Month: August 2022

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part V: From Labor World: Judge Jackson is a Coward, Fears to Sentence Miners’ Angel

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Quote re Mother Jones, Most Dangerous Woman, Machinists Mly, Sept 1915—————

Hellraisers Journal – Thursday August 21, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up for July 1902, Part V
Judge Jackson Proves Himself a Coward, Afraid to Sentence Mother Jones

From the Duluth Labor World of July 26, 1902:

IT IS AN OUTRAGE
———-

ORGANIZERS OF MINE WORKERS
IN PRISON FOR CONTEMPT.
———-
Judge Jackson, of United States Circuit Court, Passes Sentence
-Fears to Sentence “Mother” Jones
-President Mitchell Says Decision “Imperils the
Rights of All Americans in the Courts.” 

Mother Jones , Phl Inq p24, June 22, 1902

Judge Jackson, of the United States Circuit Court, at Parkersburg, W. Va., has held “Mother” Jones and seven other organizers and officials of the United Mine workers guilty of contempt of court in violating his injunction of June 19, prohibiting them from “making inflammatory speeches,” and has imposed a sentence of from thirty to ninety days upon all, with the exception of “Mother” Jones.

The injunction in question, which Judge Jackson issued, is directed at the right of free speech. It is a deadlier blow at American liberty and the rights of the masses of the people than has been struck for a long time. It is an outrage which cannot but make the blood of every working man boil with indignation.

Trade unionists know President John Mitchell, of the United Mine workers. They know him by reputation all over the land. They know that he has compelled even those on the capitalistic side to acknowledge that he is cool-headed, conservative, brainy and far-seeing. He is not given to loud talk or extravagant assertions. Yet President Mitchell says of the Jackson decision:

“It imperils the rights of all Americans in the courts.”

It takes something of more than ordinary significance to draw from President Mitchell such an accusation against one of the highest tribunals of justice in the United States. Even now the statement is dignified, and quiet, but for that very reason it carries all the more force with thinking men.

“The rights of all Americans in the courts” is imperiled by what? Trades unions? Strikes? Organized, labor? Boycotts? Oh, no! By the action of a man chosen to meet out justice from the bench of the United States Circuit court, which is next to the Supreme court itself the highest court of justice in the country.

In the case of “Mother” Jones, the judge suspended contempt. In doing so he said that she had been found guilty of contempt, “but as she was posing as a martyr, he would not send her to jail or allow her to force her way into jail.” No more insulting message to organized labor could have been given out than that comment on the case of “Mother” Jones, coming after his action on her case. If she were guilty, she deserved punishment just as much as the others. But, because, forsooth, she is well known among organized labor circles, and her imprisonment would call attention to the monstrous injustice of this ermined anarchist, he sneeringly remarks that he will not allow her to “pose as a martyr,” and turns her loose.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part V: From Labor World: Judge Jackson is a Coward, Fears to Sentence Miners’ Angel” →

Hellraisers Journal: Chicago Dispatch Sends Officers Through Downtown Streets to Raid and Capture Little Beggar Children

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Quote EVD, Children of the Poor, AtR p2, Mar 17, 1900—————

Hellraisers Journal – Wednesday August 20, 1902
Chicago, Illinois – Police Raid and Capture Little Beggar Children

From the Duluth Labor World of August 16, 1902:

HdLn Raiding Little Children, Lbr Wld p1, Aug 16, 1902

From The Chicago Daily Tribune of July 30, 1902:

LOCK UP CHILD BEGGARS.
———-

TWO SCORE YOUNG MENDICANTS
OR PEDDLERS CAPTURED.
———-
Raid Made by Police Through Downtown Streets
and Many Little Ones Are Caught
Telling Tales of Poverty and Suffering
-Flight and Capture of the Popp Family
-Newspaper Alley Visited and
a Number of Boys Are Arrested.
———-

In a raid through the downtown streets last night forty children, all beggars or peddlers, were arrested and taken to the Harrison street police annex and to the Juvenile home, 625 West Adams street.

