Clay Industry is Essential. R. H. Smith, secretary of the Northwestern Clay Association, in a recent letter to members, said: Every industry is being called upon in these days to demonstrate its right to exist. We clay products manufacturers like to talk about our products being "tried by fire." Right now not only our products but our whole country is enduring the "trial by fire." In pursuance of its purpose to end this war as soon as possible and with a minimum of loss in men and money the government has found it necessary to separate the non-essential form the essential – to encourage the production of the latter and curtail the former. Where does the clay industry stand? Can we survive the test? Can we demonstrate to Uncle Sam that our products are necessary to the successful prosecution of the war, or shall we have to stand aside and allow our coal and labor to go to some other class of business claiming to be more essential? The administration at Washington has set an example in co-operation; for the sake of efficiency, it has combined the railroads under one executive committee – and has allowed combinations and pools which in normal times would exist in violation of the laws. Can we, by closer co-operation, increase our value as an economic factor? The fire brick manufacturer knows that the fire brick are indispensable to mills, foundries and all factories; the drain tile maker knows that the cheapest way to increase the tillable acreage and productiveness of a farm is to tile it; the man who manufactures brick and hollow tile knows that if these materials were used for permanent structures it would release lumber for the use of the government in building the thousands of temporary buildings they must erect and without the hollow tile silo a large percentage of the food value in the corn crop would be unavailable. We know that clay plants are an economic necessity – that their operation cannot be suspended without serious results, so let’s not be afraid to say so. If there ever was a time when circumstances demanded that the clayworkers get together and exchange ideas on economy and efficiency with a view to co-operating with the government, that time is right now. We can help and be helped now as never before. (The American Contractor, American Contractor Publishing Co., Chicago New York, Saturday, January 12, 1918, Volume 39, Number 2, Page 20)
Page 234. Northwest Takes Steps Toward Open Price. Tenth Annual Meeting Authorizes Appointment of Committee to Look Into Feasibility of Plan and Formulate Recommendations. Program of Unusual Merit, Covering Timely Topics. A business-like consideration of immediate and pressing problems characterized the deliberations of the Northwestern Clay Association as it met in its tenth annual convention at the West Hotel, Minneapolis, January 17 and 18. Some idea as to the timeliness of the program may be had when it is learned that the program committee arranged to have Hon. J. F. McGee, fuel administrator for the state of Minnesota, speak on "The Coal Situation." Fate played strongly into the hands of the committee, for on the morning of the 17th announcement was made in the daily press of Dr. Garfield’s order declaring a cessation of manufacturing operations for five days beginning the 18th and proclaiming every Monday for the next ten weeks a legal holiday. The result was a large and appreciative audience which listened to the judge with attentive ear and which bombarded him with questions after he had finished speaking.
President Urges Preparedness in Address. B. Frank Pay, of Fowler and Pay, Mankato, Minn., president of the association, presented his annual address, after the convention had been called to order and the reading of last meeting’s minutes had been dispensed with. Mr. Pay welcomed the members to the meeting and called attention to the important subjects on the program. He said that in traveling over the state he noticed how little clay products, comparatively speaking, were being used in construction work of all kinds and said that the manufacturers had a big job before them in promoting the sale of their wares on a larger and broader scale. "Building operations thruout the Northwest have shown a great falling off during the last year," said Mr. Pay, "and the prospects for the immediate future are somewhat unsettled at this time. However, I cannot help but feel that there will be some building in this territory and it would be well for all manufacturers of clay products to be prepared. No doubt, at the termination of the world war building operations will become active and some portion of the large amount of money that will be in circulation will find its way into permanent buildings and investments, so it behooves all manufacturers of clay products to put their plants in order to secure their share of the business when this time comes."
Blames Railroads for Coal Shortage. Word that Judge J. F. McGee was to speak on the fuel situation was circulated among the lumber dealers attending the Northwestern Lumberman’s Association convention in the West Hotel, and as a consequence many of them came in to hear the judge, who began by telling something of his experiences at Washington in connection with his efforts to get a sufficient amount of coal diverted to the Northwest to supply the immediate needs in that territory. That he succeeded in accomplishing what he set out to do along this line is indicated in the fact that there has been little suffering to date in that territory because of a lack of fuel. The judge brought out the fact that the railroads were entirely to blame for the present fuel shortage and that they had fallen down badly in supplying cars to the mines. Since little or no bituminous coal is stored, it is a case of no cars, no coal. The judge said that he based this statement on information which he secured from the daily reports of the mines showing that they had been forced to work short time because of inability to secure cars in which to ship the product of the mine and that this condition had badly demoralized the organizations of the operators, so much so that they rapidly began to lose their best men and were therefore confronted with another difficulty, that of labor shortage.
