The
Pinkerton Labor Spy
by
Morris Friedman

CHAPTER V.

NO. 42, A. W. GRATIAS.

Manager MacNeill openly violated his agreement with the W. F. of M. from the very start. He compelled his men to work ten and twelve hours a day, refused to increase their wages, and only reinstated such of his former employees as were willing to quit the union.

Mr. Moyer sent a committee to Mr. MacNeill to straighten matters out; but it met with signal failure, as Mr. MacNeill was absolutely immovable.

Another thing which created a very bitter feeling throughout the state was the refusal of the legislature to enact an eight-hour law. Both great political parties had the law in their platforms, and the people, by a majority of 46,000, had declared in favor of a constitutional amendment making eight hours a legal workday in mines and smelters. Yet Governor Peabody did not even mention the matter in his message to the legislature, and that body flatly ignored the wishes of a majority of the people of Colorado in deference to the orders of coal operators and the smelter trust.

The employees of the American Smelting & Refining Company at Denver, after this treachery of the legislature, sent a letter to General Manager Guiterman requesting an eight-hour day at all the smelting plants in Denver. The men said they would accept a reduction in wages, but they insisted on an eight-hour day. Mr. Guiterman refused the demands, which resulted in Mill & Smeltermen's Union No. 93 declaring a strike in July, 1903, on the Grant and Globe Smelters. Union No. 125, at Colorado City, at about the same time, declared a second strike on the Standard Mill.

As the smelter trust found no difficulty in procuring non-union labor, the Western Federation of Miners decided to cut off the supply of ore, and to this end ordered a general strike in the Cripple Creek district on August 10th. The order was obeyed with military promptitude, and the tie-up was complete.

We will for the present follow up the progress of the strike and the work of the Agency in Denver. The work of No. 42, who is the central figure of this chapter, is the more interesting because, to a great extent, he was working under the personal direction of Manager James McParland.

Shortly after the walk out at the Globe and Grant smelters, General Manager Guiterman applied to the Agency for a competent operative to fraternize with his striking employees, keep him informed and try to weaken the strike. The Agency said it was a hard matter to place an operative in a locality where a strike was in progress. Yet they would endeavor to comply with his request. The Agency chose for this work A. W. Gratias, known as No. 42.

When detailing him on this operation, the Agency did not think he would ever make good, and the only reason they sent No. 42 was that he had just got through with an operation for the Union Pacific Railroad, and no other operative was at liberty at the time.

No. 42 was an exceptionally bright operative, and quickly adapted himself to the situation. And so shrewdly did he conduct himself, that in a few weeks he was invited to join the union, and a short time after was an influential member.

The Agency was now in a position to render Mr. Guiterman good service, and Mr. McParland himself drew up the instructions for No. 42. To begin with, the operative was instructed to create trouble between the leaders of the union. This he accomplished, and soon the union was divided into a number of hostile camps, the operative being strictly neutral, which so strengthened his position with the men that he was in a short time elected recording secretary.

As secretary, the operative knew in advance everything the union intended to do, and as quickly as he learned something he communicated it to the Agency, and the latter to Mr. Guiterman. The operative was next instructed to agitate the question of strike benefits among the men, so that they would demand financial aid from the Western Federation of Miners, and he was also told to intrigue against some of the leaders, so that the union would expel them. The chiefs being out of the way, Mr. McParland hoped that the rank and file would call the strike off.

The following report of No. 42 will show how he endeavored to carry out these instructions:

Dear Sir:—

OPERATIVE NO. 42 REPORTS:

Denver, Colo., Tuesday, September 29th, 1903.

I reported at the office and received instructions to speak to the members of the smeltermen's union in a careful way, and try to make them believe they are entitled to some money or some benefits from the W. F. of M., to cause them to become dissatisfied, also to do what I can to get D. B. Smith out of the union.