Three patriot wagons followed the police men and picked up the children arrested. Many were caught as they were telling pitiful tales of cruel parents and sick mothers. Several others were too quick for the detectives and dodged into alleyways and other avenues of escape. The raids will be continued until the streets are cleared of the baby beggars.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Chicago Dispatch Sends Officers Through Downtown Streets to Raid and Capture Little Beggar Children” →

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part IV: Judge Jackson Severe on the Miners, Releases Mother Jones with Lecture

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Plea for Justice, Not Charity, Quote Mother Jones—————

Hellraisers Journal – Tuesday August 19, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up for July 1902, Part IV
Judge Jackson Severe on the Miners, Releases Mother Jones with Lecture

From The Pittsburg Press of July 24, 1902:

HdLn Judge Jackson Severe on Miners, Berates Mother Jones, Ptt Prs p1, July 24, 1902

Judge John Jay Jackson, Cnc Pst p1, July 24, 1902

Parkersburg, W. Va., July 24.-There was the most intense interest in the crowded room of the United States District Court this morning when Judge Jackson began reading his lengthy decision declaring “Mother” Mary Jones, the angel of the miners, and seven other organizers of the United Mine Workers and four Hungarians to be guilty of contempt of disregarding his injunction of June 19, against holding a meeting or creating a demonstration at or near the Pinnickinnick mine of the Clarksburg Fuel Co., or near the residence of miners at work. Judge Jackson, after concluding his decision, sentenced the defendants as follows:

Thomas Haggerty, 90 days in jail; Wm. Morgan, Bernard Rice, Peter Wilson, Wm. Blakeley, George Bacon, Thomas Laskavish, 60 days each. “Mother” Jones’ sentence was passed till afternoon. It is said she will receive a stiff fine and will not be jailed. Albert Repake, Joseph and George Roeski and Steve Teonike, Hungarians, passed until the afternoon session.

Judge Jackson stated that the defendants would not be sent to the same jail. District Attorney Blizzard sprung a sensation by immediately filing an affidavit that Secretary Wilson, of the United Mine Workers of America, had violated the restraining order by making an inflammatory speech at Clarksburg July 7, and at Fairmont July 8. His arrest was asked. Judge Jackson made an order that Wilson be arrested and brought within the jurisdiction of the court. Wilson is said to be in Indianapolis.

Jackson’s huge frame shook with emotion as he dramatically emphasized portions of his decision to “Mother” Jones, who was the center of attraction……

[Photograph added.]

From The Pittsburg Press of July 25, 1902:

LECTURE BY JUDGE TO “MOTHER” MARY JONES.
———-
Told Her She Most Obey the Law or Suffer.

Mother Jones of UMW, NY Tb p6, Image 20, July 6, 1902

Parkersburg. W. Va., July 25.-Thursday, after he had suspended sentence on “Mother” Jones, Judge Jackson started to lecture “the miners’ angel.”

“It must be distinctly understood,” he said, “that you must obey this injunction. If ‘Mother’ Jones is the good woman they say she is she will obey law and order. I will not send her to jail to pose as a martyr, nor shall she break into jail.”

Mother Jones arose and dramatically declared that she did not ask the mercy of anybody; she was simply trying to do her duty as she saw it, and whenever the court wanted her it could send for her. “I hope we will both meet on the other side of life when we die,” she finished, and at this Jackson smiled and the audience broke into applause. “Mother” Jones then went to the bench and shook hands with Judge Jackson, both smiling. “Now take my advice and go back home, keep the peace and obey the law,” Jackson softly said to her.

“Oh. but I must keep up the fight as long as I live,” she replied.

“Well, don’t fight In my district,” was the judge’s parting shot.

—————

 Mother Jones Undaunted.

Parkersburg, W. Va., July 25.-Mother Jones says she will continue to work in behalf of the miners of West Virginia [as an organizer for the United Mine Workers of America] in spite of Judge Jackson’s threat that if she does he will have her arrested again and sentenced. She says she is doing her duty and fear of jail will not prevent her from continuing along that line.

[Photograph added.]

