THE STRIKE-BREAKER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2983, 17 May 1911, Page 91

THE STRIKE-BREAKER.

AMERICA CULTIVATES THE SCIENTIFIC BLACKLEG. Tke phrase '•strike-breakers" is merely convenient terminology for a unique system, which knows itself only under the generic title of "Special Agents." Gioen .strikes as a perhaps inevitable feature of industrial conditions, it became necessary to find quick and effective means of putting them down; hence the strikebreaker. He underteok to accomplish this task by supplying {he con-.-ern affected with pw.ii ivho were v.iiii;.- :o work in place of the i Mirers, nit hough it often involved danger to life and limb. Tho result is * scheme which employs many

thousands of men throughout the United States in a kind of secret service, which includes a standing army of agents under able commanders, a still larger army of skilled mechanics in every branch of trade, and a private plan of transportation, commissary, and protection, the whole being so large in scope and so swift in operation that it is absolutely unique among money-making enterprises. The workings of the system, seemingly are of the first simplicity. The firm (to call it such for the sake of convenience) has representatives in every large city in the country. These mien are informed thoroughly on general and local conditions, and are ready at a moment s notice to "jump" to the nearest place from their respective stations where a strike is likely to occur. If the information communicated warrants it a representative of another class of " special agent" is despatched to the scene of trouble, and puts himself in touch with the employing concern. He finds out what kind of workmen are wanted to fill the places of the strikers, and undertakes to provide that kind, no matter in what branch of labour it may be. A contract is then made with the company or firm at the rate of so much a day for each man's services while the strike prevails, and when it ends such men as the employers seem fit to retain are left as permanent workers at wages to be agreed upon between them. Rides on Special Trains. —

When th:s preliminary detail has been effected practically all the rest lies with the firm of strike-breakers. It has a correspondence list of 350,000 men in different trades throughout the United States. When the contract has been signed with the employing company for the number of men required the next point to be considered is their mobilisation.

By .arrangement with, the railroad companies special trains ,are engaged to ■ carry bodies of 100 men or more, and they are shipped in groupe, each of which is under one or more "special agents" in command. The utmost secrecy is observed concerning transportation arrangements through fear of interference, from the strikers, and the cargoes of strike-breakers frequently are unloaded at side stations or in railroad yards, instead of at the regular destination. As another precaution against attack a guard of special deputies accompanies each group of strike-breakers, and the firm has standing arrangements with sheriffs everywhere to swear in others for emergency purposes. This comes within the province of the department of protection, the chief of which was a sergeant on the police force of New York for 21 _ years. He has charge of an arsenal consisting of 600 rifles, 1000 revolvers, and a like number of clubs or " billies," but care is taken not to place these weapons in irresponsible or reckless hands. Nevertheless, even these precautions do not guarantee unanimity from attack, and the person who looks for "action" generally finds it without much search. Battle with Strikers.— In the strike at Sunnyside Coal Mines, near Scranton, Pa., where 5000 foreigners were out, the ".special agents " were called upon. The customary plan was rrarsued, and a trainload of men was sent there. Anticipating violence, the "special agents" in charge had a train run to Ihe mine in the dead of night, but it was attacked by fully IGCO armed strikers, and no fewer than 500 shots were exchanged. None of the deputies was killed, and the Ices of life on the other side was not learned, because the foreigners carried away their dead and wounded under the cover of the darkness.

At another time during the strike, but in -daylight, the strike-breakers and deputies were surrounded in the hills, and several volleys were exchangd, but the deputies cleared the ground by making a rush with their rifles. While this waa going - on, however, the first cars of coal taken from the mine by the new men were blown up with dynamite by another detachment of the strikers. The "breakers' held their own m spite of these experiences, and finally broke up the strike. When the employees of the Victor Feul Company, in Victor, Colorado, went on strike, one of the two "bosses" of the Broadwood firm himself assumed charge of a group of 200 strike-breakers and succeeded in unloading them at the little rail road station. They had disembarked safely, but were not 50 yards on their way when the platform and the station building were blown up by dynamite. Several members of the train crew and passengers were injured. Bloodshed Occurs Frequently.—

He also had charge of an affair at ißatno, North Mexico, where the workers in a coal and coke company struck. There was no railroad leading directly to the company's works, and it was necessary to transport the strike-breakers in stage coaches. Night was delected as a likely time to make the trip without molestation, but the coaches had not gone far when they were held up by strikers in ambush, and a lively battle ensued. Seven of the strikers were shot dead in their tracks by the deputies accompanying the party, but several of the latter were wounded, and the "boss" himself lost two fingers of his left hand.

To indicate the elaborateness of the system, it must be explained that a surgeon with a full equipment goes with every party of strike-breakers to minister to them in case of injury. A lawyer also accompanies them in case situations should arise which might lead to legal difficulties afterward. There is.a corps of 20 photographers, each with his own oamera, for the purpose of taking pictures of assault cases, also to be used as evidence in the event of future litigation. When every possible expedient for the preservation of the lives of the strikebreakers has been employed the next thing to be considered is their recompense and their comfort in the way of food and clothing. Strike-breaking De Luxe. — The commissary department is one of the most elaborate in the service. Con-

stantly maintained in stock is an equipment 'of cots, blankets, stoves, kitchen utensils, linen, dishes, etc., for 2000 men, distributed at points throughout the country and shipped by express to the place of' operations. For the Huntingdon (Pa.) strike, for instance, accommodations for 200 men were sent from New York, and when the men arrived there next morning their breakfast was waiting them. In the bunk section of the quarters are reading and card tables, and over in one corner is a barber's chair with an experienced barber, who shaves the men and cuts their hair free of charge. At the reading tables are all the latest papers and periodicals, and an abundance of cigars and tobacco is provided. Then the men are allowed two changes of linen a week, laundered free of charge, and three shirts. Most Thrilling of Callings.— Vast sums of money have been involved in situations in which the strike-breakers were called upon for aid. One iron company in Pennsylvania, for example, had a contract with the Japanese Government, which not only meant an enormous forfeit if it were not fulfilled in specified time, but in the event of a lapse would have carried ruin to the concern. The stiike came at the most inopportune moment, and the strike-breakers were summoned. While their guards protected the works their skilled workmen undertook the task, the strike was broken, and the contract was filled 15 days ahead of schedule time. Whatever danger there may be it is incurred by the " bosses " as well as by the "breakers." Both have been threatened time and again. They are to b 9 secretly murdered by all sorts of means, but still they live and flourish. Strikebreaking surely is a unique occupation for those who might once have had wonderful ambitions, but, at any rate, it offers the zest of peril and excitement to be found, perhaps, in no other calling.