davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
RAILWAY COMMISSION
OPPOSES APPLICATION
FOR RATE INCREASES
Members Produce Testimony Be-
fore Interstate e C e
Commission Refuting Claims
of Railroads.

On May 10th, the Montana Board
of Railroad Commissioners, repre-
sented by Horace F. Casey and E. E.
Krebsbach and its counsel, John w.
Bonner, and its acting traffic expert,
Leo O'Connell, appeared before the
Interstate Commerce Commission
Examiner at Salt Lake City where
the Montana Railroad Commission
vigorously protested and presented
evidence in support of its protest
against the application of the trans
continental carriers for an increase
in freight rates, known as Elk Parte
lis.
The railroads sought to increase
freight rates from one cent to five
cents per hundred pounds on basic
commodities. The Montana Railroad
Commission in its evidence pointed
out to the Interstate Commerce Com
mission that if the application of the
railroads vas granted hat the
sheepmen of Montana would have
to pay five cents more per hundred
pounds on wool which would cause
great detriment to the wool growing
industry of this state. 1t was furth-
er pointed out that Montana ranks
second in wool production in the
United States. The Montana Rail
road Commission also pointed out to
the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion that the farmers and stockmen
of Montana would be injured and
that because of the drouth conditions
facing the state of Montana the In
terstate Commerce Commission
should be listening to a petition for
a reduction Of freight rates instead
of an increase in freight rates. The
evidence of the Montana Railroad
Commission also showed that if the
petition of the railroads was granted
that the stockmen of Montana
would have to pay one cent extra
on every cake of salt weighing Sc
pounds used for stock purposes.
The Montana Railroad Commits
sion has vigorously opposed the ap-
plication of the railroads for an in
crease in freight rates for the reason
that it is felt that the people Of
Montana cannot bear any additions.
burden as far as freight rates are
concerned. The Montana Railroad
Commission is preparing further
data to be used in the argument Of
the case and doing it's utmost to de-
feat the petition of the railroads.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
NO ADDITIONAL OVERTURE MADE BY
MERCHANTS TO SETTLE CONTROVERSY
UNIONS INVITED TO
(.I. @. (0N(LAVE AT
EAST HELENA JUNE s

To all c. I. o. Local Union and
Local Unions affiliated with the
Committee for Industrial Organiza-
ton:
On May 10th, 1887, thirteen local
unions of the International Union Of
Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers in
the state of Montana met at the
Miners Union Hall in Butte for the
purpose of forming an organization
to protect the interests of the Com
mittee for Industrial Organization in
this state against the forces that are
striving to break it down.
At the meeting it was decided to
call a statewide convention of all
locals in Montana that have c. l. o.
connections. The purpose of the
convention will be to transact all
business necessary to establish a for
NAL state council of the c. I. o. 1t
was decided to hold the convention
at East Helena, Montana, in the
Smeltermen's Hall on June 9th, 1887,
at 10 a. M. Your organization is
cordially invited to send delegates
to this important meeting.
The number Of delegates each I'M
ion shall be entitled to have seated
in the convention shall be as fol-
lows: Each local union shall be en-
titled to one vote for 100 members
or less, and each additional 100 or
major fraction thereof; provided nc
delegate shall cast more than five
votes. No proxy votes shall be al
lowed.
Note: All organizations that were
not officially invited due to some
oversight, are requested to consider
this notice as an official invitation
to attend the conference.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
GREEN ASKS AID FOR
BUILDING TRADES MEN
BY Federated Press

WASHINGTON. - (FP) - Provi-
sions barring building trades work.
ers not on relief from PWA employ
ment were protested here by VIM,
Green, president of the American
Federation of Labor, and representa-
tives of building trades unions.
Green, Harry Bates, president OF
the bricklayers, and M. j. Melon
ough, secretary of the building
trades department, called upon Pres
ident Roosevelt to protest the mea-
sure. They also asked a substantial
appropriations for PWA in order that
building trades workers might fine
employment.
Thousands of building trades
workers are in the twilight zone, out
of work but supported by organiza-
tons or individuals and not actually
on relief, though they should be-
Green told the President.
Green said that they found the
President in sympathy with theil
aims but that he contended that the
necessity for economy constituted G
stumbling block.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
HARRY FREEB0URN
MAKES FRIENDS BY
ANACONDA SPEECH
Teachers Represented in Assem-
bly,.

