davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
Colorado Coal Barons Admit
Hiring Gunner I o Break Strike

that scores of gunner with question
able regulations, one of whom had
been held for murder in West Virgin
ia, had been employed by the opera
tors; that he personally had ordered
the Death Special" an armored au-
tomobile equippedswith a machine gun
which the Baldwin guards drove mad.
ly through the sNake district shoot
ing and terroriking b strikers.
James Darlyfnp state Coal Mine
Inspector, shocked the audience when
he told how the operators refused to
obey the law had murdered many min
ers and only recently had killed 81
men in the Vulcan Mine lat New Castle.
John R. Lawson, international Board
Member fthe United Mine Workers
of America, gave what was probably
the most shocking testimony of the
week, He told how the miners had
been robbed, tyrannfzed, the victims
of notorious blacklist system for
years. The state militia have not only
refused to disarm the murderous mine
guards but have aided them in their
tyrannizing, plunderingI outrages, he
said.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
Add SIS By Prof. Kirkpatrick.

"A large audience attended the lee
ture by Prof. Geore Kirkpatrick at A.
10. U. w. hall Thursday night Com
rade Strickland, who happened to be
in Wheeling for the evening was pre-
sented by Comrade Bauer as chair
man Of the meeting. With some hap
Ply references to the speaker and their
arly experience in the movement, Com
rade Strickland introduced Comrade
Kirkpatrick.
For more than two hours the speak
er held his audience by force of logic
and eloquence. He began by explain
ing the five following origins: of war,
of the working class, of the ruling
class, of the struggle between the two
classes, and of the ormed guard to
subjugate the working class. He
showed that all of these origins we're
primarily economic in their nature.
Continuing he said in part:
1T is stupid for the workers to ask
the capitalist class to bestow freedom.
They cannot even think justice. They
are not malciously bad, but simply
have been trained in such way that
the idea Of justice cannot enter their
minds. They believe, for instance,
that labor is properly commodity to
81
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

Brother Gillooly is now engaged in
the same work in Columbus, Ohio, and
has been organizing the employees of
the Federal Glass Company. The said
glass company applied to Judge Safer
of that city for an Injunction to res
train Gillooly from his organization
work. This was not an unusual course
because strike had been declared.
Now let it be understood that Judge
Safer is no particular friend of the
working class. It is sad THAT some
of his rulings have been very unfav-
orable to the working men but never
theless he refused to grant the injunc-
ton requested by the Federal Glass
Company on the simple ground that no
violence had been committed and no
laws broken.
BY such happenings ais this it ought
to become plain to Judge Dayton ere
S)ng that he belongs to an ancient
period. There was a time when the
workin man was a slave and had nc
rights under the law. His master
could kill him if he desired. But in
the march of civilization we have pass
ed that point and only the fossil types
like. Judge Dayton cling to the old idea.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
Workers Bury
Their Dead

Nearly a thousand men and women
last Sunday afternoon attended the
funeral of James Moore, killed by
mine guards, and a little two month
old girl of striker, whose death is
also traceable to the strike of the
miners at Collier The little baby
was one of twins that were born with
out any medical attention, the doctor
at Collier refusing his services be-
cause he is employed by the coal
company. Both, the man Moore and
the baby, having suffered death be-
cause of the struggle of the miners
against a constituencies corporation,
the strikers decided to bury them both
in one grave. The funeral was held
from the strikers headquarters in
'Wellsburg and interment took place at
Wellsburg cemetery. Rev. Doak held
services and Fannie Sellins and James
Oates delivered few remarks at the
grave. 1t was an imposing funeral
and labor once more showed how it
honored the memory of those who die
for the advancement of humanity.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

aims and objects of organized labor
were given. The committee were
heartily welcomed and some good will
no doubt result from. this meeting.
Carpenters local Mo. 8 also held a
smoker and open meeting at o. v. T.
& L. A. hall on last FRIDAY evening for
the benefit of the unorganized of this
vicinity. A large crowd was present
and listened attentively to talks de-
livered by Brothers Sprouce, Moore,
Weekly and Fisher after which re-
freshments were served, the carpen ?
tiers proving themselves excellnt hosts
on this occasion. Thre were also re
marks by several members of local No.
8 and it was agreed on all sides that
this meeting would help to bring sew
eral outsiders into the fold.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

