Paul Jackson gathered the articles from The Fresno Morning Republican (see below) and sent them to me over a decade ago. I’m excited about hosting them on my website. It is interesting to see how this incident was reported on in the local paper. As time allows, I will be posting more photos, graphics and links.
– Mike Rhodes
For more analysis about this issue, from a progressive perspective, see: https://fresnoalliance.com/listening-to-the-ghosts-of-fresno/
The IWW History Project – Read about the Fresno Free Speech fight staring on this page at 5-28-1910: https://depts.washington.edu/iww/yearbook1910.shtml
and continuing here: https://depts.washington.edu/iww/yearbook1911.shtml
To read the article Ronald Genini wrote in the California Historical Quarterly (Summer 1974) entitled Industrial Workers of the World and their Fresno Free Speech Fight, 1910-1911 click here:
IWW and ther Fresno Free Speech Fight 1910-1911
And to see what the Wobblies are doing today, here is their website: https://www.iww.org
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 13, 1910
fresno gets free ‘AD’ from i.w.w.’S
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Front Page of Official Organ of Free Speech
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Agitators Shows a Big Cartoon
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Chief of Police Shaw has received a copy of the “Industrial Worker,” published in Spokane, Wash., the official organ of the I.W.W., in which appears three articles referring to Fresno and the proposed fight for free speech on the streets. The copy of the paper received here was issued on October 1. On the front page appears a three-column cartoon in a conspicuous position. Under the head-line, “It Is About to Strike?” the cartoon depicts a policeman, club in hand, gripping a man by the neck. On the man’s hat appear the words, “Free Speech Agitator.”
In the foreground is a policeman lying on the ground with his hat of and his clothes badly torn, his eyes black and his hair torn out. On his breast is the word “Spokane.” In the background is an arm piercing a black cloud. On the arm it says “I.W.W.” The hand grips three bars of lightning. One editorial is devoted to the intended fight for free speech in Fresno. It states that the Spokane bunch is bound for Fresno and that the Portland bunch will join the Spokane men. In another story, under a San Diego date line, it is stated that the I.W.W. members will make an example of Fresno.
Continuing, the Spokane paper says: “We have got to win the streets of Fresno. We’ve got to show the bosses that we mean business and unless we make it stick in the Raisin City we are going to have serious trouble in other California cities.”
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 17, 1910
thirteen i.w.w. men are thrown into jail by the police
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Their Offense Haranguing in the Street Without a Permit.
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Report is That the Workers Have 75 Agitators in Town at Call.
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Thirteen members of the I.W.W. were arrested last night by Chief of Police Shaw and a squad of officers at the corner of I and Mariposa streets for violating the city ordinance which prohibits public speaking on the streets without a permit.
Using a box for a platform, F. H. Little, who at the jail gave his occupation as organizer for the I.W.W., was exhorting a small crowd when the chief and his squad approached. Little was ordered to stop speaking and when he refused, was forcibly stopped. Twelve other I.W.W. men then jumped upon the box and started to speak, only to be seized by awaiting officers.
The bunch was taken to the county jail and locked up. A search at the county jail revealed the fact that eleven of the men arrested were without money. One man had about $6 and another had 35 cents, and that was all the money in the crowd.
It was announced last night that there are about seventy-five I.W.W. agitators in Fresno and that reinforcements are coming into this city today from Los Angeles. The local judge formerly had a hall over the Cosmopolitan restaurant on Mariposa street, but left that place and I.W.W. headquarters have since been in a large tent on Palm avenue, north of Belmont. Circulars telling of incidents in I.W.W. history in this city during the past few months were circulated about Fresno last Saturday night, also in violation of a city ordinance.
F. H. Little, the I.W.W. organizer, who was arrested last night with the other twelve, was arrested on the 24th of last August for disturbing the peace and served practically all his time in the “dark cell” because he refused to abide by the jail regulations. The others arrested last night were John L. Sullivan, W. H. Gregson, Robert Locke, John Mertens, John McMahon, Harry Beverling, J. Mitchell, Paul Sholtz, Robert O’Brien, John Grant, J. H. Carmichael, and E. F. Lefferts.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 18, 1910
7 more i.w.w. men are thrown in jail by officers
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Arrested for Attempting to Speak Publicly on the Streets.
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Thirteen Demand Separate Jury Trials Before Judge Briggs.
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Seven more members of the I.W.W., accused of disturbing the peace, were arrested last night by the police and lodged in the county jail. There are now twenty of these men in jail awaiting trial.
A large crowd was gathered at the corner of I and Mariposa streets shortly after 7 o’clock last night to witness the expected clash between the I.W.W. and the officers. When thirteen of their number were arrested Sunday night for speaking publicly on the streets, local leaders of the I.W.W. announced that they would speak again the next night, and as a result a large number were attracted to the scene to witness the attempts.
Twelve or fifteen policemen, some in uniform and some in plain clothes circulated throughout the crowd and upon each attempt made by I.W.W. men to speak, they were seized and hustled off to jail. A big force of deputy sheriffs was also on hand to assist the police in case the situation became too severe for them to handle, but their assistance was unnecessary.
It was estimated last night that about 100 members of the I.W.W. were at the corner of I and Mariposa streets, but only seven made any active demonstration. Two of the men arrested, A. V. Roe and W. Lechner, were arrested for agitating and urging other members to get up and try to speak. Those jailed last night were R. Price, Peter X. L. Blank, H. Minturn, James Shipley, John Stine, A. V. Roe and W. Lechner.
More Are Coming
Passenger brakemen on the southern run notified the police last night that about 75 or 100 more men were en route to Fresno to participate in the trouble which has just been started. All are beating their way on the brake beams.
The number of I.W.W. men in this city was augmented yesterday by the arrival of about fifty from the southern part of the state.
A movement was started last night by several local merchants to devise means to rid the city of these undesirable characters, and it was announced last night that a mass meeting of citizens will be called in the near future, if the trouble continues, for the purpose of organizing a force to drive these men from Fresno.
Plead Not Guilty
The thirteen men arrested Sunday night for speaking on the streets appeared before Judge Briggs in the police court yesterday morning and all pleaded not guilty. Each of the men demanded a separate jury trial. Judge Briggs set their trials for about the 15th of November and placed the bail in each case at $250. These men will spend the next month in jail. Judge Briggs further announced that he will not give these men separate trials, as under the law he is not obliged to do so for misdemeanors. One man, probably F. H. Little, will be tried by a jury and the remainder will be released or sentenced, as the jury in his case decides.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 19, 1910
3 of i.w.w. members join fellow workers in local jail
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Expected Outbreak of Agitators Fails, Due to Lack of Supporters.
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Fifteen Prisoners Disobey Rules and Receive Wetting From Hose.
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The expected outbreak of the members of the Industrial Workers of the World did not occur last night, due to a lack of supporters. Three were arrested and lodged in jail by the police, however. J. Leon and O. A. Hartgrave were charged with vagrancy and Charles Wallen was accused of disturbing the peace. Wallen tried to make a speech to a small crowd at I and Mariposa streets. Acting Sergeant Bradley and a squad of patrolmen, the majority of whom were in plain clothes, mingled with the crowd and when Wallen became abusive, directing his remarks at the police department and the city government, Sergeant Bradley placed him under arrest.
Leon and Hartgrave were found in the crowd by the plain clothes men. Both were encouraging the “orator.” When searched, Leon and Hartgrave had I.W.W. cards En route to jail Hartgrave informed Patrolmen Charley McKee that he had been arrested many times for vagrancy and never before had he been treated like a gentleman. “In the past,” said Hartgrave, “the arresting officer always beat me over the head with his club.”
The trio of the I.W.W.’s behaved well and after being locked behind the bars went to bed and did not object in the least to spending a night, or several nights, in jail. The men admitted to the officers that they did not work and were not seeking employment. When Wallen was taken from the box at the street corner the crowd cheered the police for their action.
Last night the department received word the 176 I.W.W.’s are en route to Fresno from the Northwest, and these men are mow camping along the railroad tracks between here and Sacramento. The squad is expected to arrive by Saturday night to join the local forces in their war against the police.
Yesterday the seven agitators who were arrested by Chief Shaw and squad Monday night for violating the city ordinance against speaking on the public streets without a permit, appeared in the police court and pleaded not guilty. Most of them demanded separate trials by jury, while all wanted to be given a speedy hearing. The prisoners were returned to jail in default of bail.
Shortly after breakfast yesterday morning about fifteen of the I.W.W.’s started to sing their campaign song in the jail. Day Jailer Ed Jones asked them to cease their noise-making “ballad,” and when they refused after three requests, the trusties were ordered to turn a stream of water into the cells. The men continued to sing and yell at the top of their voices until they were drenched, and they became silent, remaining quiet for the rest of the day.
Leader F. H. Little, who is confined in a separate cell, later in the day started to sing the same song, and he was ordered to desist under penalty of receiving a stream of water from the fire hose. Little immediately stopped his singing.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 21, 1910
Thirty-Three members of i.w.w. now in county jail
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Police Arrest Five More for Speaking on Streets Without Permit.
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Sheriff Chittenden Says He Can Accommodate 300 “Workers.”
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With the arrest of five members of the I.W.W. last night by the police, there are now thirty-three of the so-called “workers” in the county jail. One was released yesterday as he declared that he was not an I.W.W. and asked for an opportunity to shake Fresno’s dust from his feet. Police Judge Briggs gave him the chance and he left town. All of the remainder, excepting the five jailed last night, have entered pleas of not guilty and demanded immediate trials by jury.
Four of the “workers” were in court yesterday morning. Alfred Nelson said he was not an I.W.W. and pleaded guilty to a charge of vagrancy. He was given a “floater.” H. S. Barnes, E. F. Dores and William Love pleaded not guilty to the same charge and demanded immediate jury hearings. The trio was returned to jail in default of bonds of $100.
At 8 o’clock last night, five were arrested on a charge of violating the city ordinance against speaking on the public streets without a written permit from the chief of police. Patrolman Al Hayes arrested J. Alpert, a lineworker; Helms arrested William Cashman and George Berger, miners; Pickens jailed Manuel Carragal, a laborer; and McKee arrested C. R. Neeley, a smelter-worker. All had I.W.W. buttons, working cards and literature but no money. The men arrived in town on the brakebeams of the southbound trains yesterday afternoon.
Since the I.W.W. headquarters were removed from Mariposa street to a tent in Belmont, just beyond the city limits line, the “workers” who arrive in town have found some difficulty in locating the place where they are supposed to register and receive financial assistance.
Sheriff Chittenden, who witnessed the scene at I and Mariposa streets last night, stated that he had made arrangements to accommodate three hundred of the I.W.W.’s if they come to Fresno.
“I can, on a moment’s notice, take all of the vags out of the bull-pen and turn it over to the ‘workers.’ This bull-pen, which is on the lower floor of the northwest wing of the jail, will accommodate approximately three hundred men. I am prepared for any invasion,” said the sheriff.
When the “workers” tried to speak at I and Mariposa streets last evening, a crowd of fully five hundred was in attendance. At the same time, evidently at a given signal, four men tried to speak, each on a different corner. The police were on hand in large numbers and the men had no sooner started than they were jerked from their boxes and taken to jail. The big crowd lingered for several minutes expecting to see more of the “workers” on the boxes, but after the arrest of the five men, none ventured forth and the crowd gradually melted away.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 22, 1910
woman is insulted on street by a member of the i.w.w.
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H. Hooper Runs From Officer But is Captured.
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Two “Workers” Are Jailed for Trying to Speak; Expect Trouble.
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Approaching a woman on Fresno street at 10 o’clock last night, H. Hooper, an I.W.W., insulted her, and then tried to make his escape when an officer approached. Patrolman Hayes, who had previously been told of the improper actions of the man, pursued Hooper and caught him after a chase of a block. Hooper was lodged in jail with a charge of disturbing the peace against him. The woman who was insulted by Hooper gave her name as Mrs. Snow.
Two members of the I.W.W. were arrested for speaking on the public streets in violation of a city ordinance last night. The men gave their names as J. F. Hyde and J. G. Noble. Hyde was arrested by Patrolman Pickens, and Noble was jailed by Patrolman Cronkhite. Hyde was charged with speaking on the streets without a permit from the chief of police, and Noble was accused of disturbing the peace.
The men were arrested at the corner of I and Mariposa streets, where a small crowd of curious people had collected as early as 7 o’clock to witness the scheduled clash between the I.W.W. and the police department. Simultaneously, Hyde and Noble started in to abuse the police and the city government. No sooner had they addressed a dozen words to the crowd than Patrolmen Pickens and Cronkhite pulled them from their boxes and escorted them to the jail. When searched at the jail neither man had any money.
The crowd remained at I and Mariposa streets for an hours, curious to learn if anything additional was to be given for their entertainment and amusement. As no more I.W.W.’s appeared on the scene, the crowd gradually melted away, but the policemen remained on guard until 10 o’clock.
The three members of the I.W.W. who were arrested Thursday night for disturbing the peace were taken before Judge Briggs yesterday morning. All entered pleas of not guilty and demanded immediate jury trials. C. R. Nealy, S. Alpert and Manuel Garragal were the men in court. Bail was fixed at $250.
The residents of Belmont, near the city limits lines, are up in arms against the invasion of the I.W.W. members. During the past week scores of petty burglaries have been perpetrated in that vicinity and the residents shared the belief with the police that the I.W.W.’s are to blame. The police point to the fact that the so-called “workers” arrive in the city with no money in their pockets, and it is a natural conclusion that the men must exist in some manner. The men bring no blankets to town with them, and they must find a place to sleep and eat. Without money, the men cannot secure either food or shelter, assert the police, hence the many petty thefts are laid at the doors of the unwelcome visitors who as a whole are an uneducated, idle class of men. It is safe to say that none of the men could make a speech should they be allowed to do so by the police. There are now thirty-six I.W.W.’s in the county jail and the total amount of money taken from the three dozens does not aggregate $10. All were dressed in ragged, dirty clothes and several admitted that they had not taken baths for years.
Yesterday between thirty and forty arrived in the city, beating their way here on freight trains. About a dozen walked into towns from Kerman and a half dozen cam from Coalinga. An officer in plain clothes was stationed at the northern end of the Southern Pacific railroad yards yesterday and he saw thirty I.W.W.’s alight from box cars and brakebeams of incoming trains. The men got off the cars at which is known as the “ditch” north of town and from there a local member of the order piloted the visitors to the local I.W.W. headquarters which is located in a small tent on a vineyard in Belmont. Along an avenue extending from the railroad yards to the tent there are signs guiding the men who beat their way into town to the headquarters. Here the “workers” are coached as to what is expected of them in trying to make fake speeches on the public streets, how to act when the police arrest them, and what to tell the judge in court.