Boats Should Have Been Used. State Fuel Administrator McGee also said that the ore boats from Lake Superior in returning for cargoes from Chicago and Cleveland should have been utilized to a larger extent in carrying coal to northern Michigan and Minnesota points, but that owing to the inability of the railroads to deliver the coal to the docks in anything like a reasonable time for loading, it had not been possible to realize the greatest efficiency in water transportation. The railroads he said had accused the boat companies of refusing coal shipments, but this has been found to be untrue. With regard to the present supply of coal and the prospects for next year’s supply, it was stated that both in anthracite and bituminous coal the supply this year was many thousands of tons short. The outlook for next winter, if the war continues is not any better than it was this winter and probably will be a great deal worse.
Campaign to Burn Wood Under Way. The burning of wood, especially in the northern sections of the state of Minnesota was being urged, the judge said. He had found that in many homes in localities where wood was plentiful that it was thought too plebian to burn this kind of fuel. This he said was a foolish idea and should be done away with at once as it will be the means of saving a large amount of fuel to be used in sections where wood is not so easily obtained or where it could be had only at great cost, all out of proportion to its heating value. He said that the building of fire places in homes was being strongly recommended. This is encouraging news for the face brick manufacturer who ought to find this a good piece of promotion work for the sale of face brick mantels and fire places, as well as to the fire brick manufacturer who can supply the fire brick for these fire places. The judge strongly defended Dr. Garfield’s drastic or-
Page 235. der, declaring that it was a necessity and should be strictly observed. One of the members asked him as to how he would regard a continuous kiln. He said that it was his intention to use "horse sense" in interpreting the order and believed that a continuous kiln would be exempt because to cease firing it with ware in the chambers would damage the ware and this was not the intention of the order. No one asked him about periodic kilns under fire nor dryers, so he said nothing about them. Speaks on Labor Situation. D. D. Lescohier, superintendent of the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety, was the next speaker. "There is no shortage of labor," said Mr. Lescohier, "that is, speaking from a quantity standpoint, but I think everyone here will agree with me that there is a distinct lack of quality workmen. "High labor turnover is one of the worst problems manufacturers have to deal with and if that item can be reduced a way will be found to increase the supply of men."
The speaker gave some figures covering the Ford plant, showing that by careful study executives were able to reduce the labor turnover from nearly four hundred per cent annually to somewhere around twenty-eight per cent, per annum. Reasons why workmen leave their positions was gone into in some detail, Mr. Lescohier telling of some of his experiences in learning the cause. An abusive foreman was cited as the cause for failure to keep men at one plant, while proper housing conditions were said to have a very important bearing on the length of time a man would stay in a certain locality or town. On the other hand, the instilling of a spirit of loyalty into the men, making them feel that the plant was "their plant," was urged as a measure to prevent too frequent moving of men and the bonus system was given hearty endorsement as a means of promoting efficiency and good records for steady employment. Some time ago the legislature authorized the establishment of three employment offices, one in Minneapolis, one in St. Paul and one in Duluth to assist in getting the man looking for work and the man with a job together. Mr. Lescohier stated that he thought Ohio had a better system of state employment offices. He said that there were seventy such offices in the Buckeye state with a central office at Columbus and that every day each office in the state reported to the central office by telephone stating what surplus of men or jobs they had, thus promoting the utmost efficiency in the moving of the available labor supply.
England Has Good Employment System. "However," said Mr. Lescohier, "England goes that one better. It has over four hundred employment offices scattered thruout the British Isles, all working with a central office, and little difficulty is experienced in getting men in different trades and in various localities. That is the kind of system we ought to have over here." Private employment agencies came in for a roasting, both from members in the discussion following the talk by Mr. Lescohier, and by the speaker himself. He said that they were the greatest cause for discontent among workmen that existed, since they profited on a large turnover, and stimulated it. Undoubtedly, there will be a smaller supply of labor
Page 254. this coming year than last year, he said, and wages would be slightly higher. Talks On Minnesota Clays. "Minnesota Clay Development" was the subject of an informal talk by F. W. Sardeson. The geological formations occurring in the state were carefully gone over and the various clays familiar to most of the manufacturers were pointed out. However, evidence was submitted that there probably were deposits of badly needed clays in the state, particularly good fire clays, which to date had not been uncovered by surface inspection. Mr. Sardeson said that an exhaustive survey was necessary to fully know the resources of Minnesota with regard to clays and that he had laid plans for such a survey, but had been unable to carry them thru owing to a combination of circumstances which prevented his doing so. At this point A. L. Crocker, of the Minnesota Reclamation League, was called upon to speak and told something of the movement now on foot to utilize the vast resources of the state now laying idle, particularly in the northern section.
