davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
cLocKWoRKERs' UNION.
Organizer Beardsley Addresses
 a Mass Meeting.

s. E. Beardsley, of New York, in ternationaf organizer of the Watch and Clock Workers Union, addressed the members of Local No. 46 of New Ha- ven at a mass meeting in Trades Coun- Gil Hall on Sunday. Ira M. Ornburn, secretary of the Connecticut Federation of Labor, intended to be present. Joseph Pergola, the business agent of the local, told of what was being accomplished. The organization Is gradually adding to its membership. All the members are employed at the shop of the New Haven Clock Company, which raised the wages 10 per cent.
 At the special meeting of the union last Friday night, the committee ap- pointed to interview Superintendent Finnerty of the New Haven Clock Co. in regard to discharging Joseph Wasser- man, secretary of the union, reported that the superintendent informed them that the secretary had used tags be- longing to other men and placed them on his work and that he had proof of if. The union acceDted the report and took no further action.
 Joseph Wasserman, secretary ot the local. made report at the last meeting of his trip to Chicago where he was the delegate from the local to the in ternational convention. He was away one week. He said the international organization was in good shape. Here after the conventions will be held every other year instead of annually. 1t was Mr. Wasserrnan's first visit to Chicago and as the convention took up all of his lime he did not have an opportun- ity to see much of the city other than a bus ride and trip to Lincoln Park
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
.DANBURY EATERS
 1. INJUNCTION CASE
Decision Reserved After Final Arguments Are Made Before
 Superior Court.

Bridgeport, Aug. Judge Ma1tbie i'll the superiort court here reserved his decision after hearing final arguments in the Danbury injunction case of R. & w. Hat Shop, Inc, vs. United Hatters of North America. Testifying for the defendants, Jeremiah Scu1ly, president of Local No. 10, United Matters of North America, denied the, threats he was alleged to have made to George MCLachlan. When cross-examined by Attorney Thomas Hewes of Hartford he said: ''I never told Wimbheimer I would call strike and never did any, thing to harm McLach1an's business in any way. I never threatened any man. ufacturer since I've been an officer of the union" -,. =
 When Michael Green, president of the union, took the stand he told the court that he never issued an order to a local to call strike or a lockout in McLach1an's factory.
 In his final argument Attorney Hewes. counsel for the plaintiff, pointed out to the court that the plaintiff, the R. & w. Hat Shop, had suffered great and irreparab1e injury, caused by McLach1an's. breach of contract and that even if he could get the hat bodies now, 1t would be too late to fulfill his contracted deliveries.
 Counsel for the defense held that the breach of contract was not unlawful inasmuch as 1t was incidental in the protection of the rights of the union
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
TOBACCO SHIPPERS,
 BUSINESS IS BETTER
New Haven Union to Meet Next Week and Arrange for Benefit
 of Manchester Girls.

The executive committee of the New Haven Local of the Tobacco Shippers Union met on Monday afternoon in Trades Council Hall and reports were made that business was improving in this work and that the girls who were laid off or were working on short time some time ago are now back on the regular schedule. The union will meet next Thursday night when t is ex- pected that arrangements will be made for an entertainment of some kind for the benefit of the striking tobacco shippers in Manchester, N. H. The cigarmakers and tobacco shippers are on strike in that city, No decision has been reached as to the form of enter tainment to be had but it will probably not be dance as the last ventures of the organization in this form of pleasure were not as profitable financially as de- sired although there was no criticism as to the, social end. Miss Helen Shields, secretary of the union, told of some of her visits in the line of organization work in the garment trades.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
HARTFORD MAYOR
 WON'T RUN AGAIN
R. J aKinsella Says He Won t Take Nomination-Policy
 Baked by Labor Party.

