There are no limits to which
powers of privilege will not go
to keep the workers in slavery.
-Mother Jones
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hellraisers Journal, Thursday August 27, 1908
George Pettibone, Tried and True Friend of Labor
From the Appeal to Reason of August 15, 1908:
George A. Pettibone, Martyr.
—–
Mr. and Mrs. George Pettibone
The death of the tried and true friend of labor occasions deep sadness but no surprise. For some time-indeed, ever since his incarceration at Boise, his health has been gradually failing, and it has long been know to his intimates that death was but a question of time.
There are few, if any, more tragic chapters in labor history than the life and death of George Pettibone. We shall not now attempt a comprehensive sketch of his career, but only state its salient features as a fitting prelude to an estimate of the service he rendered organized labor, and of the tribute he deserves as one of its bravest champions.
Pettibone first became prominently identified with organized labor at the time of the Couer d’Alene strikes, which were broken up by the intervention of federal troops. As one of the leaders he was arrested and sentenced to jail, serving several months. From this time forward he was actively engaged in organizing the Western Federation of Miners, of which he was one of the pioneers and an honored member up to the time of his death.
The kidnaping of Pettibone in February 1906, along with Moyer and Haywood is still fresh in the memory of all. It was this brutal assault upon him and the horrors and sufferings incident to it which shattered his health and left him an easy prey to death. Through it all, Pettibone never once wavered. He bore even this terrible ordeal with the serene philosophy of a stoic. No more infamous outrage was ever perpetrated upon any citizen of this country, and although Pettibone felt it keenly he bore up bravely through it all. When others were downcast he was in good cheer, and when even his closest associates were troubled over the outlook he wore his never-failing smile.
No tongue or pen can ever describe what Pettibone suffered during the many weary months he spent in jail with the sentence of death and execution upon the gallows constantly before him. And yet if he uttered a word of complaint no one ever heard it. Realizing fully that they who serve organized labor must be prepared for persecution, slander and even death, he was prepared for whatever fate might decree and regarded it all as his share of the cost of organizing the working class which it was his duty to bear.
In his personal relations with men Pettibone was characteristically tender and considerate. A brother in distress need never hesitate to call on him and no union man ever did call on him in vain. For the part he took in organizing the miners of the west he paid the severest penalties, but he was never daunted, and he never once failed to respond when there was work to do or when there was risk to be taken in the interest of the working class.
In the death of this brave leader organized labor may well pause long enough to pay tribute to his memory. With rare courage and unfailing fidelity he served the cause and he suffered as few have been called upon to suffer because of his love for and devotion to his fellow-workers.
The active life of George Pettibone as a labor unionist was filled with thrilling incidents and would of itself make an interesting romance. His death, all things considered is tragic beyond the power of words to express. Although he nominally died a natural death, as a matter of fact he was foully murdered. He was put to death by slow torture.
The blood of this labor martyr is upon the Mine Owners’ association, and upon the cruel mercenaries it hired to carry out its nefarious plot of kidnaping and murder. If the members of this association have any conscience the ghost of George Pettibone will disturb their dreams.
If the degenerate McPartland [McParland] and his backer, Bulkeley Wells, can read of Pettibone’s death without compunction, it is because they are as destitute of conscience as cobras.
The death of Pettibone adds another name to the roll of labor martyrdom. He served faithfully the cause of labor, suffered heroically, was unflinchingly loyal to his friends and comrades, and leaves to his family and to his fellow-workers the memory of a true man.
