—————
Hellraisers Journal – Wednesday April 15, 1914
Keweenaw Copper Country of Michigan – W. F. of M. Declares Strike Off
From the Michigan Miners Bulletin of April 14, 1914:
Copper Strike Declared Off
———-By Referendum Vote Taken Sunday Demands of Men Granted
With But One Exception.–Strikers Return to Work
———-At a meeting of the District Union held Wednesday April 8th in which every local of the Federation in this district was represented, it was decided that, if the strike was to be continued, the relief benefits would have to be reduced, and that accommodations would have to be furnished for several hundred families now living in company houses. After thoroughly debating the subject, it was decided to put the matter before the men on strike. Meetings were arranged for the Ahmeek and Calumet locals on Friday and the Hancock and South Range on Saturday when the strikers were informed of the proposed reduction in benefits, and of other obstacles confronting them.
Two propositions were put to the men viz: To either make further sacrifices regarding benefits, or return to work which was put to a referendum vote on Sunday with the result that the men decided on the latter. At the meetings held prior to taking a referendum of the proposition, the question was thoroughly discussed, and the men realizing that all concessions asked at the time of the calling of the strike had been granted by the Mining Companies with the exception of recognition of the union, they felt as though this demand might be waived, and that they could return to work with the feeling that the strike had been practically won.
If the refusal of the Mining Companies to recognize the Western Federation of Miners does in any measure prove balm to their wounded feelings, and give them a sense of having retained their dignity to the end, well may it be cherished in their bosoms. Their only demand is that all union men returning to work must surrender of his union membership card, but whether the fires of unionism which finds a home in his breast can be quenched by forcing a man to renounce his organisation remains to be seen. The turning of the pages of time will only tell. The need of organization among the working classes is forcing itself upon us more day by day, and it it does not devolve on the Calumet & Hecla, the Homestake, nor any corporation to stay the wheels of progress….
The strike with its attendant privations, suffering and sacrifice, the determination and valor displayed by the men and women in the ranks has been a stimulus to organized labor throughout the nation, and instead of a defeat, it is one of the most glorious victories ever achieved by the workers. You have gained ground that will never be retaken. The Western Federation of Miners and organized labor everywhere yet consider you striking copper miners as a part of the great army fighting for the liberty of the working class.
Your sacrifices and indomitable courage in this fight, your privations during the past nine months is proof positive of your agreement and pledge to the principles of united action which you are now called upon to repudiate. God knows it was barely possible for a man with a family to subsist on the meager benefits furnished by your brother worker, but he who so freely gave his small wage made almost as much sacrifice as you have made. He furnished subsistence while you fought at the front. You are comrades, brothers, and an injury to one is the concern of all….
All the beatings, insults,and bloodshed, all the lives crushed out in the Italian hall disaster where some half hungered innocent little children were trampled and smothered to death cannot be laid at the door of the striking miners. The victory you have wrested from the hands of organized greed is bathed in the blood of those of your class whose lives were needlessly sacrificed upon the gory altar of capitalism. This fight for industrial freedom is no child’s play, and requires men of nerve and courage as well as brawn, intelligence, and a determination born of desperation. Can you fill these requirements? Can you measure up to the full stature of the independent manhood? Cast bigotry, hatred, prejudice, nationality and religious bondage to the Four winds and stand out a clean cut workingman, class conscious, and with every drop of your blood, fight the battle of your class. Herein lies your only hope, and the hope of the world.
———-
From District 16 of the Western Federation of Miners
[The Bulletin also published the following statement issued by District 16 President Sullivan and Secretary Hietala:]
Statement of the District Union
To the membership and sympathizers of Organized Labor,Greeting: After waging for over eight months one of the most stubborn fights in the history of the American Labor movement, the copper miners of Michigan decided by referendum vote to declare the strike off.
In officially declaring the strike at an end the executive board of the district union desire to say that this action was decided upon only after the most careful consideration of all the facts and conditions involved in the further continuation of the strike.
