BOHEMIAN
r
I. ATTITUDES
A. Education
1. Secular
a. Slementary, Higher (High
School and College)
I A 1 a BCEBflAN
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 21, 1922.
m. mm J. pmr sisoted fcb ths third ma |
AS PHESIEEI^ CF THE CICERO SCHOOL BOARD -^
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IXirlng the regular meeting of the school board of Cicero, Illinois, our country- ^
man, Ur« Frank J. Petru, was installed for the third time to serve as a presi- ^
dent of the School Board, He received many gifts of flowers on that occasion* ^~
• • • • . ^1
I A 1 a BCEEMIAN «
I F 1 >•
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 5, 1922. "^
POLITICAL MATTERS ;g
o
All Czechoslovak voters of both sexes who are citizens of Cicero, Illinois ^
and who are interested in the progress of the public schools should go to the ;t5
polls next Saturday. Ihe voters should above all see to it that Mr. Frank J. '*^
Petru is re-elected president of the school bosu:^, Mr. Petru has served in
this capacity for two one-year terms and has proved himself to be the right
man for the right Job. Although the office of president of the school board
does not involve any salary, Mr. Petru, during the two years he served, de-
voted his time and energy to this office, ever mindful of the possibilities
to improve our school system. The results of his efforts are well known to all
our citizens and«,,.lt is desirable that Mr. Petru be re-elected.
I A 1 a BOHMIAN
I F 2
Dennl Hlasatel. Feb. 26, 1922.
A CALL TO THE CZECHOSLOVAK TAXPAYERS OF
CICERO AND VICINITY!
In view of the fact that the proposed pleui for the erection of four supple- 5
mentary high schools for Cicero, Illinois and vicinity was defeated at the -c:^
polls on February 4 by an ovenrtielming majority of votes, and further, be- F
cause we realize that the present J. Sterling Morton High School located on ^
Austin Boulevard needs an annex, we issue this call to all the voters of o
school district number 201, which includes the communities of Cicero, Berwyn, ^^
Stickney, and Lyons, to come to the polls on March 4 to cast their ballots ^
for the proposition that a bond issue of ^25,000 be permitted for the erection*^
of the necessary buildings which are to become an annex of the present
J. Sterling Morton High School.
The Executive Conmittee of the Cesko-Slovansky Poplatnicky Spolek v Cicero
(Czecho-Slavonic Taxpayers* Association of Cicero, Illinois).
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II A 1
I C
17
BOHELlLill
Dennf Hlasatel. Feb. 13, 1920.
R3P0HT OF C2L3CH MH^IBiR 07 SCHOOL BOARD
'Mr. James B. Rezny, a ^vell-knc3fwn Bohemian architect, at present a
member of the Chicago Board of Education, anno\inced that at the last
meeting of the Board of Education held '.';edne3day afternoon, it was
decided to make some improvements on the buildings of the Robert Bums
School, 2524 South Central Park .ivenue. The school is attended mostly
by children of Bohemian parentage. The expense shall not exceed the
sum of ^14,000,
I A 1 a BOHSMIAN
II D 1
III H Denni Hlasate l. Sept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C APPEAL TO CZECH AMERICA
/From the Cesko-^tniericka Mat ice
Skolska (Czech-American Central School Assoc iationjT"
I,
We all agree that the present tine is ominous and that, unless energetic
steps are taken at once, before long there will not be a trace of Czech
nationality remaining in America.
Czech associations feel most poignantly that this is slowly coniing to pass.
Members were easily ^ined in fonaer times, and several new ones were
inducted at almost every meeting. It takes several months, today, before
one single person can be induced to join. At closer observation it becomes
evident that more members withdravy than there are won.
Our aid societies and brotherhoods are, perhaps, the ivorst sufferers frr>^
II D 1
III
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I A 1 a - 2 - 3 0IIEMIA:T
Demii :ila3a tel, Sept. 9, 1910.
I G these conditions, '^ore than our Sokol and other organizations. This
cannot be denied, and there is no use vvithholdini^ the truth about it.
It is tine for action on our part to remedy these conditions.
One of the first steps necessary'' for the rescue t;ill, v/ithout question, be
the unification of all brotJieriioods. This rrier^-in;; of our aid societies is now
in prot.-ress and v;ill soon be accoiipllshel — 'hecause it must be accomplished.
The- creation of one mighty bodj' of aid societies is one of our first aims, for
it v/ill mean a finTi foundation for the Czech eleiient in ^unerica, and a pillar
of strenrjth for its perpetuation. Brotherhoodc , united, ■,«ri.ll be better able
to resist any onslaU;:jht of adverse circur.ist'-inces than sini^le, isolated units
ever could.
To attach independent brotherhoods to ths body — that is the second step toi/ard
a cure. If we ner/^, we have to do the ncr/.ln^ tliorouijlily. .je are the
American branch of the Czech nation, but divide! into parties, the Free Thought,
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHKMTAN
II D 1
III H Dennl laagatel . Sept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C the Catholic, and the Protestant. We should, at least in one point,
form one powerful whole. We should not attoznpt to unite Freethinkers,
Catholics, and Protestants while their camps are at variance with each other#
Such a union itould not be of any permanent value. It would fall apart at
the slightest impact •
A third remedy to prevent the disintegration of the Czech branch in America
will be found v/hen every Czech man and woman becomes a meiiiber of some aid
society, unless he or she is a member already. Any felloiv countryman of ours,
who chances to meet another, whom he does not knov/ to be a member of some
brotherhood, should askt
"Pardon me, my fellow countryman, for asking to what society you belong."
If the ansiver be "To none," then all power of persuasion should be used to
win a new member for one of the various groups. It is easy. Everybody
I A 1 a - 4 - B0H5MIi\N
II D 1
III H Dennl Hlaaatel . Sept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C should acloiowlod-je that our aid societies are laainstays of our Czech
schools hQrSf and of the perpetuation of Free Thour^t principles;
that they have raonif icaiitly supported oTory Czech national enterprise here,
and across the ocean; that they have laid one of the cornerstones for our
foremost national institution, the Czech National iUliance, If these
institutions become vjeak, if they totter and finally cruraple, it would mean
not only the downfall of Czech schools, in America, and of the Czech National
Alliance, hut of the Czech element altosether. Svery sincere Czech man and
■woman should, therefore, consider it a duty to become a member of some of our
Czech brotherhoods.
v/e should perform this national work for the sake of our forebears; this is the
kind of task which the Czech-^^merioan Central School Association urges us to
take upon our shoulders.
■o'-
In tines past, when new imriiisrants came to America in throngs, Czech schools
I A 1 a - 5 - BOESIvIIAIT
II D 1
III K Denni la asatel, 3ept. 9, 1913.
Ill G
I C vjere not in.-=?titii{iion3 of such tov/orin,; inportunce. In recent times,
lio'.vovor, no one frori the country districts in iJurope jpes to x^raerica,
Uuropean countries are even preparinj^ laws to restrict enicration. The Czech
schojls have remained the only fountain from which Czech-xjnerican public life
can draw its strength, its nev; v;orkers.
3*
This \mdeniable fact stands out as a v/aming to all Czech settls.ients that a
have no Gzecli schools. ^
./hat does it avail if Jzecli life surges in your settlement in iiiGhty streams j}?
and whirls today, if one of its two sources is dried up and the other is
damraed in by stones and clocijud by brushvjood and diist? How long viill it be
before tlie acciij.iulatad v/ater has rmi out, and both sources fail?
That first source is tiie iinraicration from 3ohemia. We are throu£^i as far
as its supply is concerned. That second source, choked and plutj^^ed up, consists
I .1 1 a - 6 - BOHEia.-iN
II D 1
III H Denni Ilia s at el , oept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C of o\ir children, born here, vrho have seen no Czech schools!
Does every one of you grasp now that, to Maintain the Czech branch in
.rjnerica, to preserve the results of Czecli activity in /jnerics;, it is y
absolutely ne-.'essary for every Czech settle.aent here to possess Czech li^
schools? Does every one understand that he is grossly at fault, -mo does p
not try everything in his power to support a v/ell-established and conducted ^.
Czech school in his settleinent? Do our associations coitiprehend, do our ^
Czech patriots know nov/? ?~,
%
"We hope that they understand, for we hear echoes in this direction fron 7
everywhere, and we are receiving dejnands for infonoation on how to found
Czech schools.
y/e hope that every one of our settlements v/ithout Czech schools will contact
the Czech-j-Lmerican Central L)Chool .i.ssociatio.i, Box 46, Little i'erry, New
Jersey. It will supply inforriation, and send an ore-anizer who will approach
la - 7 - BOHaMiaJ
II D 1
III H Denni lilasatel . Sept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C the public, speak on the mission of the Czech school, and put it on
a fiRi basis. Gur Associution vdll watch over the school, and see
that it perioriiis its duties properly.
It may becono a i.atter of expediency for the organizer to introduce improve-
ments in schools already existing.
Je recor.iienl that, before schools are opened ne::t school year, each settlement
call a public ^Meeting, by v;hich the hi^-hest possible attendance of the school
may be guaranteed.
"'/7e also advise that each settlement v/ith a Czech school form a committee,
which should speak to parents who do not send their children to the Czech
school. 'J?hose fathers and mothers should be admonished at least not to
detain their children from attending, for what sort of a Czech is it who
would not let his child frequent the Czech school already existing in his
la' - 8 - BOIISa^J
II D 1
III H Denni Hlasatel , oept, 9, 1913.
Ill G
I C settleriont?
I'Je reco inend to arrance for at least three public appearances per year, for
the;; are the best af-itators for parents and for pupils. They induce the
former to send their children to school, and stir the pride and incite the
arabition of the pupils. ..e enphasize the fact, that all pupils, even the
smallest, should be -:iven an opportuuity.
Je further counsel our schools to send us samples of work performed, and show
the inethods they use. This should be done at least every quarter of the
school yenr. It is obvious that vath the present state of affairs it is
impossible for certain coiuiunitioj to employ trained teachers. The Csech-
iOQericun Central School i^ssocintion has expert teucjiers available, v4io will
give advice and show the way to attain the best results.
Our school tends to prepare our youngsters for ineiabership in our brotherhoods
5«
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I ik 1 a - 9 - • BOI^mUT
II D 1
III II Denni Hlasatel , oept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C and other or^'anisations, ,ihen they cxovj up, they will have a
founda^:ion in the history of the Ci:ech people. They v;ill love
that nation, adhere to its v/ays, and proudlj' proclain allegiance to it, v-
Ovr pufpoge is to educate our adolescents so that they associate with f
/uaericans, and spread inforination ainons then re;:ardin,-^ the Czech nation and
its national aims. Cur youth will in this •■irscj be doin^^ more for the cause
of the Czechs than v;e ourselves could acconplish. This aim is sublime, and ^
difficult to attain, yot the possibility is here, if we do not economize ^
unduly, . .
Ila Zdar! (Success)
■-J
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
II F
17 Dennl Hlasatel . Jxine 27, 1918.
THE MSKIGOLD C22:CH SETTLEMENT
The settlers in Novy Tabor (The New Camp), knovm as the Marigold settlement,
have long been trying to obtain a schoolhouse. One site was foiind, on 18th
Street and Kildare Avenue, and was suitable for the purpose. Although it ;.'
had previously been used only as a brickyard, Burke, the owner, demanded an r^
exhorbitant price; and as a result the School Board was obliged to start 4
expropriation proceedings. The lower court not only ruled against Burke, but '^,
even set the price of the lot at fully six thousand dollars less than that ^
offered by the School Board, -^
John Toman, Alderman of the Thirty-fourth Ward, later appeared before the .^
School Board, where he was assured that, as Burke's appeal is likely to prove ^
futile, teaching will be begun next year.
School children will be enrolled in the lower grades; and the plan is to be
extended gradually until all classes are established.
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
III S
Denni Hlasatel . May 17, 1913.
CZECH CLUB AT IJNIV2S3ITy OF CHICAGO
There is only a small handful of Czech students at the University of Chicago, %
but they are all yoxing men who show p2x>per regard for the nationality of their ^
origin and are conscientiously doing their patriotic duty. They founded a F
club recently to establish contact with the American intelligentsia and make ^
them acquainted with our Czech ideals. so
"Czech Club" is the name of that body; R. A. Ginsburg is chainiian of its execu-
tive committee* He presents an interesting acooimt of its activities:
"Times change, says the proverb, and of this the best evidence is the growth of
our lately founded Club. Its full name is "Czech Club of the University of
Chicago", It is the center of Czech activities at the highest seat of learning
in Chicago*
The organization of the Club was initiated at the beginning of the last winter
CO
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I A 1 a - 2 - BOFffMTA]<r
III E
Dennl HLasatel , May 17, 1918,
semester, J. Horak giving the impulse. It has become a real necessity for -^
the small number of students to whom the lemguage of their fathers and mothers ?
is an object of reverence. Able management, combined with co-operation by -
the members, has helped the Club to attain the position in which it stands, r
regardless of its small membership; jTt laj a monument to the moral support ^
lent to the Czechs by intellectuals of other nationalities. o
"The first half year was devoted almost exclusively to mutual introductions, S
getting better acquainted, and foiming friendships. Gradually the foundations '-'^
were laid for attaining the ideals which the Club has accepted as its own.
Now that the officers are elected — A. French, president, Miss M. Janovslw^, vice-
president, E. Vorisek, secretary, and F. Hiha, treasurer— we can begin /^o work
fo^ the realization of those ideals.
"The first step taken was to make an appeal to the administration of the University,
and especially to its president, Harry Pratt Judson, well-known friend of the
Czech nation, to consent to the establishment of a course on the social, political.
I A 1 a - 3 - BOEEIJIAIJ
III E
Denni Hlasatel , May 17, 1918.
and economic history of Bohemia, A delegation consisting of Messrs. Zbytovsky,
Horak, and Riha was advised by President Judson's secretary to address itself ^
with its request to the director of the Department of History. Upon the 5
latter* s recommendation the petition would be sent to the board of professors ^
of history, the document bearing the signatures of students intending to enroll p
in the course. ^
so
o
"It became evident, however, that the continuance of a club with tendencies as •'~
advanced as ours was almost impossible without the approval of the professors' ^
council, the "faculty advisors". 'Je therefore decided last Friday to appeax ^
directly to President Judson. Should the president give his consent, that would
make the Czech Club the only one under the special aegis of the head of the
University, On the contrary, if the president should refuse, we shall appeal
to Professor S. Harper, head of the Slavonic Department and a close friend of
our political leader outside the boundaries of our old homeland, T, G. Masaryk.
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlaaatel. May 17, 1918,
III 2
"In order to establish more intensive and extensive contacts, we shall arrange
for a meeting on the evening of May 31, to which all Czech high-school graduates
who intend to continue their studies at the University will receive invitations,"
3>
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I A 1 a BOHSMIAN
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I G Denni Hlasatel. Apr. 20, 1918.
^^ITI-GEEMAN REACTION^
(Editorial)
The xiotorious "Six" of the Chicago School Board have not heeded the demands of
public opinion to remove the bust of the '•Iron Chancellor,** Bismarck, which :S:
has been disfiguring a public schoolhouse in the very heart of the Polish dis- 5
trict* In spite of the obstinacy of the Boeird, the springtime cleaning" is 3
making some progress in another direction. This is certainly highly gratify- ■"
ing: The executive committee of the Board vas compelled to dismiss a teacher ^
who has been setting a bad example with his disloyal remarks. This teacher o
flaunts his pro-Germanism. His name should have been stricken from the pay ^
roll long ago as an example and warning to other individuals of his ilk. ^
A steadily rising protest by citizens living on the North Side is becoming
more and more conspicuous. It is directed against German street names, of
which there are more than an abundance, indeed. The statue in Lincoln Park of
I
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I A 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
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I G Demii HLasatel. Apr. 20, 1918.
the great German poet also has not escaped outbursts of patriotic indigna-
tion. In brief, Chicago, as well as other American cities, has arrived at
the conclusion that German influence will have to be broken radically, at
last, and that everything tainted with the provocative Hun hue must uncondi-
tionally give way to Americanism.
German lust for expansion has been blowing air for years and is naturally reap-
ing the storm now. It is aost desirable that the "spring cleaning" be carried -^
out as thoroughly as possible—in fact, to the very foundations. ^
If the people of almost all the world are now taking the Teutons to account,
America must not dilly-dally. The three hairs on Bismarck's head may find
some enthusiastic admirers and defenders among the members of the Chicago S
School Board, but the latter will have to capitulate in the long run. The co
loyal populace of Chicago will see to that. C::
I A 1 a BOHailAN
I A 1 b
I A 3 Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 28, 1918.
CZ3CE NI'3HT CIuiSSES AT H/J?RI30N HIGH
Nisbt classes at Harrison Technical High School will be resumed next Monday.
All classes that were held in the first wesk of January will again be held,
and students who have already enrolled in them will not be required to pay :s
any registration fee. New classes will be offered upon demand, provided a 2
certain minLiium number of students enroll. 3
There will be instruction in shorthand, tsrpev/riting, bookkeeping, technical
sciences, and women's handwork. V/e wish to call particular attention to the o
classes in the Czech language to be held at Harrison High School, and we hope ro
that the number of students in these classes will be as large as possible. ro
I ^ 1 a BQH5MJUI\T
II B 1 C (1)
II B 1 a Denni Hlasatel , Dec. 9, 1917.
Ill S
C3:i:CII CIRCLS at E-JLRISON HIG-H 3C?i00L
Our Czech corrnnunity probably does not knovj that Carter Harrison High School
is attended yearly by more than one thousand girls and boys enrolled as
regular students, ^noni^ these there are many who are gifted v;ith various
talents. This was evident at the concert vrhich was fdven by the Czech
students* club Beseda (Circle) on December 5 of this year. The event
created a sensation and made many friends for the Czechs. The youn^^ amateur
artists feel gratified and encourap;ed to such a degree that they even speak o
of appearing before larger public audiences.
5D
CO
Therefore, it v;ill not be out-of-place if we attach a picture in vjhich some "^
of the foremost adepts of dancing, singing, and instrumental music can be
seen. Iliss Helen i^'rish, one of the best knovm students of the schoo], is of
Czech descent. She is the enthusiastic director of the si'.ging branch of
the Beseda. She renders the piano accompaniment for all musical events of
I K 1 a - 2 - EOHStlli^^
II B 1 c (1)
II B 1 a Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 9, 1917.
III 3 . *
the school. She r-ives piano lessons, but she is also a gifted actress.
The Harrison Pligh School Dramatic Glut selected her for the main role in the
li£:ht play "Getting; Sngaged," v/hich is to be ti^iven as the students' annual
theater performance on December 12 and 13. Other pupils of Czech descent
v;ho will take part in the performance are Messrs. Li. Ostcsna, 3. Jelinek,
F. Jindra, T, Besta, and Jan Klaus.
•X'
Miss ilorence Pola}r is undoubtedly the best singer of v;hom the Harrison High ^
School can boast. Her voice was magnificent in several Dvorak sonps at the 2
last concert. ^
Hiss Ivlilada Kraraetbauer is the third young lady seen in the picture. She "^
is a leader in the dancin™ group.
I A 1 a BOHSIvIIaIJ
II D 10
\ III D Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 2, 1917,
iiNNUAL REPORT
(Published by the Center of Hi^er Education)
The executive committee of the Matice Vyssiho Vzdelani (Center of Higher 2
2ducation) makes the following fourteenth annual report: ....The Center .^
was able to extend loans totaling 31,900 to thirteen students. Originally ;z
|2,725 was appropriated for eighteen students. In these serious times, -^
however, some of the young, ambitious men decided to give their services ^
to Uncle Sam and therefore relinquished the money offered to them, '^
The students were placed in schools in the following states: Nev/ York, 3;
Nebraska, 3; Iowa, 2; Missouri, 2; Illinois, Ohio, and Texas, 1 each.
The students are paying back their loans very conscientiously and are
highly satisfied with the system
o
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la - 2 - B0H3f.il IAN
II D 10
III D Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 2, 1917,
Our people should be more eager to buy national postal stamps, because by
doing so they fulfill a patriotic duty.
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CO
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I A 1 a BOISf/.rU^^
II R 1 b
Denni Hlasatel , June 19, 1917.
/CZECH IUGH SCliOOL STLDEKTSZ
(Sunimary)
The Hsrrison Technical High School Annual issued this year contains an
abundance of beautiful drav/ings, illustrations, and cartoons, the greater
part of vjhich v;ere done by students of Czech descent enrolled there
'iuj
— !
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
III A
IV Denni Hlasatel . June 15, 1917.