Annual Banquet. An unusually large number sat down to the annual banquet held in the West Hotel, the evening of the 17th. After partaking of a well prepared meal, Miss Frances Works entertained the company with music and recitations. Capt. W. S. Drewry and Lieut. W. A. Grady, of the British Army, told of some of their experiences in France, while every one listened with an attentive and appreciative ear. Judge Harry Johnson spoke in a lighter vein and then the party broke up for the evening. Transportation of Clay Products. J. R. Ewing, of the Western Weighing and Inspection Bureau, was the first speaker on Friday’s program, taking as his subject "Transportation of Clay Products." The following points were brought out by Mr. Ewing: The loading of cars with clay products for shipping is always important, but particularly is it imperative that the greatest care be taken at the present time because of the congested conditions existing on the railroads of the nation, involving more switching and consequently rougher handling, due to the cars being a longer time on the road. Speaking from experience as foreman of a loading crew at a clay products plant, Mr. Ewing said it was a good investment to lay strips of wood on the floor of a car in which there are projecting bolts or washers which are sure to damage the ware. A gate at the end of the car to act as a bumper is also a wise arrangement, as the ends of the ordinary freight car are not very soft. Bulk heads or braces of one-inch material in the doorway of a car will prevent the load from shifting with consequent damage. In a train of thirty cars there is usually a sufficient amount of slack to equal one car length, and this is the reason why there is so much jarring and jolting, putting a severe
Page 255. strain on shipments that are not properly packed. A bulk head built of two by fours should be used for twenty-four-inch sewer pipe. Loading Hollow Tile. In the loading of hollow tile, lath gates should be placed in the ends of every car. These only cost about twenty cents, but are excellent insurance against breakage. Also, joints should be broken in the loading of tile as this will reduce the movement of the material to a minimum and thereby cut down possible damage. Sewer pipe fittings should always be packed in straw. It is folly to place these on top of the load after the car has been filled. In line with the campaign being conducted by the government and the railroads in an effort to get shippers to increase the loading of cars to capacity plus ten per cent, one drain tile company was cited as having increased the loading of its cars fifteen per cent in weight during October and November, 1917, as compared with the same months during the previous year, with a decrease to 4.9 per cent in breakage. This was possible by more careful packing. This concern used wire-bound lath gates and center pieces on pipe and tile up to eight inches, with stronger materials from that size to twenty-four inches.
Seeing cars at destination after having superintended the loading is a great education in packing. Cars that have been thought to be damage-proof are found to have several weak points after delivery, resulting in broken ware. Careful packing is an excellent investment, since it eliminates many complaints, the necessity for filing claims with the railroads, which have to go thru a lot of red tape, and makes for more satisfied customers. Circular No. 110 issued by the Western Weighing and Inspection Bureau, 1822 Transportation Building, Chicago, describing the loading and packing of clay products may be had for the asking. In the absence of C. B. Platt, secretary of the Permanent Buildings Society who was in Washington attending a meeting called by Dr. Garfield, United States fuel administrator, the secretary read his paper entitled "Organization of the Business of an Industry." Mr. Platt’s paper appears on another page of this issue.
Manufacturer Must Sell Self. "Brick Markets," by F. B. Martin, of the Twin City Brick Co., Minneapolis, followed. Mr. Martin talked from the standpoint of the brick manufacturer in the small town. He jabbed his readers somewhat by stating that a number of clay products manufacturers had confessed to him that they did not even live in a brick house. This being the case, if the clay products manufacturer ever expects to sell his ware, he must first sell himself on his proposition. While there are a number of methods of selling brick, one upon which he placed a great deal of value, was the matter of identification with one’s material. "You see it’s like this. My initials are F. B. and consequently I have become known as Face Brick Martin. "Did you ever build a house? If you have you know that it is one of the best lessons you could possibly learn. You are in the business of selling a building material. If you have had some practical experience with its use it will help you considerably in giving advice and counsel to customers.