I went to Globeville and visited nearly all of the saloons there. I found very little doing. I met Alden at Vogt's Saloon. Alden told me he met a man yesterday who wanted to go to work in the Globe Smelter. This party did not know Alden was a union man. Alden told him he was thinking of going to work himself. Alden said, "He told me to meet him this morning at 5.30, and we would go in together. The son of a gun did not show up this morning. If he had, I'd have fixed him so that he would be in the hospital now. I wanted to get him out alone, having had no chance at him yesterday."

At Predovich's place this evening I mixed with several of the boys. Frank McNamara was there. Policeman Malone spent an hour there, drinking and talking with the boys. Predovich called Malone out. They went out, talked for fifteen minutes, then came back. I do not know what they talked about.

I walked with Alden this evening. He told me that the Allen and Stewart combination, that are trying to get Smith out, are also trying to get him, Alden, out. Alden said, "I have done more for this union than any other man in it, and now this is what I get. I led that attack on the smelter on July 3rd. I made the watchman open the gate, and told him if he dared to blow that whistle I'd kill him. You bet he did not blow it. Mike Golden was with me. We went in the engine room, and it was Golden that pulled the whistle. Mike Golden is in California. They are looking for him, but he got away from them."

Alden is dissatisfied with the way things are run. He expected to get $2.50 a day, and as he is only getting $1.50 he is angry. He said, "If they try to run me out of this union, I'll make them feel sorry, if I have to kill a couple of them."

I discontinued at 9 P. M.

Yours respectfully, ..................

In the course of time the operative became so popular with the men that toward the end of the Fall, 1903, he was appointed chairman of the Relief Committee.

Mr. McParland now instructed the operative to make the bills for relief as large as possible, so as to drain the treasury of the Federation. The operative followed instructions so faithfully that the relief bills soon amounted to a little over a thousand dollars a week. He not only supplied the men with necessities, but even with luxuries and cash to spend.

The operative's extreme liberality endeared him to the men, who rewarded him by electing him president of the union. We now see the unique spectacle of a Pinkerton spy, under the direct orders of Manager McParland, as president of a Western Federation of Miners' local union, and directing a bitter strike against the smelter trust.

On his elevation to the presidency the operative did not relinquish his position on the relief committee, nor would the men have permitted him to do so, as they were perfectly satisfied with the way the operative squandered the money of the Federation.

In this way the strike dragged on for months, with no prospect of a settlement.

Along in May, 1904, some careless remarks of Mr. Dennis Sheedy, one of the directors of the smelting company, made the men believe that there was a spy in their midst, but the operative managed to lull these suspicions to sleep, and an investigation which was pending was dropped. The following report treats of this matter:

Dear Sir:—

OPERATIVE NO. 42 REPORTS:

Denver, Colo., Saturday, May 21st, 1904.

I went to Globeville this morning and spent the day at various saloons, mingling with the union men.

I overheard three men talking of the murder of private detective Gregory. They expressed great satisfaction that he was killed, and said his slayers were good union men, and will get more before they finish. One of these men was Charles Nyburg. I did not know the names of the other two.

I met T. R. Stuart this afternoon. He is one of the prominent members of the union. He worked in the smelter as a carpenter. Of late he has not been so active in union matters. He told me he came to Globeville to see how the union men are getting along. Stuart is a great Democrat. He said, "Well, we won the election; now, do you think the company is going to do anything?" I said, "No, I do not. I feel sure they are not going to do anything this summer. It is doubtful, in my mind, whether they will ever do anything, but if they do, it will be many months hence." Stuart said, "Well, I guess we will have to wait until next fall, and then we are going to win, because the State is going democratic by 20,000." I asked Stuart how the Globe Smelter is running, and he said he did not know, but from what he heard they are having a hard time to get and keep experienced men.

I saw Amos Shreve this evening, and talked with him about the leak in the union. Shreve said he did not positively know whether there was a leak or not. He said, "The men that brought this thing up, have only circumstantial evidence that someone is giving these things away. They have not said a thing that proved that we have a traitor in the union. Mr. Sheedy could very easily go to the First National Bank and there find out what our bills every week are." Shreve said he is beginning to believe it is all a mistake, and that there is no one in the union who is betraying them. We talked for some time, and I agreed with Shreve that it probably is all a mistake.