A GLARING DISPROPORTION
(Summary)
••••The majority of the residents of Cicero are Czechs, This was the keynote
of the speech ivhich Mr. Frank J. Fetru, newly elected member of the Cicero
school board, delivered at the last meeting of that body presided over by
Mr. Jan Slapak.
Mr. Petru said: "There are eleven schools in the town of Cicero with 123
school teachers. And now I should like to know why there is not one single school
teacher of Ozech descent. There are only two teachers of Polish descent.
Seventy- five per cent of Cicero voters are Czech*. ••"
The school board members knew no better answer than the excuse that Czech
teachers did not care for positions in Cicero. This iras refuted by lEr, Petru
who pointed out that a Czech teacher, Miss Marcella Cervenka, applied for one
of three positions open in Cicero but was not considered. ISr, Petru demanded
la - 2 - BOHiiltllAK
III A
IV Denni Hlasatel . June 15, 1917.
that soi.'iethinf; be done about these conditions v/hich have been the "stormy
petrel" of riany discussions. "There should be at least fifty school teachers
of Czech descent in this tovm...." he shouted v^ith resounding emphasis.
The other members of the board sat starinr; and v/ere evidently baffled. The
attending; citizens, hov/evor, rewarded I.ir. Petru v/ith roaring; applause.
m.
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel. June 11, 1917.
^^RADS SCHOOL GltiDUATIO^
Mr, Jan F. Slapak, president of the school board of Cicero, informs us
that 237 pupils graduated from the grammar schools this year. A large
percentage of them are of Czech descent*
I .i 1 a W V BGHSrvlLJT
III B 2
jenni lllasatel , i^^ay 15, 1917,
HOl^i^T .^a^IKST LIS,a:-5.J. OJ" SCHOCL T".^G;:Zf
An excited crov.d, conaioting jfiainly of Czech fathers and iiotlierb, protested
af-ainst tne disiaisbal of one of the touciiers in t::e General Custer School,
14th Street and Ca;: Park Avenue, Berv.yn, 111. The teacher in .;ueotion is
Liiss veisner, v.lio is of C2,ech descent. She has served in the Custer school
for over einht years, and is v,ell liked in the coirurranity. ^he has not been
reappointed for next year; to date the school board hc.s ..ot advanced a sin.jle
valid reason for her dis-.-iisiial. The ineetinf: resolved to do everything
possible to secure the reappointi.ient of i..iss „eisner.
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
I F 4
I F 5 Denni Hlasatel . Mar. 6, 1917.
EXPAND SCHOOLS IN CZECH SETTLEMENT
A new school is going to be built near Crawford Avenue between 17th and
19th Streets to relieve the congestion in Penn School on West 16th Street
and South Harding Avenue. The cost of the building is estimated at
$320, 000* The need of a new school in that district has long been
recognized, but nothing wa's done until Alderman John Toman took energetic
action to help the neighborhood which is strongly populated with Czechs.
The John Sprye School on West 24th Street and South Marshall Boulevard,
shall also be relieved of supemuraerous pupils by an appropriate addition.
Respective resolutions have been passed by the school board.
I A 1 a
II B 1 c
II B 1 b
(3)
Dennl Hlasrtel, Jan. 9, 1917,
BOHSIiiliU^
CZECHS -AMONG THE FIRST
The YI1C\ held a fair in its building, 3210 Arthington Street, a gift by
Rosenwald, during the days frora Dec, 29, 1916 to Jan, 1, 1917, T:^e
exhibition which stood imder the sign of "Crafts and Arts," brought many
samples of skill and talent before the eyes of the visitors, v;ho had come
in gr .at numbers, to ;vhich men prominent in their vocations contributed a
large contingent. The arrangement committee consisted of some members
most influential in the association, v;hich may be called the biggest of its
kind in the United States, Only objects of merit were placed on exhibition.
There were tv/o divisions: one for grammar and one for high schools. In the
former we did not encounter the v/ork of a single pupil of Czech descent by
either close or distant relationship. In the high school division, on the
1 a
II B 1 c
II B 1 b
(3)
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatjl, Jan. 9, 1917,
B0IIi21-.IrtlT
contrary, there were long rows of work done by Czech pupils and they were
being discussed with utmost interest. There was a printer's roller made
by Julius Bizik, of Crane High School which was awarded the second prize.
The first prize in the Carpenter's Section was won jointly by Josef
Prochazka, and Karel Luire. In the Patterns* Section it was Jan Stastny
who received the first prize.
Pupils of the C, H, Harrison High School, however, won the highest honors
iVmong these, Anton Coufal, of 3614 u, 26th Street, son of the well-knovm
choir director and light-opera conductor, distinguished himself by v/inning
tv/o prizes in the /irt Section, in viiich another Czech-/jnerican, J. Vopat,
came into prominence. We are giving these names to the public because by
doing 30 v;e are giving well-deserved publicity to the young men and a
stimulus for the further pursuit of their ambitious aims.
IV
I A 1 a BOHSaaAIT
Dennl HI as at el , Feb, 20, 1916,
imaS FROLI TI-E CHICAGO CCIIOOI, EO/PX)
J, A, Holpuch, T.lember of the School "Board Informs
Us That our tfork is not v:ithout Compensation —
Czech Folk Songs Are a Source for Good
in our Public School — Military
'• Drills in our Schools-
-^
Our School Census
i
CO
CD
JUT* Josef A, Holpuch, a member of the school board, yesterday told us that our
work in the interest of public schools and their teachers is nearing fruition, oi
Formerly, when we looked over the records of our schools devoted to the prepa-
ration of our youth for the teachers'prof ession, we v;ould find one or two
students with Czech names; now you will be confronted with a v:hole colui^n of
names of Czech parentage. These young women and men are devoting their full
school time to the proper preparation for a most honored profession — teaching.
I A 1 a "
IV
Denni Hlasatel, Feb. 20, 1916,
In the last half year records of our preparatory schools, we find to our great
joy these Czech namep listed as future teachers: Helen C, TXisek, I,!arie A. Kajek,
IZagdalena Marie Hitzler, Ap.na Teresie Kessler, Alice Antoinette Kopal, Jessie •£
J» Plhak, Anezka M. Polka, Helena M. Rezek, and Emilie A. Slama, ^
VJhen we consider the number of Czech candidates for teachers positions for only ^
a half-year, we must come to the conclusion that next year the registration of -o
students for the teaching profession will be much greater, and that circumstances o
will revert to our credit, i^
s
--4
We wish that our young men v;ould take a greater interest in the teaching pro- *'
fession, so that our men would have a larger representation among school teachers.
According to the records of the school board, entrance examinations to NorrnaJ.
College will be held on June S6 and 27,
Czech parents should make a note of this announcement, and should see to It that
I A 1 a - 3 _ BCimgiV?!
Derini Klasatel , Feb, 20, 1916, 5
children with a living: for the teachers* profession prepare themselves for those P
examinations, ^
O
At the same time, examinations for school princijals will be held. Examinations ^
for high school teachers will take place for the following subjects: Gorman, ^
Spanish, Latin, French, English, Social Fconomy, Physiology, and Health, Botany, e^
Zoology, ^hJ^sics, Chemistry, !vCathenatlcs, Bookkeeping, Photography, Iron moulding,
Black smithing, '..agon makin?, Machine making. Cabinet making and many other trades.
Teachers of all these subjects will be needed in both the high and grammar grades.
Teachers of German will be needed in the hir-h schools, and there also will be
needed teachers of Gymnastics in both high school and grammar grades, and parental
school teachers v;ill be sought.
Singing is taught in our piblic schools and special stress is laid upon folk songs;
not only American songs are taught, but attention directed to songs of other nations.
I A 1 a - 4 - E0H5?!IA2:
IV
Deiml HLasatel. Feb, 20, 1916.
^
3D
The Czech songs were poorly represerted, because we had vety few translations,
of which our Czech member of the Chicago school board, Josef A, Holpuch, was
we]l aware, and for that reason, a short time ago, v/hen he visited ITeiv York,
he bought a large number of copies of Czech national and folk songs, arranged ^
by the Reverend Vincence Pisek and published by the Schirmer Publishing ^
Company. These copies Ilr. Holpuch distributed among singing teachers, who
appreciate very much the helping hand these song books provide in the teaching
of the Czech songs.
Reverend Pisek* s compilation of Czech national and folk songs in an extraordinary
work from a musical standpoint; it is remarkable for its fine translation, which
we can describe as masterly.
For a very long time the Chicago school board busied itself trying to solve
the much debated question of boundaries between the schools at South Center
Park Avenue and 'Vest 25th Street (Burns), and that situated at South Ridgeway
Avenue and 31st Street (Oorkery).
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHSTilAIT
TJ
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb, 20, 1916.
These schools are built far from one another and there were instances where t^
large numbers of children who attended the last named school, had to waJ.k "^
eight or nire blocks. The long walks to school were very \inpleasant especially r^
In inclement weather, and therefore many complaints, v;hich of course were vjell ■«
founded, were registered with the school board, g
Co
At the last meeting of the Chicago school board, the much needed change was S
finally effected with the proper demarcation of boundary districts of the two ^
schools. The boundary line is the alley east of South Avers Avenue,
The Chicago Board of Education also decided to set up a playground bordering
the school at '.'.'est 21st Street and South California Avenue, by removing the last
obstacle: a tv;o-story brick house with a stone foundation at 2837 7,'est 21st Place,
This building v/as finally bought for *860, and will be m.oved in the shortest
possible time, so that work on the play-ground majr be started, which is to be
one of the best equipped and largest playgrounds v;here Czech children congregate.
I A 1 a - 6 - BOHEiaAN
IV
Denni EL a sat el , Feb, 20, 1916.
Referring to the question of play-grounds, another play-ground question was >•
settled at this board meeting. The Gary Public "^.chool has no play-ground, and "^
naturally the school board received many complaints from citizens Ijving in -^
the vicinity of the school which is at South Hidgeway Avenue and 'Jest 21st ^
Street, Because the school board has no vacant groimd in this locality, it 2
opened the rooms of the gymnasium to the citizens arid to the students during lo
the winter months for the fostering of games and sports which can be played C:^
in-doors; vdth the stipulation that if any damage to the building or apparatus '"
be incurred, those responsible would be held accountable.
Four hundred dollars v;as allowed by the Board to the managonent of the Carter
Harrison High School for a projector of colored pictures, and ^IIS for the
equipment of rooms which wjll house a branch of the pxiblic library. This
branch library will be the largest and best equipped of any in Chicago.
The Chicago Board of Education acted on the question of the teaching of mili-
tary tactics to the students of high schools. On this question, which has not
•
I A 1 a - 7 - B0H5I.!i;^T
r/
Denni Hlasatel , Feb, 20, 1916.
yet reached a deciding point school board members I.!r. Holpuch took the nepiative ,j^
stand. He believes that the training of the body is as essential to the well- p
being of students, as is the training of the mind; but he does not rf^comnend
military training now when the students are burdened with so many studies.
s
Compulsory militaiy training' proved itself very unpopular with the people of g
Bohemia, That unpopularity v;ould surely be manifested should we be forced l}i
to accept military training in onv public schools — especially so among the Czechs,
This stand taken by !.Cr. Holpuch seems to us to be the correct one, and we vdll
dismiss the question v;ithout further discussion.
The Chica/^o Board of ''ducatlon will begin taking the school census !.!arch 27, the
purpose of which is to ascertain the number of children living in Chicago of
school age. For this v;ork :;;38,000 has been appropriated.
I A 1 a BOHEl^IAN
Denni Hlasatel . Feb. 9, 1916.
IffiWS FROM OUR SCHOOL BOARD
Our Public Schools — Their Division into Districts
A very small Percentage of the Teachers are Czechs
Through the kindness of our Czech member of the school board, Mr, Josef A. ^
Eolpuch, we have received a very interesting booklet, which simply is an ^
address book of all of our public schools. F
We have often referred to the work of our school board in these columns r^?
with the greatest interest because, when calling attention to the work -
performed by the school board, we have also pointed out how the citizens'
taxes are paid. The Czechs are no small unit when it comes to the tax
problem.
The interest from these taxes should be reflected in the teaching of children '
sent to our public schools.
I A 1 a - 2 - BOmUlAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
Our greatest interest in the activities of our school board are centered
about the iMelfare of our Czech schools, or at least in schools attended by
pupils of Czech parentage.
V»e have brought forth these reports to acquaint the Czech public with the
work of the school board for our free schools, and also to keep our country-
men informed concerning the teachers to whom we have entrusted our children.
5
Mr. Josef a. Holpuch, our member of the Chicago school board, has always £J
been helpful to us, and it pleased hijn when the Czechs showed an interest ^
in the affairs of our schools, which Interest should not lag among us. 2
Lately, we published an account of the number of public schools in Chicago, ^
to which report we now refer because of the interest we Czechs should have '""
in matters concerning our public school system.
As we have previously announced, there are twenty4>three high schools and
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
277 grammar schools in Chicago. These schools are divided into tv^o separate
districts.
The first district is controlled by committees of the school board. The
second district is controlled by school superintendents.
In both instances we will take notice only of those districts where children
of Czech parentage predominate. According to a report of the school board
coLiraittee, there are twenty- four such districts. To us Czechs, the sixth
and eighth are of the greatest concern.
In both of these districts, our self-sacrificing Czech worker, Mr. Josef A.
Holpuch, holds a committee membership.
The sixth district comprises these schools: Beidler, Bryant, Byford, Calhoun,
Chalmers, Emerson, Emmet, Ericson, Hayes, Howe, Key, Lawson, Marshall, May,
Morse, Nash, Ryerson, Shepard, Spencer, Sumner, Tennyson, and Tilton,
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
These schools are in the eighth district: Albany Avenue, Burns, Chicago and
Cook County School for Boys, Clarice, Cooper, Corkery, Farregut, Froebel,
Gary, Haiiuaond, Herzl, Howland, Jirka, McCornick, Medill, Nineteenth Street,
Penn, Pickard, Plaraondon, Rogers, Smyth, Spry, V.liitney, and Vliittier.
For us, the most notable district is the sixth, under Or, Lav.Ty's direction;
he is the superintendent and inspector of the follov^ing schools: Albany
Avenue, Bryant, Burns, Chicago and Cook County School for Boys, Cooper,
Corkery, Farragut, Froebel, Hanaond, Herzl, Howland, Jirka, Jungman, Komen-
sky, Lawson, Nineteenth Street, Penn, Pickard, Plamondon, Spry, Sumner,
Troop, and Whittier. The high schools under lir. Lawrey's direction are
Crane Technical and Harrison Technical.
IVhen looking over the reports relative to individual schools , we find that
our countrymen in the positions as principals are poorly represented, and
the small number of them does not reflect much credit on Czechs.
5
se-
es
CO
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
The principal of the Goodrich School is our countryman, Mr. Karel J. Lunak;
at the Herzl School is Mr. Jaroslav J. Zmrhal; at the Riis School, Miss
Cecilie B. Schimek, and in the West Pullman School, Miss A. Pest is superin-
tendent. All these principals preside in grammar schools.
The assistant principals are: l^iss Clara Bednar, at Parker High School;
Mr. Frantisek A. Fucik, at the Harrison Technical High School; Kiss Anna
L. Jilek, at the Herzl High School, and Miss Z. Anna Kovotny, at the McCor-
mick High School in Oak Park, Illinois.
The following young men and women are teachers at Chicago schools during
the 1915 and 1916 semesters: 'William Baumrucker, Crane Technical; Lucy A.
Blaha, Dante; Jaroslav Bohac, Goodrich; Josef Cermak, Medill; Marie S.
Oizcovska, Farragut; Alzbeta Dirschmidt, Parental; Minnie Doubek, Carpenter;
August R. Fischer, Phillips; Josef V. Fucik, Manual Training; Berta Hynek-
Waska, Penn; Pavla A. Kacin, Hancock; Anna Kalin-Dvorak, Jirka; Berta Karelia,
Farragut; Karolina A. Kerner, Whitney, in Cicero, Illinois; Josef ina Kleisner,
I A 1 a - 6 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
Plamondon; Florence J. Klepac, Spry; Ruzena B. Klicka, Herzl; Virglnle J,
Kohout, Shepard; M. V. Kotalova, Raster; Ruzena Kudrna, Herzl; Karel E.
Lang, Manual Training; Libbie K, Lang, Nobel; Josef ina K. Liska, Herzl;
Ruzena Loeffler, Herzl; Augustina T. Lonek, Haugan; A. N. Lurie, Tilden;
Grace C. Machacek, Otis; Marie A. Nechvatal, Agassiz; J. V. Nigrin, Harri-
son Technical High; Katerina Kovotny, Manual Training; J. G. Palka, Farra- —
gut; Josef ina Pecha, Jungmann; Frantisek Pecival, Englewood High; H. S. ^
Pisacka, McCormick; Enima S. Pribyl, Shepard; Karel J. Prochaska and Ifarie ^,
I. Purer, La Fayette; Rudolf C. Rada, Lane; Helena C. Reindl, Spry; Melissa p
3. Shabeck, Bryant; M. M. Skobisova, R. C. Sladkova, Hammond; F. B. Slepicka, ^
iJlanual Training; Marie Soukup, Herzl; Anna K. Stoch, Harrison; F. H, Stodola, g
Prescott; J. Stritesky, Harrison Technical High; Karolina Turek and May
Louisa A. Turek, Penn; Josefina Urban, Stowe; Ruzena M. Vanicek, Lawson; Anna
J. Vavrinek, Marshall; and Robert Zika, Englewood High. ^
If we consider the large number of pupils in our schools and the number of
teachers, we must come to the conclusion that the number of Czech teachers
CO
cr
I A 1 a - 7 - BOHTSTtfTAl^^
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
in the Chicago schools is indeed small, IVhy it is so is an enigma. And
we are surprised that our younp; people, especially our young girls, do not
take up teaching as a profession, which is a calling reflecting honor upon
those who take it up~ana further it pays well.
There are many positions open for good, conscientious teachers. There are *
schools where Czech teachers \.ould be welcomed. When we speak of this 5
matter, we do not speak of it without due consideration for the effect which '^
it may have upon our young students, and we call attention to this phase of rj
our Czech life because of actual experience, -r>
CD
For this reason, we have written this report, vjhich is primarily designed as oo
an encouragement to our Czech -American youth, who should comprehend and ad- ^
mit that our Chicago public schools need a reorganization of the teaching *^
force. Our schools should be released from the grip of elements which try
to hold control over them.
t
I A 1 a - 8 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
The Chicago Czech youth should take it upon itself to prove that what the
children can do whose parents proudly proclaim their origin from Saint
Patrick j/lrish7 they too can do, and with even greater success.
The larger the number of teachers which we will be able to place into our
public schools, the more intellie^ence we will be able to reflect as a nation- ^
al group; this will have its repercussions upon the opinions of our foreign *-
elements, and also upon our American public, whose opinions we value most. p
t —
:c
c:
k_
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
I A 1 b
III H Dennl Hlasatel , Jan, 16, 1916.
NEWS FROM OHE "CESKA GALIFOKNIA"
The Bohemian Section of the Harrison Technical High School ^
/••Ceska California" (Bohemian California) is the name which the Czechs have ^
given to the Lawndale district of Chicago^ r^
-o
On Monday, January 10, Mr. E. S. Vraz, a friend of our School, a renowned 3
traveler and president of the Americka Narodni Rada (i^merican National -^
Council), visited us for the purpose of delivering a lecture to the pupils of ^
the Czech section of the Harrison Technical High School on the natural beauties *^
and the architectural monuments of Bohemia. In order that all the two hundred
Czech students of the seven grades might attend the lecture in the small hall
assigned to us, in which a color-reproducing machine throws the pictures on a
screen In colors, it was necessary for Mr. Vraz to repeat the lecture four times.
It was no doubt a difficult task for the lecturer; but without doubt it brought
its rich reward, as might have been expected.
2
I A 1 a - 2 - BQETTOTAN
I A 1 b
III H Denni Hlasatel , Jan. 16, 1916.
The ardent words of the speaker, reinforced by sixty brightly lighted color
photos showing the beauties of Bohemia and the monuments of our splendor and
our great past, imbued our students with a pride that could not be disguised. ^
These word-pictures of the speaker, along with the color pictures, showed the p
students that they are descendants of a nation of great renown, for which GiOd ^
willing, even now a great future is in store. si
The lecture was attended by many Bohemian students who do not study the Bohemian ^
language, and therefore we may say that the lecture strenghtened the race-con- ^
sciousness of the Bohemian students and awakened in those uriio are not studying
Bohemian a livelier interest in the work of the Bohemian section.