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part IV: Judge Jackson Severe on the Miners, Releases Mother Jones with Lecture” →

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part III: Found in Cincinnati on Her Way Back to West Virginia to Face Possible Jail Term

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Quote Mother Jones, Going to Jail, Cnc Pst p6, July 23, 1902—————

Hellraisers Journal – Monday August 18, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up for July 1902, Part III
Found Speaking at Central Labor Council Meeting in Cincinnati

From The North Adams Transcript of July 21, 1902:

PATHETIC FAREWELL FOR “MOTHER” JONES
———-
On Leaving Indianapolis to Go
to Jail for Contempt

Mother Jones , Phl Inq p24, June 22, 1902

Indianapolis, Ind., July 21-An affecting scene was witnessed in the United Mine Workers’ headquarters last evening when “Mother” Jones bade the miners goodby and boarding a train for West Virginia.

“Mother” Jones was on trial early last week with several striking miners for contempt of court in holding public meetings in the face of an injunction, and she was found guilty. She now returns to receive sentence, and it is believed she will be sent to jail.

Many of the delegates to the recent convention are still here, and in the crowd gathered in the headquarters not a single dry eye was to be seen when “Mother” said goodby. Men whose faces were as hard as parchment with the work in the mines and with the hardship of their lives wiped the tears away with their rough hands and some of them left the room.

“Mother” Jones cheered them up and made little of the coming ordeal, but the miners knew she was doing it for them, and if she were their own mother they could not have a warmer love in their hearts for her.

[Photograph added.]

From the Baltimore Sun of July 22, 1902:

Charleston, W. Va., July 21.-Upon the application of the Collins Colliery, Federal Judge Keller today issued attachments for the arrest of John Richards, president of District No. 17, United Mine Workers of America, and 35 other members who took part in meetings near that mine. Special complaint was made against a meeting of July 17 as an alleged violation of the injunction issued against National Secretary Wilson, “Mother” Jones and others. After their arrest today Richards and 10 others were taken before the United States Commissioner at Hinton, where they gave bonds, and the hearing was set for next Friday in Charleston.

Judge Guthrie, of the State Court, issued an attachment for the arrest of 10 miners on complaint of the Kanawha and Hocking Coal Company, which held that they had violated an injunction of his court.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part III: Found in Cincinnati on Her Way Back to West Virginia to Face Possible Jail Term” →

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part II: Found in Court in West Virginia, Speaks at Miners’ Convention in Indianapolis

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Quote Mother Jones, Told the Court in WV to Stay, Ipl July 19, 1902, UMWC p86—————

Hellraisers Journal – Sunday August 17, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up for July 1902, Part II
Found in Court in West Virginia, Speaks at Miners’ Convention in Indianapolis

From the Baltimore Sun of July 12, 1902:

MOTHER JONES ARRAIGNED
—–
She Expects A Jail Sentence
From Judge Jackson.

Mother Jones of UMW, NY Tb p6, Image 20, July 6, 1902

(Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.)

PARKERSBURG, W. Va., July 11.-“Mother” Jones and 11 other strike leaders, who were arrested for alleged violation of an injunction issued by Judge Jackson, appeared in court today. The arguments in the case were begun and will be concluded tomorrow, when a decision is expected. “Mother” Jones expects a jail sentence for herself.

[Photograph added.]

From the Appeal to Reason of July 12, 1902:

In Darkest America.

Comrade McGeorge, of Clarksburg, W. Va., sends the following clipping from th Daily News of that place, regarding the arrest [June 20] and trial [June 24-27] of “Mother”‘ Jones for organizing the miners, who are more brutally treated and less paid than probably in any other section of the nation. The miners have been enjoined from talking to the non-union miners, from holding meetings in the vicinity, and from circulating literature! Great is the constitution-but not when federal judges don’t want it. The Dred Scot decisions are numerous nowadays. But the item will interest thousands of friends of that grand old woman-Mother Jones:

“You are not a citizen of West Virginia. Why do you not stay where you belong, instead of coming to our state to stir up trouble among the miners? What business have you the here? thundered Judge Jackson from bench.”

