davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
Silver Bow County Trades and Labor Council De-
clare Five Members of School Board
Unfair to Organized Labor.
THE new LABOR
COMMISSIONER

A few days ago the information was
given out by Mr.. A. P. Bruce, Com
missioner Of Agriculture, Labor and
Industry, that he had appointed Edward
O'Byrne, Butte. to the position OF
Chief Of the Division of Labor in his
department.
Mr.. O'Byrne is a member of the
Butte Miners Union and served in the
recent session of the Legislature as a
Representative from Silver Bow
County. He became a member of the
Miners Union in 1890 and has contin-
ued his membership in that ~organiza-
ton during all the years of its active
existence since that time. He does not
desire any bouquets-verbal or other
wise-be cast in his direction, because
OF this appointment. He wishes to be
judged entirely on his record, and in
this desire, we are in entire accord with
him.
This office or division is not newly
created. 1t embraces also the division
OF publicity, and heretofore, it has
leaned entirely too much towards ad-
vertising, while practically ignoring the
requirements OF labor. This situation
became SO fragrant that the Twenty
third Legislative Assembly refused to
make any appropriation whatever for
this Division, and as a consequence it
has been Quiescent for the past two
years, so that to all intents and pur-
poses, O'Byrne is stepping into a new
setup.
The labor group in the recent legis-
lature succeeded, after a bitter fight, in
having this appropriation included in
the bill which set up appropriations for
the various Divisions Of his Depart
ment. This appropriation, as we I'M
derstand it, is to be used for purposes
OF the Labor Division only, and we are
confident that the new commissioner
will put forth his best %endeavors to see
that it is SO used.
In the past, it has been customary to
use this Division as a political football
to the detriment Of labor all over the
state, but now that the farmers and
labor men-who in the last analysis pay
all the taxes for the upkeep of these
Divisions and Departments-have got
ten together and are getting a better
slant at each others problems, we are
hopeful that such practices will be dis
continued.
Mr.. O'Byrne informs us that his ap-
pointment becomes effective July lst,
and that the duties Of his office consist
chiefly in the enforcement of all labor
laws and child labor laws, except those
pertaining to the Safety Division of the
Industrial Accident Board. Anyone
who knows OF any infractions of any
OF these laws should communicate with
Mr.. O'Byrne, at his office in the Capt.
tol Building, Helena, Montana, or
through the Office OF The Montana
I abOr News
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
S 63.75
Continued to Page A
THE DEER LODGE
CONVENTION

The convention OF Farmer and Labor
delegates that has been called to meet
at Deer Lodge on June 18th, bids fair
TO be a huge success, SO reports the
committee in charge Of arrangements
The secretary of this committee reports
that he is being swamped with favor
able and enthusiastic responses from
farmer and labor organizations all over
the state.
The arrangements committee informs
as the credentials committee will be on
hand in the lobby Of the Deer Lodge
hotel on Thursday evening, June 9th
10 examine the credentials of all po-
tential delegates. We wish to again
call the attention Of all organizations
that proposes to be represented in this
convention, to furnish each delegate
with proper authentic credentials
This is very necessary, in order tc
avoid any confusion in organizing the
convention, and getting down to the
actual business for which it has beer
called.
The program as outlined thus far
provides that the credential committee
will meet at time and place specified
This committee will, Of course, be con-
tinued during the life of the convention
1t will have definite information as &c
the time and place at which the dele
gates will conven on the following day
June %.
All delegates should be in Deer
Lodge not later than 900 a. m. on the
opening day.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
MUSICAL PROGRAM
GIVEN BY THE MINES
BAND AT GARDENS

During the afternoon Of Miners
Union Day, the musical program con
sisted Of Popular, Descriptive, Musical
Comedy, National and Patriotic num-
|bers.
The best loved Songs and Melodies
from several nations, arranged by their
respective music masters such as Rem
iniscences of Scotland, Ireland and
Wales, by Godfrey. Finland, Austria
and other nations, in turn received at
t%ention, and the several Fantasies in
Producing the Songs Of the Sailor, and
the Melodies that made America fam
in the music world, were rendered;
intersperced with recent compositions
by our American composers, and ar
engagements for Concert Band of the
best loved melodies that will live for
ever in the hearts of the people.
Music in Industry is educational, a
builder of character, discipline and 10y
atty, a permanent eliminator Of crime
and producer OF happiness, a Art and
universal language necessary in every
community to make it a better place
in which to live.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
Ashford, Lyle, Manley, Root and
Taylor Opposed Recognition of
Teachers Union.
Organized Labor of Silver Bow
County Determined to Support
Teachers Organization to the
Fullest Extent.
All Local Unions to Cooperate
in Making Boycott Effective.

