'Ware Shoals

Slow is the South to learn the ways of organized labor. Armed workmen resist union leaders, drive them out as alien agitators. Example:

Ware Shoals, S. C., textile workers, struck three months against the "stretch-out system" (TIME. April 15). Not every worker answered the call. The militia was turned out. Many strikers returned to work; others, still striking, were arrested. George L. Googe of the American Federation of Labor, John A. Peel of the United Textile Workers, went to their aid last week, made speeches. A band of nonstriking millmen came to their hotel, threatened their lives. Police officers spirited them out a back door, advised them to leave quickly.

Organizers Peel and Googe reported the incident to South Carolina's Governor John G. Richards, sent telegrams to President William Green of the American Federation of Labor, to President Thomas F. McMahon of the United Textile Workers. To Governor Richards went a McMahon telegram demanding protection for union officials. Governor Richards wired his retort: "Your impertinent, threatening telegram has been received. ... I wish to assure you that your communication will receive only such consideration as communications of its character deserve." President McMahon replied by letter:

"Your telegram reads . . . like an incitement to lynch law. . . . The abusive tone indicates that you must realize that the police of South Carolina are absolutely in error in permitting armed mobs to force representatives (of labor) to cease legitimate . . . activities. . . . Militia were promptly called out to overawe strikers, but your armed forces were apparently helpless when corporation thugs were threatening the lives of those who are leading these strikers. . . . We have given our organizers instructions to return to Ware Shoals and take precautions to protect themselves against lawless persons until the state shall come to its senses. . . ."

At the Rye, N. Y., estate of Mrs . Daniel O'Day, Associate Democratic State Chairman, campaigner for the Brown Derby in the South last fall, the U. T. W. began a crusade to establish "the right of labor unions to conduct legitimate labor activities in the South without having to fear assassination and sudden death," to end "the industrial slavery of the South." Mrs. O'Day, a Southerner by birth, headed a "Committee of 1,000" (as yet unformed), prepared to aid in unionizing a hundred of the South's largest textile plants.