“Judge,” softly replied Mother Jones and every lawyer and each member of the crowd that thronged the court room, hung upon her every utterance, “I am a citizen of the United States, and as such I think I have the right to come to West Virginia or where ever my duty may call me.”

All day Thursday [June 26] “Mother” Jones was on the stand at United States court, and she was subjected to one of the most rigid examinations that has ever been heard here. But never for an instant did she lose her quiet and dignified demeanor, nor did the questions of the district attorney confuse her in the least. On the other hand, she was one of the shrewdest witnesses that ever took the stand at United States court and from the time she was called in the morning until late in the evening it was a veritable battle of brains, and “Mother” Jones was not always worsted. The court room was crowded and the old silver haired woman won many friends by her sweet, dignified manner and shrewdness with which she met every question of the attorneys. When the day was over she was visibly worn out and it was with a sigh of deep relief that she left the witness stand.

The examination of “Mother” Jones was in many ways a treat that those who heard it will not soon forget. Her story was straight forward but in many places her love for the miners brought out the pathetic side of the trouble, while again, on several occasions the court room was in a roar of laughter at some witty repartee between the witness and Judge Blizzard [District Attorney Reese Blizzard], or at some element of humor injected into the proceedings by Judge Jackson.

When asked if she had not said that the operators were the same sort of people that had crucified Christ, the witness replied that she had made such a remark.

“Well,” questioned Judge Blizzard, “do you not think the crucifixion of Christ was the worst crime ever committed?”

“No,” answered the witness in loud tones, “it was not nearly so bad as the crucifixion of little boys in the coal mines who are daily being robbed of their manhood and their intellect by what they are through necessity compelled to undergo. Christ could have saved himself, the boys cannot.”

“Mother” Jones, when first put on the stand, stated that she was sixty years old, having been born in Ireland, coming to this country at the age of six years. She had been, she said, working among the miners for the past thirty years.

She, in answer to questions, denied that she had ever counselled the violation of the law in any respect, but had always asked the miners, to stay sober, to obey the law, and to fight their battles by peaceable methods. She stated that she had no intention of violating the injunction when the meeting was held at Clarksburg on Friday, as the property on which the meeting was held was leased by the miners, and was thought to be far enough away from the property of the mine operators and the homes of the miners. She had come to this state on the invitation and was here to organize the miners. She denied the statement that more trouble occurs where strikers are organized than where they are not.

She stated that she had been at Paterson, N. J., on several occasions, and had lately had an invitation to go there, but denied that she knew that city was a hotbed of anarchists, or that she had ever met or worked with any of the anarchists.

Judge Jackson asked her if she had ever met Emma Goldman, she replied in negative.

To the Judge’s facetious question if she knew Carrie Nation she laughingly returned a similar answer.

The witness denied many of the statements that had been made with regard to her attempts to stir up trouble, or intentionally violating the injunctions, and she stated that she had the highest respect for the courts and sought always to obey the laws of hr country.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part II: Found in Court in West Virginia, Speaks at Miners’ Convention in Indianapolis” →

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part I: Organizers for United Mine Workers Surrounded by Injunctions in West Virginia

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Quote John Mitchell to Mother Jones re WV Fairmont Field, May 10, 1902—————

Hellraisers Journal – Saturday August 16, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up for July 1902, Part I
U. M. W. of A. Organizers Surrounded by Injunctions in West Virginia

From the Wilkes-Barre Semi-Weekly Record of July 1, 1902:

[Yet Another Injunction.]

Mother Jones n WB Wilson, 1901

Indianapolis, Ind., June 29.-“If the courts continue issuing injunctions against us there will be but one proposition open. Some one will have to furnish the 400,000 mine workers of this country with balloons in which they can hold meetings privately or publicly and not disobey the mandates of the courts,” said W. B. Wilson, secretary and treasurer of the mine workers’ organization, yesterday when informed that Federal Judge Keller, at Fairmont, had enjoined him, Chris Evans, “Mother” Jones and others connected with the organization from interfering with miners.