R. J. Kinsella, mayor of Hartford, announced this week that he would not accept another nomination for the mayoralty and his reason was that the office took tco much time away from his business. MT. Kinsella is a-democrat and has long been recognized as a good friend of organized labor. Mr. Kin sella says he is approached every day by democrats who want to have him run again but he says he Is positively out of the race. Mayor Kinse11a's ap- pointments were approved by organized labor and he did not antagonize the way Sheriff Reilly did when he ap- pointed his jailer. --t v
 When Mayor Kinsella took office the board of aldermen had democratic ajority and everything was plain sai1- ing. Then the new labor party bobbed up and boiled enough votes to cause a fewIdemocratic wards to elect republi- can aldermen and gave the republicans majority in the aldermanic chamber. This baked some of the plans of the mayor and 1t also made trouble in the General. Assembly for the officials of the Connecticut Federation of Labor who had been working among the legis- lators for the benefit of organized labor.
 From present indications, the labor party has caused about all the harm it can do and the showing it made in the Hartford election was just a flash III the pan. A chosen few who desire to keep in the limelight are maintaining that the party will be continued but there is but little interest in it and workingnen have more important matters to con- sider The labor party men were going to rule the Connecticut convention, they were going to turn Gompers out and they made other prognostications just about as foolish but only on election day did they ever get on the front page,
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
CIGARMAKERs' UNION.
Porto Rico Strike. Involving IA,
 900, Won by Union.

The New Haven Union of Cigar makers will meet next week, when it is expected details will be received re- garding the strike of -cigarrnakers in Porto Rico, which has just been won by the union, after strike lasting from January and which involved from 12,OOO to 14,000 people, The Interna- tional Union indorsed this strike. The Cigarmakers' Official Journal says no band of workers ever suffered more or longer for principle than the cigar workers of Porto Rico have during this strike and lockout This paper says:
 Our own, suffering, gallant deter m1ned members of Porto Rico have won one of the most stubborn contests fought under the. most adverse con- ditions that has ever occurred III our trade. The American Cigar and To- bacco Company, part of the trust, prac- tica11y dominates the industry i'll the island of Porto Rico. It should also be remembered that there are not so many industries there to which our members could turn. Up to the time the Inter national Union organized a goodly DOT ton of the cigarnakers in that island their wages had been gradually reduced and working conditions had become more intolerable."
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
RADICAL AGTATORS
 IN CONNECTICUT
One Is Elected From Hall in Hartford and Ornburn Pans the
 Organization in Bridgeport.

:. The Workers International Industrial Union is trying to get foothold in Connecticut and is working among men out on strike. One of the objects of this organization as announced in Bridgeport is to have all factories sup ply spring water on ice for all em- p1oyees. Secretary Ira M. Ornburn of the Connecticut Federation of Labor accuses the Workers International In- dustria1 union of having no interest i'll the workers it is organizing other than to get their initiation fee. He asserts that the w. l. I. U. is more radical in some of its demands than the l. w. w., of which it is an ofshoot.
 I. w. w. agitators have been actively at work in Hartford and thousands of circulars were distributed advocating radical action by employees of the com panies where strikes now prevail. One agitator was ejected from a meeting at Machinists' Ha1l and the I. w. W. or gar1izers also attempted to rent Central Labor Union Ha11, which was refused to them.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
MACHINETS ARE TO APPEAL CASES
 DEPT. OF LABOR
Said to Have Been Discharged by Eastern Machine Screw
 Because of Union.
NO UNION MEN WANTED
Satisfactory Adjustment Is Look ed for-Many Are Joining
 Machinists' Union.

