Hellraisers Journal: Judge Jackson Severe on U. M. W. Organizers in West Virginia, Condemns Utterances of Mother Jones

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Quote Mother Jones, Told the Court in WV to Stay, Ipl July 19, 1902, UMWC p86—————

Hellraisers Journal – Saturday July 26, 1902
Parkersburg, West Virginia – Organizers Sentenced, Mother Jones Berated

From The Pittsburg Press of July 24, 1902:

HdLn Judge Jackson Severe on Miners, Berates Mother Jones, Ptt Prs p1, July 24, 1902

Judge John Jay Jackson, Cnc Pst p1, July 24, 1902

Parkersburg, W. Va., July 24.-There was the most intense interest in the crowded room of the United States District Court this morning when Judge Jackson began reading his lengthy decision declaring “Mother” Mary Jones, the angel of the miners, and seven other organizers of the United Mine Workers and four Hungarians to be guilty of contempt of disregarding his injunction of June 19, against holding a meeting or creating a demonstration at or near the Pinnickinnick mine of the Clarksburg Fuel Co., or near the residence of miners at work. Judge Jackson, after concluding his decision, sentenced the defendants as follows:

Thomas Haggerty, 90 days in jail; Wm. Morgan, Bernard Rice, Peter Wilson, Wm. Blakeley, George Bacon, Thomas Laskavish, 60 days each. “Mother” Jones’ sentence was passed till afternoon. It is said she will receive a stiff fine and will not be jailed. Albert Repake, Joseph and George Roeski and Steve Teonike, Hungarians, passed until the afternoon session.

Judge Jackson stated that the defendants would not be sent to the same jail. District Attorney Blizzard sprung a sensation by immediately filing an affidavit that Secretary Wilson, of the United Mine Workers of America, had violated the restraining order by making an inflammatory speech at Clarksburg July 7, and at Fairmont July 8. His arrest was asked. Judge Jackson made an order that Wilson be arrested and brought within the jurisdiction of the court. Wilson is said to be in Indianapolis.

Jackson’s huge frame shook with emotion as he dramatically emphasized portions of his decision to “Mother” Jones, who was the center of attraction.

She was surrounded by the other defendants and Vice President Lewis, of the United Mine Workers. The defendants were surprised at the decision and are bitter. The miners agree that this is the most effective blow that could be struck against the men’s cause in their attempt to get out the 12,000 miners in the Fairmont coal field. The judge first reviewed in detail the bill of the coal company which led up to the order of the court and the injunction, which it was claimed was valid. Continuing he said: 

The question for this court now to consider is whether or not the defendants violated its order and if so, to determine what punishment shall be imposed on them for its violation. What is an injunction? Is it the exercise of an arbitrary power by the courts of the country or is it a power that has been recognized from a very early date, as one of the branches of administrative justice? I answer this question by affirming that the ordinary use of the writ of injunction is to prevent wrongs and injuries to persons and their property or to reinstate the rights of persons to their property when they have been deprived of it. It is the most efficient, if not the only remedy, to stay irreparable injury and to punish those who disobey the order of court granting a writ. It is a mistaken idea to suppose that the courts of this country abuse this writ. In my long experience on the bench I cannot recall a single occasion where any court, either federal or State, ever abused it in what is known as strike cases.

In the case we have under consideration today the bill alleges there is a combination of persons who were known as organizers, agitators and walking delegates, who came from other States for the purpose of inducing a strike in the soft coal fields of the State of West Virginia, that their object and purpose is to induce persons who are not satisfied with the terms of their employment, and who are not asking an increase in their wages to cease work for their employers, thereby inflicting great damage and injury upon them [the employers].

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Judge Jackson Severe on U. M. W. Organizers in West Virginia, Condemns Utterances of Mother Jones”

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for June 1902, Part III: On Trial Before Old Injunction Judge John J. Jackson at Parkersburg, W. V.