The interest in this lecture was so intense that I will try to have an illustrated
lecture every semester. One will be about the natural beauty of Bohemia; another
will give an account of the nation* s music; and a third describe its art. Surely,
in that way, understanding of Bohemian culture and love for it will be aroused.
J. V. Nlgrln, teacher of Bohemian
1 a BOl£i.-l/iN
I A 1 C
Dennl laasatel , Oct. 28, 1915.
C'EC^GO dC'IOOL SYSTii.l
Chicago school affairs have been given greater attention by the general
public in recaat times than ev ? before. This attention has been fnlly
justified. No other department of city or state adinini strati on is of greater %
importance than tne schools. But the majority of citizens pay no attention '^
to sucii matters except when something extraordinary is happening, vmen there p
is a disagreeraent between the School Board members, or soae more serious -^
difference betv;een the Board and the school superintendent. S
Recent cases in point are tne decision of the Chicago Board of Education
to destroy tue Teachers' Feder-ition, and the news about the resign-^tion of
the present school superintendent, i-irs. lillla Flagg Young.
The first affair has caused a great deal of excitement because the Board
was accused of trying to destroy an important organisation which the
teachers had founded for tneir own protection, and in the defense of which
t>0
I A 1 a - S - BOiijIi»ii^)N
i A 1 C
Dennl Jlasatel . Oct. 28, 1915.
they have received strong support from the Chicago Federation of Labor. This
dispute will have to be decided by tne courts. It involves tho principle as
to whether or not the Chicago Board of Iducition has the right to tell the
teachers to which organ ir^at ions they may or nay not belong.
•o
The question of Lirs. Toung's position has been a sore spot in the Chicago
school situation for years, a year ego the School Board elected another
superintendent to replace i.irs. Young, but she stayed in office because of
the Layor's intervention, and the strong pressure of women's organizations ^
and the Snclish-languaje press. IText December, when another election will '
be held by the School Board, Mrs. illla Flagg Young, as she has stated, will
not be a candidate. The School Board accuses her of assuming rights belong-
ing exclusively to then, and, in general, of tryinc to run the scnools and
everytaing in connection with them, herself, ^.s it is, nobody can deny
ilrs. Young*." great ability, and her reputation among educators is well
known and fully recognized. But the Chicago schools have suffered be-
cause she could not get along with the Board. Therefore, her resignation
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 o
Dennl Hlasatel. Oct. 28, 1915.
will be an advantage, but the Board will put the lAiole school system in a
worse condition than it has been during Mrs. Young's superintendency if
it fails to elect a man of real abilities, both as educator and as executire.
The superintendent of schools in Chicago receives, out of the ta3cpayer»8 f,
money, ten thousand dollars a year as salary, a very decent sum and more than
is being paid to many a man whose office is considered, although often wrongly,
of much greater importance. However, it is not the highest salary paid to
school experts in the ttoited States. Our large cities are always trying to
engage the services of the very best educators, as is evident In New York,
irtiere, in addition to a full-time superintendent, Mr. Wirt of Gary, Indiana
has been engaged. He devotes to the New York schools hardly one third of
the time spent on Chicago schools by our superintendent, although he, too,
receives ten thousand dollars for his services. iUid New York has yet another
expert who gets ten thousand a year. It is New York's endeavor to develop
as perfect a school system as possible no matter what it costs.
j»-
f>6
^ 1 a - 4 - B0Hii..I.v['4
I A 1 c
I/9cnl H.lasatel , Oct. E8, iyi5.
But the superintendent is not the only person on v/hoir tne succes'? of the
school syster depends. There is also the school bonrd, which in reality
is never what it should be. ^Jid this applies to Chicago as well as to any
other large city, and, for thet matter, to the small ones, also, v;here the
members are elected directly by the citizens. The appointment of scnool ^
board members in Chicago, is a matter of politics, and the office is con- »
sidered c p-irt of politicaJ spoils. Small wonder, tnen, th-it these im- "^
portant offices are not always filled by men of real ability and sincere JJ
interest in schools and educational matters in generalo tj
o
Iviany proposals have been made lately to remedy this situation. One of co
them calls for a board of a smaller number of members, v/ho would be full- ^
time officials with a fixed salary, ijiother ides frequently propounded is
to take SiViay from the mayor the opportunity to barter witn such offices.
But it is not to be expected t.iat either of these proposals will be adopted,
even though the idea of a smaller boara has been very v;ide]y recomr,;3nded«
Lany cities v;.iich formerly had large sc.iool boards have come to the con-
cr
I A 1 a - 5 - BCHEtOAN
I A 1 C
Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 28, 1915,
elusion that large boax>ds are impractical and have changed their inert, slow-
moving boards to a small board of a few members, and in that way have improved
their efficiency. The Chicago Board of Education consists of twenty-one
members; this, in the opinion of many people, is too large a body, and cannot
work as well as a smaller one. Whether such a change would be for the better
would depend entirely upon the quality of men who held these important offices.
Nor is it certain that more able men would get on the Board if they were to
receive regular salaries. Of course, it is true that in that case many really
able men could afford to take the office who cannot do so now when it is an
honorary function. But it does not follow that such men would be appointed;
in fact, it is even more likely that these offices would be considered a most
desirable bartering subject for politicieuis.
However, this is neither here nor there. The fact remains that the Chicago
school system is in bad need of reform, and that Chicago citizens could
bring it about if they would show at least as much interest in school
la - 6 — IjoKiiilrtlJ
I A 1 c
Denni iilHS^tel , Get, 28, 1915.
r.-atters as they show in other public affairs. Tney should not forget that
the education of sore three h"nrired and fifty tuous-j.nd children is in the
hands of the i3uperinter)dort and the BCird, that over sixty-five million
dollars is invested in Ghica^j;o sc'\ool proper+les, rxr.d that the r'mi'ing of
Chicaso sciooln costs trirteen million dollars a y3ar. If all this were
receiving the proj.er consideration, and if Chio^GO citi?;ens would pay more
attention to their school r.atters, the desirable refonri v/ould certainly be
brou.^ht abort.
so
k
ro
cr
I A 1 a BOITililAN
I D 2 c
I B 5 b Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 11, 1915.
LEATE YOUR GHILDR"5T: IN SCHOOL!
(3ditorial)
A v.eeic ago today v.e devoted an editorial to the betTinninj^ of the school year ;
and to the children attending: elementary public schools. In addition we
dealt also v.ith the children's parents. Today v;e turn to the schools acain, J
but this time it is not public schools, but colleges and other institutions
of learning v.hose school year has yet to begin. By doing so v-e should like c
to remind the Boheraan parents v.hose children ^rraduated froiu public schools oj.
last year, thut their duty is not limited to sending their children to school ^
for those fev. ye; rs required by the law, but that it extends further. They *^
should, if possible, give their children an opportunity to acnuire the best
and the Liost co.iiplete education v.ithin their reach.
VJe are living in a period v.hich itself is br.sed on educrition v.hich makes
requirements of a na^nitude v.hich none of us could have dreained of some
r
1..
I A 1 a - 2 - 30Ha.!IAN
I D 2 c
I B 3 b Dennl Hlasatel . 3ept. 11, 1915.
years af^o. This, however, is not surorising if we consider th^t there is
an abundance of hurian intellect for nny brancri of endeavor, and that the '
degree to v/hich one is qualified determines his or her ability to vie with
one*s competitiors. This applies p.lso in occupations where it is least
expected. Exoeriences not only in America but in the old country as well, :$■ |
support this stateraent. V/e Icnow that such vacancies as that of a vill^age 5 1
policemen or ni^ht watchman have been filled in various "Vystrkovy" /a name -_.
given to unimport'^-nt small places, comparable to "Podunk," or simila^/ .~
by men of real education and intelligence — even university men v.-ere being
preferred— and there were cases where the villas© policeman or night watch- '- ,
man v/as mentally far above the mayor and members of the village board. The ^
very lowest rank of a public ol'i'icial in the oln country is the one of a ^_
scribe, or "amanuensis," equivalent to that of a messenger, a flunkey, who
is frequently better off because there is no responsibility connected with
his job. And we know very well that such jobs as that of a scribe have been
given only to the most intelligent of applicants. At this time it may be
somewhat different, and probpbly will be still more different after the war.
>i
la - 5 - DOHELlIiiN
I D 2 c
I 3 5 b Denni Illasatel , Sept. 11, 1915.
v.hen, no doubt, a shortage of \.oricers will prevail. But such v.ere the
conciitions before the vvar, as very loany of our readers caa -..ell re..:e,7iber.
Now, are the conditions any better in this country? They are not and vlll ;5
not be. ir a ."uau \.:intb tc c.et soi,iev.h£-t decent eiaployiient — ana it may be 3>
far fron beine irofitable — he is required to prove that he is educated, y~
that he has had schooling:;; lacking it, es well sone "uncle" to L'ive him the ,i^T
necessary "pull," he has no chnnce v.h-tever. Labor is plentiful and, con- ."7
sequently, the e^iploytrs are "choosy". Even for manual, unskilled labor l2
they luaice their choice u.aon^; the most likely nen, and v.e tcnov; that in spite o
of the prevailing "prosperity" there is still an oversupply of labor and that j
unenployraent , instead of aiif.inichin(-i, is steadily increasing.
The parents certainly are or should ha concerned about the future of their
children. They should, alvvays try to assure a better econon:ic future for their
children. This applies p rticularly to our immi(-;rants v;hose past has been
anything but rosy. To say, "I am a laborer, unsl-ciiled ivorker, and the same
la - 4 - BOEiJiuIiJ'I
I D 2 G
I B 3 b Denni Klasat el, ijept. 11, 1^15.
lot should be ••ood enouf;h for my child," is not only c^ntirely v-rong but also
quite a confession oi' inferiority, iill of us should have et least some am-
bition, should ti*y to v-oi'k for the attainment of the better things in life.
These better things may not be attained and enjoyed by us, but v:e should be
happy to see our children enjoy them, and they \.ill in turn be appreciative ^
of v.hatever v.e have done to make their lives easier, more agreeable, and more >^
prosperous. p
.N3
Ari'ain, to say, "I have been v.orking hard, and there is no reason Vchy ny son
shouldn't," is to be devoia of logic, it is heartless and unlovinp,. This
our parents shoula realize. Ihey should not be so stupid as to send ele-
mentary school graduates to work because they have complied with the lavv. t?l
i:or should they be still more stupid, anci do it because the children's earn-
ini:,:s v.ould be helpint: their parents to pay off the mortgage, to buy better
things, to taKe it more eas.^' — something vje meet \,ith, unfortunately, quite
often among our countrymen. There are cases Vvhere the parents have several
children. One after the other they grow up past the school age, and the
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHEMLiN
I B 2 C
I B 3 b Deniii Hlasatel , Sept. 11, lyio.
father, feeling that he has slaved loni^;: eriour;h to iiieet all the bills, quits
v-orK ana sends his children to sv.eat in various shops v.ith the idea that they
all vill "f-et alont'" soiaehow, v.ith the children earning the laoney and the
mother tuKing care of the house. The nortgage on the "shanty" will be paid :
off, and he v.ill be just "hangin^-^ around" the house, taking it easy, as on -
the Vymenek /certain rights and a share of a farn's income reserved by the i
old peasant in the old country when he passes on the actu;il running of it ''.
to his son7> sipping his beer and sitting for hours, for uays, tainlcinr hovt _;
bad it v^as Vvhen he had to take care of everything hiir.self — v.ith "iuother"
only — forgetting that ".nother" still has to plug along, and ^■'Jill have to
pluf; along perhaps to her very end. <3i
But most important of all, he forgets that he robs his ov^n children, depriving
thei.i too early of their childhood , v.hich should be the laost beautiful period
of everybody's life, Hou long is childhood? One ansv.er is, as long as one
raF.nages to preserve it. ijut that ansv.er is not cuite correct, A nan is not
CO
CD
I A 1 a - 6 - BOHEUMT
I B 2 C
I B 3 b Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 11, 1915.
alv.ays a free agent. Gircomstsjices frequently ceciae for him, V.'e should
say, therefore, that childhood l^sts as long ls one rOes to school and as ^
loiiF, as he is free of all cares eiccept those easy ones connected k.ith one's ^
school v.oric. cnce r. child quits school ano conies in contact v;ith real life, rf
he is no aore a child. He ib on his vj-r,.: tu early maturity, v.hich will de- —^
prive hiiii of the beautiful chaiin of innocence, the i.iost precioub character- ^p
istic of child hooa, ?-
CO
cr»
Parents sIiouIg try to preserve that ch.-.rr.: in their children as long as pos- ^
sible; certainly they biiould not \.ili\illy taice it av;ay fron thei.i. They should
leave the children in school as Ion,'-: as they possibly can afford it. The
revvara for tneir unselfishness is a hundredfold — if in nothing; else, in the
Icnowledge that they have done well their inost inportant, aost sacred, i.iost
beautiful uuty. Co not deprive your children of schooll You v.ould be de-
priving theiii of their childhood and their opportunity for educ.--.ticn, the need
of v.hich is being increasingly felt.
la - 7 - BOIP-^iiili^N
I D 2 c
I B 5 b Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 11, 191b.
By keeping: your children in school you will do the;;i the most good, x'ou may
leave thei.i iaoney, but thct v.ill be spent. You inay-leuve them a Tine resi-
dence, it raay burn; it laay aeteriorate sooner or later. You roay leave then -^
a rar:n, but a cyclone, i-iay turn valuable property into a desert. But five -TI
thera an education, ana there is nothing in the v.hole v.orld that can take it oi
av^ay frc;:i theii. They till keep that all their lives, and ..ith that their --
grc-te fulness to you, their beautiful memories of their parents. Education "^
is a most valuable uov.ry. '. ithout it their life strUi:;rle vdll be hard; i'-ith ^1
it , comparatively easy.
Do not stop Vsith primary schools. Send your children to hi^Jier schools, send
them to colleges, and you v.ill never have to v.orry, never have to fear that
life ■-ill be unkina to your children. You will never have to reproach your-
selves that you have denied your children the educatioii v.hich you could have
.--iven them, even if it had meant sacrifices on your part; that you have de-
prived the:'; too eirly of their youth, their childliood, the memories v;hich
would remain v.ith them for life, just as they rei.iain v.ith you.
\
I A la BOH53CTAN
II B S f
I B 3 b Dennl HL as at el , Sept. 4, 1915,
III A
ON THE THRESHOLD OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
(Editorial)
Next Tuesday the doors of Chicago schools will open in order to admit small
armies of little pupils, some of them old friends, some again who will be
getting acquainted for the first time with those little steps toward tne serious
work of real life. By some of them the opening of the school doors will be wel-
comed with genuine joy and pleasure long and impatiently expected by their yoiing
hearts; by others with a feeling of discomfort, with a secret wish that the begin- §
ning of the school year might be indefinitely postponed. The first feeling will -^
probably prevail in the majority of pupils who go to school for the first time, ^S
because school is something entirely new for them, something about which they have <^
heard much at home, something they desire to learn about from their own experience.
They will take with them to school a good deal of curiosity, a desire to see and
listen, an ambition which will be noticeable on all their youthful faces.
5>
~C
I A 1 a - 2 - BOIFT.TIAIT
II B 2 f
I B 3 b Demii Hi as at el , Sept. 4, 1915,
III A
Quite different and much less pleasant will be the feelings of the older
pupils, boys and girls who, knowing sonething about school, dislike the idea
that school implies certain duties, and in wiiom the idea of duty gives rise to
a feeling of ennui and lassitude. These are the children who have alv;ays pre-
ferred fun and play to going to school, which, to them, is nothing but an
institution which robs thera of their free'time — time v;hich they would otherxvise
use to much better advantage at home or on the streets in the canpany of like-
minded chums. The progress, or lack of progress, such children make in school
is exactly in proportion to their distaste for studying.
In cases of that kind it is the duty of the parents, once they become av/are
of such feelings in their youngsters, to inspire in then if not love for school
vrark, at least interest in it, vri.thout vrfaich the children will reap only a
very questionable benefit, if any, from their school years. It will be up to
the parents to preserve and maintain love for school in children who have it,
-c
3»
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHSfJIAN
II B 2 f
I E 3 b Dennl Hlasatel , Sept, 4, 1915,
III A
and, in the case of children vdio hate school, to counteract the dislike
by something that would cause^ in them a healthier attitude toward study and
serious work. But this must be done right at the beginning, as soon as the
adverse attitude toward school is recognized. Otherwise all efforts in that
direction will be in vain.
Of course it is true that the interest in school is and should be engendered
by the teacher (by her ways of acting, her conduct, her methods of teaching,
etc), but it should be engendered at home in the first place, because the
interest engendered at home will always remain the most healthy, more productive
one.
2-
-c
•X-
c
Someone may ask what the best way is of arousing in children an interest in ^
school. This question we shall answer first of all in a negative way by saying, t?
anything but violent means, to say nothing of beating. Once we see that the
child does not like to go to school, that it reaches for the book ?rith aversion^
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
II B 2 f
I B 3 b Dennl HI as at el . Sept, 4, 1915,
III A
let us not use any violent methods to make it do its duty, such as
severe scolding, thrashing, or any other painful means. Nothing woxild be
gained by that, and in all probability the condition would be aggravated, be-
cause the child would consider school a source of punishment*
Hence, let us try something else. Let us point to the advantages school offers
to children who like it and who like to study. Let us tell them that life with-
out school education is quite impossible to imagine in these days, let us awaken
their ambition, let us lead them to a healthy competition with other children,
let them imagine how fine it would be if they would excel over the other kids
in school, and promise them, now and then, a little reward—which frequently
is quite sufficient to arouse a child's ambition. Should we learn that one or
another subject is difficult for the child, that the child lags in it behind
the other children, let us try to make the work easier. Let us not force that
subject on them. It would be useless. And most of all, let there be no beating,
no punishment. Let us help the child by explaining as much as we ourselves
know about that subject. Our showing good will and a helpful spirit may engender
3>
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHaiLAIT
II B 2 f
I B 3b Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 4, 1915.
III A
the same good will toward the subject in the child. Patience on
our part will teach the child patience, and good results will gradually follow.
Let us alviSiirs show a friendly attitude toward the children. That alone will
produce the desirable interest. And let us never put our own children to
shame before other children, because that would create and nourish stubborn con-
trariness, which would prove most dangerous to their further development and ^
would destroy any good results of our former efforts. If we want our children 5
to receive the proper benefit from their school yoars, it is necessary to be ^=i
most careful, as one faulty step may rssult in just the opposite of what we had F
wished to achieve.
Parents should keep all this well in mind. And they should also keep in mind
something else which we should like to impress upon them. There are many
Bohemian schools here in Chicago. Our public, Snglish-language schools are
most important for the children's future. But it would be not only wrong, but
also unjust to attribute a minor importance to our Bohemian schools. By doing
c
Co
cr
I A 1 a - 6 - BCTiaCL^N
II B 2 f
I B 3 b Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 4, 1915.
III A
so we would prejudice oursslves, but first of all our children, /fliat
W3 want is that our children shall have a certain degree of respect, if not
love, for tha language of their fathers and mothers, or, at least, that they
should not despise it. ^ilven the Bohomian language will serve them in good
stead some day— if for nothing else, than for use in contacts with their nearest -^
kin, with the people in whom the same blood pulsates as in themselves. Let us, 5
therefore, send our children not only to public schools but also to our own -n^
Bohemian schools. Let us awaken their interest in both of them. Their interest p
in public schools is a matter of life*s necessity. Their interest in Bohemian ^
schools is a matter of our own pride, of our hopes, which should never be nourished §
by the substance of which dreams are made, but by stem reality, ^
C3
la BOHSMIAN
I D 2 a (2)
DeD.n£ Illaaatel , Aug. ^9, 1915,
liOV/ .vBCUT TILiT F5DSH..TI0N?
(Eaitorial) ^
The foes of the teachers* federation claiia that tne best interests of the p
Chicago schools are being harmed b3cnuse, they s*iy, the federation an- "I^
tagonizes tne teachers against the School Board. There may be soae trutn in §
this, provided it is justified to call "antagonizing" the federation's
attempts to protect the interests of the taxpayers by opposing the leasing
of school ground at ridiculously low prices. jSven if the federation nas tr
been against the Board in other matters, as well as fig.'iting for more money
for the teachers, we are luiable to see in it anything harmful to the
children. But it certainly v/as extremely harmful v.'hen, before the federation
came into existence, the teachers were without any protection and had to
depend on the influence and good graces of politicians.
