CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
of
COTTON PICKER STRIKE ------ SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, Calif.
Kern, Kings, Tulare & Madera Counties.
from
including Oct. 1st to Oct. 30th, 1955, Sept. 18.

Sept. 18
Tulare.

Cannery & Agricultural Workers Industrial Union
announce cotton strike involving thousands
Mexican, Negro, white workers (men, women
& children) would be called within ten days
unless demands of $1. per cwt. for picking
is paid, instead of present 50¢ rate.
(see Oct 2. other demands).

Sept. 23
Fresno.

Over 300 growers offer 60¢ per cwt. compares with 1932

Oct. 2.
Tulare.

General strike set for Wed. Oct. 4 by conference
of 25 locals of CAMEU (4,000 organized work-
ers, acreage over 100,000.)

10 workers arrested at Tulare.

800 already out at Bakersfield, Marlboro, Laverne, Corcoran.

Strike to begin in southern regions; to sweep north as
crop ripens.

Small farmers organizing United Farmers League locals;
willing to grant pickers' demands; uniting with
pickers in fight against Finance Corporation.

A F of L Building Trades Council at Visalia pledges support.
(see Oct. 9 counter action State A F of L).

Additional demands of strikers include recognition of CAMEU
no discrimination against workers for strike activity.

CAMEU reports locals in 21 towns; others being organized daily.

Unemployed being organized not to scab but to help strikers.

5. 3.
Tulare.

1,000 on strike; 5,000 threaten walkout tomorrow.

6.
esno.

Growers start organization against demands for increased pay.

Kern Co. Growers form Agricultural Protective League (Vigilantes)

Rabbi I F Reichert makes public letter to Gov. Ralph stating
"In the great majority of counties between the peace officers
and the strikers, the former were responsible for inciting
to violence".

Ex:
S F News
S F Chronicle
S F Examiner
S F Call
Bulletin
Stockton
Independent
Oakland
Tribune
Oakland
Post-Inquisitor
Fresno Bee
Tulare Times
Tulare Advance
Register
L A Times
L A Daily News
Western
Worker

COTTON STRIKE, CALIF
Summary - pg 2

Oct. 7
Yreno.
**Ranchers in Corcoran district arm themselves.** Strike grows more intense.

**Strikers arrested:** Frank Lopez, Louis Bradley and 3 others, on vagrancy charge after conducting pickers' strike meeting.

**Mediation offered by State Labor Commissioner, Frank C MacDonald**
Growers (San Joaquin Labor Bureau) refuse.

Kern Co.
Yreno.
Growers increasing organization to "drive strike agitators out" MacDonald says refusal to mediate is unjustifiable and tends to encourage Communism".

**Strikers have not yet replied to mediation offer.**

Growers order pickers to vacate picking camp.

Arvin
(Kern Co)
Evicted pickers camp in vacant lots; hundreds forced from camp.

Oct. 9
All news-papers; GROWERS ACCUSED OF BOYcott THREAT AND "STARVATION" PLOT (accused by State Labor Commission)

7-8 col. PICKETS IN VALLEY STRIKE INVADE FIELDS, DEFY OUSTER front page COTTON STRIKE PEACE PAILS; CLASH FEARED

**headlines** RABBI REICHERT DECLares EMPLOYERS' TREATMENT OF MEN OUTRAGEDOUS

Woodville. **Strikers resume picketing.**

(Vigilantes)

**Farmers/threaten** to disband picket lines by force.

**County highway patrolmen & sheriff's deputies mobilized.**

3 counties. **Strike spreads over Tulare, Kings & Kern Counties, all demand $1. a cwt. 10,000 now out.**

**Growers declare** "We can't pay a cent more than 60 cents".

**Vigilantes keynote** -- direct action against strikers.

Woodville. **VIGILANTES RAID STRIKE MENT.**

7-8col. VIOLENCE BREAKS OUT IN FOUR COUNTIES; COTTON AREA ARMS.

fr.page AUTHORITIES ADVISE FARMERS TO USE FORCE AGAINST AGITATORS.

