davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03

4 ~ 4 i :
Joy, refused to any longer permit the dis
elimination in freight rates which hss
heretofore been allowed the Colorado
Coal and Iron company. which company
owned-the Bessemer works.
The Colorado Coal and Iron COM
pany is composed principally of men
who controlled the board of the Denver
and Rio Grande, and the liberal cut in
freight rates to and from Bessemer thev
allowed themselves was quite a feature,
Indeed it was such an item that when
the new president issued orders to en-.
force the card ratest the works suspended
as has been seen.
The closing of the Bessemer will Of
course be a hardship ON the workingmen
who will thus be thrown cut of work
but it is to be hoped it win soon be re-
viyed on an honest and healthy basis
While it may look on the surface as fthe
only wrong in the scheme of the direc,
tors was that one corporation was robbed
to benefit another, yet when we look
deeper into the question we find that
every act of this kind-in a branch oi
industry initiates against the produ'
GERS; when the workers wages do not
show inincrease the difference in advan'
tages of proprietors. And they did moi
at Bessener.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
GIVE HIM CREDIT.

It is so seldom that prominent poll
tician takes a decided stand in the inter
est of legislation favorable to the work
ingman, that when one of them does so
he should have the credit. do not think
if you come down to the fine thing, that
any man deserves praise for doing his
duty land it is certainly congressman'i
duty to carefully and honestly consider
the claims of the working class, but as
things 90 these days, it is certainly not
out of order to express appreciation of a
man who stands up in opposition to the
combined efforts and money of the peo-
ple's oupressors, and fearlessly advocates
their claims.
The foregoing is suggested by reading
an article in the last issue of the Wash
ington Craftsmen. 1t is short editorial
review of the discussion which took
place in the house of representatives
while the labor bureau bill was under con-
slderation, and gives the names of sew
eral members on each side the discussion
That portion particularly appropriate in
The ENQUIRER is found these words
LET our Colorado friends not forget to
place Mr.. Belford on the roll of honor
for he proves himself staunch and true .
Belford is all right at heart, and If he
would only cut loose entirely from the
old party, and come out squarely where
he belongs, with the people, he would
be power in our behalf, and build
around himself wall which all the
abuse and SANDER of POLITICAL opponents
could not pierce. At any rate, the work
ingmen of Colorado should give him
credit for what he did during the consid
Grafton of the statistics bill.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
Very Kind, Indeed.
Editor Labor Enquirer.

Editor Labor Enquirer.
The reduction of salaries of employees
of the Union Pacifcis merely an index
of the times. 1t indicates that the sbusi-
ness of railroading as we'll as other lines
of business is dull and that big corpora
tions like the Union Pacific, as other in
stitutions of smaller moment, find it nee
essary at such period to observe the
rules of economy. The roads earnings
for last year were not so large as they
had been the previous year because of
falling off in business in the west in sym.
pathy with. the depression in the east,
and it would seem that the company
finds it necessary to regulate its ex-
penses by its income. While this will
in many instances prove a hardship. it
will probably be borne in the hope that
the depression will not long continue.
The aboye appeared in Thursdays is
sue of the Evening Times. Of course
the Times, like all other corporation
funkeys, must excuse step which is in
conformity with the usual way capital
treats labor. If times are dull and the
net earnings of the Union Pacific rail-
road company need economy, why does
the corporation reduce upon the EN-:
ployes who can ill-aford any and all re-
ductions upon their scant incomes, if in
deed the mere pittance of their wages
can be called an income? The enor-
nous net profits of railroad companies
have been such that they can better
afford to cut down their dividends and
luxurious living than rob the poor
employees of their hard-earned pittances.
But the great monopolists cannot read
the signs of the times. They are blind
from excessive and luxurious living.
They are too cowardly to abstain from
any one of their expensive habits, or
from their greedy intent to accumulate
wealth. They feel not with the poor.
They do not intend to do rightly by
their workmen. They are determined
to reduce to moral as we'll as physical
slavery those who are relegated within
the bonds of their overbearing authority
They only, look to their. own pockets
without regard to the actual suferings of
OF their laborers. They proclaim that
"self-preservation is the first law of ma
ture," and therefore their laborers must
suffer, so they can enjoy. Another clear
case of might is Right" And Might
shapes arbitrary Justice
Will the workingmen stand by and not
defend their own rights? Will the
workingtnen kiss the hand that smites
their brow? Workmen, be prudent and
courageousI Stand to your rights and to
one another! Creep higher and higher
W X
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03

