LaMont M. Bowers to Woodrow Wilson

Title

LaMont M. Bowers to Woodrow Wilson

Creator

Bowers, Lamont Montgomery, 1847-1941

Identifier

WWP18255

Date

1913 December 9

Source

Wilson Papers, Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia

Subject

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence

Text

Sir

Your favor of the 19th is at hand. In reply allow me to confirm what you have expressed as your view of the attitude of The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, in regard to its complying with the mining laws of the state. I wish, however, to say that for the past five years, under the present management, we have kept well in advance of all such laws and shall continue to better the conditions of our employes, whether there are such laws or not.
You also interpret correctly our position and our determination not to submit any matters that interest only the company and its employes, which can be satisfactorily adjusted between us, to the United Mine Workers of America, or to any representatives of that organization.
We are not opposed to arbitration, but favor it in principle, though we will not consent to arbitrate matters of conscience and morals, nor compromise with any man or group of men whose disregard for law and order expresses itself in the use of rifles and dynamite placed in the hands of ignorant bloodthirsty anarchists by the men who ask us to meet them or their representatives for the purpose of selecting mediators.
We are in perfect accord with your proposition to have a very thorough investigation of the whole matter. We agree with you, that it in some degree effects the whole country and an investigation by open-minded, impartial men is desirable to satisfy the public and clarify the issues of the three parties directly concerned, with which the public is interested, viz.:First. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, in its relations with its employes and its compliance with the mining laws of the state.
Second. The United Mine Workers of America, in calling the strike and forcing the miners from their work, by intimidation, assault, and murder.
Third. The Department of Labor, in its relations with the United Mine Workers of America, in calling the strike, and the evident official support during its progress.
I would like to inform you that we have all the miners that can be employed for some months to come. All we ask for now is protection of our men and property, which I am pleased to say, is being amply provided by the state. There are, however, several hundred men in and about the camps who boast that their guns are securely hidden from the militia and that they will use them in due time; that they are to remain on the ground until they win the strike and the mines are filled with union men. We are satisfied that more than two thousand guns are secreted in the mountains and that there is trouble enough ahead, unless the men responsible for the disorder in this state under indictment, are promptly tried and convicted and made to pay the penalty for their lawless acts by the proper authorities.

Respectfully yours,
LM Bowers

Original Format

Letter

To

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Temp00720.pdf

Citation

Bowers, Lamont Montgomery, 1847-1941, “LaMont M. Bowers to Woodrow Wilson,” 1913 December 9, WWP18255, First Year Wilson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.