**headlines** The meeting last night of 800 striking pickers and small farmers called to unite in fight against finance corporations was attacked by 80 drunken vigilantes, and resulted in pitched battle. Vigilantes were armed but could not break through workers defense to reach speakers.

4 counties. **Strikers prepare to strengthen picket lines; pickets instruct not to start trouble but to resist attempts to drive pickets from fields.** Increase picket lines despite terror.

A F of L
(State)
Announces it is not participating in cotton strike because pickers are not affiliated with labor unions.

Corcoran **1,000 Vigilantes** streamed from Bakerfield on route for Corcoran to mobilize against strikers.

Kern Co. **200 strikers families ousted from cottages; small belongings dumped on road by Vigilantes.**

COTTON STRIKE, C.
Summary - page

Oct. 9 (cont.) Strikers make demands on Board of Supervisors:
Kern Co. 1) for immediate relief for cotton pickers & unemployed

2) hot lunches for children of strikers & unemployed

3) removal of guards from cotton fields.

4) recognition of their right to picket.

Monterey. Mexican Consul Bravo protests against reported mistreatment of this nationals.

Bakersfield. 3,000 strikers parade demanding release of arrested workers and insist on demands put to Board of Supervisors. Marchers force release of 2 strikers arrested during demonstration. Socialist Party fakers make unsuccessful attempt to disrupt demonstration.

Hanford. Sheriff, Dist. Atty. threaten strikers with shooting & castor oil.

Tulare. Strikers mobilize 100% and pull out 12 cotton gins.

Kern Co. CAIU organizes Kern Co. solid; 1000 in Arvin local alone.

3 counties. CAIU secures lots from sympathetic farmers to house evicted strikers.

Madera Co. Union organizers arrested; members of local continue work.

Visalia. CAIU preparing pull out pickers as soon as crop ripens.

Kern Lake Bed. 1500 pickers held prisoners but refuse to pick cotton.

3 counties. Basco, McFarland, Corcoran, Arvin, Shafter, Kern Lake Bed, Pixley, Delano, Fresno, Bakersfield and dozen other towns in strike; 80-90-100% pickers out on strike.

Spirit is high; relief and defense committees set up. Strikers wear CAIU cards in caps and shirts; workers and merchants of towns in sympathy with strike.

300 small farmers in meeting of Farmers Association back fight of United Farmers League and CAIU against Finance Corporations.

Bakersfield 700 join CAIU local.

Pixley 10 strikers arrested for "disturbing the peace".

Corcoran. Offer by several big growers to compromise at 70¢ was boed down at strikers mass meeting.

Oct. 10
Tulare. NRA Compliance Board steps in; attempts today to settle strike. Timothy A Reardon, State Dir. Industrial Relations, ordered to intervene by Gov Ralph.

State Dir. of Relief (RC Branton) announces strikers and families will be fed by counties receiving federal and state unemployment relief. (Strikers report relief offered only if strikers sign card promising to return to work).

3 counties. Strikers demand Gov. relief be distributed thru union relief committees. Refuse relief on proviso that they will return to work pending arbitration of strike.

Corcoran. 2500 pickers & families including 500 children evicted; establish tent city in field. (Oct. 13, number increased to over 4,000; by end of strike was 5,000).

COTTON STRIKE, Calif.
Summary - Page 4.

Oct. 10 (cont.)

3 counties. Growers still reject mediation. Rabbi Reichert threatens growers with cut-off of funds from Farm Relief Board.

Arvin
Two strikers killed in fight with ranchers.

Wasco
Growers attempt to get scabs; many going in, being called off by pickets.

Corcoran
4 picketing strikers arrested for "disturbing the peace".

Pixley
2 strikers arrested for swearing at scabs and "disturbing the peace"

Strikers hold protest meetings against arrests.

Vigilantes announce Farmers Protective Association has 700 members, propose to increase to 2,000.

