Hellraisers Journal: 25,000 Striking Textile Workers of Paterson Establish Central Relief Station at Turn Hall Headquarters

Quote Make Cp Suffer Pocket Book, GS by BBh, ISR p681, May 1911 —————

Hellraisers Journal – Wednesday March 19, 1913
Paterson, New Jersey – General Strike Committee to Establish Relief Station

From The Paterson Evening News of March 18, 1913:

Realizing that the ultimatum of the manufacturers and their decision not to confer with the strikers in any way, means either a defeat for the present strike movement or a long fight, the General Strike Committee of the Textile Workers of Paterson has decided to begin at once raising funds for the purpose of caring for the needy workers and their families in order that those now on strike may be able to live until the manufacturers awake to a realization of the fact that the mills are going to remain closed until the strikers get some recognition of their demands.

The following circular is being mailed broadcast to labor organizations throughout the country and it is expected that by the beginning of the week funds will commence flowing in.

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“AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN JURY TO ALL.”

SILK STRIKERS STRIKE AND RELIEF FUND.

HEADQUARTERS, TURN HALL, PATERSON, N. J.

TO ALL WAGE EARNERS AND FRIENDS OF LABOR:

Over 25,000 silk workers in Paterson are out on strike today for better conditions and a living wage. We are struggling against the manufacturers in a fight for living conditions. Our fight that we must win if we are to be able to live and to provide for our wives and children.

The Manufacturers’ Association of Paterson is a wealthy organisation, stacked by wealthy interests. It is a fight of the workers against the bosses and against unlivable conditions.

We have no one to appeal to for help except our brother workers, and those outside interests who believe in fair play for the workingman and we now make that appeal,

Every dollar that is raised will feed some hungry mouth and strengthen some willing worker to keep up the fight against unfair conditions.

To all workingmen and to all lovers of the square deal we make this appeal. The time to answer it is NOW. We need your help, WILL YOU GIVE IT.

SIGNED,
RELIEF COMMITTEE.

GENERAL STRIKE COMMITTEE
TEXTILE WORKERS OF PATERSON, N. J.

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In addition to this a subscription will be taken locally and food and money will be gratefully received, donations may be made outright or subscriptions made to pay any desired amount a week during the progress of the strike.

The News will acknowledge receipt of all monies sent in and also other donations.

The General Relief Committee is headed by Frederick Jenny as chairman, and they have established permanent headquarters in Turn hall.

The announcement is made that the strikers expect to be able to take care of all those who are in immediate need.

[…..]

Helvetia Hall Meeting Today

At the meeting at Helvetia hall this morning, Patrick Quinlan was the principal speaker. The meeting was largely attended, and the enthusiasm was keen. In part, “Pat,” as he is better known, said,

This strike has hit the manufacturers hard, and they know it. At first they stated that they would not meet you as a body. Now they contend you should be satisfied with a shop union. They know they can easily break such an organization. Why don’t they want to deal with you if you are part of the I. W. W.? Because of the fact that they realize locals are being formed in every silk center in the country, and they know that if you go out on strike here you will be able to pull out the industry in every locality and section, because it will be an International organisation.

If the manufacturers don’t want to meet our demand, we’ll stay out the entire year, and close down their factories for that length of time. Tell them that you are going to stay out until we get a living wage and better conditions. The agitation is now becoming a national one, as every workingman and woman realizes that eight hours is enough to work. Pennsylvania silk workers will stay out until you return. You have started the affair and must finish it.

[Emphasis added.]