davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
OUTLAWS
IN BUTTE
BARRED
Power Men Refusing to Join
Plumbers Union are Injuring
Themselves and the Community

The Plumbers Union is still negotiat-
ing with the Montana Power Company
concerning the situation which has
arisen affecting that union and the
Montana Power Company and also in
cidently every union and every mer-
chant in this community 1t has been
pointed out in the columns Of this pa
per that the formation of company
union can only result in strife and dis
cord between the employers and the
working people In communities where
this type of labor organization pre-
walls there is great dissatisfaction.
Company unions deprive the indivi-
dual members of freedom of action and
freedom of speech The activities OF
these bodies are restricted by the dom
nance of the employing corporation
At the present time, there is a measure
before the United States Congress to
make illegal this form of union, name
ly, the Wagner-Connery Labor Dis
putes Bill The doctrine of employers
seeking to impose their will upon the
men and women in their employ is
subversive not only of the freedom of
contract given to the people Of this
country through its organic laws but
lit is subversive and antagonisticI of
every principle that the American peo-
| pie have striven for since the creation
Of this nation. Company dominated
unions are foreign to the very atmos-
phere and customs OF this community.
That the Montana Power should at
tempt, at this time, to foist this So
called type of union upon this COM
munity can have no other interpreta-
ton than that they are intending to
Iprecipitate a period of chaos and con-
fusion into the peaceful industrial sit
uation now prevailing here.
The Plumbers Union are asking the
public to refrain from employing any
of the following men on their premises
when doing any work affecting the
plumbers union or when doing any gas
work under the jurisdiction of the plum
bers: Arthur Burkhard, Jimmie "Lunk"
| ILowney, Archie Bawden, Tom Clark
Alex Meagher, Charles Cleveland and
dewey Owens.
It has been announced that Frank
Peterson, national representative Of
the Plumbers Organization is to arrive
in Butte tomorrow and will enter into
conferences with the Montana Power
Company in order to secure an adj
ljustment Of this condition. Mr. Peter
son conferred with the Montana Power
some time ago in relation to this mat
ter, but was called out of town on bus
mess. The local union of plumbers
have been unable to secure a satisfac-
tory contract with the Power Company
in recognition Of their organization In
order that the people may know whom
to employ, they are advised to ask
the workman to show his union card.
This card must be that issued by the
Butte Building Trades Council If the
employed workman cannot produce
this card the public is requested to inn
mediately dismiss him and to get in
touch with the legitimate plumbers Or
ganization.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
V. F. w. CARNIVAL
DRAWING CROWDS

The Veterans of Foreign Wars open
ed up their Carnival with a bang last
Wednesday night at the Silver Bow
Club preceded by big street parade.
Over 5000 people passed through the
doors on opening night, and last night
another huge crowd paid homage to
the Princess Fun. The Carnival will
continue until May Is, and on the last
night a Ford VS. Sedan will be given
away Over 100 merchants in town
are giving away these chances on the
car and 100 votes for the Carnival
Queen contestant, with every $l.0O pur-
chase made.
The committee asks the readers of
the Montana Labor News to be sure
and ask for their tickets when making
purchases.
The standing Of the first five con-
testants in the Carnival Queen race are
as follows Judy Burns, 100000; Mary
Panion, $4,000; Stephanie Rotar, L.
230400; Llama Johnson, l,l2280O; Lu-
cille Doyle, 100000
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16

The Children of School District No.
/ deserves to be taught by the most
competent instructors and the single
salary schedule, recently presented to
the School Board by the Butte Teach
ers' Union, gives them that assurance.
Prior to the recent school election
the School Board adopted the sched-
ule. AT that time the Independent
members constituted majority Of the
Board. After the election the Peo-
pies members constituted a majority OF
the Board. The new Board discarded
the single salary schedule. Whatever
the personal reasons Of the trustees
may have been in this matter it cam
not be denied but that it was one Of
the most harmful and detrimental steps
ever taken by the Board of Trustees
in relation to the education of the
thousands Of children OF this COM
munity.
Now that you know how the single
salary schedule applies to teachers, let
us see how it applies to principals.
As the schedule was originally drawn
up, it provided that the principals
should come under the schedule in the
same manner as the teachers, but they
would receive $1,000 per month more
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
UNIONS TO FORM STATE
CONFERENCE