Hanford
Chamber of Commerce commends Growers fax in letter for their "spirit of firmness" against strikers and attacks Communist influence among strike leaders.

Tulare
Defense committees of strikers strengthened.

Kern Co.
Over 600 strikers march thru several towns with banners; "hold the line"; "hot lunches for our children"; "Negro and White, Unite in Fight". State Highway patrolmen & sheriffs deputies heavily armed, equipped with tear gas bombs, patrol sidewalks attempt to provoke marchers.

Corcoran
Growers hold meeting to plan "draatic action".

3 counties. 12,000 strikers now out.

Kings Co.
Growers adamant; declare will employ no one at any price, "Let the cotton rot on the ground".

Oct. 11.
Pixley

15,000 now out on strike.

Several hundred strikers meet to protest arrest of 17 pickets.

7-8 col.
Armed Vigilantes drive up in autos and open fire.

headlines. 2 KILLED (two strikers and Mexican farm worker) KILLED AND HURT. STRIKERS, UNARMED, FIGHT BACK.

SCORCH BURIED AND HURT. STRIKERS, UNARMED, FIGHT BACK.

Vigilantes behind autos continue sniping and then drive off.

Vigilantes

6 farmers arrested accused of murder, warrants out for 6 more.

National Committee for Defense of Political Prisoners urge Gov. Ralph to immediate action to suppress violence of police and Vigilantes in cotton strike area.

Strikers Committee including Pat Chambers & eye witnesses at killings demand hearing from Ralph 3 pm next day (12 t)

Sheriff Hill appeals for National Guard to be sent in.

COTTON STRIKE - Calif.
Summary - Page 5.

## c. 11 (cont.)

### Visalia

Thousands of workers mass to protest killings and demand Vigilantes be prosecuted for murder. Strike situation tense, fever heat; strikers incensed at murder; maintain disciplined ranks; intense organization; bigger picket lines.

### Arvin.

1 striker killed; armed growers ride into picket line; 6 other strikers injured.

### Arvin.
(at another point of picket line)

1 striker shot to death; several wounded as Sheriff's posse hurl tear gas bombs into picket line;

2 strikers arrested on charge of murder, warrants out for 6 more for disturbing the peace;

Affidavits filed by witnesses that killed striker (Subia) was shot 11 times and it was only after delay that officers permitted strikers to claim body.

### ditto

Prick, head of Vigilante's San Joaquin Labor Bureau and his brothers attempt to break picket line. Are beaten by strikers. Another grower, threatened to shoot, is also beaten. 8 strike leaders arrested for disturbing the peace.

### 4 counties.

ILD organizing defense for arrested strikers.

### Tulare Co.

Mexican Vice Consul arrives to "protect interests of Mexicans" Urges strikers return to work pending arbitration.

### Corcoran

Baby dies; 3 months old Jennie Roque, strikers baby dies of malnutrition, and exposure, possible loss

### 4 counties.

Crop/estimated by ranchers at about 60,000 bales from 50,000 acres, valued at approx. $5,300,000. Other estimates run as high as $50,000,000.

All news-
papers,
front page
editors.

"STOP THE WAR" "SAVE THE CROP" "FOR MEDIATION" etc.

Growers rank split on policy:

### Corcoran
Woodville
### Kings Co.

Growers threaten import scabs from Texas.

"show some disposition to mediate.

"issue statement: they would let cotton "dry up and rot" before they would accept strikers demands; threaten to "starve out" strikers.

### Tulare

"Vigilantes" "Farmers Protective Association" publish AD: "We, the farmers of your community, upon whom you depend for support, feel you have nurses too long the viper at your door. The communistic agitators must be driven from towns by you, and your harboring them further will prove to us your noncooperation with us and make it necessary for us to give our support and trade to another town that will support and cooperate with us".

## Oct. 12.

### 4 counties. 15,000 strikers out.

WORKERS INTERNATIONAL BELL F. issues call for intensified relief drive in all parts of the state.

