davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
Sweden Draws
Spotlight for An
Economic Change
Coop League News Service

Coop League News SerYice)
NEW YORK-Tired of being torn
by a choice between Communism and
Fascism, America is turning to Sweden
for an example of a middle way" out
Of economic chaos,
The collapse OF New Deal legislation
before a conservative Supreme Court,
signalling a possible end to Controlled
Capitalism, has precipitated immediate
discussion of possible alternatives.
Sweden, in contrast to the alterna-
tives offered in Fascist Germany and
Italy and Communist Russia, has made
one of the most remarkable economic
recoveries in history. Industrial pro-
duction has risen four points above the
peak of production in 1929. Employ
ment has increased to a point almost
equal to 1929 levels with only $4,000
Cess than | per cent of the population)
unemployed. In many districts taxes
have been paid up to IS per cent and
the 1856 budget has been balanced
with no extraordinary expenditures for
relief of unemployment or public works.
The reasons for this economic ad-
are dramatically described by
Marquis w. Childs, Washington CORE
spondent Of the St. Louis Post Dis
patch, in his volume, Sweden, the
Middle Way" The book has forced
increased attention to developments in
Northern Europe. Childs concludes
after an intensive study of the Scandi-
navian experiment, that the primary
factors responsible for the recovery are
Q Consumers Cooperation, which has
developed to the point where one
third of the retail trade and ten per
cen of all wholesale trade and manu-
featuring is OF a non-profit, co-opera-
tives basis; (2) state operation of utili-
ties to prevent monopolistic exploita-
tion, and 90 a powerful trade union
movement.
From simply efficient businesses, the
Swedish consumers co-operatives have
evolved into yardsticks to control CAPT
talism. Monopolies in flour milling,
rubber, margarine and electric lamp
manufacture were broken and the prices
OF these commodities cut from thirty
to fifty per cent as a result OF coop
%erative production. Co-operatives are
replacing profit seeking business as
rapidly as they prove their efficiency in
respective fields and an economic order
based on cooperation for service" in
stead of competition for profit" is
evolving as a result of the Swedish ex-
pertinent.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
LABOR CONDITIONS
DESCRIBED IN STATE

Especial to Montana Labor News)-
At Fort Peck a number of things have
happened, recently, that may have con
siderable significance as to the trend
OF future events there and on similar
projects, viz: The contractors on the
diversion tunnels Mason and Walsh
quit and turned the Job back to the
Government. The Army Engineers
thereupon, took over the task of tun-
mel enlargement and are proceeding
with it towards completion. Major Kit
trel major Larkin's ~successor) in
formed me that the Government pro
posed to finish the tunnel part OF the
project and would not let any more
contracts t~hereon-with the possible ex-
ception of a few minor sub-contracts.
So much for the tunnel contract propo-
s%ition, which may, or may not, be sig
nificant. 1t has long been a mystery
to me, as to what sort of mental leger-
demain is practiced by those in au-
thority in our various governmental
setups, both Federal and State and the
several political subdivisions of both,
who profess to believe that it is neces-
sary to let such projects as Fort Peck,
roadbuilding jobs, etc. to private con
tractors.
In recent weeks there have been sew
eral serious and fatal accidents in the
tunnels, the principal cause of which
were, so | am informed, falling ground
and the bursting of a grouting machine
that was working under high pressure.
Major Larkin, who has been the En-
gineer in charge OF operation at Fort
Peck, was recently assigned to another
post and Major Kittrel is now high mo-
gul at the dam. Since these changes
have taken place, approximately three
hundred more men have been put TO
work in the tunnels and many of those
Continued to Page Six
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
TRANSFERS UNION
HOLDS SMOKER

