Rival Labor Unions

1916

Copperhill, Tenn., Sept. 23. — Citizens and members of trade unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor today drove out of Copper Hill the principal leaders of a movement for strengthening organization of the Western Federation of Miners among employees of the Tennessee Copper Company and the Ducktown Sulphur, Copper and Iron Company. At the same time the companies discharged a number of employees said to be members of the Western federation.

Guy Miller of Denver, organizer for the Western federation was seized by a mob of about 200 men, taken to the outskirts of the town, whipped and ordered to leave. J. A. Jones, Miller's local assistant, was taken from his room in a hotel, marched through the streets and forced to swear he would leave town on the next train, which he did.

The western federation, it is claimed has been trying for several months to gain control of the local labor situation but is opposed by the United Mine Workers of America, who have been supported by what is said to be a majority of business men of the Tennessee Copper Field.