A large red flag floated over the tent last Saturday, but this was hauled down when two members of the Spanish-American War Veterans threatened to go to the place and smash the tent and burn the red flag. Yesterday a half dozen small thefts were reported to the police and these are attributed to the presence of the I.W.W.’s in the city. Several reports were received that men with I.W.W. buttons on their coat lapels were begging from house to house. The police tried to locate the tramps, but were unable to locate them. The reports of beggars came in from different parts of the city and the housewives stated that the men were becoming pests.
Chief Shaw stated last night that he expected serious trouble tonight, as he believed the I.W.W. men had been recruiting all week in expectation of raising trouble. It is known to the police that there are now approximately fifty of the “workers” in Fresno awaiting this evening’s clash with the authorities. “Let them come,” said Chief Shaw. “I can handle the situation, and I have been assured by Sheriff Chittenden that he can accommodate over 300 in his bull-pen at the jail. If the number reaches 300 we can build a bull-pen on the outside and put the men to work, and if they won’t work we can feed them bread and water, which is cheap.”
If the threatened invasion occurs tonight, it is expected that a large crowd will congregate to witness the fun. During the past few nights the crowds have been small. However, the people invariably applauded when an I.W.W. was arrested and taken to jail. The public sentiment is strongly against the unwelcome visitors and for this reason Chief Shaw predicts that the so-called war will soon die a natural death.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 25, 1910
5 industrial workers arrested last night
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No More Cots at Jail for Incoming Prisoners; 49 to Date.
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Five Industrial Workers of the World were arrested last evening for attempting to speak on the streets without a permit. They gave their names as W. S. Henderson, John Brinkskelli, Stephen Robinson, Charles Williams and Charles Miller. They were charged with disturbing the peace. They were jailed by Patrolmen Helms, Hays, and Pickens.
William H. Little, a local carpet cleaner, who is secretary of the Fresno local of the Industrial Workers, yesterday pleaded not guilty of being drunk, and before Police Judge Briggs demanded a jury trial. He was released on bail and his trial was set for Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Little was arrested Saturday night, and charged with intoxication.
The number of Industrial Workers in the jail now is forty-nine, and the organization threatens to send many more. The beds of the jail have been exhausted, and the authorities now face the alternative of buying beds for the future Industrial Workers seeking arrest, or not providing them with sleeping accommodations.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 26, 1910
i.w.w. members carrying guns
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Trainmen “Ditch” Seven at Modesto; Four “Workers Arrested on Streets Last Night.
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Chief of Police Shaw received word yesterday that there were seven members of the I.W.W. “ditched” at Modesto. The word was brought here by trainmen who declared that when they put the seven men off the train at Modesto two of them had large revolvers on them. One of the men threatened to use his weapon on the brakeman. Twenty-two points, plus triple-word-score, plus fifty points for using all my letters. The local police watched for the men last night, but none of them arrived on the trains.
Four I.W.W.’s were jailed last night. All were charged with disturbing the peace. F. P. Clark and L. Piringer were arrested by Patrolman Clay Helms, who found the men on the street raising a disturbance. Patrolman Hayes arrested L. W. Fortuna and N. C. Beach while they were speaking, or trying to speak, at I and Mariposa streets. The crowd was small, but cheered vigorously when the officers arrested the men.
The seven I.W.W.’s who were arrested Monday night entered pleas of not guilty in the police court yesterday morning. All demanded jury trials and were returned to jail in default of bonds.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 27, 1910
i.w.w. rebels are hiding in jungles
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For First Time in Two Weeks No Attempt Is Made to Speak.
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For the first time in two weeks, the Industrial Workers of the World did not “break loose” on the public streets last night. Whether this was due to a lack of “rebels,” as they style themselves, or a change of heart, could not be ascertained by the police. At least two I.W.W.’s have been arrested every night since the fight for free speech in Fresno was declared to be formally open a little over two weeks ago.
The members of the police department were alert last night, expecting trouble. Every street corner in the business section was watched but no crowd gathered and no speeches were made. The number of men now in jail here charged with disturbing the peace, vagrancy and violating the city ordinance against speaking on the streets without a permit from the chief of police, remains the same, forty-four.
Yesterday morning, four I.W.W.’s appeared in the police court. A surprise was sprung by L. Piringer and F. P. Clark when they entered pleas of guilty. V. C. Beach and L. W. Fortuna followed the example of their brother rebels behind the bars and pleaded not guilty. They demanded separate trials by jury and were returned to jail. Piringer and Clark were sentenced to ninety days each, but commitment was withheld on the promise of the men to leave town within a half-hour.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 29, 1910
industrial workers on verge of abandoning “battle Field”
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Sudden Change of Heart of W. F. Little, Chief Agitator, Is Straw That May Break Backbone of Fight for Free Speech in Fresno.
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If the present attitude of the Industrial Workers of the World may be taken as a criterion of the strength of the men, who a few months ago threatened to fill Fresno’s jail to overflowing and bankrupt the county while giving them separate trials by jury for violating the city ordinance against speaking on the public streets without a permit from the chief of police, the promised invasion is at an end. In the hands of Sheriff Chittenden there is tangible evidence that the I.W.W. members are on the verge of yielding to the authorities and asking permission to go into the police court and plead guilty.
In the past three days there have been five desertions from the ranks and the remaining thirty-eight prisoners in the “bull-pen” at the jail are debating the question of following the action of their five brothers. Yesterday morning, three Industrial declared in open court that they are tired of the fight for free speech. William Love, H. S. Barnes, and W. S. Henderson were the men. They were arrested a week ago and when taken before Judge Briggs the day after their arrest pleaded not guilty and demanded separate trials by jury.
Yesterday Love, Barnes and Henderson pleaded with the court to release them on suspended sentences after they had changed their pleas. Ninety days in jail with commitment withheld was the verdict of the court and the trio immediately got out of town.
LITTLE GIVES IN.
The hardest blow of all to the Industrial Workers was administered by William F. Little, for several years secretary and organizer of the I.W.W. in Fresno. A few weeks ago, Little resigned as secretary and organizer. Heretofore he had been one of the chief agitators, but his spirit was crushed when he landed in jail last week on a charge of drunkenness. The day after, Little pleaded not guilty and said he would fight the case. Yesterday, he changed his plea to one of guilty and begged for the mercy of the court. Judge Briggs imposed a sentence of ninety days but withheld commitment pending good behavior.
That the Industrial Workers are rapidly losing ground in their fight for free speech is not only evidenced from the change of heart on the part of Little, the chief agitator, but it is a known fact that during the past three days approximately fifty members of the organization have arrived in the city on the brakebeams and after learning local conditions decided to move on. All of these “workers” departed as soon as they could find convenient sleeping quarters on the brakebeam or blind-baggage of an outgoing train. These newcomers have evidently forsaken the principles of the cause as they declared that they wanted none of Sheriff Chittenden’s “jail life.”
In open court yesterday, ex-Secretary Little asserted that he is not in complete sympathy with the campaign methods employed by the Industrial Workers in gaining free speech. Little stated that he had a wife and family to support and he could not afford to waste his time supporting the cause of the I.W.W. Little’s brother, F. H. Little, went to Spokane during the unsuccessful fight for free speech there and spent several weeks behind the bars. Upon his return to Fresno, F. H. Little organized a “local” and started a crusade against the police.
The five recent desertions from the ranks of the “workers” indicates that those now in jail are growing tired of participating in a losing fight and it is believe that there will be more desertions today. After breakfast yesterday morning, the three I.W.W.’s asked Jailer Jones to be allowed to go to court.
I.W.W.’s Diary.
Another indication that the Industrial Workers are losing ground is the fact that during this week few arrests have been made. Last night the police watched the business corners of the city for three hours, but no “workers” appeared. Jailer Bob Rutherford has secured possession of the diary of one of the men in the “bull-pen.” The wording of this diary proves conclusively that the prisoners are on the verge of giving up the fight. Sheriff Chittenden is positive the break will come any day now, as the former spirit of confidence is lacking among the men.
Here are a few extracts from the diary:
Sunday, Oct. 16—Arrested for speaking on the street at 7 o’clock p.m. Slept on concrete floor without blankets.
Oct. 17—Monday, at 10 o’clock, got a Kangaroo court. Rations cut in half. Only two meals a day. Held over for thirty days by police judge. Got the “water cure” for singing “Red Flag.”
Oct. 18—Rations cut again. Am awfully hungry. Four in one cell. One cup of water a day for each man. We get no exercise. In solitary confinement.
Oct. 19—Rations getting smaller. Was allowed to wash my face and hands today. The five fellow workers who came in on the 17th got the “water cure” for singing. They won’t let us by tobacco.
Oct. 20—Refused use wash this morning. Will not eat until we wash faces and hands. It looks to me like a hunger strike. Eight men gave in. We will ask for a doctor tomorrow.
It is believed that the author of the diary intended to smuggle the piece of paper out of the jail and have it sent to the Industrial Workers’ paper, which is published in Spokane. This paper has made a dozen appeals for “rebels” to invade Fresno and fill the jail to overflowing, and in a recent issue the editor calls some of the “workers” cowards for not beating their way to Fresno on the brakebeams to wage war against the police. Sheriff Chittenden stated last night that he believed no more I.W.W.’s would be arrested, as none of the new-comers want to become “martyrs” and share the fate of the brothers now behind the bars and who are ready to throw up the sponge.
The Fresno Morning Republican
October 30, 1910
“industrial” speakers allude to possible dynamiting
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I.W.W.’s Resume Campaign and Threaten Residence Section.
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Seventy-five Recruits Are Expected Tomorrow; One Jailed Before.
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The Industrial Workers of the World resumed their fight last night, and four were arrested for attempting to speak from the carriage block in front of the First National Bank at I and Mariposa streets. The speakers last night, however, did not confine their remarks to the mere persiflage that has marked their utterances in the past and asserted that the time had come for action. One had just completed remarking that it would not be remarkable if dynamiting were attempted in the residence section when he was hauled off by the officer.
Detective Charles Farnam, who heard the threat, stated last night that he did not attach great importance to it. Other members of the force believe the Industrialists capable of resorting to such tactics and a watch will be kept to prevent the occurrence of any such outrages.
Recruits to the number of seventy-five are expected tomorrow by the local Industrialists, according to the statement of one repentant member of the organization, who told Patrolman Castner that he was sick of the Fresno fight and was going to leave town. The recruits are expected from different sources.
One of the men arrested last night, William Love, was released on Friday by Police Judge Briggs on a ninety day suspended sentence on his promise to leave the city immediately. He must now serve out his sentence. The police are of the opinion now that the recent defections from the “martyrs” in the jail who in the police court said they were sorry and wanted to leave, simply used the mercy of the court as a dodge by which to obtain another chance to speak on the street. The loss of former Secretary W. F. Little is bitterly felt by the Industrialists, who individually yesterday condemned him for his desertion of the cause.
Little, who told the court that he had a family to support and must work, pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness and was released on suspended sentence. He has not been heard from since that time.
The Fresno Morning Republican
November 3, 1910
industrial workers are beaten in fight for speech on streets
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Agitators Give Up the War Against Police and the City Ordinance.
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Fifty-three Plead Guilty in Police Court and Leave the County.
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Fresno has won its battle to govern the right of free speech.
The city ordinance which prohibits speech-making on the public streets without a permit from the chief of police holds good and the Industrial Workers of the World are the ones who discovered that the law is iron-clad.
A month’s fight against the city authorities ended at 10 o’clock yesterday morning, when fifty-three members of the I.W.W. left the local jail and marched to police court, where they entered individual pleas of guilty and were released from custody with a suspended sentence of ninety days hanging over each man. Three I.W.W.’s “double-crossed” their fellow workers and pleaded not guilty, after promising to go into court and abide by the decision of the majority. This trio was returned to jail.
The Fresno Morning Republican
November 4, 1910
industrial worker joins “Ex-Martyrs”
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William Douglas, an Industrial Worker of the World, joined the exodus “ex-martyrs” yesterday morning by entering a plea of guilty in the police court. Like the rest, Douglas was given a “floater,” which means that if he doesn’t leave the city within four hours after the passing of sentence he must spend ninety days behind the bars. The day before, fifty-three Industrial Workers pleaded guilty and were “floated” out of town. Douglas refused to change his plea at that time and went back to jail.
Yesterday when the police court opened he changed his mind and decided to join the fifty-two who are now beyond the county line. This leaves but two Industrial Workers in jail here and it is believed that these men will please guilty this morning, thus clearing the city of the fifty-six undesirable citizens who threatened to fill Fresno’s bastile to overflowing and put the county to as much expense as possibly by demanding separate trials by jury.
The Fresno Morning Republican
November 5, 1910
“free speech” fight is now all history
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Last of Industrial Workers Plead Guilty and Walk Out of Town.
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The Industrial Workers are no more.
At 10 o’clock yesterday morning the “great register” at the local jail was used for the last time, it is hoped, to record the name of an I.W.W. Shortly before the hour set for the morning session in police court, Peter Le Blanc and John Brinkelli, the “survival of the fittest,” sent word from the “bull pen” that they were ready to give in. The pair was taken into court by Bailiff Henry Russell and without any preliminary ceremonies they pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and received “floaters.” The penalty is ninety days for not leaving the city within four hours. Not only did Le Blanc and Brinkelli promise to leave the city, but they said they would walk out of the county and stay out.
Since the delegation of fifty-two threw up the sponge Wednesday the authorities have had no trouble with agitators, and it is now believed that the war for free speech is at an end. Approximately sixty-five Industrial Workers were in jail here from time to time since the invasion began a month ago.
The Fresno Morning Republican
November 28, 1910
industrial workers will break loose tonight
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“Martyrs” Will Again Have to be Marching to the County Jail.
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Permits Granted to Four Leaders to Speak Are Revoked.
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According to information in the hands of the local police officers, the Industrial Workers of the World have laid plans to “break loose” tonight and renew their war for free speech on the streets of Fresno. Three weeks ago, the leaders of this organization threw up the sponge and left the city. The agitators promised to obey the law in the future and before the release of fifty-eight of the so-called “martyrs” from the county jail the men were made to promise that they would leave the city and never return.
Not only did the men promise to depart from the city, but they said they would go beyond the county line and stay on the other side. For two weeks peace reigned and nothing was heard of the movements of the Industrial Workers other than their futile attempts to stir up trouble at Coalinga, Visalia, and Porterville. Public-spirited citizens paid a visit to the I.W.W. camp in each town and told the agitators to “move on.” The followers of the red flag promptly obeyed the order.
But during the week the four leading lights of the I.W.W. have returned to Fresno and again started their agitation. At first the leaders promised to abide by the law and confine their speech-making to safe, sane and conservative remarks. With this understanding, Chief of Police Shaw issued four permits for the leaders to speak at K and Mariposa streets.