The controversy between the Butte
Teachers Union and the Local School
Board came to a head at the session of
the Trades and Labor Council Tuesday
night by the delegates declaring five
members Of the Local School Board
unfair. In order that the public may
get a clear understanding OF this whole
situation, it is necessary to give a
sketch Of the history Of the proceed
ings between the School Teachers
Union and the School Board.
Prior to the last school election the
Teachers Union had submitted a single
salary schedule to the Board. At that
time the Independent members were in
control, and these members adopted
the single salary schedule Of the teach
ers and recognized the union in the
matter of wage negotiations and col
%lective bargaining. Shortly after the
seating OF the new members of the
Board the members OF the Citizens
Ticket ~repudiated the single salary
schedule. The Teachers Union then
presented a copy of an agreement, in
which they asked for recognition OF
their union and the right Of negotiating
wages with the School Board men,
Ibers. A substitute proposal was issued
by the School Board and given to the
Teachers Union. This counter propo-
sal was rejected by the teachers, be-
cause it refused recognition of the
teachers organization and also refused
the right to negotiate with the board in
the matter Of wages. This whole mat
ter has been in the hands of the
Grievance Committee of the Silver Bow
Trades and Labor Council who have
been cooperating with a committee of
the Teachers Union. Everything has
been strictly legal and utmost patience
has been shown both by the Teachers
Union and the organized labor move
ment.
There is no foundation for the excuse
OF the School Board that their legal
limitations prohibit them from dealing
with the Butte Teachers Union. The
unions OF Butte have been accustomed
to dealing with public corporations for
the last half century.
The members of the Board who have
been placed on the unfair list are
Messrs. Ashford, Lyle, Manley, Root
and Taylor. Besides placing these five
men upon the unfair list OF the Trades
and Labor Council the delegates have
also placed those members, who are in
business, and who have been declared
unfair, on the I'VE Do Not Patronize"
list.
All OF the delegates were instructed
to report to their various unions the
action OF the Council, so that all mem
bers of organized labor in Silver Bow
County, will refrain from doing bust
ness with the business institutions,
which these unfair members are operat-
ing. The report of the Grievance
Committee and its recommendation,
which was adopted, is published here
with.
Continued to Page ~
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20

The restoration of the pay Of the city
firemen by the city administration was
eminently fair and just. All the other
city employees have had their pay re-
stored to the 1882 scale at which time
the firemen were receiving $4,000 per
month. This was during the admins
tration OF Mr.. McTaggart. Some time
after he was in~augurated a reduction
took place in all OF the city depart
ments. The firemen we're reduced 20
per cent, this then made their pay
Sl28.00. The administrative employees
were reduced Is per cent. In August
1884, the firemen petitioned the City
Council for an increase in pay over the
1880. This petition was granted and
5 per cent increase allowed. This in
crease established the firemen's pay at
Sl34.40, In April Of this year the fire
men petitioned the City Council for an
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
WAGE ADVANCES in
THE LAST CENTURY

Going back over old records we run
across some very salient illustrations as
to just how far we have progressed in
this civilized country, especially as to
the advances that have been made that
are beneficial to labor, the producers OF
all wealth.
Reading the History OF Wages in
the U. S. from Colonial Times to
1923" a revision OF Bulletin No. 499 and
now known as Bulletin No. 604 OF the
u. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we
came across this statement on page SIS
which is credited to a History Of the
People OF the United States by John
B. McMaster, Vol. II, PIP. 6l7-l8l-
"Hodcarriers and mortar mixers, dig
gers and choppers, who from 1913 to
1900 labored on the public buildings
and cut the streets and OF
Washington received $1,000 a year, or,
if they wished, 10000 for all the work
they could do from March l to De-
cember 20. (They were Of course
found, fed, but not clothed.) p"
Washington, D. c. is considered as
being located in the southern zone and
this class of labor is, under the public
works program Of 1885, to be paid the
sum OF $1,000 per month in this sec
ton.
12x$l9.W per month. $228.00 per year
3 meals per day at
$0.15 per meal for
365 days ....... 164.25
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
UNION MASS MEETING
REJECTS SETUP