THE announcements made that James
R. Keene, the weli-known Wall street
shark, has gone to the wall. He is una
hle to meet his engagements with his
brother sharks, by million or two
Jim isanot liable to suffer for the want of
the necessaries of life; but if two or
three of his kind go down as he has,
there will be financial panic, and the
number of tramps and starving working
people will be largely increased. 1t
would be blessing to the country if
about two dozen of Keene's kidney were
called to make settlement at the count
ing-room of Heaven.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03

view of placing the mechanical depart
ment of the paper once more under the
Jurisdiction of the, union.
Pursuant to call the union met In
special session last Sunday to hear the
report of the board and to take action
upon the subject. The result OF the
meeting was that motion to admit the
office was carried by the union, and the
applications of several of the Times force
were acted upon favorably. The Times
is now paying the union scale and is
open to none but members.
This is as it should be, and The En-
ourRER is satisfied that all parties inter
ested will be greatly pleased with the
arrangement. Itrefects credit upon the
good judgment and managerial ability OF
Mr.. Frank Woodbury., manager OF the
Times, and is another proof tothe public
that the union is always disposed to treat
with fairness and courtesy the employers.
This new move makes Denver one OF
the strongest cities under the jurisdiction
of the International, covering as it does
with its shield every newspaper and JOB
office of any consequence in the city.
THE ENQUIRER hopes nothing Will
occur to disturb the present equilibrium
of matters typographical, and it feels
perfectly assured that so far as the union
is concerned everything will be'pleasant
in the future. ri
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
AN OLD SORE HEALED.

There are very few persons in this
community who do not know that fol-
several years since the winter of 10 80
the Typographical Union and the
Evening Times of this city have been al
"outs" The Times withdrew from the
union at that time, and remained out
ever since, although the difficulty was
near to settlement several times.
Some little bitter feeling has been
worked up at times during the past foul
years, when something would bring the
trouble prominently into notice, but
since the present management has been
in control of the paper strong sentiment
in favor of an adjustment of the differ
ence has grown up. This sentiment cul-
minated several days ago in an applica-
ton being made by the manager of the
Times to the executive board of the
union, asking for conference, with a
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
The Carpenters, Ball.

The first annual ball of the Denver
branch of the Brotherhood of Carpen-
ters and Joiners of America took place
at the City hall, ON last Friday evening,
and was in measure a success. The
STORM which prevailed throughout the
afternoon and evening of Friday natur-
ally tended to reduce the attendance at
the ball, but Notwithstanding this un'
pleasant feature there were about
seventy-fve couples present.
The committees having charge of the
different departments of the entertain
ment were attentive and spared no pains
to make the, affair enjoyable and sue
cessful. The music was excellent and
the prompting thoroughly satisfactory.
Supper was served at the Weiner Buffet
restaurant and was Of the finest and
most satisfactory character.
There were about thirty numbers on
the programme, and it was about 8
O'Clock Saturday morning when the
merry dancers dispersed.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
STIRRING THEM UP.

Considerable excitement has been oc-
casioned by the recent exposures of
fraud and meanness of employers which
have appeared in THE ENQUIRER. The
average newspaper reader of Colorado
has not been accustomed to such plain
and clear cutting statements. Heretofore
he has occasionally read that "a we'll
known firm" or "'an official of high
standing" ETC., "is charged with so and
so :" but the candid, fearless way THE
ENQUIRER has of telling names and all
particulars is new wrinkle in Colorado
journalism, and rather upsets the estab-
lished idea of the "expose."
Some bad blood has been stirred up by
this paper lately, and some of the timid
ones have feared that the line of policy
adopted is little too candid and bold
l am truly sorry for the Weak-kneed
brethren, but hardly know how to ad-
wise them. One thing they can rest as
sured of and that is, that this paper has
always striven to tell the truth in PLAIN
language and will not now compromise
one particle of that principle just be-
cause it has lately begun to discover
some very unpleasant truths To use an
old phrase, THE ENQUIRER intends to
chew to the line, let the chips fall where
they may" and those who do not want
to be "cut and slashed" had better mend
their ways. This of course refers par
ticularly to cases where workingmen and
working women are mistreated and
despoiIed of their just dues.
And in this connection desire to re-
mind the working people that paper
which pursues such course must look
only to them for support and
financial. Those of the other class who
are not antagonized by the action of the
paper are likely to be Indifferent as to
its success, and consequently if the
working people want an organ that will
fearlessly voice their side of the question,
it is in their power to haveit-or destroy
it. AS I said to party who was "kick-
ing' the other day over an article which
appeared in the last issue of of The En-
QU1RER: There are thousands of publ
cations every day upholding your side of
the question. The laboring people have
only an occasional champion. This pa
per claims the proud distinction of being
one of the 'occasionals.' You can get
justice here; but not faYors."
Workingmen, is it necessary to say
more to you?
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
assemblage of only partially organ, >,
men under the strain of excitemsnt u

