United labor bulletin., 1910-07-28
ALLEN REPLIES TO DEvAuLr.
Believing That He Could Not Get Space
In the News Uses The Bulletin.


To The United Labor Bulletin:
Realizing that the News, on account of
the difference, or supposed difference,
taken in the recent election, if indeed
could secure any space at all, would be
a poor place to answer the weak de-
fense put up by Mr.. Devault as an ex-
cuse for patronizing a nonunion barber
shop (not bath), and knowing that the
same communication, with little addi-
ton, would be printed in The Bulletin,
l take this occasion to answer him.
l merely want to say in substance that
it was the brand of unionism represented
by Devault that first put the idea of the
Denver Plan" of label league into the
writer's head. There are too many union
people who do not care what happens
so long as it does not happen to them.
In case there was something which af-
fected the Musicians, or Mr.. Devault in
particular, he would be the first to ask
for relief from other unions, but when
he was individually concerned it is diff
ferent.
Mr.. Devault states that l waited five
months, and took advantage of his abb
sence to spring something which he ac-
know1edges is a correct accusation. If
it had not been for his friends in the Den
yer Water League, previous to his switch
to the other side, and for which he has
been rewarded by appointment as secre-
tary of the present water commission,
it would have been stated in that body.
They believed that inasmuch as he was
labor's candidate for water commissioner
it would hurt the cause if his inconsist-
ency became public property For that
reason it was not let out at that time.
The matter came up in the Assembly
at this time because printers and allied
crafts were being tried for patronizing
the same place, and they were only the
rank and file, and not leaders as Devaut
seems to pride himself on being.
The idea advanced by Devault as an
excuse for patronizing a bath in non
union shop seems almost ridiculous par
ticularly when he is credited by some
with having ordinary intelligence. To
organize porters in barber shops may
possibly be necessary to satisfy Devault's
idea of unionism, in order that he may
take a union bath, but if he would pat
ronize the baths in shops where the pro-
prietors have recognized the BARRIERS he
would find that he would have a cleaner
feeling than in the other class
Every little bit helps, and if l could
get few more active knockers at work
/ may eventually make the corporations
or others take notice, switch my policy
and secure some appointive position on
some commission and finally receive
some of the graft" am credited with
getting by my friends (?.
Incidentally l might say that some of
them have stated that they had docu-
mentary evidence to that effect. If they
have / would like to secure the papers
and will agree to split with them on
any amount collected.
AS to the matter of being the Assem-
bly, organizer, that is true and will say
that during that term there were unions
organized whose charters are still on the
walls and who are still doing business,
Notwithstanding the fact that Devault's
support may or may not have been given
them. We did not have time to get
around to porters in barber shops, and
the gentleman should take the matter
up with the present organizer.
AS to malice against anyone, l desire
to state that l have absolutely none to-
ward any of the real or supposed labor
leaders or even Mr.. Devault, and hope
that any who have difference of opin-
ion will take some other way of express
ing it besides going into the public print
with backcapping communication, par
ticularly where they are all wrong.
We sincerely hope Devault will attend
labor organization meetings and keep
posted on union houses, patronize union
labels and union cards and not be COM
PEELED to again resort to a fiimsy, even
ridiculous. excuse for getting into as no
toriously an unfair place as he has in the
past Fraternally yours,
GEORGE ALLEN.