Today -100: June 1, 1914: Of tallying costs and playing football

The Colorado coal strike has a known death count of 66: 18 strikers, 10 mine guards, 19 scabs, 2 militiamen and various non-combatants, including the 12 children who died at Ludlow (historians estimate as high as 100). Costs from the strike include nearly $7 million for the union, millions for the coal companies, and $700,000 for the state militia. The strike is not over, but seems to be winding down.

Police in Tarrytown, NY, attack Wobblies & anarchists who came to denounce John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Afraid of attempts to pack their jails, a known IWW tactic, the police decide to “play football” with the activist instead of arresting them (after the first 15). “Playing football” means pretty much what it sounds like. The prisoners are charged with endangering the public health, blocking traffic and acting in a disorderly manner. Becky Edelson points out that the town doesn’t have any traffic to block.

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