Page 256. "However, I am not urging that you design your house. If you can design a house you don’t belong in the brick business. That is the architect’s business. I have seen more frightful looking brick houses designed by clay products manufacturers than have ever been built from canned plans." Tells of Open Price Plan. At this point Mr. Martin deviated somewhat to explain the open price plan under which the Northwest Face Brick Association is operating. In connection with C. B. Platt’s paper, Mr. Martin urged that the Northwestern Clay Association join hands with the Iowa manufacturers in promoting the interests of the Permanent Buildings Society. Henry Deutsch was to have talked on "War Loans," but since he was not able to be present, Clark R. Fletcher substituted admirably. J. A. Glandon, vice-president of the A. P. Green Fire Brick Co., Mexico, Mo., then read a paper on "Requirements of Fire Brick in Furnaces and Kilns." After lunch the secretary read a paper prepared by E. A. Hults, formerly secretary-manager of the North Iowa Brick and Tile Co., Mason City, Iowa, on "Why Clay Plants Lose Money." This paper had previously been read before the Iowa Clay Products Manufacturers Association at its annual meeting held January 16 to 18, 1917 at the Iowa State College, Ames, and was published in the March 27, 1917, issue of Brick and Clay Record.
Reads Paper on Open Price Associations. C. A. Gunn, secretary of the Northwest Face Brick Association, followed with a paper which was to have been read before the annual meeting of the Face Brick Dealers’ Association of America at French Lick, Ind., last month. Mr. Gunn’s paper appears on page 226 of this issue. The report of the secretary-treasurer, R. H. Smith, showed that the balance on hand was $44.49 as compared with $34.20 last year. In view of the narrow margin of funds upon which the association has been working for some years past, it was voted to increase the dues from three to five dollars per annum. The report of the auditing committee, consisting of J. R. Farnham, C. K. Willard, A. A. Yegge and W. Reimer was heard. The committee reported that it found the books of the treasurer to be correct and the amount on hand to be as stated in his report. R. H. Smith Elected President. The nominating committee, consisting of E. H. Cobb, Henry Hess, J. L. Voelker, Fred Passe and M. C. Madsen, recommended the following candidates for office: R. H. Smith, president; C. K. Willard, vice-president, and H. W. Linder, secretary-treasurer. The directors recommended were: S. G. Johnson, A. C. Ochs, J. L. Voelker, J. J. Hess and M. C. Madsen. A motion was passed that these officers as well as the directors be elected by acclamation. The resolutions committee consisting of G. A. Welsh, W. A. Ochs, C. S. Nixon and R. P. Morton, reported substantially as follows: Whereas, the date of the annual meeting in January brings us in conflict with other organizations, and brings the meeting at a time when some of our members wish to be away for the winter, therefore, be it resolved that
Page 257. we recommend to the association that a meeting date for some time in December or earlier be considered. Whereas, complete records of production would be a great aid to the manufacturers of common brick, we recommend that the association name a committee whose duty it shall be to collect data of stocks on hand, month by month in the yards of manufacturers, the figures of each to be kept secret and the totals only to be furnished members, as an aid in their marketing and selling. Whereas, complete details of cost of manufacture and selling are greatly needed we recommend that a committee be named to develop a showing upon this line, the same to be presented at the next annual meeting. Open Price Committee Appointed. Everyone who attended the tenth annual convention of the Northwestern Clay Association felt that they got their money’s worth. The sessions were productive of untold benefit to all. A most significant step was taken in the closing minutes of the convention when a motion was passed authorizing the president to appoint a committee to look into the possibilities of working out an open price plan in connection with the activities of the association. Needless to say if it were found feasible to adopt some such plan, it would work great benefit to every member of the association.