The Butte Transfers, last Tuesday
night, held one Of the best and mos
enjoyable get-together meetings evel
held by that organization in spite OF tn,
fact that it was one Of the codes
nights this winter, it was said by tn,
members,
Beer and sandwiches were served
then Brother Fritz LEM, known al
over the city for his wonderful voice
entertained with several songs, whilt
George Lawson ratified the worries
Paul Erler, president of the Silver Bow
Trades and Labor Council, who was an
honor guest, entertained with severa'
r%ecitations that were enjoyed YER
much. After this the truck drive
commenced putting on their own tale,
First was a song by Brother Doris.
a high-class singer, who drives for
Eddy's Bakery. John Larson and John
Anderson, a "Swede' and a Fin" sang
a Swede song which the members en-
joyed very much. Dave Blaskovich
and Dave Tomich entertained with an
Austrian song. Shortly after Brother
Doris was called upon again to sing
some airs OF Scotland. There was
quite a bit OF disappointment because
Brother Joe Anil had been crippled up
for five o six weeks and wasn't able to
entertain by his tap dance. Brother
Jimmie Moore, the musical man with a
saw, received great applause when he
played several old-time songs on his
saw. President Max Weber of the
Transfers quartet also entertained
with two selections. The real quartette
OF the Transfers Union could not sing
because Mickey Mcclure couldn't get
away from home on account OF the cold
weather, and Brother Mcintosh, the
tenor, closed his ears and excused HIM
self by saying his ears were bandaged
up so much that he couldn't hear him
self sing, therefore, he would not al
low the other brothers to hear it.
Brother Sparrow, the third member Of
the quarettte was very busy serving
the "suds" and could not stop. AT this
point Brother Connors was called upon
and he gave a recitation entitled who
ever Heard Of the Truck Driver Bold"
Several Of the other brothers sang
songs, among them the Garry Quar-
tette, well known baseball players.
Brother William O'Brien gave a recita-
ton; Hemmon Harvey was not in trim
we missed him very much. Brother
William Squires seemed to be affected
by the cold weather and it was mpos-
sible to get him warmed up for the oc-
casion.
All in all, it was a great party, and
the committee who served the beer and
are to be congratulated on their
fine work. This goodfellowship is
makes a real progressive union.
If any of the brothers happen to be
overlooked by this write up it is not
the intention Of the reporter, but a
lack of memory.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20

II is estimated variously that Con-
gress cannot possibly adjourn prior to
June IS and that it even may be pro-
longed beyond that date. However,
Administration leaders already are
busying themselves about adjournment
The date set by Majority Leader Bank
head OF Alabama on the Floor the other
day was May l. He said 81 should
like to finish with these appropriation
measures and adjourn by May L. Did
Congressman Bankhead mean that
Congress should adjourn by May l
irrespective OF the agenda of business
yet remaining to be transacted? If so,
| doubt whether the Congress will &C
quiesce. If he meant that Congress
should make a determined effort to
transact its business and adjourn by
hat date, noubt he will receive coop
Grafton. However, Congress should
no. be adjourned until the following
legislation is enacted at least: AIDE
quate farm legislation, the Patman
means Of financing the bonus, the thirty
hour week, strong neutrality legisla-
ton, the Frazier-Lemke bill, the Town
send Old Age Pension or a pension ap-
p%roximating the Townsend Plan,
further railroad and currency legisla-
ton and other major measures designed
10 bring relief to the sorely distressed
nation that has been snatched from the
rip tide and, in the words OF a writer,
kept floating in a barrel" Unless
Congress does this |, for one, shall op-
pose adjournment at such an early date.
= y +
Mr.. Monaghan will speak over the
National Broadcasting system February
% at BIS Mountain Standard Time on
the subject Shall Acts Of Congress
be Vetoed by the Supreme Court"
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
Wage Increase Cam
paign Is Mapped
By A. T. |. Council
Nationwide Action by Workers
Held Necessary for Protection
Against Currency Initiation.

