davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Conventions Compared

Spokane-Editor Coates of the La
Dor World compares the recent A. F.
of L. convention with the recent con-
vention of the Washington state fed
Grafton of labor.
The writer says, "when it comes to
adopting sane and conservative
policy on big issues that are vitally
affecting the workers of the nation,
the A. F. of L. convention came
through with clear-cut, definite pro-
gram, while our convention, in con-
troll of the radical element, theorized
and adopted lot of paper resolu-
tions' that get US nowhere"
The Mooney case is cited to show
the different methods of the two con-
ventions. The A, F. of L., it is stated.
declares itself squarely" for a new
trial for Mooney, but it denied to any
outside organization the right, to use
the labor movement to secure through
economic pressure a political result
In other words, refused to sanction
the general strike called by an out
side organization.
while the executive council of the
state convention asked the convention
to take like action, this was turned
down and a resolution adopted that
the convention recommend to all
locals the participation in the general
strike, while at the same time every
delegate knew the convention had no
power over affiliated unions either to
recommend to them the action they
take or ask single individual to go
out on strike"
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Gains by Carpenters

Kingston, Can. = Carpenters have
raised wages to 70 cents an hour.
Peoria, Ill. = Acting as arbitrator
in wage dispute between carpenters
and contractors, Rev. B. G. Carpenter
has awarded the workers 8712 cents
an hour-the full amount of their
demand. This decision,' says the ar
bitrator, "is based chiefly upon the
fact of the greatly increased cost of
living and upon my conviction that
the cost of living will be still higher
in the immediate future.
"In the settlement of many disputes
between capital and labor during the
war l questioned a number of indi-
viduals who are supposed to be MAX
ing special study of this subject.
After all, l am compelled to admit
that there. is no scientific method for
wage fixing"
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Reject Offers of Aid
By Merchants Assn

Washington = Stop your profteer-
ing and pay your employees ''a reason
able compensation for the work they
do" is the answer of the National
Federation of Federal Employees to
the offer Of the Merchants and Manu-
facturers' association to assist gov
ernment employees in securing wage
increases from congress.
In rejecting the offer the trade
union executive declared that the
merchants would handicap the wage
movement. "If the merchants" said
President Stewart, "would propose
limitation upon their own profits,
their action would be of real value
since it would then relieve the
pressure of the cost of living to the
government workers.
eve say this advisedly, out of an
experience with rent profteering,
food profteering and period of un-
paralleled high prices for every
necessary article. 1t is an unques-
toned fact that business in the
District of Columbia was never more
prosperous than it is at present
while for the federal employees the
effort to make both ends meet was
never so great. And it is to the point
that Washington merchants actually
advertised in the newspapers a year
ago openly setting forth their claim
to their share of the government
workers pitiful war increase of $40
per month"
President Stewart shows that the
recent wage minimum of $3.50
week for employees in stores, which
the business men boast of, was Sc
cured only after they had refused to
pay minimum of $18 week, which
was declared necessary to meet living
costs.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
The American Miners
Produce Cheap Coal

Indianapolis. Ind.-American mine
workers produce the cheapest coal in
the world, work longer hours and re-
ceive smaller percentage of their
product than do European miners,
says Robert H. Harlin, statistician of
the United Mine Workers of America.
"The individual American coal
MINER" he says, produces from two
to three times as much coal per work.
ing day as the coal miner of Great
Britain or continental Europe. While
the wages of the American miner are
uniformly higher than the wages paid
the miners in Europe, yet the Ameri-
can miner receives for his labor a
smaller percentage of the value of
the wealth he produces than does the
miner of Great Britain and continent
al Europe.
"The American miner does not
have an eight-hour working day, as
is generally supposed by those not
intimately familiar with conditions
of mine labor. The so-called eight
hour day now in existence provides
that the miner shall be at the work
ing face eight and one-half hours.
When we add to this the time it re-
quires to travel from the mine
mouth to the working face Tin most
instances this travelling represents
the hardest kind of work where men
burdened with tools have to traverse
difficult man-ways under low roof
we find that the working day of the
miner under ground is nearer 10
hours than eight hours.
"The work day in the mines in
Great Britain is now seven hours,
and, in all probability, will be re-
duced to six hours in the very near
future"
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
UniOnism Expands

