258-Reading, Frank A. Cruise and John A. Reber.

277-Chester, James F. Cavanaugh. 293-Bradford,

332-McKeesport, Edward M. Harrison. 389-Easton, E. J. Gruver. 393-Allentown, E. J. Gruver. 451-Johnstown, James L. Cramer and

The next order of business was the appointment of permanent committees. President Quinn appointed the following:

Resolutions-John P. Patten, Chairman; T. F. Brown, F. E. Plankenhorn, B. A. Gross and James E. Shuff.

Mileage and Per Diem-W. H. Werner, Chairman; G. H. Hamilton, George Austin, William Sill and Harry F.

Kifer.

Press Committee-James Cramer, Chairman; Edward Van Etten, Louis A. Smith, John McCreary and R. K. Fortuna.

Auditing-George J. Lawton, Chairman; Eugene Shoemaker, W. F. Bartholomew, W. C. Walker and Frank A. Cruise.

While waiting for the Credential Committee to report, Vice President Scully took the floor and in his address gave some very encouraging reports on N. A. L. C. affairs in general. He laid particular stress upon the work of the National Sick Benefit Associatio.

Brother Berkey, of Johnstown, chairman of the committee of arrangements for the convention, was granted the floor. He outlined to the delegates the arrangements that Branch 451, through his committee, had made for the entertainment of the delegates and their ladies.

The Credential Committee reported forty-five delegates and five proxies, representing thirty-nine Branches.

National State Vice President Robert H. Bridges was next introduced. In his remarks, which were in the nature of a heart-to-heart talk, he dwelt upon the pleasure and gratification he felt at seeing such a large and enthusiastic meeting of the State Association. It was now decided to adjourn for lunch to reassemble promptly at 2 p. m.

The afternoon session was opened with President Quinn in the chair. The first order of business was the reports of officers. The secretary's report was as follows:

Number of Branches, 39; number of members, 2,129, a gain in Branches of 7, and a gain in membership of 177. Financial statement showed a balance on hand of $137.29 after all expenses had been paid.

The report was received and referred to the Auditing Committee. The treasurer's report was practically the same as the secretary's and that also was referred to the Auditing Committee.

Chairman Young, of the credential committee, made an additional report of one more delegate present.

President Quinn next introduced National Vice President E. J. Gainor, of Muncie, Ind., as the personal representative of the national board of officers. Vice President Gainor's address was one that will be long remembered by all those who had the pleasure of hearing him. Brother Gainor went deep into the affairs of the N. A. L. C., paying particular attention to the retirement bills now before Congress. It is a safe bet that the interests of the letter carriers will not suffer so long as Brother Gainor is on the job.

President Quinn next introduced Bro. J. A. Ferris, of Youngstown, Ohio, President of the Board of Directors of the National Sick Benefit Association.

Brother Ferris explained fully what the association stood for, also the good work they were accomplishing. He showed by figures that the financial condition was very healthy and looked for better results in the future. He exhorted all present to become members and when they returned home to become missionaries in the movement which stands for such grand, ennobling principles, namely, assisting our brothers in sickness and trouble.

Delegate-at-Large George A. Hahn made his report on the St. Paul convention. Report showed close attention to the detail work and proved that he was on the job. Brown moved, Roderus seconded, that report be accepted and a vote of thanks tendered to Brother Hahn for his elaborate and complete report. Carried.

Bro. I. L. Reynolds, of Connersville, ind., was introduced and gave a few choice remarks on fraternity.

Brother Scully moved, Shuff seconded, that greetings be sent to the National Association of Supervisory Postoffice Employees in session at Pittsburg.

Austin moved, Brown seconded, that greetings also be sent to National Association of Postoffice Clerks in session at Saratoga Springs, N. Y.

Plankenhorn moved, Reynolds seconded, that greeting be sent to association of R. F. D. in session at Williamsport.

Brother Patten, chairman of the resolution committee, reported the following resolutions:

Resolved, That the Pennsylvania State Association of Letter Carriers, in convention at Johnstown, September 5 and 6, extend to our national officers our most hearty support. Adopted.

We commend the untiring efforts of Postmaster General Hitchcock in endeavoring to secure thirty days vacation for letter carriers. Adopted.

We extend to United States Senator Penrose our most sincere thanks for his untiring efforts in trying to better the condition of letter carriers. Adopted.

