The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1918-08-09

Dear Sirs and Brothers:
The following is an exact copy OF
an order issued by Col. Disque OF
the U. S. Signal Corps, Spruce Di-
vision, to Loyal Legion officers in
the field. This letter indicates very
forcibly that Col. Disque does not
approve of any other organization
to look after the workers interests
in the timber industry, and that the
international Union of Timberwork-
ers is being opposed by Col. Disque
Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary.
Copy of Letter.)
War Department, Spruce Production
Division, U. S. Signal Corps, 10y
al Legion of Loggers and Lum-
bermen.
Portland, Ore, June IA, 1918.
From Headquarters Loyal Legion OF
Loggers and Lumbermen.
To Field and Sanitation Officers.
Subject memorandum No. 3.
|. The following instructions of d.
vision Commander are announced
for your information and guid-
ance:
Advise officers of the Loyal Le-
zion in the field that they have no
authority to break up meetings
which are not directly Loyal Le-
zion meetings, as such
Also advise them to notify mem
5els of the Loyal Legion that this
office does not approve of creating
any other organization for the pur-
pose Ct looking after the interests
of the laboring men during the war,
and whenever members Of the 10y
al Legion decide to organize them
selves into any other club or asso-
citation with view to protect their
interests as laboring men, that tins
office will withdraw all association
in connection with that local, it be-
mo impossible that two organlza-
tions can exist and accomplish the
desired results.
C. P. STEARNS,
Major, Signal Corps, Adjutant.
Copy to Lieut., j. R. Johnson,
Idaho Hotel, Standpoint, Idaho.
The executive council of the In
ternational Union of Timberworkers
on July 80 adopted the following
resolutions
Seattle, Wash, July 30, 1918.
Whereas, Organization among the
men employed in the timber indus
try of the Pacific Northwest is be-
iny hampered and bids fair to be
entirely prevented, through the ac-
tivities of Col Brice P. Disque IN
charge of the U. S. Spruce Produc-
ton, Signal Corps, and,
Whereas. Col. Disque has promot-
ed an organization known as the
Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lum-
bermen. to which both employees and
employers are admitted to member
ship: and which the workmen are
almost uniformly compelled to join
under penalty of loss of employ
ment, and of which, secretaries are
appointed by representatives of Col
/
Disque mot elected by members as
they should be- and an obligation OF
LOYALTY to the government; ano
agreeing to work as nearly every
day as possible, in order that the
greatest production be obtained Is
REQUIRED. However, the members are
assured that in the pledge there Is
no requirement that will interfere
with their civil rights, but it has
developed that quite the reverse Is
the case, as the members are prac
ticslly dominated over by the Colo
mel, and democracy almost complete
ly denied by prescribed rules auto
.ratically promulgated, and.
Whereas, Contrary to the estab
lished program of the Federal Gov
ernment, Col. Disque in the forma
ton of wage agreements and work
iifg conditions has not consulted o.
conferred with authorized represen
tatives of labor, but has called to
gether some seemingly hand-picke'
members of the Loyal Legion t.
whom he presents a previously for
mulatcd program which is force'
through the meeting, which the
becomes the law of the land by tn
Colonel's proclamation, and,
Whereas, In cases where a chang
in their wages or conditions ar
under consideration, the matter ha
invariably been taken up with tn
employers by Col Disque, and afte
the matter has been concluded wit
them, without any democratic con
ference with the workmen or thei