The Springfield herald., 1904-08-05
GOVERNOR PEABODY'S STATEMENT
~ DEFENDING HIS STRIKE POLICY

statement QeIenQlnR MS use Oh troops
and the arrest and deportation OF men
In the strike districts: ..
ITO the People of Colorado.
There is a prevalent idea in this
country that the proprieties which per
tain to the higher executive offices
should deter their incumbents from
engaging in any controversial discus
sion Of their policy or action. limiting
the executive function in that regard
to the messages that from time to
time are made to the Legislature.
II would not at this time depart
from the observance OF the rule of ST.
lence have hitherto followed. did I
not believe that recent events render
such departure a duty to my state.
The unhappy conditions that have ex-
listed and to degree still exist in
three out of fifty-nine counties OF the
state have been made the pretext for
the most wanton and false representa-
itions Of the conditions in the state at
large.
Certain newspapers of the state OF
wide circulation and influence. which
have never been distinguished, either
for support of conservative policies or
for condemning the excesses OF the
one organization which has caused
our trouble, have given these misrep-
RESERVATIONS the widest publicity.
MANY Of the people of our sister
states with faint notions of the truth
have been led to believe that Colo,
RADIO is in a state of anarchy ruled by
abandoned public officials who have
rendered life and liberty unsafe.
This picture has been drawn by
certain citizens OF our own state who
for selfish purposes. which are appar-
ent seek to tarnish the fair name OF
great and prosperous commonwealth.
Alleged Misrepresentation.
"If the public press is to be credit
ed, the delegation from this state to
the recent st. Louis convention pic
tured before the representatives OF ev-
desolation and degradation. the law
lessness and hopelessness of their own
state.
Colorado deserves better fate at
the hands of her sons.
"And again 1t has become the set
tied policy of those who hope to gain
political advantage through the mis-
fortunes of the people Of few locali-
ties to inaugurate by daily pronounce
ments a campaign of hatred and to
lead that large law-abiding and liberty
loving body of our citizens who belong
to labor unions to believe that l nave
been. and still am. engaged in wag-
ing war against all union labor.
Nothing could be further from my pol
Icy or my desire.
THE considerations above stated
and many others lead me to believe
that it is fitting and proper for me TO
present to the people of this state and
to the public generally review as
brief as is consistent with the proper
understanding of the causes that led
up to the labor troubles with which
have had to deal. and of the reasons
for the policy which has been pursued.
VERY soon after i assumed office
and on February IA, 1908. strike was
declared at the ore reduction mills at
Coloraao City in Ell Paso county by the
Colorado City Mill and Smelter Mems
Union a branch of the Western Fed
eration, of Miners. On the night or
February 14th a large number OF strik-
ers proceeded to one of the mills and
by show of force and threats drove the
workmen who had refused to strike
from their labor. The strikers estab-
lished pickets. Employees. of the mills
were assaulted and conditions gradu-
ally grew worse until on March Sd fol-
lowing the sheriff of the county petl-
toned me to send the militia, stating
that he was unable to preserve the
peace and protect life and property.
A petition to the same effect was also
presented at or about the same time,
signed by very large number OF the
most conservative. well known ana
highly respected residents OF Ell Paso
county. urging that l send the militia
without delay;
"This representation of conditions
and knowledge gained from other
sources impelled me to order out de-
tachment of the National Guard Tor
service at and about the Mills. The
strike continued, but the militia pre-
served order. The mills continued to
operate. The statements made by the
opposing sides were greatly at vari-
ance. and In order to ascertain the
truth and allay public excitement, on
the 10th day of March, 1903, re-
uuested five gentlemen of acknow-
lodged standing in the state: Prof. w.
F. Slocum, former judge Charles D.
Hayt. Rev. Thomas Uzzell, Father j..
p. 'CorriRap and Hon Frank w. Frew-
en-. a member of the Legislature OF the
state and also at that time member
of the Western Federation OF Miners,
to act as a commission to investigate
and report to me the causes OF the
trouble. and to seek If possible, a
friendly settlement. This body was
known as the governors commission.
DR.. Slocum was unable to serve, but
the remaining members acted and
both sides voluntarily appeared before
them and produced a mass OF evidence.
"As a result OF this commissions la.
bors, on March 81, 1903 the officials OF
the mill appeared before the commits
sion and made certain promises as to
what their course would be II the
strike were declared off. The presi-
dent of the Western Federation OF
Miners who was present expressed
doubt as to the good faith OF the prom
ises, made. but stated that he would
call off the strike and would ask the
commission to reassemble on May is
following for the purpose of determin'
ing whether or not the representatives
of the milling company had kept the
promises made.
THE strike was declared OFF. On
May IS the federation insisted that
the promises made as l have stated
had not been kept.
Reported All Promises Kept.
THE commission reassembled. The
statements of the federation and OF
Tod