The Silver Bow Trades and Labor
Council went on record Tuesday night
to send two delegates to a proposed
state organization that originated in the
Cascade Trades and Labor Council
Chairman Erler Of the Council had not
announced the names Of these dele
gates at the close of the meeting. He
said that he would give the names later
on. The meeting of this state organiza-
ton is scheduled to take place on May
the 26th Several weeks ago Homer
Whitmore, secretary of the Cascade
Trades and Labor Council paid a visit
to Butte and addressed the delegates Of
the Central body. AT that time he pro-
posed the organization Of state body
composed of delegates from the Cen
tral Labor Councils of the various cities
of Montana. The actions taken Tues
day night by the Trades and Labor
Council was follow-up Of that sug-
gestion.
In a communication received from
Great Falls it was stated that the Cen
tral Labor Councils of Livingston, Bill
lings, and Helena had signified their
determination to be part of this con-
ference and TO send delegates to the
meeting. The purpose OF the organi-
zation is to provide a more coherent
plan for the presentation of proposed
legislation and to harmonize all con-
flicting elements and measures. 1t is
also proposed to rally all people friend
ly to organized labor and to build up
a policy of concerted and unified pro-
cedure particularly in relation to the
political aspects of the state in rela-
ton to the organized union movement.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
Teachers Union Explains
Teaching Qualifications

for their administrative positions.
There was some controversy with the
principals regarding this sum, SO that
particular provision OF the schedule was
held in allegiance. Since that time, it
has been discovered that the princi-
pals have been exempt from filling their
qualifications altogether. The teach
ers still have to file theirs and hope
against hope that some day they will
be compensated in some way for all
the extra time and money they have
spent getting them. Now why is it
that the executives over these teachers
are not required to be as well prepar
ed as the teachers who teach under
them? That is something that would
bear looking into Certainly if Butte
is trying to build up her school sys-
tenn the exemption Of the heads of the
schools from a qualified status is no
way TO do it.
There are eighteen principals in the
Butte school system OF this number
there are seven with B. A. degrees, or
four years of advanced training be-
yond high school, four with two
year Normal diploma, five without even
a Normal diploma or two years of adj
vanced training beyond high school,
and there is one, or possibly two, with
just one year Of advanced training.
Yet these are the ones who are to
be exempt from getting any further
qualifications and who draw the high
est salaries paid in the district
Is this fair2 Is this right? What
are you going to do about it, you peo-
pie of Butte?
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
Mining Council
Formed in Butte
Fourteen international Unions
Compose State Body.
Representatives of Every Craft
and Trade Employed in and
Around Mines, Mills, and Smell
tiers Convene in Butte and Hold
Enthusiastic Meeting.

Sunday May the 18th, at 2 P. NJ,
at the Carpenters Hall, at Butte, one
of the most important and significant
events effeoting all employees of the
mining industry OF the State Of Mon
tana took place. There was formed at
that time what will be known hence
forth as the Montana State Mining
Council. This Council will embrace,
under its jurisdiction, everyone engag-
ed in employment in and around every
mine, mill, and smelter in the state OF
Montana. All the various crafts en-
gagged in this industry will have repres-
entation in this Council.
Mr. John Coombs, member Of the
Blacksmths' Union of Butte, was cleo
ted chairman of the organization, Mr.
Adrain Brown, Vice President and r.
.C. Brown, Recording Secretary. The
constitution and bylaws of the organi-
zation have been drawn up. Approx
mately seventy five men were present
at the meeting. The Anaconda Union
was represented by large delegation
and to this union goes the credit of
originating the plan OF forming the
State Mining Council The ideas was
first broached by the Anaconda dele
gates at the conferences held here dur
ing the strike last summer.
Several automobiles were required to
transport the delegates from the Great
Falls locals The state has been divid-
ed into districts and, at the present
time, there are three functoning units,
namely: Butte, Anaconda, and Great
Falls. The unions Of Basin, Helena,
Pony, Mammoth, and Bannack, belong
to Butte, while Philipsburg, Deer Lodge
and other mining areas belong to Ana
conda. The Great Falls unit includes
all the mines and mill employees in that
district.
Helena was chosen as the place OF
the next meeting. The time of conven-
ing the meeting has been left to the
discretion of the officers
The Purpose of the Organization
The purpose of the organization is
to form a cooperative body for the
welfare and protection Of all Of the
employees of the mining industry OF
the State OF Montana. Matters affect
ing the employees OF this industry will
be brought to the attention of the Mon
tana State Mining Council. Such an
Organization will prove OF inestimable
value to Montana
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
SENATOR WHEELER PRESENTS
HORSFORD