Those in attendance were: B. F. Pay, Fowler and Pay, Mankato, Minn. J. A. Glandon, A. P. Green Fire Brick Co., Mexico, Mo. R. G. Smith, Bonnot Co., Kansas City, Mo. W. T. Madsen, Hutchinson Brick and Tile Co., Hutchinson, Minn. M. C. Madsen, Hutchinson Brick and Tile Co., Hutchinson, Minn. W. Reimer, Zumbrota Clay Manufacturing Co., Zumbrota, Minn. F. W. Sardeson, Minneapolis, Minn. F. J. Passe, Preston Brick Co., Preston, Minn. J. J. Hess, Henry Hess and Son, St. Cloud, Minn. A. A. Yegge, West Concord Brick and Tile Co., West Concord, Minn. H. W. Ahrens, Okabena Brick and Tile Co., Okabena, Minn. R. A. Becker, Okabena Brick and Tile Co., Okabena, Minn. M. F. Rusfeldt, Wrenshall Brick Co., Wrenshall, Minn. S. G. Johnson, Minneapolis, Minn. E. G. Zorn, Brick and Clay Record, Chicago, Ill. F. B. Martin, Twin City Brick Co., Minneapolis, Minn. H. W. Linder, Colburn Brick and Tile Co., Minneapolis, Minn. E. N. Rosengren, Colburn Brick and Tile Co., Minneapolis, Minn. Henry Robel, Jr., contractor, Mankato, Minn. J. J. Mechler, Hydraulic-Press Brick Co., Minneapolis, Minn. C. H. Snyder, Hydraulic-Press Brick Co., Minneapolis, Minn. Fred Hale, Minneapolis, Minn. Frank R. Cooke, Improvement Bulletin, Minneapolis, Minn. Geo. Kronschnabel, Fertile Brick and Tile Co., Fertile, Minn.
Norman L. Meir, LaCrosse Building Supply Co., LaCrosse, Wis. Clarende S. Nixon, Paine & Nixon Co., Duluth, Minn. G. A. Welsh, Dodge Reports, Minneapolis, Minn. J. R. Ewing, Western Weighing and Inspection Bureau, Chicago, Ill. Rufus P. Morton, Princeton, Minn. C. K. Willard, Heron Lake Brick and Tile Co., Heron Lake, Minn. Jacob Voelker, Voelker & Groff, Winona, Minn. W. A. Ochs, A. C. Ochs Brick and Tile Co., Springfield, Minn. H. A. Sodergren, Minnesota Clay Works, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn. E. H. Cobb, Hydraulic-Press Brick Co., Minneapolis, Minn. H. A. Johnson, Municipal Judge, Mankato, Minn. G. H. Lellman, Bricklayers and Masons Union, Minneapolis, Minn. R. H. Smith, Minneapolis Fire Brick Co., Minneapolis, Minn. Geo. Winter, National Clay Works, Mason City, Iowa. A. Schroeder, Shakopee Brick and Lime Co., Shakopee, Minn. C. J. Swanson, N. W. Fireproofing Co., Minneapolis, Minn. G. Leuty, Hebron Fire and Pressed Brick Co., Hebron, N. D. (Brick and Clay Record, Kenfield-Leach Company, Chicago, January 29, 1918, Volume 52, Number 3)
Page 144. Northwestern Clay Men Prove Live Wires. Stage a First-Class Convention January 17 and 18. Practical Talks Prevailed and the Discussions Generally Proved Helpful. The tenth annual convention of the Northwestern Clay Association was held in the West Hotel, Minneapolis, Jan. 17 and 18. While the attendance was not large it was earnest and representative. Practically every man attending was strongly interested in the proceedings either from the standpoint of a manufacturer or a salesman. The program committee is to be congratulated upon its skill in formulating a set of talks which struck home in every instance. The debate, while brief, was all to the point, and old-timers who have attended every meeting of the organization united in declaring that this was the best session ever held. The talk of the president, B. Frank Pay, of Mankato, in opening the session, was forceful and to the point. He urged greater uses of clay products, whose use had hardly scratched the surface of possibilities. Clay men themselves should make more use of their own wares, including living in brick homes. He pleaded guilty himself to living in a frame house, but anticipated reformation in time. Clay men should cultivate the acquaintance of their neighbors so that they may be able to advise with them when they are interested in construction materials. Despite the war and the falling off of construction, he predicted that there would be some building during the war and an immense amount at the end of the war. All should keep their plants in order so that they may be ready for a rush when the end of the war comes.
