Hon. Emmet D. Boyle
Tonopah, Octr.2, 1919.

Dear Gov:-
Owing to the inclement weather the meeting at the park to-day was only fair, and the talks of an abbreviated character. The report follows:

The chair: “Time and time again we have stated, that the money from the outside was sent for one purpose only, and that was to relieve any distress existing among the families in Tonopah. The comm., will use their best endeavors in disbursing this money. Last Sunday we learned of one man with 4 children being in distress, and that the children could not attend school due to the fact that they had no shoes. This case was relieved, and we learned that the man attended the dance hall and spent the money. “ (The chair., urged that especial care be exercised relative to the distribution of funds in order that the sums could be disbursed properly.)

Mr. Clifford: “They are trying to start another union as we have not enough. The Gov. would like to have one.

They called the late John Mitchell a labor Leader. I have always called him a Labor Misleader. He left $200,000 in stocks and bonds. What do you think of that for a labor unionist? Did he get that amount because he was true to his class? No!
Reference was again made to the Labor Conference in Washington, on the 5th inst. And that some of the greatest crooks, under the recommendation of the President had been appointed to represent the public, such as Gary and others. What kind of a representation is that?
The local situation here is unchanged. I understand they are going to have another meeting this afternoon, and try and get the craftsmen scab on themselves, under the same condition. They want them to sign a contract for a couple of years. They claim if they can do this the fellows in the ballpark cannot put a ban on the camp. But in this they are mistaken.
I do not belong to any organization, but the day is coming when I am going to lineup with some and the boss will not like the one I will line up with. Gov. Boyle will not recommend it. It will not be the one that he would suggest.

They are trying to get some of the men to go back to work, but I do not believe they will be successful. We have their confidence; they have ours. And we will stand with them. The Divide has got to go to work whether they like it or not on account of the fact that they are operation on the public’s money. “ (The speaker said owing to the bad weather he would curtail his remarks).

Herb Hard: “Mr. Clifford has given you an outline of the various rumors around town. We know that they are holding meeting in the Elk’s Hall but we do not know what the outcome will be. The craftsmen are showing a good spirit of solidarity. I believe they will stay with us. What they may do with the proposed new union remains to be seen. If we knew we would tell you about it. If we remain firm we will accomplish something.”

Mickey Sullivan: “This is where your interest lies, and this is where the battle is to be fought out.

You can see where the workers are turning in their red cards every day in the year.
The Gov. told you that he had a hard fight in Ely, but not in Virg. City, which is under the Meyers rule.

Every craftsmen is behind you, including the carpenters. They can’t get along without you no matter what union they are trying to organize. You want to join the union of your class, and not the union of your boss. That is why I am here to tell you.

The working class is the power, and they cannot break us. If this should become a scab camp, they will never make a town of it.

Lord says there’s nothing in the Divide. How does a man coming from Peoria know anything of the Divide? They have offered me 5000 shares of Divide stock, and money in return for the settlement of the strike. I know something of the Divide. What I want is the dollar a day.

This organization is behind every man who is out on the strike, with money and everything else. I do not know whether any families are in a bad fix or not, but I know that it will cost a little more for them to get by on owing to the cold weather.

Money has been promised from Butte. They have stated, if you desire any cash wire us, and you will get it. There’s plenty of money ahead to fight this battle. We are going to fight it to the bitter end. I don not care how many union they start we are still going to fight it. How can they get men to sink a shaft when it requires experienced men to do that kind of work? There’s not a scab but four, and one of them quit like a man and came up here.”

The chair: “The money sent here is hard earned money and sent for the purpose of buying food and other necessities, and is not intended for gambling. I again urge you to remember that fact so we will not be duped as we were before. The meeting will be held as usual tomorrow afternoon.”

Resp’ submitted,

Alfred Boyle.
Reporter.

Read More of Governor Boyle's Correspondence.