It IS reported from reliable sources mat the employees of the Eastefn Machlne Screw Corporation are getting very much dissatisfied over conditions lhat nave taken place at this plant with III the past few days. The trouble dates pack a few weeks when it is learned that the employees started to ioin tbe Machlnists' Union. They have been hoiding meetings regularly at Macbin- lsts hall for the last two weeks and have been quietly organizing. It is said lhaL wages are very poor at this plant and this IS the chief complafat of the men. The hours of labor are ionp and tn1s also constitutes complaint. They started to get together and organize as means ot bringing about the desired change III their working conditions. On
 tuesday of this week, about 27 of inc employees were discharged. presunabIv Tor joinIng the union They were told III some instances that there was a necessity for cutting down expenses. ana also m some instances they were told that no union was wanted in the shop.
 This last feature seems to have stirred up great deal of dissension among the men because they realize that the VI Sa,iZLAS oI employees IS encouraged by the Government, and they believe that they have right to do as thev please Tn regard to joining a union without having that right denied or abridged by their employer. A meet ing of the employees of this concern was held Wednesday night, and # was decided to put the case in the hands of the U. 5. Department of Labor for adjustment. It IS assured that the U. S. Department of Labor will take up fine case for the employees
 It IS expected that the trouble will be satisfactorily adjusted without causing any stoppage of work at the shop Ofheials of the Machinists' Union, upon being interviewed upon the matter. ex- pressed their desire not to have any trouble resulting in strikes in New Ha- ven, but that employees in many of the shops were very poorly paid and that the employees were realizing thatan organization was necessary in order to get better conditions, and that if er11- ployers endeavored to discourage or gafuation ty such methods IS appar- ently have been instituted by this con cern, that 1t Is liable to lead to drastic action being taken by the men. in the face of contrary advice on the part of union officials, and condition brought about that IS not desired by the union nor the public.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
SHERRY 20 YEARS OLD.
Five Gallon Demijohn Found by
 Butchers Organizer.

Daniel Rocco, one. of the interna- tiona1 organizers of the Ama1gamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America, who has been ad- dressing meetings in Connecticut for the last few months, changed his resi- dence in New York short time ago, moving into a house that had been occupied By a German. A fve-gallon demijohn was found in the cellar and it had been apparently overlooked for a number of years as it was covered with cobwebs and dust. It was going to be carted away with some junk when MT. Rocco rescued it and tag showed that the demijohn contained King of Spain sherry 20 years old. This is a very valuable wine and 20 years ago it was valued at about $25 gallon. Since the great find was made MT. Rocco has had many callers at his house who wished to consult him on various mat ters. He has but one gallon left now and this is being served out spoonful at a time -sa5
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
WATERBURY AND NEARBY TOWNS
 SHOW BIG GAIN
Recent Strikes in Naugatuck Valley Strengthens A. F. of l..
 By 2,000 Members.
TWO BIG NEW LOCALS
Splendid Results From Activity of Secretary Ornburn and
 Other Organizers.

Waterbury, Aug. 1.-The A. F. of L. has gained at least 1000 new members as result of the recent epidemic of strikes in the Naugatuck valley. Two new locals have been organized, the Boot and Shoe Workers Union in Naugatuck and the Waterbury branch of the A. F. of L.
 The strikes began among the un- skilled workers in the metal trades in Ansonia early in June The strike in that city made little progress until 5000 Of the tinSkilled workers III the Water bury brass factories went out on June l9, This forced the manufacturers to realize that a new scale of wages in the brass industry was imperative. In- creases amounting to s per cent. for all workers receiving 40 cents or more an hour and 10 cents an hour for all re- ceiving less than that were granted by the leading manufacturers of Water bury on June 28. The manufacturers of Ansonia and nearby towns followed their example. ss.>
 Organizer I. M. Ornburn, secretary of the Connecticut district of the A. F. of L., arrived in Waterbury when the strike began and at once started organ izing the men, who are mostly Lithu- anians, Poles, Russians and Italians. Although the men returned to work when the increases were granted the work of organization has been continued and, the Waterbury branch now has about 1900 members A charter has been obtained. The members are un- skilled workers in the casting, rolling and wire mills. a4
 7 Meanwhile the workers of the Good year India Rubber Glove Company of Naugatuck struck early in July. A branch of the Boot and Shoe Workers Union had been organized there in June and when the strike came 1t gain ed members rapidly. It now has about 2,000. Organizer John Roche arrived to handle the strike.
 The Waterbury branch of the A. F. of l. would be much larger if it had not been for the organization of dual union called the Waterbury Workers Association by prominent Italian, Frank Defeo. This organization has obtained a charter fof incorporation from the state. It now has about 900 members It has had considerable trouble with the police and gained the right to meet only after much effort. The. A. F. of l.. organizers have met with no opposition from the police or manufacturers, although the latter have not recognized the union as Waterbury is an open shop toWfl.a
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
JULIA O'CONNOR
 SCORES ONCE MORE
Another Victory for Boston Girl Who Organized Phone Girls
 in Hartford and Bridgeport.