### 7-8 col heads:

"STARVE OUT STRIKERS" PLAN MAPPED OUT by meeting of planters, Supervisors, District Attorney, Sheriff and Visalia chief of police.

COTTON STRIKE - Calif.

Summary - Page 7

Oct. 12. (cont.)

Tulare

US Labor Dept., Dept of Justice, Mexican Consul, State Labor Commission, State High Patrol, converge to exert pressure for immediate settlement. (In addition to sheriff's posse's etc.)

Oct. 13.

4 counties

20,000 strikers now out. (as strike spreads to Madera Co.)

Ranchers claim strike broken. Gov. Ralph predicts end 48 hrs. Consul Bravo promises return to work of Mexican strikers pending arbitration.

Corcoran

4,500 strikers cheer Strike Committee report to continue strike. Reply with "Viva La Huelga!"; "Viva la $1 a hundred". Sing "International" on picket lines.

Leroy Gordon, strike leader, arrested on Criminal Synd. charge.

Sacramento

Strikers Committee, (at hearing before Ralph flanked by many State Govt. officials.), protests murder of Pixley strikers and presents demands -- see page 6, Oct. 12.

4 counties.

Preparations being made for mass funeral of slain strikers. (see Oct. 15)

Corcoran

Hospitalization refused striking women about to become mothers.

Tulare Co.

Over 600 permits issued to carry concealed weapons; scores dep-
utized by Sheriff.

Kern Co.

100 additional deputies employed by Sheriff Walser.

State forced to overrule counties and promise hospitalization
to expectant mothers.

Corcoran

Health officials threaten eviction of strikers from camp.

Strikers demand installation of additional sanitary facilities.

Oct. 14.

4" headlines ACUSE STRIKERS OF ARMING WITH 400 RIFLES. - Eye witnesses de-
clare no arms used by strikers.

Corcoran

3 more babies die; making 4 in one week; malnutrition.

Sacramento

Because State Labor Dept was rejected as arbitration board,
Gov. Ralph appoints new board.

Picket line

Striker (Collinsworth) arrested on suspicion of felony.

Arvin

4 strikers in addition to 2 Andrews arrested for Subia's (striker) murder.

San Francisco Workers hold protest meetings on Pixley xxxxxx and Arvin

San Diego, B. Alburders; raise funds for relief; pledge solidarity.

Sacramento ) support W. I. R. I.D. campaigns.

San Jose, etc.)

COTTON STRIKE

Summary - P-2

Oct. 15.

Tulare

Mass Funeral.

5,000 men, women, children striking pickers, mask town workers and sympathizers converging from 75 miles around, mass at Tulare to attend mass Red Funeral of Delor Hernandez slain striker (Pixley). Newspapers describe demonstration as "most dramatic and colorful demonstration ever witnesses in the Valley"; "march organize with military precision"; "the memory of the tragedy behind them, tribute to the victory ahead".

30 armed state highway patrolmen on duty; many held in jail.

Mass meeting after funeral voices determination to go back and strengthen picket lines; mass picket lines organize for 9 AM next day; authorities threaten to call out state troops.

Oct. 16.

Arvin.

7 Arvin striker defendants ordered by Grand Jury held on charge of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and rigging and unlawful assembly.

6000 strikers demonstrate outside jail demanding freedom of 7 strikers; then proceeded in mile long parade to Union Hall and later to the court; pledged unimously to stay out till victory is won.

4 counties

27 striking workers now in jail.

Visalia

Govt. Fact Finding Committee opens preliminary investigation to find basis for arbitration; attempts determine:

1) the picking wages that growers are able to pay

2) the wage scale necessary to enable workers to maintain proper standard of living.

Pixley

Notices by Governor, Mex Consul and Federal Conciliator posted in camps urging strikers to return to work at old rate of 60¢/cwt pending final settlement by arbitration.