From the first, the powers of the state and county, Judicial, Legislative, Military and Executive were prostituted to further the interests of the mine owners and to persecute and destroy those actively engaged in the conduct of the strike. The industrial conditions throughout the nation were deplorable and enabled the mining companies to have a greater measure of success in the importation of strikebreakers then they, under normal conditions, could have expected to experience.
Again, the depressed conditions of industry reflected itself in other strikes and struggles, making it increasingly difficult to secure the necessary finance to feed and clothe our people.
We wish to say further that we are duly appreciative of the help and aid that has been rendered us in our struggle for improved working conditions by the membership of the Western Federation of Miners. The United Mine Workers of America, The American Federation of Labor and other organizations sympathizers, friends and the Socialist Party of America. We realize that had it not been for their timely assistance, the strike must have ended long ago.
The eight hour work day and an increased wage would never have been granted by the employing companies. The help which you gave has enabled us to stay with the struggle until our demands for improved working conditions were granted at least in part.
We wish again to express our appreciation and thanks to all who aided us and to assure you that, while our victory at this time will be regarded as only partial our struggle for improved conditions will continue until the banner of organized labor shall wave triumphant over the copper mines of Michigan.
DAN SULLIVAN,
Pres. 16th District Union, W.F.M.
C. E. HIETALA, Secy, 16th District Union, W.F.M.———-
THE BATTLE IS ENDED
———-However the battle is ended,
Though proudly the victor comes
With fluttering flags and prancing nags
And echoing roll of drums,
Still Truth proclaims this motto
In letters of living light-
No question is ever settled
Until it is settled right.Though the heel of the strong oppressor
May grind the neck in the dust,
And the voices of fame with one acclaim
May call him great and just,
Let those who applaud take warning
And keep this motto in sight-
No question is ever settled
Until it is settled right.Let those who have failed take courage,
Though the enemy seems to have won,
Though his ranks are strong, if he be in the wrong,
The battle is not yet done,
For sure as the morning follows
No question is ever settled
Until it is settled right.[Ella Wheeler Wilcox]
[Emphasis added.]
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SOURCES & IMAGES
Quote Mother Jones, Stick Together, MI Miners’ Bulletin p1, Aug 14, 1913
Copy in possession of Janet Raye
Miners’ Bulletin
(Copper Country, Michigan)
“Published by authority of
Western Federation of Miners
to tell the truth regarding
the strike of the copper miners.”
-April 14, 1914
Copies in possession of Janet Raye.
See also:
“Not Settled Until Settled Right” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
-from source below, adds this verse:
Oh, man, bowed down with labor!
Oh, woman, young yet old!
Oh, heart oppressed in the toiler’s breast
And crushed by the power of gold!
Keep on with your weary battle
Against triumphant might;
No question is ever settled
Until it is settled right.
The Railroad Telegrapher, Volume 17
Order of Railroad Telegraphers, 1900
-June 1900, p435
Page 471: “Settled Right” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
(search: ella wilcox)
https://books.google.com/books?id=YOmiAAAAMAAJ
Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Wheeler_Wilcox
Tag: Michigan Copper Country Strike of 1913-1914
https://weneverforget.org/tag/michigan-copper-country-strike-of-1913-1914/
Settled Right, 1937!
Many of the strikers, rather than surrender their union cards, left the Michigan Copper Country and settled in Detroit. Among those moving to Detroit were the ex-husband and the brothers of Annie Clemenc. We can imagine them as the older experienced strike veterans who fought in the struggles of the 1930’s.
This post is dedicated to those who did not live to see Victory,
The Martyrs of the Michigan Copper Strike of 1913-14
Especially the little children
Who lost their lives in Freedom’s Cause.
In Solidarity, Janet Raye
Tag: Italian Hall Massacre
https://weneverforget.org/tag/italian-hall-massacre/
WE NEVER FORGET:
Christmas Eve 1913, Italian Hall Massacre at Calumet, Michigan
WE NEVER FORGET:
Big Annie Clemenc, Heroine of Michigan’s Copper Country, and Christmas Eve, 1913, Italian Hall Tragedy
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1937 – Dan Hall
Lyrics by David O. Norris and Dan Hall.