Yesterday afternoon and last night the agitators began their usual tirade of abuse directed at the police department and the city administration in general. J. Murdock, one of the leaders, who is said to receive $30 weekly from the organization for his efforts to make a speech, declared that that the city ordinance which prohibits speaking on the public streets without a permit from the chief of police is unconstitutional, although admitting that the higher courts had upheld the law. The speaker referred to the police as bean-shooters and used other “pet” names.
As a result of the actions of the leaders in abusing their permits, one prominent Industrial Worker is in jail. This man is E. F. Lefferts, who will serve ninety days behind the bars because he violated his promise to Judge Briggs that would stay away from Fresno for three months. Lefferts was arrested on October 16th by Chief Shaw and a squad for trying to speak at I and Mariposa streets without a permit. Nine others were arrested the same night. All pleaded not guilty in the police court the next morning and demanded separate trials by jury. Later, Lefferts changed his mind and pleaded guilty, accepting a suspended sentence for 90 days. Now, he will be compelled to stay in jail for 90 days.
Lefferts tried to speak from a soap box on the street last night, but was recognized by Patrolman William Pickens, who lodged him in jail. Lefferts did not have any permit to speak but he borrowed one from the leaders and tried to bluff the arresting officer into believing that he was entitled to talk.
Chief Shaw announced last night that today he will revoke the permits granted to the four leaders and if these men try to speak tonight they will be arrested. It was learned by the police last night that there are approximately fifty Industrial Workers in the city and it is understood that these men will pose as “martyrs” and go to jail. Chief Shaw says the ordinance must be enforced, and if the leaders abuse their permits they will be jailed as quickly as the men who have no permits and try to make speeches on the streets.
The Fresno Morning Republican
November 29, 1910
industrialists renew street speech fight
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Two Arrested Last Night at Corner of Mariposa and I streets.
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After a conference yesterday noon between Chief of Police William Shaw and J. Murdock of the Industrial Workers of the World, in which Chief Shaw flatly refused to issue any more permits to I.W.W. street speakers, that organization last evening again started its campaign for speaking on the streets without a permit.
The men arrested last night were laborers. They gave their names at jail as William Andreas, aged 35, and D. Hodes, aged 22. They were charged with vagrancy. They were arrested at I and Mariposa streets.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 1, 1910
2 industrial workers join “comrades” at local jail
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Small Crowd Hears Followers of Red Flag Who Try to Speak.
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F. H. Little Engages Los Angeles Attorney to Fight His Case.
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Two Industrial Workers of the World joined their fellow supporters at the local jail last night. The men gave their names as E. Bloss and H. Jensen. They were accused of violating the city ordinance prohibiting speech-making on the public streets without a permit from the chief of police. Deputy Constable Burnham arrested the agitators at I and Mariposa streets where they were trying to make speeches from soap boxes. The crowd was small and the men had no sooner started to speak than Deputy Burnham stepped up and asked Bloss and Jensen if they had a permit from Chief Shaw. The speakers replied that they had no permit. The arrest followed. H. Gregg, who said he was in sympathy with the followers of the red flag, was arrested by Patrolman Pickens. Gregg was ejected from a saloon near the corner where Bloss and Jensen were arrested.
At the jail, Gregg declared that he was not an Industrial Worker. He had no traveling card from the headquarters of the organization. With the arrest of Bloss and Jensen there are now twenty-eight I.W.W.’s in jail. Twenty-four of those were arrested Tuesday night.
The leaders of the fight for free speech appeared before Judge Briggs in the police court yesterday. James Murdock, one of the principal agitators, pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial. His case was set for December 9. C. L. Flingino, another leader, followed Murdock’s example and his trial was set for December 13. F. H. Little waived a jury trial and said he would take his hearing before the court. He stated that he had engaged Attorney Moore of Los Angeles to defend him. He asked to have his trial continued until the arrival of Moore.
Chief Shaw stated last night that the Industrial Workers had tried to engage a Fresno attorney but none would accept their offer. The head of the police department is thinking seriously of advocating a chain gang as the proper method of getting rid of the Industrial Workers. The prisoners would be compelled to work in a chain gang or get nothing to eat but bread and water. Detective Kyle of Oakland who arrived in Fresno yesterday after a prisoner, stated last night that the I.W.W.’s threatened to invade Oakland two years ago, but the chain gang system forced the “undesirable citizens” to leave the city immediately.
H. Gregg, who, the police believed, was an Industrial Worker because he “butted in” while Deputy Constable Burnham was arresting Bloss and Jensen, was released from jail at midnight on an order from Judge Briggs. Gregg proved to the satisfaction of the authorities that he was not a member of the organization.
Three prominent members of the I.W.W. yesterday began serving sentences of ninety days each in the local jail. These were Peter Le Blanc, William Cashman and John Brinkskelli.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 2, 1910
thirty i.w.w.’s now in custody; 23 enter pleas in court
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All Demand Trials by Jury; Leaders to Be Tried First.
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Followers of Red Flag Are Model Prisoners, Fearing “Water Cure.”
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A pair of Industrial Workers joined their “comrades” at the local jail last night, bringing the total up to 30.
“John Doe,” one of the agitators arrested, was unable to spell his name, couldn’t write it and didn’t know his nativity. He was booked on the jail register as Joe Erdegafer, as that sounded something like his name. When taken into custody, Joe was standing on a soap box at I and Mariposa streets waving his arms like a windmill and chattering like a monkey. In his pocket was found an I.W.W. card. This stated that his trade is a “potterman.” Charles Furman was the other Industrial Worker. Both were charged with vagrancy by Deputy Constable Burnham, who made the arrests.
Twenty-three of the “red shirts” appeared in the police court yesterday morning and entered individual pleas of not guilty. All demanded separate hearings before a jury and wanted their trials immediately. No dates were set, however, as the three leaders of the red flag delegation will come up for trial early this month.
Yesterday’s action on the part of the Industrialists is no departure from their custom, as during the former war between the police and the agitators, 56 were arrested and all demanded jury trials until the backbone of the fight was broken. Then all of the prisoners pleaded guilty and were floated out of town. With the arrest of the leaders, it is believed the second invasion can be checked.
Early yesterday morning, a few of the men started to sing the “red flag” song at the jail, but Mayor Ed Jones had to warn them but once. Since then, not a word has been heard from the holdover tanks, where the men are confined. During the former fight, the leaders raised a roughhouse in the jail and the officers were compelled to administer the “water cure.” Some of the men now behind the bars were in the first war and they remembered the temperature of the water from the fire hose.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 4, 1910
saturday is “unlucky” for 13 industrial workers
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Promised Invasion of 150 Agitators Fails to Materialize.
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Eight Plead Not Guilty in Police Court; H. H. Kiser Old Offender.
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Yesterday was an unlucky day for the Industrial Workers of the World.
At least thirteen followers of the red flag hold that opinion. Between the hours of 7 and 10 o’clock last night the police arrested thirteen, and the unlucky squad of “martyrs” is now behind the bars of the local jail. The total is now fifty.
Disturbing the peace is the charge against the newcomers and they will be arraigned in the police court tomorrow morning. The expected invasion of one hundred and fifty “red shirts” did not materialize, although the police were in readiness for handling that number. The inclement weather no doubt interfered with the plans of the I.W.W.’s as thirteen was the extent of the opposing army when the police stormed the “fort” at I and Mariposa streets.
The men tried to speak in pairs, one on the First National corner and the other on the Goodman corner. As fast as the agitators stepped on their soap boxes, the officers asked them if they had a permit from the chief of police. When the men replied that they had no permits, the arrests followed. The prisoners were marched to jail, while the small crowd cheered, by Deputy Constable Burnham and Patrolmen McKee, Knight, Machen, Castner, Joseph and Goehring.
H. H. Kiser, one of the Industrial Workers, must serve ninety days in jail, as he was one of the fifty-seven who promised to stay away from Fresno for three months, after pleading guilty to a charge of violating the city ordinance in October. When Kiser comes up for arraignment in the police court tomorrow morning, the old commitment will be sent to the jail and the unlucky agitator will commence serving his term.
Yesterday morning, eight Industrial Workers appeared in the police court and entered individual pleas of not guilty. Each demanded a separate trial before a jury. No dates were set and the men were returned to jail.
The “unlucky” thirteen taken into custody last night gave their names as John Walsh, Harry Sweet, George Mitz, John Roberts, Arthur Schezelske, W. Hays, H. Payne, F. Roberts, Bob Aper, H. H. Kiser, Frank Murphy, George Harris and George Thompson.
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John Walsh (from http://www.iww.org)
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 5, 1910
fifty-five i.w.w.’s confined in jail
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Policeman Bradley Arrested Five of Them Last Night for Trying to Speak.
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Patrolman Bradley had a busy night of it dealing with the Industrial Workers of the World. The agitators did not break loose in any other part of the city save on Bradley’s beat. Three tried to speak at the post office corner at two at the Grand Central corner. At the jail the men gave their names as H. Stone, J. A. Roberts, Harrison Grey Otis, Charles Foster and Ed Collins.
All were between 20 and 30 years of age. Two gave their occupations as loggers, two as miners and one as a tool dresser. They said they had worked in the mines in Colorado before coming here. Otis is the second Industrial Worker arrested in the past week who has given his name as that of the owner of the Los Angeles Times. Otis was booked as “No. 2,” at the jail last night. The police believe that both gave fictitious names.
The arrest of five last night brings the total in jail here up to 55. Last night the three I.W.W.’s who have been confined in the dark cell for three days, because they disobeyed the jail rules and started a fight in the bull pen, began beating the steel walls of their cells and kept it up all night. They have refused to eat anything for three days and nights although bread, beans and potatoes have been offered them. They have lived on water. Disturbing the peace is the charge placed against the men arrested by Bradley.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 6, 1910
i.w.w.’s fail to clash with police
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Sailor Leaves Jail Only to Be Re-arrested for Attempted Escape.
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George Rivers and William Ure were arrested last evening on charges of drunkenness. Ed Copeland was arrested by Patrolman McKee for creating a disturbance and was charged with disturbing the peace.
Last night was remarkable in police as being free from any attempts by the I.W.W.’s to continue their campaign for speaking on the streets without a permit.
Louie Baker, a sailor, aged 22 years, who completed a ten days’ sentence for drunkenness yesterday was immediately rearrested on a charge of attempting to escape while working with other trusties in the part.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 9, 1910
f. h. little acquitted; i.w.w.’s speak on streets again
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Police Judge Briggs Dismisses Case Against Leader of Fight.
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Decision Results in Passing the Question Up to the City Trustees.
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Following the acquitting of F. H. Little on a charge of disturbing the peace by Police Judge Briggs yesterday afternoon, the Industrial Workers of the World spoke on the public streets unmolested by the police last night.
At I and Mariposa streets, a half dozen agitators made speeches to a small crowd. Among these was F. H. Little, one of the leaders, whose acquittal resulted in the issuance of an order by Chief of Police Shaw to his patrolman that no more I.W.W.’s are to be arrested for speaking on the streets until the city trustees pass an ordinance regulating street speaking.
It was stated last night that the matter had been passed up to the city trustees and all action in regard to the Industrial Workers depends on the decision of the trustees. It is believed that a special meeting will be called for the purpose of considering the proposed ordinance, which, if passed, will be modeled after the speech ordinance now existing in Los Angeles. At present there is no city ordinance in Fresno regulating speaking on the streets.
The order under which many Industrial Workers have been arrested has been merely a police regulation. Chief Shaw was the author of the regulation and he instructed his patrolmen to arrest the Industrialists if they spoke on the street without a permit from him. The officers complied with the order and charged many of the prisoners with violating a supposed city ordinance.
When the trouble with the I.W.W.’s first came up, Chief Shaw believed that a city ordinance, covering the point in question existed. A week ago it was discovered that there was no ordinance and that the patrolmen had been making arrests under a police regulation, only.
As a result many of the I.W.W.’s were charged with disturbing the peace and vagrancy. Yesterday afternoon the first test case came up in court. F. H. Little, the man who started the fight in Fresno, was the defendant. He conducted his own defense, and placed no witnesses on the stand. He had previously waived a jury trial, and asked to be tried before the court.
The hearing lasted an hour, when Judge Briggs rendered his decision acquitting Little of disturbing the peace. Only three witnesses were called to the stand. Chief Shaw was the first witness. He related the conference held between the I.W.W. leaders and himself. Shaw stated that he had issued permits to Little, Merrill, Murdock and Flagino, the “big four” of the local organization. The chief declared that Little abused the permit by “roasting” the police department and the city administration. For this reason Chief Shaw removed the permit given Little and also called in the other three permits.
Judge Briggs ruled out Shaw’s testimony on the ground that if had no bearing on the case in question. Jack Broad, the patrolman who arrested Little, testified that he had taken the defendant into custody while acting under orders from the chief of police. Broad said he knew there was no ordinance against speaking without a permit, and he charged Little with disturbing the peace, also on orders from the chief. In reply to a question propounded by Little, Broad said the defendant had not disturbed the peace. The witness declared that he had asked Little if he had a permit and was informed in the negative.
P. Brutsch, who conducts a saloon at H and Kern streets, stated on the stand that Little had not disturbed his peace. The speaking took place in front of Brutsch’s saloon. This constituted the testimony and Judge Briggs dismissed the case against Little. The Industrial Worker thanked the court and was immediately surrounded by four or five I.W.W.’s who grasped his hand and congratulated him. The court room was packed to the doors with people who came to listen to the trial out of curiosity.
The verdict in the test case may result in the release of the fifty-five I.W.W.’s now in the local jail on the same charge.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 10, 1910
i.w.w. leader is found guilty of vagrancy in police court
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Jury of Business Men Convicts James Murdock on Police Charge.
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Trials of Leaders Will Be Rushed; Jail Inmates Badly Frightened.
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James Murdock, one of the leaders of the I.W.W. organization, was convicted of vagrancy by a jury in the police court yesterday. Sentence will be pronounced by Judge Briggs at 10 o’clock this morning.
The jury deliberated for over an hour. The first ballot showed eight for acquittal and four for conviction. The second and third ballots stood seven and five in favor of acquittal. The fourth and fifth were even, six and six. On the next two the standing switched to seven and five for conviction. The eighth resulted in a unanimous verdict of guilty.
Deputy District Attorney Curtin conducted the prosecution while the defendant’s interests were looked after by J. A. Bailham, state organizer for the Socialist party and one of the agitators who has taken an interest in the welfare of the Industrial Workers of the World. Bailham is not an attorney and he explained that it was his first case in court. To the jury, however, he made a creditable speech.
Permit is Revoked.