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Quote re Mother Jones, Most Dangerous Woman, Machinists Mly, Sept 1915—————

Hellraisers Journal – Friday July 11, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up for June 1902, Part III
On Trial before Judge John J. Jackson at Parkersburg, West Virginia

From the Baltimore Sun of June 24, 1902:

Mother Jones , Phl Inq p24, June 22, 1902

PARKERSBURG, W. Va., June 23.-A special car containing 25 witnesses arrived tonight from Clarksburg. They are here to appear against “Mother” Jones and the other persons charged with violating a Federal injunction by holding a meeting for the purpose of influencing miners to quit work. Their defense will be that the meeting was on private property rented by them for that purpose.

[Photograph added.]

From the Baltimore Sun of June 25, 1902:

 

“MOTHER” JONES ON TRIAL
———-
Thirty Witnesses, And The Case May Last A Week.

PARKERSBURG, W. Va., June 24.-The trial of “Mother” Jones and 11 other agitators who are accused of violating an injunction of the Federal Court in regard to interfering with working miners was begun today.

A witness testified that the woman used “insolent language” in a public speech. He said she advised miners to pay no attention to injunctions or to courts.

There are about 30 witnesses and the trial will probably last all the week.

From The Dayton Evening Herald of June 26, 1902:

 

WERE ACTING WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS
———-
Favorable Testimony Given For Mother Jones
and Strike Leaders, Arrested For Contempt.
———-

Parkersburg, W. Va., June 26.-The defense had witnesses on the stand in the “Mother” Jones and other strike leaders contempt cases this morning. They testified to the quiet and orderly behavior of the leaders in all the meetings, and said they counselled obedience to laws and proper conduct. “Mother” Jones especially counselled the “boys,” as she calls them, not to drink during the strike troubles. It was shown that the meeting which caused their arrest was on private property rented for the purpose, and that there had been no assemblage in violation of the injunction on public or company property. It is probable that the case will be concluded today.

From The Dayton Evening Herald of June 27, 1902:

 

“MOTHER” JONES CASE CONTINUED.
———-

Parkersburg, W. Va., June 27.-In the contempt case against “Mother” Jones and others, the defense announced this morning that they had no more testimony to offer. The court set the arguments for July 11, and the case was continued until that date. “Mother” Jones and the other defendants are out on bail.

From the Baltimore Sun of June 28, 1902:

 

“MOTHER” JONES RELEASED
———-
Judge Jackson Gives Her A Lecture
About Inciting Strikes.

(Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.)

PARKERSBURG, W. Va., June 27.-“Mother” Jones and the other strike leaders who were on trial for alleged violation of an injunction by the United States Court were released today until July 11, when their case will come up again.

Upon being released they were given a lecture by Judge Jackson, who warned them against interfering in any way with the miners at work. He told them they had no constitutional right to come here from another State and interfere with workers. The Judge promised severe punishment if they attempt to incite a strike again.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for June 1902, Part III: On Trial Before Old Injunction Judge John J. Jackson at Parkersburg, W. V.”

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for June 1902, Part II: Mother Jones Arrested with Organizers of UMWA at Clarksburg, West Virginia

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Quote Mother Jones, Injunction Shroud, Bff Exp p7, Apr 24, 1909—————

Hellraisers Journal – Thursday July 10, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up of June 1902, Part II
Arrested at Clarksburg, West Virginia; Taken to Parkersburg

From West Virginia’s Clarksburg Telegram of June 13, 1902:

Organizers & Agitators Enjoined
———-

Judge Mason Issues State Court Injunctions
and Judge Jackson Federal Injunctions.
Some Organizers Arrested.

Mother Jones , Phl Inq p24, June 22, 1902

Last Saturday [June 7] was the time fixed for a general strike among the miners in this state. In the Clarksburg and Fairmont regions but little attention has been paid to it. The day found nearly all the men at work as usual and the mines were in operation, as if there had been no order issued for a strike.

A small crowd of people composed of miners who have been idle for months, other miners, farmers, women and children, about 150 all told was addressed at Mines’ ford, by Mary Jones, known as “Mother Jones,” Saturday morning. The meeting did not result in any definite action or change the situation.