F. B. Martin, Minneapolis, reporting for the committee on the reduction of fire insurance rates on brick structures, told of the unequal spread between a strictly fireproof dwelling, which cost at the rate of 24c a $100 and that of a frame dwelling at 32c, with stucco and asbestos roof between at 28c. For the committee he could report no progress, though some progress has been made through other forces which are working on the same subject. The revision of rates must come through the Underwriters’ Board, and is determined by the surroundings, contents, roof and other factors. The line of advance for lower rates is to interest the local agent to take it up with the general agents and thence to the national board. And if members want to have their roofing tiles tested the National Bureau of Standards will do it, unless the needs of war work have handicapped them, as they have made tests by the bureau have proved uncomfortable for the cement men, as they have shown that material to be unsatisfactory for fireproof material in certain fires, such as one at a concrete elevator in Kentucky, which was found to have spalled badly under fire. Before insurance rates can be influenced there must be a better understanding with the Board of Underwriters. For the present there is no chance whatever of any lower rates, but instead they may advance. The National Board of Underwriters must know more about the fire resistance of brick first. This may come through the tests of the National Bureau of Standards.
The headliner of the program, as the dramatic writer would term it, was Judge John F. McGee, national fuel commissioner for Minnesota. He spoke of the fuel situation from the standpoint of his office. He told of the work of his department and its efforts to see that there was sufficient coal for the needs of the Northwest. His department had not attempted to interfere with the natural flow of coal until two weeks before, when it was found necessary to divide the stocks of coal on the docks into ninety allotments, to be divided among the states of the Northwest dependent upon the dock supply, releasing one ninetieth each day. With any sort of economy there will be sufficient coal for the winter. The Northwest, in the interior, is working back to the use of wood fuel as much as possible. There are 100,000 cords of wood on one Government section of land. The public safety commission has ordered the sale of dead and down wood on state lands at the rate of 25c a cord, with a maximum of 100 cords to any one person, as a step toward distributing the wood as far as possible. It must be used in the vicinity of the site, however, as freight rates make it too costly to ship any distance. It is quite necessary to use all the substitutes possible for coal this winter, for the prospects are that next year will see less coal brought forward to the Northwest than was the case this season. This war is for the purpose of saving civilization as we know it, and it is the duty of every man to do everything he can to forward our cause.
As to prices, the conditions this year have permitted a wide variety of costs, for the price fixing power of the President did not run against contracts made prior to the passage of the Lever bill. But these contracts are for one year only, and the coming season there will be no prior contract figures, so that prices will be lower. He told of the trouble which had been encountered with unreasonable margins being charged, from $2 a ton to as high as $5.17 over the cost to the dealer at his bin. His office made an order January 10 reducing margins to $2. He declared that when the history of the war is written those who will be damned the worst will be the coal mine operators, whose prices have been unquestionably out of reason. The mine operator stood out for the best possible price and he made it. He spoke of the possibilities of Wyoming and Colorado coal being brought to the eastern markets, these coals being declared by some to be the best in the United States. But at present the rate of this coal to Pierre, 400 miles, is double that from Illinois, which is 1,000 miles. The Interstate Commerce Commission ordered a lower rate at one time, but never put the new rate into effect. He complimented the railroads upon their ability to get coal through to any town which is reported to be in urgent need of coal.
With reference to the five-day shutdown ordered on manufacturing, he was asked if a brick kiln which was started would have to close for the five days, to which he responded that he thought it would be no saving of coal to let it go down and have to use a great deal of coal to restore it to the proper temperature, and he would not regard such a situation as calling for a shutdown, but that a kiln should not be started burning to run into the five-day shutdown. Another very interesting talk was that of D. D. Lescobier of the Public Employment Bureau, Minneapolis, maintained by the State for the purpose of furnishing men with work, and employers with workers, all without charge to either. The labor situation as a whole was described as being one in which there was no serious shortage of labor as to quantity but a decided shortage as to quality. Labor has been drifting from one job to another until the floating variety is poorer and poorer, and it is of this class that much of the seasons labor has to come. The efforts of the bureau, which maintain offices in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth, is to bring work and worker together. The shortage of skilled labor is not wholly a war development, but has been averted because of immigration. This has ceased during the past few years, and as a result there is but a limited amount of skilled mechanics available. This country has about 500,000 floating laborers-transients with no permanent home, no family. They are
Page 145. largely American born. They are the products of their own bad habits and deteriorate constantly. The labor problem costs money to employers. It costs money to hire and to fire, and to break in new men. The employer wants permanent men. The losses sustained by employers in excessive turnover of labor amounts to millions of dollars. It costs from $50 to $200 per man to make changes. Labor must be paid the going wage, and must not be abused if it is to be satisfied. One instance was cited of a large construction job which had men going and coming constantly. Investigation showed that they had a poor cook, although the materials furnished were the best. They put in a competent cook, and their turnover decreased sharply. Another case was of an abusive foreman who drove men away. The best way to handle labor is for the employer to hire and fire, or if this can not be done, to have the men quitting or being fired report to the employer and be questioned as to the causes as a means of keeping in touch with the situation in the labor department. A season bonus is a good means of inducing men to stay the season out. There is a great deal of stealing men from one institution to another. The same thing has been done in Washington to such an extent that a presidential order has stopped transferring clerks from one department to another without approval. He objected to the ordinary employment agency which encourages changes, for it is the only way that these institutions make any money. They encourage men to change, and are a bad factor with workmen. The trouble is with the dull and active seasons, which require that men move to other work during dull periods.
