The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-05-23
JOKE ON RIGBY? A SLAP AT LEAGUE
Mexicans Coming Union Labor Distrusfu of the
/ Up PostOffce. NOnpartisan League.
Wire Topeka Delegates, Associated
|. City Came Tip. With 1t, Given Frosty Welcome.
BUILDING PLACED UNDER GUARD ELIIS TAKES A REAL STAND
Decide Take Machnists' Appeals to
Any Chances. Governors Office Here.
Investigation Be Made To ORGANIZATIONS Showing in
Westan
Union Labor Distrustful of the
NOnpartisan League.
Topeka Delegates, Associated
With 1t, Given Frosty Welcome.
ELLIS TAKES A REAL STAN[
Machinists' Local Appeals to
Governors Office Here.
ORGANIZATIONS Best Showing in
West and Northwest.

Nonpartisan league organizers are
travelling rocky road in Kansas.
The Farmers Union, the grange and
similar rural organizations are fight
ingattenpts of league officials to gain
a foothold in this state. The real jolt
to the league came today when it was
announced that organized labor itself
had taken a swat at the attempt of
the league to gain strength here.
Indications that the more farsight-
ed and loyal leaders in the organized
la Dor circles will fight the league in
Kansas have been made clear by in
formation gathered in state house de-
partments. One evidence was shown
today in a letter from Ellis local of
the International Association of Ma
chinists. Another straw which shows
the course of labor organizations was
a report of activities at a big labor
conference in Pittsburg.
Out in Ellis county nearly 500 mem
bers have been secured by the Nom
partisan league. The organization
includes day laboFers in Hays and
farmers in the big wheat county. Ell
lis. which is a division point of the
Union Pacific, has apparently given
the league a jolt in the action of the
machinists' union. Governor Aliens
office was today advised of the action
loyal American citizens, we believe
the doctrines of said league not con-
ducive to good citizenship" said H.
E. Bon, recording secretary of the
ma chinists organization, in a letter
which he sent to the governor.
They Collect the Dues.
According to letters received by
| state departments. the Nonpartisan
! league has made its greatest showing
| in the a ND
| ties. In number of counties strong
| Organizations have bean formed by
men sent into the communities to
arouse sentiment for the league. Not
| only have the organizers enrolled a
large membership. but in practically
member has paid his SIS dues and
initiation which league workers col
| lect.
One test of the attitude of organ
| lied labor forces was shown few
| days ago in Pittsburg when labor lead
| ers from all sections of the state at
| tended an important conference Sew
| eral Topeka men whose relations with
| league officials have been intimate
were given a frosty reception by mer
| in charge of affairs. According to a
| statement by John w. Crawford, state
labor commissioner. all men suspected
| of close relationship with league at
fairs were given a midwinter greeting
and allowed no power which could di-
rect or control the organizations ac-
| lions.
! The Farmers union and grange
| both strong farmer organizations, have
| fatty gone on record against support
| or encouragement of Nonpartisar
| league promotion in Kansas. Now the
| labor organiza lions in the towns and
cities are showing a decided tendency
| to brand league workers and to keeI
| Kansas above criticism or-suspicion.