■CO
1 a
BCK2MIAN
I A 1 c
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . Aug. 12, 1915.
INVESTIGATING OUR SCHOOLS
(Editorial) a^
The Senate committee which has been looking into the affairs of the Chicago C
Board of Education in recent weeks has made a number of exposures which g
will hardly please Chicago taxpayers. All the men who have been called by £
that CCTmiittee agree that the business of the Board is not conducted in a ^
manner suitable for such a large and important public institution. The i^
committee does not care to find out what Chicago youth is receiving in
return for the millions of dollars spent yearly on the school system; but it
is concerned with the manner in which that money is spent, and in the way
in which the business of the School Board is conducted. Facts so far dis-
closed are not very gratifying. No instances of corruption have been proved
so far, and nobody has been accused of dishonesty, but all the witnesses who
have testified up to the present time agree that the City schools are so
poorly managed that no private enterprise could continue to exist under
*^
I A 1 a - 2 - BOfT?mAN
I A 1 c
I F 5 Denni Hlasatel . Aug. 12, 1915.
similar management. The first rule of any business enterprise, that is,
that expenditures should be limited by, and must be in prox>ortlon to, income,
is absolutely unknown on the School Board. Nobody is concerned with the 3
future income; the only question is how large should be the expenditure. -^
The yearly budget is always made on that principle with the result that ex- r=
penses exceed income by hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, and thus <^
the Board pays one year's debt with the following year's income and runs ^
into new, larger debts in its new budget. To keep within the income appears w
to be absolutely out of the question; it even seems that the majority of ^
the Board do not so much as try to manage its financial affairs in that sensi- ^
ble way, V/ell, it is not the only body that acts that way. The Municipal
Council and the County Board are doing exactly the same thing and with very
similar results, Sconomy and carefulness in expending money do not prevail
in either of these bodies; and if there are attempts to introduce them, it
is mostly in matters where such measures are the least necessary or the most
undesirable.
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHSMIAN
I A 1 c
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . Aug, 12, 1915.
The mismanagemdnt has put the School Board into a desperate situation, so
that it was finally obliged to ask the State Assembly to raise taxes and thus
provide for it a greater source of revenue. There never has been a question
of cutting dovm expenses, but always a question of how to procure more ,
money. There is hardly ever a thought of cutting expenditures in our public ^
bodies, for the simple reason that an obliging legislature can always be ^■
found wdiich sees to it that, by the raising of taxes, wastefulness may con- ■=—
tinue its rule. This, however, is not the only thing of which the Board, by a-
the evidence disclosed even by its own members, is being accused. For instance, ^^•
the Board seems to pay much more for the real estate it buys for its schools ***
than any private citizen pays; and evidence of many other irregularities and
of shameful mismanagement have been presented. The School Board is so full
of intrigues, political graft, criminal schemes, that every taxpayer must be
amazed by the conditions prevailing in a body that should be in the first
place among those which are absolutely freo from political and other influences
because it is charged with the education of our future citizens. The member-
ship of the Board is usually selected from among people of some prominence
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 c
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . Aug. 12, 1915.
in business and public life, and such people would naturally be ezpected
to perform their duties honestly. But the investigation seems to prove
that Just the opposite is the case. The tazi)ayers, while continually
complaining about high taxes, are reluctant to protest where public schools
are concerned. They do not kiclc against spending eighteen million dollars
a year for schools, and. they would not mind spending even more, if it were
really necessary for the proper education of Chicago youth. But their
patience will soon be exhausted if the senseless management which had pre->
vailed in school affairs for so many years should continue.
The Senate committee is looking for the reasons for these sad conditions,
and it is to be confidently expected that proposals for a complete reorgani«
zation of the Chicago Board of Education will be made in the coming session
of the State Legislature. It is generally believed that the Board is too
large a body to make efficient work possible. It consists of twenty-one
members. Other American cities have their own boards of education, but the
r-
I A 1 a - 5 - BCffTFMTAM
I A 1 c
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . Aug. 12, 1915.
Qcmaon tendency is to keep the bosirds as small as possible. In Boston
they used to have a board consisting of 116 members. This was later reduced
to twenty- four, and now they find five members enough to take care of all
Boston school affairs. Baltimore has reduced the number of her school
board from twenty-nine to nine, 3t. Louis from twenty-one to twelve, Indi-
anapolis from eleven to five, Milwaukee from thirty-six to fifteen. New
Orleans from twenty to five, and other cities have small boards because it
has been found that too large bodies eire disadvantageous. Only three or
four large cities have boards larger than Chicago. New York is in the first
place in this respect; its board has forty-six members. Providence, Rhode
Islfiuad, has a board of thirty-three members; Worcester Massachusetts, one of
thirty; and Cincinnati, Ohio, one of twenty-seven members.
The question is what would be the right size for Chicago. Most people agree
that the Board should be smaller than it is now, and one of its members
maintained, during his testimony before the committee, that eleven members
would be all that are needed. He also maintained that they should be elected
I A 1 a • - c - BCILi:i.X\N
I A 1 c
IPS Jennl I'lns-tcl , ..u,-. Ifj, 1915.
directly by the people ■■■nd should be paid a rcnilar salary, At present,
the members of the board are appointed by the nayor, and v;ork free of
charre. L!ost ci" then have comparatively little free tine to j::^ive to the
affairs of "he Board. Paid officers './ould have to devote all their duties
and it should therefore be exnectod that this arrancerient v/ould r'-ise the
level of the Chicar-o schools, at least in an economic sense, much hi{T,her
than it is nov;. That particular rienber has said that this systei: v;ould
save for the 3c>iool Board ten tines the ariount of iv.oney that vrculd be the accre-
gate of the salaries of the eleven nen. 'Uiey v/ould save money "hen real
estate is beinf bought, and they v;ould prevent the overcrov/dinr of some
schools v/hile there is unnecessary space in others. By a proper redistricting
so Much spaco .culd be coined that much less f re luent buildinr of ne.v schools
would be required.
To sum up, it is certain that the mana/'craent of Chica;.-o schools is in bad
need of refcm, and if such rcfom is not fortiico.'ninf after the present investi-
gation, it should be exr)ected thr^t definite steps to.;ard it v;ill be r.ade in
the coming session of the ie^islaturo.
I A 1 a BOIIEi:iAIT
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel ," July 11, 1915.
III A
IV SCHOOL BOARD IffiVJS
Wien we talked with the Bohemian member of the Chicago Boaird of Education, ^
Mr» Josef A. Holpuch, he told us that we sho\ild not be surprised to see him >^
putting forth all possible efforts toward secxiring any necessary or desirable p
Improvements for the nev; Carter H. Harrison High School. He had made up his ^
mind,, he said, to make that school one of the nost perfect ones not only in g
Chicago but in the urtiole country. Evidently the school has "grown to his
heart," as the saying goes, and because he knows that it v/ill be receiving
consideration only as long as there is a Bohemian on the Board, he considers D^
it his duty to do for it all he can. Nobody knows whether he, or any other
Bohemian xvho would ^ake i)articular care of that school, will be sitting on the
Board during the next term. Theirefore, he wants to use the time until the end
of this current term to do for the school all he can, and all that would add
to the prestige of the Bohemian people in Chicago, whose children form over
I A 1 a - 2 - . 30II5I!IAIT
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , July 11, 1915.
III A
IV seventy-five per cent of the pupils of that school. Ke does not do
this for his own sake but for the sake of the good name of Chicago
Bohemians, not only those living here now, but also those who will cone after
us. For them, he wants to leave the proof that he was not merely "sitting"
on the Board, but that he was doing some good vfork. there.
O
to
More recently he again succeeded in securing for the school a nvmber of ad-
vantages about which o\ir public will be glad and interested to learn. The ^
School Superintendent, Urs. Ella Flagg Young, becavise of the deficit which has D^
been threatening the Board for some time, declared the following principle:
as an economy measxire, to take on no new teachers. Board Member Holpuch dis-
agreed with this principle, and, maintaining that there must be as many teachers
as are necessary, he requested a number of additional teachers for the Harrison
High School. In doing this he pointed out tliat in that school is Chicago's
most beautiful and most expensive swimming pool — it cost :ipl50,000 to build —
which is being used only by the school janitor and his family because there
I A 1 a - 3 - BOTI'TA!'
I ? 4
I F 5 Dennl HIvsatel , Ju]v 11, 1915.
III A
IV are no teachers in the Harrison Ili.p-h School to teach the pur^ils how to
swim. Under such conditions the pool is uselesn, and for that reason
he requested the apjjointment of several swimrninr instructors. The finance
coninittee, upon his nost urgent demand, anpropriated enourh funds for two
instructors, one man and one woman, who will work there half the tine during'
eight months for the compensation of SllO a month. But the condition of their
appointment is that they will teach gymnastics also. In another Instance,
I'r. Ilolpuch referred to a number of additions built to the school about a year ^
and a half ap'O 'vhich were to orovide for instruction in various trades and arts, K
So far they have not served sc because the necessary machinery, etc., has not
been installed, and, also because there have not been any instructors. Because
of the pressure he exercised in this respect, three instructors have beer
approved, on.3 for printing, one for the tinsmith shop, and one for metal plating.
The appropriation for this purpose is *3'-,200, The subjects will be taught in
four-month courses, and the teacher will receive six dollars per teaching day.
In addition to this, the cabinetmakinp- course and the woodwarkinp course will
O
I A 1 a - 4 - BCIISLDIAN
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , July 11, 1915.
Ill A
rv be continued v/ith the chernge that all pupils of the Harrison High School
who have been taking such courses elsewhere, vrf.ll receive their instruc-
tion in their ovm school. Vflien all the courses planned for the Harrison High
School are opened, the school will be attended by more than seven thousand
students, and hence it v/ill be the largest high school in the country as far
as the number of pupils is concerned.
Vftien the 1915 budget was made, lir. Holpuch succeeded in receiving the appropria-
tion of $352,000 for the Harrison High School, this money to be used for various ^
improvements, particularly the purchase of machinery for the established shops, o
He succeeded in getting this appropriation against the protest of Chaiiman ^
Collins himself, v;ho favors the schools in Austin and vicinity, because, as an
owner of much real estate in these parts, he is personally interested in their
reputation and advancement. Lr. Holpuch, who was determined to get the men-
tioned amount for his "Bohemian" school, agreed v.'ith IJr. Collins on a compromise.
3D
O
la - 5 - •ROIf^T'IAl^
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , July 11, 1315.
TIT A
IV He promised to vote for I'r. Collins* requirements for Austin, and
!.fr. Collins apreed to his in the Harrison High School, The result was
that the Harrison Hif?h School, in spite cf the finance committee, which reduced
the requested amount to a mere r*'.40,000, will receive ?'35S,000, which is more
than all the other twenty-one liirh schools in Chica/?;o will receive altop'ether.
There is only one string attached to this appropriation: The purchase of the
necessary machinery will be postponed until the prices of iron, steel, and
other metals, now very hipii because of the war in "Europe, droT) down to normal
levels.
The schoo]*s irimediate vicinity will soon be cleaned up. That is, there vrill
be no buildinrs around it. The last of then vjill be expropriated at the end
of this month, so that the whole site will become Dronertv of the School Board,
which will hove it leveled by fillin<7 or renoving parts that need such treat-
ment, and fenced. The City Hall will no doubt give the title to the alleys
on the pround to the School 3oard, and then a huge playground will be made
there, the lari?est for miles around. There will be a lon.f^ track, tennis courts,
o
I A
1 n
I F
4
I F
5
III
A
IV
- 6 - BOTTC^fJ^TvT
Dennl Hlo satel, July 11, 1915,
football «^round, place for ball faTie^, etc. There will be peats for
spectators all arounf'l the rroun'l, erected by the pupils learning car-
pentry and cabinetmaking, VJe call the attention of our Sokol units and other
organizations to the fact that thej'' vjill be able to pet free use of the play-
j-iround upon application to the school Board, which application it would be
best to rut into the hands of its member, T'r, Ilolpuch.
— I
I A 1 a BOHBI^II^
Dennf lUasatal , June 26, 1915 •
BOHa-llATJ GRADUATSS
At Haugan School, two well-knoi^/n girls, Viktorka KaSpar and iiuzenie VejraSka,
both inmates of the Ceskd tJtulna a SirotSinec (Bohemian Old Peoples' Home
and Orphanage), graduated yesterday. These two have been heard cany times,
either singing or reciting at various national festivals and celebrations...,,
following are the nmaber of Bohemian graduates of Chicago public schools^^
Hyde Park High School, four-yeyr course, one girl; Lake xiigh School, two-year
course, two girls, one boy; l-uley High School, four-year course, three girls;
Bowen High School, four-year course, one boy; Crane High Scnool, four-year
course, eight boj^s; Parker High School, business course, one girl; Calumet ^
ALQh School, one girl, two boys; Lucy L. ilower High Scnool, four-year
course, one girl; two-year course, one girl; Pickard School, two boys.
I A 1 a BOF^^rmrTATJ
Dennl EL as at el « June 26, 1915,
BACK TO SCHOOL
(Editorial) 2
33
Children who leave the public schools these days should not be saying
good-by to schools forever, especially in cases v;here the parents have enough
means to support their children in further studies, 2
CO
The education which the parents are able to give their children is the only |:::5
permanent thing they can give them, no matter hoxv rich they are, and that ^
education will be of immense value to the children some day in the futtire,
iVhere the parents are in favor of having their children go back to school,
the children should be happy to take advantage of their parents* generosity
and be grateful to them, if for nothing else than for the chance of remaining
for a few more years—children, youths.
I A 1 a BOHEI^JIAN
Denni Hlasatel, June 25, 1915,
B0HE3£[Al^r GRiU}UATS
Graduation exercises are being held this week in Chicaco high schools and 5
many of their pupils will receive their diplomas. Among these are the —
following number of Bohemian students: ^
Carl Schurz High School: four girls, and four boys; Snglewood High School: ^ o
three girls; John Marshall High School: four-year course, one girl, two boys; i^
two-year course, four girls; Lake View High School: two-year course, one boy; S
Lane Technical High School: two-year course, one boy; four-year course, two boys;***
McKLnley High School: four-year course, two boys; two-year course, one boy, one
girl; '.Vendell Phillips High School: general course, one boy, one girl;
Harrison Technical. High School: four-year course, nine girls, twelve boys; two-
year course, thirty girls, seven boys; Medill High School: four-year course,
one girl, two boys; two-year course, nine girls; Throop School: eight girls,
nine boys.
I A l_a - 2 - BOEHAN
Denni Hlaaatel , Jxine 25, 1915,
A large eighth grade graduated in Bohemian Oak Park, and a large majority ^
of the graduates are of Bohemian descent. The number of graduates are thirty- ^
one girls, tvzenty boys. ^
O
CO
I A 1 a Bg^mM
s
Dennl Elasatel , Jtme 24, 1915, ^
SCHOOL BOARD FII.SS BOHEMIAN
RS30LUTI0N
Yesterday we told our readers that Uayor Thoripson had coraplied v;ith the
request of the Bohemian ccinnittoc v.hicL cckec him to intervene in the matter
of the resolution of the Straz Osvojenych (Guard of the Liberated) against
the "Kaiser" article in our textbooks, and that he has given the committee a
letter to the president of the School Board with the request that the repre-
sentatives of the Straz Osvojenych be given the proper hearing.
"Hie letter was delivered to the president of the School Board by the representa-
tive of the Straz Osvojenych, Dr. F. Iska, in a plenary meeting of the Board
yesterday afternoon.
The president voice;' objection to the l»iayor»s recommendation that the hearing
of the resolution be by the committee on school management, not the Board itself.
o
CO
I A 1 a - 2 - 30ESMIAIT
Dennl Ela satel, Jime 24, 1915,
But upon being infomed that the purpose of the coinniittee*s call on the Mayor
was to cause the resolution to be read without delay in today's meeting of the
whole Board, and eifter an energetic intercession by the Bohenian member of
the School Board ilr. A, Holpuch, the president promised that it would be done.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, when the meeting of the Board was opened,
the hall was filled to overflowing by teachers and ladies who had come to
learn the outcome of the objections filed against the installation of the assis-
tant to School ouperintendent, ELla Flagg Young. But before this matter was tak^=
up, the president handed the ilayor's letter concerning the request of the Straz
Osvojenych to the secretary. After the secretary had read the letter, the
president ordered the reading of the resolution deiaanding fche removal of the
"Kaiser" article from the textbooks and the definite and permanent exclusion of
articles dealing with the private life of members of any ruling dynasty or of
people known to be seeking special advantages because of their claim of higher
birth or riches.
5
C3
-J
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . June 24, 1915.
The full text of the resolution has been already published, and those i*ho
have read it can easily imagine the gravelike silence prevailing in the room
idien the irrefutable and pertinent reasons were being read proving that the
aurtide is definitely unsuitable and unprofitable for Aowriean youth, and
quite unfit from the general pedagogic point of view. Superintendent Ella 4
Flagg-Toung was present, the lady who in the previous meeting admitted the
authorship of the article and designated it as the acme of all pedagogic
perfection, and now, in the presence of a large number of teachers, statements
proving just the opposite were read with full emphasis.
Quite a peculiar impression was noticeable when the following part of the reso-
lution was read: "This age does not need any creed based on deceit or delu-
sion, but does need an ideal creed of Truth and Benevolence which would not
divide the people into rulers by the grace of Qod ana subjects destined to
submit patiently to the rulers* domination, exploitation, and enslavement."
i>
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , June 24, 1915*
We are sure that such a radical irord. as "irreverent," used to describe
the classes and bodies who do or try to lord it over others, has never before
been uttered in a session in the opportunistic /Bio/ School Board of our
city, and that among the teachers and ladies there were many who heard such
daring language for the first time in their lives. We do not blame, a bit,
the president and speaker of the Straz Osvojenych, Dr. Frantisek Iska, for
being elated over the unexpectedly successful result of the action of the
Straz Osvojenych.
After the reading of the resolution, School Board member, Holpuch, made a
motion that the resolution be received and filed for use at the first
opportunity. The motion was supported emd the president announced shortly
that there were no objections and the motion was passed.
The success of the protest is complete, and all those who feel that £ui article
eulogizing the German Kaiser does not belong in American textbooks may be
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHSiaAI'T
Denni IHas atel, June 24, 1915.
fully satisfied. The article v;ill certainly be thrown out, and the "when" of it
is just a question of time. A proposal to revise the textbook may now be made in
any meeting, and the resolution of the Straz Osvojenych serve to have the flat-
tering article about the Ilaiser eliminated.
I A 1 a BCHEIJi^
I F 4
Denni HI as at 3l , J\me 23, 1915,
OUR I'AYOR ^
(Editorial) -^
r-
IJayor Thompson is an able nan, a nan of good and sane judgment, and, we 22
hope, also a clever politician. Therefore he should think twice before o
disregarding Bohaaiun deiiiands, v.hethor they co3icern the "Kaiser" article of "«*>
luTS, Young or any other iiiportant natter, lie may not alv/ays recoivo such j^
lar.:4e najorities as he did at the last elections in ^^pril, and it nay just so *''
happen, that it would be the Bohemian votes v/hich would save hiji — if he should
get then.
Ill B 2
I F 4
I c
I G
IV
IV" (German)
I A 1 a BOHaiLAH
Denni Hiasat el, June 21, 1915,
SCHOOL BOI^BL ACTION ON "KAISER" ARTICLE {=Sr
TO LEAD TO A BCHSIIIAN COIIPIAINT TO KAYOR tS^
?•
The article about the German Kaiser, which is in readers now used ^i^
in our public schools is scheduled to be taken up by the School Board in its ^
meeting of June 17. ;-'
c
One of the queer things to which attention has been called by the war is the ^.
fact that in one of the readers used by Chicago public schools there is an '"^
article about the Kaiser, According to the article, the Kaiser, in his youth,
T.'as attending classes v/ith other young men and the teacher notified him secretly
in advance, of the subject of an important examination soon to take place. The
Kaiser, unwilling to take unfair advantage of his fellov; classmates, wrote the
subject on the blackboard, so that the other pupils also would have the chance
to study the subject more thoroughly. A eulogy is added to this little story
to the effect that very few boys would have acted so noblj'^, a proof of the
Kaiser *s sterling character, because of which he is unwilling to commit any
Ill B 2
I F 4
I C
I G
IV
IV (Geman)
I A 1 a ' 2 - BOEaiv'IAIT
Denni HLasatel, June 21, 1915.
misdeed. When attention was called to this article some time ago, '^S
principally by the Bohemians of Chicago, Jos. A, Holpuch, a 'Ti
member of the School Board, insisted tls.t the article be removed r-
from the reader. School Superintendent Ella Flaeg Young stated
that she had vrritten the article, and had it put into the reader because the
article is of hi^ pedagogical value and the deed described constitutes an
excellent example for all youth. After her statement, all the protests against
the article which had reached the Board v/ere passed on to the Committee on
School Management for action.