be sold forever in labor market.
Still the modern worker thinks he
is free, merely because he has heard
it. Where did he hear it? In the
school. It was taught him when a
child.
yet the workers can be free. But
the only way to attain freedom is by
getting together. Take your place in
the struggle and bear your part of the
responsibility"
+ Prof. Kirkpatrick then went into an
exposition of modern warfare His
description of the terrible cost of war
in blood and treasure was so graphic
that it is impossible to give a clear
and adequate report of this portion Of
his lecture. His audience was held
spelllbeund until the close. He showed
how the workers could stop war by
giving an account of the war that
threatened between Norway and Swed-
en- and how the workers stopped the
war by refusing to kill each other,
No one would, feel like Becoming a
soldier after listening to the powerful
indictment given by Prof. Kirkpatrick.
He is as powerful in speech as he is
in his remarkable and famous book,
ssWar-What For?"
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

/, and dropped dead. Lucas received a
couple of minor injuries.
| Coroner Clemens was soon on the
scene, empaneled a jury and held a
hearing in the company office. None
of the strikers or their officers were
permitted to attend this hearing.
Deputy Sheriff Patterson even threat
ened to kill any one of them that tried
to come near. But all the superinten-
dents and guards of thee Gal company
i were permitted to be there: which
tended to intimidate the witnesses.
But this is only in line with the other
actions of the sheriff and his deputies
who as was called attention to in
these columns last week, have repeat
| eddy invaded the tents of the strikers
and confscated all weapons kept there
for selfprotection, but who never
never searched the shacks and officers
of the Goa company or tried to dis
/ arm their gunner.
This man Lucas had been one of
the sheriffs deputies; until couple
of months ago when he got into some
trouble and was discharged. He was
at once hired by the company and
the strikers claim that he is one of
the thugs that have repeatedly shot
up the tent colony and some of the
house occupied by strikers.
The coroner's jury verdict was bit
terly denounced by the strikers who
declare that none of them will be safe
now. since murderers are allowed to
go UNPUBLISHED.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
'W0 More Locals
Fall In Line
Ill

Local Union No. 1880, u NJ. w. of
A., of Connorville, Ohio, after listen
ing to a. Representative of the Majority,
voted unanimously to buy $500. worth
of stock in the Majority Company.
This action was taken at the last re-
gular meeting of this local and speaks
we'll for the spirit of solidarity pre-
yalent among its membership which
is mostly of foreign birth The officers
OF this union, who also acted as in
terpreters, are: President, John Per
osko; Secretary, Andrew Ernest; Fin.
Secretary, Ralph Mancuso and Treas
urer, Jules Baise.
h The men have been working steady
and have built up a healthy treasury.
Excellent order prevailed throughout
the evening and the officers are to be
congratulated on the efficient way the
locals business is transacted.
The next local visited was No. 1877
OF Bellaire, Ohio, and this local show
ed its appreciation of the Majority by
unanimously voting to buy $780, worth
OF stock. The stock selling campaign
is meeting with success and no doubt
the Majority will soon be the owner of
modern press big enough to turn
out daily paper when occasion arises.
President Manly, Secretary Abconinio
and several others of local No 1877
had a good word to say for the Ma
Jor1ty and Brother VIM. Graham
agreed to get some subscriptions and
SEND IN some news occasionally.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

Denver, Colo, Feb. 19.-Gpecial)-
Every charge made by the Colorado
coal miners that the operators had
imported hundreds of Baldwin Feltz
thugs and eight machine guns and
that the state MALTA was aiding these
gunmen in robbing and otherwise per-
isecutin the miners has been substan-
tiated before the Congressional inves-
tigating committee.
Evidence ia system of peonage.l of
interference with the United States
mail and Of repeated attempts of the
hired assassins of the operators TO
murder inhabitants of the strikers
tent colonies fully acquainted the Con-
gressional investigators with the reign
of terror and anarchy in the strike
zone since long before the strike be-
gan.
Probably the most sensational testi-
mony of the first week was that of A.
C. Feltz, Colorado Manager Of the
notorious Baldwin Feltz thugs.
He camly admitted on the stand that
he had imported eight machine guns
which were paid for by the operators,
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

