The state herald., 1897-05-14
TOLD 10 BUY RIFLES.
THE ADVICE GIVEN TO MINERS.
Sensational Address of President Boycc
Before the Western Federation at
Salt Lake City-says Governor Adams
Is II Fawning Sycophant.

Denver, May 1.-THE Republican
this morning prints the following spe-
clal from Salt Lake:
President Buyce. of the Western
Federation of Miners, urges the mem
Ders of the organization to arm them
selves with the latest improved rifles.
The fifth annual convention of the
Western Federation of Miners began
In this city to-day with seventy-six
delegates in attendance, representing
Colorado, California, Montana, Idaho,
Nevada and Utah.
Secretary of State Hammond dcliv-
cred an address of welcome on behalf
of the State, which was responded to
by President Boyce of the federation.
Committees We're appointed and the
presidents annual address made. Mr..
Boyce In this document discussed the
Lcadville strike ut length, going into
Its early history in detail. He then
added: "rhc mine owners saw that
other tactics had to be adopted. They
decided to use the State militia in
their nefarious work, and beyond the
shadow of n doubt formulated plans
with Governor Mclntire NOV ex-gov-
ernor) to send the militia to Leadville
on the slightest preteXt.
I'm conjunction with this the mine
owners decided to make II pretended
attempt ut the destruction of proper
~. They placed Il number of thugs
on guard at the Coronado. II worthless
aud undevelOped property within the
city limits, on September Goth. The
property was destroyed by their hired
emissaries. This gave Governor Me
lntire the excuse he sought, and the
Following morning he ordered out the
entire State militia"
He then spoke of his arrest and his
subsequent discharge from custody.
and continued: "Thc mine owners
left nothing undone to secure n con-
victlon of the union officers: they en-
deavorcd TO have the district Judge
Drank w. Overs removed on account
of his fairness and Integrity on the
bench. In this attempt they were frus-
trated. hut met with unqualified sue
cess in their appointment of the pres
ent sheriff of the county.
AT this time 1t is proper that
should refer to the attitude of Cover
nor Adams. After his Inauguration
he went 10 Leadvillc, pretentiously
bearing the olive branch. but his ac-
tionsproved him to he a fawning syco-
phnnt of corporation rapacity: no Won
der laboring men groan beneath the
iron heel of corporations when they
elect their uncompromising enemy TO
the highest office within their gift
such men as Governor Adams and At
torncy General Carr, of Colorado.
Passing reference Is also made TO
the coal miners strike at Louisville
and Lafayette.
He announced that the best thing
or one of the best thngS-which the
members of the federation can do Is
To arm, and he urges that all mem
bcrs see that ways and means are
provided so that every man can he
furnished with the latest improved
rifle which can he obtained from the
factory ut n nominal price" lie
adds: Il entrcat you To take action
on this important question, so that In
two years we can hear the inspiring
music of the martial tread of 5000
armed men In the ranks of labor"
ON the subject of the National
Guard, President Boyce said: "Thc
constitution should be so amended MS
TO declare all members of the National
Guard ineligible 10 membership and
withhold our patronage from all COM
panics and individuals or organiza-
tions, when any member Of the Ma
tional Guard is employed or admitted
10 membership"
lie further said: Corporations are
constantly reducing the wages of their
employees, fastening upon them
bondage from which there Is no cs-
cape. II the latter object, they are
easily suppressed by the courts of
the Countrywide august tribunals that
stand ever ready TO execute the will
OF their corporate masters before
whom labor has no rights that capital
Is bound To respect, or bc shot down
by those sl3n.month murdcrcrs that
compose the National Guard"
Eugene V. Dchs also spoke during
the proceedings OF the convention.
After the address by President
Boycr. the committees were appoint.
I'd aud the delegates went into cxccu.
iiy" session. The convention viii bc
In session for several days.