davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
RAILROADS BLAMED
FOR COAL SHORTAGE

Are the railroads. under private
management, responsible for the
present coal shortage? The New
York World says:
'In according the railroads the
privilege Of assigning cars to the
mines filling railroad orders, the way
has been opened for the revival of
abuses that cannot be permitted to
continue. Taking advantage of the
powers Of discretion granted them, it
1scharged the railroads have favored
mining companies with which they
have close connections to the injury
of others in the operation of which
they are not interested.
IF the mines are t, resume pro-
ductlon at capacity, if the mine work.
ers are to have employment at fair
wages, there must be straight deal
Ing by the railroads in the distribu-
ton of cars
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
WHAT CAUSED THE WARP

A crop shortage in the United States
IN 1914 caused the world war. So the
British Ambassador, Sir Auckland Ged-
DIES, is reported by the New York
Times to have said: The usual surplus
for European consumption was lacking
in that year, according to Sir Auck-
land, and the ruling powers in Ger
many looking about for new sources
of supply, brought on the war.
If Sir Auckland has given US the
facts, then it is correct to say that
the greatest war in the worlds his.
tory was brought about by land mo.
nopoly in the United States. Had there
been no land monopoly there would
nave been no crop shortage. The short
age that year was due to the holding
OF much arabic land by individuals
who would not use it themselves or
let others do so. The land was held
at prices too high for cultivators to
pay. The crop shortage Of this year
IS due to the same cause intensified
to considerable extent. Then, as
now, the land could have been brought
into use through measures to force idle
owners either to cultivate or let 20.
A tax could have been levied on load
values heavy enough to mako holding
without use unprofitable Industry and
its products could have been exempted.
Tariffs and other trade restrictions
could have been abolished. But since
this was not done the blind rulers of
all nations thought the trouble was
due to pressure of population and be-
gan to apply what Nautilus called the
'positive check''
AS far as the recent war is con-
cerned the mischief is done. But fu-
! ture wars are possible and should be
averted. The measure that could have
averted the peace Of the future, if
allowed to function. It is the same
measure that will settle the cost Of liv-
ing problem and other problems result
ing from economic troubles. The meas
ure is the single tax on land values.
With that in operation the land of the
United States will drift into the hands
OF those willing and ready to produce
enough to supply demand. When that
has happened, food shortages will be
at an end, and nations will not need
to- quarrel over territory to supply
them with food. Economic justice is
the real peace-maker.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
MORE THAN 5000 MINERS
ARE KILLED EVERY YEAR

WASHINGTON Aug. 6.-Just when
anthracite miners are demanding. a
living wage, the United statese bureau
Of mines issues an interesting state
mont on mine rescue work and the
deadly nature Of this calling. It il
stated that the mining industry IN
this country employs more than
100000 men and more than 5000
are killed each year. - ~
But for the; life-saving activities
Of the mine bureau, 1t 10. stated 5000
more miners would have lost their
lives during the past ten years, or
since the mine rescue department has
been il existence. The bureau states
that sere 81, perhaps, no other In
du1try In the unitsd STATES that has
1aeA 4
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
PRIVATE INITIATIVE.

Every advocate of the return Of
railroads to the former private owners
and managers has had much to say
about preserving private initiative.
The argument is used so much be-
cause all Of US admire private initia-
alive. We like to see efficiency, per-
severance and good service.
But those who use this private in
it1atlve argument to bolster up railroad
flnanciering; the many trusts now vex-
ing the land and other forms Of waste
full service neglect to show us their
program really does foster private in
itiative. The issue is not one for or
against private initiative but one Of
whether we shall foster the private
initiative of the few or the many.
When we returned the railroads TO
private ownership last spring we en-
larged the initiative Of perhaps dozen
flnanciers. We gave more work to
the stock brokers. The great mass of
railroad men, including low and high
Officers, are doing exactly what they,
did under government control. But in
allowing the dozen financiers to exert
their initiative we have tied up the
entire country. Harbors are congested.
blast furnaces are shutting down, coal
can not be mined in adequate quantity,
perlshable produce rots on the farms.
livestock already fattened is eating IN
the farmers hsrd-earned dollars, coun-
try elevators are full Of last wears
gram and new crop is coming on,
Cotton mills: shoe factories and ma
chine shops close for lack Of coal and
raw materials.
The private initiative of nearly all
our millions of farmers, business men
and city workers is thus slowed IN.
hum on the farms, bankruptcy in the
cities, starvation for the family is the
prospect for thousand times as MANY
hard working people as are in anv wav
aided by the return of the railroads
TO the financial pirates.
1t IS time that the whole country
began to see through this private mi
t1atlve bunko of the privileged classes.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
penditure was two per cent higher than

