davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
Workers Urge immigration
Restriction; IGNORANCE
Lowers Wages, They Say

American Federation of Labor on this
and other questions of mutual interest.
He surprised the committee by the decla-
ration that southern and southwestern
railroads employ foremen, brakemen and
other workers who can't distinguish one
letter from another, and in case of acci-
dent hold conductors, engineers or train
men responsible. He said that railroad
men are crowded out of their positions
for various causes, especially when they
reach the age of 45 years, and are then
forced to enter the industrial field in
competition with the foreigner whose
living standard is lower and consequent
ly can work for lower wage rate.
Let man in the railroad transporta-
Fitzpatrick, "and he can't find employ
forced to enter other fields and accept
standards made by the illiterate. That's
why men in the railway transportation
service favor restriction"
Representative Burnett called attention
to the report of the immigration COM
mission that investigated this question
for nearly four years and then unani-
mously reported to congress that a lit
cTdCy test was necessary. Tie quoted
records to disprove the claim that re-
stricton is a recent demand.
In masterful word pictures and flights
of fancy Bourke Cochran, New York
lawyer and eX-congressman, told of the
benefits to society as the result of mans
labor, and the unquenchable flame that
burns in the breast of every alien who
hopes some time to migrate "to the land
across the sea and take part in the
glorious institutions of that country"
The speaker, however failed to mention
the periodical armies of unemployed, the
serfdom that trusts have forced on de-
fenscless illiterates, who lower American
living standards, or the figures recently
made public by he federal bureau of
naturalization that of the 14,000,000 for
cigners in this country, 100000 are non
citizens who retain their foreign al
legience, and 1650,361 are iliterate who
are exploited in the most merciless man
ncr.
Mr.. Cochran's emotional and senti-
mental line of thought was followed by
practically all of the other opponents,
several of whom stated they "just hap
pened to be in Washington" Not one
Of them discussed fundamentals-the ef-
feet of unrestricted immigration on the
economic and social life of our country
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
BLAME FOR RIOTING
PLACED ON TRUSTS

Pittsburg, Pa.-The Leader, of this
city, makes the following comment on
the recent riot at East Youngstown:
"The committee on industrial relations
has Just laid before congress report of
an inquiry into the causes of the recent
strike and subsequent riot and destruc-
ton of life and property at East Youngs-
town. The report places the response
bility squarely in front of the door of the
manufacturing concerns engaged in the
strike. The words are not only plain, but
condemning. They are so significant that
it is worth while to reproduce few of
them for, if the committee is correct, its
report should claim the calm and
thoughtful consideration of every man
and woman.
Even more significant is the further
statement of the report that what hap
pened at East Youngstown was about to
happen in other iron and steel manufac-
turing towns when Judge Gary an
nounced an increase in wages, effective
February 1. That, says the committee, is
all that saved other cities from riots.
"Just as significant is the statement
that Judge Gary advised the Youngs-
town companies to stand pat against
the demand for wage advance until the
riot came on, when he quickly changed
his mind and not only advised the
Youngstown concerns to grant the de-
mand but secured a similar advance
for the lowest paid labor of the steel
corporation,
Even a great man knows when he
has been hit with brick"
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05