The unions here were informed by
Senator Wheeler that he had presented
the name OF 0. B. Horsford to Harry
L. Hopkins as Montana State Relief
Administrator. The Council had ask
ed the Senator to do this. Senator
Wheeler stated that he was glad to
have the endorsement of the Silver Bow
Trades and Labor Council added to the
list OF other endorsements Of Mr. Hors-
ford.
A week ago the Trades and Labor
Council directed its secretary to send
a wire to Mr.. Wheeler expressing its
coincidence over the death OF Senator
Cutting of New Mexico and requested
that the Senator have the telegram
read before the Senate. Mr.. Wheeler
stated that he was glad to comply with
the request. Congressman Joe Monag-
han also informed the Council that he
had received the communication relat-
ing to the desire of the unions regard
ing the appointment of Mr. Horsford
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
TRADES COUNCIL ENDORSES
DENNIS MURPHY

The Silver Bow Trades and Labor
Council at its meeting last Tuesday,
endorsed Dennis Murphy for State
Quartz Mining Inspector. Mr. Muir
ply is a member of the Engineers I'm
ion. The delegates OF the Miners IN
ion stated that their organization had
also endorsed Dennis Murphy at its
last meeting. Dennis Murphy's assoc
iation with the unions is highly re-
garded. He refused to betray the min
ers during the strike last summer and
joined them in their struggle against
the Anaconda Copper Mining Co. The
unions OF Butte shall be pleased TO
have him receive this appointment.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
Supreme Court VetOes
Pension Law In 5 To
4 Opinion
Majority Opinion, Written by
Roberts, Says Congress Is
Without Constitutional Author
ity to Establish Retirement
System for Railway Employees.
Minority, Headed by Hughes,
Attacks Sweeping Character
Of Majority Decree - Claims
Law Was Completely Within
Power Which the Constitution
Confers Upon Congress.

Washington-By a five to four de-
cision the Supreme Court held that
Congress exceeded its authority under
the Federal Constitution when it en-
acted the railway retirement law pro-
viding a pension system for railway
employees The act required the rail-
roads to pay around $60,000,0OO into
the pension fund the first year, the
employees contributing $300O000O
Justice Roberts, who delivered the
courts opinion, attacked the provisions
OF the law pensioning employees who
had voluntarily left the service OF the
railroads, those who had been auto
matcally retired, and those who had
been discharged. He claimed the law
would benefit 10000 persons who had
retired before it was passed. This is
in the last degree arbitrary" he as
serted.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
Water Rate Cuts in
Montana Coming as
Hearings Are Ende

Decisions OF vital economic !. It.
ance to the people* OF Mont 3 will
be handed down by the Publ vice
commission within the next lays,
according to Jerry J. O'Cor com
missioner. Decisions aff6 the
pocketbooks Of the people state
for future years will be reacn~ O'Con-
nell believes, by the 18th OF May.
Among the cases that will be decid-
ed are the Butte Water Rate case,
the Missoula Water Rate case, the pro-
test OF Superior residents on electric
and gas rates and a substantial cut is
predicted for several others. On June
5th the three-judge federal district
court sitting in Helena will hear the
arguments on the Public Service COM
mission order knocking out the odious
gas service fee OF $l25 per month.
Business Rates High
Another case that will reach a de-
cision at an early date is the protest
by the Western Progressive, which
has been joined in by scores OF busin-
ess men throughout Montana, against
the unjust and excessive rate charged
business firms for light and power
also the protest against the illegal and
indefensible horsepower charge or
ready to serve" charge. This takes
a dollar per horsepower out of the
pockets Of business firms on all motors,
before the juice enters the machine.
The commission is hearing com
plants in Great Falls this week and ap-
plications for motor permits.
Relief for Public
Judging by the past action of the
Public Service commission since Jerry
IOConnel and Tom Carey became the
dominant power on the board, the peo-
pie may look forward to relief Of a
substantial nature.
The hearing on the Missoula water
rates was concluded after sessions run
ming over two weeks, during which the
Montana Power company made des-
perate effort to justify its high rate
Forty-two witnesses testified before a
huge audience of Missoula residents.
Missoula, with a base rate of $27OC
per year for each small home, has the
highest water rates in America.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
CORRESPONDENCE
MONTANA RELIEF COMMISSION
Helena, Montana
April 80. 1885

