﻿Remember The Maine 
By T-BONE SLM 

Up to and prior to 1923 reports had been coming to the General Headquarters, from the Maine woods, that conditions in these woods were “very crude;” that the “down-east” lumberjack was being compelled to put up with a lot of nonsense on the part of the effete lumber companies in the State of Maine, in particular, and a plea was put forth for the help of the Industrial Workers of the World. 
The I. W. W. never was slow in responding to a call and in this case it lived up to its reputation. One of its most intrepid organizers was withdrawn from very important work and dispatched into the eastern woods with powers to bring about full and sufficient betterments to the woodsmen of New England; to make the woods safe for democracy once more— for it had been conceded the eastern lumber barons’ sense of proportion had been slipping and that conditions were rapidly approaching the rotten. Smallpox stragglers were coming to town endangering the health of the “more fortunate” citizens— and so, something had to be done. Our organizers were on the ground ready to aid the lumberjack in every way in his desires for certain very minor considerations at the hands of the log-hungry companies. Without, permit, for such things are unnecessary, the organizers went ahead, and started organizing openly and above board with a degree of success ghat was marvelous— thousands took out red cards voluntarily, conditions being so bad that there was nothing else to do. It has been proved a fact that men will not organize when conditions are good, even as a man will not cat when he isn’t hungry— it is necessity that drives men to organize and the I. W. W. has always been the favored organization in bringing relief to such men that suffered most. 
The better living conditions on the west coast v ere brought about by the I. W. W.— even our enemies concede this—and better living conditions will be brought about by this same organization on the cast coast—make a note of that. But the good citizens of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont can cooperate with the Industrial Workers of the World, if they so desire—and we ask it. 
On the other hand, the authorities seem to be disinclined to “give a hand” to the workers, in fact I have proof, in the form of clippings, that would seem to indicate they are not averse to using certain oppressive tactics against our organization. 
Such tactics, although they are often futile, causes the Wobblies to thrive. We need a little resistance now and then. 
We’re like a street car heater, we can not throw our best “heat” without “resistance coils.” In conclusion I will submit that it is the duty of every worker in New Englund to give every aid to the Lumber Workers Industrial Union No. 120—now organizing in the Maine woods. These hard-working lumberjacks are entitled to all they ask —they will not ask too much— they ask for food, comfort and better pay. Why not give them this and save a hell of a lot of trouble?  
As to the authorities, I wall say: Opening up the pest houses is no solution for scarlet fever and small pox—and, the arrest and conviction of Bob Pease only opens the debate.