Washington.-Thursd and Friday of
last week the house committee on immi-
grafton held public hearings on the Bur-
nett immigration bill, which is practical
ly the same legislation that was passed
by the last congress and vetoed by Pres
ident Wilson.
Organized industrial workers, railway
men and the farmers presented solid
front in favor of the bill. The principal
advocates of the measure were: Repre-
sentative Burnett, author of the bill and
chairman of the committee; A. +. of L.
Secretary Morrison; Val Fitzpatrick,
legislative representative of the brother
these workers and for the brotherhoods
representing 100000 employees, and ]. H.
kimball, legislative agent of the Ma
tional Farmers Congress, representing
Fitzpatrick and Kimball handed the
committee copies of numerous resolu-
tions passed by their members, who have
repeatedly insisted that immigration re-
striction by means of literary test is
necessary to maintain American living
standards.
Secretary Morrison devoted his argu-
ment mainly to the economic feature of
the question and the effect Of low wages
on the entire country. He cited recent
happenings at Youngstown as the result
of stimulated immigration by steamship
companies who want dividends and
trusts who want cheap labor. He re-
ferred to the recent expose of the Ma
tional Liberal immigration league as
did Chairman Burnett, to prove that big
business has financed anti-restriction
sentiment. The trade unionist read into
the record some views on Prof Elliott,
who opposes the Burnett bill, and who
was referred to by one of the anti-re-
strictonists as possessing a wider knowl-
edge of this question and having a more
Cosmopolitan" viewpoint than two
thirds of the members of congress"
"Prof. Elliott has said the strikebreak-
er is hero" said Secretary Morrison.
"The ex-Harvard educator is disqualified
to be referred to as an unbiased observ-
er, because he is always found on the
side of big business. He is the one man
in America who has dared to exalt the
gunman and thug"
Speaking for his colleagues who repre-
sent the conductors, engineers and fire
men, Val Fitzpatrick declared that their
organizations endorse the position of the
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
COPPER STRIKE NOT SETTLED.

shington-Secretary French, of the
Arizona state federation of labor, writes
A. +. of l.. Secretary Morrison that
the strike of Arizona copper employees
is not settled, despite contrary press re-
ports. Secretary French states that
these workers are standing firm in their
effort to secure living conditions, and
urges that wide publicity of this cause
be given, together with the need for
financial aid.
This strike is unusual because of the
position taken by Gov. Hunt and county
officials, who have announced their op-
position to strikebreakers and gunner.
As a result the strike has been marked
by an entire absence of violence and the
corporations have initiated recall pro-
cecdings against the governor
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
WANTS BANK USURY STOPPED

Washington. - Comptroller OF Cur
rcncy Williams told the House Rules
Committee that where States make it a
prison offense for banks to charge usu-
rious rates, bank officials of that State
are quite law abiding. The federal Of
fetal urged the passage of a law which
would empower the department of JUS
tce to prosecute national banks where
excessive interest was charged, The
comptroller, who has supervision over
national banks, stated reports showed
that some national banks were charging
IL to "a per cent on loans, Others 30 to
100 per cent, and few 100 to 1000 per
cent. He said that many large banks
raised their rates on collateral loans at
the outbreak of the war; and were charg-
ing to 12 per cent, instead OF 5 and 6
per cent.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
STATIONARY ENGINEERS
GIVE BANQUET

The members of the Stationery Engi-
nccrs gave banquet Friday evening at
the Dennison Hotel in honor of Walter
II. Damon, Of Springfield, Mass, nation
al president of the organization, who is
visiting local headquarters this week.
There was music and nearly one hundred
guests spent most enjoyable evening.
President Damon spoke of the condi-
ton of the order, saying it has never
been in better shape; there is complete
harmony between the members and en-
ployers. Mr.. Damon called attention to
the educational campaign now being con-
Quoted and thanked the members of the
local for the hearty welcome which it
had accorded him.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
FINED FOR RESICNlNC;
P. 0. MEN CAN'T QUIT

