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Hellraisers Journal – Thursday January 7, 1904
Telluride, Colorado – Martial Law Declared; Union Men Deported
From the American Labor Union Journal of January 7, 1904:
[News from Telluride by A. H. Floaten]
Tag: Charles Moyer
Hellraisers Journal: Miners’ Bulletin: “Earth to Earth, Ashes to Ashes-Fifty Thousand Pay Tribute To Victims Of Great Disaster On Christmas Eve At Calumet”
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Hellraisers Journal – Wednesday December 31, 1913
Calumet, Michigan – Little White Caskets Carried Two Miles to Lakeview Cemetery
From the Michigan Miners’ Bulletin of December 31, 1913:
Hellraisers Journal: Sorrow and Grief at Calumet, Michigan, on March to Cemetery: “Little White Caskets Borne by Strong Men”
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Hellraisers Journal – Tuesday December 30, 1913
Calumet, Michigan – Mourners Carry Little White Caskets Two Miles to Cemetery
From The Altoona Times (Pennsylvania) of December 29, 1913:
PATHETIC INCIDENTS BRING TEARS
TO BYSTANDERS EYES
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Afflicted Mothers and Fathers Overcome
by Appalling Grief as Cortege Passes
———-CALUMET, Mich., Dec. 28. -The Western Federation of Miners buried its dead today. Fifty-nine bodies, including those of forty-four children, were carried through the streets down a winding country highway and laid in graves in a snow-enshrouded cemetery within sight of Lake Superior.
Thousands of saddened miners formed an escort to the funeral parties and passed between other thousands who as spectators testified to the grief that has oppressed the community since seventy-two men, women and children were killed in the Christmas eve panic in Italian hall.
For hours the Sabbath calm was broken by the tolling of bells and the sound of voices intoning burial chants. In half a dozen churches services were held earlier in the day and the mourners went about the streets, passing from their homes to the churches, back to their homes after brief respites and again to the churches to prepare for the last sad trip to the grave sides.
UNION HOSTS ASSEMBLED
Delegations of strikers began coming to Calumet early in the day. The special train of nine coaches brought hundreds of Federationists from the iron mines of Negaunee and Ishpeming and every town and mining location in the copper country sent members and friends of the union to swell the ranks of the marchers in the afternoon.
By noon the union host was assembled. Months of experience in demonstrating their numbers by parading had taught the men to form ranks quickly and with little delay they lined up four abreast.
The supply of hearses was inadequate and there were only fourteen of these vehicles in the van. Then came three undertakers’ wagons and an automobile truck, the latter carrying three coffins. These vehicles contained the adult victims and the older children. Beside one marched eight women, who acted as pall bearers, for members of the Women’s auxiliary of the Western Federation.
It was this woman’s organization which was distributing gifts of candy, shoes, caps and mittens to the children of strikers when the panic broke out.
STRIKERS CARRY COFFINS
Behind the hearses was a section of the procession which brought tears and sobs from onlookers. Thirty-nine white coffins, their size testifying to the short lite of the little forms within, were carried by relays of strikers. Four men bore each coffin, and as their arms grew weary or feet stumbled on the slippery roadway, companions relieved them of their burden.
Persons drawn to Calumet solely by curiosity became mourners as this contingent passed them. Men turned away to brush tears from their cheeks. Women,especially the mothers in the crowd, sobbed openly, and dozens, unable to endure the sight, rushed from the streets, taking refuge in homes whose Yuletide had been directly saddened by death. Others, too, were in evidence among the toil-hardened men who carried the coffins. They bore the bodies of their companions’ children and many a rough sleeve was brushed hurriedly across downturned faces, the eves of which were concealed by peaked caps drawn far forward.
CORTEGE TWO MILES LONG
Fifty singers chanted hymns in the wake of the children carriers. Most of these men were English miners, who had learned in Cornwall to chant Christmas carols in the streets and years ago brought this old custom to the copper country. Today, however, they didn’t sing songs of a new life born. “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” “Rock of Ages” and “Nearer My God to Thee” came from throats thick with emotion. But the harmonies were full and rich.