The complaining witness in the case was Chief of Police Shaw, who swore to a complaint against Murdock. The head of the police department was the first witness called. He related briefly his experience with the I.W.W.’s and of the issuance of a permit to Murdock to speak at K and Mariposa streets. Chief Shaw stated that Murdock abused this permit by radical speeches, defiance of the police, and efforts to incite a riot. The witness stated that he revoked the permit because Murdock abused the city administration and talked treason.
Ben Drenth, the second and last witness for the prosecution, told of his attendance at the street meetings held by Murdock near the fountain entrance to the court house park. Drenth related in detail that he had heard Murdock make threatening remarks against the police and city government. Drenth also stated that he was present at the conference when Murdock told Chief Shaw that he (Murdock) did not receive any money from the I.W.W. organization for speaking on the streets.
Murdock Produces Checks.
Yesterday in court, Murdock produced receipts and checks showing that he has been receiving $2 per day for agitating the cause of the organization in Fresno. The witnesses for the defense were Fred Hickock, Frank Little, Jack White and James Murdock. All are members of the I.W.W. Thursday Little was acquitted by Police Judge Briggs of disturbing the peace on the same night Murdock was arrested for vagrancy. There is also a warrant out for Little on a charge of vagrancy. Hickock and White testified that they rode into town on the top of a train. They declared that all of the Industrial Workers beat their way on the brakebeams of trains, rode the “blind baggage” or on top of passenger coaches.
Jury of Business Men
F. J. Haber, the real estate man, was foreman of the jury, the personnel of which follows: Emory Donahoo, H. W. Gearhart, L. Parker Timmins, J. P. Downing, Fred Stone, Frank Love, J. Fred Downing, G. H. Bonnafon, Ed Schwartz, H. Graff, Sam Hinds and F. J. Haber.
The next I.W.W. case set down on the calendar is next Tuesday afternoon when Jack Flagino, accused of disturbing the peace, will come up for trial in the police court. Chief Shaw stated yesterday that he would ask Judge Briggs to rush the trials of the leaders.
I.W.W.’s Frightened.
Following the rioting last night it is believed by the police that every Industrialist not in jail will leave the city at once and stay away. With the conviction of Murdock by a jury yesterday, Chief Shaw is confident that all of the I.W.W.’s now in jail can be convicted by a jury: The inmates of the jail saw the mob around the place last night, even though the lights were turned off inside. The lamps in the park permitted the I.W.W.’s to see the five or six hundred men and boys outside and the followers of the red flag understood the meaning of the mob even though all news of its formation was kept from the prisoners.
Will Pass Ordinance.
Mayor Rowell stated last night that a city ordinance prohibiting speaking on the streets without a permit from the chief of police would be passed at the next regular meeting of the city trustees, which will be held a week from next Monday night. If the ordinance is passed unanimously it becomes effective immediately and the police will then have power to regular speech making on the streets. At present there is not ordinance against speaking on the streets. The issuance of permits by Chief Shaw has been merely a police regulation.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 11, 1910
i.w.w. appeals to state for protection from fresno mob
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National Secretary at Chicago Makes Demands;
Referred to Local Authorities; All Quiet Last Night.
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(Special to the Republican.)
SACRAMENTO, Dec. 10.—The national organization of the Industrial Workers of the World, through Secretary Vincent St. Johns of Chicago, today made a demand upon Governor Gillett to protect members of the I.W.W. from “broadcloth mob violence” in Fresno. Secretary E. F. Mitchell, acting governor, referred Vincent to the Fresno authorities.
The telegraphic correspondence was as follows:
“Chicago, Ill., December 10.
“Governor of California,
“Executive Mansion,
“Sacramento.
“Broadcloth mob violence in effort to destroy constitutional rights of the members of this organization. As governor of the state you are responsible unless you act. What action are you taking?
(Signed) “VINCENT ST. JOHNS,
“General Secretary Industrial Workers.”
The following telegraphic reply was sent to Chicago by E. F. Mitchell, private secretary to Governor Gillett:
“Sacramento, Cal., December 10.
“Vincent St. Johns, Chicago, Ill.
“Governor out of state, acting governor not in Sacramento. However, under laws of this state governor has not authority at present to interfere. You must appeal to Fresno local authorities.
(Signed) “E. F. MITCHELL,
“Private Secretary to Governor.”
Governor Gillett is attending the session of Congress at Washington as a member of the California delegation which is enlisting the aid of Congress for the International Panama Pacific Exposition to be held in San Francisco in 1915. Acting Governor Warren Porter is in San Francisco.
The telegrams exchanged between Chicago and Sacramento yesterday serve to show the amount of interest taken in Friday night’s rioting on the streets of Fresno. The action of the mob was the chief topic in this city yesterday, and last night a crowd of five hundred gathered at I and Mariposa streets where the riot started Friday night. The crowd was orderly and peaceful last night and the majority were there out of curiosity. The Industrial Workers of the World, who were the victims of the mob the night before, did not put in an appearance, and after waiting for two hours in the drizzling rain the crowd slowly melted away and by 9 o’clock the street corner was practically deserted.
Telegram to Mayor.
Word of the rioting here was telegraphed to Vincent St. Johns, general secretary of the I.W.W. organization at Chicago by Frank H. Little, ex-secretary of the local branch of the order. It is not known what was sent out over the wires by Little, but yesterday Mayor Rowell received the following telegram from St. Johns:
“Chicago, Ill., December 10.
“Mayor, Fresno, Cal.
“Action of respectable mob will not deter this organization. Full and complete reparation will be exacted. Free speech will be established in Fresno if it takes twenty years.
(Signed) “VINCENT ST. JOHNS,
“Gen. Sec. Industrial Workers.”
Statement by Mayor
Last night Mayor Rowell made the following statement, anent the street rioting of Friday night:
“The mob action was without my knowledge and certainly is to be condemned. The fact that the Industrialists received only what they preach has nothing to do with the matter.
“The I.W.W.’s are not deserving of sympathy. At a recent meeting with an official delegation from their members they severally refused to condemn their speakers who advocated the destruction of property or other unlawful means to ‘get even’ with employers of labor.
“Their speeches are but tirades of abuse of public officials, government of every kind, and of whoever happens to have accumulated property. Nevertheless, I think the city government can settle the matter with them through legally constituted methods.”
Mayor Rowell stated further that an ordinance would be passed at the next meeting of the city trustees giving the police department authority to regulate speaking on the public streets. Such an ordinance would prohibit street speaking without a permit from the chief of police.
The Industrial Workers, who were routed at I and Mariposa streets Friday night, while one of the organization’s leaders was trying to speak, are scattered to all parts of the San Joaquin valley. Word was received here last night that fifteen or sixteen I.W.W.’s had pitched their camp at the edge of Fowler. To several citizens who visited the camp, the members stated that they were planning to return to Fresno and re-open the fight for free speech.
One of the men said that camp would be broken this morning and all would return to the scene of the “battle.” This same man declared that he had in his possession the names of two policemen and six firemen who participated in Friday night’s rioting. These policemen are said to be on the day detail and consequently were not in uniform when the rioting started. The firemen were also in civilian clothes.
Another camp of the condemned I.W.W.’s has been pitched on the banks of the San Joaquin river near Herndon. Last night a fire was seen on the sand near the edge of the river. This proved to be a camp of I.W.W.’s. There were about twenty in the party. One of these men met a party of four Fresnans at Herndon yesterday afternoon. The man said that he was broke and that the other Industrialists were also without funds: He declared that all were planning to return to Fresno and renew the invasion within the next week. The party of Fresnans was traveling in an auto and followed the county road along the Southern Pacific tracks. Between Turlock and Fresno about twenty men were passed. All were walking northward and carried no blankets. For this reason the auto party surmised that the travelers were I.W.W.’s who were chased out of town by the mob.
No I.W.W.’s in Town
With the exception of F. H. Little, who did not attempt to speak on the streets Friday night and consequently escaped the fury of the mob, all of the Industrial Workers not in jail were forced to leave town, state the police. None were seen last night, although the officers kept a sharp lookout for them. Sheriff Chittenden, who returned from the Coalinga oil fields at a late hour Friday night after an auto trip covering 265 miles, went out to the scene of the I.W.W. camp yesterday. No attempt is being made to pitch another camp. All that remains of the camp is a heap of ashes and charred boxes. Every bit of cloth, partly burned or otherwise, was carried off by members of the mob as souvenirs of the occasion.
Sheriff Issues Warning.
The sheriff stated yesterday that he would keep a sharp lookout for any signs of a second camp being formed by the I.W.W.’s. In case such an attempt is made, Chittenden says he will immediately order the men to leave, as their presence is not wanted here. The sheriff regards the action of the mob as evidence of the sentiment of the citizens toward the invaders, and he believes the method pursued will prove effective, although to be deplored because of its tendency to arouse the citizens, and result in a disorderly and violent mob should the Industrialists decide to return to the former scene of activities and renew the fight. Chittenden stated that it was not necessary for the I.W.W.’s to appeal to the governor for assistance, as the local authorities are capable of handling the situation.
Workers Must Behave.
“The Industrial Workers are welcome to come to Fresno as long as they behave themselves and respect the law. We will not permit any speeches on the streets advocating treason, and the sooner the I.W.W.’s learn this, the better it will be for them. If they are brought to jail, their treatment shall be of the best as long as they behave and respect the prison rules. As a general thing, the I.W.W.’s are bad prisoners and we have a great deal of trouble with them. However, I think the trouble is ended and none of the men will return to Fresno. If they do, they must abide by the law, or suffer the consequences.”
Town is Quiet.
Chief of Police Shaw made a trip through the business section last night and after viewing the large crowd at I and Mariposa streets decided to return home. Two patrolmen were stationed at the corner where the rioting occurred Friday night, but the services of the officers were not needed. The drizzling rain kept the crowd under the awnings and none ventured into the street. The Salvation Army held forth at the corner where the I.W.W.’s attempt to speak the night before. The crowd began to gather at 7 o’clock and remained at the spot until 9 o’clock.
Citizens Deny Stories.
The “day after” the eventful night, which will be written on the pages of Fresno’s history as a night of mob violence, caused a change of heart to come over several of those who participated in the rioting. Frank M. Shuck, Nig Normart and Jimmy Quinn made public denials to the story that they were the leaders of the rioting. However, the fact remains that the trio were present at I and Mariposa streets when the mob was organized, and all remained until the I.W.W.’s had received a sound thrashing and were chased out of town.
Ernest Robinson, another who participated in the rioting, is not connected with the Ogle House as clerk, although he was so designated yesterday morning. Frank Shuck admitted in his statement to the public that he went to the scene of the I.W.W. camp and was present when the tent was burned to the ground. Shuck said he tool some friends to the place in his auto and also brought them back to town. He did not leave his machine, however.
Quinn and Normart claim that they stood on the outer edge of the crowd and witnessed the rioting from a distance. Quinn declares that he was shoved over a bicycle rack by one of the rioters. Normant was mixed up in the free-for-all fight at the edge of the crowd.
May Prosecute Rioters.
F. H. Little, who started the fight with the police, appeared at the district attorney’s office yesterday morning and conferred with Tom Walton, county detective. Little intimated to Walton that the local I.W.W.’s will bring criminal suits against the ring leaders of the mob who took the law into their own hands Friday night. Little stated that he had approached a local attorney in regard to a proposed action and had received a favorable reply. After waiting in the office several minutes to interview District Attorney Church, Little left and did not return.
180 Days for Murdock
Yesterday morning, Police Judge Briggs imposed a sentence of 180 days in jail on James Murdock, one of the leaders of the fight for free speech. Murdock was convicted by a jury Friday afternoon of vagrancy. Murdock intimated that he would appeal the case to the superior court as soon as he heard definite word from headquarters in Spokane. He declared that he appeal would be taken up by the national headquarters in Chicago.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 12, 1910
industrial workers appear on streets under the red flag
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Ride Around in Wagon Which Is Decked Out With Torrid Streamers.
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For the first time since the rioting of Friday night, members of the I.W.W. appeared openly under the red banner on the streets of Fresno yesterday afternoon. Six or seven of them seated in a spring wagon, drove through the business section of the city several times, parading up and down for a half hour or more.
Big red streamers, fastened to the wagon told of the identity of the men seated within. Each man also wore a red band around his hat and had a red ribbon in his coat.
The parade through the streets was unaccompanied by any proclamation on the part of the occupants of the wagon—and no attempts were made to speak publicly on the street. The members of the I.W.W. made no attempt, whatever, throughout the entire day yesterday, to speak on the streets.
A small crowd, drawn more by curiosity than anything else, gathered at the corner of I and Mariposa streets, the scene of part of Friday’s riot, again last night, but when nothing developed, the gathering quickly melted away.
O. A. Hartgrave, an I.W.W. who was given a commitment of ninety days by Judge Briggs on November 18, but who with others had sentence suspended, was re-arrested yesterday by Patrolman Bradley and lodged in jail on the old commitment. Hartgrave made no resistance to the arresting officer, but maintained that Judge Briggs had given him permission to come to Fresno to purchase supplies for peddling. It was stated last night at police headquarters, that one of the local officers was in court when the permission to return to Fresno was granted to Hartgrave.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 12, 1910
pastor favors a chain gang for industrial workers here
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Rev. Gillespie Says to Cut Jail Rations of Idlers Proper Step.
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Says Mob Wrong, But I.W.W.’s Nuisances With No Clear Purpose.
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Rev. J. M. Gillespie, pastor of the United Presbyterian church in a sermon yesterday morning strongly denounced the illegal actions of the mob of Friday night, but advocated the establishment of a chain gang to cope with the agitators in a legal manner.
“As I look at it, the Industrial Workers of the World do not care to work,” declared the pastor. “We should not encourage this class of men, the idlers of the community, in their practices.
“The citizens who were in the mob the other evening, however, did wrong. Nothing justifies such illegal actions, and the authorities should be left to handle the Industrialists in a legal manner.
“Their speaking on the streets should be stopped as a nuisance. From what I have learned, the men who have addressed the crowds from the curbstones are not men of substantial opinions. They have indulged in no deep thought, and their utterances do not bring any message to the listeners. The authorities should not grant them liberties which they do not deserve.
“There are multitudes of men traveling about the country who practically do nothing at all. It seems to me that the Industrialists are among these from what I can learn. We should not encourage men in idleness, but should take steps to make them work. If they will not work, their rations should be cut down. It seems to me that the best methods of dealing with these men and with the Industrialists is by the legal establishment of a chain gang, where they may be given an opportunity for work.”
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 12, 1910
pastor says mob worse than the industrial workers here
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Rev. Boys Declares I.W.W.’s Have a Real Cause, But Badly Advocated.
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Says Represent Same Fight Insurgents in Congress Stand for.