scale, the miners would remain at
work in the various districts pending
the negotiations for district and state
contracts.
White is Hopeful. =
President White regards this as a
victory for the miners, for he says
that there is now no good reason why
the joint conference should fail to
agree on a basic scale. It remains
to be seen however, whether the joint
conference will agree on this. The
general opinion here appears to be that
lit will.
AS soon as the Pennsylvania substi-
tute was disposed of the conference
appointed subcommittee of two op-
orators and two miners from each OF
the four states and referred the entire
wage scale controversy to them. This
lis the natural course of procedure.
The subcommittee consists of the fol.
lowing members:
Operators-Hugh Shirkle and P. H
penna, Indiana; C.SE. Maurer and e
A. Cole, Ohio; w. L. Schmick and Al
j. Mooreshead. Illinois; w. w. Keefel
and G. w. Schluederberg, Pennsylyan'
Ia.
Miners John Moose and G. " Saw
age, Ohio; Duncan Mcdonald and Jos
eph Pope, Illinois; Van Bittner and
Robert Woods Pennsylvania: William
Houston and Charles Fox, Indiana
! The miners were also allowed to Sc
lect Lawrence Carrigus and EdneJ
Buck to represent the block coal" dis
trict Of Indiana,
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
Organization Campaign Continues

The organization campaign commit
tee held an interesting meeting at
their headquarters, 1916 Market St.,
3rd floor, on last Tuesday evening,
at which the report fthe Lady Organ
izers was received and thoroughly
discussed.
There was a large attendance and
all were pleased with the way the
hall had been equipped After the
committee meeting, everybody attend
ed the open meeting given BY Paint
ers No. 81 at o. ". T. & L. A. hall
which proved to be a grand success.
Speeches were delivered by E. j,
Weekly, Harry Corcoran, j. B. Moore,
Miss Councilman and several others
prominent in the local labor move
ment. Stogies were passed around
and everybody had an enjoyable ime.
On the same evening. committee
from the Organization campaign head
quarters, composed Of Harry Corcor-
an, Andy Fisher and j B. Moore, at
tended meeting of the Board Of
Trade. at which an explanation Of the
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
VICTOR BERGER TEST|F|ES
in MICHIGAN STRIKE PROBE

Hancock, Mich, Feb. 19.-Another
invitation to the state of Michigan
to be represented at the congressional
inquiry in progress here was extended
today by Representative Taylor, the
chairman, in a telegram to Governor
Ferris after council for the strikers
had given notice that witnesses would
be introduced to show "a series of
outrages committed by the militia and
the officers in command" while they
were here on strike duty.
Council for the mining companies
said that state officials should be mott
fled if an investigation Of the militia
was to be undertaken. Representative
Taylor replied that he already had ex-
tended an invitation to the Governor
to be- represented at the hearings
here, and that it had been declined.
Tells of Attacks.
Testimony regarding attacks made
on strikers was heard today.
William j. Carbis. a striker, said he
was held up and searched for weap-
ons twice, one night in December last
by deputy sheriffs in Copper City.
Witness said he was one of the eight
VOluuI0eISB WHO were pdCrO1nS the
village and watching for fires Carbis
denied that strikers had made threats
against the deputies.
Mrs. Selma Heikkila, wife of a strik-
er, testified that she and six other
women were stoned by strike break
ers on the country road, December II
She said a. deputy sheriff had leveled a
revolver at her breast and had told
her to look OUT -
Victor Berger Testifies
Former representative Victor L.
Berger, of Milwaukee, told the com
mittee today that the Socialist party
had absolutely nothing to do with
starting the strike or fomenting it.
when the strikers got hard up. as
they did as early as September, we
gave financial help" said Mr.. Berger.
'SUp to February i we sent them $24,-
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
A CONTRAST IN JUDGES

That Judge Dayton of the Northern
District of West Virginia has exceeded
all bounds of justice in his dealing
with organized labor in This commune
ty, is well shown by the press dis
patches from Columbus, Ohio, this
week. 1t will be remembered that a
few months ago Brother Joe Billooly
organizer of the American Flint Glass
Workers was sent to organize the Eale
Glass Company Of Wellsburg. It will
also be remembered that the Eagle
Glass Company applied for an injunc
ton against Brother Gillooly in the
performance of his peaceful and law
full work. This Injunction was grant
ed of course, by Judge Dayton. up
to that time there had been no trou
BILE in or about the Eagle Glass Com
pany's plant. The. order of the Judge
restrained peaceful citizen from per
forming a perfectly legitimate task.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

