Glass Industry, Muncie, Indiana

FROM INDIANA'S MAGIC CITY.

Handsome and Convenient Quarters Secured

by Muncie's Local Unions — Reminiscent

of Bygone Days — Interesting Comment

and Personal Notes.

Muncie, Ind., March 13. — Everything in the local glass plants seems to be moving along swimmingly and the workers, as a rule, seem to be satisfied. However, the firm of Ball Bros. and their workmen had a bad scared last Wednesday midnight when the main office was found to be in flames, due to crossed wires. The workmen and city firemen worked like Trojans to save the big plant and in this they were successful, but the office building was completely gutted. However, the books and other records, being in a large fire-proof safe, were uninjured, and the office force is now at work in temporary quarters as though nothing had happened. The firm's fire whistle, which is noted for its shrieking, penetrating qualities, had the effect of bringing hundreds to the scene, many of whom were employed about the plant and who feared it was doomed to destruction.

Old Union Labor Hall, which for the past 12 years has been the home of Muncie unions, has at last been vacated and the four glass locals are now quartered in the Trades Council's new suite of rooms in the Anthony block. The old hall in the Patterson block has been the scene of many interesting occurrences, and if those old walls could speak what tales of joy and sorrow could they not tell, for there many hopes and ambitions have been realized for some, while others have drained to the dregs the cup of despair. Within those walls have been heard the voices of nearly all the prominent labor leaders in the United States.

Here is the birthplace of at least two national labor unions, and here was the home of the local preceptories of old L. A. 300 when in the zenith of its glory as the most powerful labor organization in the world, but whose banner at last has been trailed in the dust.

I could write for hours from personal reminiscences of many occurrences in this old hall, some pleasant and others unpleasant, but why spend valuable time reflecting on affairs of the past when those of the present should occupy our attention.

The new quarters are beyond question the finest possessed by any labor organization in the Middle West, or perhaps the entire country. The quarters consist of four large halls, several anterooms and a lounging room. Every room is nicely carpeted, and contains handsome furniture. Several hundred dollars were spent in decorating the walls and ceilings in an artistic manner, while in the lounging room can be found telephones for the free use of those who meet there.

Numerous charters and pictures adorn the walls, to which local Flints are preparing to add a large portrait of our deceased secretary, John L. Dobbins. Beneath the portrait will appear in engrossed letters Bro. Dobbins' death bed message: "Convey to the American Flints that I have no regrets and that I wish them well." Within the frame will also appear a copy of the circular letter descriptive of his death, and other appropriate articles. Bro. Dobbins, by his lovable disposition and courteous manner, endeared himself to Muncie glassworkers, who now vie with each other in doing honor to his memory. Although he never again will be with us in the flesh, we hope, by the presence of his picture in our meetings to imbibe at least some of the wisdom that flowed from his lips in the past and which helped to steer the old ship clear of the numerous rocks and shoals that threatened destruction.

Clarence Rose and "Uncle Joe" Cannon left yesterday for Coffeyville where they have secured positions.

The many friends of James McFadden are pleased to know that he is convalescing from a siege of illness.

Frank Deam, manager at Ball Bros.' plant, is off duty on account of a severe attack of stomach trouble. — Observer.