assemblage OF only partially organ,,os
men under the strain of excitement
A committee of nine was selected :.
wait upon the general officers located ~
Denver, and said committee was in
structed to report at the next meetin,
the result of their interviews.
The meeting then adjourned to recon-
yene at ZIP. M, Friday, in the City hall
where at the time Of going to press it j.
in session.
The refusal of the Union Pacific me-,
to accept reduction cannot be called .
strike, as they we're perfectly satisfied
with their wages. The management, of
the company are the strikers in this
instance.
There is no opposition to an alteration
in the hours of work, as has been falsely
reported. The men are agreeable to a
change of hours, but they do not feel
able to stand a cut in the rate of wages
The men are quiet and are determined
that nothing shall occur to lay them open
to the charge of disorderly conduct Or
intimidation. Such was the unanimous
sentiment at the meetings.
The cut reduces mechanics from $40 to
$l5 per month; laborers from IS to $l2.
track men are reduced to S1.95 per dav
The following telegram from Omaha
was read at the evening meeting: "we
are all out on strikein the shops Follow
suit"
The reports in the daily papers are
not reliable. Reporters were excluded
from the hall during both meetings.
Ne%s AT OTHER PLACES.
1t is understood as the paper goes to
press that all the employees of the Union
Pacific at Omaha are out, the number
reaching nearly 1000.
There wasa meeting at Laramie City
Thursday night which was attended by
over 600 employees of the Union Pacific
They positively refuse te work at the re-
duction. -."4
The entire force at cheyenne, com.
prising about 100 are out, and will stay
out. f. '@'y
The. men at Evanston and Rawlins
have quit. 1t is estimated that 1900
men will quit along the line of the road,
from North Platte to Evanston.
There are .rumors of violence at differ
ent points along the line, but they are
discredited. The capitalistic telegraph
is ever ready in times like these to man
ufactute lies for the purpose of injurinI
the workingmen in the eyes of the pub
lie. Do not believe the stories of mur
der and violence.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
WE ARE. OR WE ARE NOT.

In their abuse of Socialists the capi-
/ talistic and simpleton classes lose sight
of one very important point. That is
what Socialism really is. Socialism
means "a better and more just form Of
government"
Now, if the modern Socialist in his
idea of government does not improve
upon the present form; if the system he
hopes to inaugurate is not more perfect
system than that under which we now
exist, then he has no right to lay claim
to the title OF Socialist. If the Socialist
is what some daubers paint him, then he
is pretender.
Here is the secret of the whole oppo-
sition to Socialism-the Socialist attacks
existing institutions; he is a crusader
against present systems, and as such he
meets the opposition of the tyrants,
money-kings their tools, and the fools.
No man with good sense would have
the hardihood to attack "a better and
more perfect system of government" )" so
the principles of the Socialist are left
quietly alone, while the individual is
attacked. He is misrepresented, lied
upon, slandered and abused bv the
jumping jacks of aristocracy who cannot
or dare not discuss fairly the doctrines
he teaches.
And so the Socialists have either ap-
propriated name to which they have
no claim, or their opponents are the
avowed champions of an imperfect and
unjust form of government. This OF
course does not include the noodles who
do not know what they are talking
| q hOut
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
A Wise Selection.

see by eastern exchanges that Phila-
delphia Typographical Union at its last
election chose for president, Mr.. w. H.
Foster This Is a splendid selection, and
prophecies good future for No. 2. Mr.
Foster has been residing in Philadelphia
less that year and it has been an easy
matter for several months to distinguish
the finger marks of his extraordinary
abilities as an organizer. believe it is
the universal sentiment that the great
beneficial changes which have taken
place in the union organization Of Gin
cinnati since 1880 have been in a great
measure due to his untiring work and
superior ability as an organizer.
With such hand at the helm there
is every hope that the craft of Phlladel-
phia will soon be in the front rank of
the unions of the country, and for the
sake of No. 2, for Will Fosters sake, and
for the sake of every workingman
throughout the land The ENQUIRER
wishes it may be so. Philadelphia, l
congratulate you.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03

OUT of all the agitation in favor Of
labor legislatian in congress so far moth
ing has been done farther than the pas,
sage of one bill by one house. The bill
for the establishment of bureau OF
labor statistics has passed the lower
house, though 1t has been 50 doctored
that if it should chance to become law
the little benefit to the working classes
which was intended in the idea origin
ally will be defeated. And, besides, the
odds are strongly against the passage of
the bill by the senate. This is not said
for the purpose of discouraging any one
it is the plain truth.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
THE BEssEMER CLOSED.
Send in your names.