By A. F. OF L. News Service.
WASHINGTON, d. Charging
that the buying power of the masse.
OF the people has already been dras-
tically reduced by wage reductions, the
Executive Council of the American
Federation OF Labor urged a prompt
mobilization of working men and we-
men throughout the nation in a fight
for wage increases to offset the de
leterious effect Of currency initiation. .
In a statement authorized by the
Executive Council, President William
Green OF the Federation discussed the
agitation for currency initiation in its
relation to the welfare of the masses.
THE Executive Council OF the Alner-
lean Federation of Labor he said, IS
fully appreciative of the fact that the
policy OF currency initiation being ad-
vanced by certain public men is a mat
ter OF moment and OF grave importance
to labor. In operation it will seriously
affect the economic and social welfare
OF the masses OF the people. An in
crease in the price of articles which en-
ter into living costs is bound to follow
the Inauguration of currency initiation.
In fact, the primary purpose of infla-
ton IS to elevate price levels and to in
crease commodity prices.
Obviously, labor will be at a decided
disadvantage if commodity prices in
crease and wages remain stationary at
the depressed level to which they have
been forced through the pursuit of a
wage deflation policy. The buying
power OF the masses OF the people has
been greatly reduced through the i'm
position of reductions in wages. It has
already reached the point where the
workers are unable to buy either in
quantities or in frequency. If prices
are to be driven upward through cur
rency initiation the very limited buying
power Of the masses OF the people will
be further curtailed. This is especially
true because it is reasonable to con-
clude that the price of the necessities
OF life will increase under the inspira-
ton and influence Of currency infla-
ton.
As a matter OF sound public policy,
as well as OF justice, an increase in
wages should precede an increase in
commodity prices. Unless this is done
the consuming power of the people will
be lowered rather than increased
through the adoption OF a policy Of
currency initiation.
The members of the Executive
Council are determined to safeguard
the interests Of the wage earners by in
upon increases in wages imme-
diately. The d~eleterious effect of cur
rency initiation upon the social and
economic life of working people can
only be offset through increases in
wages and through an increase in mass
purchasing power throughout the ma
ton.
We propose to call upon labor to
begin the fight Immediately for wage
increases and to use such legitimate
influence and power as may be at their
command to bring about the restoration
the buying power of the masses of
The people"
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20

~The board rate on the public library
contents is $1.17 per hundred for one
year. For three years it would be
twice that or 1874 per hundred. The
regular board premium would be
$4,000 for three years. The average
profit Of $1.07 per 500 premium would
give the companies $7.5l profit on that
figure, on a premium Of $4,000 minus
$751; gives $694.49 actual cost of In
surance to the companies, When you
had this insurance written for $4,000
premium it was purchased at $4S4.4o
below cost.
There are about 10 non-board COM
panies operating in Butte and about
six non-board agents. Only one made
a bid for the library insurance. The
others kept to the orthodox rates and
then cutting them slightly on what is
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
TRADES COUNCIL
PLACES BOYCOTT
ON HOLLY SUGAR

Through a request from the Sugar
Workers Union of Tracy, California.
the delegates to the Trades and Labor
Council are asking members of or
gained labor here not to purchase any
Of the products Of the Holly Sugar
Company until such a time as this
company desists in its attitude toward
the sugar workers union of that city.
Other factors which arose out of the
strike of the workers in the Billings
plant against the Great Western Sugar
Company influenced the action of the
delegates. 1t was alleged at the Trades
and Labor Council that a connection
existed between the Holly Sugar COM
pany and the Great Western Sugar
Company to dispose of some of the
products OF the Great Western Sugar
after that product had been boycotted
by the unions. The communication
from the Sugar Workers Union of
Tracy, California, follows:
SUGAR WORKERS UNION
Local No. 20,058
Tracy, California.
February II, 1886.
Silver Bow Trades and Labor Council
Butte, Montana.
Dear Sirs:
We. the Sugar Workers Union, To-
cal No 20,058, was forced through dis
elimination and coercion on the part of
the Holly Sugar Corporation Of Tracy.
California, into strike conditions.
The San Joaquin County Central La
Dor Council { 443 Weber Avenue,
Stockton, California; has sanctioned
strike and put the Holly Sugar
Corporation, Tracy branch, and its
products and b%y-products on their we
Don't Patronizeg list.
The Sugar Workers Union is re-
guessing organized labor to aid them in
their fight for recognition. Many Cen
trail Labor Councils and local unions all
through the country are writing Wiley
Blair, President OF the Holly Sugar
Corporation OF Colorado Springs. Colo
RADIO, asking them to adjust their diff
ferences with the Sugar Workers
Union.
We are urging all Labor Councils and
local unions to boycott Holly Sugar
and its by-products of the Tracy
Plant which will bring pressure to
bear which will be a major factor in our
gaining union recognition.
Fraternally yours,
JOHN w. BOGLE, Pres.
+. NJ. MOON, Asst Sec'y.
Union SeaD
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
S UNION
THANKS TRANSFERS
YELLOWSTONE COUNTY
TRADES AND LABOR ASSEMBLY
Ri1iinUe Montana

