The New York herald., 1921-06-04
TANNENBAUM,L. ",
IN PHI BETA KAPPA
AS COLUMBIA GRAD
Gets Highest HOnOrs in
History and Economics
From University.
I'm THIS YEARS CLASS
College Career BrOadens
Former Violent Agitator
to Just a Liberal
WRITING A BOOK ON LABOR
Dwells Upon Mechanical Influ-
ence Over Worker-Prepar-
ing Prison Reform Articles.

Frank Tannenbaum, erstwhile rad
ical, 1. w. w. agitator and leader of
a mob of unemployed that invaded the
Roman Catholic Church of st. AL
phonsus in the spring of 1914, was
graduated from Columbia University
Wednesday with Phi Beta Kappa dis
tinction and highest honors in his
tory and economics" it became known
yesterday. Tannenbaum, it is re-
ported, will continue his studies until
he wins his degree of doctor of phil
osophy. In the meantime he is work
New School OF Social Research, 465
West Twenty-third street, which he
won last year.
A book on the labor problem will
name. He has in preparation a series
Of articles on prison reform, inspired
by a tour of inspection from coast to
coast last year. His work on the labor
movement is described by those who
have read 1t and talked with the au-
thor as "a distinct contribution" to the
economic and philosophical treatment
Of that subject.
Tannenbaum, 1t is said. centres his
argument about the mechanical influ-
ence of industry upon labor. In form
and development, he believes, the labor
movement is controlled more by me-
chanical development and inven ion
than by the conscious planning of the
workers or their leaders. One of Tan
nenbaum's friends said last night that
the book will be offered to the public
this month
Tannenbaum could not be found last
evening, but his wife. visiting his par
ents in Bayonne. explained that he
was out of town for several days.
CIasscd ms s.Lioerap, Now.
Tannenbaums experience at Coium-
bia has considerably broadened his en-
been rather closely associated with him
during his college career described him
as liberal and not as the violent
radical he was in attracting attention
seven years ago. He entered Columbia
I'm February, 1916. but his course was
interrupted by the war. He worked
several weeks in shipyard, and later
went to a camp In Georgia. where he
served several months after winning
chevrons as n sergeant In infantry.
While in the shipyard 1t is related
that he was much perplexed by the
general apathy of the workmen In
appreciating the value Of the work they
were doing. He is said TO have started
a class, talking informally about the
issues and ideals of the war. the coun-
tries involved. and the result was re-
ported as so marked that II attracted the
attention of several officials OF the
shipyard. In the Georgia camp he
worked along similar educational lines
with illiterates. and this In turn gained
for him notice which took him to Wash
ington several times, II Is said.
The years Immediately preceding Tan
nenbaum's matriculntion at Colun'bla
were crowded with activity In radical
circles. His demand for food. clothing
and shelter at the time he appeared at
the head of a mob in the Church OF St
Alphonsus resulted IN his arrest. long
trial, his sentence TO one years Inn
prisonment and fine of $500 and his
scathinR announcement of the presiding
judge. the jury and all instruments OF
the law.
HecIles Thomas Mott Osborne.
Having served his sentence on Black
wells Island. he gained more attention
in 1915 by interrupting speech by
Thomas Mott Osborne in Cooper Union
and presented fifteen charges against
the administration OF the institution
from which he had Just been released
LOT h.. AoI Il Itt,.- all ,Ie, %
Sing Sing for the purpose of making
observations at first hand, and had the
experience of being shot at when he
tested the vigilance of the guards IN
trying to escape.
His enthusiastic participation In the
war caused his estrangement from GER
tain extreme radical associates. and ap-
psrently his work at Columbia has
widened this breach. Those who have
~ 1..a.s ffss