Fairmont w. Va.-Postofice clerks
and letter carriers who resigned their
positions-quit the service-last Novem-
Der because of lack of confidence in
the postoffice authorities and civil serv-
ice commission to award them justice,
have been fined sums ranging from $500
down to $5. The fines total $1,4OO.
On the advice of their counsel the ac-
cused entered plea of nolo contendere
q will not contest) before Judge Day.
ton in the Federal Court Charges
against four of the 26 indicted men were
dismissed. Because of the worry and
mental strain, one of the four, w. H.
Fisher, letter carrier, killed himself
with revolver after he had prepared
to attend the trial at Parkersburg. He
leaves widow and three young chill
dren.
The governments attorneys and post
office officials are elated at the outcome
of the court proceedings, and as~this is
the first case of its kind, they say they
have secured a precedent that will cover
future cases. Summed up, this decision
means that under present laws and prac-
tices, postofice employees will lose their
positions if they protest against working
conditions and they will be fined if they
quit their employment.
Some Parkersburg trade unionists are
alive to the principles involved and the
far-reaching effect of the decision. If
the men had couple of good lawyers,
said one of these workers, they would
win. They were bluffed into accepting
compromise verdict without realizing
the Importance of fighting the case"
The employees attorneys did not ap..
precate the effect of this case. One of
them assured an A. F. of l.. representa-
tive: These men were not guilty OF
conspiracy, but it is expensive to main-
tain an action against the government IN
the courts. This means years OF litiga-
ton and much financial loss. That is
why they decided not to contest
1T is agreed now that if fight had
been made the country would become
acquainted with the treatment accorded
postal workers by departmental officials.
This publicity would undermine the sys-
TEN of bureaucracy that has been per-
fected by officials who have brought
about a condition where postal employees
resign in body.
These postal workers are members OF
organizations affiliated to the Amer
ican Federation of Labor. The latter or.
ganizaton is supporting the efforts OF
its affiliated National Federation OF
Postoffice Clerks which is urging the
adoption of the Keating bill. This pro-
posed act would assure the postal work,
er the right of appeal from tribunal
beyond the control Of the postofhce. de-
partment and thereby make repetition
of the Fairmont incident impossible, as
the cause for resigning would be re-
moved
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
REAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Washington.-"Only few short
months ago vocational guidance was
conceived of chiefly as matter of Civ
ing to boys and girls advice in the choos-
ing of life work and assisting in secur-
ing of positions" says DR.. w. T. Baw-
den, of the federal bureau of education,
in his annual review. "In view of the
ambitious attempts made in few quar-
ters, and especially the claims of a few
concerns that have investigated the COM
mercial possibilities of vocational guild
ance, extravagant expectations have been
raised in the popular mind that have not
been realized.
"The most important service that can
be rendered the individual youth, I'M
der the name of vocational guidance, is
to set him to thinking, at the proper
time, about the problem of choosing a
life work as problem to be seriously
faced and prepared for-to make him
fully conscious of its existence as a
problem to be solved, and aware of the
sources of data having any bearing on
its solution
DR.. Bawden predicts that sooner or
later closer correlation will have to be
worked out between the college course
and the life of the community for which
students are educated.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
EASTLAND BUILT FOR FREIGHT

Grand Rapids, Mich.-At the trial be-
fore Federal Judge Sessions of owners
of the Eastland, excursion boat, which
sank in the Chicago river last summer,
the government forced Sydney G.. jerks,
builder Of the boat, to acknowledge that
it was never intended for excursion bust
ness, and that the vessel was originally
designed to cary maximum of 500 pas
sengers and small quantity of freight,
principally fruit. From this original pur-
pose he said, the Eastland was converted
into an excursion boat to carry from 800
to 1000 passengers without any mathe-
matical calculations Of scientific stabil-
ity tests being made to determine its
safety.
Company officials will claim that pill
ing and rock distractions on the river
bottom caused the boat to tip over, The
government contends that outside agen-
cies, such as piling and other obstruc-
tons. had not the rcmotcst connection
with the disaster, that the boat was OF
faulty construction for excursion pur-
poses, and that the officials of the
St Joseph-Chicago Steamship Company
knew this and conspired to send an I'M
scaworthy ship to sea for profit.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
IRON WORKERS GAIN.

St. Louis, Mo.-The new scales OF the
Structural Iron Workers Union. which
was agreed to by the employers over a
year ago is now in effect. Eight hours
shall be the work day and the minimum
rate is 65 cents an hour. Beginning with
the first OF next year, this rate shall be
increased to 67H cents, and from then
until the expiration of the contract, 20
cents. The rates are to govern all terri
tory that is approximately $50 miles on
each side of St Louis. Double time will
be paid for Saturday afternoon, Sum-
days, Fourth of July, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving and New Years.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
REAPING THE WHIRLWIND.

San Francisco-"East Youngstown, o.,
rcaped the reward of the steel trusts
greed last week. says the Labor Clar-
ion.
The city has population of $4,000,
but only 400 voters. This condition Of
affairs has been brought about delib-
erately by the steel trust through dis
charging American citizens who were or
ganized and, therefore, not docile slaves,
and replacing them with cheap and sub
scrvient foreigners. Just such thing
as happened was to be expected as di-
rect consequence of the greed of the
steel barons"
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
RAILROADS USE PRINTERS INK.