The Central Labor Council held
its regular meeting May "a, 1887, in
the lower A. o. H. hall. The meet
ing was well attended. Pres. Dur
kin presided. Sec. Healy read off
the correspondence and the contents
of these were noted by the dele
gates. Business Agent Mogus made
his report of activities concerning
the different unions and an agree
ment concerning the Operating En-
gineers and a local concern was read
off. This was given to the Griev-
ance Committee and will be acted
upon.
The full quota of delegates from
the newly formed Teachers Union
were in attendance and it is to be
hoped this interest in the Council
will be kept up.
A letter was read off from Pres.
Green of the A.. F. of L. offering
any active members of organized la
Dor to act in this vicinity as organ
izer as there is nc compensation and
the work would take a great deal OF
time, no one in attendance felt as
though he could take this offer. The
letter was filed. 1t looks from the
present activities of the G. 1. o. with
their paid organizers in this vicinity
to many delegates that the A. F. OF
L. should either send in an organizer
to this district who is being paid OF
appoint some local man to this posi-
ton as there is much to be done and
from reports the c. I. 0. organizers
are working to capacity.
A delegation visiting here, con-
sisting of Harry Freebourn, attorney
general from Helena, and Mr.. Spei-
gle, a member of organized labor
from Butte, gave interesting talks
and both were greeted with much
applause at the conclusion of their
remarks, especially MI. F%reebourn,
and from appearances the Council
feel they have a real friend in him
A delegation representing the
Women's Business Council from here
and who are going to a convention
in Seattle in June, very graciously
asked the Councils support ano
upon motion and passed, a donation
was given the committee.
No further business, the Council.
adjourned until its next regular
meeting.-Scribe.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
MAY
Be ALLOWED TIME
ON ASSESSMENTS

Senator James Murray has intro
duced a bill in the Senate which
has for its purposes the suspension
for annual assessment work on
mining claims. 1t will probably
come up in the Senate for consider
alton some time next week. There
is much opposition to it and it may
not pass.
Senator Murray states that he has
prepared arguments in support of il
which have been submitted to the
committee of mines and mining. The
senator has taken a very considerate
attitude toward the miners and pros
pectors not only of Montana but
throughout the country. A part OF
the senator's arguments as presented
to the committee are herewith print
ed with his consent.
The purpose of bill S. 1877 is to
afford relief to a portion of the pros
pectors and miners owning a few
mining claims or the Public Domain
who are unable financially to do the
$500 worth of work for each claim
that is required by law. The Con
gress has recognized the need Of
exemption for these unfortunate
claim owners for the past severa.
years and has enacted laws to pro
tect their ownership. The present
bill follows former acts in the MAR
purpose. Exemption applies to those
owners whose incomes are not tax.
able and is limited to 6 claims fol
an individual and IL claims for
partnership, association, or corpora,
ton.
The thing to be remembered il
that these owners of claims who viii
be protected in their ownership are
miners in the scattered mining com
munities far off the roads, where w
to recently, employment has beer
lacking. The statutory stipulation
that the prospector who discovers
vein of ore and files a location or
the same is protected in his owner.
ship as long as he each year doe,
500 worth of work on each claim
works out satisfactorily in norma
times. The depression in base meta.
mining has precluded miners from
obtaining steady employment, anc
as a consequence they have not ac.
cumulated the means to do the re
quired annual work at this time. I
is only in the past several months
that activity in mining for other thar
the precious metals has witnessed
any improvement. This belated i'm
provement does not immediately
translate itself into the means will
which to do the required annua
work. There were too many year
of practically no employment in tn,
mines, and bare sustenance wage
Continued on Page 81
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
JOINT EN(AMpMEhT
WILL BE (0L0RFUL
EVENT In BUTTE
Veterans Organizations and
Auxiliaries to Hold Three Day
Session.

A joint encampment of the Grand
Army of the Republic, Women's Re-
lief Corps, United Spanish War Vet
Grams, the Veterans of Foreign Wars,
and their auxiliaries and junior or
CARNATIONS will be held in Butte
commencing Monday, June IA, and
continuing for three days of bust
ness sessions, including election of
new state officers for the Depart
ment of Montana of all organizations
and the selection of the city for the
1888 encampment.
There will be present the national
senior vice commander in chief,
Scott P. Squyres, v. F. w, Okla
homa City, Oklahoma; Honorable
Scott Leavitt, Lewistown, Montana,
national commander United Spanish
War Veterans; James E. Van Zandt,
past national commander in chief,
v. F. W.; national chief of staff,
Walter l.. Daniels, V. f. W., Seattle,
Wash.
Governor Roy E. Ayers will at
tend with a delegation from Helena
composed of John w. Mahon, adju-
tant general; both Senators Murray
and Wheeler, and Congressman o.
Conner and O'Connell have been in
vited to be guests of the convention.
There will be a program presented
and list of speakers announced at a
later date.
There has been considerable prog
ress made in veterans affairs during
the last year and Butte Post 1448,
V. F. W., held memorial services
and dedicated a new burial plot in
Mountain View cemetery, and a S.
foot flag pole designates the plot on
the South Side.
1t is anticipated that there will be
5000 visitors in Butte for this event.
Continued on Page g.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
What's Happening
in The Unions