No papers have been served on Wilson. He said he had not been in Judge Keller’s district, but If his business calls him there he will go. He declared that if he has been enjoined from holding a private conference on business that concerns the organization he will disobey the injunction.

[Photographs added.]

From The Clarksburg Telegram of July 4, 1902:

“MOTHER” JONES MUST BE GOOD
———-
Judge Jackson Continues the Case and Cautions Her.
—–

“Mother” Jones trial at Parkersburg has been continued to July 11.

When United States Court convened Friday the attorneys for “Mother” Jones and the other strike leaders announced that they would introduce no more evidence and they were ready to rest their case. The prosecution had nothing further to introduce and when it was ascertained that the attorneys wished to argue the case the court announced that it would continue it untill July 11, when the lawyers would be given an opportunity to be heard. The defendants were released under bond. In releasing them the court said:

I have been sitting here for three or four days investigating whether you have violated this injunction or not. That question I shall determine when the case comes up for final disposition on the 11th day of July, as soon as the argument is over and I can reach a conclusion; but I want to say to you that you have a duty, under the recognizance that you have taken here, to perform; that the duty is to abstain-I mean abstain from trying to induce anybody who is employed in these mines from leaving work or from disseminating your own peculiar doctrines that you bring from the other states into this state to disturb the peace and harmony of those who are engaged in the lawful pursuits of mining in this state.

You are citizens, that is true, of the United States, but while you are citizens of the United States you owe obligations to any state you are in, just as much as you do to the state in which you have a permanent residence. The constitution of the United States don’t guarantee rights to the citizens to go into the domain of another state and excite the people to violence or to commit unlawful acts. There is no such provision in the constitution; and, as liberal as the constitution is as to personal rights, the constitution does not protect the person in illegal or unlawful acts in any state in the Union or in a state, particularly, where the parties do not reside.

And I shall expect you upon this occasion, each and every one of you, to observe literally (both in spirit and letter) this injunction; if you wish this court in dealing with you to consider your acts and to weigh your acts with reference to what has heretofore transpired in reference to the order of the court, it will be well for you to consider these things and to act accordingly.

The remarks of Judge Jackson were a warning to the defendants not to interfere with the miners or incite them to strike, as a further violation will result in their rearrest and it will make it harder for them in the present cases.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1902, Part I: Organizers for United Mine Workers Surrounded by Injunctions in West Virginia” →

Hellraisers Journal: From the Appeal to Reason: “Christmas in Prison” by Fellow Worker and Comrade Eugene Debs, Part II

Janet RayeEugene Victor Debs
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Quote EVD No Bitterness on Release fr Prison Deb Mag Jan 1922 p3—————

Hellraisers Journal – Tuesday August 15, 1922
Christmas Eve 1920: Eugene Debs Is Guest of Honor at Prison Banquet 

From the Appeal to Reason of August 12, 1922:

Christmas in Prison

By EUGENE V. DEBS

[Part II of II]

EVD Leaves Prison crp Dec 25, Waves Hat, Stt Str p1, Dec 31, 1921
Eugene Debs Leaving
Atlanta Penitentiary
Christmas Day 1921

Some weeks before Christmas [of 1920] a case containing 500 copies of a book, entitled “Debs and the Poets” was shipped to the prison. It was an anthology of verse and comment collected by Ruth Le Prade and published by Upton Sinclair at Pasadena, Cal.

It was the desire of the author and publisher that I autograph the books to be sold by them in the interest of a fund being raised to continue the agitation for general amnesty for political prisoners.

When the books arrived, a copy was scrutinized by Warden Zerbst, who decided that the introduction supplied by Upton Sinclair was not particularly complimentary to the prison idea, nor was some of the poetry. So a copy was sent to Attorney General Palmer, who ruled there was nothing objectionable in it, and that I might be permitted to autograph the copies.

Some friends outside the prison asked the warden if I might be permitted to inscribe the books Christmas Eve night. The request was granted and the hour to begin was fixed at seven o’clock. I went to the clerk’s office, where I found my friends.

The books were piled on either side of me at the clerk’s desk and the work of autographing them commenced.