The first of the week the miners from Flemington, who obeyed the strike order, went over to Monongah and formed a marching party. For two or three days they continued to march to and fro between Monongah and Enterprise and some disorder resulted. The Fairmont Coal Company secured an injunction Tuesday [June 10] from Judge Mason at Fairmont against several of the organizers and agitators, restraining them from entering upon the company’s property or interfering with the company’s employes. Some of the organizers were arrested upon this injunction and taken to Fairmont, among whom was Thomas Hagerty and Bernard Rice, “Mother Jones” succeeded in evading arrest.

This was followed by a federal injunction Wednesday afternoon [June 11] issued by Judge John J. Jackson, at Parkersburg, restraining them from marching around or about the company’s grounds and on the roads leading to the mines. U. S. Marshall C. D. Elliott, of Parkersburg, went down the river Wednesday night with a number of deputies to serve the injunctions.

[Marshall Elliott] had summons for Thomas Hagerty, Edward McKay, Thomas Burk, Mary Jones, alias “Mother” Jones, William Morgan, Bernard Rice, J. D. Springer, John Noon, L. D. Murphy, Clyde Hawkins, Sam’l Rogers, James Lake, Charles Ashcraft, John W. Nester, Charles Henderson, Martin Henderson, Webb Poling, Jno. Marci, Edward House, Joe Bell, Orem Brown, John Edwards, Joe Paggoni, David Grace, and Gordon Rush

[Photograph added.]

From the Danville Kentucky Advocate of June 16, 1902:

WEST VIRGINIA STRIKE.
———-
Effort Made to Enlist the Co-Operation
of the Railroad Men.
———-

Clarksburg, W. Va., June 16.-An effort is being made to induce the railroad men to refuse to handle coal mined in this district. Success in this would mean a complete suspension of mining. There is some little uneasiness among the operators. Organizers left this field Monday on the West Virginia Central to induce a strike among the miners of the Davis Elkins syndicate. Mother Jones and others addressed 300 hundred men Sunday at Willow Tree school house, near Monongahela [Monongah]. The crowd was largely composed of women, children and farmers. 

From the Parkersburg Daily Morning News of June 21, 1902:

[Mother Jones Arrested While Speaking
to Strikers at Clarksburg]

[Clarksburg, June 20]-Mother Jones’ address this afternoon was more than ordinarily bitter. She has good command of language and a powerful voice, which combined with her grey hair and commanding bearing and pleasant face give her undoubtedly much influence. She understands her power and how to use it, and while in private conversation shows a surprisingly cultivated manner and correct speech. Her language, when addressing a crowd of miners, is much after their common style and is thickly interspersed with slang and homely wit. In her speech today she denounced the mine operators as robbers, and defied Judge Jackson, placing him in the same class, and asserting that he, as well as the newspapers, and even the preachers, are in league with the interests of the mine owners against the mine workers. She was vigorously cheered at different times during her address, and especially at the close while the marshal and his deputies were making their arrests. She closed her address by urging the miners not to work, not to drink, to avoid all lawlessness and to stick together and continue to “agitate.”

—————

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for June 1902, Part II: Mother Jones Arrested with Organizers of UMWA at Clarksburg, West Virginia”

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for June 1902, Part I: Strike Is On in West Virginia Coalfields; U. S. Judge Jackson Issues Injunction

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Quote Mother Jones, Injunction Shroud, Bff Exp p7, Apr 24, 1909—————

Hellraisers Journal – Wednesday July 9, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up of June 1902, Part I

Found Speaking to Striking Miners in West Virginia

From Virginia’s Richmond Dispatch of June 1, 1902:

THE MINING SITUATION.

Mother Jones , Phl Inq p24, June 22, 1902

From all that can be learned, nearly all of the miners in this field will strike on June 7th, in obedience to the order recently issued. The mine workers’ organization is making a big fight to get the men in this field to obey the order. Agitators are here in large numbers and strike talk is the principal topic of conversation.

“Mother” Jones, a strike agitator, has been in this region since Thursday and is making an appeal to the miners to quit good jobs and join the strike. Yesterday she addressed a large crowd of miners on the mountain side near Coaldale [West Virginia]. To-morrow night she will make another address to the miners at Keystone. Although there is only a small percentage of the miners in this field that belong to the union it is believed that nearly every one will come out. The miners in this field number nearly 200,000. including the Thacker field, and much trouble is feared, in case the strike order is obeyed.