Charlie Davis, vice president of
the Silver Bow Trades and Labor
Council and a member of the Teach
ers Union, announced last Tuesday
that he plans to attend the summer
classes at Greeley, Colorado, for the
next three months. His presence
will be missed between now and
September. Mr.. Davis assured the
delegates that he would return in
the fall to his duties.
In a spirit of fun, Chairman Comba
took a vote of the delegates as to
whether Davis should be permitted
to leave or not, and the result of the
vote officially granted him a leave
of absence.
Bill Fauss, a member of the Typo
graphical Union, and who served as
vice president of the Council before,
was appointed by President Comba
to serve as vice president until the
return of Mr.. Davis.
= = =
A number of communications ar
rived, one from the Milwaukee
Trades and Labor Council suggest
ing that all the c. L. o. affiliates
request John Lewis to accede to the
request of the American Federation
Of Labor for a conference in order
that the split in the American labor
movement might be healed. The
men and women seemed to have an
idea that the proposition suggested
by the Milwaukee unions was not
satisfactory. 1t was brought out that
the terms laid down by the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor in the pro-
posed conference some time ago
meant a virtual surrender by the
C. L. o. to the A. F. of L. Probably
if the suggestion that came in the
communication had mentioned that
the A. F. of L. propose new terms
for a settlement, it might have had
a different reception.
Continued on Page 81
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
dunno TO SPEAK
HERE JUNE 10Th
Former Dynamic Labor Leader
of Butte and Editor of Bulletin
Will Speak on Timely Topics.

Two important and timely sub
iects, 'The Supreme Court Issue"
and 'Labor's Next STEP" will be dis
cussed by William F. Dunno at the
Butte High School Auditorium on
Thursday evening, June 10.
Dunno needs no introduction to
old-timers of Butte, who recall his
militant paper, The Butte Bulletin.
With reaction at fever pitch during
war time in Butte, The Bulletin be-
came champion of every labor cause
and has grown into a local tradition.
Many will remember the brutal
murder of Frank Little by thugs of
the local corporation and their
threats to get Dunno and his CO.
workers in a like manner.
Out of these struggles Dunno has
emerged as a national labor figure.
For the past fifteen years he has
resided in New York City and has
been active at all times with either
writing for the labor press through
out the country or guiding workers
in their many battles for better liv-
ing conditions. He is at present con-
nected with the American News
paper Guild.
The subjects he has chosen to dis
cuss are of particular interest to
Butte people at this time. The Su-
preme Court controversy has
brought to a head the most serious
political situation since Civil War
days. Labor is almost unanimous
in its support of President RooseV
velt's proposed changes, while Wall
Street and its reactionary followers
are opposed to any change. 1t is
expected that Dunno will deal caus-
tically with opponents of the change
and bring to light the real issues at
stake in this important question. That
he will have much to say about the
reactionary politicians who have
slipped into power in Montana is to
be expected, too.
Efforts are being made to secure
other speakers to round off the pro-
gram. The meeting will start
promptly at 8 p. m. and admission
is free.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
TOWNSEND Club
HAS ANACONDA
VISITORS TO PARTY

Twenty-Five Townsendites from
Anaconda attended the meeting of
Butte Club No. | at the Y. M. c. A.
last Friday evening.
The speaker of the evening was
Mr.. A.. H. Makey Of Anaconda, who
emphasized the operation and effect
of the Transaction Tax, which he
described not as a tax, but as a
commission paid by sellers of goods
and services for the purpose of in
creasing sales.
Mrs. J. Woods, secretary of Idaho
State Townsend Organization, also
spoke briefly on H. R. 4199 now in
congressional committee.
Readings by Betty Raymond, Ber-
tina Kunz and Jane Nee, the latter
from Anaconda; vocal duets, step
dancing, selections by the Townsend
orchestra from Anaconda, musical
numbers by Frank Hebron, commu-
nifty singing led by AL Powdrill and
Lillian Anderson, a Dutch auction
and refreshments served by Mrs.
Mabel Hare and her assistants COM
pleted a most enjoyable social eve
ming.
Making Money for the Merchant
will be discussed at the meeting on
Friday evening of this week at the
Y. M. c. A. Visitors are always
welcome.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
Employers RESPONSIBLE FOR CLERKS STRIKE
NDUp PUTS up
a VIGOROUS FIGHT
ON 5(AB PRODUCTS