V/ith particular regard to the statement made by the author of the article, the
"Straz Osvojenych" (Guard of the Liberated) adopted unanimously a resoliition
which ^n Bohemian translatio^ reads as follows:
"Vi/hereas, One of the readers used in Chicago public schools contains an article
dealing with a story from the school age of the present German Kaiser, a story
3r
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIi\N
Denni Hlaeatel. June 21, 1915.
Ill B 2
I F 4
I C
I G
IV
rV (Gerinan)
which may have a detrimental influence upon the healthy develop-
ment of our youth because similar stories from the private lives of
members of any reignine dynasty are, as a rule, fictitious and
circulated only vdth the purpose of maintaining and spreading the
idea that such persons are beings of a higher order who should be looked upon ^
xvith infinite admiration, servile obedience, and slavish devotion; and ^
"Vftiereas, The inclusion of such an article in a school reader is a violation of -C
one of the foremost educational principles, according to which children should I^
be given nothing that could arouse in them a suspicion of the absolute purity S.
of the character of their o;m teacher and teachers in general; and o
"Vfliereas, The story brings out the fact that a teacher, desiring to ingratiate
himself with one of his pupils because the pupil was a member of a royal family,
divulged to him, in advance, the subject which was to be used for a coming
examination; and
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHanAII
Denni Hlasatel . Jtme 21, 1915.
Ill B 2
I F 4
I C
I G
IV
IV (German)
5
"Whereas, The confidence of the pupils in their teachers*
justice, inrpartialitj'-, and honesty should not be subjected to
a possible doubt, and the minds of the pupils should not be
exposed to the possibility of such a deceitful and dishonest
action on the part of a teacher; and 'p
"Whereas, A child usually thinks more loglcallj'' than the person who put the S
article into the reader, and the children could easily come to the conclusion p
that what a princess teacher had done in the past is perhaps being done now ^.
by their own teacher for children of rich and prorainent families; and -'^•
"Whereas, There was added to the story an explanation based on completely
perverted principles of moralitj'-, eulogizing the prince's act as manly, clean,
and honest— although it is an act quite common and usual among comrades, and
although, by it, the prince merely showed that he wanted to give the other pupils
an opportunity to prepare themselves more thoroughly for the examination; and
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHBI>IIAN
Denni Elaaatel. June 21, 1915.
Ill B 2
I F 4
I C
I G
IV
IV (Gerinan)
"Whereas, The story eulogizes the action of a boy who has given
his comrades an opportunity to profit by a deceitful deed, and
alleges that it proves good character and a noble conception of
impartiality, vrtiich may lead the children to the belief that it is (^
something honorable to impart dishonestly acquired information to one*s comrades ^^'
and ,fz:
<-
"V/hereas, The article mentions religion to which attention should be paid in
this age; and
"Whereas, This age does not need any religion based on deceit or delusion, but
does need an ideal religion of Truth and Humaneness which would not , by the
grace of Ctod, divide the people into rulers and subjects who are destined to
submit patiently to the rulers' domination, exploitation and enslavement; and
finally
"IVhereas, ?/e would also protest against the inclusion of such a story in the
I A 1 a
III B 2
I F 4
I C
I G
IV
IV (German)
- 6 - BOHJailAN
Deimi Elasa tel. June 21, 1915,
reader if its hero were not the German Kaiser, because being
freethinkin^ people we have no national bias but have the most
ardent desire to see the people of all nations and countries
w/orking in harmony tovreird the hi^est aims cf humanity;
•'We therefore demand that the said reader be discontinued in our schools and
that the principle be adopted that no such flattering stories taken from the
private life of any member of a ruling dynasty, or from the lives of people e
seeking special advantages because of their claim of higher birth or riches, be Lo
ever included in the readers of our public schools." ^
15
•t_-.
This resolution was not only officially submitted to the secretary of the School
Board, but was also, in special reprints, distributed to the members of the
School Board, newspaper reporters and other persons present in the meeting room
prior to the opening of the meeting. Tlie Germans had everything well prepared
in advance. They submitted petitions of their own national council and also on
I A 1 a - 7 - . BOHaiJIAIT
Denni Elasatel, June 21, 1915,
III B 2
I F 4
I C
I G
IV
IV (German)
behalf of other German organizations to keep the article in the
readers, and a member of the School Board, Mr. ^^nest Jj/ Kruetgen,
who is also the president of a German organization, delivered a
speech which was climaxed by these sentences: "Our only duty is to ^
consider whether or not the article is of pedagogic value. Since its pedagogic ^3
value cannot be questioned I move that the article remain in the reader." ci
I —
The quoted resolution has proved the fallacy of this argument. After the ^
petitions of the Germans had been read, another German member of the School Board^
offered an amendment to Mr. Kruet^^en's motion to the effect that "because the •^~
whole affair is distasteful and because it is not in agreement v;ith President ^^
Vifilson's desire that we maintain an absolute neutrality, no more protests should i
be read and no protests accepted in the future, and the whole matter considered
as disposed of and closed".
The motion, including this amendment, was unanimously passed.
It should be mentioned that the whole couaaittee is \inder the absolute control of
I ..
I A 1 a - 8 - BOHEMIAN
Deimi HLasatel, June 21, 1915 •
III B E
I F 4
I C
I G
17
IV (Germn)
the School Superintendent icho wrote the article. Some of the
English-lancoiace newspapers reported rather ironically about
this meetins, and one of them ( Journal ) published the deduction
of the Straz Osvojenych in its Saturday issue and declared itself t^^
in absolute agreement v:ith their views. ^-^
It should be mentioned also that Mrs Flagg-Younei the author of the article,
gave a sigh of relief when the meetinc voted th^t no more protests should be
read, and thanked all members "of the cordnittee profusely and movingly: They
had saved her reputation for writing and putting into readers nothing else but
articles of high pedagogic value. Therefore she was satisfied, as were the
Germans who irailked away proud of having kept the story of their Kaiser in
American readers.
Less satisfied, however, were the "protest ants" who, on their vjay out, could
not suppress various remarks, and one of them (Mr.Tladimir A. Geringer} told
5
CO
Ill B 2
I ? 4
I C
I G
IV
IV (German)
I A la - 9 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . J\me 21, 1915,
the Committee openly that they had acted faithfully and exactly
as their Kaiser woiild — in the manner of an autocrat and an abso-
lutistic oppressor 1
"^
After a report on this matter had been presented at the Friday meeting of the C
Straz Osvojenych, a lively debate started in which mention was made of the fact p
that the right of petition by citizens is being respected even in monarch! st ic , "^
reactionary countries of Europe, and that it is scandalotis that a serious and ^
well-founded protest submitted on behalf of at least ten thousand residents of ^
the city should be dealt with in such a shameful manner in America, Upon a cl
motion offered by Dr. Frantisek Iska the meeting unaniiaously agreed to ask the
llayor, who appoints the members of the School Board, whether he approves of
such metliods and whether he accepts personal responsibility for the offensive
lack of seriousness and consideration shovm by such methods. This question
v/ill be asked the Mayor both in writing and orally by a special deputation.
fVJ
••-J
Ill B 2
I F 4
I C
I G
17
17 (German)
I A 1 a - 10 - BOHaOAN
Dennl THagatel . Juna 21, 1915,
The deputation will be headed by one or raore Bohemian aldermen
and xvill appear before the Ifeyor next Tuesday. They will demand
satisfaction which could be given by the Iiayor*a ordering the ,
School Board to read the full text of the resolution submitted ;^
by the 3traz Osvojenych at the Board* s next meeting on V/ednesday and to act ^^
on it hy at least puttin^: it "on file," that is by keeping it for future p
reference when the general revision of the contents of the reader will come up t^
for consideration. g
c:
I A 1 a BOirayiT^^
Denni laasatel . LOar. 25, 1915,
TH3 PH0P03:2)D SCHOOL LaGISLaTICN
(Editorial)
5>
A number of legislative proposals have been subnltted in opringf ield, the "^
pui'pose of which is the introduction of far-reaching refoms in the school ^
system in our State, Some of these are of special importance only to parents -t
of children of school age, but others are of interest to both such parents .^^
and all other citizens, o
One bill provides for a higher school-age limit, and two bills deal with the . ''
teaching of crafts in schools of Chicago and of other cities in our State in
general.
It is expected that all these bills will be strongly contested, particularly
the latter ones, which have a large number of determined opponents who
I A 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . MJsir, 25, 1915. .,
maintain that the bill, if passed, will do more harm than good. Especially ^
undesirable is the bill providing for the so-called double school system ~
which is considered undemocratic, against all principles of American schools, :^
and, in addition to all this, a very expensive innovation, i,'
The Chicaaro Federation of Labor has refused to support this bill because it '-'
considers that it is directed against workingmen, and would give the control •■
of the schools into the hands of rich manufacturers. It would mean the creation
of an entirely new school system, and lead to a class distinction between pupils
of more wealthy parents who can send their children to college and university, and
less privileged children who start v/orking after having acquired the prescribed
minimum of school education. One speaker in the meeting of the Chicago Federa-
tion of Labor in which these bills v^ere discussed, declared that the children
of poor parents would be made to work while yet in school, and that a sharp
distinction would be made between them and the children of well-to-do parents.
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEI^LAIT
Denni Hlasatel , liar. 25, 1915,
No doubt it is necessary to start trade education in our schools, but the
way the legislat\ire v/ould do it, by adopting Cooley»s proposal, is wrong
and should be opposed by all citizens.
I ;. 1 a B0ia2vII--aT
III B 2
pemii H lanatel, Ji:n. V, 1915,
.ilElU-JL I-t'JPOHT OF 'ITS Il.TICIi
7133X110 7!!DELA1TI
To all friends of the I.latice Vyssiho Vzdelani (Council on Ilipdier .iJducation) I
Tliis year the liatice has completed the eleventh year of its activities, and
its executive coniriittee presents the foliowins brief report:
Tlie i^atice Vyssiho 7zdel.j.ni rnale loans ainDuntin:^ to alnost vl»600 to ten
students aurin^; the year 1913-1914, and at the berjinaiujof the year it v;as
ready to loan then v2,400. However, no iicre than vl|600 was applied for by
the students. The money v;as loaned to two students fron lovrci, two from
Nebraska, and one student each frou Illinois, l.ichinan, ilinnesota, iJev/ York,
North Dakota, and Texas.
In the year 1914-1915, ^^2,500 v;as apportioned to the students. This was nece^
sary because living expenses are considerably hi.^^er this ye^ir than last, and
the students seen unable to {^et alon^ on less than ,;250 a year. Therefore,
-c
O."
la - 2 - D0H3.iI.ai
-o
III B 2
Deim l rilo.sat 3l, Jan. 7, 1915.
should the Ix,tice be in a position to conply v;ith requests for loans next
year, it v;ill a^ain be necessary to turn to our friends for the support of ^
this inost aesorvinj: institution. ..e kno\; that the attention of all of us is '^
now concentrated on the tragic conditio is in the old country, but v;e knoxv also r^
that there are nan;,'' of us \,']io are in a position to do our national duty overseas -o
and at ho;ne as v^-ell. /jid also, 'vve hope that all o^ar present raenber^ v;ill renev; o
their nenberships during the coninj 3'ear. '<^
to
■./e v/ish to use this opport^jnii;:' to stress the fact tiiat \7e riana;ie the money put
at our disposal r.Tost euro fully, that v;e are doing all our v;oi^^ vriLthout any
reinuneration whatsoever, even trying our ovm traveliuG expenses, ..e do not r;ive
av;ay the rioncy, but rather loan it out. Cnce repaid, tiie riioney is loaned out
again, and thus every contribution does perpetual service. ,<e are the only
Bohe3:iian institution of this kind in Anorica, and if vre were fortunate enough
to secure lar^e anounts for our purposes, the liatice Vyssiho Vsdelani could do
ifluch :;»re for our j'-outli^s education than it can do nov;.
tr
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
Denni lUasatel , Jan. 7, 1915 •
:>
Our new supervisory coimnittee is composed of the follov/ing members: Mr. Robert .^
L. Pitte, Chicago; Mrs. Llilostiiia Bures, Omaha; and Mr, Frantisek Hrubeclcy, p
Cleveland . '^
o
For the executive coiomittee of the Miatice Vyssiho Vzdelani, F. A. Korab, ^
secretary. o
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
II B 3
I C Dennl ELasatel. May 21, 1914*
IV
THE PRESSHT STSTHII OF GYMNASTICS THRSATENSD
Certain members of our Board of Education are trying to change the system of
gymnastics used in our schools* For the present system, which is also taught
in our Bohemian Sokol and German Turner gymnasiums, and in which the use of
many different kinds of apparatus is stressed, they wish to substitute the ^
Swedish system of g3^mnastics* This system has edready been introduced in .^
about four Chicago public schools "on trial," we are told» p
This happened after the Board members James B* Dilbelka, Turner, E« W* Huttman, g
John C. Harding, and C. 0. Sethness had been unjustly ousted by our mayor, and ^
after Chairman Reinberg had refused to recognize them as members of the Board ^
in spite of a court decision in their favor* ^
Charles S* Peterson, a Swede by birth and a member of the Board of Education,
now chairman of the finance committee, is stressing the fact that no apparatus
is needed under the Swedish system, and therefore under that system the cost
I A 1 a - 2 - B0E5I.!IAy
II B 3
I C Dennf Hlasatel , May 21, iyi4.
IV
of outfitting and the upkeep of gymnasiums could be considerably reduced.
Deacon V/. T. Sumner is supporting I'-r* Peterson. He is also one of the staunch ^
supporters of the School Superintendent, llrs. Slla Flag Young. 'p
r—
It is up to Boheinian Sokols and German Turners and all others v;ho believe ^^
in the value of our system of gymnastics to register their protests at the £
right time and place. ^
r J
I A 1 a BQiia:i ui
IV
Denni Hlasatel , May 6, 1914.
DIBiilLK/l :n.-LL I'lO DOUBT HSSIffiT JUS !;n:i3:3:SIiIP >
ON ThU CHICAGO 3CII0CL BO/ulD ^
!.'!r. Janes B. Dibelka, along with three otlier numbers of the Chicago ochool ;^
Board v/ho .vere unjustly ousted from menbership, ixave v;on their rights as S
members and have received satioTaction through the due process of lav/. It iLo
was announced yesterday, havaver, that Mr. Diballca vrauld resign, because he fi3
considers it not an honor, but a disgrace to sit in a mseting v/ith such ruf- ''^**
ficjis as some of the Chicago School Board ■lembers have shovm themselves to
bo.
I A 1 a BOHSMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Apr, 24, 1914,
THE HARRISON TEGHJMICAL HIGK SCHOOL IS MOVE^G INTO
A IffiW HJIIDIKG «
:^
The students of the Harrison High School, of which a considerable percentage '^
are of Bohemian descent, are happy, because a fond wish of theirs has come -^
to a happy culmination — they are moving today from an addition to the Farragut 5
School into the new and beautiful edifice at E4th Street and Marshall Boule- 2
vard. ^
ro
The new school is indeed a palace which any university would be proud to *^
occupy. Inside and out the building is perfect, and it contains everything
that is necessary to induce a student to perform better work.
Our Bohemian children attending the Harrison Technical High School will take
advantage of the new facilities for education and character development which
the school will offer.
I A 1 a - 2- - BOHEMIAN
Demif Hlasatel , Apr. 24, 1914.
These students will strive for higher attainments and self -betterment, and
they will endeavor to make themselves adherents of this great Anerican
nation, and still conduct themselves in a manner v.'hich will carry credit to
the nation from which they are descendedo
o
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
III B 2
Denni Hlaaatel , Apr, 18, 1914.
IMPORTANT LBCTDRES AT THE CHICAGO TEACHBRS' COLLEGE
A good deal has already been done for the Bohemian cause in this country by
our pioneers, by our many institutions, and by individuals, who laid the
foundations for further successes. But there is still much more for which
we must strive and work, especially in the scientific and cultural fields.
Therefore we should be delighted at the prospect that in the proposed series
of lectures for students of the Chicago Teachers* College, vdiich in some
respects is the largest of its kind in the United States and perhaps in the
world, topics which refer to the people and country of Bohemia will be ^
included. ^
The Ceska-Americka Narodni Rada (Bohemian-American National Council) accepted
the invitation of this institution (The Chicago Teachers* College) gratefully,
because the Bohemians will be given a chance to represent themselves in an
Important position. This series will be a center from which the light of
CO
CD
I A 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr, 18, 1914.
understanding for young America and a source of public appreciation in the
future is to be disseminated*
The credit for the recognition tendered us by this invitation belongs to the
Narodni Rada, vHiioh throu^ all the years of its existence has tried consist-
ently to place us among the important nations in this country in order that
we may gain due recognition and not be slighted continually with silence,
smirks, and insults.
o
Therefore, this matter is of great importance to us, and we hope that the
Narodni Rada, feeling the great significance of the goal which is to be
attained, will carry the plan through to a successful conclusion, and thereby D^
render a service to our Bohemian- American branch and to our nation. This is
another success from which we can all draw a feeling of Joyous satisfaction.
I .. 1 a BC::j.'I.JT
T
TT Donni Hl-y3:it3l, Dec. '^9, 191o,
... meeting: callod by a citizens' coriraittoe Tor the rrui'poce of accuaint in.-: the
general public v/ith the rmddled situation prevaiiinr nor; in. the Chic.. go Board
of -iaucation v;as held yesterday aft rnoon, ?lie affairs of the Board have be- :s
cor'.e iO cor.iplicated that a true picture of then, ;iver; by ::on vf:io :-::iov;, v.-as >
also ercpoct d to be of imu.iut'l intsr3st to the Eoheni;:m P'lblic, "~
Tlie rr.oatir.-' had a fair att ::nia.r.ce, -.o tly men. ?l:e o v.aro juc.t a tov: ladio.3, :;;-
It -as opened by !.r. John .\., Sohol, v/Iio -..-as elected chairnan, BarJcer Jan3S ?, i
Sterir.a, and itj secr-t.ry ijr. C. 2a-.viruckor.
r.r, 'ote-'ina briefly addressed the neetinr- a.ad re-r.vefjtod Kr, J, ji. Dibelka
to inforr;! thoae present about the recent dci.i s in the Board of ;Jducation,
;..r. Jibelka*s sp ech v.-as i.o.-.t int irostin,";. !Ie e::plained tiiat he nevar cared
to bocoj.ie a ner.bcr of the Jchool .Board, and accepted the :-. ember ship only after
ha*;ii-£ been txvice requoGtod to do so. He accepted it ;-cr.ov:in3 tl:at his ••;ide
I -.1 g - r - g;":: ~.::
I .:
TI DQnr.i l lla^va-el , Jec. "9, 19V6,
experience in school rattors v;ould "Ut liir.: in a ;'~'03iti:'n to be of con3id,-;r.i-
blo service to c;ur ::chools cuid tho v;holo scbool jvcten* T;:^on his nO''iin:',tion
he '..'US rs^^uoited to si -n o. r3.:i:":naticn. Z'e v.* .s told* t.h :t the .-■i;;-nin7 of
this rssi nation '..-iS jv:st . .:.-tt. r of for:!; t:i:at the rosi:'::v..tion '.;citld bo
used o::ly in C-.;g of c^ trovrrsies r:.r.:.itiir- fro:. ;o.litical c". fforarice ;, .;ith 3E
this under3t.-Lnclinc; ho at-DL;ch3d his si::.uturv3, :.o-. ev?.r, h3 v/ou^d nev.r h:ivo ^
sii:;iicd it had ha siispocted th-.it ho ■.■.s. ilvinf- his si -rv/.turo not to a ;:-in, "^
but to an ol-. v.'o:nun. <^
•Dien ho discusoou vor • t:;orou::hly tho v.'iiole .;c ool jystcr. and his :':~'-ny sad Li
oicporieicoc -.."ith tlio school supc-ri:it3nuo:;t, irs, .illly ?lagc Yoijui^:. Ho pointed ^
out T.any f-^^.ults and mistaices of t];c syste:;., faults v.hich call loudly for in-
prcver.r^nt, '..hensvor he t.l>:cd about then -..Itii l.rs, Yox;inc ho v;as cut short,
.J.1 his efforts for ir.prove.v.ont shn'.tered on hor stubbornoss and Gl:;.:tinacy.
lie call.d her ettonticn to the- troiici dous lossss of ti:ie in the schools b:'
useloGs, iri.ractical tiiir.i s....'-e insisted or . r forr. in t ■iCi-ia.T deaf ;.,''.d
riute chil;'.rer!. . , .but tlie "j.iost porfoct oducj.-'tor o'' yr\m'j people," l.rs. !!lln
to
I ■ 1 - .:: - 3
T
17 Dgnni i:iusatel. ])ec. ^9, 191o.
Fla:;-; Youn--, vroiilfl not hear v;t "ill. . , .-jnd )\o rof or; :c v;oro ::ade vmtil tho
v.1iole :r.ut . ■■•r h.d bocc-i2 a topic of iijcuosion i:: tho ;Ic:ily jrosn,,,,
^Isrg follo/o a_j30lr::ii of t;l-c about '. r:» Tour.:'.';; G}:.;rt..Oi;i:' •.:, etc., •i.ich ^
ars irT-elev-.jit_jy' ^^
I —
f—
Bv Gloctinf; l.r. whoop to her orrico, ti..j fir-it jte^ ir- ^ne rii'ht direction ;i"^
v;as r.ale. rhe fact that he risi^riOu that office do:-s not ■'~ut an ond to ti.c ^^
v;ho3.o tuTfai:*, becaViSO tho jocor.d election ofl.v.z, 'louv- is ille -.1, ii- is a f-
si2:n of :;ui:-rcliy rhich './ill nevor '-ot tli-3 sa-iCtion of the lav;.,.. c
•• •• • cr»
i
I .-^ 1 a Bciis::!.^:
I F 5
IV Denni ::iar;atel . Doc. 16, 1913.
