Tag: July 1919

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts & Doings of Mother Jones for July 1919, Part II: Sissonville Prison Road Camp-Burning Hell Hole of West Virginia

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
Share

Quote Mother Jones Constabulary n Bread, Ab Chp 23, 1925———-

Hellraisers Journal – Saturday August 16, 1919
Mother Jones News for July 1919, Part II
-Found Protesting Conditions at Sissonville Road Camp

Hell Hole in West Virginia: Sissonville Prison Road Camp
-Described by Mother Jones:

Mother Jones Crpd Women in Industry, Eve Ns Hburg PA p2, Jan 6, 1919

With Mr. [Fred] Mooney and Mr. Snyder, organizers, I went to the prison camp of Kanawha County where prisoners were building a county road. It was a broiling hot day.

About forty men were swinging picks and shovels; some old grey haired men were among them, some extremely young, some diseased, all broken in spirit and body. Some of them, the younger ones, were in chains. They had to drag a heavy iron ball and chain as they walked and worked. A road officer goaded them on if they lagged. He was as pitiless as the Bull on their bent backs.

These were men who had received light sentences in the courts for minor offenses, but the road officer could extend the sentence for the infraction of the tiniest rule. Some men had been in the camp for a year whose sentence had been thirty days for having in their possession a pint of liquor. Another fellow told me he was bringing some whiskey to a sick man. He was arrested, given sixty days and fined $100. Unable to pay he was sentenced to five months in the prison camp, and after suffering hell’s tortures he had attempted to run away. He was caught and given four additional months.

At night the miserable colony were driven to their horrible sleeping quarters. For some, there were iron cages. Iron bunks with only a thin cloth mattress over them. Six prisoners were crowded into these cages. The place was odorous with filth. Vermin crawled about…..

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts & Doings of Mother Jones for July 1919, Part II: Sissonville Prison Road Camp-Burning Hell Hole of West Virginia” →

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts & Doings of Mother Jones for July 1919, Part I: Found Describing “Most Wonderful Progress”

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
Share

Quote Mother Jones, Charity Justice, Stt Str p1, Dec 27, 1918———-

Hellraisers Journal – Friday August 15, 1919
Mother Jones News for July 1919, Part I
-“We have got to march on with the great army of the world…”

From the Coffeyville (Kansas) Union Advocate of July 17, 1919:

Mother Jones Crpd Women in Industry, Eve Ns Hburg PA p2, Jan 6, 1919

A LETTER FROM MOTHER JONES
—–

CHANGES TAKING PLACE
—–
OF INTEREST TO ALL
—–
Different Sentiment Prevails in Many
Communities Than Did Few Years Ago.
—–

(From the International Oil Worker)

The following letter from Mother Jones to Brother Paul A. Numan, secretary of Taft Local No. 6, was read before the local June 17, and as it contains so much of interest to all organized workers, a request was made that it appear in this issue of the International Oil Worker. We are more than glad to give it space. The letter follows:

Charleston, W. Va.,
June 11, 1919

Mr. Paul Numan,
P.O. Box 97
Taft, California

My Dear Brother Numan:

I have not heard from you for a long time. I thought I would drop you a few lines today to let you know how we were moving in this country. The thirteenth of last month [May 30, 1919] I attended a great demonstration in Fairmont, W. Va. There were some 12,000 miners in a parade with their band-a number of them were soldiers returning from the front. They marched through the city of Fairmount, returned to Watson, and held their picnic with their families. It was the first time in history that such a thing took place. One year ago if you wanted to go into those mining camps a gunman would held you up and ask you what your business was. Today the gunmen are gone, the men are thoroughly organized and they live in a most wonderful progress. It must be now a method of education if we put through in order to let them know their power and how to use it.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts & Doings of Mother Jones for July 1919, Part I: Found Describing “Most Wonderful Progress”” →

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1909, Part IV: Speaks for Mexican Revolutionaries

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
Share

Quote Mother Jones Save Our Mexican Comrades, AtR p3, Feb 20, 1909———-

Hellraisers Journal – Wednesday August 11, 1909
Mother Jones News Round-Up for July 1909, Part IV:
-Mother Speaks on Behalf of Mexican Revolutionaries

From Los Angeles Herald of July 23, 1909:

MOYER-FLYNN FIGHT RAGING
—–

WESTERN FEDERATION WAR IS CLOSE TO CLIMAX
—–
Butte Union Insurgent Leaders Insist That
Funds Due Local Body Were Diverted
to the Main Organization
—–

(By Associated Press.)