ROUNDUP.-Local No. 318 of the
Bakery and Confectionery Workers
was organized here in January of
this year with twelve charter mem
bers. A contract was drawn up, APP
proved by the international and
signed by all bakeries and cream
cries here. After getting the union
label on all local products, the next
problem was non-union competition
coming here from other towns. In
April the organizing committee from
here went to Billings to attempt to
get closed shop contracts with the
bakery and creamery establishments
in that city. In all cases they met
with staunch refusal on the part of
the Billings managers and as a re-
suit the following firms were de-
clared unfair:
Home Bakery, Ideal Bakery, Pur-
ity Bread Co., Sawyer's Bakery and
Creamery, Swift & Co. dairy prod
ucts, Armour & Co. dairy products,
all of Billings.
The story of Meadow Gold and
Sawyer's is particularly interesting.
When the manager of Meadow Gold
was visited he told the committee
he wanted nothing to do with the
Miners Union. The committee adj
vised him that they were not mem
bers of the Miners Union but that
the miners supported them and they
supported the miners. Later he came
to Roundup and when he found that
he could sell nothing, he wanted to
know what he would have to do to
become fair. He was advised that
he would have to sign a closed shop
contract and go to the miners and
try to make amends for his remarks,
He then stated that if the miners
held that against him they were
lower in mentality than he had
thought they were. To date no con-
tract has been signed.
In the case of Sawyer's, the man.
agement in Billings insisted upon
sending their non-union bread and
butter here to be sold in competition
to the union label products manu-
featured locally. After asking them
by phone and letter to keep them
out of here with no results a COM
mittee of six men from the Central
Trades and Labor Council was sent
to Billings where they spent several
hours with Mr.. Hammerstrom, the
president of Sawyer's, Inc.
MI. Hammerstrom repeatedly stat
ed to this committee that he would
never sign a closed shop contract
Finding further argument useless
they advised him that if he con-
tinued to send his non-union prod
ucts to Roundup the store here
would be declared unfair, He in
sisted that he would sell his own
products here and could see it nc
other way. AS a result the union
store card was removed from the
store and they we're advertised I'M
fair.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
WITHDRAWAL NAMES
BEING OBTAINED IN
FRAUDULENT MANNER

Since last week the campaign for
multiplying House Bill No. 65 and
Senate Bill No. II has gained head
way. The response from members
of organized labor has been highly
gratifying. The Miners Union,
Transfers, Clerks, Women's Protec-
tive, Engineers, Workingman's,
Building Laborers Union, and many
others have given the movement
added impetus.
However, the opposition has be-
come increasingly active also. I'm
der the supervision of several Off
Gals of the Liquor Control Board,
a force of Is or 16 persons are wag-
ing an energetic campaign to get
signers to remove their signatures
from the petitions. Their argu-
ments are misleading and fraudu-
lent. They appeal to the signers to
remove their signature and save
somebody or others job. They try
to leave the impression that these
petitions will close the saloons and
beer parlors. Failing in these tao
tics, they have even gone to the ex-
IRENE, so it is alleged, of signing
voters names to the Withdrawal pc
lions without the knowledge of the
owner.
There is not one scintilla of truth
in the arguments advanced by these
persons. They are in the battle for
the sole purpose of securing a job
for themselves. Stripped of all en-
bellishments, House Bill No. 65 and
Senate Bill No. II centralize all
power of employment on state jobs
in the hands of the Governor in
stead of the State Board of Exam
iners. He is virtually made a die
tator and Under the extraordinary
powers conferred upon him by these
bills, he will build up a state ma
chine that Labor in its struggle for
emancipation will find it hard to
overcome.
A list of those who have signed
Withdrawals of their signatures from
the petitions is now in possession of
the Peoples Government League. We
find the names of many people who
are closely allied with the cause of
Labor, signed to these withdrawals.
1t is our opinion that these names
were obtained by deception and
fraud.
Headquarters is being constantly
beseiged by persons whose names
have been signed to these with
drawals and who desire to have them
removed. Dispositions are being
signed that the names were placed
on withdrawal petitions without
their sanction. Signing of names to
petitions without the sanction of the
owner is a violation of the corrupt
practice act and is subject to prose-
cution.
If the 10000 members of Organ
lied Labor will sign the petitions
and refrain from signing any of the
withdrawal petitions, u campaign
will be over. DO YOUR DUTY
NOW. COME TO THE HEAD
QUARTERS OF THE PEOPLES
GOVERNMENT LEAGUE AT 25
EAST BROADWAY AND SIGN.
(Signed) SAM SPIEGEL.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03