1888 in money and a great quantity
of clothing for their children. We
would have done as much for any
strike of national Importance"
Mr.. Berger said that with Charles
Edward Russell and Seymour Sted-
man, Socialist member of the Illinois
legislature, he had made an investiga-
ton of conditions in the copper coun-
try, last month, and that he offered
his conclusions to the committee for
what they were worth"
Chairman Taylor said Berger's do
cument would be admitted into the re-
cord.
For Star-SpangIed and Red Flags.
Berger was questioned at length
about the Socialist party. He read
from the national constitution a sec
ton prohibiting violence and sabotage.
Berger said that the "Star-Spangled
Banner" was the national flag of the
Socialists, and the red flag of brother
hood" was their International flag
! Which takes precedence?" asked
A. E. Petermann, of counsel for the
mining companies.
Neither Berger replied. Both
go together. We will fight if you try
to take either Of them away from US"
Mrs. Margaret Cibaceca testified
that last December deputies forced
her to accompany them in an automo-
bile to Houghton, where she was re
leased. She said her four-months-old
baby died from the exposure OF the
trip few days later. She never knew
why she had been arrested, she said.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

Canadian, Minister OF
Labor In Wheeling

At the Market Auditorium in Wheel
ing last Wednesday night, the Cana
dian minister of Labor explained the
arbitration law which s now force
in that country. 1t is well to rejoice,
in way, that the powers that be in
West Virginia are taking into account
the existence of Labor Union move
ment and the rise of the working class
in industrial disputes.
But, on the other hand, even as Mr..
King admitted, an arbitration law will
not effect fair settlement in all cases
1t is we'll to observe that the Canadian
law does not provide for compulsory
arbitration, but for compulsory inves-
tigation. Mr.. King says that in the
woking of this law they depend upon
en- enlightened public sentiment TO en-
force just arbitration of difficulties.
Herein lies the danger of such alaw
to the interest of Labor. They do
not have the opportunity to influence
public opinion as do the employers.
The Capitalist class own the great
daily newspapers, magazines and the
great weeklies. They can hire ever
the bill boards, if necessary. Their
power to sway public opinion is shown
especially at a time of political cam
paign. With the powers Of pubic m
formation in the hands of the Cap
ltalist class, as they are today, it is
not always a safe proposition for La
Dor to place it's fate in the hands of
public sentiment. OF course, when the
workers themselves become better in
formed, and have established bet
! ter solidarity, then they may safely
leave their fate. in the hands tthe
majority
Mr.. King seems to accept without
question the current opinion that the
public is the one party unjustly wrong
ed ina Labor dispute. Now, as mat
ter of fact, from what sense Of justice
does the public complain because of
some little inconvenience, when they
have never turned a hand to even in
form themselves with reference to the
conditions of the great working army
Who serve them uncomplainingly from
day to day? How may the public
claim any rights in an industrial dis
pute until they have at least shown
some sympathetic interest in the work
ers who feed and clothe and mouse
and warm them?
Any course in industrial disputes
mat even looks toward compulsory
arbitration should be taken with q
grain of salt by the working class
but the fact that the Capitalist class
OF West Virginia begin to recognize
mat there may be something to ar
nitrate" gives us hope for better flu
ture.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
N liners Appoint
Sub Committee

