Category: Hellraisers Journal

Hellraisers Journal: John Reed Returns to USA to Face Federal Charges of Conspiracy to Obstruct the Draft Law

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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The speculators, the employers,
the plutocracy…with lies and sophistries
they will whip up our blood until we are savage-
and then we’ll fight and die for them.
-Jack Reed

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Hellraisers Journal, Friday May 3, 1918
New York, New York – John Reed Facing Federal Charges

From Portland’s Oregon Daily Journal of April 29, 1918:

John Reed, Ogden Standard p12, Feb 19, 1918

John Reed, Writer For
“Masses,” Held
—–

An American [Atlantic] Port, April 29.-(I. N. S.)-John Reed, an American writer, bearing credentials from the Bolsheviki as consul general at New York, was detained aboard a Scandinavian steamer upon his arrival here Sunday.

Reed was one of the contributors to “The Masses” who were indicted by a federal grand jury for alleged conspiracy to defeat the draft law. He appeared in the federal court today and pleaded not guilty to the charge of conspiracy to obstruct the draft law.

—–

John Reed is a former Portland man, son of Mrs. Charles J. Reed.

———-

[Photograph added.]

From The Liberator of May 1918:
John Reed located and series on “Red Russia” continues-

John Reed Found, Liberator p3, May 1918

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Hellraisers Journal: From The Social Democrat: “The Old Communard,” Story Concludes in French Village of 1891

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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C’est la lutte finale
Groupons-nous et demain
L’Internationale
Sera le genre humain.
-Eugène Pottier – Paris, June 1871

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Hellraisers Journal: Monday May 2, 1898
From London’s Social Democrat: the Story of an Old Communard, Conclusion

Vive La Commune, Paris 1871

The story of the Old Communard, begun in a French village in the year 1880, ends in that same village in the year 1891, during the month of May:

Father Martin was carried to the cemetery and laid to rest in the little corner of earth reserved for the poor, of whom he had been all his life the valiant defender.

———-

From the Social Democrat of May 1898:

THE OLD COMMUNARD.
(Il en Était)
—–

(From the French of J, B. Clément.)
—–

Triumph of Order over Paris Commune May 1871, ScDem Mar 1898

—–

V.

The honest and laborious sallies of the brave William, who was respected largely on account of his herculean strength, at length brought forth fruit.

Father Martin was able from time to time to go and enjoy the shelter of the grand old tree of liberty without being molested. In time, too, the people, who until now had regarded him with an air of contempt, began to acknowledge him at meeting, and sometimes even to salute him with respect.

The old man informed his son of this little alteration of opinion.

“Father,” replied the latter, “I also have observed it; the people who lately shunned me are coming to me again, and are testifying a sympathy which is quite touching. I am happy for your sake, but indifferent as regards myself.”

Father and son were worthy of each other.

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Hellraisers Journal: In Celebration of May Day 1918: a Drawing by the Great Walter Crane and a Poem by Big Bill Haywood

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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You, O, Men and Women and Children of Labor,
You can end forever the wrongs your class has endured,
You have but to think within yourselves,
You have but to act within your class,
You must organize as you work together.
Think, Organize, Act Together.
Industrial Freedom will come to all.
-Big Bill Haywood

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Hellraisers Journal, Wednesday May 1, 1918
For May Day: Workers May Pole with Message from Bill Haywood

Workers May Pole for 1894 by Walter Crane:

May Day 1894, Workers May Pole by Walter Crane, Cartoons for Cause, 1907

 

———-

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Hellraisers Journal: “Work for Women in Industrial Unionism” by Sophie Beldner Vasilio for the I. U. B.

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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It should be encouraging for workingmen
to see women enter their ranks and,
shoulder to shoulder, fight for economic freedom.
-Sophie Beldner Vasilio

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Hellraisers Journal: Thursday April 30, 1908
Sophie Beldner Vasilio on Women and Industrial Unionism

On Tuesday we republished an article from The Industrial Union Bulletin of April 25th of this year, written by Sophie Beldner Vasilio, on the topic of Women and the I. W. W. Today we republish an earlier work by the same author on the topic of Women and Industrial Unionism.

From The Industrial Union Bulletin of August 3, 1907:

Work for Women in Industrial Unionism

IWW Gen Adm Emblem, IUB, Mar 14, 1908

To give an instance of the solidarity prevailing amongst women I shall have to talk of my own experience.

Working in New York in the garment industry with women mostly, here is what I observed. Twice a year, about the summer and winter season, their discontent was heard. Usually the piece workers were the ones that kicked, the prices being cut in slack time, and the new styles paying so little that it was necessary to organize in order to get even less than they asked for.