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Speaking yesterday morning on the subject of the mob that Friday night burned the I.W.W. camp here and surrounded the county jail, Rev. Thomas Boyd, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, in a prelude to his regular sermon declared the mob worse than the Industrial Workers of the World, more anarchistic and more difficult for the law to handle. He further declared that the I.W.W.’s “have a real cause,” though he does not agree with them as to their methods of advancing it. This cause he characterized as the same as that for which the Insurgents in national government are working.
He said:
The Industrial Workers of the World. Who are they? They are a large, thoroughly organized body of men, with constitution and by-laws. Their unions run up into the hundreds, and they are represented in almost every part of the country. I do not know whether we have a union as such in our city or not—they have a large following here, men who are in hearty sympathy with them.
Those who have come recently under our notice are, for the most part, from a distance. They have come from as far north as Spokane and from as far south as San Diego. Their largest number here at any one time has been less than one hundred. There are at the present time about sixty under arrest, confined in the county jail.
They are men out of employment, whether from choice or necessity I do not know. Fresno seems to have been chosen as one of their propaganda cities. Here they are making a determined effort to disseminate their doctrines and to maintain their claims.
Now, what are their doctrines and claims? I can do no better than to quote from the preamble to their constitution, in which they say, “Between these two classes”—that is, “the working class and the employing class”—”a struggle must go on until the workers of the world organize as a class to take possession of the earth and the machinery of production, and abolish the wage system.” The sum of their doctrines and claims then is this: “Possession of the earth and the machinery of production.” In other words they would abolish all private rights of property. They march under a red flag.
Their Rights.
Now, what rights have these people? In the first place they have a right to organize. They have the same rights here that any other band of men might have, no more no less.
Secondly, there are entitled to freedom of speech until they incite to lawlessness—to destruction of property, to threats of personal violence, to bloodshed, to confiscation of goods. They have no right to appropriate the property of others; nor have they the right to instigate others to do so. All this would be the very limit to which they might go.
The mob which gathered Friday night and which did personal violence to some members of the “I.W.W.,” and destroyed some of their property, is more guilty and more reprehensible than the “I.W.W.’s” themselves. They, the “I.W.W.’s,” have a form of organization, to say the least, which puts a kind of limitation upon them—that mob had none. The “I.W.W.’s” up to the time of attack by that had committed no offense against the law, save the possible exception of that of Murdock, whose case had not yet been passed upon by the court. Those in the jail have been arrested for vagrancy, as I understand. I am not upholding the “I.W.W.’s.” We have no place in this community for any organization the ultimate aim of which is the confiscation of property and the subversion of the present order of civilization; nor have we any place for mob violence. The action of that mob was anarchy—the teachings of the “I.W.W.’s” lead to the same end.
The law is equal to the task of dealing with the latter. The former outrages and sets at defiance every tenet of civilization. Mobocracy is not only confiscation, but it is annihilation as well.
Our city has been disgraced by a red-handed ruffianism, the spirit of which is infinitely more to be dreaded that the evil it sought to remove. The civil authorities were in their way to dispose of the “I.W.W.’s.” But who can cope with a mob, where blood must meet blood?
Turning away from the local aspect of this case for a little, have these people a cause?
Some of the Causes.
Now, I have no sympathy with the man or for the men who can get work and who won’t work. I understand that some of these men have had work offered them and they have refused it.
Again, I have no sympathy with that sentiment which says, “If you need a suit of clothes go into a clothing store and take it, it belongs to you as much as to any one.” Nor have I any sympathy with that sentiment which finds expression in such words as these: “If a bank were being looted, I wouldn’t interfere.” That, as I have already said, is anarchism.
But what has brought on this condition in the industrial world? Why are men thus banded together, defying the law, and promulgating a doctrine that means the confiscation of all property? What is the cause of all this? It is a law both physics and metaphysics that every effect, or event, must have a cause.
One cause, perhaps the greatest, is this: Enormous wealth in the hands of a few—produced by the hands of toil. We have just been through a battle royal—or are going through, I don’t know which—with the “Interests.” The government at Washington was being controlled in the interests of a comparative few. In their maddened rage for wealth they were prostituting the machinery of government for private ends. What is the meaning of this great revolution through which we are passing? It is a protest against the rich becoming richer at the expense of the common people. The people have risen up and swept the decks. The few were getting enormously rich at the expense of the common people. Well, the situation is somewhat analogous here. Wealth is going into the hands of the rich, and the men who made possible the great accumulations of the rich have only a dog’s portion thrown them. The average workingman earns for his employer about $2,500 per year, and of this he gets less than $500. The same cry, substantially, is being made by this little band out here toward the cemetery, that has been made, and is being made, by the Insurgents in Washington.
Then there is the extravagance of the rich. We are by nature imitators. When all were alike poor, as we were a generation ago, it made little difference. But now, no matter what our situation, we want what we see makes for the comfort of others. They can have, and we can’t. This causes discontent.
Again, we have lost sight of the man in our greed for material wealth. We are putting money before manhood—the dollar before character. And we are storing up wrath against the day of wrath. It is not in human nature to bear inequalities and oppression without resentment. A worm will at least turn in self-defense.
Again, we have not made an unwarranted distinction between labor with hands and labor with brains, that somehow it is more respectable, more high-toned, to work with one’s brain than with one’s hands. Manual labor is under a ban. I think we need to be reminded that our Christ was a carpenter.
Have a Cause.
My contention is that these people, in view of all these things—and others which might be mentioned—have a cause. But I do not for a moment argue that they are justified in their course. If they could succeed, tomorrow their success would be utter failure. The ills they would entail would be a thousand-fold worse than those from which they are seeking to escape. What, then, is the remedy? I believe it is in two directions: Better legislation. That is what the Insurgents are seeking. That is what we have been promised in our own state. I heard Governor-elect Hiram W. Johnson say, “The ‘Higher Ups’ shall all be kicked out.” In other words, there is to be active legislation for the benefit of us common people. That is what the laborer wants—some kind of legislation that will secure for him a fair share of his earnings.
What further? A recognition of the brotherhood of man. I know full well what little use these people have for churches—especially for preachers. But I believe the most potent remedy for this evil, as for every other, is in the gospel of love.
That may sound weak, and may seem to you inadequate. But I believe if we are to save ourselves, to save society, to save our civilization, we must recognize the brotherhood of man.
These men are not all vicious, brazen-faced and brazen-hearted—”as on murder bent.” This man Murdock, who was committed yesterday to the county jail for 180 days, has a good face, and he would be the last man out of a hundred selected as a criminal. As he stood up to receive his sentence, he was asked if he had anything to say. In the most unaffected way he simply said, “No, I have been found guilty, and I suppose I will have to take my sentence.” No braggadocio, no defiance, no resentment, either in word or look. I am sure the court would like to have done differently with him from what it did.
The time has passed when we want to put a brand on a man, simply because we can. We are learning, slowly, oh, so slowly, after long ages of barbaric treatment, that the man is the object to be conserved, that are to try to save him to himself that he may be saved to society, to God. And it is not that we may show our inhumaneness and vindictiveness in demanding “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Thank God that day is going by. Our laws are becoming more humane because we are becoming more humane. Or in other words, we are beginning to see, but oh, so faintly, in every a man a brother.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 14, 1910
another i.w.w. found guilty by jury in police court
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Take One Ballot and Verdict Is Unanimous Against C. L. Flagino.
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Accused Makes No Defense in Court; Fellow Workers Convict Defendant.
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C. L. Flagino, one of the prominent members of the Industrial Workers of the World and recognized by the police as one of the local leaders, was convicted of vagrancy in ten minutes by a jury in the police court yesterday afternoon. The jury took but one ballot, the verdict being unanimous.
Flagino was found guilty on the evidence of his fellow agitators. Three witnesses were called by the prosecution while the defense did not introduce any testimony. Assistant Director Attorney McCormick conducted the case for the people, while E. A. Cantrell, a national organizer for the Socialist party, looked after the interests of the defendant. Flagino was arrested on a warrant issued by the Police Judge Briggs in the instance of Chief of Police William Shaw.
Flagino Makes No Defense.
The head of the police department was the first witness. He told of a conference in the city hall in which Flagino was present with J. S. Merrill, James Murdock and F. H. Little, representing the I.W.W. organization, and Mayor Rowell, Chief Shaw and Ben Drenth, representing the city administration.
At the conference, Flagino admitted that he did not receive any compensation for his services and that he was speaking on the streets for the “good of the cause.” Chief Shaw also told on the stand of certain remarks made by Murdock, Merrill, Little and Flagino relating to the expulsion of members for inciting riots by radical speeches. Boastingly, the quartet told of how some of their fellow workers had tied up industries by wrecking machinery when their employers’ methods did not please them.
Flagino was Unknown.
The prosecution called J. S. Merrill and W. F. Little to the stand. These men were leaders of the organization in Fresno. Merrill and Little gave practically the same testimony. They declared that they had not known Flagino before he came to Fresno. He was here ten days before the police arrested him for vagrancy.
During this ten days, witnesses stated that Flagino divided his time between an Italian boarding house and a tent on Palm avenue, where the local I.W.W. had established a camp for idle working men who had little or no funds. Witnesses stated that the ground on which this tent was located was leased from a man named Story, who owns a vineyard and orchard. The tent was purchased from a local store.
Destroyed Tent “in Court.”
This tent was burned down by a mob of Fresno people last Friday night. Flagino made no defense and the case was given to the jury after brief arguments by Assistant District Attorney McCormick and Cantrell. The first ballot was unanimous for conviction. The jury was as follows: J. W. Bell, Frank Hickman, W. Ryan, S. F. Glasgow, G. C. Knight, Frank Poole, James Graham, B. G. Colson, S. Martin, S. H. Smith, T. H. Walsh and William Hill.
The conviction of Flagino is the second in the clash between the police and the I.W.W.’s. James Murdock was convicted by a jury of business men last week on a charge of vagrancy. Judge Briggs imposed a sentence of 180 days in the county jail. This is the maximum sentence for vagrancy. Flagino will come up for sentence at 10 o’clock this morning. The court room was crowded to the doors during yesterday’s trial. Most of the spectators were there out of curiosity.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 15, 1910
another i.w.w. gets 180 days behind bars
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C. L. Flagino, the Convicted Leader, Given Limit on Charge of Vagrancy.
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C. L. Flagino, one of the local leaders of the I.W.W. organization, who was convicted of vagrancy by a jury in the police court Tuesday, was given a sentence of 180 days in jail yesterday morning by Judge Briggs. This is the maximum sentence for vagrancy. Flagino shared the same fate as his fellow leader, James Murdock, who was convicted of the same crime by a jury. Murdock and Flagino are due to serve the longest terms of any of the Industrial Workers.
Flagino took his sentence calmly and did not file notice of appeal as Murdock did. As he walked from the courtroom Flagino remarked that he “asked no favors of any one.”
With the arrival of Attorney Fred Moore from Los Angeles today or tomorrow it is believed notice of appeal will be filed in behalf of Flagino. It is understood that Attorney Moore will fight both cases through the upper courts. Moore is coming here at the request of General Secretary St. Johns of the national I.W.W. organization. Moore originally came from Chicago, which is the headquarters of the Industrialists.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 17, 1910
plan i.w.w. mass demonstration now
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Meeting at San Francisco to Protest Against Ejection of Industrialists in Fresno.
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Anonymous letters were received yesterday by Judge Herbert F. Briggs and Chief of Police Shaw with printed dodgers of a “mass demonstration” of the Industrial Workers of the World, whose booklets and circulars and, in some instances, membership cards, have been found on the persons of many of the men arrested in the last few days on charges of burglary, for next Sunday at San Francisco. The letter to Judge Briggs stated that seemingly less attention than the circumstances warranted had been paid to the recent ejection of the Industrialists by a mob of local citizens.
The text of the dodgers, printed largely in display type, is as follows:
“The crime of capital in Fresno! Cowardly assault of law and order hoodlums, incited by broadcloth mob of masters against Industrial Workers Mass demonstration of labor’s protest at Jefferson hall, 925 Golden Gate ave., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 18th at two o’clock. Speakers, E. J. Lewis, William McDevitt, G. Speed, Joe Wenhope. Every worker that dares stand with his class must attend this demonstration.”
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 18, 1910
industrial workers try to speak again on fresno streets
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Nine Are Arrested by Police and Lodged in Jail for Vagrancy.
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Officers Assert That Crowd Was Preparing to Do Violence to Men.
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Nine members of the Industrial Workers of the World attempted to speak at the corner of I and Mariposa streets yesterday afternoon, only to be promptly placed under arrest by Patrolmen Bradley and Cronkhite of the local police force. The men were lodged in jail on vagrancy charges.
The attempt made yesterday to speak on the street came without any warning whatsoever. It is believed, however, that the movement was pre-arranged, for quite a crowd had assembled prior to the attempted speaking. Patrolman Cronkhite of the traffic squad, stationed at the corner of I and Mariposa streets, was suddenly surprised to see a man mount on a box and start to address the gathering. Leaving his post, Cronkhite went for help, and soon secured Bradley. The two immediately returned to the scene and as fast as an I.W.W. mounted the box and attempted to speak, he was put under arrest.
Fearing a repetition of the scenes of about a week ago, when a number of members of the I.W.W. were attacked by a mob at the same corner, the men were quickly rushed to jail. The arresting officers stated that at the time the arrests were made, a movement was on foot among a certain element to attack the men. The men arrested made no resistance to the officers and went willingly to jail.
A short time later, three other members of the I.W.W. were placed under arrest by Patrolman Cronkhite and lodged in jail on vagrancy charges. They were not trying to speak.
One of the men, E. Cantrell, was arrested by the police in the trouble last October and he was booked at the jail yesterday on the commitment of 90 days which had been suspended by Judge Briggs. The other men gave their names as David W. Thomas, F. Hickok, E. Goff, W. Hopper, A. Kufahl, T. J. O’Brien, P. Peterson, H. Kamp, Albert Taylor, Jack Wheeler and Robert O’Brien.
The demonstration made yesterday was the first that has been made by the members of the I.W.W. since the riot of a week ago, although a number of the men have still been in Fresno.
Five members of the I.W.W., who are now being held in jail on vagrancy charges, appeared before Police Judge Briggs yesterday morning and pleaded not guilty. All demanded a trial by jury. The men were returned to jail in default of bail.
It was stated at the jail yesterday afternoon, after the arrest of those who attempted to speak on the streets, that there are seventy-four members of the I.W.W. now locked up on various charges.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 19, 1910
i.w.w.’s agree to quit city if let out of jail
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Mayor, City and County Officials and Workers Confer.
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DISORDER IS TO STOP.
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Industrialists Will Abide by Test Case Under New City Ordinance.