Hellraisers Journal: Chicago Day Book: Surgeons at St. Luke’s Hospital Remove Bullet From Charles Moyer-Will Recover
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Hellraisers Journal – Monday December 29, 1913
Chicago, Illinois – W. F. of M. President Charles Moyer Expected to Recover
From The Day Book of December 29, 1913:
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Hellraisers Journal: Miners’ Bulletin: “Harvest of Death, Striking Miner’s Children In Christmas Joys Are Called By The Angel Of Death”-Italian Hall Massacre
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Hellraisers Journal – Sunday December 28, 1913
Calumet, Michigan – Men, Women and Children Perish in Midst of Christmas Joy
From the Michigan Miners’ Bulletin of December 28, 1913:
In the midst of Christmas good cheer and happiness twenty eight little girls, twenty four little boys, fifteen women and five men were swirled into the cruel jaws of death in less than five minutes at the Italian hall, Calumet, on Christmas eve. The striking miners of Calumet had prepared Christmas exercises and the distribution of presents for the little ones and at the appointed time the hall was filled with the happy little tots accompanied by their parents. The Christmas tree gaily decorated and loaded with presets stood upon the stage of the hall. The program was started by Mrs. Annie Clemenc who was making a talk to the children telling them that old Santa had not forgotten them just because their fathers had been denied work, and that they were all to be made happy by receiving many nice presents, candies, fruits and nuts.
The little ones had crowded near the stage their little faces beaming with delight when a fiend in the shape of a man sneaked up the stairway leading to the hall, opened the door and waving his arm cried “fire, fire,” then quickly making his way to the street where he disappeared in the gathering darkness. At the cry of fire the great throng arose as one and made a dash for the front exit of the hall. The way was made for the children first and they filled the stairway so full and crowded from the rear so fast that some of the children were swept off their feet. These little bodies acted a stumbling blocks for those who followed and within a few seconds the stairway was a mass of bleeding crushed, dead and dying humanity. The crowd from above kept crowding into the stairway until it was completely filled with bodies.
As soon as the cry of fire had been sounded the city fire alarm was bellowing its harrowing warning and the firemen upon arriving at the scene quickly placed ladders to the front windows of the building and ascended to the hall where they stopped any more from crowding into the stairway upon the dead bodies of their comrades. Within a few minutes the hall had been emptied and the work of removing the dead taken up. The bodies were so tightly wedged into the hallway that they could not be released below and had to be taken from above and carried back into the hall. The bodies were taken to a temporary morgue in the city hall where after identification they were sorrowfully removed to their homes.
The scene was one beggaring description and those who witnessed it will never have it effaced from their minds as long as they live. While the front hallway was being crowded and jammed full of men, women and children others were seeking escape at a fire exit in the rear of the hall, many getting out in this manner. Others jumped from windows and in nearly every instance were severely injured, one little boy who jumped had both legs broken.
One little girl who was jammed in the hallway in a dying condition begged one of the rescuers to save her. She grasped his hand, kissed it, then her little head dropped upon her breast and she was dead. One man whose name was not learned got in the hallway and tried to prevent the frenzied crowd from crowding down the stairs upon those below. He placed his arms across the hall way and checked them momentarily but the force behind became too great and he was swept into the vortex of death, his dead body being taken out a few minutes later. Holding high above her head her little child, a woman and her husband were carried into the mass of humanity trying to get out of the hall. This man and his wife were swept to their death but the child miraculously escaped.
The fiend who caused this terrible disaster made his escape and is still at large. From persons who stood near the door it is learned that he was rather stockily built, a little under medium height, and wore his hat well pulled down over his countenance. Upon the lapel of his coat he wore a Citizens Alliance button, is a statement made by several who got a good view of him. How anyone with reasoning power could have deliberately committed the act is beyond comprehension.
President Moyer of the Federation who was in Hancock at the time of the accident hurried to Calumet and assured those afflicted that their wants would be attended to by the organization at whose head he stands. The funerals of the victims will be held at Calumet this afternoon and will be attended by thousands of sorrowing friends and companions of those who, while in life, stood valiantly by their side in the great fight for justice which still holds within it grasp the entire district. The funerals will be held under the auspices of organized Labor, and no funds other than those donated by such organizations will be accepted. Organized labor has made this request and the wishes will be respected in this matter…..
[Emphasis and paragraph breaks added.]