Sioux City, Iowa-"We do not be-
lieve," says the Sioux City Crafts
men, "that the rank and file of the
union men of Sioux City, nor yet
many of those prominent in the labor
movement, realize fully the growth of
trade unionism here"
To illustrate this growth it is shown
that the carpenters have increased
from $50 members to 700 within a
year and the hod carriers and com
mon building laborers from 20 charter
members to over 500. "We should"
says the Craftsmen, "in justice refer
to every union in the city, as they
are all showing a decided increase,
including those youngsters only few
weeks old"
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
LYON & HEALY
INJUNCTION DECISION WILL BE
CONTESTED
Piano and Organ Workers Union Will
Be Backed By Chicago Fedora
tiOn of Labor in Appeal to
the U. S. Supreme Court

The Chicago federation of labor
has voted to stand behind the Piano
and Organ Workers union in an ap-
peal to the United States supreme
court to set aside a decision by the
Illinois state supreme court that
picketing can be prohibited by an IN
junction.
Several months ago Superior
Judge Smith of this city commanded
striking piano and organ workers not
to picket the plant of the Lyon &
Healy Piano company. The strikers
were violating no criminal law and
they refused to obey the order Pres
ident Dold and six other members of
the union were arrested for contempt
Of court. They were each sentenced
to 80 days in jail and Dold was fined
$780, The others were each fined
$500. The decision was carried to the
state supreme court where it was up
held. One of the state judges said:
Even though the injunction issued
by Judge Smith was too drastic, that
did not give the workers any right
to violate any part of the injunction"
Other injunction judges in this city
continue issuing these writs. Girls
on strike against large department
store have been denied the right TO
picket peaceably and Judge Denis
Sullivan has sentenced 80 striking
cigar makers to jail for 80 days each
because they violated his injunction.
The court ordered the cigar makers
not to talk about the strike so they
hung placards on their arms notify
ing the public of the strike. The
court construed this as contempt.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Use Many Languages

San Francisco-In its annual report
the state commission of immigration
and housing says that when the wal
started it issued instructions in 1G
languages on how the draft law must
be obeyed.
The commission differs with pre-
vailing public opinion that knowl-
edge of Americas language is the
immigrants first essential in under
standing Americas ideals. The COM
mission believes that talks in the
language of the immigrant are a def
mite part of any adequate program
of Americanization, and to wait for
the immigrant to learn English be-
fore letting him become acquainted
with America is to ignore the great
est necessity of his education.
Acting on this theory the commits
sion's bureau of foreign-language
speakers go among the foreign born
of the state and make clear to them
in their own tongue those things
which perplex and battle them in
their new environment. They explain
the laws which the foreign born
transgress through ignorance; they
learn the grievances of immigrant
laborers in labor camps and act as
mediators between them and their
employers; they make clear to the
newcomers their duties to their new
country, as we'll as their rights and
their privileges.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Car Men Raise Wages

Boston-An arbitration board has
awarded an eight-hour day and wage
increases to striking employees of the
Boston elevated railway system.
Rates are advanced up to 62 cents an
hour, and will date back to May l.
Union officials declare it is the best
wage scale in America for street
transportation workers.
Macon, Ga.-A one-day strike of
Macon Railway & Light company
platform men resulted in recognition
of the Street Car Mems union, a 10
hour day and wage rate that ranges
from 36 to 40 cents an hour. Former
rates were from % to % cents.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Pressmen Make Gains