The Central Council meeting on June
18th was much in the nature of a gen
eral meeting OF union men and women.
An invitation had been extended to at
tend this meeting at which many mat
tiers Of Importance to the Missoula la
Dor movement came up for considera-
ton, and the response was more than
gratifying.
After reading the minutes OF the
meeting held at Helena where it was
proposed to form a State Association
OF Central Councils the chair asked for
expressions of opinion relative to the
proposed move. The consensus of
opinion was that it would not be wise
to create another setup of State or
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
Legion Fight Card
An Excellent Treat

The American Legion boxing card
scheduled to take place Monday, June
"a at the Fox Theatre, has all the ear
marks of being a record breaker both
in attendance and in point OF interest.
Hubert Dennis has a long string Of
victories in his Butte fights, but when
Mel Epstein, matchmaker Of the local
American Legion secured Battling
Gizzy, a lad from Pittsburgh, many
fans feel that Hubert will have to ex-
tend himself to the limit to maintain
his winning streak. Exceptional inter
est has developed in the card as is evil
denced by the crowd OF spectators that
watch the boxers every day at the
American Legion gymnasium. The pre-
liminary pairs are also OF exceptional
talent and enthusiasm is developing
daily. Tickets in the cigar stores have
been moving rapidly and at this writ
ing it appears that the house will be
sold out prior to the opening night.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
NEXT WEEKS SCHEDULE
ANNOUNCED.

Thursday, June 2O-Helena We. Col
ored Giants, Butte.
Friday, June 2~l-Laureleaf VS.. Walk
%erville, Butte.
Saturday, June U-Great Falls VS..
Laureleaf, Anaconda; Colored Giants
VS.. Israelite House Of David, Butte.
Sunday, June 23-Great Falls VS.. Sill
yer Bow Parks two games), Butte
Freebournes VS.. East Helena, East
Helena.
Monday, June 24-Freebournes VS..
Laureleaf, Butte postponed game.)
Tuesday, June 2S-Colored Giants VS.,
Laureleaf, Anaconda; Walkerville VS..
Freebournes, Butte.
Wednesday, June 2o-Kansas City
Monarchs VS.. Butte team TO be Sc
lected)
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20

Washington. d. C-Senator Burton
K. Wheeler Of Montana has introduc-
ed a bill in the Senate for the United
States Government to take over and
operate the railroads. The bill pro-
vides for a federal corporation, which
is to exchange its securities for those
railroad stocks and bonds now out
standing, on the basis OF the present
market value of those stocks and bonds.
This situation is sure to be one OF the
chief points of contention when the
measure gets down for serious debate.
The book value OF the railroads at
the close OF 1884 was $26,852,78l 600.
This includes switching and terminal
companies.
The market value OF railroad %securi-
ties in September, 1884, was Sll,336,-
100000.
Worth Fraction of Book Value
In other words. the railroads are
worth, according to the prices OF their
securities on the market, only AZ per
cent OF the sums entered on their
books. They can be expected to fight
to a finish against this cut in their
nominal value, though probably a con-
siderable number OF stockholders would
be glad to get out on those terms.
Senator Wheeler's bill provides a Ger
tain compromise. The securities Of
she government corporation offered
for those OF the railroads would be
guaranteed up to the market value -
in this case, the $ll ,336,000,000 already
mentioned. Other securities, not guar
anteed, would be issued for the diff
erence between the market value at
the time OF taking over and the value
of the railroads based on their earn
ings OF 1880, which is taken as a typi-
cal year. But in no case would the
interest or other income paid on these
and the underlying securities be great
err than the railroad earnings in 1880.
Move Held Inevitable
Senator Wheeler has held for years
that government ownership and OPP
Grafton of the railroads is inevitable.
He has made a considerable study Of
railroad valuation. In preparing his
present bill, he has consulted frequently
with Federal Coordinator Joseph b.
Eastman, though Wheeler is careful to
say that Eastman did not suggest the
bill, nor does he recommend govern
ment ownership at this time.
Senator Wheeler believes that under
government ownership and manage
ment, with the overhead burden Of
fixed charges greatly reduced, the rail-
roads can pay for themselves on low
er freight rates than they are charg-
ing now.
The contract between the market
value which Senator Wheeler would
use as a basis and the claims once
made by the railroads or their spokes-
men is startling. In the period be-
tween 1921 and 1929, the railroads
claimed, not merely their book value,
but the cost of reproduction" Of their
properties as the proper basis for rates.
AS most Of them computed cost Of re-
production, it ran to fantastic sums;
and the Wall Street Journal once de-
clared editorially that the roads could
not be reproduced for less than $780,
000,000,000, and demanded to know why
the owners should be satisfied with
less.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
BILLINGS MEAT COM
PANIES ARE UNFAIR
TO UNIONS

