Till Death Us Do Part

Democracy has been kind to Joseph Patrick Ryan. He quit school at 12, worked as stock boy, clerk, streetcar conductor, as a longshoreman at $18 for a six-day week. Now, at 59, as president of the A. F. of L. International Longshoremen's Association, he makes $20,000 a year.

Last week Joseph Patrick Ryan saw a chance to do democracy a kindness in return. One of his vice presidents, George W. Millner, is a Negro. So Joseph Patrick Ryan suggested that the union elect Millner for life--"as an object lesson to the entire labor movement that unity can be achieved by elimination of race, creed and color prejudice." At the same time, of course, the union might as well elect Mr. Ryan for life, too.

The obedient union promptly prepared to follow the suggestion. For democracy, and for himself, Mr. Ryan was grateful. After all, other unions had elected presidents for life. And what was $20,000 a year? Joe Ryan had given years to building up the union, first at $1 a meeting, then at $30 a week. Under his regime longshoremen's wages had been boosted from $18 to $55 a week. Said he: "You've got to remember those pioneering days."

The job done, the critics answered, burly Joe Ryan settled back into his pleasant routine: a rubdown at the New York Athletic Club, a swing along the docks to chat with his boys, the feel in his pocket of a horse-choking roll of green backs, careful attention to his fingernails and his bright ties--and above all vast quantities of food to nourish the Ryan paunch. Says contented Joe Ryan: "I like good food of all kinds, and I think my longshoremen want me to have it. . . ."

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