Hellraisers Journal: Moyer Shot, Beaten, Threatened with Lynching and Deported from Michigan by Citizens Alliance
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Hellraisers Journal – Saturday December 27, 1913
Hancock/Houghton, Michigan – Moyer and Tanner Kidnapped and Deported
Last night at about 8:30 p.m. Sheriff Cruse and a “committee” paid a visit to the Scott Hotel in Hancock. They went to the room of Charles Moyer, President of the Western Federation of Miners. The “committee” was determined that the leaders of the W. F. of M. should reconsider their refusal to accept any donations from the Citizens’ Alliance to the families of the victims of the Italian Hall Massacre. Mr. Moyer remained adamant that donations from the Citizens’ Alliance amounted to blood money and that the union would bury it’s own dead.
No sooner had this “committee” left the room than a mob burst into the room. They began to beat Moyer and also Charles Tanner who was there with him. A gun was used to beat Moyer over the head which discharged during the assault. Moyer was shot in the shoulder. Moyer and Tanner were dragged out of the Hotel and down the street to the train station in Houghton. At the Houghton-Hancock bridge they were threatened with hanging, and shown a noose brought for that purpose.
The kidnappers put Moyer and Tanner on the Chicago train. Deputy Sheriff Hensley and Deputy McKeever were assigned to accompany the deportees. The deputies wore their Citizens’ Alliance buttons right next to their deputy badges for all to see.
The train stopped briefly in Milwaukee, and reporters were able to get the story from Moyer and Tanner. The reporters also witnessed Moyer’s “pillow and bed linen were soiled with blood from wounds in his scalp and back.”
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From the Chicago Day Book of December 27, 1913, Noon Edition
Hellraisers Journal: Dozens Killed as False Alarm of Fire Causes Panic at Christmas Party for Michigan Strikers’ Children
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Hellraisers Journal – Thursday December 25, 1913, Christmas Day
Calumet, Michigan – Christmas Eve Party for Strikers Children Ends in Tragedy
From The Detroit Free Press of December 25, 1913:
Hellraisers Journal: News From Strike Zone of Michigan’s Copper Country; Threats and Mob Attacks Against Union Miners
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Hellraisers Journal – Sunday December 14, 1913
Michigan Copper Country – MacNaughton’s Eye, Threats and Mob Rule
News From Michigan Copper Country
From the Michigan Miners Bulletin of December 2, 1913:
“Seen by the Search-Light” is a regular feature of the Miners’ Bulletin and refers to “MacNaughton’s Eye,” the giant searchlight that James MacNaughton, manager of the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company, has had erected on top of the main tower situated in the middle of the town of Calumet, Michigan. The searchlight roams about the streets of Calumet, keeping a watchful eye on strikers and scabs alike. It shines into windows of the homes of the residents, interfering with a peaceful night’s rest. Of course most of those streets, the houses, and the property upon which the town itself sits, is owned by C & H. Therefore, we suppose, MacNaughton has a perfect right to make of the town something resembling a prison.
Seen by the Search-Light
Senator James, in his office staring at the labor situation of the day, and concluding to remain silent; to draw the votes from both sides at election time.
James Torreana, the Laurium scab supporter, at mid-night when the Hyena walks around the graveyard walls, going to meet the modern Judas A. C. Marinelli, to furnish him with news of strike-breaking nature.
Mike Bargo, the Italian scab herder at the telephone, communicating some scabious news to the “Gazette.”
A small man with spectacles riding a bicycle, from West Portland St. to the office of “The Italian Miner” of Laurium, with a parcel of written matter for publication.
Paul Tinetti looking at Pietro Micca’s picture.
5th St.-The green grass growing in front of Keckonen store, but no other place for lack of pollen matter in the seeds.
[Emphasis added.]
Regarding the “green grass growing,” we will remind our readers that MacNaughton has vowed that “grass would grow in the streets” of Calumet before he would treat with the Western Federation of Miners. This kind man has also vowed to teach the strikers and their families how to eat potato pairings.
Poetry from Miners Bulletin of December 2, 1913:
THE WORKER
By Berton BraleyI have broken my hands on your granite,
I have broken my strength on your steel,
I have sweated through years for your pleasure,
I have worked like a slave for your weal.