~ z - - a
Billings, Montana
Montana Labor News
The Yellowstone Trades and Labor
Assembly and the the International
Brotherhood of Transfers, Chauffeurs,
Stablemen and Helpers Of America, Lo-
cal No. 100 of Billings, Montana, wish
to extend their thanks and apprecia-
ton for the action of the Butte Local
No. 2, and State Committee Of the
Truck Driver and Transfers ~organiza-
tons for making it possible to organize
the Truck Driver and Transfers To-
cal No. 100 OF Billings, Montana. To
the officers Of the Butte organization,
we wish to extend our thanks as well
as our cooperation.
Signed: E. H. HELTERBRAN,
Secretary, Yellowstone Trades and
Labor Assembly, and
JAMES o. COX,
Business Agent for Local No. 100,
/. B. of T.. c. S. and II. of A.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
BILLINGS UNIONS CHALLENGE
CIVIC BODIES TO DEBATE

Word comes from Billings that or
gained labor has challenged any civic
body in that city to a debate of cur
rent economic conditions. Should any
Of the bodies accept the challenge, it is
hoped to bring about through the talks
a better understanding OF the relation
between labor and employers.
The unions throughout the state Of
Montana will watch with interest the
developments in this proposed battle.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
LET'S GET TOGETHER
What We Owe To the Commu-
nifty in Which We Live.

Here in Butte we live on mining. The
rest of us, from the leading banker tc
the mar who cleans our streets, is just
attending to the needs Of miners anC
the mining industry.
A population as large as ours, Of ne
cessity, requires other activities. We
must have food, clothes and shelter.
To attain these other industries are
necessary. Singly these industries are
small here, in comparison to mining,
but in the aggregate are a very sub
stantial part; employing a very material
amount OF people.
Were mining activities to cease, and
miners leave here, the rest Of US would
have no choice only to do likewise. We
depend solely on miners and mines.
On the other hand, without the
things that he (the other industries)
produce and sell, miners and mining
companies could not very well carry on.
Homes must be built and kept in repair,
food must be prepared, clothes must be
made. We constantly require medical
attention, and a thousand other necessi-
ties must be obtainable, else we could
not go on.
A feature Of our local set up that
should be given special consideration is
the lack Of employment for girls and
women folk in our leading industry.
Compared to man requirements, il is al
most nil.
This condition often makes it neces-
sary for young girls to leave home and
seek employment in other cities. Not
a nice state OF affairs for either par
ents or daughters.
This should be given thought when
purchasing necessities. Remember any
article made or sold here requires peo-
pie to make and sell it. Among those
SO employed is always a fair share of
girls.
In the baking industry alone there
are some thirty girls employed. If all
the baked goods sold in Butte we're
made here it would mean as many more
girls employed. This is true OF many
other activities.
Remember when you buy something
that is made out of town; when you
can probably get better value in the
same thing made it Butte; you may be
helping TO send some girl away from
home to make a living. Perhaps your
own daughter.
This is also true of young men. They
can't all become professional people.
Some of them must carry water, hew
wood and make %doughnuts. Small
chance for a Butte young man to learn
the baking trade if he must go to the
bakery in S%quedunk that is now baking
your bread.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20

ganization of Insurance Agents has sue
cessfully fought this reduction to date.
There is no such a thing as Big
Fire Insurance Companies" when COM
pared with modern business institu-
tons. The largest fire company has
S~540O0,0O0.00 surplus to policy holders
and has been doing business 1877 years,
while the average is less than 100000.
When the fire losses run over 50 per
cent OF the premium income it means
no profit for the insurance companies.
There is something like Isl recognized
fire insurance companies doing bust
ness in the United States, and to illus
trate the small margin OF profit l will
give you the statistical figures of two
largest American companies and their
average profits on premium income
over IN average of five years written
at board rates
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
BUTCHERS INVITE
PUBLIC TO DANCE

The A%malgamated Meat Cutters
and Butcher Workers of North Amer
lea extended a welcome to the public
and to the union members and their
wives and %sweethearts to attend the an
nual dance to be held by this union at
the American Legion Hall next Friday
night, February 21st. Services of Fred
Harvey and his band have been en-
gagged to supply the music.
The annual functions of the Butchers
Union are quite an outstanding part
OF the union movement Of Silver Bow
County. Everyone is promised a very
pleasant evening. Admission is Csc.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20

known as preferred risks. Knowing
that was the only way they could make
a profit, selecting their business; or, in
other words, picking the class of
building less liable to fire hazards.
From the figures available a cut Of
5 per cent from board rates through
out the country means a certain loss,
and the margin is so small now and so
uncertain with decreasing premium in
come with all companies that they are
looking for an out and are agitating
cutting agents commission,
Respectfully submitted,
]. S. WULF.
"P. Sire insurance is so profitable
that 40 per cen of the Companies
starting in business in the last 20 years
have gone broke or have re-insured.-
J. S. w"
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
Mooney Sends
A~ppreCiatOnS and
Asks for Funds
County Jail No. J.,
San Francisco, Calf.
February 1, 1886.
N Lahnr News