Twice a year three or four girls would get together to talk about organizing. Then these girls would start to talk to the rest of them about it. All would promise to attend a meeting for the purpose of organizing. Then they would appeal to the walking delegate of the waist makers’ union to organize them.

The meeting announced, only a few would make their appearance, the rest of them giving all sorts of excuses for not attending it. Still we would be organized, as few of we were. The demand for the prices was sent to the employer through the business agent, usually being compromised. About two or three months after the settlement, dues paying was postponed for a while by most of them, then they would say frankly: “We have no use for the union. We’re going to get married before long it’s no use paying dues to the union.”

Working in San Francisco, the City of Unionism, a Mexican women and myself began to talk about organization. One of the girls gave the definition of unionism thus: “To pay fines when you don’t parade on Labor Day or when you don’t attend the meetings, and besides, to pay dues for nothing.”

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Hellraisers Journal: “When You Wear That Button” by Richard Brazier from IWW Songs, General Defense Edition

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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When you wear that button, the “Wobblies” red button
And carry their red, red card,
No need to hike, boys, along these old pikes, boys
Every “Wobbly” will be your pard.
-Richard Brazier

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Hellraisers Journal, Monday April 29, 1918
From the Chicago I. W. W. Publishing Bureau:

A new song from Richard Brazier:

IWW Songs 14th ed, Wear That Button, Brazier, Apr 1918

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Hellraisers Journal: Ludlow Monument Will be Dedicated on Decoration Day by United Mine Workers of America

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hellraisers Journal, Sunday April 28, 1918
Ludlow, Colorado – Miners to Dedicate Monument to Honor Martyrs

From the United Mine Workers Journal of April 25, 1918:

DIST. NO. 15, COLORADO

Ludlow Massacre by Morris Hall Pancoast, Masses, June 1914

Frank Hayes, UMWJ p3, Jan 10, 1918

President Hayes has sent the following letter which is self-explanatory, to President Johnson of District No. 15:

Mr. Geo. O. Johnson, President,
District 15, U. M. W. of A.,
Pueblo, Colorado.
Dear Sir and Brother:

Just a few lines to advise that we expect to have the Ludlow Monument erected and in place by next Decoration Day, and we propose to hold dedication exercises at Ludlow on that date. In view of this fact, it might be well to postpone the anniversary demonstration until May 30th, at which time we expect to hold a great demonstration at Ludlow, which will be attended by all the members of the International Executive Board. I suggest that you notify your Local Unions as to our intention to hold dedication exercises on May 30th.

With all good wishes, I am,
Fraternally yours,
FRANK J. HAYES, President.

It may be stated here that owing to difficulties encountered in transporting material, the original arrangements to have the monument arrive at Ludlow in time to hold dedication services on the day of the anniversary of the Ludlow massacre, could not be carried out. The dedication and memorial exercises will be held on Decoration Day as set forth in the above communication.

All local unions of Dist. No. 15 are advised to make suitable arrangements to be represented at Ludlow on the 30th day of May, when it is expected that the miners of Colorado will foregather in a mighty demonstration to pay tribute to those who died that the United Mine Workers might endure in Colorado.

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Hellraisers Journal: From The Industrial Union Bulletin: “Women and the IWW” by Sophie Vasilio

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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It should be encouraging for workingmen
to see women enter their ranks and,
shoulder to shoulder, fight for economic freedom.
-Sophie Beldner Vasilio

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hellraisers Journal, Monday April 27, 1908
A Letter from a San Francisco Woman to the I. U. B.

Women in the I. W. W.

To the Editor of THE BULLETIN:

IWW Gen Adm Emblem, IUB, Mar 14, 1908

1. Is a married women of the working class a chattel slave or a wage slave?

2. Has she the right to belong to a mixed local of the I. W. W.?

I ask these questions because objection has been raised by some member of the Denver local to the effect that a married woman, a housekeeper, has no right to belong to a workingmen’s organization.

I wish to be made clear as to the attitude of the general organization on this matter.

As far as I know, the purpose of a mixed local is to educate and organize branches of different industries when there are enough members to form a local. Does a woman, that keeps house for her husband, interfere with the progress of the organization by being a member of a mixed local?

Some assert that we have no grievance against the capitalist class, therefore we have no place in the union. Our grievance is against our husbands, if we are dissatisfied with our condition.

I believe the married woman of the working class is no parasite nor exploiter. She is a social producer. In order to sustain herself, she has to sell her labor power, either in the factory, directly to the capitalist, or at home, indirectly, by serving the wage slave, her husband, thus keeping him in working condition through cooking, washing and general housekeeping.