The Council also received a com
munication from Billings notifying the
unions that the Pierce Packing Com.
pany and the Midland Empire Packing
Company have been placed on their un-
fair list.
The Council %concurred in the re-
quest Of the Yellowstone Trades As
sembly to also place these firms on the
1--WE Don't Patronize" list. The loca
Butchers Union is particularly inter
ested in this communication and the
distribution of the products of these
companies in Silver Bow County will, il
all probability, be discontinued. The
letter from Billings is as follows
YELLOWSTONE COUNTY
TRADES AND LABOR ASSEMBLY
BILLINGS, MONTANA
Silver Bow Trades and Labor
Assembly,
Butte, Montana,
Greetings
At our last regular meeting it wa
regularly voted to place the product:
of the Pierce Packing Co. and the Mid
land Empire Packing Co. on the eve
DON'T PATRONIZE LIST.)
This was done in concurrence with
the Butchers and Meat Cutters Loca
No. 500 Of Billings request due to the
above mentioned Companys' refusal tc
sign a wage and hour agreement witt
Local No. 500.
We therefore ask your concurrence
in our action in complying with our re-
quest.
Fraternally yours,
COUNTY
TRADES AND LABOR
ASSEMBLY,
By r. ]. Monaghan,
CUNION SEAL) Secretary
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS TO
SHOW HERE WEDNESDAY,.

The Kansas City Monarchs, two
times winners ofthe Colored World
Series, played a picked Butte team here
Wednesday, June l9. This famous
colored team last year beat the Kansas
City Blues in a series Of five games out
OF six. They also beat a picked Major
league team with such men as Dizzie
Dean, Paul Waner and Pepper Martin
in the lineup. Lefthander Charles Bev-
erly struck out IS all-stars, including
every man in the lineup. This is by
far the best club to show in Butte yet
and though the result can be surmised
before hand, they should show the fans
some real baseball.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
THE PAY OF THE BUTTE FIREMEN
SHOULD ALSO Be RESTORED TO THEM

increase of pay or rather a restoration
OF pay to the 1882 schedule before the
reduction took place at all. The res
toration if granted would have given
the firemen a raise in pay to $4,000.
The City Council in acting upon the
matter passed the petition by a vote OF
fourteen to one, there being one alb
sent member. Notwithstanding the al
dermen allowed the petition, it did not
become operative because no ordinance
was attached to the petition and no or
dinance was drawn which would have
been necessary to make the increase in
pay valid.
Two weeks ago, the city firemen
again petitioned the City Council for
the restoration OF pay to the 1882 scale.
This time an ordinance was attached to
the petition, The City Council again
Continued to Page y
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
RALPH FLYNN ADDRESSES
DELEGATES.

Ralph Flynn, newly appointed Ad-
ministrator of Relief for Silver Bow
County, addressed the delegates of the
Silver Bow Trades and Labor Coun-
Gil last Tuesday night. Mr.. Flynn was
the Director Of Relief serving under
Alec Mcdonald. In the recent shift
in the relief setup Mr.. Flynn was given
the post OF Administrator of Relief.
In his address he asked for the CO.
operation Of Labor in his relief policy
and stated he felt that representatives
of labor were needed in some of the
more important positions in his organi-
%zation. He asked for a conference with
a committee from the Council. Chair
mar Erler appointed a committee to
confer with Mr.. Flynn.
Tom Kennedy Of the Miners Union
was endorsed by the Central Council
for a position in the Relief Admins
%tration.
Postmaster Frank Monaghan is due
a vote Of c%ongratulation for closing
the post office Miners Union Day.
This act enabled the Federal employees
TO participate with the other unions in
their celebration.
+ 4 +
Speaking OF the Postmaster brings
TO mind the occurrence of a blessed
event in the home OF Congressman Joe
Monaghan, Franks brother. The
new arrival, SO it has been reported.
weighed nine pounds. Mrs. Joe Mona
CHAN wa the former Miss Catherine
McDermott. The Montana Labor
News extends is best wishes to the
Monaghan family.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
MINERS IN THE SOUTH
NEED HELP.