And what is the wage you have paid me.
You masters and drivers of men?
-Enough so I come in my hunger
To beg for more labor again!I have given my manhood to serve you,
I have given my gladness of youth;
You have used me, and spent me, and crushed me,
And thrown me aside without ruth;
You have shut my eyes off from the sunlight,
My lungs from the untainted air;
You have housed me in horrible places.
Surrounded by squalor and care.I have built you the world in its beauty,
I have brought you the glory of spoil;
You have blighted my sons and my daughters,
You have scourged me again to my toil.
Yet I suffer it all in my patience,
For somehow I dimly have known
That some day the worker will conquer
In a world that was meant for his own!
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Hellraisers Journal: From The Day Book: Government by Gunthug Starts Bloody War in Upper Michigan’s Copper Country
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Hellraisers Journal – Saturday December 13, 1913
The Keweenaw, Michigan – Government by Gunthug Starts Bloody War
From the Chicago Day Book of December 11, 1913:
Calumet, Mich., Dec. 11.-(Special.)-Bloody war has broken out in the copper country, and the battle has been waging since early this morning. It was precipitated by the Citizens’ Alliance, which has been making open threat for days that the union leaders would be forcibly driven from Houghton county.
Yesterday President Moyer of the Western Federation of Miners made application to Circuit Judge O’Brien for an injunction restraining members of the Alliance from interfering with officers and members of the Federation. The injunction was granted.
This morning about 2 o’clock gunmen deputies and members of the Citizens’ Alliance attempted to arrest striking miners who had barricaded themselves in their hall at South Range, about eight miles from Calumet. This started the fight.
Thirty-five armed strikers were arrested, and two special trains were sent out from Houghton loaded with reinforcements from the Alliance, one at 5 and the other at 9 o’clock.
In the battle Deputy Tom Driscoll of Houghton was shot and fatally wounded. Many others were wounded, although no list of them has been secured.
The fighting kept up all morning and before noon a total of 500 strikers had been arrested, including Victor Valimakki, Finnish organizer for the Federation, who is alleged to have confessed to the shooting of Driscoll, who was shot through the abdomen and the right arm.
Just before noon a third special train carrying gunmen, deputies and vigilantes was sent to the South Range district, a distance of 27 miles from Houghton.
The fire bells were rung in Calumet and Houghton this morning summoning all members of the Citizens’ Alliance.
Thousands are being held in reserve ready to be sent to any part of the county. The fighting today followed a night of terror throughout the strike district. Two of the gunmen deputies who were shot down yesterday are not expected to live.
Labor leaders predict that wholesale arrests will be made of members of the Alliance for violating Judge O’Brien’s injunction, issued yesterday.
Federation Hall, at South Range, where for more than eight hours today half a hundred striking copper miners battled desperately against a mob of vigilantes and deputy sheriffs, was surrendered by the miners into the hands of the Citizens’ Alliance at noon today. All the defenders of the hall were arrested. Thirty rifles and great quantities of ammunition were confiscated and will be thrown into Portage Lake.
As far as could be learned early this afternoon Deputy Sheriff Driscoll at Houghton was the only person to be fatally injured in the fighting. He was shot through the abdomen and cannot recover, it was stated this afternoon. Henry Koski has confessed to shooting the deputy, the authorities asserted. Koski’s wife is also held for complicity.
[Deputized Company Gunthugs]
The fighting deputy sheriffs are gunmen imported from New York by the Waddell-Mahon strikebreaking agency of 200 Fifth avenue, New York city. They were sworn in by Sheriff Cruse and armed with guns and deputy’s badges.
Waddell said himself that many of them were ex-members of the New York police department. Others were imported from Chicago and other cities, but most of them from the East.
The entire county has been under control of the mining companies, through the sheriff’s office and the Waddell thugs, ever since the strike began last July.
Hellraisers Journal: Western Federation of Miners Executive Board Issues Statement on Industrial Situation in Colorado
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Hellraisers Journal – Wednesday December 9, 1903
Denver, Colorado – W. F. of M. Executive Board Addresses Colorado’s Labor Conflicts
From The Denver Post of December 5, 1903:
[Photograph added. Note: James Kirwin replaced T. J. McKean on the Executive Board during November.]