2500 strikers denounce strike-breaking tactics and tear up poster

Entire Valley: Cotton ready for picking; growers facing loss; no cotton being picked,

Fresno&Tulare: Some growers agree to pay 75¢/rate.

Pixley-Corcoran: "" " " " " 80¢/rate.

Visalia:

Pat Chambers, speaking from jail, declares:

"Communists, in our political party, are only ones fighting in the interests of the workers. The workers will not be misled by charges of 'Communism'". The workers are answering this charge of 'Communism' by declaring that if their leaders in the Union and the strike are Communists they are also Communists,

Oct. 17.

Tulare

Indictments returned by Grand Jury against 16 XXXXXX strikers on charges of rioting and resisting officers.

Madera

Strikers conference called to strengthen strike in Madera.

Tulare

Special meeting of Central Strike Committee, under heavy workers' guard, decides to remain on strike and intensify picket lines.

COTTON STRIKE - CALIF

Summary - Page 9

picketing while arbitration is ongoing.

Oct. 17. (cont.)

4 counties. Workers still reject relief given on condition workers return to jobs at old rate.

Bakersfield. 2,000 strikers attend funeral of Subia (Arvin murdered striker), coming from all camps in area.

Oct. 18

Visalia
Federal Govt. in effort to break strike, threatens with WAR. Nine Bull Pen and deportation of "undesirables". Communists and agitators found not to be citizens.

San Diego, etc. Corps of patrolmen from points as far south as San Diego mobilized for concentration in strike area.

4 counties Demonstrations and daily mass meetings take place at all points. Militancy and solidarity of strikers unshaken.

Other Calif. Cities. Mass meetings of workers in many cities continue to raise relief.

San Francisco Committee of Liberals go to strike area to investigate.

Fresno Co. Sheriff Overholt authorized by Board of Supervisors to empty additional 100 deputies.

Hanford Another baby dies, malnutrition (fifth).

"Corcoran" Mothares refuse State relief milk because they would have to sign a card pledging return to the fields at old rate.

Corcoran Faced with formal eviction notice, strikers force authorities to give instructions to Govt. departments for construction of additional sanitary facilities and water supply at strikers' camp. Strikers refuse to move from camp.

Visalia Fact Finding Committee (Govt) begins sessions today.

Tulare Grand Jury returns indictments against growers in Pixley murders.

"Pat Chambers indicted for Criminal Syndicalism by Grand Jury.

Oct. 18-19

Creel, (NRA head) visits and speaks to strikers in several camps. Meets with growers.

Oct. 19

Lindsay-Tulare Co. 6 more strikers arrested for "disturbing the peace".

Pixley Murder charges against 6 growers indicted by Grand Jury, were dismissed today.

Oct. 20

Visalia Chambers brought to hearing of Fact Finding Committee under Sheriff's guard. Given ovation by workers. Growers dissatisfied with personnel of arbitration group.

6th baby dies. Mexican women striker dies of pneumonia.

COTTON STRIKE - Calif.
Summary - page 10

Oct. 21-22

Corcoran. 5 arrested strikers released on bond.

All camps. Strikers' militant united stand for cces abolition of
pledge to return at old rate previously required
in order to receive government relief.

Fresno. School children pressed into service as scabs to pick
cotton over the weekend.

4 counties. Picketing on all lines continues; clears out virtually al.
scabs. Strikers support to union (CAWIU) continually
strengthens; membership increasing.

Oct. 23

Pixley
Tipton

The growers agree to sign with the Union at 81 per cwt.

One grower refuses to hire scabs but Finance Company puts
scabs in field with protection of armed guards.

Kern Co. Growers now offer 80¢ cwt.

Fact Finding Committee decides that growers should pay
75¢ a cwt ("and that without question the civil rights
of the strikers have been violated").

Hundreds of growers deputized by Sheriffs and new reign
of terror initiated against workers and to prevent
small farmers from accepting compromise offer of
Mediation Board.