Editor, Montana Labor News,
Butte, Mont.
My dear Editor
On Monday, February 8, the hearing
on my petition for a habeas corpus writ
will be resumed before the referee ap-
pointed by the California Supreme
Court. Once more that monstrous ser
pent-the Mooney-Billing frame-up-
will crawl from its bed Of slime, raise
its ghastly head, display its fangs and
inject its deadly poison into the blood
stream OF public opinion in the hope OF
paralyzing it SO that we may be held in
prison until death.
This hearing is bringing our struggle
to a new crisis where we need your
moral and financial help more than ever
before.
We have proved that all the material
evidence, all matters of Identification as
to our participation in the crime was
pure and unadulterated perjury.
We have proved that the District At
torney and the Police Department had
Continued to Page Six.)
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
ANACONDA UNIONS
SUPPORT ]. CONDO

The Anaconda Central Labor Counci
has endorsed James Combo for the po-
sition OF Regional Director of the
Works Progress Administration anc
also sent letters to Senators Wheeler
and Murray thanking them for the ap-
pointment,
Butte Supports Billings.
The Silver Bow Trades and Labor
Council endorsed the appointment Of
Louis G. DeNayre for the position Oh
Regional Director of District No. 2
w. P. A., at the request of the Yellow
stone Trades and Labor Council.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
DUNCAN ATTENDS SESSION

Chairman Duncan Of the Educationa
Committee, reported hat he had at
tended a session Of the Chapter re.
Gently formed in Butte on Exceptions
Children. At this meeting Mr.. Dun
"a stated that Judge Riley gave quite
a lengthy talk on problems of delinq-
uent children.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
GENERAL LABORERS PLACED
ON RELIEF.

1t was stated by the General Labor
ers' Union that the proposed discrimi-
nation against members of that organi-
cation for walking off the Basin Creek
job has been adjusted.
Members who walked off the Cliff
ton-Applegate job at Basin Creek are
now permitted to go back on relief rolls
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20
MINERS LADIES TO
HOLD CARD PARTY

The Miners Auxiliary will hold a
card party on February 2lst in the
Miners Hall. There will be three cash
prizes and numerous other good prizes.
The public is cordially invited.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20

The Leather Workers Organization
has Joined the League Against War and
Fascism, according to an announcement
made last Tuesday.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20

Az a welcoming luncheon sponsored
by the Greater New York Federation OF
Churches, he pointed out, This is my
fourth trip to America, This time
come to your country to help build a
World Cooperative Movement"
He dramatically told formally attired
church leaders at a banquet at the
Hotel Aston, 81 came to this hall by
mistake. l belong in the slums Of the
lower East Side He challenged the
lack of social application of Christianity
and said without cooperative asso-
Citations Christianity does not amount
to much today"
1--WE must abolish the economic
causes of war before we can have dis
armament" DR.. Kagawa told Brooklyn
churchmen. "If we could have inter
national cooperative trade based on
cooperative motives like there is be-
tween Denmark and England, there
would be no war
AT a special conference called by the
Eastern States Cooperative League he
described the growth of the co-opera-
tive movement in Japan which now in
cludes 100000 families in eve types
OF co-%operatives. Only co-operatives
make possible the embodiment Of per-
.sonality and the attainment of the seven
values OF life. Today they are all sub
merged to the level OF exchange .
whether you like it or not, there is no
other way but co-operatives.
DR.. John Haynes Holmes, in a special
tribute, said, "Kagawa is the first and
noblest Christian in the world since the
passing OF Tolstoi. He comes to teach
us what Christianity is; that the Law
OF Life is Love.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20

An average profit o 70 cents On every 500 premium written O an average
period OF five years. giving them a profit of $3l,50OO0 on an average of 49,
5UOWOW premiums written or 2I6 per cent on S~lz000O00 capital $W is
the average profit. on every 500 premium written by these two largest fire com-
panes over a period Of five wears per annum.
Montana labor news., 1936-02-20

The American standard of
living must be maintained
in order that American in
stitutions may not be sub
ject to perils of discomfort.