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Hellraisers Journal – Thursday November 30, 1922
Portland, Oregon – Mayor Unhappy about Free Rides with Red Cards
From the Duluth Labor World of November 25, 1922:
SAYS I. W. W. MEMBERS GET
FREE RIDES ON RED CARD
Many railroad men on roads leading into Portland are recognizing I. W. W. membership cards and giving free rides on freight trains, George L. Baker, mayor of Portland, declared before the tax regulating and conservation commission, in explaining the water front strike situation.
“We have evidence that in many cases I. W. W. cards served as tickets to Portland,” he asserted. “Some of the trainmen will not allow ordinary tramps to ride, but those who carry red cards are given, free transportation. As a result many I. W. W. have come to Portland, who could not have come had they been required to pay their way.”
The mayor asserted that in some cases groups of I. W. W. had compelled train crews to permit them to ride.
[Photograph and emphasis added.]
