- Transcription
MANESS & ARMFIELD
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
CONCORD, N.C.
June 5, 1919.
Dear Bickett:
I read your proclamation on the subject of labor disputes with great interest, especially so as my sentiments exactly coincided with those expressed by you.
We have a deplorable situation here, and one that promises to grow worse. Still the matter could be settled in five minutes if the mills would confer with the Labor Union heads, and agree hereafter to confer with its committee before taking action.
I may be wrong in my forecast of the future; but I believe that the mill owners have failed to interpret the signs of the times. That the Labor Unions whether rightfully or wrongfully are here to stay and must be reckoned with.
My understanding is that Mr. Cannon takes a less determined view as to the policy the mill owners should adopt, and also that the other owners would in all probability follow any new lead of his.
It has occured to me that you personally might be able to convince Mr. Cannon of the advisability of agreeing merely to confer with the Union in case of future disagreements, especially as I recall Job reports one conference between even Jehovah and the Devil. If you decide to "butt in" make our home your headquarters, as Mrs. A. is great admirer of yours especially since your Wesley Chapel speech.
I took it upon myself to see a state leader of the Republicans here some weeks ago, and letting him know of course that I was acting purely on my own initiative, I suggested that he request the trustees of the Union that they nominate you as President of the Union. The scheme did not work, so I went away with a poor opinion of him as to broad-mindedness, and myself as to diplomacy.
I notice you have stated that you are not considering a candidacy for the Senate, so I suppose you will return to the practice of the law. Well it may become a delightful occupation, at least I have found it so during the past year and a half, during which time I have let my partners do all of the minor scrapping while I have done the studying.
If you think it wise to try to help us out here, call me up, or write and, if you consent, I will have a group of representative disinterested citizens, to petition you by wire to intervene. Personally, I am not affected, as the old adage that lawyer, doctors and buzzards live off the misfortunes of others is for me still making manifest its truth; but this will, so far as the public is concerned, soon be either a town full of unoccupied houses or a second Homestead, I do not know which.
With best wishes, always I am
Truly yours
Mr. T. W. Bickett,
Raleigh, N.C.