Ginger Ale Suspected.

In the corridor outside a dozen or more prisoners were assembling the last of the Christmas packages for the convicts and there was an atmosphere of fellowship that pervaded the entire scene.

From time to time prisoners slipped in and out of the room where I was at work to drop a kindly word, and my friends from the outside world remarked upon the amiable manner in which every convict conducted himself.

Later that evening it was suggested by one of my visitors that maybe the prisoners assorting Christmas boxes would like to have a soft drink, so the matter was put up to the chief clerk, who was superintending the work, and he agreed to it. Thereupon my friends went out of the prison and down to a little store outside the gates, where they purchased two dozen bottles of ginger ale.

It happened that when they asked to be readmitted to the penitentiary Deputy Warden Gregory was in the main corridor and he came to the gate to inquire what was in the box they carried.

He was told of its contents and that permit had been secured to bring it in the prison for the men who were at work over the Christmas gifts. The deputy warden felt that he should have first been consulted about the matter and he refused to allow the refreshment to be given to the convicts.

This is but one indication of how senseless and needlessly harsh are prison rules.

Later the deputy attempted to explain in a somewhat apologetic manner to one of my friends that: “Who knows but that those bottles might contain ‘dope’ and ‘files’!”

This, in spite of the fact that he could have reassured himself on that score in a moment by observing that every bottle was sealed.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: From the Appeal to Reason: “Christmas in Prison” by Fellow Worker and Comrade Eugene Debs, Part II” →

Hellraisers Journal: From the Appeal to Reason: “Christmas in Prison” by Fellow Worker and Comrade Eugene Debs, Part I

Janet RayeEugene Victor Debs
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Quote EVD No Bitterness on Release fr Prison Deb Mag Jan 1922 p3—————

Hellraisers Journal – Monday August 14, 1922
Christmas 1920: Eugene Debs Denied Release from Prison by President Wilson

From the Appeal to Reason of August 12, 1922:

Christmas in Prison 

By EUGENE V. DEBS

[Part I of II]

EVD Leaves Prison crp Dec 25, Waves Hat, Stt Str p1, Dec 31, 1921
Eugene Debs Leaving
Atlanta Penitentiary
Christmas Day 1921

A nation-wide holiday campaign had been inaugurated for my release so that I might return home for Christmas [of 1920]. It has long been a custom with the pardoning power at Washington to grant a meritorious prisoner his freedom as an act of grace at the season of “peace on earth and good will among men.”

President Wilson granted the Christmas pardon as usual, but in this instance it was not in response to the numerously signed petitions representing every state in the union which had been presented to him-the boon was granted to an Indian serving a life sentence for murder.

Attorney General Palmer had finally filed with the President his long delayed and expected report on my case. Speculation was rife as to whether the recommendation would be favorable or otherwise.

The doubt was summarily dispelled when the report flashed over the wires that President Wilson had refused to grant the petition circulated and forwarded to him in my behalf, notwithstanding the Attorney General’s recommendation for my release.

Wilson Wrote Denial.

When Mr. Palmer’s report was placed before the ailing President, the latter had but one word to offer as signifying his attitude toward me. Over the face of the recommendation he scrawled, “DENIED.”

I have been a trifle more than casually interested in the reason that prompted Mr. Wilson to arrive at that state of mind and that reason is furnished by his former private secretary, Joseph P. Tumulty, who, in his book, “Woodrow Wilson as I Knew Him,” sets down this record of the President’s comment in my case:

One of the things to which he paid particular attention at this time, the last days of his rule, was the matter of the pardon of Eugene V. Debs. The day that the recommendation arrived at the White House he looked it over and examined it carefully and said:

“I will never consent to the pardon of this man. I know that in certain quarters of the country there is a popular demand for the pardon of Debs, but it shall never be accomplished with my consent.

“Were I to consent to it, I should never be able to look into the faces of the mothers of this country who sent their boys to the other side. While the flower of American youth was pouring out its blood to vindicate the cause of civilization, this man Debs stood behind the lines, sniping, attacking and denouncing them.