F. W. Sardeson, of Minneapolis, gave an interesting talk on Minnesota clay development, touching on the geological formations of clay deposits of the State. He told of the different clay deposits and of their analyzed value and also their practical worth. It had proved that the practical use is often different from the showing of an analysis. A. L. Crocker, of the Reclamation League, gave a brief talk on the projects of the league, which include state-wide drainage, reforestation of all waste land; soil survey and fish and game development. The Banquet. About one hundred and fifty sat down to the banquet. Miss Frances Works gave a number of readings, which were patriotic largely, and greatly enjoyed. Capt. W. S. Drewy, of the Canadian forces, gave a brief point of the experiences which he had at the war front, and told of the work of enlisting all Canadian subjects in the United States who have claimed exemption under the United States law, because of being British subjects. There is no intention of interfering with the enlistments in the United States army, but where men claim exemption the British army wants them. He was followed by Lieut. O’Grady, who told of his experiences in being made a prisoner and was finally interned in Switzerland until exchanged. Both presented the situation with reference to the war, and the things which the Allies are fighting in a clear, cogent manner. Judge Harry Johnson, of Mankato, Minn., gave a running fire of jokes, stories and anecdotes, which convulsed the crowd. He was followed by "Eddie" Rosengreen, of Minneapolis, whose reputation as a raconteur is high. Both kept their hearers constantly in laughter.
Friday morning’s session opened with a very interesting talk by J. R. Ewing, of the Western Weighing and Inspection Bureau of Chicago, on the proper way to load brick and tile to ride with the minimum breakage. He favored greater care by employers in superintending this work as being a sure way to assure delivery of product with minimum breakage. In laying in brick joints should be broken, as in laying up a wall, to assure safety from working loose with the motion of the car. With hollow tile the same thing should be done, to guard against spreading and crushing. In circular tile, care must be taken to prevent the sides of the car from springing and allowing the tile to sink and then be forced up again when the sides draw in again. Bulkheads and gates should be used to prevent play back and forth. There should be uprights set in at the end of tiers laid lengthwise of the car to keep the section opposite the doors from being crushed, since this section is laid in crosswise of the car, and the center of a tile is weaker than the ends, resulting in much damage to the middle section of the car unless the tile are so protected. The use of lath gates to separate tiers and of bulkheads and uprights costs a little, but is well returned in the freedom from breakage and the satisfaction of the customers. Sewer pipe should be laid with strips on the floor to hold the pipe off the floor to the height of the bell. There is a demand to load heavier and it calls for more attention to prevent greater losses from heavier loads. One firm increased its loading weights by 15 per cent, and reduced its breakage at the same time. They used 100 less cars and shipped the same tonnage.
It was suggested that many shipments get through to destination in good shape and are then smashed, when partly unloaded, by switching crews throwing in other cars which bump the partly unloaded car, throwing down the contents and breaking them. Mr. Ewing said that the matter was undoubtedly true, and that railroads should protect such shipments, as they have to pay for such damage. C. B. Platt, of Iowa, was down for an address on "The Organization of An Industry," but was called to Washington at the last minute to confer with Government authorities on the coal situation. His paper was read before the convention and was greatly appreciated. It was substantially the same address which was delivered before the Iowa association last winter. He urged co-operation upon stocks and conditions, and the establishment of a fund for the development of business. He urged the use of the open price policy. The suggestions were referred to the incoming officers. A live-wire talk was given by the crowd by F. B. Martin, of Minneapolis, on "Brick Markets." He regarded the ordinary market of a yard as restricted by freight rates, but an unusual market should be developed. People must be interested in brick to a greater extent than has yet been the case. The seller must be sold himself before he can sell the buyer. The manufacturer must be convinced that brick makes the most desirable material before he can interest the buyer. Country dealers are able to check up intending builders closer than those in the city, since they have a better and more intimate knowledge. He urged the use of attractive architectural designs, telling of two homes in Minneapolis, both of brick, one of which had an attractive architectural arrangement and was well set off with shrubbery, while the other, although a more expensive house, did not give so good an appearance. The result was that the smaller and cheaper house attracted favorable attention where the larger one failed.