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1—The I.W.W.’s in the county jail paroled on promise to leave the city at once and not return, only the local resident representatives of the organization to be permitted to remain.
2—The liberated prisoners will be under sentence and conviction and awaiting trial, 74 in all, will be liberated and the untried cases against them dismissed.
3—Attorney Moore of Los Angeles, representing the I.W.W.’s, will telegraph today to national headquarters at Chicago to secure an order to stop the further coming of members of the organization to Fresno.
4—In expectancy of an ordinance to be passed by the city authorities regulating public speaking in the streets, the I.W.W.’s agree to a test case of any infraction under the contemplated ordinance, and such future test case having been agreed upon, the members of the I.W.W. permitted to remain, agree to continue passive and quiescent until a final court ruling has been had in the test case so to be arranged.
The above conditions were mutually agreed upon last night at a conference to end the conflict between the I.W.W.’s and the city authorities as a result of which 74 members of the organization are in jail on charges of vagrancy or disturbing the peace, and an order is in effect from national headquarters in Chicago directing members by the score to come hitherward to continue the fight by offering themselves up for arrest, filling the jail and blocking up the work of the police court and also exasperating the citizen tax payers by demanding trials by jury in every case. The conference last night, it is confidently expected, will end the troubles with the I.W.W.’s and the suggestion which led up to it came originally from the members that are in durance.
Three Hours in Conference.
The conference was held in the office of the district attorney and lasted for three hours. Present at the conference and representing the county authorities were District Attorney Church, Sheriff Chittenden, Deputy and Jailer Ed Jones, representing the city authorities, Mayor Rowell, Police Chief Shaw and Police Judge Briggs, and Fred H. Moore, attorney of Los Angeles, who arrived on Saturday as the accredited attorney of the I.W.W.’s empowered to treat for the organization and secure such terms as the authorities would concede.
It is stated by those who participated in the conference that the attitude of the attorney was conciliatory and positive in character, and it was for that reason that an agreement was readily reached. This, if carried out in good faith, promises to settle the differences between the organization and the local government officials now at such an acute stage, while surrendering no authority and suffering no loss of dignity on the part of the representative officials.
Mr. Moore, as stated, came from Los Angeles on Saturday to look into the matter of the “free speech” agitation of the society, and it is understood that the conference was at his request after a visit to the agitators in jail, who all declared themselves as heartily sick of prison life and prepared to accept almost any terms for the sake of liberation. Consultation with and specific overtures made to the district attorney led to the official conference, with the conditional results enumerated above.
Trustees Meet Tonight.
It is the avowed purpose of the city trustees, possibly masking the beginning of the meeting tonight, to enact an ordinance which shall have general application to regulate the privilege of general public speech-making in the streets. There is no such ordinance and the early arrests of the I.W.W.’s were made under the authority of a police regulation, requiring a permit from the chief of police to utilize the street for public speaking at stated places and during prescribed hours named in the permit. To what limit the proposed ordinance will go or in whom the power of granting the permit shall rest is as yet undetermined. At any event the fourth agreed upon condition of the conference agreement demands on the part of the agitators that they shall submit and future question, as to the legality of that ordinance, to a court decision, suspend further agitation awaiting the ruling and not precipitate another clash with the authorities in continued infractions with wholesale arrests as has been the experience.
It was brought out in an admission of Attorney Moore to confirm the truth of the report that members of the organization are under orders from national headquarters to center in Fresno and keep up the agitation.
Attorney Moore also asked last night that the fact and the decision of the conference be kept a secret from the public, but on this score the government representatives were firm to insist that the decision should be given the earliest and widest publicity.
In conformity with the conference, the district attorney will take the necessary steps to have the sentences of the convicted I.W.W.’s set aside and all hands liberated on conditional parole with dismissal after a given time, when it is manifested that there is no disposition to violate the paroles or to renew the agitation.
The supposition is that the liberated prisoners will head for Los Angeles.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 20, 1910
industrialists refuse to abide by terms of agreement
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Repudiate Actions of Moore at Conference Held Sunday Night.
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City and County Officials Declare They Will Never Treat Again.
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Proceedings in what seemed to be a peaceful termination of the I.W.W. troubles in this city came to an abrupt halt yesterday morning when the seventy-four members of the order now in the county jail refused to accept the agreement entered into on Sunday night between F. Moore, an attorney of Los Angeles, who represented them, and city and county officials.
When a man by the name of White, delegated to impart the news, informed the Industrial Workers yesterday morning that they would be released if they would leave the city, a conference of the prisoners was immediately called. By a vote that was practically unanimous, the agreement was repudiated and the members of the I.W.W. informed White and the sheriff that they would remain in jail.
When Moore conferred with the city and county officials, he informed them that the had been delegated by the Industrial Workers to reach an agreement if possible and throughout the entire conference he acted as one with authority, looking always for the interests of his clients.
He left for Los Angeles immediately following the conference and consequently is not aware of what took place yesterday.
To Continue Fight.
Instead of allowing the whole affair to hinge on a test case, the members of the Industrial Workers asserted that they would continue the fight they have waged, using exactly the same tactics that they have used in the past. As a result of the actions of these men, it was asserted that the city and county would never again enter into a conference with them and in the future they will be treated as ordinary law breakers if they attempt to speak on the streets.
District Attorney Church stated that the affair came as a complete surprise to him, in view of what had taken place the night before and declared that he would make no efforts to have any sentences set aside or intercede in any way on behalf of these men.
“This organization is composed of an ignorant class of fellows” declared Church, “who passed up all opportunities offered them for advancement and now they attribute their condition to law and officers of the law. The majority of them ran away from home when they were boys, refused to go to school and now that they are a worthless outfit are endeavoring to place the blame on the shoulders of deserving citizens.
Draw False Pictures.
“They draw false pictures and reach false conclusions in their public talks and their ignorant hearers listen to these false representations and believe them to be true. We shall never take any action on their behalf again.”
Chief of Police Shaw remarked that nothing more could be expected from such a gang of worthless toughs and announced that he was not surprised at their refusal to accept the agreement reached by the man they had delegated to act for them.
“I was not the least bit surprised,” he declared, “that this gang of toughs should have turned down a peaceable offer of surrender. Nothing more could be expected of them.”
Sheriff Chittenden remarked that all had been done that could be done, and that the only way to deal with the men now was as they had been dealt with in the past.
Moore Not Blamed.
The city and county officials held nothing against Attorney Moore because of the actions of these men, for they assert that he did everything possible to avoid trouble. A number of the members of the I.W.W. presented him with a list of names of citizens who took part in the rioting of about ten days ago and asked him to institute action against them. He advised that no action be taken because it would only hurt their cause.
Another piece of evidence tending to show that the Industrial Workers intend to keep up their fight despite the action of Moore came to light yesterday when it was discovered that circulars had been scattered broadcast throughout the city. The circulars bore the name of J. P. Havens. The citizens were asked to take action against Chief Shaw for his activity against “free speech.” It also contained the information that copies of the constitution of the United States can be obtained in Washington upon request and advised every citizen to secure a copy for the purpose of acquainting himself with the contents lest some day he might himself have a message to impart and an effort to prevent him from doing so might be made by some chief of police. The printing on the circulars was in large bold type.
Anonymous Letters
District Attorney Church stated yesterday that city and county officials alike had received many anonymous letters through the mails, telling them what was going to happen to them. The letters are sent at intervals and the officers believe they have an idea who is doing the sending. Denver Church received one yesterday morning and among the contents was the sentence, “You fellows will get a full exposure yet.”
What idea this sentence was intended to convey the district attorney said he did not know, but asserted that it sounded as though the writer threatened violence of some description.
Mayor Rowell, the chief of police, Judge Briggs, Sheriff Chittenden and the district attorney have all received one or more anonymous letters of a threatening nature.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 20, 1910
ordinance is passed to forbid speeches in streets
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Prescribed Area Is Between Inyo and Tuolumne, M and D.
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Law Is Same as That of Los Angeles and Is Carried Unanimously.
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The city trustees passed last night an ordinance to meet the conditions presented by the “free speech” agitation of the Industrial Workers of the World. The ordinance was given a unanimous vote on reading as an emergency measure, having been discussed at some length at a conference before the formal session of the board.
The ordinance is the one in operation in Los Angeles, which has been taken into the courts and successfully stood the test. Its scope is general, and it grants no authority to any one to give special permit for the use of the public streets to make speeches or discourses. The measure is made operative at once, and as has been suggested can be amended when the present exigency for its adoption has passed.
The ordinance is in two parts: The first prohibits the standing or setting idly of any one on street or alley, sidewalk or crossing, so as to hinder or obstruct use of them by passersby, or when done to annoy or molest them, also prohibiting the standing in the entrance of church, hall, theater or public place of assembly so as to hinder unobstructed access.
The second part of the ordinance names a proscribed district in the city described as between Tuolumne and Inyo and M and D streets. In this district it is absolutely forbidden to hold or conduct addresses in street or alley, assemble for a street meeting, or to gather to hear the delivery of a speech, lecture or discourse or participate in a debate or discussion. A violation is made punishable as a misdemeanor.
Trustee Pottle asked whether the ordinance would cover the case of a man sitting or standing in an auto in the street and making a speech as the Prohibitionists did last campaign.
City Attorney Kauke said it undoubtedly would, and in answer to another inquiry also pointed out that the ordinance does not confer authority upon any one to grant a special permit to speak in public streets within the prohibited area, which extends westerly far beyond the railroad tracks and east of the track to the back of the courthouse.
The inquiry was next made how about speaking in the courthouse park? The reply was that these grounds are not under city jurisdiction and the supervisors do not grant the use of the park for gatherings of any purpose save on permit asked for.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 21, 1910
soap box orators fail to materialize at street corners
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F. H. Little, I.W.W. Leader, Says 500 Men Are Coming.
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Police Prepare to Arrest All Who Violate New City Ordinance.
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The threatened invasion of 300 I.W.W.’s did not materialize last night. The police were prepared for the outbreak and Chief Shaw detailed every available patrolman for duty in the business section between the hours of 7 and 9 o’clock. A small crowd gathered and I and Mariposa streets in anticipation of a clash between the Industrialists and the police. After waiting for an hour, the crowd melted away and all was quiet at 8:30 o’clock.
Last yesterday afternoon, Chief Shaw learned of a threatened outbreak from F. H. Little, one of the leaders. Little declared that there were over 300 Industrial Workers in the city who were prepared to fight the police to the last ditch in an effort to gain free speech. Little informed Detective Ben Drenth that his “workers” would break loose on the downtown streets in the evening. Immediately after receiving the tip, Chief Shaw issued the following order to his patrolmen:
Police Are Warned.
“I understand that the I.W.W.’s are going to hold forth tonight. We have an ordinance against speaking on the streets and we must arrest everyone making the attempt, so you will all be in readiness to act promptly.”
The patrolmen were on guard but none of the red flag followers put in an appearance. Later in the night, F. H. Little told one of the police officers that the Industrialists were awaiting the arrival of 200 workers, who are expected here Saturday night. At that time, it is proposed to turn loose about 500 men who will openly defy the police by speaking on the streets without a permit, he says.
Trial of I.W.W. Today.
This afternoon at 2 o’clock in the police court, the trial of J. Andreas, one of the I.W.W.’s, will come up. Andreas was arrested on two charges, disturbing the peace and vagrancy. He pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial. It is understood that Andreas will make no defense other than the testimony of himself and probably one or two fellow workers. For the prosecution, Chief Shaw, Detective Drenth, Patrolman Davis and City Trustee Pottle will testify. These men heard Andreas when he spoke on the streets.
Eleven Men in Court.
Yesterday morning in the police court, eleven Industrial Workers pleaded not guilty to charges of vagrancy and disturbing the peace. All demanded separate trials by jury and were returned to jail in default of bonds of $100 each. No arrests have been made to test the new city ordinance, which was passed by the trustees Monday night.
James Williams, an I.W.W., pleaded not guilty to petit larceny before Judge Briggs yesterday. Williams was returned to jail in default of bonds of $500. Williams was arrested Saturday night by Patrolman Cronkhite, who found the I.W.W. walking about the streets with a woman’s coat under his arm. Williams declared that he had found the garment in the northern part of the city. He was trying to sell the article when taken into custody.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 22, 1910
police secure a third conviction against industrialists
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William Andreas Is Found Guilty by Jury on His Own Evidence.
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Fellow Workers Testify that Prisoner Is Vagrant; Sentenced Today.
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William Andreas, a member of the Industrial Workers of the World, was convicted on the second ballot by a jury in the police court yesterday afternoon. The charge was vagrancy. The jury was out only fifteen minutes. The first ballot showed a count of 11 to 1 for conviction.
The conviction is the third by a jury since the I.W.W.’s started their fight for free speech on the streets of Fresno. Andreas was defended by Frank H. Little, one of the local leaders of the Industrialists. Little is the single I.W.W. who has been acquitted. He waived a jury trial and was found not guilty by Judge Briggs on a charge of disturbing the peace. Deputy District Attorney Curtin conducted the case for the people yesterday. Curtin and Little made arguments to the jury, Little confining his remarks to a review of the fight for free speech and matters pertaining to the I.W.W.’s.
Detective Ben Drenth, Patrolman Steele Davis, F. H. Little and Jack Whyte testified for the people. In defense, Andreas went on the stand and his testimony practically convicted himself. He admitted that he had no money when he arrived in Fresno. He said he didn’t need any as he came for the express purpose of getting arrested and landing in jail on the first night after his arrival. Moreover, he said he expected to stay in jail. The prosecution called Little and Whyte, local I.W.W.’s, who said Andreas had no money and had not worked to their knowledge.
While the jury was being chosen, considerable laughter was caused by the examination of J. G. Wofford. “Attorney” Little asked Wofford as to his occupation and length of residence here. Whereupon, Little asked him if he was an I.W.W., because of the fact that he didn’t work. The court was compelled to rap for order as the big crowd in the courtroom laughed.
After the jury returned a verdict, Judge Briggs announced that he would pass sentence on Andreas at 10 o’clock this morning. Andreas was arrested on the 13th of last month by Deputy Constable Burnham.
The personnel of the jury which convicted Andreas is as follows:
George E. Burwell, foreman; Sam Zetz, J. R. Nettle, J. P. Nash, J. W. Carpenter, W. G. Marshall, J. G. Wofford, Newt Lushbaugh, J. S. Jones, W. W. Watkins, J. W. Rogers and William Hill.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 23, 1910
i.w.w.’s start riot in jail
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Eighty Prisoners Take Part in Wild, Obscene
Demonstration—Sheriff to Put on Guards Today.
