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VOL. 3
LIXCOLX, NEBRASKA, MAY 2, 190M
NO. 5
o) To)'
TRADES l&rg-j COUMCIp)
7
Making Cripples
And Dodging Taxes
Out on the southwest side of Chica
go ties the McCormick branch of
the International Harvester Company.
Here six thousand human beings
men. boys, and girlsshape and ar
range the harvesters that cut a large
share of the wheat crop of the world.
Suspended above the great" rooms of
the factory, powerful electric cranes
perform the work formerly done by
hundreds of toilers, lifting and trans
porting henry pieces of iron.
On July I. 1M7. Walter Merrit. an
electric repair man in the employ of
the harvester company, was directed
by his superintendent to go upon one
of the electric cranes to inspect its
motors. He climbed up an iron post
by the suspended cage in which th
crane operator works the levers that
apply power to the crane. As he
stepped from the top of the cage to
the wheels on which the crane rested,
the operator a few feet beneath him.
suddenly pulled a lever, applied the
power and Merritt was thrown ove
into the gearing. In an instant the
merciless cogs had cut Into his fiesfc.
and. before the machinery could be
. stopped, his right arm was crashed oS
at the elbow. He was taken to a hos
pital, where blood poisoning set in
rendered his other arm almost
anetetts.
At the time of the accident Merritt
was earning S2.75 per day of ten hours,
hut by working, overtime he managed
en draw about $9 per month. After j
a three weks stay in the hospital, the j
injured man was taken Borne. Weak
and discouraged, he discussed the fu
ture with his wife. The comfortable
title Vat. with Its piano paintings, and
bric-a-brac, would have to be given
up.
One day, shortly after he came from
the hospital, while he was thinking
hard, trying to solve the difficult prob
lem of how a man with only one arm.
and that partially disabled, could earn
a livelihood for himself, his wife and
child. Merritt had a visitor. It was
Mr. Brown, the claim agent for the
Harvester company. It was Brown's
duty to settle personal injury claims
as cheaply as possible. An increase
in Brown's small salary depended on
his showing better results this year
than last; in showing at the end of
this corporate year a smaller sum paid
out for damages to the heirs of the
killed and wounded workmen than
last year.
Addressing Merritt in a sympathet
ic tone, the trained adjuster said:
"Walter. I m awfully sorry for you.
and I want to assure you that the com
pany means to do the right thing by
you. We always treat our employes
right. I suppose you need a little
money, so 1 ve brought you $30. and I
want you to sign tnis receipt.
Not a word of explanation of the
formidable looking document with its
many lines of printed and type-written
matter.
This was Merritt's first experience
with a claim agent. It was a case of
guilelessness and inexperience against
cold, calculating business.
As Merritt found himself grasping
U8H LABEL EXC.10IIT.Qi
I Grand exhibition of Union Labels, together with an
exhibition of Moving Pictures, with Illustrated Songs
and an interesting address on Union Labels.
v Accnroniua, vtechesoay evei:i::3
AY 20, ICOQ
Under the auspices of the Lincoln Central Labor Union
and Affiliated Bodies, and presented by the Interna
tional Boot and Shoe Workers' Union. Four thousand
feet of Moving Pictures. Forty Union Labels. Four
Illustrated Songs. Special Musk. Numerous interest
ing views taken in this and other countries. An eve
ning of pleasure and profit.
ADriSSIOn ABSOLUTELY FREE
I Children under 15 years of age not admitted unless
accompanied by parents. The women of Lincoln are
especially invited. Everybody invited to attend.
I C. J. Morrow, lecturer; Arthur Elphinstoue, singer:
Charles Hudson, pianist; Harry Berry, electrician.
awkwardly a pretty little fountain pen
in his left hand, he thought it was
rather kind of the company to make
him a present of the ten crisp five
dollar bills that he needed so much.
Glancins at the paper before him his
eyes caught the words "release and
forever discharge. These were not
the words of a simple receipt. Then
there were many other things peculiar
about this document. So man; words
and such fine print. Handing back the
fifty dollars to the claim agent but
keeping the paper. Merritt said:
"WelL Mr. Brown. I never had to
sign any paper oefore when I got my
pay from the company, and I don't
quite understand why I should do so
now. I'U read this paper over careful
ly and let yon know in a few days. I
doat quite tike to sign it now."
This is the paper Merritt was asked
to sign:
Know all men by their Presents.
That L. Walter Merritt. of the city of
Chicago, county of Cook, and state of
Illinois, for and in consideration of
the sum of fifty dollars to me in hand
paid by the International Harvester
company, a New Jersey corporation,
the receipt whereof is hereby acknowl
edged, do hereby release and forever
discharge, said International Harvest-
(er company from all claims and de-
maads and each, every and all right
I cause and causes of action of every
I ' name nature and dearrintMm wharso-
ever,
which I now have or which has
accrued in my favor against it. said
International Harvester company aris
ing or growing out of or by reason of
any matter, cause or thing whatsoever.
from the beginning of the world to
the date hereof.