Her being a mother and a housekeepers are two different functions. One is her maternal, and the other is her industrial function in society. And as an industrial factor in society. I believe the wage slave’s wife has got a right to belong to a mixed local. I think it should be encouraging for workingmen to see women enter their ranks and, shoulder to shoulder, fight for economic freedom.

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Hellraisers Journal: Big Bill Haywood Fired from Western Federation of Miners by Notice in Miners’ Magazine

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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We have no fight with capital.
All we want is the full equivalent for
the things which we produce.
Capital can take the rest.
-Big Bill Haywood

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Hellraisers Journal, Sunday April 26, 1908
Denver, Colorado – Haywood Ousted by W. F. of M.

From The Butte Miner of April 25, 1908:

BBH, Out of WFM office, Btt Mnr p1, Apr 25, 1908

(Special Dispatch to the Miner.)

Denver, Colo., April 24.-William D. Haywood, for many years the secretary-treasurer of the Western Federation of Miners, has been ousted from the executive board of the organization by the members of that body. Announcement of this action appeared officially in the following statement that was published today in the Miners’ Magazine, the official organ of the federation, saying:

To Whom It May Concern: This is to inform you that the executive board of the Western Federation of Miners has decided to terminate the services of William D. Haywood as a representative of the Western Federation of Miners in the field, the same to take effect on the eight day of April, 1908.

(Signed) C. E. MAHONEY,
Vice-President Western Federation of Miners.

No Longer Organizer.

This means that Haywood is no longer in the employ of the federation, even as organizer, which position he has held for several months past, or since December, when Ernest Mills was named to supersede him as secretary-treasurer. The only connection that Haywood now has is as a member of the Silver City, Idaho, lodge, which is affiliated with the parent body.

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Hellraisers Journal: Elizabeth Gurley Flynn Tour on Hold; Great Speaking Skill of Young IWW Orator Described

Janet RayeElizabeth Gurley Flynn
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It’s great to fight for freedom
with a Rebel Girl.
-Joe Hill

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Hellraisers Journal, Saturday April 25, 1908
Western Speaking Tour of Elizabeth Gurley Flynn Postponed

From The Industrial Union Bulletin of April 18, 1908:

Flynn Lecture Tour Temporarily Postponed

EGF, DEN (ca) p 21, crpd, Sept 21, 1907

Fellow Worker Elizabeth Gurley Flynn will be unable to undertake the Western trip, for which arrangements had been in part completed, owing to the advice of physicians that to do so would endanger her health. She was compelled to abandon her program at Detroit, and will rest for several months in Minnesota, where she hopes to regain her strength and be prepared for active work in the fall of the year.

Readers of THE BULLETIN will, with us, regret this enforced abstinence from the lecture platform of our talented friend and sincerely hope for an early and complete restoration to health.

The Detroit News of April 9 gives the following appreciative notice of Comrade Flynn’s meeting in that city:

A union not to break the law, but a union to enforce the law when it is being broken by the capitalist class. A union that will enforce the will of the working class as expressed at the ballot box. A union that seeks not to enslave labor, but to emancipate it. A union that is organized on the principle that labor produces all wealth and is entitled to all it produces. A union that says there is no identity of interests between the owners of the tools of production and the workers who are bought by the week to run them for the benefit of the few and the the impoverishment of the many.

This is in part the outline given by Mrs. Elizabeth Gurley Flynn Jones, of what the Industrial Workers of the World are organized for and what they expect to accomplish before an audience that filled Arbeiter hall to the doors Wednesday night.

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Hellraisers Journal: From The New Time Magazine: Sheriff Martin Acquitted of Murder for Massacre at Lattimer

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
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Beneath the starry banner
Though they came from foreign lands,
They died the death of martyrs
For the noble rights of man.
-Anonymous

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Hellraisers Journal, Sunday April 24, 1898
Lattimer, Pennsylvania – Jury Finds Massacre of Miners Was Not Murder

The miners of Pennsylvania were marching peacefully when Sheriff Martin and his army of deputized gunthugs opened fire upon them at Lattimer on September 10, 1897; and yet the miners were not murdered according to the verdict of the jury as reported by The New Time magazine of April 1898:

Plutocrats’ Hero Acquitted-

THE ACQUITTAL OF SHERIFF MARTIN.

Lattimer Massacre of 1897, Locomotive Firemens Mag, Nov 1897

The acquittal of Sheriff Martin, the plutocratic hero of Hazleton, was to have been expected. Never yet in the history of the United States, or for that matter any other country, have the hired murderers of workingmen been brought to justice when arraigned before a court. The slaughter of the men at Hazleton was the most infamous act ever committed under forms of law. It has its parallel in the judicial farce which resulted in the acquittal of Martin and his cowardly and blood-thirsty deputies.

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