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While a drunken Mexican was endeavoring to break loose from four officers in the local jail at 7 o’clock last night, eighty Industrial Workers of the World participated in a riot that lasted for a half hour. The I.W.W.’s climbed up the bars of the holdover tanks like a band of monkeys and showered their supply of vituperation in the direction of the authorities. The public officials were unable to quiet them and the railing continued until the agitators were tired out. Vulgar epithets were hurled at the officers in open defiance of the prison rules.
Eighty I.W.W.’s participated in the demonstration and for a half hour the entire number of agitators cursed the officers. The riot occurred shortly after a Mexican had been lodged in jail for drunkenness. This Mexican has been arrested two or three times in the past for drunkenness and he invariably put up a stiff fight. Last night he resisted the police and it became necessary to handcuff him. After he had been booked and searched at the jail, the “cuffs” were removed. Two policemen and two deputy sheriffs grabbed the fighting Mexican, who is of powerful physique, and rushed him into the holdover tanks. The fight put up by the Mexican attracted the other prisoners who rushed to the bars to see the fun. The Industrialists, eighty in number, climbed onto the bars and began to shout. They refused to stop and not one of the men made any effort to restore peace among his fellow prisoners. For a half hour after the fighting Mexican had been lodged in his cell, the I.W.W.’s continued with their vituperation. Sheriff Chittenden was present and to this public official, Chief Shaw and others, the men directed their vile words. Every conceivable vulgar expression was used in reference to the authorities and the city government. Afterward, the sheriff stated that the men used all the vile language he had ever heard and much he had not heard before. The shouts of the men could be heard for quite a distance outside the jail and it became necessary to close all the windows in an effort to silence the terrible noise. Finally, the men became quiet after exhausting their supply of vituperation. The affair of last night was the biggest demonstration that has occurred since the I.W.W.’s began to fill the local jail. Sheriff Chittenden stated that is was absolutely necessary to handcuff the drunken Mexican as he is a veritable demon when under the influence of liquor. He fought the policemen all the way to jail and continued to fight within. The enraged Industrialists saw their opportunity to create a scene. With the unison of a series of college yells from an organized band of rooters, the I.W.W.’s cursed and fumed.
Bread and Water Diet.
As a result of the outbreak, which is a violation of the prison rules, Sheriff Chittenden announced last night that beginning this morning the eighty I.W.W.’s will be placed on a bread and water diet and also confined in total darkness. Commencing tonight, three guards, armed with sawed-off shotguns, will be stationed around the jail to prevent a possible jail delivery. During the first invasion of the Industrialists a few months ago, the sheriff discovered two places in the jail where the men had tried to escape by removing bricks from the wall and digging cement from the window sill with spoons. The next night, three armed guards were stationed around the jail and remained on guard every night for several weeks. When the men compromised the fight and agreed to leave the city and not return to renew the struggle, the guards were removed. They were not replaced and there was not intention of doing so until the riot of last night which cause the authorities to issue the order as a precautionary measure against a possible attempt to bring about a jail delivery.
Letter Reveals Plans.
Last night Sheriff Chittenden made public the letter written by John Murdock on Wednesday to Seattle. Murdock has set up the claim that forty additional men will fill the Fresno jail to overflowing and compel the authorities to build a stockade. Murdock explains that this will entail “more expense.” One of the statement made by the I.W.W. leader to headquarters is that “Fresno is liable to get a taste of the W.F.M. (meaning the Western Federation of Miners) as one of their members was beat up by a mob. Murdock says further: “If the miners come, Fresno is done, and done quickly.”
Murdock’s letter also states that “All men are to be arrested in the afternoon instead of nights, and we expect help from the north.” Sheriff Chittenden secured this information by intercepting a letter written by John Murdock in the jail Wednesday. The letter was handed to Day Jailor Ed Jones, who turned it over to the sheriff. All mail sent in and out of the jail is censored before leaving the hands of the sheriff or one of his deputies. The letter contains several sensational statements and serves to show the spirit of the I.W.W.’s. Before Murdock’s letter was mailed to Seattle the sheriff took a copy of it.
Murdock, reputed to be one of the most conservative leaders of the I.W.W. organization, is undoubtedly one of the most radical. When he was convicted of vagrancy by a jury in the police court two weeks ago, Murdock stated in the presence of Judge Briggs, Deputy District Attorney Curtin, Special Police Officer Henry Russell and a newspaper man that he was tired of the “whole affair and would be glad when it was all over.”
Murdock was sent to Fresno by the Seattle local. It was reported to the police that Murdock is to receive $2 per day for speaking on the streets of Fresno in the interests of the Industrialists.
After the first invasion of the I.W.W.’s had been stopped and fifty-six men had been released from jail on suspended sentences with the understanding that should they return to Fresno they would be compelled to serve ninety days in jail, Murdock arrived here and secured a permit from Chief Shaw to speak on the streets. At that time the city had no ordinance and the permit was merely a police regulation. Last Monday night the city trustees passed an ordinance against speaking on the streets. This is now in effect. Murdock was charged with vagrancy. He admitted that he had been arrested several times in other cities for disturbing the peace and vagrancy.
Doesn’t Support Wife.
According to Sheriff Chittenden, Murdock has a wife and family in Canada. Two of her sisters are supporting her and the children while the husband is in Fresno to help out the organization. Murdock’s letter in which he sets up the false claim of victory for the I.W.W.’s in their fight for free speech in order to entice more men here, is as follows:
“Just a few line to let you know I am still alive and how things are down here in Fresno’s jail. I am allowed one letter a week, so I have to go slow in order to cover any correspondence and I will have to ask you to show this to Bruce Rodgers. There are seventy-six I.W.W.’s inside and we have a few in camp and are holding together line. There is no discrimination made between us and other prisoners at this time, but the food is all a person can manage to get along on. THE CALL IS MORE MEN AND THE BATTLE IS OURS. I am sentenced to six months and Flagino the same. WE DON’T EXPECT TO GET MANY MORE MEN HERE BEFORE XMAS, BUT I THINK THEY WILL COME IN THEY TO BEAT THE BAND. FORTY MORE WILL FILL THE JAIL. THEY THEY WILL HAVE TO BUILD A STOCKADE (MORE EXPENSE), AND WE WILL HAVE THEM WHERE THE HAIR IS SHORT WHEN THEY DO THAT. We had Moore here but we don’t need him here yet, so he has gone to Los Angeles again to handle the trouble there. Please write and let me know how the election in the local comes out. There has been a hot time here up to the present time, but everything is quiet now. ALL MEN ARE TO BE ARRESTED IN THE AFTERNOONS INSTEAD OF NIGHT, AND WE EXPECT HELP FROM THE NORTH. Portland is ahead with members and Seattle is second. We have a good chance to keep clean in here and things are better than I expected. Tell all the boys hello for me and see if one of the boys of No. 432 has a couple of dollars that he would lend me until I get back from the fight. WHEN I LEAVE HERE I HAVE A THOUSAND MILES STARING ME IN THE FACE AND IT’S GOING TO BE HELL TO GET BACK BROKE. If anyone in Seattle is coming down tell them everything is dandy on the Santa Fe from Stockton, but to stay clear of the S. P. and to FORGET THEIR BOOKS. WE ARE GOING TO STICK IF THAT IS POSSIBLE. FRESNO IS LIABLE TO GET A TASTE OF THE W.F.M., AS ONE OF THEIR MEMBERS WAS BEAT UP BY THE MOB. If the miners come, Fresno is done and done quickly at that. We need publicity and we have a good committee on the outside. I wonder what’s the matter with the Worker and Solidarity, they have lost their tongues. Well, I’ll close hoping to hear from you and to see a few more of the Seattle boys here. I’ll close wishing a big success for the I.W.W.”
Want to Be Beaten.
During the past few days the Industrialists have violated the prison rules by loud talk and vulgar language. Every day the officers are dared to come within the tanks and beat up the men. The I.W.W.’s claim that during the fight for free speech in Spokane the policemen beat them and some of the men carry scars to prove their assertions. The I.W.W.’s point to these scars with pride and without a scar a man is not a hero. Hardly a day passes at the jail that the Industrialists do not talk dynamite. They constantly refer to the word and suggest open that what Fresno needs is a dose of dynamite.
City is Quiet.
No arrests were made yesterday and the city was quiet. No crowds gathered on the street corners and no I.W.W.’s were seen by the officers. Murdock’s letter states that all speaking is to be done in the afternoons instead of after dark. Three of the five I.W.W.’s arrested Wednesday afternoon at I and Mariposa streets by Patrolman George Masten yesterday appeared in the police court yesterday morning and pleaded not guilty to vagrancy. They demanded separate and immediate trials by jury. They were returned to jail in default of bail. Two of the five arrested began serving sentences of ninety days in jail yesterday. They were sent up on old commitments.
Frank H. Little, local organizer of the I.W.W.’s, was arrested yesterday by Patrolman Edward Bradley as the leader emerged from the private chambers of Police Judge Briggs, with whom he had been conferring as to the dates set for the trials of his fellow workers. Bradley took Little to jail, where he was charged with vagrancy. Last night, Little was one of the leaders in the demonstration within the jail.
Little has been arrested four times since the I.W.W.’s invaded Fresno. Two weeks ago he was acquitted of disturbing the peace by Judge Briggs, after he had waived a jury trial.
Hold Jail Meetings.
One of the methods pursued by the prisoners at the jail is to hold daily meetings. A temporary chairman and secretary are chosen and after a conference is held the chairman and secretary are discharged and equality reigns among the men until the next meeting is called, when another chairmen and secretary are chosen.
William Andreas, one of the leaders, was sentenced to six months in jail yesterday by Judge Briggs. Andreas was convicted of vagrancy by a jury in the police court Wednesday afternoon. After Andreas had been sentenced, Little was arrested and when the pair learned of the court’s decision and the arrest, they smiled and shook hands. Both were taken to jail and enroute they chatted and laughed over their good fortune.
Little stated that he would ask for a change of venue when his trial comes up. He pleaded not guilty to vagrancy later in the day and demanded an immediate hearing.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 24, 1910
quell i.w.w.’s with stream from fire engine
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Imprisoned Industrialists in Fanatical Rage Battle Against “Water Cure.”
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FINALLY SUBDUED; SAY WILL BE GOOD.
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Prisoners Hurl Back Rations and Start a Demonstration.
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As the result of a second hostile demonstration in two days on the part of eighty Industrial Workers of the World, a fire hose attached to engine No. 5 was brought into play at 6 o’clock last night at the jail. For twenty minutes the howling prisoners put up a frenzied but futile resistance, and were finally subdued. This method of enforcing discipline within the confines of the jail proved effective and half an hour later the men informed Sheriff Chittenden that they would respect prison rules in the future.
From early morning until 6:30 last night the I.W.W.’s stormed within the jail. The riot was continuous and the authorities were powerless in their efforts to quell the raving Industrialists.
One minute they were singing their “Red Flag” song and the next they were climbing up the bars of the “bull pen” cursing and fuming. Not content with all the strength their lungs afforded, the men rushed to the windows and hurled insulting remarks to men, women, and children who were passing through the court house park.
Riot Lasts All Day.
The second riot started at 8 o’clock yesterday morning when the trusties appeared at the bull pen with a quantity of bread and water. The obscene demonstration of Thursday night, when the eighty I.W.W.’s wilfully broke the jail rules, resulted in an order from Sheriff Chittenden to place the men on a bread and water diet.
When breakfast arrived the Industrialists rebelled and the sight of the loaves of bread and buckets of water fanned the flames of fury within them. As the bread passed in the men in a long line accepted the loaves. After all had been served the riot began. As if from a gattling gun the loaves were hurled at the trusties and Major Ed Jones, day jailer. In the afternoon at 4 o’clock the men were again offered bread and water but they refused to eat a bite and declared with a shower of oaths that they would starve to death before they would partake of a bite of bread.
Women Are Insulted.
At 5 o’clock, after singing all afternoon, the men broke loose with a torrent of vituperation. The terrific noise had served to attack about two hundred people around the jail. Through the windows the Industrialists continued their railing. The vile epithets could be heard for a block. Scores of women were insulted by the howling mob. The pleas and commands of the officers were to no avail, and at 5:30 o’clock Major Jones threatened the rioters with a drenching from the fire hose. The agitators defied him and the remainder of the deputies. As Jones was talking through the bars to the men one in the gang hurled a bucket of water into his face. Immediately there followed an obscene demonstration that has never been equaled in the history of the Fresno jail.
Rioters Fortify Bull Pen.
The rioters began piling their straw mattresses against the bars and within a few minutes an improvised fortress had been erected. As Jones turned a stream of water from a garden hose into the bull pen the mob howled with glee and continued to taunt and defy the officers. Heretofore this method has prove effective in enforcing discipline, but last evening the rioters were not to be stopped by a small stream of cold water.
Under the direction of Chief Wintemute and Assistant Baird, Clarence Goodrich, second assistant chief, and four firemen, rushed a line of new fire hose into the jail. As the stream was turned into the bull pen the rioter rushed to the front end and placed their shoulders against the straw mattresses. Armed with iron bars, the firemen shoved the mattresses to the floor and as the men ran toward the north end of the bull pen a stream of water two inches in diameter, under fifty pounds of pressure, was turned in the direction of the fleeing men.
The force of the water knocked them from their feet and as fast they arose from the cement floor the water knocked them down again. Finally a few of the men rescued a dozen mattresses from the water and hauled them to the far corners where the beds were used as a protection from the stream.
Raving Men “Give In.”
For twenty minutes the rioters withstood the drenching. Then they gave in, although for five minutes after the water had been shut off they quarreled among themselves as to the proper course to pursue. The majority prevailed on the others to give in, however, and peace was restored within the jail. One fellow who insisted that the Industrialists should not give in was smashed in the mouth and knocked to the floor by two others who were ready and anxious to surrender.
The twenty minutes had served to cool off the hot-blooded leaders, and as the eighty men waded up to their knees in cold water they began to give in. A few believed the drenching to be extremely humorous and a half dozen remarks coming from the bull pen caused the officers to laugh. One of the Industrialists was busily engaged in diving under the water with his hands in an effort to locate his shoes. As he conducted his search he began singing softly “Has Anyone Here Seen Kelly?” Another facetious fellow shouted “Come in, the water’s fine.” Still another asked Jailer Jones for a bit of pasteboard in other than he might post a sign, reading: “Notice. No Duck Shooting on This Lake.”
Beds Float on Water.
Later in the night the water was drained off. During the flooding of the bull pen the water was turned in all directions and eighty beds were floating about the big room. One man saved a pair of blankets from the “cloudburst,” but when his fellow workers saw him with a dry covering they rushed at him and tore the blanket into shreds. After the men had taken off their clothes and wrung the water out of them they held a conference.