[Photograph added.]

From The Dayton Evening Herald of June 4, 1902

SAYS SHE EXPECTS TO BE KILLED
———-
Mother Jones Makes Sensational Address
Before West Virginia Striking Miners.
———-

Huntington, W. Va., June 4.-“Mother” Mary Jones addressed 1,000 miners near Keystone in the Norfolk and Western coal fields last night. Her utterances were extremely sensational. She said her life had been threatened, and that she expected to be killed before she got away from the coal fields. She added:

But for every strike sympathizer that is killed, it will take the life of two operators to appease the crime.

Mother Jones is having tremendous meetings at every point in that region. It is believed the strike order will be generally obeyed on Saturday.

From Virginia’s Tazewell Republican of June 5, 1902:

“Mother” Mary Jones, the noted labor agitator, spoke to a crowd of about one thousand persons at Pocahontas last Saturday. She spoke from the porch of the residence of Col. J. S. Browning. She spoke Sunday night at Keystone, and her address was of a very incendiary character. She is urging the miners to go out on a strike.

From The Dayton Evening Herald of June 6, 1902

INDICATIONS OF A BIG STRIKE
———-
United Mine Workers in the Virginias
Go Out Tomorrow.
———-

Bluefield, W. Va., June 6-Tomorrow is the day that the United Mine Workers of Virginia and West Virginia are to strike. The indications are that a large percentage will come out. Swarms of organizers are in the field, and there is nothing but strike talk. “Mother” Jones has canvassed this field and left for Fairmount. All the companies have notices posted warning all trespassers to keep off their land, and persons trespassing upon the property or attempting by any means to induce the employes to quit work, will be prosecuted. The strike fever is high here.

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for June 1902, Part I: Strike Is On in West Virginia Coalfields; U. S. Judge Jackson Issues Injunction”

Hellraisers Journal: Mother Jones Taken to Jail at Parkersburg after Refusing Offer of Hotel Room; Visited by Young Reporter

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Quote Mother Jones, Injunction Shroud, Bff Exp p7, Apr 24, 1909—————

Hellraisers Journal – Monday June 23, 1902
Mother Jones Interviewed in Jail at Parkersburg, West Virginia

From The Philadelphia Inquirer of June 22, 1902:

Mother Jones to Jail at Parkersburg WV, Phl Inq p24, June 22, 1902

From the Parkersburg Daily Morning News of June 21, 1902:

[Mother Jones Arrested While Speaking
to Strikers at Clarksburg]

[Clarksburg, June 20]-Mother Jones’ address this afternoon was more than ordinarily bitter. She has good command of language and a powerful voice, which combined with her grey hair and commanding bearing and pleasant face give her undoubtedly much influence. She understands her power and how to use it, and while in private conversation shows a surprisingly cultivated manner and correct speech. Her language, when addressing a crowd of miners, is much after their common style and is thickly interspersed with slang and homely wit. In her speech today she denounced the mine operators as robbers, and defied Judge Jackson, placing him in the same class, and asserting that he, as well as the newspapers, and even the preachers, are in league with the interests of the mine owners against the mine workers. She was vigorously cheered at different times during her address, and especially at the close while the marshal and his deputies were making their arrests. She closed her address by urging the miners not to work, not to drink, to avoid all lawlessness and to stick together and continue to “agitate.”

—————

[Emphasis added.]

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Mother Jones Taken to Jail at Parkersburg after Refusing Offer of Hotel Room; Visited by Young Reporter”

Hellraisers Journal: Mother Jones Arrested at Clarksburg, West Virginia; Taken to Parkersburg by U. S. Deputy Marshals

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Quote Mother Jones, Injunction Shroud, Bff Exp p7, Apr 24, 1909—————

Hellraisers Journal – Sunday June 22, 1902
Clarksburg, West Virginia – Mother Jones Arrested by U. S. Marshals

From the Akron Beacon Journal of June 21, 1902:

MOTHER JONES ARRESTED.