Harry ]. Grimes, Secretary,
Silver Bow Trades and Labor Council,
Butte, Montana.
Dear Mr.. Grimes:
Nels Anderson, Adviser on Labor
Relations for the FERA, has forwarded
me copy of your telegram of April
"a asking what is retarding the work
program in Silver Bow County
The answer is simply lack OF suf-
ficient funds to put on a comprehensive
and constructive program and at the
same time provide for the necessary
direct relief.
1t has taken practically our entire
ALLEGATION to provide direct relief. Dir
ect relief, as you probably know, is less
expensive than work relief.
We are absolutely and irrevocably in
favor Of work relief and to that end
we are working to the best Of our
ability. We sincerely trust that work
program will be in operation in a very
short time.
Yours very truly,
w. ]. BUTLER,
Administrator
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
CURTIS PUBLISHING
COMPANY UNFAIR

The International Allied Printing
Crafts have declared the Curtis Pub
fishing Company unfair People are
requested not to purchase the Satur-
day Evening Post or the Ladies Home
Journal, both Of which are printed by
this firm.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
INTERNATIONAL LADIES'
GARMENT WORKERS UNION

NrAAANAl Elm NNONTNIfNO ONlON
St. Louis, Mo
May 9Th, 1885
Mr. Harry J. Grimes, Sec.
Silver Bow Trades and Labor Council.
Butte, Montana.
Greetings:
We appeal to you to have special
committees appointed to visit the stores
n your community that sell cotton
dresses requesting that they should not
sell dresses produced by the Forest
City Manufacturing Company Of St.
Louis, Missouri and Collinsvlle, Ill.
This is the third strike this firm has
had in the last few years.
The financial record OF the Forest
CITY Manufacturing Company shows
that while the firm is making unbeliev-
able high profits it does so because it
instituted the worst type OF sweatshop
exploitation.
The Forest City Manufacturing Com
pany began its operations several years
ago on an investment Of $4,000 On
that tiny sum the Spitzers, owners OF
the firm, grew enormously rich in a
very short period Their net profits
have run into the hundreds of thous-
ands and more per year, plus their large
drawings as officers of this firm
During the same periods the work
ers have been paid from $l50 to $1,000
per week or an average OF $780, Fig
ured on the basis of fifty-two weeks
the actual income of the workers ha'
been between $3 and $4 per week. W.
wish we could take you to the homes
Of the workers and you could see witt
your own eyes their almost unbeliev
able misery.
In addition, in order to defeat tn,
aims OF the workers, the firm lockeC
out and has kept out of employment
for the last twenty months, one hun
dred and fifty skilled workers, and ha
introduced the most vicious spy sys
TENS known in American industry.
We also ask you to pass this infor
nation on to your local labor pape
for publication.
Help us win this strike
Fraternally yours,
Edith Phillips, Executive Sec
retary Locals 1912 Inter
national Ladies Carmen
Workers Union.
american Federation Of La
Dor.
The Forest City Manufacturing Com
pany makes the following brands o
dresses:
Polly Ann, Peggy Palmer Forest Maid
Suzette, Dolly Madison, Shirley Lee
Daisy Mae, Campus Frock, Varsit,
Drag, Follow Thru
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
PLUMBERS SEEK TO prevent COMPANY union
Trades Council News
PATRICK WHALEN ASKS
ENDORSEMENT

Patrick Whalen, a member of the
engineers Union, is asking the endorse
nent of the Council as State Boiler
Inspector. Mr.. Whalen said that he
had received his experience through
working on the hosting engines on
the Butte hill The letter stated that
he is fully qualified both from exper-
fence and education to handle the posi-
tion with credit. Mr.. Whalen is mar
ried and lives with his family at 745
West Galena.
The matter was referred to the Leg
islative Committee.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
CITY CAB COMPANY STILL
UNFAIR

The Transfers union sent in a COM
munication requesting more drastic ac-
ton against the City Cab Company be-
cause of its refusal to comply with the
union rules and regulations. 1t is al
legged that this Cab Company is scab-
bing on the Butte Teamsters Union.
The Teamsters Union wish all members
of organized labor and all those friend
ly to organized labor to avoid patron
izing this company.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16