The Secretary OF the Trades and La
Dor Council wa instructed to COM
municate with the Montana Senators
and Congressman in an effort to in
duce them to look into the situation
confronting the Miners in the tri-state
district namely Missouri, Oklahoma,
and Kansas. The condition of the
miners in this district is deplorable and
government relief is entirely made
Quate.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
GAMBLE-R0BINSON
COMPANY ON THE
BOYCOTT LIST

A communication was received from
the Lewistown Construction and Cen
eral L.aborers' Union asking the unions
of Butte to support them in their boy
colt against the Gamble Robinson
Company. The Trades Council con
Cured in the request. The letter from
the union of Lewistown is as follows:
INTERNATIONAL HOD CARRIERS,
BUILDING AND COMMON
LABORERS' UNION
OF AMERICA.
Local No. l47.
Butte Trades and Labor Assembly,
Butte, Mont.
Dear Sirs and Brothers:
In the matter Of the Gamble Robin
son Company of Lewistown, Mont.
We earnestly solicit your support in
the boycott that we are making on them
here.
We have made quite a number Of at
tempts here to gain union recognition
from this company and their answer
each time has been that they abso-
lutely would moi recognize either the
wage scales or hours, therefore we are
forced to take action on them and ask
that you bring all possible pressure to
bare on them in your city.
Thanking you in advance, we re-
main,
CONSTRUCTION AND CEN
ERAL LABORERS'
UNION No. 147,
Lewistown, Mont.
BY r. F. KIRTLEY, Sec'y.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
MINERS AUXILIARY TO HOLD
DANCE.

The Miners Auxiliary Drill Team
which is a unit Of the Ladies Auxiliary
of the Butte Miners Union, is holding
a dance at the Miners Hall, S2H East
Park Street, on Thursday, June 81
The music is to be furnished by the
Planners Kings OF Harmony. The adj
mission TO the dance is rs cents. The
proceeds of the dance will be used tc
purchase uniforms for the Drill Team
All members OF organized labor anc
friends Of organized labor are cordially
invited to attend the dance and assist
the women in this undertaking.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
A MEETING AT HELENA.

1t was reported that a meeting was
to be held at Helena Thursday, June
20, in connection with the Montana Re-
lief situation. In this connection,
further announcement was made that
some Of the delegates intended to be
present at this meeting. Further de-
tails may be secured at the Miners
Union H-eadnuarters-
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
SCHOOL BOARD IS UNFAIR TO UNIONS
STRIKING MACHINISTS
CONFIDENT OF VICTORY

~ganization Of unions as it would in
reality be a duplication Of the State
Federation OF Labor. A motion wa.
unanimously carried going on record
as being opposed to proceeding further
with the organization of a State Asso-
citation Of Central Councils. 1t is bet
ter to have one strong active State or
~ganization OF union men and women
than to have several poorly supported
organizations. Duplication of effort is
expensive and ineffective. There is
too much duplication now without ere
ating more. Money spent in travelling
expenses of delegates in a multiplicity
of State meetings, and the ever present
social entertainment. could be used to
much better advantage by enabling the
Montana Federation OF Labor to fl
nance some real organization work
While we are losing time by entertain
ing such fancy notions, our hard
worked President of the Montana Fed
Grafton OF Labor is obliged to finance
his own organization tours only to have
an accumulation OF work piled up on
his desk upon his return.
There was nothing proposed by way
of activity for this new setup than what
has already been attended to by the
Montana Federation OF Labor to the
extent Of which its resources has made
possible. By giving better cooperation
to our present setup we shall accom-
plish all that could ever be hoped for
through another State Association.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
BASEBALL CIRCUIT
SPEEDS UP
LEAGUES FIRST CASUALTY

Len Gerry, Vaudeville left-fielder,
fractured his left ankle in sliding into
second base during the Walkerville-
Silver Bow Park game Friday night.
Len will probably be out for the re-
mSnder Of the season and his loss will
seriously handicap Manager Davies
scrappy club.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20
u. S. Railroad Owner.
ship Proposed in the
Wheeler Bill

Montana Senator Introduces a
Measure Providing for Federal
Corporation to Take Over and
Operate Carriers - Valuation
Sure to Be Big Point of Con-
tention When Debate on the
Bill Starts.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20

We have just been notified by our
special Helena correspondent that the
permit applied for by Hickman & Rich
has been granted.
Montana labor news., 1935-06-20

The delegates who attended the Hell
ena meeting were unanimous in their
opinion relative to an avenue OF labor
publicity. Missoula labor unions have
had considerable experience in dealing
Continued to Page a