AFFAII? DIBtiFla
r.'r, J. 3. Dibelka, the Boher.ian member of the Chicago Board of /Education
and one of the five menbern of the Board vrhose ouster v.-as effected by ^
^'avor Farrinon after the election of the ne:; chairman of th.e Board, sent ^
a letter to I.'ayor Harrison yesterday. In it he said that he (Mr. Dibelka) >-^
v;ould consider hin.nelf a member of the Board until his case -.vas .-^ibnitted p
to the jud-^ent of irnrjartial norsons. :.:r. Dibelka v/as in l-eoria Saturday ^
and Sunday on business, and therefore could not join the other ousted r,e!n- g
bers in their re^ly to the Tayor. For th^at reason, he made an individual
reply yesterday, !:r. Dibelka, vfhorci the layor calls his political and
personal friend, kids the I.'ayor ironically in his letter, :ind says that the S
expressions used in the I'ayor's letter can be explained only by th^ fact
that the nev: rems of the "petticorit craze" have already found their victims
in the City Council^n allusion to the ex- superintendent of r)ublic schools
in Chicarro, !.:rs. 311a Fla,':'^ Younrr, v.'ho vas defeated in the election^T".
CAi
o
r\3
I A 1 g - 2 - 3CII2r-:i.J!
I F 5
IV Denni I'lasatel . Dec. 16, 1913.
T'r, Dibelka v/rites in his letter to the Tayor: "I huve knovm r^ou as a caln
iMividual, and I cannot understand your thou';-htless action, ,]ven a
Southern ^'e-ro ^-ets a chance to conies'^ his "uilt before he is lynched.
But in this enlightened, effeminate, and sissified city, a man's ~ood nana
can be destroyed in a '.-.'ay that ivould 'nake the I exican [guerrilla '.varfare
aT)-r>ear to be like a Sunday school "icnic."
' 5
.!r, Dibelka states that he i.'^ rearjv to resi-^n fron the ^oard if an un'-reiudiced -^
jurj' finds that his accusations af-ain.'-.t !rs, Youn-: are unfounded "T^iis ^-
jury is to be co'vposed of nine laenbers, three to be nominated by re, three c?
by I.rs. Youn'", and three to he agreed xv^on by th.^ first six. If \ rs, Younc ^
succeeds in refuting ^y accusations, I sh^ll be ready to re.si.^-n r.y member-
ship on the Tloard in shaTie and huniliation, '' he says in his letter.
!.r, y)ibelka''^ accurations revolve around the follo-.-.dn'^ noints: Our ."rainnar
schools are not -vhat they should be, ''rs. Youn-^'s adiiinistration is reaction-
ary; it der'oralizes our teachers, and costs too nuch ''oney. Cur hi^lh schools
I :. 1 a - 3 - BCi^:.i:.cT
I F 5
17 Denni in-isatel . Dec. 16, 1913.
are the nost expensive delurions our taxnayers h-ive h?/l to face. '.'rf?.
Youn:^ has been ^dilt-j of nolitical intri-nie, conducted for the purpose of
tyin,'2; the City Council »3 hands. Che lackr the nualification;? of an
executive officer.
"r. Dibol?-a is ready to --rove tiiese accuoation'~ and to r.ialce then oi'i^-cific.
^Te states that he is not tr^'in,~ to nuVe his fi-rht personal, but that lie is
fi^htinr the reactionary syste"! maintained by '!rs. ".''oun,^.
o
o
I A 1 a BCHEIJIAII
I F 4
III A Denni Illasatel . Sept. 5, 1913.
II C
TIE BEHira-I \IIC£
(iilditorial)
The nev/ public school in Berv/yn v/ill bear the nai.ie of iCarel Havlicek /a ^
proninent Bohemian patriot of the early nineteenth centur^. This v/ill be the p
first recognition of this kind our nation has received in Chicago suburbs. -^
It has been accomplished without the necessity of calling meetings, without to
interventions, and v/ithout any noise v;hatever. They know hoiv to do it in ^-
Berv-iyn. They elected a school board with a Bohemian majority and nov; they have o
things their ovm v/ay. jjj
I A 1 a . BOHEMIAN
IV
Denni HIasatel . May 10, 1913.
BEAUTIFICATION OF SCHOOL Yi^DS
Mr. J. B, Dibelka, a Bohemian member of the Chicago Board of Education, sub-
mitted in yesterday's meeting of the Board committee on buildings and grounds
a resolution aiming at the beautification of yards adjacent to public schools.
The resolution was passed on to a specially appointed committee. Mr. Dibelka ^
stated that there is not a single decent-looking school yard in Chicago, and £7
he proposed that the services of an expert, whose sole duty would be to keep ^
school yards in a fittii^, pleasant condition, should be secured. 2
tjj
'%:•
2
I A
1
b
III
B
III
A
III
H
IV
I A 1 a BOIELIAK
D enni Hlasjte l. Jan. 19, 1913,
FRUl. 11T2 PUBLIC SCHLCLS
Professor Veleminsky Studies Air.erican Schools
Our distinguished guest, Professor Karel Veleminsk:/ ^f the University of
Prap:n_e7, recently began a thorou£'^i study of the Anerican public school system,
in v;hich study he enjoys the v.'illing co-operation of local school authorities.
School Superintendent Lrs, Ella Flagc Young brought the visit of the v;ell-knovm
educator to the attention of school principals, and directed then to provide
Dr. Veleninsl-Q.' v/ith all the inf ortiiation he desired and to facilitate his stud-
ies in every res-nect, He is being accompanied on his visits by our school
board members, ^^aroslav/ Zmrhal and /j, B_^ Dibelica, V/e do not doubt,
therefore, that he is being v;ell taken care of.
On Friday, morning and afternoon, the ',/illiam Penn School arranged a very
fine little festival for its pupils. School Principal krs. Bertha Benson
profited from the presence of Dr. Veleminsky, who was studying modern methods
of instruction in her school, and asked him to address the numerous Bohemian
la - 2 - BGli:LJ.AlJ
I A 1 b
III B 2 Dennl Hlasatel, Jan. 19, 1913.
Ill A
III II children who are the school's pupils. Tofrether v;ith Lr. E. S.
IV Vraz, the president of the Cesko-Americka Narodni Rada (Bohemian-
^unerican National Council), Professor Veleninsky was ^velcomed by the
assembled Bohemian pupils of the higher grades v/ho sane the Bohemian national
anthem for him in their ovm language. Then the Professor addressed the more
than one hundred assembled pupils, explainin*^' the differences betv;een schools
in the "United States and schools in Bohemia, and the various subjects taught
over here and over there. He described the gay and cheerful spirit he
found in the schools of the United States, and urged the students to love
their nev; homeland, all the v;hile maintaining full appreciation for the
language of their parents, using it at home and perfecting themselves in
its knoY/ledge, Ivjr. Vraz addressed the teachers in the English language and
thanked them for preparing this pleas;int occasion, and urged the children to
grow up to be good Americ-^.n citizens.
In the ; fternoon, two hundred and fifty of the youngest pupils were called
to the school assembly hall. Professor Veleninsky recommended that they
I A 1 a - 3 - B0}IEI.1IAI^'
I A 1 b
III B 2 Denni Hlasatel . Jan. 19, 1913,
III A
III -H study and educate themselves with full seriousness, and that they re-
IV quest their parents to keep them in schools just as long as possible.
The school principal and teachers took exemplary care in arranging for
Professor Veleminsky's visit. They prepared an exhibit of the school's
handiwork, the best of which, along v;ith a group photograph of the pupils,
was presented to him as a souvenir. They also saw to it that Prof. Velerainsky
received a thorough idea of the school's work by arranging the day's program
so as to make it as diversified as possible.
Through the kindness of I.Ir, Dibelka and Professor Zmrhal, Professor
Veleminsky was also received by other schools. He attended the gymnasium
classes of our Mr. Joseph Cermak at Iledill High School, and the classes
in the Bohemian language at Harrison Technical High School. In the club
of Bohemian students of this school created by the efforts of the teacher
of Bohemian language, Mr. a, Krai, the Professor entered the discussion and
again urged the young people not to permit their affections to becom.e
estranged from their native tongue.
1 a Bo:-~2.:i.ir:
-o
I L
17 Denni Hlasatsl . Xov. 8, 1912.
;iK AGHICiniTUR-J. SCHOOL IX CHIC.IGC
The Bohemians in Chicaf'o leavs traces of their v/orlc everywhere. Their aim
is to assure a good name for their nation and help in developing the great
community of vmich they are an i.T:portant part. Ariong our count ryisien ^vho hold -^
hicli positions in public life and v/ho put forth their best efforts to add to -^
the recognition and prestige of Bohemians in Chicago is !.'j?, J. B. Dibelka. "t"
-o
In one of the recent meetings of the Chicago Board of Education, of viiich he 2
is a me/aber, I'r, Dibel'ca proposed the establishment of an agricultural school Lo
in Chicago. He succeeded in justifyin.:: his proposal both in the meeting of the S
Board and in the meeting of sciiool principals, and there is little doubt that ■^
an agricultural school v;ill be established in Chicago very shortly
I A 1 a BCIIiXJT
I A 1 b
r/ Demii la.isatel . July J:8, VJ12,
Bohaaians Live in /JlI '.iarCls of Chicago
...t the last rieetin.^ of the School Board, a report of the Gchool census v;as
presented, accordinr;: to './hich GhicaGO nov; has 2,J81,7C"" inhabitants.
nie school census, vvhich v;as under the direction of Lr. ■./illi;ui L. Eodine, ^
shoTi/s taat in Chicago there are 3o2,516 persozjs v/ho have not -jet reached -c
maturity; of these 44o,854 are i.uale and 4o3,uol; are fenale. o
Bohenians are l.isted as havin.;;^ 3, 665 foreicn-bom and 42,745 .j.ieri can-bom
persons unler t'.;enty-one years of ace.
We hereby express our th:.uil:s for these reports to our Bohemian school
C7I
I A 1 a - S - DOii;i .1.-2:
I A 1 b
IV Deim i masatol , July 2B, 191?>.
conriissioner, I.r. J» E. Dibolka, v;Iio v/as so l:ind as to furnish us v/itli a copy
of this detailed school census reiort, Lr. Dibolka is a nenber of several
iru'Ortant com .ittoes iii tlie Board of j^uucjtiori. He is a laa-.iber of the reil-
es'-.ate corudttee, cxiaiman of tiis co:.: .ittee on vocational tnanin-j courses,
etc. . I.r. Dibelka v/orlced for the introduction of the Boher.iian liai£;uage as a
course of study in tho Chlcaeo hi^-xi schools. He infonus us that teaching of
the Boher.iian lani-ijuafie will be started in tv;o hi^h schools after the sanii:ier
vacation. Teachers of the Bohei.iiai. lan^uaco "..'ill be appointed next month.
so
o
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cn
I A 1 a BOHE?aAIT
II B 1 c (1)
II B 1 c (2) Denni laasatel . June 15, 1912.
BOHSf!IAN CHILDREN COI.TLIlvTHrvTSD Ff SlIB']RIl^T7S?IDSriT
OF THE CHICAGO HJBLIC SCHOOLS
Yesterday* s Record-Herald , under the heading "I.Irs. Ella Flagg Young Speaks,"
carries a notevrarthy article for us Bohemians. Frcn this flattering report ^
we have selected the following:
3>
"The end of the school semester in the Howland School was celebrated in fes- '-'
-o
tive style by the presentation of six performances of two plays depicting g
scenes from the life and history of the Bohemian people. Five hundred of "r-
the sixteen hundred boys and girls attending the Howland School are of o
Bohemian origin. This year's June festivities at this school, v;hich is a Si
pioneer of work and play of this nature, are comparable to a kind of gift
by the Bohemian children to their non-Bohenian fellow pupils. This R.ift
consists of two plays based upon Bohemian ideals, embellished with dances
and costumes of the old native land. Taking part in these plays v;ere more
I .
. 1 a
II
II
3 1c
3 1c
(1)
(2)
- 2 - 30I:Z.1^:
Denni :ls;;atel . Tune 15, 1912.
than Giz hundred boys and girls, -xz a result of this, not all of thone partici-
pating;: were Bohenians. Kany non-Bohe^iian children assisted and v/orked hand
in hand v;ith their friend r, of foreic:;n orip;in,
"The first play, "Z,laty I'rar.en," (The Golden 3prin£^) v/as in one act, and the ^
stoT^r upon which it was based .-as translated fron the Boheraan laa'^ua.^e by ^
Tana 7o Jan. The principal of the school, :..rs. .-jnelia Dxmne Hoolc/;ay, drana- ^:
tized the story, and in addition to the dialoj^ue and son^s, the children ^'
learned the "Beseda," a Bohemian national dance, so as to rive the entire pc
production a somev/hat ^Picturesque atmosphere, ^
Ca.'
cr
"The second play was called "Jlepy Krai" (Tlie Blind Kinj;) . This play ivas ^
interspersed v;ith many sonr;s and 'lO'ipous marches, r.ictures, and important
happenin-s of Bohemian history of the fourteenth century'-. The travels of
the blind Kim^ John of Luzenburp; anionp: his subjects, Libuse's (^ Bohemian
Princess) ■•^reat efforts for the emancipation of Bohemian womanhood, and
- I A 1 a - 3 - BOHWMTAN
II B 1 c (1)
' II B 1 c (2) Dennl Hlasatel . June 15, 1912.
other highly dramatic events were portrayed in settings of picturesque luxury.
"Mrs. Slla Flagg Young was present at one of these performances, and at its
conclusion she addressed the young actors Mong other things she said, 33
"In regard to these plays and singing in connection with school work, I ^
would say that your children will master their regular school work in half j:
the time if school woric as a whole affords them some enjoyment." ^
r^5
I
t
I A 1 a B0HSIJI.4N
III B 2
17 Denni Hlasatel. Mar. 11, 1912.
TH2 STRUGGLS FOR THS BOHEi.II^J LANGUAGE
That v;e Bohemians cannot accomplish anything without a struggle was proved
again in a concrete manner recently. Last December when the secretary of the
Ceska- Araerickd Narodnl Rada (Bohemian-.imerican National Council), Professor
Jaroslav J. Zmrhal, secured the aid of Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Slla
Jlagg Young for the Bohemian cause, especially for the introduction of the
Bohemian language in the high schools, it seemed that at least once> we accom-
plished something without bitterness and strife. Hov.ever, although ordinarily
the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools in educational matters is
the deciding factor, the recommendation pertaining to the Bohemian language
met with opposition on the part of Ivlr. Bennett, vice-president of the Board
of Education, who demanded that the entire matter be laid over to the next
meeting of the Board. It v;as not, of course, the intention of the majority
which brought about the postponement, but the v/ell-knovm rules of courtesy
according to v.hich any member of the Board can succeed in postponing or bring
about the reconsideration of any matter by merely expressing a desire for sue
A
la - 2 - BOHSLIL^J
III B 2
IV Denni Hlasatel. Mar, 11, 1912.
action. IJrs, S, Jlagg Young reassured the Ceska-.-waoricka Narodni Rada that
she would not allow the matter to be forgotten.
The impatience of the Bohemian people and the doubts so often expressed were
fully unjustified. As we have stated over and over again in our reports, our
cause is in good hands and has been practically decided since last December
when the secretary of the Ceskd-iimericka Narodni Rada received an oral and
later a. written assurance from Mrs. Young that the whole matter would be
favorably settled.
However, the fleskd-Americka Narodnf Rada, though pleased with the stand of
so important a worker as the superintendent of Schools, was well-aware of the
need for convincing the other members of the Board of Education. The Narodni
Rada sent special letters to the Board members in which the importance and
merit of the whole matter was briefly but comprehensively explained, lifter
several conferences, Professor Miller agreed to write in favor of the Bohemian
cause from a sociological point of view to the chairman of the Committee
I A 1 a - 3 - BCHSMIriN
III B 2
IV Dennl Hlasatel . Liar. 11, 1912.
ISducation, LIr. VJ, Sui:ii.ier, He could take that liberty because he is personally
acquainted v/ith Mr. Summer, and th,:; word of a sociologist always means a
great doil to LIr. Summer. Also, there was individual action within the Board
itself, where our Bohemian roprasontative, I>Ir. James Dibelka, strove success-
fully vfith genuine determination for our cause.
The result of this activity was that our cause met with favor on the part of
the Committee on Education, and that the president of the Board of Education
together v/ith several other members promised in vnriting to support our cause
when it came up for consideration.
The entire matter is now postponed to the next meeting when, according to all
indications, it will be approved. The Ceska-ximericka Narodni Rada will not
stop working feverishly and energetically until the matter is decided.
iUl
m.
I A 1 a
EOISI'IAN
Denni Hlasatel . July 27, 1911.
NOTICE TO BCHa>!IAK STUDSKTS
The Council for Higher Education at this time is accepting applications
of Boheriian students of both sexes who have talent and desire to con-
tinue or complete their studies, but do not have the means to achieve
their aims, A sum not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars for each
school year will be loaned on a pledge of honor, without interest, to
such students who meet the requirements prescribed by the regulations
of the Executive Committee of the Council for Hirher Education. . The
requirements are published here, and we urge everyone who thinks of
making application should read them. They are: Candidates, of both
sexes, must be of Bohemian origin, have a knowledge of the Bohemian
language, and the sentiment of a Bohemian, must lead a proper and moral
life, and show the necessary capabilities for studies at a higher school
of learning. Applications are accepted from those only who lack the
necessary means for independent study. Further, the candidate must have
I A 1 a - 2 - EOHS!:iA]^T
Denni Hlasatel . July 27, 1911,
a certificate of graduation from an accredited High School or other
school comparable to it. The petitioner, in his application, will make
known at which of the schools approved by the Council for Higher
Education he wishes to study, after '.irtiich the student must comply v/ith "
the entrance requirements of said institution and complete successfully
at least a half year's work at the institution v/here he will use the
loan, or p-ive proof that comparable work v;as completed at some other
school. The applicant will agree to complete the full Collegiate Course
and consent to have the management of said school make reports occasion-
ally to the Executive Committee about the student's progress. Special
studies such as medicine, law, pharmacy, art, music, voice, theology,
business and like subjects, are not included in the Collegiate Course.
For that reason, loans are not made to students of these courses.
Students should take notice especially of the absolute necessity for
thorough preparation, and completed preliminary education in English
I A 1 a
- 3 -
BOEEr^IATT
Dennl Hlasatel . July 27, 1911, "
grammar, because all higher schools lay stress upon this subject, and
the student should sense the importance of a complete grammatical
knowledge of the language which is used exclusively at all lectures
in this country. In many cases, Bohemian students prove to be weak
in this subject, some of them even fail in various subjects as a
result of insufficient preparation in English, therefore, the Executive
Committee is forced to lay greater stress upon this requirement.