In the death of Colonel Andrews, late secretary of the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads in the United States Senate, and chairman of the Republican State Committee, the letter carriers of our great and glorious country have lost a good, true and noble friend. Be it

Resolved, That we extend to his family our most heartfelt sympathy. Adopted.

We again reaffirm the confidence in our national officers who are ever alert to the wants and needs of letter carriers.

We are reminded that during the last session of the House of Representatives, when the bill came up asking for a liberal appropriation advancing all carriers to the maximum salary, the bill was only lost by one vote, being a vote of 63 to 64.

This displays effort and energy by some

one.

We believe that the best interests will be served to both the Department and the men affected to permit all efficient letter carriers to be advanced to the maximum salary. Where a division is created permitting only part of the carriers to be promoted to the maximum salary it tends to create much dissatisfaction and unpleasantness.

Resolved. That the delegates assembled at the Pennsylvania State convention tender our sympathy to the substitute letter carriers, believing and fully realizing that their position is one of arduous hardship.

Resolved, That we, in convention assembled, most earnestly request the Department, through our national officers, to use their best efforts to secure the passage of the Worcester bill,

Whereas the subject of retirement is a paramount issue, having advanced during this last year and attracted much attention from men in position and influence, which gives much encouragement to all concerned; therefore be it

Resolved, That the delegates assembled indorse the action of the National Retirement Association, assembled in Washing. ton, January 14 and 15, 1910, in its wise judgment in approving of a non-contributory plan.

Resolved, That the selection of Edward J. Cantwell as national secretary of the said association was a most commendable selection, commanding confidence, and enlisting the heroic assistance of great numbers of all Federal employees.

Resolved, That we indorse bill No. 22776, known as the Goulden Bill.

Whereas a feature of our N. A. L. C., known as the Mutual Benefit Association, has cemented and proved such a benefit; and

Whereas another feature has been introduced, namely, the National Sick and Accident Association, which has proved of such decided benefit to the rank and file of its members;

as

Resolved, That we, in convention sembled, do hereby endorse and highly recommend to our members these two important and humane features of the N. A. L. C. We recommend that these features be discussed at any and all meetings where letter carriers assemble.

Resolved, That we commend our national officers of the past and present for the kind thought in presenting to the members of our grand organization a plan known as the United States Letter Carriers' Sick and Accident Association.

We believe every letter carrier should be a member of this organization, as it is without a question of doubt one of the cheapest and best sick benefit organizations in the world today. Adopted.

Resolved, That the members of the Branches of our organization use their best endeavors to ask the postmasters to allow the substitutes to deliver special delivery letters at all times. Adopted.

Resolved, That we extend to John M. Reynolds, Congressman of the 19th district, our most heartfelt thanks for his efforts in behalf of the letter carriers. Adopted.

Resolved, That the names and numbers of the Branches in the State Association be published in the Postal Record once each year under the head of the Pennsylvania State Association. Adopted.

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The secretary was instructed to answer the Paterson, N. J., resolution. A long discussion followed in which every one present took part. The topic was the question of substitutes carrying special delivery letters; also the question of free transportation street cars for the carriers on and off duty. Some good points were brought out for the benefit of the delegates, and some very valuable information concerning these two great questions was given. President Quinn took the floor and made his report, covering past and present conditions of N. A. L. C. affairs. He dwelt at length on the retirement and thirty day vacation bills. It was a treat, and was listened to with rapt attention. Austin moved, Kelly seconded, that we adjourn to meet Tuesday at 9:30 a. m. Adjourned, 5 p. m.

Tuesday, September 6, session called to order promptly at 9:30, President Quinn in the chair. Committee on Constitution and By-Laws made their report on amendments to the constitution governing State Associations. The amendments to the constitution along with a circular letter giving necessary explanations will be mailed from this office to all Branches in the State at a subsequent date.

Young moved, Kifer seconded, that the constitution and amendments be adopted.

Patten, Resolution Committee, reported the following resolutions as approved by the committee:

Resolved, That we extend to the postmaster, the letter carriers, citizens and newspapers of Johnstown our sincere thanks for their kind hospitality at the greatest State convention Pennsylvania ever held.

Resolved, That we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our National Vice President, Brother Gainor, and Brother Ferris, president of the U. S. Letter Carriers' National Sick Benefit Association, for their attendance and good, encouraging advice; that we extend to our State President, Brother Quinn, also a National Officer, the thanks of this convention for his fair, honest and courteous treatment; also to our other State officers.

Resolved, That we extend our most hearty congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the ladies for their entertainment and banquet during our stay here.