Mother Jones, Ipl Ns p11, Jan 21, 1902

Clarksburg, W. Va., June 21.-“Mother” Jones, Thomas Haggerty, William Morgan, Bernard Rice, George Baron, Andrew Lascavish and William Blakely of the United Mine Workers from different parts of the country, who were arrested here last night, were taken to Parkersburg by four deputy marshals and lodged in jail.

The miners have leased a plot of ground at Clarksburg for the purpose of holding meetings, and will make the arrest their chief defense. The arrest was made under an injunction issued a few days ago by Judge J. Jackson of the United States circuit court. The amount of their bail has not been fixed, but the men were provided with sufficient funds to secure their own releases.

This is the first time that “Mother” Jones has been arrested, although she has been served with innumerable injunctions.

—————

[Photograph, emphasis and paragraph break added.]

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Mother Jones Arrested at Clarksburg, West Virginia; Taken to Parkersburg by U. S. Deputy Marshals”

Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for December 1901, Part I: Found in Virginia Organizing Miners for the UMWA

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Quote Mother Jones WV Miners Conditions, ISR p179 , Sept 1901—————

Hellraisers Journal – Tuesday January 7, 1902
Mother Jones News Round-Up for December 1901, Part I
Found in Old Virginia Organizing Miners for U. M. W. of A.

From the Wilkes-Barre Daily News of December 2, 1901:

NONE WILL GO.

Mother Jones, Drawing, SDH p4, Mar 9, 1901

One of the agents who has been endeavoring to secure miners to go to Stonege [Stonega, near Norton] , Va., told a reporter Saturday that his mission was unsuccessful. Not one miner of ability consented to go.

Mother Jones is now at Stonege organizing the miners. She is not meeting with much success, but the fiery little woman never knew defeat. 

—————

[Photograph added.]

From the Reynoldsville [Pennsylvania] Star of December 4, 1901:

Mother” Jones Friday Night.

“Mother” Jones, of Chicago, organizer for the U. M. W. of A., will deliver an address in Centennial hall Friday evening of this week, December fifth, in the interests of the Trades Unions of Reynoldsvllle. Everybody is invited to attend this meeting, as it will be a public meeting.

From The Richmond Dispatch [Virginia] of December 4, 1901:

MINERS’ STRIKE AT NORTON.
———-
The Situation in Wise County…

WISE, VA. , December 2.-(Special.)-The strike at the mines of the Norton Coal, Company, Norton, Va., still continues. One hundred and fifty men are out.

The strike is said to have been caused by the action of the superintendent in discharging several employees who had joined the recently-organized union at that/mine.

A general strike in this section of the coal-fields is thought to be imminent. It is almost the sole topic of conversation around the mining towns. It is said that the operators at the other mines will dispute the right of  the miners to organize, as the Norton Coal Company has done.

On the other hand, the general meeting of the union at Huntington, W. Va., ratified the Norton strike, thus showing their determination to organize in these fields.

In view of these facts, it. is hardly probable that a strike can be avoided…

From the Reynoldsville [Pennsylvania] Star of December 11, 1901:

“Mother” Jones, the labor organizer, who was to have delivered an address in Centennial hall last Friday evening, was called to Old Virginia on account of labor troubles there and could not come to this place. Thomas Haggerty said to representative of THE STAR that he expected to arrange to have “Mother” Jones come to Reynoldsvllle the latter part of this month.

Continue reading “Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for December 1901, Part I: Found in Virginia Organizing Miners for the UMWA”

Hellraisers Journal: Appeal to Reason: Mother Jones, Miners’ Angel, Found in Heaven Wearing the Biggest Crown of All

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Quote Mother Jones, Union Card n Pious Christian, Shenandoah Eve Hld p1, Aug 27, 1910—————

Hellraisers Journal – Saturday May 20, 1911
Mother Jones News Round-Up for April 1911
Dreamer Finds Mother Jones in Heaven Wearing Biggest Crown of All

From the Appeal to Reason of April 1, 1911
-page 3, Kansas & Oklahoma edition:

OKLAHOMA NOTES
—–

[…..]

