The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1907-06-29
RESUME OF COLORADO


The editor Of 4 journal consecrated
to the cause of trades uniorism, with
just sense of his duties and respon-
sibilities will of necessity. as it were,
keep himself informed upon the pro-
gress of the movement not only in
his own district and state, but he will
also feel a deep concern in the doings
and achievements Of wage earners
everywhere. His sympathy and inter-
est refuse to submit to the limitations
Of state lines.
Actuated by that spirit, we have
made Il careful study Of labor condi-
lions for some Years, not only in Min
nesota, but throughout the entire
close observer. at long range to be
sure, Of the doings of Colorados capa-
talistic miners, as we'll as keeping a
keen eye on the authoritative actions
of the Western Federation of Miners.
In view Of recent developments, and
the more or less prejudice created in
the minds of otherwise fair men
against the Federation by the bloody
recitals Of that awful assassin, Harry
Orchard, we deem the time opportune
to give our readers a concise undeni-
able account Of the Colorado war, so
called, the belligcrents being respec-
lively, the combination of mine own
ers and smeter kings on the one hand,
and the Western Federation of Min
ers on the other. To go back four
years is sufficient. to full UNDER
standing of the situation, and we
shall therefore begin with 1908.
In 1908 the legislature of the state
of Colorado, in obedience to an over
whelming public sentiment, passed an
eight law for all men working
in and around mines, mills and smell
ters. The mine owners contested the
law and won, the supreme court of
Colorado holding that the law was nm
constitutional h.
The people of Colorado then went
to work. and by a majority of $4,000
amended the constitution so as to
conform to the supreme courts de-
cision, and instructed the Legislature
to pass the eight-hour Jaw again.
The mine owners and smelter kings,
at this stage interposed, and it is said
purchased the legislature. Whether
they did or not We cannot say at this
distance, but the will Of the people
was thwarted by some improper
means, presumably money. for the
legislators proved recreant to their
trust and the eight hour law could not
be re-enacted.
Next the mill owners of Colorado
City took counsel together and closed
their mills to all union men and re-
placed them with non unlonists. The
Western Federation protested against
this action and proposed arbitration,
but the mill and mine owners re-
fused, whereupon a strike was called
In Colorado City. Governor Peabody
put the town under martial law, with
out any acts of violence whatever,
having occurred. The citizens and
city officials protested against the
Dr9Senca
the governor for their removal. The
governor refused. The troops at last.
encouraged by the mine and mill own
ers became so insulting to citizens,
and so violent, disorderly and danger
GUS, that public opinion forced the
governor to recall them,
The strike was then submitted to
arbitration and an agreement entered
into by which the union miners met
the managers more than half way"
according to Governor Peabody's own
acknowledgement. The strike was
then amicably adjusted
The settlement was not OF long dur
alton, however The MANAGERS broke
their agreement and all union men
were locked out. The Western FEEDER
alton again proposed arbitra tion and
the managers replied with, "Arbitra-
ton be damned"
The succeeding events are we'll COL
h lated in series of trenchant para-
/ graphs, bristling with undenia ble
statements of fact, written for a Chi
IA cago paper by j, Edward Morgan. q
4 thoroughly reliable correspondent.
SE When the Federation had exhausted
TT all it's persuasive powers in seeking TO
prevail upon the managers to submit
1.-THE difficulty to arbitration. as Ia st
" resort, it threatened to order gen.
eral strike. The reply Of the manag-
ts 5.s ers was "strike and be damned"
Whereupon. Strike, was called:
..stl 4, ~