Hellraisers Journal: Convention of the Colorado Federation of Labor Condemns Militarism in Cripple Creek Strike Zone

MJ Quote Solidarity —————

Hellraisers Journal – Sunday September 27, 1903
Colorado State Federation of Labor Supports Striking Miners of Cripple Creek

Report of Emma F. Langdon of Victor, Colorado:

STATE FEDERATION OF LABOR AROUSED.

During the week of September 14-19, the Colorado State Federation of Labor was in session at Canon City and realizing the oppressing domination of Colorado militarism and understanding that all organized labor was in imminent danger of military suppression by the determined and lawless methods used to crush the Western Federation of Miners, passed unanimously the following resolutions:

Whereas, A gatling gun, the property of the state of Colorado, supposed to be used by the Colorado militia to uphold the laws of the state of Colorado, without class distinction, has been loaned and for the past six months has been in the Standard mill at Colorado City; and,

Whereas, Such loaning of the property of the state of Colorado is not only not good public policy, but is a detriment to the interests of the state and is without doubt at the behests of certain citizens for the purpose of intimidating other residents of Colorado City and is distinctly a case of arming one class of citizens against another, which is absolutely against the constitution, wherein equal privileges are guaranteed to all; therefore be it

Resolved, By the Colorado State Federation of Labor, in convention assembled, that the action of the officers of the Colorado National guard, and especially of Governor Peabody as commander-in-chief, be denounced as absolutely without warrant or precedent and as against the best interests of the state and dictates of good government.

Whereas, On the 28th day of July, 1903, the Sun and Moon transformer at Idaho Springs, Colo., was blown up by means and persons as yet unknown; and,

Whereas, There is a certain organization in Idaho Springs known as the Citizens’ Protective league, composed of all classes except organized labor and organized for the purpose of antagonizing labor in their efforts to better their conditions; and,

Whereas, Said Citizens’ league without warrant of law, aided and abetted by the sworn peace officers of the county, did take from their homes and imprison certain members of organized labor for certain affiliations and did after said imprisonment as an organized mob under the direction of the said Citizens’ Protective league (did) expel said members of organized labor from Idaho Springs with a warning to never return on pain of death and did banish said members of organized labor from their homes and families; and

Whereas, The district judge of Clear Creek county, presided over by Judge Frank W. Owers, has in the trial of the cases instituted by the banished members of organized labor against the members of the mob shown a spirit of fairness, as refreshing as it is rare in cases where a clash has arisen between labor and the capitalistic class; and ,

Whereas, The said Judge Owers has publicly declared from the bench that it is his purpose to administer the laws of the state of Colorado regardless of class or caste; therefore be it

Resolved, By the Colorado State Federation of Labor, in convention assembled, that we do strongly commend the action of Judge Owers in meeting out exact justice to all violators of the law; and that a copy of these resolutions be furnished Judge Owers under the seal of the Colorado State Federation of Labor.

Another resolution which was passed by the State Federation, expressed in very plain words the public sentiment in regard to Peabody and Bell and ran as follows:

Resolved that we condemn the unwarranted and autocratic action of Governor Peabody in turning the military army of the state government over to the Mine Owners’ Association for the furtherance of their own private interests, at the cost of the people of the state and against the interests, welfare and liberty of the citizens. This action, and the fact that the mine owners are furnishing the money for the payment of the salaries of the members of the militia and the expenses of the military campaign shows that Governor Peabody must be subservient, though willing agent of the Mine Owners’ Association and other capitalistic interests of the state.

Resolved, That we denounce the actions of Sherman M. Bell as those of one whose weak intellect and mind have been overbalanced by an ambition to pose as a military hero, as well as the fact of a well paid tool, who always is willing to do his master’s bidding, regardless of the welfare, happiness and liberty of his fellowmen; and be it further

Resolved, That we call the attention of all citizens of the state that if such militaryism is allowed to continue in this state, the rights and freedom to assembly, the freedom of speech and liberty of action under the laws of the land will be in jeopardy, and we ask pressure to be brought to bear to put end to such militaryism.

[News clip from Denver Post of Sept. 19, 1903, added; emphasis added.]
[Note: Denver Post seems not to realize that the metal miners-not coal miners-are on strike in the Cripple Creek District.]