WILSONVILLE, Ill.-(FP)-Pro-
testing against electric loading ma
chimes which would throw many of
them out of work, and demanding
that the company divide the work
between men and machines, more
than 500 miners called a sit-down
strike 300 feet underground at the
Superior Coal Co. mine. Their
declaration that they would not come
up until the company signed an
agreement was met with a reply
from the mine superintendent that
they could starve. Families of the
entombed miners, however, lowered
food to them.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03

The American standard Of
living must be maintained
in order that American in
situations may not be sub
ject to perils of discomfort.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03

There can be NO prosperity
without Justly high wages.
Earnings Of working people
are the b4ns and index of
progressi IN any community.
Montana labor news., 1937-06-03
N 0 TI(E

By order of the Executive Board and owing to
circumstances that compelled the change, the
convention of the State Federation Of Labor,
scheduled to convene at Red Lodge June 22nd,
has been changed to meet at Bozeman, Tuesday,
June 22nd.
Evening star., 1937-07-12
arried white Gala lilies and gypso-

carried white Gala lilies and gypso-
phelia.
Miss Doris Elizabeth Ray, sister of
the bride, was the maid OF honor
wearing long dress Of pink net over
satin, the full skirt being trimmed
with three bands of satin ribbon, one
at the waistline, one in the middle
line. 1t had satin packet with short
puf1ed sleeves to match, and she car
ried bouquet of pink rosebuds tied
with blue satin ribbon.
Mr. Edward Bryan of Soencerville,
Md, cousin Of the bridegroom, was the
best man.
immediately after the ceremony
there was a reception for 200 guests
in the garden surrounding the house.
Japanese lanterns added to the pic
turesque scene, where Mrs. Ray, the
brides mother, received with the bridal
couple, wearing long pink lace gown
and corsage bouquet OF pink rose
buds. The bridal table was attractively
decorated with white Summer flowers
and had TERED wedding cake for Its
centerpiece.
Among the out-of-town guests were
Mr.. and Mrs Albert Harrell, Mr. and
Mrs. Paul Warner of Clarendon, Va:
Mrs. E. Warfield, Mrs. Harry Baugh-
man, Mrs. T. G. McWilliams and Mr..
Charles r. Pahr Of Baltimore, Md
The bridal couple left on we'd
ding trip to Niagara Falls and Canada,
Mrs. Bryan wearing sports suit of
Evening star., 1937-07-12
Miss Ray Wed to
MIR. Bryan Saturday
In Takoma Park
Y ATTRACTIVELY

AN ATTRACT1VELY arranged
wedding took place Saturday
night in Takoma Park, Nd, when
Miss Myrtle Alice Ray, daughter of
Mr.. and Mrs. H. German Ray, was
married to Mr.. Chester A. Bryan,
grandson of Mrs. E. P. B. Margerum
of Silver Spring, Md.
The ceremony was performed by
the Rev. Clark Forcey. pastor OF the
Non -Sectarian Tabernacle, Piney
Branch road, Takoma Park, D. c., at
$50 o'clock at the home of the brides
parents. The bridal party stood be-
fore group OF windows in the living
room which were banked with palms
and ferns, while baskets Of vari-col-
ored gladiolus were placed through
out the room. The candlelighted
mantel was also decorated with Sum-
mer flowers. Just before the cere-
mony vocal selections were sung by
Mr. Frank Sanderson, accompanied
at the piano by his wife Mrs. Paul
Warner Of Clarendon, Va, played
the wedding march.
Given in marriage by her father,
the bride wore a becoming gown of
redingote style with white lace over
satin having tiny buttons from the
neckline to the waist. The puffed
sleeves at the shoulders we're long
and frightened from the elbow to the
wrists Her double veil of tulle was
knee length and she wore a face veil
which was thrown over a coronet Of
beads which held it in place. She