Placed Incommunicado.

“Before the war he had a perfect right to exercise his freedom of speech and to express his own opinion, but after the Congress of the United States declared war, silence on his part would have been the proper course to pursue.

“I know there will be a great deal of denunciation of me for refusing this pardon. They will say I am cold-blooded and indifferent, but it will make no impression on me. This man was a traitor to his country, and he will never be pardoned during my administration.”

Personally I have no fault to find, nor any criticism to level at President Wilson for what he considered to be his proper course. But the interest is quite naturally aroused when we come upon an expression such as the following from Mr. Wilson:

“I have no fault to find, Tumulty, with the men who disagree with me, and I ought not to penalize them when they give honest expression to what they believe are honest opinions.”

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: From the Appeal to Reason: “Christmas in Prison” by Fellow Worker and Comrade Eugene Debs, Part I” →

Hellraisers Journal: “Crown of Greatness Put On Aged Head of Mother Jones” by Terence V. Powderly for The Labor World

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Quote John Mitchell, re Mother Jones, UMWC PM Session, Jan 25, 1901—————

Hellraisers Journal – Sunday August 13, 1922
Terence V. Powderly on the Greatness of Mother Jones: “Gives of Herself in Service.”

From the Duluth Labor World of August 12, 1922:

TVP re Mother Jones Greatness, LW p1, Aug 12, 1922

(Here is an article by a remarkable man about a remarkable woman, which was written for “Labor.” Forty years ago T. V. Powderly was the outstanding leader of American labor. He was the head of the Knights of Labor. His fame was international. He retired from active leadership years ago but retains all of his mental and much of his physical vigor. At the moment he is performing important duties in the Labor department.

Mr. Powderly writes of Mother Jones. She, too, was in the labor movement forty years ago, and she is still in it, loved and trusted by every man who carries a union card and by thousands who do not.)

By T. V. POWDERLY.

A short time ago the names and pictures of the six greatest women were laid before us by the pictorial press. Who selected them or by what standard they were adjudged great I do not know. They were estimable women, good women, respectable women, and I do not question their title to greatness.

Greatness to my mind is a relative term. It may apply to many kinds of activity. Many who through ambition, conquest or greed achieved a greatness, according to certain standards, were international whole-sale murderers. In their private lives they were dissolute, licentious, cruel monsters. History sets them down as great, but it does not tell of one tear wiped from the face of pain or sorrow by one of them. 

Others who gather millions are set down as great, but when we lift the lid from the crucible, in which their wealth was formed, we see the quivering, agony-distorted nerves, sinews, and torn hearts of men and women ground to pulp as they struggled to create wealth for those who got it. Then we replace that lid in horror.

So, then, what is greatness? To my mind it consists of doing for fellow man instead of doing him. It consists of giving, rather than getting, and by giving I do not mean giving the money, houses, or lands. I mean service to others instead of self.

Judging by that standard I ask permission to name one woman who symbolizes greatness, and in doing so let me say that I do not wish to take one leaf from the wreath of greatness worn by others. I merely wish to place the laurel crown of greatness upon the head of Mother Jones.

The Measure of Real Greatness.

My reason for calling her great is that she gives of herself in service.

She has given bread to those who hungered.
She has given rest to the wearied.
She has clothed the naked and has worn rags in the doing.
She has worked that the homeless may have homes.
She has labored that the laborer may be happy and prosperous.
She has begged for others, asking nothing for herself.
She has mothered the motherless.
She has given hope to the hopeless.

When men who got of the substance of others sanctioned the maiming and killing of helpless, defenseless women and children, she folded the arms of love around the suffering ones and gave them a glimpse of heaven through clouds begotten of greed.

Pride, glory, riches, praise, and censure are alike to her. She cares nothing for these. Her sole reward comes through service to God’s suffering poor.

As a recognition of her devoted service she has been reviled and tra­duced as was done 1900 years ago. Her sole reply was more unselfish service, even as Jesus of Nazareth gave to those who reviled him.

Not is he rich or great or powerful or influential, but does he need? is her question.