Philadelphia, Feb. 19-The first thing
the joint conference of bituminous
coal miners and operators of western
pennsylvania, Ohio. Indiana and Him
OILS did when 1t resumed it's session
today was to vote down the PROPOSE
ton made by C. e. Maurer. of C1eve-
land, an Ohio operator, that in case
the conference was unable to agree on
a wage scale by April the entire mat
ter should be submitted to a board of
arbitration and that all future ques-
lions also be sent to the same board.
The miners voted against the PROPOSE
ton.
This plan was submitted last week
and after a brief discussion motion
was made by Van Bittner, president
Of the Pennsylvania miners, and later
by Phil H. Penna, of Terra Haute,
an Indiana operator. to refer tie orbi-
tration resolution to special commit
tee of one operator and one miner
from each district for consideration
and recommendation. Both of these
motions were defeated. There was not
unanimous decision. either way on
! the question by either side and mas
DIS d d6dAtIAOu6 VOIC 10 AOCC6-
sary to carry any proposition in joint
conference, the motions were lost.
This was regarded as test of the
real sentiment of the miners and OPP
orators on the subject of arbitration.
All Vote for It.
1t appeared today that the miners
had put one over" on the operators
in a resolution offered by Penna. Sew
era1 days ago John p White, president
of the United Mine Workers, offered a
resolution declaring that there should
| be no suspension of work on April 1.
Last Saturday iPenna offered a sub.
sctitute which was more definite in
its terms. It provided for continuan-
ce of work pending negotiations OF
wage contracts in the various states
and districts. This would mold the
miners at work in case the joint con.
ference reached an agreement for q
basic scale for the entire central com
petitiye field and while the local con:
tracts based on that agreement were
being worked out in the various dis
tricts and states. The Penna substi
tute was adopted today, all miners and
Tall opertors voting In favor of it.
This was exactly what the miners
had been playing for. President White
said several day ago that 1.-THE join
conference would agree on basic
Il
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
Coal Company Guards Kill Striking NJ .5r
nnttee Sees President Wilson About Judge Dayton

Washington p G, Feb ds(speea Wilson
private Interview to the Wheeling
Investigation the Judi
a conduct Judge Dayton United States Circuit Court
Virginia. promised to Give
petition and charges to the Department
on
Secretary
made the Prsdnt Wednesday,
judiciary
esinu be
WALTER B. HILTON
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
REDUCES WORK DAY

Cleveland Ohio, Feb. 19.-General
Organizer Altman, of the United Gar
ment Workers reports that the Scotch
Wooden Mills company, one of the lar
gest tailoring establishments in this
city, has signed an agreement that
reduces working hours from So to5O
a week, and increases waes 6 per cent.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
PROTECT THEIR MEMBERS

Chicago, Feb. 1s.-The three divis.
IONS of the Amalgamted Street Car
mems Association in this city, expend.
go last Year $119.640.17 in benefits OF
an Kinds. OF this amount, but $3,747
VAS used for strike benefits. The larg.
ssl Item was used Tor funeral and
disabled genefts, for which So, 800 was
APPENDED among 129 members, who re
'eiSeo on an average $685. during the
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19
lin The a. F. oFL. FoLp

Portland, Me, Feb. .19.-After re
naming an independent organization
for years, the Longshoremen's union
OF this city has voted to join the In
ternational Longshoremen's union, af-
filiated to the A. F. of L. Application
has been made for a charter.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

year. OF l2is number. forty-nine re.
ceiYed the maximum death benefit, ST.
900. The lowest disability benefit paid
was 800. Members In distress
through other causes were not over
looked, and collections to The amount
Of ST, 575.17 were raised.
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

Glance over ne aoyort1sIng columns
Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-02-19

ONLY LABOR PAPER

In the Ohio valleyA-The
workshop of the. ! world
catering to 125. 600 Indus
srial Population.
The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-08-04
i. j. j. i. X i. !. J. 4 i. j. !. i.
4 MONROE CENTER i

Miss Helva McArdle of Frederick
town has returned home, being the
guest of her aunt, Mrs. Jay Scott, a.
few days last week.
Quite number attended the picnic
here Thursday.
Mr.. Orville McDermott lost valu-
able horse by dropping dead on his
way from Mt. Vernon.
Miss Pearl Lift of Mt Vernon was
the guest of Mr.. VIM, Scott and fam
lily last week.
The ladies' Aid will meet with Mrs.
r. ,E. Parrish Wednesday at / o'clock.
Mrs. William Baufman and children
OF Mansfield visited with Mr.. Willard
Rinehart and family last week.
Miss Mabel Hill of Morris Chapel
is the guest of her sister, Mrs. Ches-
ter Johnson, few days.
Mr. and Mrs. Garrad Lucas of Fre-
dericktown attended the Union picnic
held in this place Thursday.