The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-08-23
TINE C00PERS.

From the Coopsrs' international Journal for August
Tramps will find it to their interest to
avoid New York City and Philadelphia for the
present, or until such times a. the difficulty
now existing in the Manhattan District is
settled
As our members are aware, there WAS
open revolt against the authority OF the |. U.
in Boston, during the recent strike there.
" hen the executive saw no chance Of success
he ordered the strike off, but the chief depu-
ty refused to obey the order. The executive
then removed the chief and appointed anoth-
er. but the board rebelled and would not re-
cognize the new chief The board itself was
then dissolved, but the Unions stood by the
board, and they refused to give up their com
missions The executive went to Boston, q
meeting was held, and for four mortal hours
amid insult and abuse Of the most shame
full and fragrant nature, he fought for Law and
order, and succeeded, though his life was re-
ally threatened. He will never forget that
terrible night; he will never forget that wild,
impetuous crowd, who yelled like madmen,
closed up on all sides Of him and clamoTed
menacingly for q violation of law, but he
stood there unmoved, scorned the abuse and
insult, and did not leave the hall until the
men were convinced they could not drive or
force him from his purpose. Although the
they were, for ALL not to blame. They we're
maddened, frenzied and fooled by two or
three bold, impudent, designing men, who,
for purposes of their own, wanted the strike
to continue, provided they could handle the
funds; but when the funds were so managed
that they could not get finger on them, they
became disguised, as matter Of course. One
of these knaves is well known in Penna. His
name is John Hirt When he found that he
could not lug off big slice of the striking
fund, he stole some sixty dollars from his own
Union mo 5, Mass, and made tracks for
some other field, in which he can swindle and
steal again He not only stole money, but it
is also said that he laid his hands upon all the
clothes within his reach We have mentioned
this matter to show the character of those
men who abuse the officers of the |. u, and
to warn Unions against those adventures
whose principal stock in trade Is D the
boss, strike boys, and d the /. U. if we are
not sustained" This man Hirt, and another
named Phelan, used the chief deputy as a
sculptor does clay. They used him, and
through him the board. for their own pur-
poses They turned everything upside down,
and put the men OF Boston and the | U. to
thousands Of dollars Of expense. They 50
worked into the good opinions Of the men, by
had all h could do to break up the coalition
and destroy the syndicate But now the men
can Judge for themselves The mask has fall
en- from the face Of one. and the character of
the other is already too well known IN Bos-
ton, Cuba, and other places. Before the |. U
began sending strike money to Boston, there
was considerable local strike tax collected in
that city This money passed trough the
hands Of the Syndicate, and before it is all
accounted for, more startling developments
may be made. We hope not; but should it
be necessary, we will not fail to air the whole
affair, and let those who are guilty suffer the
consequences.
We trust the various Unions will not forget
that the fourth Convention Of the Coopers
International Union is fast approaching. II
is high time that those Unions who have not
elected delegates should do So Full particu-
lars will be given in our .Nt issue. The
Convention will be held in st. Louis, on the
first Tuesday in October next All Unions
will be supplied with credentials from this Of
nee. Every Union, great and small, shonld
be represented, as this will probably be the
last Convention TO which every Union will be
permitted to send delegates. The ratio Of
representatives will evidently be changed
There are other reasons why all Unions
should he represented at this time. There is
but one really important question to come be-
fore the Convention, but this one is of the
most vital Importance, and the best minds Of
the organization should be there to partake in
its wise consideration. We have nothing to
say. personally. concerning the selection of
delegates We have no favors to ask Of the
Convention and are free to say Of those now
elected, or to be elected. Just what we please
As an officer, we say openly that none but the
very best men should be sent, and if any
Union has elected thin OF frOthy fellow, or
an axe grinder, we hope they will re-elect him
to stay at home Not caring who we please
OF who we offend, we shall, In the next issue,
review some Of the delegates elect, and if there
be any who fear the review, let him or them
resign and we shall be mute and pescesble
We want good Convention. We must have q
good, q wise and a solid Convention We are
now speaking for the fntuie welfare VI the
e. L. II. For ourscli We want nothing. We
ask nothing, and care not how these remarks
are taken, but we 10 want To see the Z. |. U.
a great and prosperous organization
Ideas lravcly txpl, ssed, friend Foran. 1t
p.tt not numbers that make q Con
vention