Growers wire Washington that Mexicans be deported; the
growers have lost confidence in State officials to
 mediate the strike, request a federal mediator.

Tulare

Drivers of picket trucks arrested and workers left stranded
on highway.

Hanford

Women and men pickets slash sacks used by scabs picking cotton,
on a ranch here.

Oct. 24

Tulare

CAWIU Central Strike Committee in session taking up compromise
proposals offered.

Northern growers reject 75¢ proposal of mediation board.

Southern growers offer 80¢ cwt.

Strikers defend Communists and Communist leadership of strike.

250 deputies sworn in by Sheriff Hall.

Pixley

Pickets, calling on scabs to stop picking and join strike,
are bombed with tear gas and charged by 200 patrolmen to
break the line.

14 pickets arrested.

Visalia
& Hanford

Two companies of National Guard awaiting orders to march
into strike field; each equipped with 64 men, machine guns
and rifles.

COTTON STRIKE - Calif.

Summary - Page 11

Oct 24th (cont.)

Tulare Co. Hospital full, with sick strikers previously denied entrance.

Kings Co. Sheriff requests troops be sent to Valley.

Reardon, commenting on Fact Finding Committee recommendations states growers not able to pay 75¢/wt.

Tulare Co. Many scabs won over by pickets.

Oct. 25.

Tulare. CAIU Central Strike Committee offers agreement on 80¢ basis, 2) recognition of CAIU, 3) no discrimination in rehiring because of strike activity, 4) immediate pay and unconditional release of Pat Chambers & all arrested strikers.

Tulare & Kings Co. About 60 strikers are in jail. Many arrested on picket lines during past 2 days.

Growers (San Joaquin Valley Growers Labor Bureau) agree to 75¢ scale.

Strikers hold out for 80¢ and other demands stated.

Basco 6 Growers agree to 80¢ rate.

Oct. 26.

Patrolmen from every part of state moved into strike area. Sheriff deputies withdrawn.

Corcoran Federal relief withdrawn; absolutely discontinued this morning.

Camp ordered evicted. Workers refuse to move or go back to work at lower rate.

State authorities order State Labor Commission to recruit workers offering armed protection.

Tulare San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Labor Bureau issued statement: "In order to salvage what is left of the cotton crop and in the interest of good American citizenship, law and order, and in order to safeguard labor interests, forestall the spread of Communism and radicalism and to protect the harvesting of other crops, we hereby accede to the recommendation of the Governor's Fact Finding Commission to increase the price of picking cotton to 75¢ per 100 pounds of seed cotton".

Merced Co. 100 workers walk out on 3 ranches demanding 80¢ scale. Tuttle. Block bridge to prevent scabs from going into fields.

4 counties Central Strike Committee canvassing growers to sign 80¢ scale.

Corcoran Eviction order blocked by resistance of strikers and heavy workers guard around camp.

Visalia Pat Chambers up for hearing pleads not guilty to C.S. Trial set for Nov 21. motion to reduce bond from $10,000 denied.

COTTON STRIKE - Calif.
Summary - Page 12

Oct. 26 (cont.)
Visalia & Corcoran
Mexican strikers telegraph Mexican Govt. protesting to Minister of War that they are being evicted from their camp.

Oct. 27
4 counties.
CAWIU accepts compromise scale of 75¢ cwt. ~~growers~~ signing up workers through CAWIU. Workers called off ranches owned by growers who refuse to recognize union and sent to ranches that sign up. About 75 growers sign up with Union by 5lst.

Klu Klux Alan burns fiery cross in attempt to terrorize work

Oct. 28-29
4 counties.
Growers signing up with Union; workers going back into the fields; some workers leaving for harvest of other crop. Most active fighters in the strike, especially resident workers in the towns who pick cotton during the harvest season. are joining the Communist Party units newly organized during the strike.

***

["CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY", "of", "COTTON PICKERS STRIKE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

-2-

OCT. 10

CORCORAN Growers hold meeting to plan "drastic action".