The Bessemer steel works, at South
Pueblo, shut down for an indefinite
period few days ago. The closing Of
these works effects directly about 400
men, but will really throw out of work
something like 1000 men. There were
about 400 employed at the works proper,
but four times that number were engaged
at the mines, coke ovens and other sup.
plying occupations. ... ..,..
The reason assigned fer the suspension,
and there can be littl0 question about
it, is that the new president Of the Den
yer and Rio Granie railroad, Mr.. Love
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
ADJUSTMENTS.
AT THE GRAND.

The Bandmann Dramatic company
supporting Louise Baudet, have appeared
at the opera house during the presen
week. The leading lady is very good
actress, and would fully please her audi,
ence if she had good support The
company supporting her this week is moi
very strong, and not being familiar with
the plays, things did not run as smoothly
as they might. There has been a marked
improvement with each performance
and undoubtedly the presentation of "a
Woman of the Pc ople" this evening will
be up to the standard. Readers of THE
ENQUIRER will find this play one of great
interest, and Miss Baudet has the repu
tation of being very superior in the title
role.
Next Monday evening the famous
Am srican, John T. Raymond, will open
a weeks engagement, with For Con.
gress," his new political satire. During
the week Mr.. Raymond's other new play,
"In Paradise" will be presented, and the
engagement will conclude on next Satur
day evening with the Raymond's orig
inal success, Colonel Mulberry Sellers"
1t is needless to say anything of Mr..
Raymond as a COM edian. He has long
occupied first place among American
actors of his style. His new plays have
been enth usiastically received wherever
produced, and For Congress" is particu-
larly popular, this being the presidential
year. The sale of seats for this engage
ment has already been large.
THE ACADEMY.
The improvements at the Academy are
progressing rapidly and the house is be-
ing greatly beautifed. The date for
opening has not yet been announced. the
management being determined to have
eyerythingin perfect shape before again
opening to the public. Announcement
will be made through these columns.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
RETTER THAN GOLD.

Words of sympathy or appreciation
cost nothing, vet to those for whom they
are intended they are priceless. Several
exchanges have spoken kindly and with
feeling, believe, concerning the embar,
rassment of THE ENQUIRER, of late, and
to the brotherly editors who have shown
such solicitude, and who have spoken SC
kindly of my humble efo1ts, l extend
my most heartfelt thanks, as l hope
may never be called upon to repay them
in kind.
Brothers, we have been, and are yet
fighting together for noble cause. We
cannot fall together-I would not wish it
80, since to fall now would mean ire
trievable defeat-and though one Of us
may occasionally sink beneath the
mighty trials that come upon us, let
those who can retain foothold cling to
it with a tenacity and determination
worthy of such cause.
The ENQUIRER may weather the pres
ent storm and be with you for many
days yet but if it does not, shall man
age to struggle ashore on piece of the
rigging and shall ever be ready to ship
again at the first opportunity
Let us work and hope, and, above all
things, let us pull together.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03
Adjourned Meeting.

Owing to the fact that A large number
of the delegates were unavoidably de,
tained elsewhere on last Sunday no
business was transacted at the Trades
Assembly. Vice President Smith called
the assembly to order, and upon motion
an adjournment was taken for one week
There Is some very important business
unfinished in the assembly, and it is re.
quested that all delegates be present il
possible,
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03

CARL WULsTEN, who has been writing
for THE ENQUIRER over the signature of
"W, X" will in the future sign his arti-
cles with his real name. This is right.
And l desire to recommend that all
readers of this paper read the articles
written by Mr.. Wulsten and study them.
They are full of important matter and
contain points which it is to the interest
of every wage worker to carefully con-
slider at this time.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03

If there is class of workingmen in
this locality that are mistreated by their
employees and they desire to let the
public know the particulars, they will do
well to let the facts be known at this
office. THE ENQUIRER is the only paper
in the Rocky Mountain region that dares
to speak the whole truth concerning the
man of money or influence" The boys
who were garnisheed on the Union
Pacific railroad can testify to that fact,
and guess they are willing to do 80.
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03

The walls Of the money vaults of the
United States are groaning under the
weight of treasure, and yet the land is
full of tramps and there is starvation on
every hand. Workingmen, you plum
dered, hungry, ragged, workless wretches,
do you know what this means? And do
you know what you must do? ..-
The Labor enquirer., 1884-05-03

JUDGING from the unusual calls made
for THE ENQUIRER of last week and the
week before there must have been some
thing mighty interesting in those issues.
Some folks evidently heard there was
something in the paper and sent around
messengers after copy. They begin to
squirm. If don't mistake they'll be
squealing before long.