The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1909-01-30
THE DOUGLAS SHOE.
Not All Of Them Made by Union Boot
and Shoe Workers.


and Shoe Workers.
Several labor papers are carrying
large display advertisements of the
Douglas Shoe Co., but The Wage
worker is not among the number. 1t
was offered the advertisement at its
regular rate and mad the offer been
accepted The Wageworkers treasury
would have been enriched to the
amount of about $50 a month for six
months The advertising was not
refused because The Wageworker's
safety deposit box is already full OF
legal tender and negotiable paper, but
because the Douglas Shoe Co. is not
square" with the Boot and Shoe
Workers Union, and because it is
trying TO pull the wool over the eyes
of union mea and women by using the
labor press at this time. The Wage
worker was fully aware of the situa-
ton when it declined the proffered
advertising contract, but perhaps the
rank and file are not. For that rea-
son space is giveh to the following
letter written by the president of the
Boot and Shoe Workers Union to
The Reading (Pal Advocate, genuine
union labor paper.
Mr.. Lew c. Hulshizer, Editor and Pro-
prietor Labor Advocate, $50 Court
Street. Reading. Pa.
Dear Sir and Brother:
Your favor of the 18th inst. reached
this office in due time, and I beg to
say N reply that while some publica-
tons called labor papers have ac-
ceptcd the Douglas advertising, We
have conclusive evidence that in addi-
ton to the Labor Advocate which you
publish, every official organ of inter-
rational unions affiliated with the
American Federation of Labor has re-
fused to accept the Douglas advertis-
ing until such time as they adjust
their differences with our union and
are again entitled to use the union
stamp
We have copies of letters forwarded
to the Douglas company by the editors
of the United Mine Workers Journal,
the United Brotherhood Of Carpenters
and Joiners, the International Typo
graphical Union, United Garment
Workers. and many others too numer
GUS to mention, and all in the strong
est possible language which cannot
possibly be misunderstood by the
Douglas company. who are informed
that their publications cannot be used
to promote the sale of non-union
shoes.
It will perhaps be news to you to
learn that the Douglas company now
operate two non-union factories, one
in Springvale. Maine, and one in
Nashua. n. II. They are about to
open two additional factories, one in
Marlboro, Mass, and one in Haver-
HILL Mass, both of which will be non
union.
You will also be interested to know
that Notwithstanding the fact that
the Douglas company secured reduc-
for the manufacture of $3.50 shoes in
Brockton, they discontinued the manu-.
facture of this grade of shoes, thereby
abolishing even the reduced wage list
which they secured by the subterfuge
of transfer, and they are now hay
ing their $3.50 shoes made by non
union labor in Springvale, Maine, and
Nashua, N. H., in both of which places
the company and its representatives
have. diligently and persistently
worked against our organizers in their
efforts to organize the employees OF
the Douglas company in the places
named
While we appreciate the fact that
labor papers can find use for the re
turns from advertising, you should
console yourself with the thought
that during the ten years the Douglas
company used our union stamp, the
labor press of this country did no.
get any of their advertising patron
age, and that you would not at this
time have an opportunity to turr
down their advertising but for Their
controversy with our union. You cat
also console yourself with the very
satisfying reflection that you have
not allowed them to subsidize your
PAPER and put it to a use Inconsistent
with the principles for which 20,
stand. Fraternally yours,
JOHN F. TOBIN,
General President.
THE MUSICIANS.