Denver labor bulletin., 1915-06-12
ConeresSman'S Speech at
Denver Protest Meeting
Disgrace Brought Upon Colorado
By Coercive Powers Of Rocke-
feller System Must Cease

In his address at the Lawson protest
meeting held in the Auditorium, Con-
gresham Frank Buchanan OF Chicago,
leader of the Labor Group in the national
house OF representatives, discussed the
Colorado labor situation from a broad
national viewpoint. He expressed him
self forcefully concerning methods pur-
sued by the Rockefellers to coerce en-
ployes, and predicted that public senti-
ment would soon bring about change.
Following is that part OF his speech
dealing with the conditions which
brought about the protest meeting:
The conditions in the state of Colo
rado are a symptom of a most vicious
system that controls the government in
this country in different localities and
the nation. What has happened in
Colorado is in conflict with the funda-
mental and constitutional rights of our
citizens, and strikes at the fundamental
principles of a democratic republican
liberty, and the pursuit OF happiness has
been destroyed.
Colorado Symptom of Old Issue.
The violence in Colorado is but a
symptom of an old issue-the issue of
human rights versus property rights
and the struggle will continue until the
once for all and turn the tide in favor
OF humanity. But clearer insight into
the cause OF the conditions in Colorado
was given the public a few days ago
when John d. Rockefeller, jr.. spoke as
the representative of one side of this
bloody struggle before the federal COM
mission on industrial relations, discuss
ing his relation to the long continued
strife and civil warfare. Little was
known of Mr.. Rockefeller, it,. until he
revealed himself to the world by his ut
terances before this commission and the
Congressional Committee.
Mr.. Rockefeller is the principal director
OF the Colorado Fuel & Iron company
On account of unbearable working condi-
tions, the men employed by this COM
pany went on strike. As is customary
with the big business interests when n
strike is declared. armed guards and gum
men were rushed TO protect the COM
pany's property. Machine guns and all
the latest and most deadly armament
and munitions were put into service,
and. worse still, the governor OF the state
was prevailed upon to send the state
militia to the scene, evidently not to
maintain order, as they should have
done, but to assist the company in its
warfare against the strikers. Property
Has pttH ueslIoNSu. men Iulule>>lN snOl
down, and thousands of families made
homeless and desperate. Mr.. Rockefeller
admitted all the dreadful facts, admitted
his controlling connection Herewith. but
also admitted that he had never eonsid
cred it necessary that he investigate
these conditions personally. and use his
influence TO prevent the bloody outrage,
but was satisfied with the reports of
his agents, and approved OF their every
act.
"My Conscience Acquits Me-"
Upon the horrible conditions OF an
arehy Mr.. Rockefeller had the following
/ to say before a recent congressional in
vestigating committee;
| L have done what l regard as best in
| the interest of the employees and the
large investment which l represent We
have put the best men obtainable in
charge. and rely upon their judgment.
My conscience entirely aequits me. We
would rather that the unfortunate con-
ditions should continue and that we
should lose all the millions invested than
| that American workmen should be de-
/ prived of their right under the constitu-
tion to work for whom they please. That
is the great principle at stake. 1t is a
national issue
These words, coming from Mr.. Rookie
feller, jr., are extremely important. He
will some day administer the largest
Continued on Page Six)