 Washington, Aug. 1.-Back pay to January 1, 1e1o,% for the telephone operators in five states on the Pacific Coast. will be orderedsby Director Gea- eral Burleson of the telephone and tele- graph administrator, 1t was stated to- day by Miss Julia O'Connor, president of the organized telephone operators, who with John J. Purcell, of the Inter national Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, held a conference this morn ing with the wire control board on this subject
 This conference followed the settle ment of the telephone strike on the West coast by agreement of the com spanies to the wage increase demanded by the strikers, and will affect about l2,000 telephone operators in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and California. In granting the back pay, the wire control board, which is composed of Directcr General -Burle- son, John C. Rooms, and w. H. Lamar, recognized the claims of the operators for an increase dating from the expira- ton of the unions former contract with the companies, January l, 1919, which claim the companies have disputed and fought for the past seven months. The ruling of the wire control board IS therefore counted decisive victory for the telephone operators and their lead CT, Miss O'Connor, under whose direc- ton they won their strike in New Eng land some months ago, and have just won also guarantee of recognition for the union by the telephone company in Cleveland, Ohio.
 Miss O'Connor is Boston girl who has been a telephone operator for 10 years or more, She IS president of the Telephone Operators Department of the International Brotherhood of Elec- trical Workers, and a member of the executive board of the National Women's Trade Union League.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
SPECIAL MEETING
 OF CIGARMAKERS
New Haven Local Votes an Addi- tional 5 Per Cent. Assessment
 for Strikers and Aids Shippers.

The Cigarmakers' Union, Local 3o, of. New Haven, held a special meeting large that Trades Council Hall was overfowed with cigarmakers. It was voted to levy an additional 5 per cent. weekly assessment on wages for the benefit of striking cigarmakers in Bos- ton, New York and Manchester, N. H.. This makes an assessment of 10 per cent: as there was 5 per cent. assess ment short time ago. This will average little over $2.1O per man. It was decided to give per cent. to Bos- ton and the other 5 per cent. will be divided between New York and Man chester. It was voted to give :he >triking tobacco shippers in Manchester $50 and this sum was sent yesterday morning.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
REAL HERO IS
 AMONG CARPENTERS
Benjamin Feldman of New Haven Local Cited for Distinguished
 Conduct in Action.

George F. Mordecai business agent of the District Council of Carpenters of New Haven, was in his office on Tues day afternoon when he was confronted by young man in the military uni form of the United States and he was all ablaze with medals, service stripes, silver stars for distinguished conduct i'll action, insignia for heroism, for his rank, his brigade and division. The young man was Benjamin Fe1dman, who had just been mustered out at Camp Upton. He had returned from France with great record for bravery rowful ending. This young man is the goods and his papers show just what he did. He is member of Local l742, of New Haven, Brotherhood of Car penters and Joiners. He has not recov- cred from his war experiences yet and will be unable to work for l few week; but Mr Mordecai assured him he need not worry about that.
 ~- Fe1dman was born in Russia and was drafted in New Haven. He was in Company I, 61st Infantry, 9th Infantry Brigade, Fifth Division. Here. is the citation in orders for distinguished con- duct in action signed by command of Brigadier- General Castner:
 a Ninth Infantry Brigade
 Benjamin Feldman, Company I, 61st
 Infantry. sss
 During the Argonne- Mouse offen- sive, Private Fe1dman, disregarding all danger, displayed extraordinary cour- age and bravery as runner from the Third Battalion P. C. to the Regimental F. C. On October 4, 1918 while on the way back to the Regimental P. C. (post commando he carried wounded com rade for <l1i1ometre and half under heavy shell .lnd machine gun fire. When within short distance of the dressing station, Private Feldnan and wounded comrade were knocked down by an ex- ploding shell which killed the wounded man" 5s.I
 In speaking of his experience to a reporter for The Connecticut Labor Press, Private Fe1dnan said he did not know who the man that he assisted was. He said he heard call for assistance and found that the man had been shot i'll the leg and was unable to walk. He carried him on, his back for about one mile and just as he was approaching the dressing station he heard the whistle of an approaching shell. He dropped to the ground but the shell struck the man he had carried and killed him.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
HOLYOKE CARPENTERS.