OCT. 11

Pixley

15,000 now out on strike.

7-8 col.
headlines.

2 KILLED (two strikers)

SCORE WOUNDED AND HURT. STRIKERS. UNARMED, FIGHT BACK.

Vigilantes behind autos contine sniping and then drive off.

5 farmers Vigilantes arrested accused of murder, warrants out for 6 more.

urge Gov. Rolph take immediate action to suppress violence of police and Vigilantes in cotton strike area.

Strikers Committee including Pat Chambers & eye witnesses at killings demand hearing from Rolph 3 pm next day (12th)

Tulare

Growers Vigilantes "Farmers Protective Association"

publish AD: "We, the farmers of your community, upon whom you depend for support, feel you have nursed too long the viper at your door. The communistic agitators must be driven from towns by you, and your harboring them further will prove to us your noncooperation with us and make it necessary for us to give our support and trade to another town that will support and cooperate with us."

TULARE CO.
OCT. 12

Supervisors order Sheriff to recruit large corps of deputies grants unlimited power to buy arms, tear gas bombs; calls in more State highway patrol; denies food or hospitalization to "transients".

Strikers organizing with ILD to free 17 pickers held in jail.

OCT. 13.
4 counties

TULARE CO.

Over 600 permits issued to carry concealed weapons; scores deputized by Sheriff.

Pixley
OCT. 16.

Notices by Governor, Max Consul and Federal Conciliator posted in camps urging strikers to return to work at old rate of 60% cwt pending final settlement by arbitration.

2500 strikers denounce strike-breaking tactics and tear up posters.

OCT. 17.

Tulare

Indictments returned by Grand Jury against 16 strikers on charges of rioting and resisting officers.

MADERA

-3-

OCT. 17.
Tulare
Special meeting of Central Strike Committee, under heavy workers guard, decides to remain on strike and intensify picketing while arbitration is going on.

OCT. 18
Visalia
Federal Govt. in effort to break strike, threatens with War Time Bull Pen and deportation of "undesirables" Communists and agitators found not to be citizens.

Corcoran
Faced with formal eviction notice, strikers force authorities to give instructions to govt. depts, for construction of additional sanitary facilities and water supply at strikers' camp. Strikers refuse to move from camp.

OCT. 20.
Visalia
Chambers brought to hearing of Fact Finding Committee under Sheriff's guard. Given ovation by workers. Growers dissatisfied with personnel of arbitration group.

6th baby dies. Mexican woman striker dies of pneumonia.

Fresno
OCT. 21.-22.

OCT. 23.
Kern Co.
Fact Finding Committee decides that growers should pay 75¢ a cwt ("and that without question the civil rights of the strikers have been violated.")

OCT. 25.
Tulare.
CAWIU Central Strike Committee offers agreement on 80¢ basis,

2) recognition of CAWIU,

4) Immediate and unconditional release of Pat Chambers and all arrested strikers.

OCT. 26.
CORCORAN
Federal relief withdrawn; absolutely discontinued this morning;
Camp ordered evicted. Workers refuse to move or go back to work at lower rate.

Tulare
San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Labor Bureau issued statement: "In order to salvage what is left of the cotton crop and in the interests of good American citizenship, law and order, and in order to forestall the spread of Communism and radicalism and to protect the harvesting of other crops, we accede to

-4-

OCT 26.
Tulare cont.

OCT. 27
4 counties.

CAWIU accepts compromise scale of 75¢ cwt. Growers signing up workers through CAWIU. Workers called off ranches owned by growers who refuse to recognize union and sent to ranches that sign up. About 75 growers sign up with Union by 31st.

KLUXX
Klu Klux Klan burns fiery cross in attempt to terror-

ize workers.

OCT. 28-29
4 counties.

Growers signing up with Union; workers going back into the fields; some workers leaving for harvest of other crop. Most active fighters in the strike, especially resident workers in the towns who pick cotton during the harvest season are joining the Communist Party units newly organized during the strike.

########### #