penditure was two per cent higher than
in April, and in April five per cent
higher than in March. Since 1918 the
average increases is about 100 per cent.
This means that workers who today
are receiving in money twice as much
as their service commanded in 1913
are working for reduced wages. 1t is
a simple matter of arithmetic. 10 keep
even and maintain his standard Of liv-
ing, the worker who in 1918 received
500 should now be receiving 5000.
The workers who received 5000 should
now be receiving $500. Unless they
have received these increases, they are
sustaining losses.
AS matter Of fact, there has been
no real increase of wages since 1886.
This is not news to workers who are
striving desperately to make ends
meet, but is contrary to what many
newspaper economists have been writ
ing for publication. The reader of the
average newspaper might imagine that
the workers are rolling in opulence.
The average employer Of labor sin
cerely believes that he is paying much
more than any worker is entitled to
receive.
But there is the report Of the bureau
Of labor, showing with mathematical
precision that in a very few, if any,
instances, are the workers of this coun-
try as well off now as they were 50
years ago. Certainly they are not as
prosperous as they were in 1918.
The transportation wage board re-
Gently granted railroad workers an in
crease Of wages Of % per cent. With
other increases granted during the per-
iod of federal control, the average in
| come of transportation men is prob
ably so per cent higher than in 1918.
For similar services they today are re.
ceiving 25 per cent less than they were
being paid seven years ago.
Workers will continue to ask for
higher wages and discomfort will not
abate until wages are again level with
living COSTS
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
TELEPHONE MONOPOLY
Splits WIRE: WORKERS

Announcement in the public press
| mat New England electrical workers
| nave "resigned", from the Interna-
! tlonal Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, and have organized union
Of their own, means: that the Bell
Telephone company temporarily sue
ceeds in its plan of dividing these
workers.
Officers Of the bona fide brother
hood show that the leading spirit
in this secession movement is a. SUI
pervising foreman of the Bell COM
pany. This man loudly condemns the
brotherhood officials at every oppor-
tunity, and is most vehement in his
| demand that the brotherhood become
progressive" It has been proven
that while he attended the last con-
vention; of the brotherhood at New
Orleans, as a delegate, he was paid
/ for time lost by the company.
In New England both male and fe-
male workers employed by the Bell
have been thoroughly organized and
have forced many concessions from
this monopoly. Recently company
agents began an agitation for sep
arate telephone department., but this
was declared illegal by brotherhood
officials. The next move was to ap-
peal to the American Federation Of
Labor for a charter. and this, of
course, was refused. Several weeks
ago the company ''union'' was
launched amid" shouts Of denuncia-
ton against 'tyrannical" brother
hood officials.
The brotherhood has had similar
experience along the Pacific coast
where several locals, led by thumb
erous orators; spent: their, time de-
nouncing the international officials.
In: the. recent strike in that section,
these orators were forced to show
their hand, and as was expected they
stood by the company.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
ONE REMEDY,

Faced with the same situation that
faces every city in. this country
shortage Of housing while building ma
terials 60 into offices, stores and places
Of amusement-the government of
New Zealand has applied one effective
remedy.
Restrictions have been placed upon
the class of buildings that may be con-
structed in the dominion, during the
next few months at least. New Zea-
land is short of lumber and cement,
and very short Of building labor. And
so the dominion has decided-wisely-
that if it can have only so much build.
ing, that building shall go into homes
for people instead Of theaters and other
less necessary construction.
No permits will be given for the
erection of places of amusement, and
in the cases Of shops, offices, factories
and other structures connected with in.
dustry as well as churches and me.
mortal halls, the government will be
guided by the reason set forth in each
case by the parties applying for the
permit. It is hoped in this way to
meet the more urgent demands for
houses within a reasonable time.
1t is a remedy that might well be
considered by cities and states in the
U. S. A.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
ENJOINING SUFFRAGE.

