The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-12

DIR. DIEHL, A DELEGATE, CALLED ON
FOR AN EXPLANATION.
Poor Farm Committee to Investigate
One of His Cases-Men Exported to
Take Strikers Places.

NJ. T.. Butler, chairman OF the special
committee appointed by the Central Labor
Union to investigate the conditions at the
county poor farm, submitted the report last
night. In substance il was the same as
the evidence produced when the County
Commissioners conducted an investigation
committee. The report said the commit
tee found much room for Improvement
and. although new buildings are badly
needed, the old ones could be bettered. The
report also said better food could be given
to the inmates. 1t is said that the fires at
the poor farm were more frequently started
by employees than inmates. and the report
concluded by saying, "A great deal more
could easily be said in regard to the manage
ment of the Marion county poor farm, but
we consider that a word to the wise is suf-
hcient.' and would recommend that the
Central Labor Union take this matter up
and see if we cannot better conditions in
this institution"
1t was moved TO place the report on file
and continue the committee. Before action
was taken President Feltman said a matter
came TO him that he would like to have In
vestigated. He said a poor woman had
been keeping up her husbands insurance
policy by hard labor. Her husband died
at the poor farm and she said the insurance
company refused to pay the policy until a
certificate Of death was presented. Felt
man said the woman complained that the
physician would not give her a death GER
tificate unless she paid him 81.
When Feltman had finished George Gus
ter, of the Iron holders, took the floor and
said: Mr.. Chairman, this matter needs no
fnxraCtfno finn That VhxciNian fc ooo of The
delegates to the Central Labor Union and it
is not necessary TO make an investigation
with this gentleman in the hall. What we
would like TO have is an explanation. L
would like to have you mention the name
Of this doctor"
Everybody knows the name" said Felt
man.
But I want you to name him out" said
Custer. You mentioned his name to me
outside of this hall and now I want you to
mention his name on the inside Of the
hall"
Its Diehl,' said Feltman.
DR.. Diehl said the matter referred TO had
nothing to do with the poor farm and that
it was his own affair, transacted entirely
away from the county institution. He
said as a physician he had a right to ask
remuneration for his services. Matters of
the poor farm, he said, had nothing TO do
with outside business.
1.-THE matter Will be taken up by the
committee" said President Feltman.
DIR. Diehl is a delegate from the Pattern
Makers Union. He was formerly a pattern
maker and retained his membership in the
union after beginning the practice of med
icine. Several other delegates in the CEN
trail have chosen other occupations, but
retained their membership in their respect
i've unions. So long as they are members
they are eligible TO represent their unions
in the central body If elected.
The printers announced that they had
levied a fine of 81 TO SO on any member get
ting shaved in a nonunion barber shop.
The steam engineers reported three nom
union engineers working on the West
WashingtOn-street bridge. The matter was
referred 10 the grievance committee.
DECEPTIVE LABOR AGENCIES.
Business Agent Collins, of the machin-
lists. reported that there are several labor
agencies in the city that he wanted in
vestigated. He said they secure men upon
Misrepresentation to take the places of
strikers, making them think there is no
trouble where they are going. He said the
machinists and boilermakerS had suffered
perhaps more than any one else, but if the
practice were permitted others would suf-
fer. He said thirty men were recently
sent to take the places of strikers in
Omaha and Denver. THE statutes IF our
sister States do not permit such agencies"
said he, land / think something could he
done in Indiana"
their wives and children went to the depot
to see them off. When told they were to
take the places of strikers, he said, the
women wept, but the agent denied ii an6
said they were simply going where they
could make money. He asked that the
matter be referred TO the legislative COM
mittee to see if there is a law in the State
to reach such agencies, and if not to see
thai a bill is prepared and passed by the
next General Assembly to prohibit such
agencies.
The motion was amended by George Gus
ter so that the grievance committee could
also take part In the movement 10 abolish
the agencies. He said the grievance COM
mittee should report the matter to the
police department. "YOu know such peo-
pie have been given a few hours to leave
town" said Custer. with a smile. The mo-
ton with the amendment carried.