At 7 o’clock a committee of three notified Sheriff Chittenden that they would behave like the other prisoners. The sheriff declared that he was ready to quit if the men were, so the announcement was made to them that beginning this morning the Indusrialists will again be served with the regular jail rations.
Square Meals Again.
Previous to Thursday night when the first obscene demonstration occurred, the I.W.W.’s were treated the same as the other prisoners. They received two meals a day and were not compelled to work. New clothes were furnished to the men who need them. When the prison rules were wilfully violated the rations were cut to bread and water, and tobacco and reading matter was refused them. When the demonstration occurred last night the men had not had anything to east since 4 o’clock Thursday afternoon. It was their own choice, however, as the rioters were offered bread twice yesterday.
This is the first time the fire department has been called out to quell a riot in Fresno. Although the engine was removed from the vicinity of the jail after the I.W.W.’s were cowed, the lined of fire hose was kept handy during the remainder of the night.
Guards Surround Jail.
Last night the jail was surrounded by three guards armed with sawed off shotguns. Several times yesterday it appeared as though the rioters would break out of jail. They beat against the walls and tugged at the bars for hours, at the same time shouting threats of dynamite and vituperation though the windows.
City is Very Quiet.
The city was peaceful yesterday. In the morning Patrolman Jim Cronkhite arrested John Whyte, an I.W.W., on a charge of vagrancy. Whyte had an I.W.W. card in his pocket and admitted proudly that he was a member of the organization. Frank Billings, one of the men arrested Tuesday afternoon while speaking at I and Mariposa streets, was arraigned in the police court yesterday. Following the example set by seventy-nine other Industrialists, Billings pleaded not guilty to vagrancy and demanded a separate and immediate trial before a jury. This is the first time Billings has been arrested, although a few days ago it was believed that he was under a suspended sentence of ninety days. No commitment could be found, however, so Billings was allowed to enter a plea.
According to John Murdock, one of the convicted leaders now serving six months in jail, no more Industrialists will arrive here until after the holidays when five hundred men will invade Fresno. Most of these are said to be coming from Spokane, Seattle and Portland.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 28, 1910
four industrialists defy city ordinance
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First Arrests for Breaking New Law—I.W.W.’s Talking Dynamite.
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Edward Bradley and Jim Cronkhite, local policemen, yesterday made the first arrests under the new city ordinance which prohibits speaking on the public streets without a permit. Four Industrial Workers of the World were lawbreakers. They were taken into custody at I and Mariposa streets. At the ail the men gave their names as E. Fisher, G. Prosser, E. Lernan and John Schmidt.
As the quartet entered the jail one of the men asked Jailer Ed Jones the location of the “bull pen” where the Industrialists are confined. When shown the place, the men greeted the prisoners with “Yours for the Revolution,” which seems to be the greeting. The eighty-three I.W.W.’s did not make any disturbance and after the four recruits were formally admitted to the bull-pen, they were surrounded by an interested and curious group who asked them dozens of questions regarding the situation on the outside.
Fisher, Prosser, Lernan and Schmidt informed the prisoners that many of the Industrialists who are coming to Fresno from Seattle and Portland are talking dynamite. The local jail is being guarded nightly by three guards armed with sawed-off shotguns. The authorities believe that the I.W.W.’s will resort to dynamite to avenge for their defeat at the hands of the law.
The Fresno Morning Republican
December 29, 1910
industrialists plead not guilty before judge briggs
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Five Are Arraigned in Police Court for Speaking on Streets.
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Woman Ruins Furniture and Carpets, Then Beats Up Landlady, Charge.
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Five members of the Industrial Workers of the World, accused of violating a city ordinance by speaking on the streets, appeared before Judge Briggs yesterday and pleaded not guilty. The men all demanded separate jury trials. They were remanded to jail in default of bail, but the judge did not set the date of their trials. The accused men gave their names as E. Fisher, G. Prosser, E. Lernan, John Schmidt and Albert Johnson. They were arrested by Patrolmen Cronkhite and Bradley on Tuesday for endeavoring to speak at the corner of I and Mariposa streets.
No attempts were made yesterday to speak on the streets by the members of the I.W.W. and at the jail everything was quiet.
Accused of Battery.
Mrs. Ethel Ayers, who was arrested on Tuesday on a warrant charging her with battery, appeared before Judge Briggs yesterday and pleaded not guilty to the charge. She was released on $50 bail.
Mrs. Ayers is accused of having beaten Mrs. G. F. Bodfish at her home on Q street when the latter asked her to leave the house. She was a roomer.
According to Mrs. Bodfish, the woman ground dirt and rock salt into the carpets and then took a nail and scratched up the furniture. When Mrs. Bodfish remonstrated with her, Mrs. Ayers struck her several times and then knocked her down.
Duck Case Dismissed.
The trial of C. A. Frank, accused of having more than 25 ducks in his possession at one time, was dismissed yesterday yesterday by Judge Graham because of a defective complaint. Judge Graham held that as one offense had been committed in this county and one offense had been committed in Merced County, there was a question of jurisdiction. The case was heard before a jury in Judge Briggs’ court room. W. D. Foote represented Frank while District Attorney Church and Deputy District Attorney Curtin prosecuted the case.
Held for Burglary.
P. Morillo and M. Morillo, two Mexicans who were caught in the act of taking shoes from a store on F street a few weeks ago, were given their preliminary examination yesterday before Judge Briggs. They were both held to answer to the superior court, their bonds being fixed at $1000 each.
Julio Lopez, who was arrested on Monday for assault with a deadly weapon, was fined $30 or sentenced to 30 days in jail yesterday by Judge Briggs, for carrying a concealed weapon. The charge of assault with a deadly weapon was dismissed owing to lack of evidence.
Frank Whalen, who was arrested on Tuesday night for begging on the streets, was sentenced to 10 days in jail yesterday by Judge Briggs. James Flynn and John Flegal, who were accosted by Whalen and who responded by knocking him down, were each fined five dollars for drunkenness.
The trial of Dr. Ming, the Chinese doctor, who is accused of practicing without a license, will be heard before Judge Briggs and a jury this morning.
The Fresno Morning Republican
January 1, 1911
i.w.w.’s establish two camps near here
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Organizer Little Appeals to Headquarters for Funds to Help Agitators.
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According to a letter written by Frank H. Little, local organizer of the Industrial Workers of the World, and published in the official organ at Spokane, the I.W.W.’s have established a camp of fifty men at Kingsburg. These men are camping on the banks of the Kings River, opposite Kingsburg. The site of the camp is in Kings county. In his letter, Organizer Little states that the fifty agitators are half-starving and without funds with which to purchase food. The residents of Kingsburg have complained to Sheriff Chittenden that the hen roosts of the town have been raided regularly of late or since the Industrialists established their camp. However, the men are out of the jurisdiction of the Fresno sheriff.
The other camp of the I.W.W.’s is in Madera county, just across the San Joaquin River from Herndon. There are about seventy-five men in this camp and the majority are without money. Little states in his letter that all of the boys are broke and if any of the Workers have spare change they should send it along to Fresno. Little makes the appeal that the Industrialists are in destitute circumstances because a mob of Fresno citizens drove them out of town and burned their tent, beds and food supplies.
The Fresno Morning Republican
January 3, 1911
james murdock, leader of i.w.w.’s, is ill
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Physician Called to Attend Him; Letter Says Boys Are Satisfied.
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Dr. Cowan was called to the jail last night to attend James Murdock, one of the leaders of the Industrial Workers of the World. Murdock is ill with an attack of throat trouble and before the arrival of the physician it was feared that he was suffering from diphtheria. However, Dr. Cowan said the trouble was tonsillitis, although an aggravated case. Murdock was given treatment and returned to the bull-pen. Murdock is one of the convicted leaders. He is serving six months for vagrancy.
According to a letter sent out from the bull-pen by Paul Schultz, one of the I.W.W.’s, the 85 inmates of that section of the jail are satisfied with their lot. Schultz yesterday wrote a letter to a fellow worker in Seattle. He signed it “Yours for the Revolution.” He states that the Industrialists in Seattle do not understand the position of the 85 in jail here.
Schultz says that the fellow workers are mistaken if they believe the local agitators will be victorious before the end of January, 1911. He says, in part: “Think of it. Here we are with 85 men and you expect these men to win a victory in a short time. No, fellow worker, this is going to be a long fight. We know that the city will have to give in if we, here in jail, stick together, but the fight will last a long time. It may be six months and possibly longer if the outsiders don’t do their duty. The boys are in good spirits and there is no discrimination in jail. This causes the boys to behave themselves.”
The Fresno Morning Republican
January 6, 1911
i.w.w. disciple declared insane
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John Mustian Insists on Telling the Judge That He “Ain’t Bugs.”
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“Judge, I ain’t bugs! Judge, I ain’t bugs!” cried out John Moustian, late of Wheatville, when Drs. Miller and Hopkins informed Judge Church yesterday afternoon that they would report that the disheveled subject of their medical examination be committed to the asylum at Stockton.
Moustian, who had been all-good nature during the examination, thereupon became obstreperous and it required the combined physical force of Deputy Sheriffs Henderson and Laird to overpower him and return him down stairs to the ward for insane.
Moustian is a native of Tennessee, aged 32, and has been two years in California. He is the prisoner who last Sunday in the jail stripped off his clothes and climbing upon the jail window bars made an I.W.W. speech, a believer in which organization he proclaimed himself to be, as he did again when interrogated by the physicians yesterday, though explaining that he had never formally joined the association.
It was made to appear that the unfortunate has been under treatment for epilepsy here and in San Francisco and his mental ailment was traced to hereditary and alcoholic predisposing causes. The doctors had their view of the case confirmed when Moustian himself acknowledged that three uncles on the maternal side and an aunt had been insane.
The only known living relative of the man is a brother, T. H. Moustian, of Paris, Tex. John laughed and joked immoderately with the physicians during the examination, but regarded as the joke of the season the announcement that he was being interrogated to be committed as a lunatic.
The Fresno Morning Republican
January 8, 1911
policeman arrests quartet of i.w.w.’s
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Four Jailed for Speaking on Public Streets; Now 88 in the Bull-Pen.
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Because they willfully violated the new city ordinance which prohibits speaking on the public streets, C. Jones, F. Kirk, H. G. Mapes and Leo Foster, who claim to be Industrialists, were arrested at I and Mariposa streets yesterday afternoon by Patrolman Jack Broad. A small crowd listened to the wild-eyed speeches of the red flag agitators. When the quartet was admitted to the bull-pen at the jail, they were greeted with “Yours for the Revolution” by the inmates. There are now eighty-eight I.W.W.’s in jail here.
The Fresno Morning Republican
January 9, 1911
i.w.w.’s in jail up to eighty-nine
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With the arrest yesterday afternoon of William Hanlon, an I.W.W., by Patrolman Enos, the total number of prisoners in the bull-pen at the jail was brought up to eighty-nine. Hanlon was arrested on Tulare street, near I, by the policeman. The Industrial worker had been agitating the red flag doctrines of the organization for a half hour. Some one telephoned to police headquarters and Patrolman Henry McCall was sent to the scene. Before his arrival, Enos put in an appearance at the corner and took Hanlon to jail.
The Fresno Morning Republican
January 11, 1911
fresno county jail is unsanitary report health officers
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Sheriff McSwain Says Addition Necessary to Accommodate Prisoners.
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Dr. Aiken Says I.W.W.’s Should be Put to Work on Streets.
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Sheriff McSwain yesterday called into consultation City Health Officer Aiken and Dr. Long, county health officer, for the purpose of ascertaining the sanitary conditions at the county jail. The physicians spent several hours at the jail and at the end of investigation it was announced by Sheriff McSwain that the matter will be taken up with the state board of health. It is also probable that the sheriff will appear before the supervisors and invite the members to inspect the jail and note the overcrowded condition. The new sheriff is of the opinion that an addition to the jail is absolutely necessary.
The investigation is the result of the annual clean-up which occurred last week. At that time Sheriff McSwain and his deputies searched every prisoner in the jail and inspected every cell. This investigation disclosed an unsanitary condition, and although the sheriff has held grave fears for the safety of his prisoners as far as their health is concerned, he was not satisfied with the investigation until he summoned Health Officers Aiken and Long to inspect the cells.
Dr. Aiken stated last night that conditions as he and Dr. Long found them at the jail are unsanitary and the health of more than 150 prisoners will be impaired unless more room is secured.
“Unless an addition to the jail is built in the near future, or the majority of the men are put to work, I fear an epidemic of some fatal disease will break out in the jail,” said Dr. Aiken. “Conditions as Dr. Long and I found them are very unsanitary. The so-called ‘bull-pen,’ where about ninety Industrial Workers of the World are confined, is entirely inadequate to accommodate so many men. Thirty men would be enough in that hole. Part of the ‘bull-pen’ is under ground and the only light the prisoners get is given through five small windows. There is little or no ventilation.
“Yes, I intend to take the matter up with the state board of health, if necessary, but I believe the problem can be solved in another way. This solution is to make every one of those I.W.W.’s work on the streets or at a rock-pile. As soon as they are put to work there will be no more trouble with these agitators. I can’t see why the taxpayers should be compelled to feed those lazy I.W.W.’s and board them also without getting anything in return. Those fellows are not looking for work, and that is the prescription to cure them of making so much trouble.
“However, the unsanitary condition at the jail is deplorable, and something must be done. If we cannot put those I.W.W.’s to work, then we must go to the expense of building an addition to the jail. There are about sixty-five more men in there than the accommodations will permit and make the conditions sanitary and safe.
“Dr. Long and I measured the ‘bull-pen,’ and found its dimensions 40×50 feet. And to think there are ninety men in that dark hole with little ventilation and very little light. In some of the cells in the hold-over tanks there are four prisoners. Unless something is done immediately, there will be an epidemic of disease.”
Yesterday three prisoners were sent to the hospital for treatment. All are suffering from bad colds and it is feared the cases will result in pneumonia. Among the patients is an I.W.W. During the past week five sick prisoners have been taken out of the jail.
The Fresno Morning Republican
January 13, 1911
four industrial workers in jail
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Four men, claiming to be members of the I.W.W. organization, were arrested last night at I and Mariposa streets. The men gave their names as William Love, Jack Mack, Albert Urban and Albert H. Johnson. They were booked at the jail for violating the city ordinance by Joe Enos, the arresting officer. The men gave their occupations as follows: Love, blacksmith; Mack, swithman; Urban, sailor; Johnson, salesman. Patrolman Enos found the I.W.W.’s on the street corner trying to speak. The arrest of the four brings the total number of Industrialists now in jail up to ninety-three. Ten of these are working in the park daily. H. Lefferts, one of the I.W.W.’s in the park, tried to escape yesterday, but was recaptured before he had gone a block.