I called on B. P. Smith this evening at his residence. He had company, and I only stayed a little while. Our conversation was general, and in the presence of others.

I discontinued at 10.00 P. M.

Yours respectfully, .............

As the annual convention of the Western Federation was about to take place, the operative was instructed to become a delegate, if possible; and he was so well liked and trusted by the men, that he was almost unanimously elected to represent Millmen's Union No. 93.

The convention took place in Denver, and the operative, therefore, communicated the proceedings daily to the Agency, who sent them by special delivery to Manager Guiterman.

Strange though it may seem, the convention did not authorize a single murder, nor did it order the destruction of any property. The following two reports are a fair sample of the proceedings and deliberations of the convention, as seen by a wolf in sheep's clothing:

Dear Sir:—

OPERATIVE NO. 42 REPORTS:

Denver, Colo., Wednesday, June 1st, 1904.

I went to the W. F. of M. Convention this morning. Discussion was resumed of increasing the per capita tax to make the $300,000 fund mentioned in my report a few days ago. They debated on this all forenoon, and on opening this afternoon the resolution was voted down. A majority of the delegates voted for the resolution, but it requires a two-thirds vote to change the constitution of the Federation, and as there were not two-thirds who voted for it, it was lost. There was nothing important brought out in the discussion on this resolution. Those in favor claimed it would meet with more favor among the members to have the extra per capita tax than to have so many assessments as they now have. Those against claimed the members would complain against paying the increase, and a good many would probably leave the Federation when they learned the tax is raised.

This afternoon a resolution was introduced that a committee of three be sent to Cripple Creek to investigate the strike there and report to the convention how the situation stands at present, how the strike was conducted and how it was declared in the first place, and whether it was in conformity with the constitution of the W. F. of M. or not. It was then moved that before this resolution be entertained that the convention hear from the different delegates from Cripple Creek. Sherman Parker was the first man called on, but as it was 5.00 P. M. the convention adjourned and Parker will speak in the morning.

I went to Globeville and prepared the relief books for to-night's meeting, then went to the regular meeting of the Smeltermen's Union. There were 22 visiting delegates from the W. F. of M. Convention present, and 37 of the local members. The relief bills paid amounted to $347.60.

The following delegates spoke: W. F. Davis, A. G. Paul, W. A. Morgan and Sherman Parker, of Cripple Creek; I. H. Davis and Henry Gibson, from South Dakota; Garrison and Edwards, from Colorado City; Charles E. Maloney, C. P. Maloney, F. L. Rebar, W. T. Stoddard and Malcolm Gillis, from Butte, Montana; J. B. Fulber, of California; T. McGraff, of Wyoming; Stewart Forbes, of Telluride, and Lane, of Nevada.

The talk of these delegates took some time, though they all spoke on about the same lines, that is, they all flattered the Denver Smeltermen's Union on the record they have made in their strike. Some of the outside delegates said they were told that a less per cent, of the men of the D. S. U. have gone back to work than has ever been heard of before in any strike that has been out as long as the smeltermen have. Each delegate, before he finished his address, promised the smeltermen that the fight of the smeltermen in this strike was also their fight and the union he represents, and that they would stand by the Colorado Mine, Mill and Smeltermen in this eight-hour struggle to the end. Some told the smeltermen that whatever they do, don't give up the fight, and in the end they will win.

The delegates from Butte, Montana, who are representing the unions that have given the most money toward the support of the Colorado strikers, expressed very forcibly that they believed the strike here was just, that they were heart and soul with the strikers, and will continue to give them financial aid until the strike is won.

Malcolm Gillis, of Butte, Montana, made a good, strong speech, upheld President Moyer for the stand he has taken in the Colorado troubles, condemned Governor Peabody, although he, Gillis, is a Republican, and said, "Butte is with you to a man, and I want to say you are going to win. All I ask you to do is, stand together in the future as you have stood in the past."

Most of the outside delegates said they knew nothing of the strikes in Colorado, comparatively, until they arrived in Denver, but since attending the convention, they have learned considerable.