Applications from students are made on special forms which are fur-
nished to each applicant. They must be in- the hands of the Executive
Committee before September 1, 1911. Applicants should furnish the
names of countrymen, teachers, or professors, who can give a report
about the applicant and recommend him. All communications should be
sent to the assistant secretary: John Stepan^^ . Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
For the Council for Higher Education: B. Simer., president. P. A.
Korab, secretary.
I A 1 a BCHii;:!.^
II B 2 f
Denni JLasatel , I lay 4, 1911.
3CK..0L OF ia-yOLlSII
(.i.dveitise::.cnt )
You v;ill learn to spca'.v, read, and vrcite the "lilnslisii liair;uage quicker and nore
easily in Joukup's ichool of i^n^lish, located at 1646 ..est ICth otreet. You
nay ar^'ange for private instruction, or attend snail clasaeG v;.;.iGa is u great
convenience for you. Tuition for sucii instruction is v^ry ..lOderate. l.'ew
pupils are still bein^ accepted, .-vnyone vmo does not kno;. JCnglisa is lost in
^erica, ior tli .t reason, dj not delay in tao least, but apply irn.iediately
anj'' afternoon or eveiiinr';, or Simduy iiorning.
I A 1 a " BOHKMTAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 20, 1906.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE
COMI^ITTEE OF THE /ASSOCIATION FOR
HIGHER EDUCATION
The executive committee of the Association for Higher Education takesthis -o
opportunity to present its customary annual report on the activities and _^
condition of the Association, r;
First, the committee expresses its pleasure at the increase in membership S
of the Association; between February 1 and July 9 fifty-six persons applied ^—
for membership.
During the year, all the business of the Association progressed quite satis-
factorily. Loans were made to thirteen students; these loans are classified
according to the institutions: Iowa State University, two; Iowa State Normal
School, two; Iowa State Agricultural School, one; Nebraska State University,
one; Nebraska State Normal School, one; Texas State ^igricultural School, two;
Case School of Applied Science, in Ohio, two; Northwestern University, in
CO
I A 1 a - 2 - BOHEI>IIAN
Denni Hlasatel . Sept. 20, 1906,
Illinois, one; University of Chicago, one.
There are two girls among these students. All the students are doing well
and send favorable reports of their progress to the committee. The committee ^
takes pleasure in announcing that t-wo wards of the Association have com- 5
plated their studies this year and received their diplomas, ^r^
r-
More precise details on finances are given in the reports of the treasurer -a
and secretary, v/hich were recently published. The committee, however, calls o
attention to the follovdng table of receipts and loans covering the Associa- "^^
tion*s whole period of existence. This list has been compiled according to S
states: ^
Receipts Disbursements
lovja 12,160.53 .^975,00
Ohio 753.70 700.00
Nebraska 488,26 520.00
■.Wisconsin 399.80 210.00
Texas 35,00 885,00
Illinois 248,50 630,00
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHSMIaN
Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 20, 1906.
Receipts
New York ^445.00
L:issouri 560,16
Llaryland 187 . 00
California 110.00 ^
Llinnesota 95,00 >
Michigan 75.00 '^
Kansas 15,00 <Z
South Dakota 50,00 gg
Oklahoma 35,00 2
Massachusetts 25,00 ^
New Jersey 22,00
Pennsylvania 25.00
The executive committee takes the liberty of calling the attention of lodges
and individuals in various states to Article V, Paragraph C of the Association's
constitution, according to which the committee must see to it that where
cases are equally deserving, loans are divided among the states in proportion
en
3»
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHTO,tIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 20, 1906.
to the total receipts from them. No applicant who was able to comply with the
requirements of the Association has been refused aid. However, it might easily
happen that the committee would be forced to govern itself according to the
above-mentioned paragraph. For instance, from the entire state of Texas, the
Association has received thus far a total contribution of only ^35, while a
total of ^885 in loans has been made in that state. On the other hand, the
states of New York, Maryland, Llissouri, etc., \rtiose contributions have been f=
fair, have not received a single loan, and the committee has not received a -^
single application from these states which complied with the requirements of 3
the Association. Therefore, it v.'ould be advisable for the lodges and our 2
fellow countrymen in states like Texas, to contribute more liberally to the ^
Association if they wish to preserve for their young people the advantages
which they now enjoy. In states like New York they should make better use of
the advantages to which they are fully entitled. Surely there are enthusiastic
and capable youths in those states who are in need of this aid. They should
apply for it.
Aside from the work in connection with loans, the committee has done a great
deal of its usual work, such as giving advice, explaining things to those who
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHELIIAN
Denni Hlasatel . Jept. 20, 1906.
intend to devote themselves to higher education, and urging our youth to
take up more advanced study. This work has proved very useful. To a certain
extent, at least, the results of this activity are obvious in the increased
number of Czech students in the universities, especially in the state univer-
sities of Nebraska and Iowa, and in the organization of literary societies
among the Czech students at these two universities. Besides this work, it
is often necessary to give advice and encouragement to the wards of the Associ-
ation. This is the main responsibility of the members of the committee.
All this work takes much labor, time, and material sacrifice. The members of
the committee themselves paid for incidental expenses in order to avoid
drawing upon the treasury of the j^ssociation.
The committee concludes its report ;vith an appeal to the public for continued
and energetic support of this noble undertaking.
I A 1 a BOH^IMT
II B 2 f
IV Dennl Hlaaatel , Jan. 21, 1905.
CISTBTWISH^ BOH^iaAN TIIACJIFI^
In recognition of his untiring activities amonsr his countrymen, the Bohemian
citizens of Chicago, ?.!r. Jaroslav Zmrhal, a teacher at the Farragut School, ^
24th Street and Spaulding Avenue, was awarded a scholarship to the University 5
of Chicago by the Colonial Dames of America Society, Mr. Zmrhal won his -Ti
position as a teacher through his own diligence. After his arrival in America r~
he had to learn the "English language like any other immigrant. Afterwards he -o
taught in the lower schools, and attended evening lectures at the University o
of Chicago, Later, wishing to become more useful to his countrymen, he sacri- i^
ficed the University lectures and dedicated himself to the development of an §
evening school for his countrymen. His activities were noticed by the University*^
Settlement leaders, and it was upon their recommendation that he was awarded the
scholarship mentioned above.
■'-.Or
I A 1 a BQHgmAN
17
Dennl Hlaaatel , Jan. 17, 1904.
APPOINTEa) DIRECTOR
Mr* J. 6. Dlbelka, an architect known in all our circles, iras appointed
principal of the so called apprentice-school. This school is maintained by
the Board of Education and is attended by apprentice brick-layers, carpenters,
and stone-masons. At the present time the school has 130 pupils, i^o come
under the supervision of the Master Builders Association. The Association
sees to it that the pupils attend the school regularly. Drawing, writing,
reading, correspondence and Job-estimating are taught and the pupils acquaint
themselves with' the political management of this country and learn how to keep
books. Among the teachers active at this school, there is also another Bo-
hemian, Ifr* lAinnak. There are several Bohemians among the students, Hie
school premises are located on Division and Sedgwick Streets. The appoint-
ment of Mr. Dibelka to the responsible office of this school, is a recognition
of his ability and knowledge, which he will surely make use of for the good of
his wards*
I A 1 a 13 OiEMAN
I F 3 :S
Denni Hlasatel , June 1, 1901. r^
REeCLUTIOK o
A resolution adopted in the meeting of "C. H, P. f., Grand Lodge," (Czecho- i'^
J:lovak Benevolent Lociety), at Chicago, liay 30, 1901, ic?t
-Taereas, Carter H, Harrison, l.ayor of the City of Chicago, in accordance with
the law will reappoint some members of the School Board of Chicago, whose terras
have expired, and
V/hereas, the Grand Lodge of the "C. S. P. r.," of the £tate of Illinois, repre-
sented in such an ii porxant office, and
'./hereas, our honorable nayor. Garter H. Harrison, has previously honored our
nationality with such representation, be it
I:esolV©d, that our fellow citizen, Christian I-^, »«alleck, who during the past
four years, with dignity, honor, capability, and to the utmost satisfaction
the City of Chicago,
5
I A 1 a - 2 - bohe:.;ian
I F 3
Denni Hlasatel , June 1, 1901.
of our Bohemian inhabitants, has represented us, be again recommended for "^
appointment as member of the iioard, anu be it further .C'
sn
Resolved, that this resolution be published in three Bohemian aailies, and a S
copy of the resolution be sent to the Honorable Carter H. Harrison, layor of to
Resolution Comrjittee of the Grand Lodge of the ttate of Illinois: £. J. Halik,
J. P. Zelenka, Karel Toman, John A. Silha, Dr. Vaclav r.oth.
I A 1 a The Chicago Daily Tritime , April 15, 1901. BOHEKIIAN
III C
I A 2 a BOHEMIAl.^S OBJECT TO PROPOS'CP SCHOOL LAWS
LARGE MEETING HELD IN ST. PROCOPIDS HALL, RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED,
AiO) COMMITT:..!. APPOIOTED TO LOBBY.
A meeting of Bohemian Catholics was held in the school hall of St. Procopius
Church, 18th and Allport streets, yesterday to protest against the hill for
free text books to the public scho'ls, and the bill denying to Colleges with
small endowment the right to grant degrees.
Resolutions were adopted am a committee was appointed to call on members of
the Chicago Board of Education and members of the Legislature and ask the
defeat of the bills.
There was a 1' rge attendance at the meeting. It was called by a committee
composed of the Rev. Procopius Nauzil, the Rev. John Ocenasek and the Rev.
Charles Kohlbeck. Among the speakers were Theodore B. Thiele, Albert Janda,
Casper Stech, the Rev. Valentine Kohlbeck and Theodore Thiele.
-2-
I A 1 a The Chicago Daily Tribxxne . April 15, 1901. BOHSMI^
III C
I A 2 a
The speakers contended that if the school Board could furnish the rich
people with free text books, the money shoxild be used to equip school buildings
where the Bohemian children would be benefited by them. At the present
time, a ntunber are unable to attend school on account of the limited
accomodations. The bill, restricting the right to give to colleges having
$100,000 or more endowment, would destroy several Catholic institutions,
it was stated.
The committee appointed to work against the bills was composed of ex ^Iderman
Frank Meek, J. Joseph Malcak, and ?.rank Suhrada.
1 I A 1 a BOHE?^IAN
Ill c (German) ^-'-l i-^t'
PR0T3ST IIEETING OF BOHEI'IAIT CATHOLICS ^^^.-^^
1 III C Der.ni Hlasatel , Ar^ril 15, 1301 fc Vi'-. c'j
;
Bohenian Catholics held a protest meeting on All^ort Street, yesterday afternoon,
condemning the -croceedings of the Chicago Board of Education which decided that
various school books "be issued free of cost to all children up to the fourth
grade. They also condemned the hill ^resented in the State Legislature, v;hich
states that no college should have the right to ^rant diplomps xonless it has
$100,000 capitsil. The Drovision for more State High Schools, and the trans-
portation of crit)riled children v/ho otherwise would be unable to attend, was
also condemned. Catholics judge that enr.ctr.ent of these laws will destroy the entire
group of their schools.
The meeting was called to order by I'r, Janda, following v;hich officers were
elected: Chairmaji, V, Lala and Secretary, Joseph Krai,
I'r. Lala had a few words to say in exrlanation of the purrose of the meeting,
namely, that as citizens and not only a^^ Catholics, we should protest against
the proposition by which school books would be issued to all children free of cost.
BOHEI.aAH
Dermi Hlasatel . April 15, 1901
"How many are there of our 'Eohemian taxpayers who send their children to High
Schools? They rre few, ana corisequently this law is riot for us, Init for the
rich. However, the roor working nen must pay for it," (in this Mr, Lala is
mistaken, because the School Bor-rd decided th;^t hooks are to be issued free of
cost, only in the elementary or grammar schools, to pupils up to the fourth
grade, auid not to pupils in the Hi^h Schools), "For exajrrole," he continued,
"when a child f;;oes to school for the first time, v;hether to a Cntholic or
loublic school, every mother in order that the child may not tear his book,
sews it into a cloth cover. However, with children of wealthy fanilies it is
different. Do you think that' they also would Tirotect these books in such a
m<anner? Oh, neverl - they would tear them all the more because the richer the
child is, the more wasteful it is, V.I.0 is ^oing to r)ay the most towards this
exre.ise? Ferhaios the rich man. Oh, neverl - the inoor man, the oocr taxpayer
must nay for thid', Mr, Lala toward the end of his sr^eech said, that he thinks
there is some boodle in the entire proposition.
Theodore B. Thiele, who is the Chairman of the Vigilance Committee of the
Federation of Gerran Ca.tholics, who also are protesting aga-inst these
■nroT'oaition^, sr)oke to those nresent, in English to be sure.
-3- BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , April 15, 1901 .,;; ^
. Vr
-//
As soon as he finished, a committee was selected, cor.rosed of Mr, Souhreda, ^'.-.^
A, f!alcak, Fr, Meek, J, Peklo and Mr, Kralovec, which v/ill visit State
Representative Cyril Jandus, and request him to work for the defeat of the bill
presented in Sprinsrfield, The following resolutions were adopted:
In view of the f ict that there is at present "before the State Legislature, a
proposition havin,? for its aim the distribution of school books, free of cost,
to all c}\ildren attending public schools:
In viev/ of the fact that should this proDosition become a law, taxes would be
increased ajid new burdens forced upon the taxpayers:
In view of the fact that this proposition is \inreasonable, dishonest and thriftless:
In view of the fact that another proposition would confiscate the public rights
of all institutions of higher learning which did not have rich endovments:
-4- BOHm!IAJT
Dennl Hlasatel, April 15, 1901
r^ m.
,- 4
Be it resolved, that we Boherian taxpayers, most decidedly protest against ''^:^if^ ^'
these proT^ositions.
Resolutions Committee:
Messrs V. Lala, Jos. Krai, J. ITeuzil,
J. Safrajiek, Siroky, Plachetka, Slama, Koiikal, Zak.
I A 1 a
III C
I C
30E2f.:iAlT
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 14, 1901.
0?iX)SI^riOII TO 'JrU IU:1 SdiGOL DL'/S,
An ardent campairpi is being ar^itated anions the Bohemian Catholics, in oppo-
sition to the new school laws which have been proposed in the State Legislature,
A meeting of Bohenian Catholics, which is to take place in the St. Prokop par-
ish school, 18th and Allport 3ts. has been called for this afternoon. The
meeting and its purpose will be announced, during the morning services, in all
local Bohemian Cathclic Churches, This movement is already in full force among
the German Catholics. Among others, Theodore B. Thiell, chief director in this
battle, on the part or the CJeman Catholics, •.'dll speak at the meeting this
afternoon. The Catholics ai-e opposed to the placing of various schools under
State suijervision and also to t:ie distribution of school books, free of cost,
to all children.
*
STomoflt . June 17, 1898*
I A 1 a _ BOHEMIAN
■~ ^CHEMIAN STOHENTS RECEIVE DEGREES AT
NOR!IHWESTERN COUMENCEUEl^
The closing of the school year was celebrated yesterday at Northwestern
University.
In the academic department, V. K. Proula, Bohemian, received a diploma
of Bachelor of Arts and Anthony Liska, Bohemian, has a diploma as a
chemist.
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
Svornost, June 25, I89I '' !^
.,'-••■ - BOHMim GRADUATES ' C
Graduation exercises were held at the Goodwin Grammar School yesterday, Dinlomas sc
were awarded to the pupils who completed the studies. Among those grs^uated i-
and now eligihle for admission to the Hi^ School are nine TJupils of Bohemian o
parentage. '^
I A 1 a BOFTTOIAN
SYomoBt , June 27, 1890*
HIGH SCHOOL CS2A£KJATES
Among the graduating pupils of the West Side High School is Tladimir Gerlnger,
the son of the publisher of STornost . He completed the high-school studies
with exceptional success and will enter Ann Arbor after the summer vacation
to take up the study of law. Another Bohemian who successfully completed the
high school course is William Hrdlicka.
X D *f V XS^i^
STomoat. Jaa« 8, 1890* *^ 1^A ^1
/CSTLDRSlii SHOULD BE SBNT TO SCHOOl/
-.^c/
The State of Illinois hps experienced considerable difficulty in forcing the
■foreign-horn in sending their children to school. 'hen asked vrhy thej did
not send their children to school, they would reply that they had no money
or clotnes to send the children to school with. "I'aen thai was furnished they
still did not send them.
Finally l/.rs. Axford, r woman with r twelve year old "boy, whom she refused to
send to school f^ter repeated orders, was m?de an exa^rple of. She vr^s hronght
"before the judge, fined $20.00 and forced to send the hoy to school. This
example ^^ade the other recalcitrant parents take notice and as a consequence
the school was crowded on the following- day.
The law is that all children must attend school form the ages of 7 "to lU.
Heretofore, small children were sent to factories and lot of them had no
schooling at aJ.l, leavin^; them illiterate. The English language is taught
in all schools, whether they he secilar or puhlic and all children should
he given an opportunity to acquire an education.
I A 1 a - BOHELIIAN
I V
Svornost, .'ept.lO, 1885.
BOAIID OF EDUCATION.
•
All members of the Board were present at yesterday's meeting. After deciding
many business issues, the members of the Board began the election of the ofi'icers
for the coirdng year. l»ir, Clark proposed the renomination of the present chairman
Doolittle. Lr. Nichofl' proposed our countryman, Hdolf Kraus, as chairman; many
other members in their short speecnes declared -neir approval to .he proposition,
proving the great confidence in our countryman. Imny members publicly stated
that the Bohemian Kraus was experienced in educational problems and will fulfill ^
the duties of his office very successfully and to the fullest satisfaction of the^^
City of Chicago, Both candidates had their followers among the members of the 1=
Board. C
S
The result of the voting was undecided, uoolittle obtained five votes and uraus, 2
seven; the second vote was postponed, and the election of other officers g
§
accomplished.
- 2 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 a
I V
Svornost, Sept, 10, 1885.
Then followed the second vote for chairman; this time the i:>ohemian, Adolf Kraus,
was elected chairnan with a majority of votes. ^
liVe certainly can be proud that our countryman was elected as chairman of such .^^
an important office. p
5C
O
CO
I A 1 a BOILJliJIAIT
IV
I C Svornost_, Sept. 19, 18S3,
TO TIIE HONOR OF TI^ EOEJnvHAN NATIOITALTTY EI CTiIGAGO
(Ec?.itorial) 5
iUnerica, or rather GhicR -o, is upset that a T^ohemian attained the distinction, p
which many rich and prominent Americr^jis, Germans and Irishmen hopefully expected, "^
o
In t?ie last session of the ;noard of* 2]ducatior, a ;:ohemian, Adolf Kraus, a law- ^
3'er, was nominated as Chairman of The School 3©nrd, This distinction is so g
great, that an 2n.'?lish nev/spaper mentioned ic in lon.;^ articles.
To a certain degree, the president of the Board of Education is a more educated
person than the I-ayor hinself, ;iho is a politician elected by the voters, whose
votes must be gained by different ways and means.
The Hoard of -Education is an office of honor, and its menfcers are chosen and
selected men of excellence and confidence; they are trusted wi'.h the problem of
the education of all the younger Generation in our city, and their previous
merits authorize them to i-un for the position of chairman of The Board of
J. A X a -c- r!uni]._iiuj
IV
I C Svornost, oept , 19, 1833.
Education.
It is a great honor to be a member of the Board in a larre city like Chicago.
Adolf Kraus was a member of the Board and he represented, with dignity, the
Bohemian Community of Ghicaj^o tWD years, participating: in deliberations and
decisions tosether with other prominent citizens of Ghicaf^o.
This tine the members of the Board of Education called the blameless member,
Vx , Kraus, to preside over then, knowing that he is the most irreproachable,
capable and prominent man for this office.
The appointment of tir. Kt-aus to the presidency is in recognition and honor,
of the Bohemian population in Chicago, which numbers over 40,000 people^
'.7e were greatly pleased, when two years a 30 the Bohemian laviryer, A. Kraus,
was nominated by the Layor for office in the Board of Education, and this
proved a real success for our nation and greater honor, then if three Bohemian
candidates should have been appointed to paying positions in some other office
where everything is connected with profit and the making of a living only, and
nothing mor-e.
o
I A 1 a -3- BOPSIuIAtJ
IV
I C Svornost , Sept, 19, 1883,
VThen our candidate and representative was elevated to ^he presidency of the most
important board in the city we should radiate va. th much greater happiness than
ever.