Pressmen's Home, Tenn.-Nearly
two pages of the American Pressmen,
official journal of the International
Printing Pressmen and Assistants
union, are necessary to list recent
gains by locals Of this organization.
Every section of the country is in
cluded and every unit Of the interna-
tional is represented in report of
continuous wage increases, shorten
ing of hours and improved working
conditions.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Win Three Years. Strike

Pittsburg, Pa. = Three years ago
union coal miners started an organ
izing campaign throughout the Allie
gheny valley. They were successful.
except in the case of the McFetidge
Brothers Coal company and the Pitts
burgh Plate Glass company. The
former concern, however, has agreed,
after three years of fighting, to rec
oghize the union and has signed an
agreement similar to that signed by
other union coal companies.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Launch Triple Alliance

Seattle-At conference in this city
the state triple alliance of trade
unionists, railroad brotherhood men
and farmers was launched and head
quarters established. A convention
will be held next January, when a
declaration of principles will be made
Until that time an agitation for or
ganization and unity will be con-
Quoted.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
EVERY S-HOUR BILL KILLED

Madison, Wis. = The state legis-
lature killed every eight-hour bill
that has been introduced. The last
one to get the axe provided for an
eight-hour day for women employed
in commercial establishments. This
bill passed both branches of the legis-
lature. Assemblyman Anderson of
Kenosha asked that it be recalled as
he wanted to offer slight amendment
that would make the act effective the
first of next year. This was agreed
to and it was promptly killed.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
JUDGES CAN'T BLUFF

Detroit, Mich. = Injunction judges
in this city have discovered that they
can't bluff striking iron molders, who
are acting on the suggestion of the
last A. F. of L. convention to defy
these writs, let the consequences be
what they may.
Recently several iron molders
were sentenced to five days in jail
because they violated an order not
to picket struck plant. This con-
Germ is now picketed every day by a
large number iron molders.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
ENGINEERS LOCKED OUT

Charleston, w. Va. = Marine en-
gineers employed on the Kanawha
and Ohio rivers, who were locked out
several weeks ago, are still fighting
against a wage reduction of 81 day
The rate which the owners refuse was
set by the national war labor board,
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
STRIKE FOR LIVING WAGE

York, Pa.-The General Cigar Co.
is facing strike of 800 cigar makers
because of a refusal to increase the
wage So thousand. The strikers
say they are being paid SO thousand
for certain cigar that the company
pays $12 and $14 to have made in
New York.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01

They gave out in Washington this
week what looked like just another
set of unimportant figures. The Inter
state Commerce Commission had
completed valuing five small rail
roads. The results? Actual value,
that is, cost of reproduction new, was
just about half of the property in
vestment account.
Statistics and highly technical
names-a government report, in other
words. But this time the figures and
technical names mean something
quite important to every person in
America. They mean that if the
same ratio that value has to proper
ty investment account holds true with
other roads, the American people are
paying just double the railroad rates
they need to pay. Railroad wages
could be increased and the cost of
living lowered.
The property investment account Of
railroad is the sum upon which the
road claims the right to receive re-
turns. If the railroad says it's value
is ten million dollars, naturally it
gets twice the rate it would be en-
titled to on five million. The question
is merely one of value. Several years
ago Congress ordered the Interstate
Commerce Commission to value the
railroads so the public need pay only
a just rate. These figures announced
this week are the first results Of the
investigation.
The investment in road and equip
ment as shown by the carriers books
of the five small lines totals $177,-
$31, ,508.01. The cost of reproduction
new in 1914, according to the Com
missions engineers, would be $84,-
280,359.00. The present value of the
land owned and used for transporta-
tion purposes by these companies, is
$5,541, ,288.65.
In other words this railroad prop
erty, from which the corporations
claim the right to receive returns on
more than SLIT, 100000, could be re-
placed with new equipment through
out, from real estate to the last
switch block, for half that amount.
The five companies are the Atlanta,
Birmingham and Atlanta; New Or
leans, Texas & Mexico; Texas Mid
land; Winston Salem; and Kansas
City Southern. They operate in all
less than 1000 miles froad. They
are so small that unusual financial
mismanagement would be hard to
conceal. They are typical of the
American Railroad situation. 1t must
be assumed that the difference be-
tween the actual value of the large
railroad properties and their proper
ty investment accounts" is at least
equal, to that disclosed by the in
vestigations of the Interstate Com
merce Commission in the case of
these five small roads.
That Property Investment Account
Here are the main elements in the
composition of property investment
account:
() All capital invested in con-
from the time the road first
was built until the present. In the
case of the older companies, the
money which bought lotion locomo-
tives and metal-covered wooden rails,
in the scrap heap for decades, is ex-
pected to bring a return every year
(2) Capital invested in railroad !
securities which, maliciously or by |
mistakes of management, was not |
used efficiently.
(3) Watered stock.
(4) Surplus funds, used for ex-
renewals or re-equipment.
The surplus fund of a railroad is
of that part of the profits
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Theatrical Trades Unite