And. I do further hereby declare
that said International Harvester com
pany has not. nor has anyone for it.
r in its name, at any time prior to the
execution and delivery of toil release
by me. made me any offer of employ
ment in any capacity whatever, as part
consideration for the execution of this
release, and that I thoroughly under
stand the meaning of this release and
know that its execution by me is an
absolute waiver and bar of all and
every claim and demand I may have
against said company of every name
and description, and that under no cir
cumstances can I sue or maintain any
action, suit or preceding against said
company by reason of any matter or
thing whatsoever happening to me. or
arising in my favor against said com
pany prior to the execution and delivery-
hereof: and I further expressly
state that no fraud or undue influence
on the part of said company, or on
the part of anyone Representing it has
in any way entered into this release
or into any of the steps leading up to
it.
Witness my hand and seal this 24th
day of July. A. D 107.
Witnesses:
L a notary pub
lic in and for said county, in the state
aforesaid, do certify that Walter Mer
ritt. who is personally known to me
to be the same person
is subscribed to the foregoing instru
ment appeared before me this day in
person and acknowledged that he
signed, sealed and delivered the said
instrument as h.. free and voluntary
act for the uses and purposes therein
set forth.
Given under my hand and notarial
seal this 24th day of July. A. D, 1S07.
Notary Public...
Brown could not ask for the return
of the paper without arousing Merritt's
suspicions, so he violated one of his
own rules by leaving the document
with the injured man.
His parting words were spoken con
fidentially:
Now Walter, you know- we don't
want any trouble about this. When
you get well. IU see what I can do for
you. Don't go to any lawyer, for if
you do t may not "be able to help you
at all. for you know it wasnt our
fault that you got hurt, and we could
beat you in a lawsuit. We always
win our cases. I'm telling you this as
a friend."
The intention of the unfortunate
man's good little wife told her that
in this serious matter it wasnt quite
safe to rely on Mr. Brown's advice. So
next day Merritt went to a lawyer's
office and showed him the paper that
Mr. Brown wanted him to sign.
The lawyer told him that it was a
form of release, which, if signed by
the injured man would forever bar him
from collecting damages. - Merritt
stated the facts as to the circum
stances of the accident. The lawyer
said:
-The International Harvester com
pany is a New Jersey corporation. If
you sue the company for more than
$2,000 it will transfer the case to the
federal court, because it claims to be
a citizen of New Jersey and you are a
citizen of Illinois. The federal
courts will probably decide that you
and the crane man were fellow ser
vants, and you would lose your case
there. But you might sue in the state
courts for $2,000. and the company
could not transfer the case to the fed
eral court, because that court will not
consider any case unless the amount
sued for it more than $2,000. In cases
like yours the law of Illinois is much
more favorable to the plaintiff than
that of the United States courts, and
you could probably win in the state
courts. The company will appeal if a
jury decides in your favor. The cal
endars of the court are crowded with
thousands of cases like yours against
corporations, and it would take at
least three years to collect your dam
ages."
Merritt was surprised to find that
the law put such cheap value on hu
man limbs. He would talk it over with
his wife. She advised him to see Mr.
Brown and settle his case for $1,000
rather than face the uncertainties and
delays of a lawsuit-
Brown was very sorry, but his hands
t Continued on page S.)
LEATHERWORKERS' BALL.
Local No. 29 Will Make Merry on the
Evening of May 5.
Leatherworkers' Union No. 29. of
Lincoln, is making great preparations
for the annual ball to be held on the
evening of May S. at Pitt's Hall. The
Leatherworkers have achieved the
reputation of making their annual
balls social events of more than ordin
ary interest, and they do not purpose
that the ball next week shall fall
short in any respect. B ruse's union
orchestra will furnish the music for
the occasion.
A cordial invitation is extended by
the Leatherworkers to all union men
and women, and their friends, to at
tend this ball and help the members
of the local have a good time. Tickets
fifty cents a couple.
ELECTRICAL WORKERS.
Have a Jolly Time All by Their Own
Selves Thursday Evening,
The Brotherhood of Electrical Work
ers changed the regular order of
things this year, and instead of hav
ing an annual ball had a social time
among themselves last Thursday even
ing. No tickets were sold, the local
paying all the expenses, and all the
members, with their wives and pros
pectives." attended and had a jolly
time. Dancing was the main diversion
of the evening, and refreshments were
served in season. The committee in
charge carried out its instructions to
the letter, and the result was an even
ing of enjoyment.