New York-The railroads OF this
country are preparing to resist the eight
hour workday, now being voted on by
4OO,0 900 workers in the railroad transpor-
tation service.
The managers realize that the mem
bership Of the brotherhoods of engineers,
conductors, 6rcmcn and tranmcn will
favor the shorter workday, and as this
is the first time these employees have
acted jointly the railroads are supplying
newspapers with all manner of statistics
in an effort to capture public opinion.
These workers are pictured as the
aristocrats Of labor" who receive more
money than the bank president in small
towns. Another statement assures the
public that out OF every dollar received
from freight, the employees are handed
As cents. The people are not told, how
ever, that this average includes the
$4,000 railroad president and the EN-
ploye who works long hours and who
must maintain his home at one end of
the line and boarding house or room
at the other end.
1t is predicted that the companies will
inaugurate the greatest publicity cam
paign in the history of industrial dis
putes and figures will be juggled to suit
the viewpoint OF men who fear an in
road on earnings which the interstate
commerce commissions records show
have broken all records.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05

One of Bigelow's regular attendants
at the Peoples Church, wrote us letter,
which reached us the same time that
Bigelow's publication, The Peoples Bull
letin, did, which contains the following
A Letter.
Editor, The Peoples Bulletin:
The following letter was sent by me
to the editor of The Chronicle and THE
LABOR ADVOCATE. 1t may be of some in
terest to readers of the Bulletin.
VIM. JONES,
Painters L. U. 23s.
January 26, 1916.
Dear Sir--It was with surprise and
disappointment that | read your paper
last week. 1t is surprising you were not
aware that we had in our midst an or
ganizer of the United Mine Workers of
America, man who has worked for the
uplift of labor as few others have done {;
a man whose own life is in jeopardy
because of his labor ctivities-John
Lawson of Colorado. Perhaps you are
not aware of the fact that John Lawson
addressed two rousing big meetings in
the city; one at the Grand Opera House,
January 10th; the other a talk to the
striking painters, January 18th, at Cen
tral Turner Hall. Az any rate, | take
this means of calling the matter to your
attention. Sincerely.
THE LABOR ADVOCATE replied as fol-
lows:
January 49, 1916.
Mr. William Jones,
2726 Ravine ST., Cincinnati
Dear Sir-In reply to your letter of
January 26th, in regard to the visit to
our city of Mr.. John Lawson, | beg to
state that | did not attend either one OF
his lectures. / am not an attendant of
the so-called Peoples Church and | did
not know that he spoke to the striking
painters on Monday; and if you had taxi
en- as much interest in the matter before
our paper was printed as you do now,
and notified us, we would have mention
ed the fact
We printed advance notices that MIR.
Lawson would speak here, as we always
give Bigelow's schemes boost even to
such characters as Frank Monnett, who
is indicted for assisting foreign spies
in this country, which is equivalent to
being charged with treason; as well as
the numerous |. w. w. speakers whom
Mr.. Bigelow imports here to attract you
to the Peoples Church, so the collection
box may be filled.
If you honestly regret that we over
looked devoting space to Mr.. Lawson,
in the future | hope you will write us
before and not after Our paper is pub
lished.
Thanking you for your kindness i'll
calling our attention to this matter, we
are, Yours respectfully,
w. L. MYERS,
Editor
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
IN FAVOR OF COMPENSATION
CHANGES.

Lansing Mich.-A committee appoint
ed by the state federation of labor is con-
sidering changes in the Michigan COM
pensation law. Meetings have been held
in Detroit and in this city and it has
been decided to recommend that the
waiting time be reduced before benefits
are paid, and increasing compensation
rates. While the committee will favor
asking the legislature for these changes,
it is believed that the referendum will
have to be finally invoked.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
JURISDICTION SETTLED.

