The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1871-04-22
A QUESTION AND ANSWER.

A QUESTION AND ANSWER.
For several weeks past we have re-
ceived a number of inquiries from St.
Louis, regarding the honesty and ante
cedents OF an individual named ROB.
ERTs, who styles himself, president of
the National Labor Reform Party" who
is charged with having collected monies
under false pretences, in connection
with the labor movement. In reply
thereto we had written an article which
we proposed to publish, but upon a
second consideration consigned it to
the waste basket, under the belief that
Missouri like Illinois would eventually
become too hot for the fellow, and that
he would silently fold his tent and
glide away. Circumstances, however,
have subsequently been brought to our
attention which render further silence
impossible, and much against our de-
sire, we publish the following.
Some three or four years ago this
same individual came to Chicago from
New York, under very unfavorabIe cir
cumstances, and shortly after made
himself obnoxious to the members of
his own craft-the Coopers-by his
persistent opposition to their Union
and the Trades Assembly. Finding his
efforts fruitless, he though bitterly OPP
posed by several members of the organi-
cation, obtained admission to the union,
aud thus his true character was develop
ed. At that time an effort was being
made to hand over the control of the
penitentiary to the old Contract ring"
who had leased the labor Of the con-
victs for so cents per day, and the
COopers of Chica 20 in connection with
the Stone Cutters, as those most deeply
interested, Immediately took steps to
thwart the movement. The President,
J. W. Overacker, was appointed to 60
to Springfield to oppose the change,
and committee was appointed to
canvas the city for funds. Among the
number appointed was Mr.. Roberts,
who instead of delivering the amount
collected, took himself to Spring
field, and narrowly escaped arrest for
embezzlement. AT Springfield he dis
gusted everybody with whom be was
brought into contact, and at last borrow
ed pass from the Hon. L. L. Bond,
under the statement that it was for the
writer Of this article. After his return
to this city, he obtained pass from
Aid. Powell to and from st. Louis,
stating that he represented the WORK
INGMAN's ADVOCATE. Attempting to
sell the ticket, the fraud was detected,
and the fellow put off the train. Again
IN August 1869, when the editor Of the
ADVOCATE, was in Europe attending
the Basic Congress, this same Roberts
attended meeting in this city, and
again claimed to be the editor Of 4 Inc
ADVOCATE. cid. Carstein BIohme.
being present and denouncing the i'm
poster in proper terms, he took French
leave, jumped through an alley window,
and made a present Of his hat to the
officers Of the meeting.
But, perhaps his most disreputBble
conduct was in connection with the
citizens, movement in November 1869
when he attempted to collect $3.50 OF
$500, which he claimed he was author
lied to pay to ticket pedlers. He was
eventually forbidden the use of tn.
committee room, being regarded as an
UNMITIGATED FRAUD. Taken altogether
his career in this city was disreputable
in the extreme, and did incalculable
mischief 20 the labor movement.
In pening the above we have nc
feeling to CRAFTY. We should much
rather have preferred to allot the unwel
come task to some more willing hands
but there is time when forbeaIance
ceases to be virtue, and there is elias,
of men who fear the lash and nothing
else
For confederation of our statements
we refer to the members Of the Coopers
Union and Trades of Assembly. Hon
L. L. Bond, Aid. Powell, J. w. Over.
acker, Aid McGratb, A. NJ. Foran,
President Of the CoOpers, National
Union, CO P. Holden, Major John
NJ. Farquhar OF the Citizens Committee
and IN the Editor of this journal