Commissioners at Helena relating TO
proposed increase of railroad rates in
Montana. All persons interested in
this hearing are herewith notified to
be present at the hearing.
BOARD OF RAILROAD
COMMISSIONERS
of the State of Montana
Helena, Montana
May 9Th, 1885
ALL SHIPPERS:
Your Board OF Railroad Commission
ers have received a petition from all
rail lines operating in the State to al
low them to incorporate in their tariffs
increases Intrastate, to conform with
Interstate increases granted them by
the Interstate Commerce Commission
in Ex Parte No. lis.
The Board has set May 9th as first
hearing date at Helena, Montana, and
after this hearing closes will recon-
vene at Billings, Butte, Missoula, Great
Falls and Kalispell, Montana on dates
to be announced later.
The Board calls to the attention Of
protestants the Importance of present
ing their case, since the Board can only
act upon the evidence submitted to
them and testimony, oral and other
wise, which will be offered by the car
riers supporting their case, and by the
shippers protesting against the grant
ing OF such increases as have been pet
itioned for
call to the attention of all secre-
tares OF commercial organizations the
importance of protecting their shippers
by giving them proper notice of dates
set for hearing and inducing them to
protect themselves by personal appear
ance ready to testify, either for or ag-
ainst the petition OF the rail lines. The
amount involved is too great not to
merit your immediate attention.
Very truly yours,
BOARD OF RAILROAD
COMMISSIONERS,
MONTANA.
J. G. BRUCE, Traffic Expert
BOARD OF RAILROAD
COMMISSIONERS
Helena, Montana
May 8, 1885
DOCKET NO. 1850
Subject: Intrastate rate increases.
The date set for the first hearing
May 18th, 1885, on rate increases in
trastate to conform with increases
granted carriers by the Interstate Com
merce Commission on interstate rates
under its Docket in Ex Parte No. lis
is cancelled
Hearing date for first hearing reset
to May 9th, 1885, commencing at 10:0(
O'clock A. M. at the Capitol Building
Helena, Montana.
All protestants will at once notify
the Board of their intention of appear
ance and the subject of their testi-
mony.
J. G. BRUCE,
Traffic Expert.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16

HE that is slow to anger is better
than the mighty; and he that ruleth
his spirit than he that taketh city"
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
GARMENT WORKERS
BOYCOTT DRESSES

The Ladies Garment Workers I'm
ion ask help OF the Butte unions in
the sale of unfair dresses.
The following communication was re-
ceived from the International Ladies
Garment Workers Union Of St. Louis,
requesting the Silver Bow Trades and
Labor Council to notify the public that
the strike is in progress in that city
and that the Forest Manufacturing
Company are unfair to their union. The
names of the dress products manufact-
ured by this company are also printed
The public is urged to bear these names
III mind and to refuse to purchase
them.
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16

Shall the Butte Schools be Plac-
ed Upon High Standard in
Relation to the Teachers Edu-
cational Qualifications or Shall
They be Allowed to Deterior-
ate Through Unjustified and
Unfounded Prejudice?
Montana labor news., 1935-05-16
REID ROBINSON
Master OF Ceremonies

Master OF Ceremonies
|. Rene Fontani-Accordian-l2 m.
2. Snow Girls-Dancing-12:l5 p. m.
3. Jimmy Ball-Singing-l2: 80 p. m.
A. Pauline MISUNDERSTANDING
1245 p. m.
S. Jack Gaffney-Monologue-
Loo p. m.
6. Pauline Murphy-Dancing-
is p. m.
7. Mrs. Sadie Jackson-Reading-
80 p. m.
s. Mickey Kelly-Club Swinging
so p. m.
9. Louise Foley-Acrobatic Dancing
200 p. m,
TO- Shirley Curran-Singing-2;15 rs pm.
II. Arthur Drynan-Singing-2: 80 pm.
II. Miss Greenwood-Acrobat
Dancer-2:45 p. m.
13. Ladies Auxiliary-Drill Team
800 p. m.
IA. Leo Pellitier and Butter" Driscoll
3 80 p. m.
is. Hauswirth Trio-Musical Trio
3:45 p. m.
10. Mrs. Timm-Singing-4 100 p. m.
II. Stephanie Rotar-Accordian-
AIS p. m.
IS. First Preliminary-Peter Cassidy
VS.. Pug Boyle 80 p. m.
10. Jack Williams-Bone Rather
4:45 p. m.
20. Second Preliminary-Eddie Sulli-
van VS.. Bob Tokle-5 100 p. m.
2l. Jimmy Murphy -Songs-5:15 pm
q. Third Preliminary-Bob Holiday
VS.. Ben Maloney-s 80 p. m.
%. r. Of P. Quartette-Singing-
5:45 p. m.
"a. Main Event-Boxing-Eddie Rein
die VS.. ]. McLenegan-6: :00 p m,
Dancing from 9 90 p. m. to l200 p. m.