Mother Jones, Elkhart IN Dly Rv p2, Crpd, July 19, 1909

DENVER, July 22.-The expected controversy over the adoption of President Moyer’s report occupied practically the entire time of today’s sessions of the convention of the Western Federation of Miners.

The introduction of the committee resolution recommending favorable action was the signal for the anti-administration forces, led by P. W. Flynn of Butte, to launch their carefully prepared contest….

A lengthy discussion ended in an attempt by the Flynn crowd to have Moyer’s supplementary report as well as his statement tabled, but this was lost, 149 to 198.

Before the vote on the adoption of the Flynn statement could be taken the hour of adjournment was reached.

“Mother” Jones Talks

“Mother” Jones addressed the convention today in behalf of the alleged Mexican revolutionists, for whom extradition is sought by the Diaz government.

Hereafter when a delegate on the floor of the convention of the Western Federation of Miners calls another delegate a liar or uses profane language it will cost him $10. A resolution to this effect was adopted this morning.

The convention again reaffirmed its policy of education and recommended an aggressive campaign along the lines of independent political action and industrial unionism. It also instructed the executive board whenever the revenues would permit to place Socialist workers in the field and distribute Socialist literature.

———-

[Photograph added.]

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for July 1909, Part IV: Speaks for Mexican Revolutionaries” →

Hellraisers Journal: Big Bill Haywood Released on Bond from Leavenworth, Leaves for Chicago with Francis Miller

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
Share

Quote BBH Corporation Soul, Oakland Tb p11, Mar 30, 1909———-

Hellraisers Journal – Thursday July 31, 1919
Leavenworth, Kansas – Haywood and Miller Released on Bond

From The Leavenworth Times of July 29, 1919:

HAYWOOD WILL GO ON SPEAKING
TOUR OF THE U. S.
—–
Says That I. W. W.’s Want Him to
Address Them in Many Places.
—–

NEVER WAS DISLOYAL, HE SAYS.
—–
Is Opposed to War, but Wanted America to Win
-Has No Personal Complaint to Make
About Prison Treatment.
—–

BBH, Sx Cty Jr p3, July 29, 1919

William D. Haywood, I. W. W. leader, was released from the Federal penitentiary shortly after 10 o’clock yesterday morning. He did not get out Sunday as expected, because the letter containing his approved bond did not reach the prison until yesterday morning. Haywood was already for departure and he went out within half an hour after the bond was received.

The bond for $15,000 for the release of Haywood was signed by Otto C. Cristienson [Christensen], William Bross Lloyd and Mary C. Marcy. They are all said to live in Chicago, although the palace of residence of the signers was not given. There has been considerable trouble about getting a bond for Haywood that Judge Landis of the Federal court in Chicago would approve, and it can be taken for granted that this is a guilt edge one.

A bond came in on the same mail for the release of Francis C. Miller, another I. W. W. leader serving a ten year term. It was for $10,000 and was signed by Otto C. Christienson, Margaret Schipman, Albert De Silvers and John Metzen. The bond for the release of Ralph Chaplin did not come in and he was unable to go out with Haywood and Miller.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Big Bill Haywood Released on Bond from Leavenworth, Leaves for Chicago with Francis Miller” →

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts & Doings of Mother Jones for June 1919, Found in Illinois and West Virginia

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
Share

Quote Mother Jones, Kaisers here at home, Peoria IL Apr 6, 1919———-

Hellraisers Journal – Friday July 18, 1919
Mother Jones News for June 1919
-Found Speaking at Memorial for Coal Miners of Herrin, Illinois

From Springfield [Massachusetts] Republican of June 1, 1919:

Mother Jones, Labor Leader, Spgfld Rpb p37, June 1, 1919

Mother Jones has participated in many a successful strike. During the war she is reported to have said to miners: “Let us lick the kaiser first, then we can lick the operators.”

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts & Doings of Mother Jones for June 1919, Found in Illinois and West Virginia” →

Hellraisers Journal: Man Arrested for Remarks about Peace Treaty, “Red Flag” Poem by Ralph Chaplin Found in Pocket

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
Share

Quote Ralph Chaplin, Red Feast, Montreal 1914, Leaves 1917———-

Hellraisers Journal – Thursday July 17, 1919
Chicago, Illinois – Arrested for Speech Critical of Government
-Dissident to be “turned over to the government.”

From The Chicago Sunday Tribune of July 13, 1919:

Find Red Flag Poem on
Peace Treaty Assailer
—–

WWIR IWW Remember the Boys in Jail, OH Sc p3, Aug 21, 1918

Frank Michalucine, of 14 West Superior street, was arrested in a poolroom at North Clark and West Huron streets yesterday after he is said to have made derogatory remarks about the government and the treaty which is now before congress for ratification.