Work in this "neck o" the woods is
getting better all the time and so
is the spirit of unionism. Initiations
have become so common with the Lin
coln local that they no longer attract
especial attention. The only surprise
is when a meeting is held without tak
ing from two to a naif-dozen new
members.
An increase of $1.30 per week has
been granted the electrical workers
of Halifax. N. S-. and this in the face
of hard times.
COL Mark Castor, whose heart is
still right, even if he is under the ne
cessity, of carrying a withdrawal card.
has discarded his winter lambrequins
and his smiling face is now the target
for the chilly April Winds.
UNION MADE SHIRTS.
If Not In Lincoln, Order Direct From
the Manufacturer.
Linculn union men need no longer
worry because of their inability to get
union made shirts. Rlsewhere in this
issue will be lound the adertisement
of the .Model Shirt Co, Indianapolis,
maker of labeled shirts of extra good
quality. You can order direct from
the factory, and on receipt of the price
the company will send the shirts pre
paid.
The Model Shirt Co. has made a
splendid reputation for square dealing.
and The Wage worker is glad to rec
ommend the company to its readers.
Just send for some samples of the
goods, or send size and description of
of kind of shirt wanted, and the com
pany will fill your order to your en
tire satisfaction.
-LABOR SUNDAY.'
Will Be Appropriately Observed at St.
Mark's Reformed Church.
In accordance with the recommenda
tion of the last convention of the
American Federation of Labor, held at
Norfolk. Va the Central Labor Union
of Lincoln has arranged to appropri
ately observe ""Labor Sunday, May
1ft.
The ; services will be held at St
Mark's Reformed church. Q street, be
tween Fifteenth and Sixteenth street.
under he direction of the pastor. Rev.
P. M. Orr. beginning promptly at 10:30
a. m. The Central Labor Union, to
gether with the pastor and congrega
tion of St. Mark s cordially invites
the co-operation of every trades union
organization, and of every trades
unionist in Lincoln and vicinity, in
making "Labor Sunday successful
Sunday" successful from every view
point.
Rev. Mr. Orr. who will deliver the
sermon, is a staunch union man. He
worked for a number of years as a
ship's blacksmith in the great Cramp
shipyards in Philadelphia, and while
so engaged was an active member of
the union of his craft. It was be
cause of his ability to draw good
wages as a union man that he was en
abled to pursue bis theological stud
ies. -On numerous occasions rtev. -ir.
j Qrr has shown his warm friendship
for unionism, and it is safe to say
that his sermon will be helpful to the
toilers who hear him.
Special music will be prepared for
the occasion. On the date named SL
Mark's church should be crowded to
its utmost capacity by union men and
women intent upon seking that which
is more than meat or raiment.
THE CARPENTERS.
Spring Work Opening Up In a Way
That Cheers All Hearts.
' Work is opening up in fine shape
and as a result the roll or unemployed
is growing shorter eery day. The
work of organization, too. is being
quietly but effectually pushed.
The local union of Carpenters was
the first one to "come through with
its per capita assessment to defray
the expenses of the union label show
at the Auditorium.
The local has every reason to feel
proud of the record that Brother F. A.
Kates is making as secretary of the
central body. He is on the firing tine
all the time.
"" Unionists anxious to get into the po
litical game are referred to Brother
Quick for information and experience.
The "educational campaign. inaug
urated by Brother Chase, is proving a
big attraction. It has resulted in a
handsome increase in the regular at
tendance, and the good effects of the
"square talks, that have been made
are being felt in renewed zeal in
union matters.' '
PUT, ENERGY BEHIND IT.
If all the energy reserved from the
boycott is put behind the union label
the results wil surprise you. Even the
huge trusts will fail if their goods do
not move. Trade Union Advocate.
Roosevelt Sends a
Sizzling Hot Message
Last Tuesday President Roosevelt
sent another- special message to con
gress. After acknowledging certain
legislation passed in accordance -with
his recommendation, he reiterates
with urgency his desires for further
action, notably to amend the anti
trust laws and to limit the power of
injunction in labor disputes. Failure
to remedy general wrongs, he says,
will end in class hatreds that will be
hard to eradicate. With the message
he delivers a few paragraphs on the
iniquitous rich in which he praises
honestly acquired wealth. Portions of
this interesting message follow:
"There seems, however, much doubt
about two of the measures I have
recommended: the measure to do
away with abuse of the power of in
junction and the measure or group of
measures to strengthen and render
both more efficient and more wise the
control by the national government
over the great corporations doing an
interstate business. y
First, as to the power of injunc
tion and of punishment for contempt.
