Page:Songs of the Workers 15th Edition.djvu/70

 FELLOW WORKERS:

On the industrial battlefield of America there rages today one of the most sanguinary struggles that the world of labor has ever known. It is the age long struggle between the workers and the masters, quickened and intensified by awakening labor and the desire of the masters to crush forever, organized efforts of the workers to better their conditions.

Our previous appeals you have responded to generously, but perhaps you do not realize the stupendous task that confronts us. In Leavenworth we have more than a hundred members confined. In Omaha we have fifty or more to go to trial. In Kansas City, Kansas, thirty-six are to be tried. In Los Angeles the masters are demanding that fifteen more be sent to prison. In Sacramento and vicinity we have about a hundred, and there are hundreds more scattered throughout the country, all of whom must be defended.

Every dollar spent in the defense of these class war prisoners is a step toward Industrial Democracy. We are putting our case, our principles and our program before the workers of the world. The result will be beneficial to us. Let us make this the last time that it will be necessary to appeal for funds to fight our battle in the courts. We can do it. The powers that are crying for the blood of our fellow workers are the enemies of all workers.

We call upon you to do your utmost to help us raise funds. Protect yourself by protecting those who fight for you. Put your own name down for as large an amount as possible. Get your friends to contribute. Do not wait until it is too late. Do it today!

Contributors will receive receipt for each remittance. Make all Money Orders and Checks payable to William D. Haywood, Secretary, General Defense Committee, 1001 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois.