The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-07-31
EXPLAINS HIS COURSE
GOVERNOR PEABODY OF CoLORAD0
ISSUES STATEMENT.
Goes Into the Histerr sf the Western
Federatfon Of stiners, Which
He Accuses eof Msng
-,.-., f'sis-x,

Denver. Colo, July 80. Governor
James H. Peabody today issued an ad-
dress explaining and vindicating his
acts in dealing with the labor troubles
in Colorado. -
He refutes the contention that the
strike begun by the Western Federation
of Miners at the ore reduction works
in Colorado City was called because
the failure of the legislature to enact
an eight hour law. pointing out that 1t
was called on the IL, of February. five
or six weeks before the adjournment OF
the legislature which then had under
consideration an eight hour law. Lat
er a sympathetic strike was declared
by the Federation at Cripple Creek to
cut off the ore supply of the mills.
Governor Peabody cones into the his
tory of the Western Federation of Min
ers, which he declares has been re-
plete with assaults. dynamite outrages
and murder. In affording protection to
men who desire to labor the governor
explains:
TT became necessary in my Judg-
ment to confine certain men in mill
tary guard houses as one of the SAT-
est and most expeditions methods of
restoring order. 1t was loudly pro-
claimed that this was without authori-
tyof law. The question was submit
ted to the supreme court and the
action of the military in that respect
fully sustained. II is a useful and
necessary power and the class that
should dread its exercises is not num-
erous.
The general policy pursued in Grip
pie Creek was followed in other parts
of the state, especially in the Telluride
districts. where the excuses and crimes
of the Federation had been more In
human than in other districts and the
terror still more complete. Order now
prevails there"
Quiet had been restored at Cripple
Creek and the troops withdrawn when
the dynamite outrage was committed
at the Independence depot June 6, fol-
lowed by the riot at Victor. The gov
ernor places the responsibility for both
these occurrences upon the Ferera-
ton.
when the excitement had somewhat
subsidized and the county was still I'M
der quasi military rule the governor
continues. 1T was found that there
were several hundred members OF the
Western Federation in the district
who would not work and had resolved
that others should not. IL by such
methods as those employed at the In
dependence station they could be driv-
en- away. ] resolved that they should
be dispersed and dispersed them"
Governor Peabody denies the charge
that he is waging war on labor unions
generally. and close as follows:
II have had to deal with an oreani-
flation which has no counterpart In this
country. Its official proclamation. full
of defiance and challenge. issued from
time to time have amounted as has
been said to declaration of war
Il have met the challenge with a
policy none too vigorous for the out
lawry J was called upon to oppose
But through 1t all l have had but one
object and that TO show the people of
Colorado that the laws would be up-
held. that a criminal organization cam
not dictate the policy of this admins
tration and that everywhere within the
borders of Colorado property shall be
secure and labor shall be free"