When searched at the detective bureau a copy of a poem called “The Red Flag” and said to have been written by Ralph Chaplin an inmate of the Leavenworth penitentiary, was found in his pocket.

Michalucine was arrested some time ago by federal agents on the same charge but was released. He will be turned over to the government tomorrow.

———-

[Photograph and emphasis added.]

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Man Arrested for Remarks about Peace Treaty, “Red Flag” Poem by Ralph Chaplin Found in Pocket” →

Hellraisers Journal: From The Workers’ World: “What Kind of Boys Do They Jail in Kansas?” -19 Months Without Trial

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
Share

Quote Frank Little re Guts, Wobbly by RC p208, Chg July 1917———–

Hellraisers Journal -Wednesday July 2, 1919
Kansas Class-War Prisoners, Who Are These Men?

From the Kansas City Workers’ World of June 27, 1919:

WHAT KIND OF BOYS DO THEY JAIL IN KANSAS?

ARE THESE MEN CRIMINALS?

WWIR IWW Remember the Boys in Jail, OH Sc p3, Aug 21, 1918

On November 20,1917, a general roundup of union men was conducted in the oil fields of Kansas. Thirty-five were arrested without warrant on this date and held on the charge of vagrancy. Later they were indicted under a Federal charge and since that time they have been confined in various jails in the state.

Results of Confinement.

For eighteen months these men have sacrificed their freedom because of their loyalty to their ideals. Had they been willing to renounce their organization, and cease their activities, they would have been set free. This they have refused to do. Their bond has been set at $10,000 and until very recently every effort to secure a reduction has failed, and now only in the case of a few of the imprisoned men. As a result of their long months of confinement, one man has died, two have gone insane-one being confined in the insane asylum at Osawatomie, Kansas, and the other held in solitary confinement in the jail in Ottawa. Another man has become a nervous wreck, trembling like a leaf and falling to the floor in complete collapse at the slightest excitement. Two of them have lost all of their teeth. Men who were physical giants at the time of their arrest are today but a shadow of their former selves.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: From The Workers’ World: “What Kind of Boys Do They Jail in Kansas?” -19 Months Without Trial” →

Hellraisers Journal: Kansas Class-War Prisoners Held Nineteen Months without Trial; Oil Trust Is Real Prosecutor

Janet RayeHellraisers Journal
Share

Quote Frank Little re Guts, Wobbly by RC p208, Chg July 1917———–

Hellraisers Journal – Tuesday July 1, 1919
Kansas Class-War Prisoners Re-indicted Yet Once Again

From the Kansas City Workers’ World of June 27, 1919:

LIVES USED AS PAWNS
—–

POLITICIANS IMPRISON WORKERS IN GAME FOR OIL TRUST
FAVORS AND POLITICAL PREFERMENT
—–

WHO IS KEEPING THESE MEN FROM TRIAL?
—–
Men Held for Nineteen Months, Charge Oil Trust
Is Real Prosecutor.

WWIR IWW Remember the Boys in Jail, OH Sc p3, Aug 21, 1918

WICHITA, June 24.-Thirty-three men are still in prison, starting on their twentieth month, although on June 6th an order was filed in the District Court quashing all counts of the second indictment against them. Within a few hours of the filing of that order, District Attorney Robertson had gathered another Grand Jury and re-indicted the men on the same charges with which he has been unable to bring them to trial for twenty months.

Political Capital from Men’s Lives.

The men in prison charge that the Oil Trust is the real prosecutor in the case. This is substantiated by political gossip around Wichita, which runs to the effect that Robertson did not even draw up the indictments, that they were the work of the attorneys for certain oil companies. The political gossips are, however, most interested in Robertson’s candidacy for Governor on the Democratic ticket. They seem to take it as a matter of course that Robertson is connected with the Oil Trust.

When Robertson’s name was mentioned for Governor here recently, it immediately created a storm. He has few friends in this district, and now many prominent democrats are saying that Wichita indictments are purely for political capital, that he is keeping these men in prison in order to have a peg to hang publicity on to keep his name in the papers. They point out that while he has been very busy indeed giving interviews to the papers, trying to create sentiment against the men whom he has had locked up for nearly two years, he has not had time to draw an indictment against them under which a court would try them.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Kansas Class-War Prisoners Held Nineteen Months without Trial; Oil Trust Is Real Prosecutor” →