Clark Fletcher, of Minneapolis, told of the war loan campaign and why it was necessary to urge these thrift stamp and bond campaigns. J. A. Glandon, of Mexico, Mo., told of requirements of fire brick in furnaces and kilns, giving many helpful hints about the use of fire brick. A paper was read from E. A. Hults on "Why Brick Plants Lose Money," which was listened to with careful attention. Mr. Hults has gone into the aviation service and could not be present. The report of the secretary-treasurer showed a small balance on hand of about $44 after all bills were paid. It was voted to pay Mr. Smith, the secretary, $25 for his faithful work during the year. Secretary Smith pointed out that the dues of $3 a year were hardly sufficient to pay expenses and left nothing upon which to work. He moved that they be raised to $5 a year, which carried without a dissenting voice. C. A. Gunn, secretary of the Northwest Face Brick Association, told of the formation of the Face Brick Association and of the good work which it had accomplished in eliminating abuses which had crept into the business. It was the development of co-operative competition replacing destructive competition – the use of the open price policy and an open and
Page 146. above-board attitude generally. It is not contrary to the Sherman Anti-Trust Law to meet and compare prices, to tell what has been done and to compare experiences, but it is illegal to agree to attempt to fix or control prices.
John T. Harrington, of the Twin City Brick Company, St. Paul, who has been president of the Face Brick Association for the past year, told of the suspicions which existed in the trade for the first few months of the association, but as time went on the members began to acquire confidence in each other. The credit department helped as it began to bring in money for accounts which were over sixty days old, resulted in the buyer going on the cash list. Open prices are all filed and each knows what the other is charging. The association has cut out grafting advertisements in church fair programs and other like affairs and has accomplished great good. Senator Leitz, of the Hebron Fire and Pressed Brick Co., Hebron, N. D., told of the unsatisfactory lien law of North Dakota, which requires that for a lien to apply the owner must agree to guarantee the order and permit the lien if the claim is not paid.
The election of officers resulted in the following: President – R. H. Smith, Minneapolis. Vice-President – C. K. Willard, Heron Lake, Minn. Secretary-Treasurer – Harry W. Linder, Soo Line Building, Minneapolis. Executive Committee – C. J. Swanson, Minneapolis; A. C. Ochs, Springfield; Jacob Voelker, Winona; Henry Hess, St. Cloud; W. T. Hadsen, Hutchinson. The resolutions committee reported as follows: Resolutions Committee Report. First. Whereas, the date of the annual meeting in January brings us in conflict with other organizations and brings the meeting at a time when some of our members wish to be away for the winter; therefore, be it Resolved, That we recommend to the association that a meeting date for some time in December or earlier be considered. Second. Whereas, our season of manufacture is limited to the warmer months; be it Resolved, That we approve the work of the Public Employment Bureau in seeking to adjust employment to bring work and workmen together with the least loss of time. Third. Whereas, complete records of production would be a great aid to the manufacturers of common brick, we recommend that the association name a committee whose duty it shall be to collect date of stocks on hand, month by month, in the yards of manufacturers, the figures of each to be kept secret and the totals only to be furnished members, as an aid in their marketing and selling.
Fourth. Whereas, complete details of cost of manufacture and selling are greatly needed, we recommend that a committee be named to develop a showing upon this line, the same to be presented at the next annual meeting. Resolved, That the thanks of the association be extended to the retiring officers for the faithful work during the past year. Resolved, That the thanks of the association be extended to all those who participated in our programs, to the management of the West Hotel and others contributing to our entertainment and comfort. Resolved, That we heartily endorse the sentiment to increase food production indicated in the slogan, "Put the Idle Acre to Work," and urge our neighbors to bear this in mind as one of the many ways in which we can do something toward helping the Government in the war. Resolved, That we favor the development of the Northwest in every respect to the end that there may be a bigger and better Northwest for our homes and our families, and we endorse the plan of the Reclamation League of statewide drainage, reforestation of waste land, soil survey and fish and game conservation. (The Clay Worker, Industrial Publications, Inc., Chicago, February 1918, Volume LXIX, Number 2)