Parkersburg, W. Va.-A state or
ganization of theatrical stage en-
ployes and motion picture operators
was formed at a conference in this
city. Representative from several
West Virginia cities were present.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Painters Raise Wages

San Francisco-Organized painters
paper hangers and decorators in this
city and vicinity have signed one
year wage agreement with the Master
Painters association. Rates are ad-
vanced from 81 a day to So. The
agreement benefits several thousand
employees.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
JUDGE GARY
STEEL AND IRON WORKERS
WILL DISCUSS STRIKE
Tool of the Steel Trust and Advocate
of "Open Shop" Refused to Ans
wer GOmpers' Letter Asking
For a Conference

Pittsburg, Pa.-At a special meet
ing of the national committee for or
ganizing iron and steel workers it
was decided that the "a national and
internationals having jurisdiction in
these industries be asked to submit
strike vote to their memberships to
enforce demands which include right
of collective bargaining, reinstate-
ment of men discharged for union
activities, the eight-hour day, one
days rest in seven, abolition of 81
hour shifts, wage increases and double
pay for overtime, standard wage
scales for all crafts, check-off system
of collecting union dues and assess
ments, seniority, abolition of company
stores and abolition of physical ex-
aminations.
This action, it is stated, was made
necessary by the refusal Of Judge
Gary, chairman of the steel trusts
beard of directors, to reply to letter
from President Gompers asking for
conference with steel executives to
adjust conditions in the steel mills.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
WAGE INCREASES
Gains in Wages Made by Organized
Labor Throughout the Nation
Avery Laundry Strike

San Francisco-A strike of laundry
workers has been averted by employ
ers cenceding the wage demand of
these unionists. Rates are advanced
81 week and the scale now ranges
from SIS to $50 a week, accoring to
grade of work.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
LABOR'S PROGRESS
advances Made and Better Conditions
Secured All Over the Country
Lathers Get Agreement

Cincinnati-Lathers have signed a
three-year agreement with employ
ers. Improved working conditions
are included.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Retail Clerks Unite

Muskogee, Okla. = Retail clerks
want improved working conditions
and their first act is to organize and
affiliate with the trade union move
ment.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01
Bakers Organize

Dubuque, Iowa = Bakery workers
in this city have organized and affili-
ated with the bona fide trade union
movement.
Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-08-01

New York-Judge Gary of the steel
trust is quoted in local newspaper
as not fearing a strike of steel work
ers, because, he says, the men realize
they are better off under the "open
shop" practices of his concern and
its subsidiaries. Trade unionists say
the judge is "whistling to keep up his
courage"
Judge Gary's is a model "open
shop" All trade union agitation is
stopped by discharging the workers
and towns controlled by this trust
prohibit trade unionists holding pub
lie meetings. This is true of Home
stead, McKeesport and other western
Pennsylvania localities.
Douglas Island news., 1919-03-21
LYRIC SHOWS