I who have known her for nearly half a century bear willing testimony to her great work for humanity. All through these years she gave while others got.

Gives Riches of Great Soul to Humanity.

When others were getting millions of dollars for self she was giving up the riches of her great soul in loving service to millions of men and women.

She does not court the favor of any mortal, high or low. As she sees the truth she speaks it, aye, even though it may not be palatable to others or helpful to herself.

Soon her labors here shall end. When those willing hands shall cease from doing, when the voice that inspired and encouraged thousands shall lapse to silence, the perfume of her good deeds shall live to bless those who shall walk wherein she once walked. When that hour comes abler pens than mine shall write her eulogy and do it more fittingly than I. My purpose in tracing these lines while she lives and walks among us-perhaps a selfish one-is that she, and others, too, may know what one of her co-workers of the long ago thinks of her. I offer these flowers that she may know their fleeting fragrance here, for blossoms laid upon the tomb are scentless to the one who rests beneath.

When that rest comes to her the world in all truth and earnestness may say: Mother Jones was truly great.

I reckon her greater than lord or prince,
Or king, or warrior bold,
For unlike these the poor of earth,
Are her’s to have and to hold.

When others take she gives and gives,
Caring naught for self or gain,
And when the cry of want is heard,
She gives and gives again.

—————

[Emphasis added.]

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: “Crown of Greatness Put On Aged Head of Mother Jones” by Terence V. Powderly for The Labor World” →

Hellraisers Journal: After Speech by Mother Jones, Miners of Cabin Creek Walk Out on Strike to Join the Strike at Paint Creek

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Quote Fred Mooney re Mother Jones at Cabin Creek Aug 6, 1912, Ab p27—————

Hellraisers Journal – Monday August 12, 1912
Cabin Creek, West Virginia – 3,000 Miners Walk Out on Strike, Join Paint Creek Strike

From The Cincinnati Enquirer of August 11, 1912:

HdLn Cabin Creek WV Joins Strike, Cnc Enq p6, Aug 11, 1912

SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE ENQUIRER.

 Charleston. W. Va., August 10.-Still more serious became the strike situation in the Kanawha Valley to-day when 3,000 coal miners employed in the nonunion mines on Cabin Creek laid down their picks, bringing the total number of striking miners in the Kanawha coal fields above the 5,000 mark.

In the Cabin Creek field the miners walked out without making any demands upon the coal operators, asserting that they would refuse to longer work under the conditions existing on that creek, but they are expected to insist upon the employers recognizing the United Mine Workers’ organisation, the same demand made by the striking miners on Paint Creek, and the removal of the Baldwin Guards.

In addition to the general strike on Paint Creek, which has been in progress since last April, and the present extension of the strike to the mines on Cabin Creek, 1,400 miners are idle at Boomer, Fayette County, in close proximity to the strike zone. The miners at Boomer walked out Friday because of the refusal of the mine owners to meet their demand in connection with the semi-monthly pay day…..

Says Miners Are Assaulted.

“Mother” Jones, one of the strike leaders, who initiated the strike movement on Cabin Creek when she spoke to 800 miners at Eskdale on Thursday [Tuesday, August 6th], stated to-day that the guards on the Cabin Creek had assaulted a score of the miners since yesterday morning. She said further that the national organization of mine workers would be compelled to care for the 3,000 or 4,000 striking miners and their families from the Cabin Creek section.

The mines on Cabin Creek have been operated on the open shop plan since 1904, when the Miners Union in that field was destroyed. Since that year no efforts have been made to organize the miners on that creek, but the coal operators in the adjoining organized field have complained bitterly against being forced by the miners to compete in the markets with the coal produced by the nonunion labor on Cabin Creak.

The strike on Cabin Creek was a severe disappointment to Governor Glasscock, who has been making an effort to bring together the contending forces on Paint Creek. The action of the Cabin Creek miners further complicates a situation that appeared almost ready for solution…..

—————

[Emphasis added.]

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: After Speech by Mother Jones, Miners of Cabin Creek Walk Out on Strike to Join the Strike at Paint Creek” →