Washington.--A conference between
A. F. of L. Secretary Frank Morrison
and representatives of the Slate and lie
Roofers' International union and the
American Brotherhood of Slate Work
ers resulted in a jurisdiction agreement
between these two organizations. The
slate workers have waived claim to the
erection or application of roofing slate
to roofs or sides of buildings.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
One OF BICELOW'S FOLLOWERS

One of Bigelow's regular attendants
at the Peoples Church, wrote us letter,
which reached us the same time that
Bigelow's publication, The Peoples Bull
letin, did, which contains the following
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
OPPOSE DISQUALIFICATION.

Toronto, Ontario.-Trade unionists
are preparing to ask the legislature, when
it convenes next month, to abolish the
property qualification for the holding of
municipal Offices The organized work.
ers are maintaining vigorous agitation
on this issue. They will also urge the
passage of semi-monthly pay law to
apply to the mining districts of the
province.
The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05
MINERS PROTEST.

Hazelton, Pa.-The Miners Union at
Cranberry has filed protest with Off
GERS OF the Cranberry mine against the
increase of the price of caps from rs
cents to 81 box.
The miners say this violates the an
thracite commission award.
The day book. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917, 1916-08-07
LUNCH AT FASHIONABLE TEA SHOP AND

PAULA HAS LUNCH, AT FASHION,
when Horace Chambers drove up
in front of Bonn's, the most fashion
able tea shop in the city, after l left
his Mothers" said Paula, 81 knew l
could not afford to get my luncheon
there. But l did not have the nerve
to tell Mr.. Chambers l had given the
first address that came into my mind
because was ashamed of my board
ing place"
Won't you let me come in and
eat with you, Miss Newton?" he ask
ed ingenuously.
"'BUt you are due at the club
1.-The club can wait. Besides, 1
want to talk to you about jeff
"I don't know Mr.. Perrygreen
very well, you know said. The
most 1 ever saw of him was when he
came home on the same train the
day was called home
81 thought Horace Chambers look
ed at me QUeerly as he said, 1 have
always wondered what called old Jeff
home that time. 1t must have been
something important. 1t was just
the time of commencement festiVi-
ties
CAS- soon as we sat down he began
to study the MENU Margie, could
have cried as contrasted that table,
that food -yes-Horace Cham
bers, with the table, food and men l
had been having to put up with the
last few days. 1 determined then
and there to enjoy it as much as
possible, for 1 did not know when l
would have another chance. 1t was
not hard for me to step back into my
old Paula Newton character; in fact,
1 was finding it very hard to step out
of it.
81 wish I could tell you how I en-
jOyed that luncheon. It shows what
youth means. When look back on
it, 1 think how irresponsible 1 was.
And Margie I think more than anV
The day book. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917, 1916-08-07

OF A WIFE
BILE TEA SHOP AND ENJOYS IT.
restaurant with a young man, 1 re-
member that hour in the Bonn tea
room when forgot for a short while
that awful combination of coal gas,
old plumbing and bad cooking that
had assailed my nOstrils every time
l had entered my boarding house. 1
cannot blame any girl for snatching
little pleasure of that kind.
ITO tell the truth, Margie, I was
not thinking so much of Horace
Chambers, as the excellence of the
sweetbread salad and tiny rolls. Like
the little animal l was-everyone is
under the crust of cultUre-I was
happy and would have been almost
as happy had been alone.
cat last could find no excuse for
staying longer, so with heavy heart
1 arose.
Now, I'll take you home said
Horace.
No, 1 must answer another ad,'
I said TREMENDOUSLY.
"'Oh, say he exclaimed, it can't
be as bad as thatp
Yes, it is, and worse l asserted.
"'Can't 1 help?'
You have, more than you know
Then come and lunch here with
me tomorrow.
THAT would hurt, for already I
have seen some of the girls you have
bowed to asking each other who
am. When they find out I'm a poor
working girl there will be gossip, if
not scandal
=" 'Piffler
My dear Mr. Chambers, it is the
things we call piffle that make most
trouble in life. Thank you for a
lovely time, and good bye"
ITO Be Continued)
Jos, O'Brien, 81, 55O6 Augusta.
The day book. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917, 1916-08-07

Jos. o'Brien, 81, $500 Augusta,
broke leg when he stumbled while
running through lot in hurry to ball
game.
Mrs. Sylvia Farley, 2125 Harrison
ST., killed when auto turned over in
BelWood,