Comrade Lee, of Oklahoma City, sends in a list of subs. He says that he had a dream not long ago and found himself, much to his surprise, in heaven. The first person he saw was Mother Jones, who was wearing the biggest crown in the bunch.

Mother Jones, Miners’ Angel

Mother Jones by Bertha Howell (Mrs Mailly), ab 1902

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Appeal to Reason: Mother Jones, Miners’ Angel, Found in Heaven Wearing the Biggest Crown of All”

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts & Doings of Mother Jones for November 1900, Part IV: Found with Silk Strikers of Wilkes-Barre & Carbondale, Pennsylvania

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Quote Mother Jones Children Suffer PA Silk Mills, Cdale Ldr p6, Nov 30, 1900———-

Hellraisers Journal – Thursday December 20, 1900
Mother Jones News Round-Up for November 1900, Part IV
Found Standing with Silk Mill Strikers of Wilkes-Barre and Carbondale

From the Wilkes-Barre Daily News of November 27, 1900:

HdLn Mother Jones in Town f Silk Mill Strkrs, WB Ns PA p3, Nov 27, 1900

Mother Jones, Scranton Tx p1, Oct 13, 1900The trouble at the Hass-Goldsmith Silk Mill is causing a great deal of discussion in labor circles. Mother Jones, one of the most prominent agitators in this  country, arrived in town last evening and had lengthy conference with the employes. She expressed a desire that the young women should arrange for a mass meeting, to which the public will be invited.

Mother Jones is in the best of health and spirits and feels elated over the success of the miners’ strike. She is an intelligent woman, and despite the fact that many disagree with her on questions agitating the public mind, they must acknowledge that she is a very clever woman. Mrs. Jones was interviewed yesterday afternoon at Hotel Hart by a News reporter. Among other things she said:

The employes of the Hess-Goldsmith mill sent for me and this evening they will come to my hotel and we will have a conference. From what I can learn the women, boys and girls, have just cause to complain. They are treated something similar to the children at the Freeland silk mills. There one boy received one cent per hour and worked 13½ hours per day. Do you wonder why the employes complain? It is not unusual to see a boy or girl prematurely aged. What is the reason? It is plain to be seen. These little ones are driven from daylight till dawn by a crowd of slave drivers who have not the slightest conception of the honor or respect due womankind. The factories steal from the parents the most desirable jewel, the light, the joy of the home-those bright faced little children. There was a time-I am sorry to say that it is fast disappearing-that she first thing asked a child in the morning by the mother was: “Dear, do you know your lessons?” But this is changed now to, “You must work hard and earn a few cents to-day.”

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts & Doings of Mother Jones for November 1900, Part IV: Found with Silk Strikers of Wilkes-Barre & Carbondale, Pennsylvania”

Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for October 1910, Part II: Found in Akron, Ohio, Speaking on Socialism at Central Labor Union Hall

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———-

Hellraisers Journal – Sunday November 13, 1910
Mother Jones News Round-Up for October 1910, Part II:
Found in Akron, Ohio, Speaking on Socialism at Central Labor Union Hall

From the Akron Beacon Journal of October 14, 1910:

“MOTHER JONES” A SPEAKER HERE
—————
Famous Character Addresses
Socialists and Others.

Mother Jones crpd, WDC Tx p5, June 18, 1910

Mother Jones,” well known among the laboring people as a speaker of ability and a woman who understands the conditions of the laboring man, spoke at the Central Labor Union hall in the Walsh block for an hour and a half Thursday evening, although she had declared she was here for a rest. Her talk was mostly devoted to socialism, and she told of reforms along the line that she considered would benefit the condition of the masses. “Mother” Jones has been called the “Stormy Petrel of the Industrial Revolution.”

She has also been called the “Angel of the Coal Miners,” and has had many interesting experiences during her life of 76 years, and the fire of her eloquence seems to burn as brightly as ever. At one time she addressed a crowd of striking miners in West Virginia in defiance of the police force and state militia.

—————

[Photograph added.]

Continue reading “Hellraisers Journal: Whereabouts and Doings of Mother Jones for October 1910, Part II: Found in Akron, Ohio, Speaking on Socialism at Central Labor Union Hall”