The visiting delegates left at 11.30 P. M., and our union adjourned immediately after.

I discontinued at 12.00 midnight.

Yours respectfully,

 

Denver, Colo., Thursday, June 2nd, 1904.

I went to the meeting of the W. F. of M. Convention to-day. The Cripple Creek strike was discussed this forenoon. Sherman Parker, of Cripple Creek, was the principal speaker of that district. He began by relating the condition in Colorado City in regard to the mill men there in the early part of 1903. He stated that the cause of the Colorado City strike was discrimination against the union men; that the Colorado City strike was the beginning of the present Cripple Creek strike. He said the Cripple Creek miners are not only fighting for eight hours for the mill men, but are fighting to maintain the present scale of wages. He explained that it was the intention of the mine owners to reduce the wages, and in order to do so, they realized that they would first have to drive the W. F. of M. out of the district. In explaining the present strike conditions in the district, Parker said there were between 3,000 and 3,500 men that went on strike, that at present there are from 000 to 1,000 men and their families getting relief from the W. F. of M. 800 union men are working on fair properties, and 300 of the union men that went on strike have gone back to work and are "scabbing" now.

Parker explained the conditions the miners are in at the present time. Not being familiar with mining at all, and as I could not write down anything while in the convention hall, it is imposible for me to remember enough to report on this fully. However, Parker and the other Cripple Creek delegates that followed him explained to the convention that the mine owners are in a very bad way, and are almost whipped to a certainty. Parker and his colleagues all said in concluding their remarks that they are going to win out in Cripple Creek whether the W. F. of M. stands by them or not.

The delegates, especially those from Butte, were much interested and repeatedly interrupted the speakers by asking them questions when they did not thoroughly understand.

A committee of three were appointed to go to Cripple Creek and investigate into the situation there and report back to the convention. R. E. Allen, H. C. Seaman and Malcolm Gillis composed the committee. They will leave on the 3.45 train this afternoon. Secretary Haywood asked that the Executive Board be given permission to select a member of the Cripple Creek delegation favorable to them to accompany this committee to Cripple Creek. The permission was given, and I learned later that Sherman Parker was selected.

A resolution was then introduced that a committee be sent to Telluride for the same purpose. It was then decided that they hear first from the Telluride delegates. They now adjourned for noon and resumed at 2 P. M.

The principal speaker from Telluride was Stewart Forbes. He went into the details that led up to the Telluride strike. He explained how the union men were treated by the authorities. He also explained that it was the mill men there that caused the strike. He said that the mines there were not working successfully with the scabs they have at present. He stated that 75 per cent, of the mill men have gone back and are scabbing. The Telluride delegates expressed themselves as the Cripple Creek delegates did, that they will win their strike, and if the W. F. of M. did not endorse it, they would fight it alone, and win it alone.

In the questioning following Forbes' remarks, it was brought out that a Mr. Cameron, an agent of the Smuggler Union Mining Company, went to Michigan and hired men to work in that company's mines; that Mr. Cameron told the men he hired that his company had nothing against the unions; that the men could join the union if they wished, and that the only trouble they had there was with the Italians, and they will never hire another Italian. He told the men they would not be scabbing if they went to work for his company. A delegate from Michigan stated he met Mr. Cameron there, that Cameron took 27 men with him from Michigan to Colorado. Among the 27 men was a man named John Junkgrist. Another delegate stated he met Junkgrist in Denver yesterday. Junkgrist just arrived from Telluride and is going to Michigan after more men. The delegates of Michigan were instructed to notify their unions to look out for this man.

Another man said he saw a man that is hiring men for Telluride. This party claimed the only trouble in Telluride is with the Italians there. The delegate then said. "This goes on to show the mine owners must be in a bad way in Telluride."