In contempt cases, 'save where imme
diate action is imperative, the trial
should be before another judge. As
regards injunctions, some such legis
lation as that I have previously rec
ommended should be enacted. They
are blind who fan to realize the ex
treme bitterness caused among large
bodies of worthy citizens by the use
that has been repeatedly made of the
power of injunction in labor disputes.
Those in whose judgment we have
most right to trust are of the opinion
that while much of the complaint
against the use of the injunction, is
unwarranted, yet that it is unquestion
ably true that in a number of cases
this power has been used to the grave
injury of the rights of laboring men.
t- ask that it be limited to some such
way as that T have already pointed
out in my previous messages, for the
'very reason that I do not wish to see
an embittered effort made to destroy
it. It is unwise stubbornly to refuse
to provide against a repetition of the
abuses which have caused the present
unrest. In a democracy like ours it is
idle to expect permanently to thwart
the determination of the great body
of our citizens. It may be and often
is the highest duty of a court, a legis
lature, or an executive, to resist and
defy a gust of popular passion; and
most certainly no public servant,
whatever may be the consequences to
himself, should yield to what he thinks
is wrong. But in a question which is
emphatically one of public policy, the
policy which the public demands is
sure in the end to be adopted; and
persistent refusal to grant to a large
portion of our people what -is right is
only too apt in the end to result in
causing such irritation that when the
right is obtained it is obtained in the
course of a movement so ill consid
ered and violent as to be accompanied
by much that is wrong. The process
of injunction in labor disputes, as well
as where state laws are involved,
should be used sparingly, and only
union lsboc:
Grand exhibition of Union Labels, together with an
exhibition of Moving Pictures, with Illustrated Songs
and an interesting address on Union Labels. m
AUDITQ1.KU3, UEC:: ZSDAY EVEt::3
AY 20, ICC3
Under the auspices of the Lincoln Central Labor Union
and Affiliated Bodies, and presented by the Interna
tional Boot and Shoe Workers' Union. Four thousand
feet of Moving Pictures. Forty Union Isabels. Fonr
Illustrated Songs. Special Music. Numerous interest
ing views taken in this and other countries. An eve
ning of pleasure and profit.
ADSISSIO ABSOLUTELY FT.EE
J Children under 15 years of age not admitted unless
accompanied by parents. The women of Lincoln are
especially invited. Everybody invited to attend.
J C. J. Morrow, lecturer; Arthur Elphinstone, singer:
Charles Hudson, pianist; Harry Berry, electrician.
when there is the clearest necessity
for it; but it is one so necessarr to
the efficient performance of duty by
the court on behalf of the nation that
it is in . the highest degree to be re
gretted that it shorid be liable to
reckless use; for this reckless ase
tends to make honest men desire so
to hamper Its execution as to destroy
its usefulness.
A strong effort has been made to-.
have labor organizations completely
exempted from any of the operations
of this law, whether or not their acts
are in restraint or trade. Such ex
ception would in an probability make
the bill unconstitutional, and the legis
lature has no more right to pass a
bill without regard to whether it is
constitutional than the courts have
lightly to declare unconstitutional a
law which the legislature has solemn
ly enacted. The responsibility is as
great on the one side as on the other,
and an abuse of power by the legisla
ture in one direction is equally to be '
condemned with an abuse of power
by the courts in the other direction.
It is not possible wholly to except
labor organizations from the working
of this law. and they who insist upon
totally excepting them are merely
providing that their status shall be
kept wholly unchanged, and -that they
shall continue to be exposed to the
action which they now dread. Obvi
ously, an organization not formed bv
profit should not he required to fur
nish statistics in any way as complete
those furnished by organizations
for profit. .
Moreover, so far as labor is en
gaged in production only, its '-'
to be exempted from the anti-trust law
are sound. This would substantially
cover the right of laborers to combine.
to strike peaceably, and to enter into
trade agreement, wyi the employer
But when labor undertakes is a
wrongful manner to prevent the dis
tribution and sale of the products of
labor, as by certain forms of the boy
cott, it has left the field of production.
and its action may plainly he in re
straint of interstate trade, and must
necessarily be subject to inquiry, ex
actly as in the case of any other com
bination for the same purpose, so as
to determine whether such action is
contrary to sound public policy. The
heartiest encouragement should be
given to the wageworkers to form la
bor unions and to enter into agree
ments with their employers, and their
right to strike, so long as. they act
peaceably, must be preserved. But
we should sanction neither a boycott
nor a blacklist which would be Illegal
at common law.
"The measures I advocate are in
the interest both or decent corpora
tions and of law-abiding labor, unions.
They are, moreover, pre-eminently in
the interest of the public, for in my
judgment American people hare defi
nitely made up their minds that the
reign of the great law-defying and
law-evading corporations are over,
and that from this time on the mighty
(Continued on Page 4.)
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