What is urgently needed in this fair
land of ours is supreme court Of in
functions, so that the machinery of
other courts will not be clogged by and
cluttered up with queer injunction pro-
ceedings. The supreme court Of the
United States has very recently dis
posed Of a batch of injunction and
other proceedings intended to annihil-
ate the prohibition amendment.
Now enters Charles S. Fairchild Of
New York, president of the American
Constitutional league, into the supreme
court Of the District Of Columbia, ask
ing that Secretary Of State cambridge
Colby be enjoined from issuing any
proclamation declaring the equal suf-
frage amendment ratified, and that At
torney General Palmer be enjoined
from enforcing the amendment. The
action seems premature, because at the
time the injunction is asked for the
amendment has not been ratified by
the required number Of states; but that
is probably a side issue, though there's
no telling what court will say about
such an interesting technicality.
The Fairchild suit rests upon the two
allegations that ratificati ton of the suf-
frage amendment by the West Virginia
legislature was illegal because accomp-
lished by fraud, and that the proposed
ratification by the Tennessee legisla-
ture would be illegal because that. leg,
islature lacks authority under the con-
stitution of Tennessee to act on the
amendment. AS to the first, courts are
not in the habit Of giving judicial
sanction to charge of fraud against
legislative body. The fact that the
West Virginia legislature ratified the
amendment is ikcly-in conformity
with judicial custom-to be accepted
as proof that the ratification was legal
and without fraud.
The assertion that the Tennessee or
any other state legislature lacks au-
thority under the constitution of it's
own state to act on a proposed federal
amendment, in the manner prescribed
by the federal constitution, reads like
a statement by the Mad Halter in
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
The point raised in the Tennessee case
is somewhat obscure, because no dis
patch from Washington-either by
Associated Press or by Especial leased
wire correspondents has stated the
point intelligibly.
However, it's very safe long shot
that II one more state legislature rat
1fles the equal suffrage amendment,
the amendment will go into full force
and effect, and American women will
vote IN every state at the November
elections.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
FAIR AND JUST TO ALL.

Governor Cox has been friendly and
just to both capital and labor, and has
their respect and fullest confidence. as
IS being abundantly and constantly
shown.
For instance, I. j. Donnelly, secre.
tary of the Ohio State Federation Of
Labor, after enumerating the many
oeneflcent laws enacted in Ohio since
COX became governor, says:
Labor has confidence in Govarnor
Cox, because he understands their
needs and is in hearty sympathy with
the progressive aspirations of those
who earn their bread by the sweat of
their brows. As governor, he ,accomp.
Ished more in the interests of the
laboring people Of Ohio and is held in
higher esteem by them than any other
governor in the states history.
And w. T. Thomas, a prominent
official of the Ohio Manufacturers ,
association, pays this fine tribute tn
the governor:
The business and employing inter-
ssts Of Ohio have been under continu.
Ing obligations to Governor Cox during
his three administrations. No governor
has accomplished so much in maintain
Ing harmonious and equitable relations
between employers and employees. re-.
tanning at the same time the confidence.
and respect Of both. More than anv
other industrial state, Ohio, under the
regime of Governor Cox, has been re-
markably free from industrial di..
putes. This is almost wholly due to
the influence Of Governor Cox, whose
administrations have been eras of oooa
feeling between capital and labor in
Ohio!
+ Testifying to the ability Of Governor
Cox to maintain industrial peace.
Judge Oscar F. Newman, Of the Ohio
state supreme court, has this to say:
: tf1overnor Coz has impressed unon
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07

war unless it backs: down on that Ar
ticle q, we should declare war on Can
ada at the same time; for that is Ca
madam as we'll as Mexican law. The
man who buys land anywhere. in west
ern Canda, and thinks that any coal,
gas, mineral or oil discovered on his
land belongs to him soon finds him
self confronted with a emo Trespass -
sign. We Americans have as much
right to change the land laws Of Can:
ada as to Interfere with those of
Mexico.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
MExIC0's CONSTITUTIONS