A delegate (I don't know his name nor where he is from) asked Forbes if he knew a man in Telluride by the name of Pat Harrigan. Forbes said he did. The delegate then asked if Harrigan was a Pinkerton detective. Forbes said he did not know. The delegate then said he knew Harrigan before he went to Telluride. He was then suspected of being a Pinkerton man, and since then, he, the delegate, has found out that Harrigan is a Pinkerton detective. Chairman Williams_ then informed the speaker that he was out of order, as this did not come up under the discussion of the Telluride strike situation. It was then decided that the Telluride matter be laid over until the committee from Cripple Creek return and make their report.

The committee on affiliation with the A. F. of L. then reported. As it was now adjournment time, it was moved that the discussion on affiliation with the A. F. of L. be taken up the first thing to-morrow. The convention then adjourned at 5.30 P. M.

Joe Mehelict, of Globeville, told me to-day that quite a number of the union men in Globeville have left to look for work. I asked how many, and he said he did not know; probably fifty or more.

I met Assistant Superintendent Gary this evening at 9 o'clock, and talked over my work with him, and received further instructions.

I discontinued at 10 P. M.

Yours respectfully, ..................

Shortly prior to the convention, Manager James McParland changed his instructions to the operative so far as the relief work was concerned.

The operative had reported that Secretary-Treasurer William D. Haywood of the Federation was objecting to the enormous weekly relief bills, and insisting that they be reduced. Manager McParland therefore instructed that the operative cut the relief down to an extent that would almost starve the strikers, and while doing this, to throw the blame on Secretary Haywood.

Mr. McParland no doubt felt this to be a master stroke of cunning.

Below we quote a report of No. 42 embodying these instructions from the Agency, and a statement from the operative that he would carry them out.

Dear Sir:—

OPERATIVE NO. 42 REPORTS:

Denver, Colo., Thursday, June 9th, 1904.

I reported in the office in the morning, then went to Globeville. I talked with a number of the union men and found them very quiet on the strike situation. The trouble in the Cripple Creek district is causing considerable comment. The militia and Citizens' Alliance were scared fiercely. Nick Kekick said the miners ought to all get together, arm themselves and go to the Cripple Creek district and run the militia out.

I went to Joe Mehelict and told him the instructions received from Haywood Monday evening. I told him that last night at the meeting. I told Malich and Smith, and Smith thought we should wait until next Wednesday before re-establishing the pickets, also that in the meantime Smith wanted to see Haywood, as he thought it unwise to do anything in Globeville on account of the trouble in Cripple Creek.

Mehelict listened attentively, then said: "Smith is afraid of getting arrested. I am not. I know what Smith wants to see Haywood for. He wants to persuade Haywood not to send the pickets out. Smith is afraid of sending them out."

Mehelict was in favor of sending the pickets out and was very angry at B. P. Smith, thinking that Smith did not want to send the pickets out. Mehelict later said that if it had not been for B. P. Smith, this strike would have been settled long ago. He said after the strike had been declared, Smith told the men the strike would last some time, and told them not to wait around here, but get out and find work elsewhere. Mehelict said the result was, all the good men left, and they had no one to do the picket work.

I met Steve Stucka this evening. He asked me if I thought the strike would be settled soon. I told him I heard nothing of a settlement or anything that would indicate a settlement; that the strike would last a long time yet, also that I believed the union will have to give up by next fall, if we did not win by that time.

Now, that the convention is over, I will again take personal charge of the relief work and will carry out the instructions I received from Mr. Cary about a week ago in regard to cutting down the relief as much as possible, so as to cause dissatisfaction, and get the men against the union.

I will put the blame for not giving the men more relief as much as I can on W. D. Haywood, by saying I am carrying out his instructions.

I discontinued at 9 P. M.

Yours respectfully, ..............

But Mr. McParland was mistaken. The men chose starvation and idleness rather than starvation wages for twelve hours work at the fiery furnaces of the smelters.

Month after month went by, and yet the men stayed out, until, wearied with the hopeless struggle, the union, after a two-year fight, called the strike off, and permitted its members to resume work. This defeat of the union was due, not so much to the work of No. 42 as to the occurrences in the Cripple Creek district during the closing months of 1903 and the summer of 1904.

Chapter VI. Birds Of A Feather Flock Together.