Berger, Victor, 1913-06-06

Description:	Report to the National Committee of the Socialist Party, signed by Berger, Adolph Germer, and Eugene V. Debs, 6/6/1913. Says that they went to Charleston, West Virginia to investigate the strike situation in West Virginia pursuant to the request of the Socialist Party National Committee. Writes that from the moment of their arrival they were followed by the henchmen of the mine owners. Says that after several days of investigating conditions they decided to request a visit with Governor Henry Hatfield. Remarks that Henry Hatfield told the committee that he would only meet with Eugene V. Debs. Says that Henry Hatfield disclaimed responsibility for the declaration of martial law. Mentions that the only reason why it remained in effect after he took office was because the United Mine Workers of America wanted it to prevent its miners from being assaulted by the Baldwin-Feltz thugs. Says that he is trying to give the miners a square deal. Mentions that the day before Eugene V. Debs met with Henry Hatfield he had released John W. Brown, Fred Merrick, C. H. Boswell, W. K. Thompson, and George S. Parsons. Writes that Henry Hatfield at no time affirmed a conviction of the military commission. Says that Henry Hatfield said that the workers have a right to organize. Remarks that after Eugene V. Debs met with Henry Hatfield the rest of the investigative committee met with him. Says that Henry Hatfield has been wrongfully accused of wrongs that were committed by his predecessor, including the declaration of martial law and the imprisonment of Mother Jones, John W. Brown, and C. H. Boswell. Mentions that Henry Hatfields one transgression was the suppression of the socialist papers the SOCIALIST AND LABOR STAR and the ARGUS. Writes that the investigative committee visited Cabin Creek, Paint Creek, and New River, West Virginia. Remarks that the treatment of the miners in these districts has not been exaggerated. Mentions that houses and tens have been shot up indiscriminately. Writes that the occurences in West Virginia will be brought out by the Senate investigation now in progress. Says that the West Virginia legislature has all but abolished the mine guard system. Remarks that the miners of West Virginia have fought one of the bravest and bloodiest fights in the industrial history of this country. Mentions that the investigative committee sought to promote a better understanding between the Socialist Party and the United Mine Workers of America.
Origin:	1913-06-06
Source:	http://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/evdc/id/1178
Collection:	Eugene V. Debs Correspondence
Subjects:	Miners strikes West Virginia Mine Wars, W. Va., 1897-1921 Famous Hoosiers Labor

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