IL Will be remembered that the Fall
subcommittee of the senate, which pre-
'ended to investigate Mexican condi-
lions, and arrogantly assumed the RIGHT
to dictate to Mexicans what thew NAV
provide IN their constitution, threat
ehed war upon the southern republic
unless 1t renounces Article q of the
constitution Of 1917. That article de-
elares, in substance, that titles to land
IN Mexico do not apply to mineral,
OIL gas and coal deposits beneath the
surface; and that is in accord with
early Mexican laws.
BY Associated press, recently. came
dispatch from Washington, saying:
Editorial comment in Mexico Citv
newspapers and interviews with prom
inent officials of the present govern.
ment OF Mexico, as shown in dispatches
received here today, Indicate there il
strong probability that the new re-
g1me will support and indorse tho fam.
Gus Article: 81 OF the constitution of
1917, against the operation of which
the United States, Great Britain and
France repeatedly have protested.
Excelsior, leading newspaper of
Mexico City, announced that "we
found almost unanimity Of opinion to
uphold in all its parts the nationalist
ton Of the subsoil, which is regarded
:. g indispensable to the development Of
industry. Il H. '-..5 a.
5Ills s : "a e ~ e threaten Mexico with
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07
COST Is UP, WAGES DOWN.

Food prices throughout the country
continue to soar. The federal bureau
Of labor statistics gives statistics show
ing that during the six months of this
year the family budget has increased
nine per cent. No relief is. promised
for the near future. r.. =: u
Practically every staple commodity
has responded to the upward climb.
[on June I'm. 16 tie avsrass family e.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1920-08-07

capital and labor alike 4 common duty
to the public.'
A man who is so generally esteemed
in his own state, which has signally
honored him, and who is loved in his
own home town by all kinds Of
"folks,'' must be a mighty good sort
of man.
, 1920-02-19
Queries.

|. Is it OF the slightest benefit to the
community that the Food Commission
fixes, so to speak, prices. whether equi-
table or not. on a long list of articles pub
lished in the newspapers and ileaves the
suffering public who Escarcely ever sees
those advertisements, to be charged any
4hing the seller feels inclined -?
2. Shouldn't in the first place the ruling
prices be published through public notices
posted about in public places Or must
everybody be a subscriber to the Avis
and Herald to get in touch with a mat
ter upon which the economic salvation
of the people depends
3. Has the Food Commission any means
of enforcing the observance of the prices
if fixes? If not what's the use of it?
4. Isn't fresh fish one of the chief sta
pie articles Of food in this island Why
then isn't the price of it regulated on an
equitable basis to permit one and all of
the underfed poor getting a square meal
of at least fish which the local costermon-
gers are selling at simply abominable
prices?
5. Is it true the Dairy did such a
splendid business the first half year
that one of the smaller stockholders
banked $500. clear surplus from his divi-
dend.
6. Couldn't the Council pass an appro-
priation to get Mr.. Hoover come down
here for a few weeks to straighten up
things.
@ ANTI-HUMBUG.
, 1920-02-19

UNITE co O2ERATEu!
For COOPERATION is the road to
SUCCESS.
A movement is or foot along these
lines.
1t is your duty to respond to the CALL
if you have any HOY for the future well
fare of your countr : and yourselves.
REPEAT, REA AND THINK.
THINK DEEP. Y. and let yovr
thoughts lead you o the meeting which
will he held IN the very near future.
ASHLEY L. TOTEM.
Delegate Y. I. P. L.
, 1920-02-19
ANTI HUM BUG.
KILOGRAMS.
ST. CROlX STATION.

Domin ca, Feb. 10Th. Mr.. C. G. Har-
ris leaves this evening by R. C. M. s.
Caraquet to attend the forthcoming con-
ference of the associated chambers of
commerce at Barbados. The other Domi-
MICA delegate, Mr.. Donald Riviere, is al
ready in Barbados.
St. Thomas, F-b. 18th. Traffic for An
tigua and St. Kits must be accepted sub
ject to heavy delay owing to a serious
fault which has appeared in the cable
permitting only slow and occasional work
ing.
, 1920-02-19
Presihe Wilson's Reply To King
Christians Cable Of Thanks.
Translated from "PoLitikQn"