Resolved, That we extend a rising vote of thanks to the mayor of Johnstown, and also the councilmen, for their kindness in granting the use of council chambers for the Pennsylvania State convention.

Committee on mileage and per diem reported, and the report was adopted. Cramer, chairman of the press committee, reported progress.

New business was next in order, and under this head came reports of conditions in districts. Judging from reports received from every one of the districts represented, the National Association is in a very flourishing condition, but showed lack of interest in State Association affairs in some quarters. If the members would only stop to think of the vast amount of good that is derived from State organizations, they would show a more lively interest and get on the job and boost, a condition I hope will exist between now and the time of our 1912 meeting.

The next business was the nomination of officers for the ensuing term. The following were nominated: President, R. F. Quinn, Philadelphia; vice president, John J. Scully, of Pittsburg; secretary, James F. Cavanaugh, Scranton; Eugene Shoemaker, of Allegheny; treasurer, R. H. Hess, of Berwick. Delegates-at-large, R. H. Bridges, Johnstown; J. Kaufman, Johnstown. Moved and seconded that when we meet in 1912 we hold a two day session.

President Quinn appointed the following tellers: Austin, Young, Dickson, Sill and Kifer.

The auditing committee reported the books of the secretary and treasurer audited and found correct. The balloting for officers was next, in order and the tellers announced the results as follows:

President, R. F. Quinn; vice president, J. J. Scully; secretary, James F. Cavanaugh; treasurer, R. H. Hess; delegate-at-large, R. H. Bridges.

President Quinn appointed Brothers Shoemaker and Dickson to escort Brother Gainor to the chair to act as installing officer.

Next in order were invitations to entertain the next convention. Braddock and Williamsport were in the field, Braddock gracefully withdrawing in favor of Williamsport. Brother Plankenhorn read letters from the Board of Trade, Business Men's Association, the postmaster, and others, inviting the convention to Williamsport. Moved and seconded that we meet in Williamsport, Labor Day, 1912. Adopted.

The motion was carried amidst great enthusiasm and closed what proved to be one of the largest and best conventions that the Pennsylvania State Association has ever held, and it was the general consensus of opinion that it augurs well for the future of the association. In closing let us hope that the next meeting will see every Branch in the State enrolled. Hoping to meet you all at Williamsport, 1912. Fraternally yours,

JAMES F. CAVANAUGH,
Secretary.

California

The third biennial convention of the California State Association is now a thing of the past, going down in his tory as the greatest gathering of its kind in this State. History sometimes repeats itself, and should it do so in this case we can look forward to seeing one of the most enthusiastic, liveliest and business-like conventions on earth. There were a great many very important subjects to come before us, many of which were worthy of, and did receive a great deal of discussion; but the one hig feature was the battle that waged between the two great cities of California (Los Angeles and San Francisco), both out for the 1913 National Convention. This batting rally lasted for one and a half hours, and when the excitement was over and the score taken it was found that every delegate present from San Francisco had a batting average of over three hundred, thus proving too strong for the Southern delegation, allowing San Francisco to receive the endorsement of the California State Association for the convention city in 1913. There were present four officers, five Branch Presidents, and forty-eight delegates, with proxies, etc., giving the convention a total vote of seventy-one, evidence in itself that we are growing and becoming a greater factor than ever in association work.

Letters were read from Ed. J. Cantwell. M. T. Finnan, Leon Umsted, president National Clerks' Association, and Walter G. Hancock, president San Francisco Post Office Clerks' Union.

Speeches were made by Mayor M. R. Beard and Postmaster R. M. Richardson. Responses by State President F. E. Burger and C. H. Raynesford, president of Branch 133.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing term: President, C. Р. Bandy, Sacramento; vice president, D. J. Hallahan, Oakland; secretary, E. Н. Osborn, Los Angeles; treasurer, J. С. Hickok, Berkeley; delegate at large, C. H. Scoggins, Oakland. Convention City, 1912, Santa Barbara.

All this happened at Sacramento, the capital city, and right here it will be well to say that the boys of Branch 133 are royal entertainers and genial hosts. Following are resolutions as passed by this convention:

Resolved, That we believe that Independence Day, July 4. should be observed as strictly as possible in the postoffice, and recommend that when the anniversary falls on any day but Saturday, Sunday or Monday, all delivery by carrier be eliminated.

Resolved, That the California State Association, in convention assembled, heartily endorse the wise and efficient administration of our National President William E. Kelly, and congratulate our officers upon the progress made by our association.