Semi-weekly herald., 1914-02-12

'-&- ~ ~ohuuCIcu lOi itdst tlItt
weeks. Nearly 500 witnesses are to
be examined here, and it is expected
that, in addition, the committee will
decide to visit Lansing to hear testi-
mony from Governor Ferris, Attorney
General Grant Ferris and various 9TH
er state and labor officials who are
at the capital.
The committee is empowered to-
subpoena witnesses for testimony un-
der oath and to require the produc-
ton of any records and papers which
it may desire.
Seven specific subjects of inquiry
are specified in the resolution under
which the committee is acting as fol-
lows:
l. Whether the postal service has
been interfered with.
2. Whether citizens have been ar
rested and tried in violation of the
constitution and laws of the United
States.
a. Whether conditions have been
caused by agreements and combina-
tions contrary to law for controlling
the production, sale and transporta-
tion of copper
b. Whether arms and ammunitions
have been shipped into the fields for
purposes of excluding the products of
the mines from competitive markets
in interstate trade.
6. Whether peonage exists or has
been maintained, and
7. If any or all these conditions
exist, what causes led up to them.
Officials of the Western Fedora
tion of Miners, insisted today that
President Charles H. Meyer, of the
federation, would return to the cop
per country in ample time to testify
before the congressional committee.
Meyer is now under indictment for al
legged conspiracy in connection with
the strike and will be arrested immed-
lately upon his return to Michigan.
County officials have indicated, how
ever, that he would return to Hough-
ton for trial at any time he might be
wanted. Five other national officers
OF the federation, indicted at the same
time and upon the same charges as
Meyer, also have failed to make ap-
pearance in circuit court here and
will be arrested if they attempt to
enter the state.
The federal probers are expected
to inquire deeply into the shooting
and deportation from Hancock of
President Meyer. Deputy sheriffs
and members of the Citizens Alliance,
an anti-strike organization, charged
by Meyer with responsibility for the
attack upon him, were completely ex-
! onerated by the recent Houghton
county grand jury which investigated
cases of strike violence. The con-
gressional committee, however, was
expected to take cognizance of the
fact that majority of the members
of the jury either were members of
the Citizens Alliance or were en-
ployed directly or indirectly by the
mining corporations.
The Michigan copper mine strike
was called on July %, 1913-nearly
seven months ago. Nine deaths have
resulted directly from the strike to
date and it is estimated that more
than 100 deaths have resulted indi-
rectly from it. Included in this num-
ber are the "a persons, wives and
children of the striking miners, who
perished in the Christmas eve panic
in Italian Hall, at Red Jacket. Many
others among the strikers and their
families are known to have died from
pneumonia and similar diseases.
brought on by exposure and lack of
proper clothing during the winter
months.
The nine deaths charged directly
against the strike are:
i Orla Green, private in the Lans-
80 "AsAi'Siy VI Vic hicllRdn national
guard, who was kicked by a horse and
died at Hancock hospital on August
j3.
Steve Putrich and Alois Thin, strik
ers, who were killed by deputy sher-
ifs and imported gunmen at Seeber-
vile on august Is. Four gunmen and
two deputies were arrested and
charged with these murders. One of
the gunner fled the country while
awaiting trial and his bond of S1O,-
oO0 was ordered forfeited.
i Deputy Sheriff James Pollock, Jr..
killed in fight with strikers on Oc-
tober 8.
Joseph Matrich, striker, who was
wounded in the fight with Pollock.
lie died at Hancock hospital October
10.
Robert Nelson, Calumet and Hecla
employe, died in Detroit November
10 from injuries received when he
was mobbed by strikers on July 23.
Thomas Daily and Arthur and Har
rNV Iat.