| rejoice that the Versailles Treaty, in
the discussions of which / had the honor
to partake, by the deposit of notifications
of the subscribing Powers, has been *
ecuted, so that the opportunity may be
afforded the inhabitants Of the Danish
Slesvig TO express their will respecting
a reunion with their beloved Mother
Country, through which n Of those
ideals for which commended, has been
realized.
WOODROW WILSON.
, 1920-02-19

crease.
The same old story repeats itself, that
as -oon as WAGES go up. COMMODl-
TIES go up as well.
The merchant has to pay more to the
porter to place his goods in the store, and
the consumer has o pay more when he
buys from the merchant.
The farmer pays more for the care OF
his cattle.
He therefore charges more I" the
butcher, who in turn is compelled to
charge more for his meat.
The same thing applies to milk, ard we
find the fisherman raising the price OF
fish.
What is the remedy .?
Is the Capitalist going to lose out? NO.
He hasn't lost out anywhere else, and
you may rest assured, that he VIII not
loose out here.
Can the Food Commission do anything,
to relieve the situation?
Again | say, NO.
The Food Commission at it's besS, can
only prevent PROFITEERl1(G, which IS
only a remedy to keep the Capitalists from
unjustly charging the consumer tor his
goods at extOrtionate prices.
RlH the Food Commission can never
demand the CAPITALISTS. be he mer-
chant, farmer or else to sell his goods at
a loss.
FOOD PRICES can never be made
LOWER, as the price of LABOR goes
HIGHER.
In the meantime the people of the
MIDDLE CLASS are made to suffer.
The salesman or saleslady, clerk or
book keeper, manager or overseer. and
in fact all persons on fixed salaries, are
unable o meet their immediate expenses.
They, in turn cannot afford to pay
more to the cook, laundress or general
house-worker.
Without means, suitable wearing ap-
pareI cannot be bought, and the TAILOR
suffers.
Our tradesmen and mechanics cannot
afford to buy material, and you cannot
afford to pay them for their profession,
so long as you are not being paid better
wages.
Ard 50 WE have facing us, a very
threatening situation; a situation that
gives good cause for UNREST.
Leaving the island is no heip to these
conditions
We cannot prosper by DEPOPULA-
This island is OURS by Divine eight,
and as such it owes EVERYBODY a
living.
What MUST be done, and done quickly
is to organize into a UNION of the MID
, 1920-02-19

Delegate Y. /. P. L.
To The Editor of 81. Crojr Avjs.
Dear Sir
This letter is Y ritten by request. |
have received eve a. anonymous letters
in which the wri ers express surprise
that | did not take the stand or ever at
tend the Hearings held before the Con
gressional Commit ee in the Colonial
Council Chamber o February 9; and one
of the writers-he calls himself "Ad-
mirer"-has rPQue ted AN explanation
in the Avis"
The letters seem to be the sincere out
pourings of homes minds. There is no
gall and wormwood" in them, and, to
use d current ineie; ancy, the writer's are
not Knockers" One expression, to
wit; Il have alw VS. looked up to you
might nave been approximately written
by Mr.. La Bega (cr any other person of
similar |statue) who has time and again
been compelled t. look up to me.
Now, | am free o confess that while
ostensibly the purI ose of this letter is 70
say that pressure If work only prevent,
ed me from being n the Council Hall on
Monday last, in re; lily it is with feelings
akin to those Of the old maid to whom
suitors 1ocked whel she inherited a for
tune with which | write.
| woman who lad passed fifty sum-
mers (so the story goes), and the Lord
only knows how m my winters, was still
unmarried when she inherited a large
fortune. The mel in the community
began to pay attic ltion to her at once.
One sultor vas mo e persistent than the
others. He was always on the scene;
and when the Fps pathological moment"
had arrived he told her how he had always
admired her beau y, and intellect, and
always would, anil how wretched life
would be wit out her. The lady listened
attentively-she he d a sense of humor-
and when the orat on was over she said:
Il know that all you have said is a dod-
gasted lie, but | 10 e to hear it-repeat it
again, please"
Similarly, l app eci.te the many good
things my anonyl lous admirers have
written about me. and ask them to send
me their names n t for publication by
any means but sim 'ly for my own grati-
f~cation.
Resp ectfully,
R. H. AM oHLETT LEADER.
trederikSted. February 16. 1920.