United labor bulletin., 1914-08-08
THE OPTIMISTIC
lOSOPHER

Denver, with its cosmopolitan popula-
tion, has had many stirring moments
during the past week, due to the war
news from Europe. Scenes in front of
the daily newspaper bulletin boards on
Champa and Welton streets have been
at times pathetic and at others humor-
ous. During the day and late into the
night crowds have congregated to gath
er the latest information, many mem.
bers of the audience being personally in
terested by reason of home ties across
the water. At times heated arguments
arose as to the blame for the threat
ened slaughter of human life and de-
struction of property that will retard
those nations concerned for probably so
years. Those opposed to the Germans
assert Emperor Wilhelm wants to gain
a place in history equal to Bismarck; /;
others that the czar of Russia has prov.
en- treachery in his diplomatic relations; !;
again the claim is put forth that France
hopes to regain territory lost to Ger
many in previous wars. A Socialist ad-
vanced the original idea that the work
ingmen's party has grown so strong in
France and Germany in opposition to
vast expenditures for war habilaments
that the ruling powers have forced the
war issue merely to prove the Socialists
in the wrong. But in the meantime all
Americans, and those who have made
this country their habitat, should ac-
cept President Wilson's advice and pre-
serve calm spirit while the conflict
wages abroad. This would be easier Of
acceptance by Denver people were they
assured of the safety of District At
torney John R. Rush, who is lost some
where in the maelstrom. and grave fears
are entertained that he will be unable
to return home in time to participate in
the statewide prohibition campaign now
impending.
Red" Marker, business agent for the
Carpenters District Council has had lit
tie time to think of the war in Europe
this week. Among the 1000 union car
penters in Denver he is endeavoring to
secure Is or 20 imbued with sufficiently
pure motives to work on the Billy Sun
day tabernacle at Tenth and Lincoln. OF
course il is not denominnted in the bond
that these workers should be church
members or advocates Of statewide pro-
hibition, but Red thought this would
prove a good opportunity to smoke the
members out. J. II. Speice. travelling
carpenter foreman for the Billy Sunday
organization, went to Carpenters hall
and merely requested union men for the
job. those most in need of work pre-
ferred. This sort of altruism appealed to
the redheaded business agent. and he is
determined to make good with a crew
that maintains the highest moral aver
age ever assembled in Denver. Some
Of the boys are hopeful that before the
campaign is over the business agent
himself will display some beneficial ef-
fects of thus associating with a set Of
men who measure up to the high stand
ard of the Billy Sunday code of morals
and department. At least the beginning
looks very promising.
W. B. Ward, member OF the Carpen-
ters' Union, for several terms president
of the Pueblo Trades and Labor Assem-
bly, and for time deputy sheriff under
Fields Mcmillan, was in Denver this
week attending the Republican State
Assembly. At first the o. p. was sur.
prised to meet him in the lobby of the
Brown Palace wearing badge of the
Republican party, knowing that for
years Ward had trained with the Demo-
cratic forces. Perhaps am n little
volunteered in reply to our inquiring
In Pueblo have changed their political
faith since the Democratic County As
sembly met and indorsed Ammons and
then sent delegation to the state as
sembly to put the same thing over. This
spirit OF rebellion was still further in
creased when SIS of the 90 delegates
from Pueblo county in the congressional
assembly voted against Ed Heating.
Eight years ago the organized working
people of that county went solidly into
the Democratic fold and ever since have
insured Democratic victory. Now the
Democrats there have organized a strong
machine composed Of union labor crush
ers and it is hardly to be expected that
we can train in that camp any longer.
As for myself, I have merely gone back
to the party from which ] moved when
the union men decided to uphold the
Democrats. Scores of others are doing
likewise. while many more will this year
support the Bull Moose ticket, or at
least some of those indorsed by that
party. So far as the Democratic ma.
chine of Pueblo il concerned. IL is made
up Of reactionaries and will soon cause
the downfall Of the party in that conn-
ty. because without support of the union
labor vote it will become minority ag-
creation"
Emma Langdon made happy speech
during the closing hours of the Western
Federation of Miners convention Mon
day afternoon. As she arose turtle
dove flew in through an open window
and perched on a beam over President
Meyers station. Everybody was in great
good humor, as Emma was introduced
and began her remarks by saying that
Ar, doInuo foe fo1f that Tho ooau;nv, alo,,IJ
<.<.u.s4i<,, k<, 4ho bxidal o,atxalo ,ul.<, La 4