Holyoke, Aug. About 100 shop carpenters employed in the leading con- cerns and carpenter shops of Holyoke struck for 10 per cent. increase in wages, a 44-hour week and a closed shop.
 The employers are willing to grant the increase, but object to a 44-hour week and a closed shop, as well as a three-year agreement the men want signed.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
CAPMAKERS DONATE. Get Back Pay and Each Gives $2
 to the Local Union.

The Capmakers Union of New Haven met on Saturday night. The increased pay recently awarded the workers by the manufacturers dates from July l. This increased pay was not given until July 16 and at that time the increase for two weeks was added to the weeks pay. The increase is from $2 to $5 a week according to the wages earned. On motion of Benjamin Leventhal, each member of the union contributed $2 from this windfa11 to the organiza- ton. There was no objection to the motion and the treasury is benefited thereby.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
STICKING IN soUTHINGToN,

Souttington, Aug. 4.-About 700 men at the Peck, Stow & Wilcox plant in this town continue on strike. The men asked for an eight-hour day and 25 per cent. increase in wages. The men were willing to compromise on a 50-hour week and 20 per cent wage increase. The company offered 50-hour week, with 10 per cent. wage increase and nothing additional for piece workers. The men refused this offer and decided stances. The wages are very low at this plant the employees averaging less than 30 cents an hour.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
LIKE DESERTED VILLAGE.
Sergeant-at-ArmsI McCabe Gets Chance to Sharpen His Mace.

The Trades Council Hall of New Haven, ordinarily hive of activity for organized labor officials and the rank and file, was like deserted village on Wednesday evening, for it was the fifth Wednesday of, the month and a fifth Wednesday as "a meeting night is like the fifth spoke in a wheel. President OMeara was in Washington, Secretary Ornburn was in Bridgeport, several of the business agents were in the latter city and Secretary Dedrick of the E1ec- meeting and the influential officials were away Sergeant-at-Arms McCabe and an opportunity to put keen edge on his mace so as to. be ready for any emergency.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02

hardly in the nature of a surprise. For the past year and half, while almost universally throughout the United States publishers have been granting increases and patriotica1ly giv- ing bonuses amounting to 20 30, and 409o, you have insisted upon your work being done for the same wages paid before America entered the war. But we assure you that we are loyal enough to our contract to live Up to it until it expires, when our International and Local Unions expect to make one for living wages and under full I. T. U. laws.
 Sincerely yours, "(Signed)
 C. N. BALLARD,
 President.
 "E. R. OTTARSON,
 Sec Treas.
 y. P. MARONEY,
 Chairman Scale Com."
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
PREssMEN MAKE GAINS.

Pressmen's Home, Tenn, Aug. L. Nearly two pages of the American Pressmen, official journal of the Inter national Printing Pressmen and Assist ants Union, are necessary to list recent gains by locals of this Organization; and every unit of the international is represented in a report of continuous wage increases, shortening of hours and improved working conditions.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
SHERIFF AIDS EMPLOYER

Memphis, Tenn, Aug. 1.-About 250 white and negro 1aborers employed on
 a big piece of construction work here asked for wage increases and were noti- fled by the sheriff and his deputies "to get off the property if you won't work for 30 cents an hour" The strikers headed for hall where they organized.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
MACHINIsTs' MEETING.
Members of Elm Lodge Have a
 Referendum Vote.

Elm Lodge of New Haven, Interna- tional Association of Machinists, at its regular meeting on Thursday night conducted referendum vote i'll connec- ton with other lodges i'll the associa- tion The rates to be paid various officials of the union and expense allowances were the principal matters voted upon. The organizers put in an- other busy week in Bridgeport, Hart ford and other cities in this state where machiniSts are out on strike.
The Connecticut labor press., 1919-08-02
STRIKE FOR LIVING WAGE

York, Pa, Aug. 1.-The General Cigar company is facing a strike of 300 cigar makers because of a refusal to increase the wages $2 thousand. The strikers say they are being paid $o thousand for certain cigar that the company pays SIP and $14 to have made III New York.