For Friday and Saturday night the Lyric theatre is offering the "Cross Bearer" a war story centorod in Belgium. In the part of Cardiniel Mcrcier, Montagu Love scores a big triumph. For interpretation of the part Of this heroic Belgian cardinal he has received the thanks of the many friends Of Belgium. June Ec- clcs is aloo starred in this picture. The usual comedy and weekly will also be shown.
 For Sunday afternoon matinee. Sunday and Monday nights, Edward Earle and Betty Howe will be seen in the great drama "For France" This is another story Of the great war. In it is an American soldier from West Point. Many of the i'm cidcnts arc taken from real life and tEcrc is not a dull moment in the whole piece. A fine comedy and a weekly will also be shown and the Lyric orchestra will play on Sunday night.
Douglas Island news., 1919-03-21
DOUGLAS -TREADWELL CHAPTER
 OF AMERICAN RED GROSS
APPRECIATION

Tho Douglas-Trcadwen Chapter of
 The Douglas Troadwcll Chapter wishes to express its thanks Co Che women of thc Island who have 80 consciontiousy taken mp Che knit ting again-this time for the ref ugees. A great deal or yarn has been given out and the finished garments are being returned Co headquarters but there is still some yarn left, SO anyone who feel they have any time to give Co this urgent work may be supplied with yarn to make sweat ers or stockings.
Douglas Island news., 1919-03-21
sOURDOUGH SENDS GOLD DUST
 FOR RED CROSS MEMBERSHIP

Gold dust used to be as common as gold coin in the Northwest dur Ing the days Of thc Klondikc but that was two decades ago SO it is uot surprising that out Division ac- countant felt some one was spoofing inn when last week he was asked Co give a five dollar credit for a small bottle of sand showing tiny particles of "color" which had been sent from Inc north by a big-hcartcd Alaskan.
 This sourdough wanted tho Red Cross to get his donation and being short on Uncle sam's legal tender and long on Che big heart stun he did the next best thing; but let him ten it himself Here is his letter:
 Just Somewhere in the
 Wilds of Alaska,
 December 23, 1918.
 "Hcrc is about S5.OO worth in Ma tive gold. ! intended sending it first to some of Che lads doing the fight ing, but then they are not up against it for eating and chances are some of the children would be mp against it pretty hard if it was not for the Red Cross. Then was told on the 10th at the Road House where ] get my mail the war is over.
 
 But shurc Che Red Cross is never over. But suppose some thinks they ought Co drop out. But shuro 'tis a Society tbat every man should be proud Co belong to like the Masons .or Moose. A great many think or call it a charitable society. lt may be-. but suu we don't call the Ma sons or Moose charitable societies. And we pay for our membership in the Red Cross Che same as the others and thc money goes to take care Of our Friend, and thc little kids who has been made orphants by the war Am not religious myself. but would not like to call a mans children subjects of charity who had gave his life in Che Allied cause. Or how would it sound if some one said our wounded lads were cared for by a charitable society when the Red Cross nurses took care of them. lt may Doe charity in one sense, but not thc kind most people infer Well this is a longer letter than ! expected to write and probably it is worth $500 Co get am interpreter to read same.
 "Am just a roughneck prospcctor sometimes we find it and sometimes we don't you can tell by the small amount it has been some time since Che finding has been In my favor but would Doe pleased to learn what arrangements and what it will cost to continue a member of the society and if the magazine will be contin- ucd. It's a long time between mail with me but win get your reply some time if you care to answer
 "Either Eagle or Circle, Alaska. will reach me before April lst, 1919.
 "W. D. MCLAUGHLIN" "
Douglas Island news., 1919-03-21
NEW BABY

A baby boy weighing seven pounds was born to Mir. and Mrs. James Chapados at st. Ann hospital We'd nesday morning.
 A few hours after the birth Of the little son Of Mir. and Mrs. Chapados, Miss Rose Flabbi arrived here from Victoria for a visit with her sister, Mrs. Chanados.