3>
It means that he is entrusted by all tlie citizens with their schools, their am- "f
bitious children and their confidence. .}e should be proud, that the citizens L^
can choose from among us such trustworthy men, who are serving the City unself- ^
ishly in most important and dignified positions, £
,7e are absolutely sure that the Chairman of the Board of Education, our i^
Adolph Ilraus, will perfoim his duties to the honor, not only of hinself but to
honor of our whole Bohemian community. Should he not act with dimity and should
he not respond to the confidence put in hiiu, he would cast shame on our nation,
as one who is not able to handle this kind of an office.
If he responds in every way to his responsibilities he will procure for us honor
and pride; he will prove that he is of our blood, educated and raised in our
midst and elevated by his ov;n merits. Thanks to his enerff^^etic efforts he wholly
mastered the Snclish lanr^ua^e, gained the full confidence of our people during
his sojourn among us and received complete acknowled/^ement of his ability in all
our social and official circles.
I A 1 a -4- BOHavJAlT
TI
I C Svornost , Sept. 19, 1833.
He deserves the elected elevation to the hi;^ office, ^
.Ye congratulate lir. Kraus on his elevation, we ardently congratulate ourselves p
for this product of our social iToup. Our whole coiiniunity, those previously T^.
despised "Bohemians" will cain tremendously in the opinion of the Termans, ^
Irishrien and /loericans, who have alwavs insulted and ridiculed us. ^
,7e can prove, now, that a P.ohemian is the chairman of their most important in- [^
stitution and the fact v/ill renain, for a Ion* time, in the memory of 'hII, that
a Bohemian has occupied this hi :xi f)Osition honorably, honestly, and to the sat-
isfaction of all citize:.s of Chicago.
■,7e know that Adolf liraus will not for,:^et the interests of the Eohenian nation
here in re-'^ard to the Sokols and the more convenient location of our schools
in considerin--^ the education of Bohemian children.
I A 1 ft -ourijji.iX.iU\
-.. ■'■'_' ^ ■ Svornost . J\me 29, 18??1
BOHffililAlI APPOINTED TO SCHOOL BOAHD • ' ' ' ,
'The City Council he?d r meeting Iftst night in vhich, a? a whole, there wss
not much of importance to the -ohenian people except that the Mayor announced
the appointment to the School Board of the Sohemian Lawyer Adolf Kraus, there-
hy fulfilling the Ion.- desired request of the Bohemians thc-^t they be repre-
sented in this important office.
The i'layor announced the ar>pointnent to the School- Bo: rd of the following:
Adolf Kraus, Jacoh T. Healy, Thomas Brennpn, Dr. Normfr-n Brid/^e and Adolf
Schoeninger,
Svornost . Jtine 2^, lg81
•r- GRA?.niAH SCHOOL OHAJUATj^S -■ ' '
There are thirty-two gra^mrr schools in our city from which 7^5 hoys and
girls are being ^p.d-Lu>ted this year. Among these graduates v/e find fourteen
Boherrigji na"ies, tho'igh there may "be more, for oui' I'm-^lish teacher*? have s
hecit of Americanizing Bohemian na'nes to such an extent th;^t one wc-ild h.^;ve
difficulty in recognizing them for such. The following v^e the npmes of the
"Bohemian graduates, of then we -r^.e;/ well he proud and ve wish t' em continued
success in their future endeavors in the higher schools.
From the "Dore" Scnool : Annie S. Novotkiy, A. Vij)la ;'ikeF, liz^^ie Husak.
"Brown" School: lida Fiser. "Doxiglss" School: Joe Hurita. "Foster" School:
Edw. Dvorak, Augusta Fiser, Ctillie ^oldherger, Vilem L. Lhotka and D.J.
Srigar. "Hayes" School : Stepan Fiser. "J.Ioseley" School: Anna Vitkovsky.
"Newherry" School: Ella L. Huher. "Skinner" School: Jakuh Vitkovsky.
5
P
CO
t i'
Svornost . Jtsne >0, 13?;0
O'Jrt 30Hal.lIAl^y YOUTH IN LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS
^e f?.re obliged to enter in tlis pub]ic paper the n;^ne? of the BohernisJi
pupils in o'or public schools, v.'::o hcve successfully completed the studies
in the higher ^^pdes. In conp?ri?on '.vith the Ipr.^^e nupiher of Bohemians
in the city, they ore very, very few in nijja"ber, only three this jepr.
They are Fr. Patera, Fr, ^'ovy, "Doth whom .^^.ttended the local hi ^h school
with great success pnd h^-re oibtained t''eir diplo".as, provin^^ their indus-
try and extra ordinary a.',ility. At the ^ostT^r public school, Vpc. Salek
V7r..s the recipient of such reco^ition as is se"!dom given to nore then one
or tv;o pupils of a class. However, nuch the successes of these pupils
pleases us, w? c--nnot overcome o^ir sorrow over the fact that so few of
our DO'S attend, (and probably none of oior girls) the high schools.
It must be understood t'-.at, the fault lies v/ith the parents, who do not
realize, that by giving their children an education, they give them more
then any amount of labor cou].d provide. It is about time tliat Bohemian
parents took more interest in our high schools and helped their children ■
to a better education. This would of itself raise tlieir f^tanding as
o
Co
CI
*^
Svornost . June 30, IS^O
citizens and mal-e tlieir prospects of the future much hrigriteT. There
are quite a large number of us here fnd it is time to give thought to
it, that we r.i.^ht have sonon^i us more men fble to work in the interests
of our countrymen in tl^e midst of strange customs.
r—
5
Co
IB3'b- 30HEMIA1T
SVOKIOST. ATDril 12th, 1879. . .. '
A Review of the Cocipulsory School - • '
Attendance Law.
Enemies of the lew for com-oulsory school attcjidrtnce of children "between the ages
of 9 anr^ lU yer.rs, among whom is foiind the "Chicago Tirces"' condemn this law and it's
regulations. The oh .lections they T)ut forth can readily he dismissed h:/ any reason-
ably sensible man, who is concerned ahout the welfare of the comiminity es a whole,
aJid the safe guarding of the rights of all those who in some instance may need the ^
protection of law, ^
They claim tha State has no right, nuch less anj'- obligation, to t-^ke children -w
from the control of the parents, to rr.ise anc educate then against their will other-i^
wise, unless the parents ao wish it. Such disregard of ri^ts originates in £
Prussia and is pure and simple despotism, where every inhabitant belongs to the ^
State and the State must -orovide all his necessities rnd watch over him. The ^
American principles are that the citizen belongs only to himself, that he is free,
and that the Stpte is maintri ned only for the Tourr)Ose of assuring his freedom, not
for the puriDOse of putting him under it' s protection and regulating his life.
I A 1 a
I r 3 i3 BOimv:iAN
S70PJI 0ST. Ar^ril l?th. 1279. 1^ {ILL) fWj.;nj^,,
The Prussian princir)le is that Beople are created for the State. The American
principle is that the government is created for the T)eot)le anc!- that more government
than is actually necessary to preserve the liberty of the citizenry i^ des-ootism.
Therefore they claim that the only plane unon which compulsory attendance of scho-ls
can he placed is DesT)otism, These princiT>les however, are undemocrstic and
contrary to out system of personal rights, which the government should guard ageinst
any curtailment.
They say this knd of law would he as unenforcihle as a law prohihiting the
drinking of alcoholic liquors, or nny other law tfjnpering with our private domestic
affairs. It is Indeed a strange exposition of the principles of liherty and duty.
The whole fault of this reasoning, knowingly committed, remains in the f.act tl^-^it
they mt children on the same level with tiie parents; they put them on the same -olane
as other mature citizens. They ncf^jse to admit that children can not he compared
with mature citizend, "because in the first -olace 'hey dont know and cannot know
their rights for they would not understand them if they were heing told and they are
I A 1 £
SVOB.NCST. April 12th, IS79.
mAiiLL)mj.3Q?ji
unaljle to g'.xe.rd their rights in any manner, E-'iication cannot be forcitly administer-
ed in some coercive institution. That is true. We do not exoect to force any one
with a wnip to "becomp a Doctor or Professor if he has not the will nor ambition for it.
Kov/ever, everyone even the poorest and most indifferent can "be persuaded while his
mind is still pliant, to learn reading, writing and arithmetic thereby reducing the
possibility of becoming an uneducated loafer when he has grown up, knoiring nothing .
and seeking his livelihood in thievery.
According to their objections the State would not have the right, even, to force
convicted criminals t"^ learn anything and if they had no trade would be compelled to
keep them in idleness. The final argument of the 'Rimes'* that this system which
would force children from the home to school like convicts under sentence , would
lower the norale and standards of the schools so that none would care to brs^ that
they went to school is sheer nonsense. Only \7hen children begin to show more
common ;:ense, can there be any talk of voluntary school attendance. We are of the
opinion that all of the objections put forth by the enemies of compulsory education
are worthless and that Illinois should have a law compelling parents to send their
children to schools, • • , -
FWFP
I A 1 a Svomost, Ch icago, July 15th, 1878, T^niTrtViTAW \j<.
^^rVE BOHEMIAN YOUTHS AEMITOBD TO HIGH SCHOOT/
■'"very thoughtful citizen is very much tjleased when he hears of the great desire
of Bohemians to acquire an education. When he hears that Bohemian parents are
thoroughly mindful of their children's education according to their means.
In Chicago 25,000 Bohemians should take pride in the ntimber of youths
attending institutions of learning. Last year (5) five Bohemians attending "Grairv-
mar School" distinguished themselves with such extraordinary diligence, they were
admitted to the High School.
They were P. J. Patera, Jos. Koupeny, 3. Novy, K. Wilen, and John Traotina.
So far as is icnown they are thoughtful, emhltious youngsters who no douht will
serve their coxintry to the honor of our nationality.
I. ATTITUDES
A. Education
1. Secular
b. Foreign Languages
I A 1 b 3CE5I;:iriN
I C
I G Denni Hl&satel , Jan. 50, 1920.
I M
17 CZECH CL.--3S2c; 2XCLLDED mOll THE
PUBLIC 3CK00L3 0? GICjilRO
In a meeting of the board of education, officially called Board of Education,
School District 99, Cook County, 111,, held yesterday, a resolution submitted
by Mr. Frank J. Petru, demanding that the Czech classes be permitted to use
classrooms of the public schools for the purpose of teaching the Czech language
on Saturdays only, was voted on. It v/as apparent that the majority of the
school board was determined not to yield. Only one member of the school board,
Mr, Blaha, supported !^. Frank J. Petru*s resolution, the third Czech member
of the school board was not present. The rest of the members of the school
board voted against it,
Follovang is the text of the resolution:
"^Vhereas, On the 23rd day of October In the year of 1919, this school board
passed a resolution that it v/ill not permit further use of classrooms for the
1 b - 2 - B0H3LiL^iI^f
I C
I G Denni Klaratel . Jan. 30, 1920.
I la
rv pxirpose of teaching the Czech language on Saturdays; and
"V/hereas, The majority of the entire population of the Towa of Cicero is of
Czech origin, although they now are sincere -jnerican citizens and good patriots
in every detail; and
"V/hereas, The Czechoslovaks of this district and all over the v/orld have per-
formed good service for the United States and its .nllies durin'-"; the V/orld 'Jar,
v;hich was attested to by President IVoodrov/ V.'ilson, vath the creation and rec-
ognition of the Czechoslovak republic, and in other manners; and -— -.^
"'iVhereas, The Czech language is taught in schools all over the vjorld; and / ir:' y p j %\
"I'/hereas, In consequence of this unjust exclusion of these children froxa tlii8kL__-^^
public schools of Cicero, these children were forced to resort to stores,
halls, and other places unsuitable, unhealthy and unsafe for them, in order
to get this education, and in those places their health, and consequently, the
lb - 3 - B0H2I.;L'il-I
I c
I G Denni Hlasatel, Jan. 30, 1920.
I I'
IV health of the whole coxnmunity being endangered; and
"IVhereas, The Czech fraternal und benevolent societies provide all the nec-
essary funds so that the children c;in have instructions in their mother
tongue; and
"V/hereas, These children attending the Czech classes were accused of trifling
misconduct v;hich accusations never v;ere proved; and
"V/hereas, The school boards of Chica^^o, Bervvyn, and other cities permitted,
and still permit the use of their public schools for the puri^ose of teaching
the Czech lan;j:uage; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That this school board pemit the Czech classes to use the class-
rooms of public schools, to teach the Czech language on Saturdays, and that
for this accommodation and janitor's service the same amount should be /^
charged now as before; and be it further ; '^-"Pfc
I A 1 b - 4 - BOHSMIM
I C
I Gr Dennl Hlasatel, Jan. 30, 1920
I M
IV" 'Resolved, That if accidentally there should be more complaints against
some of these children attending the Saturday Czech classes, or against
some of their teachers, these complaints should be sent to this school board
in writing."
The struggle of the Czech school in Cicero apparently is over until the time
when the public will elect and send new men to this school board.
A coinmur-ication from the Taxpayers* Association, requesting removal of the
president of this school board on accctuit of charges brought against him,
was not voted on. It was simply announced that the school board had taken
this matter up in a special meeting, and decided to pay no attention to this
matter at all. Subsequently, v;e will throw more light on the activities of
this famous school board.
'oT
c
o/
I A 1 b 30IIS-.II.JT
Denni Mlasatel . Jan. 26, 1922.
OUR 3IAY1G LANGUAGE LIViS
Our readers will remember that in the year 1912 we received the good news
from the Board of iSducation that permission had been granted to allow the
teaching of the Bohemian language in our high schools. Those readers who
remember this event will also recollect how some of our leaders accepted
the "credit" for this "hard" woric, claiming that it was their efforts in
behalf of Bohemianism in America that saved the da:"". Our readers will also g
remember how we laid our plans for this ; hov; we intended to place some Bohe-
mian teachers in those schools, assuming that this ;vould be sufficient. But
since that time, no one has paid the slightest attention to these classes in D
Bohemian. The same fate v;hich bofell Polish, 5'»vedish, and other foreign
language instruction will also befall the teaching of Bohemian, because the
former superintendent of schools, Mrs. Jllla Flacg-"^oung , issued an order
that any foreign language instruction may be included in the curriculum pro-
vided that there are enough students to enroll in such classes.
Our problem now is: Shall v/e let our classes in the Bohemian language die
TJ
Co
I A 1 b - 2 - B0I£i2>/iIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 86, 1922.
because of lack of interest? Such classes were organized in the Harrison
High ochool and were attended by a large number of students of i:oheiiiian ori-
gin. The /totaj|7 eiirollment in these classes was never very large, that is,
as large as we had expected it to be, but about seven classes were organized.
It is, indeed, very sad when one considers how roany hundreds of students are r=
enrolled in Spanish and in French classes, while in the Bohenian ones tiiere ^
are about ten or tv/entyl 5
o
VBiy is it that children of Bohemian origin prefer Spanish and French instruc-
tion to Boheniain? Are they ashamed to know the language or their ancestors?
I do not v;ish to believe that. There are, of course, parents who reason
that it is more practical and more important to know those languages which
are spoken by a greater nurtber of people, and for that reason perhaps they
have their children enroll in a Spanish class; why the whole of South Jtaierica
speaks Spanish! But what percentage of our young people will go to South
/jaerica on business or for pleasure? It is rather to be expected that they
-T3
3>
I A 1 b - 3 - BOHj^aLAN
Denni lUasatel, Jan. 26, 1922,
will have contact and will do business with Bohemians.
ijverrone must recognize tliat from a practical standpoint, a knowledge of the 5
Bohemian language is very important for our young people, i'rom the cultural ^::^
point of view, all languages are of equal value; our literature is as beau- f^
tiful us that of other nations.
o
This v;eek marks the beginning of the new semester, and your children may
enroll in classes in the Harrison High ochool. At present there is only one
teacher of Bohemian in a school where there ou^t to be two or even three, tr
as one finds in classes of Spanish or French. It is hoped that a large num-
ber of students will enroll in the Bohemian classes. Our slogan must be:
A Czech child belongs in a Czech class.
Bohumil iZral, teacher.
I A 1 b - S - BOEKTaAIT
II B 2 d (3)
II B 1 d Dennl Elasatel , Aug. 27, 1918.
Bohemian Made Easy , formerly used as textbook, is sold but, and Morffil*s ^
Mluvnlce Jazyka Ceskeho (Grammar of the Czech Language) is more suitable for .^
the' needs of a philologist than for the average student with everyday p
reciuirenents. Mluvnice Ceska. by Dr. Jan Gebauer, recognized as the best
-o
Czech grammar, is the foundation of Professor Nigrin*s textbook. ^
o
CO
The manual begins with instruction on the phonetics of the Czech language, a ^
highly important item \i^ich hitherto has not received due consideration. The tr
second part of the book is devoted to con^josition. Though this chapter lacks
completeness, it offers valuable hints and suggestions. A preface by A. R.
Nykl, captioned "Slav Nations and Their Tongues," will surely be of interest to
serious students.
The book will find an appreciative welcome wherever time is available on the
students' programs. It may be bought at the office of the Czech Literary
Society, which deserves unstinted praise for its efforts.
I A 1 b BOEBMIAN
II B 1 c (2)
II B 1 a Denni HLasatel . Dec. 6, 1917.
HARRISON CIRCLE'S SUCCSSSFDL 3VMING
•Rie spacious hall in the Harrison High School was filled with an appreciative
audience last night. There were highly artistic numbers on the program for
Czech Day, as arranged by the Harrison Beseda (Harrison Circle). The Circle
has a group of singers, the Glee Club, which sang Czech songs that literally
electrified the audience. The group is directed by Miss Helen Frish.
The Czech national dance, "Beseda,** was presented by girl students and was
enjoyed immensely by every spectator. It made such a^hit that they decided
to give this dance before the assembled students of the school.
Miss Milada Krametbauer demonstrated her art in several classic dances, and
-a
3>
-o
O
Mrs. 0. M, Klaus delivered a short address, which was followed by several 5
numbers for the violin played by Mr. George Hrusa, and piano ac comikniment
rendered by Miss Hattie Kovarik.
CO
o
— t
CJ1
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II B 1 c (2)
II B 1 a Dennl Hlasatel, Dec. 6, 1917.
Miss Florence Polak sang songs by A. Dvorak and also the "Marseillaise".
Miss Libuse Farizek followed with scne pieces for piano, eind the pleasant
evening came to a close with the singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner".
All the visitors expressed the wish to see the evenings of the Circle per-
petuated.
Co
I A 1 b BOHEIvllAN
II 3 1 a
III E Denni lilasatel . Get. 28, 1917.
Ill H
GSECH JLUB IN HIGK SCHOOL
Czech students of Jarter H. Harrison High ochool are working strenously
to jnake their Beseda /plub/ one of the strongest in that school. There
are over one hundred inembers nov/. Their meetings began last month, and
the following officers were elected: kiss Vlasta Vraz, president; iliss
Dagmar Vojan, vice-president; Liiss iUina Zyk, secretary; Miss Ella Mazac,
treasurer.
An informal entertaininent was given to the newcomers at the end of last
month in the smaller gymnasium, and a concert in the large hall of the
school building is being planned. One of the main purposes of the Beseda
will be to acquaint the teachers with the beauties of Czech music. The
club hopes for public support, since the proceeds vdll be used to further
Czech national aims,
/ ''•^ 5\
, " Vf'PA °
I A 1 b
BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel, Oct. 8, 1917,
^ZSCH CLASSBS7
(Editorial)
Czech classes in Chicago high schools have always been considered achieve-
ments of great value, but that does not mean that we know how to appreciate
them.
Only recently we received a letter tran one of our readers calling our atten-
tion to the comparatively small number of students from Cicero and Berwyn en-
rolled in the Czech class at the J. Sterling High School. Shortly thereafter,
the Czech public was informed that the Czech class at Harrison High School had
to close because of insufficient attendance.
It seems that we often fight for recognition or an opportunity only to prove
later that we did not deserve it.
w
W.Pi.
I A 1 b BOHEMIAN
I A 1 b (German)
Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 7, 1917 •
(Sunmary of Editorial)
"Czech national self assertion is giving a very poor account of itself at
the Carter Harrison High School," Only twenty students are needed for an
evening class in the Czech language, and that number has not been reached
up to the present.. •••
"If we should lose this class because of insufficient enrollment, it will
be a proof of our indolence at a time when the Germans are making strenuous
efforts to maintain their language in our schools. "••••
I A 1 b BOIIMIAN
I C (German)
Dennl ELasatel . Oct. 4, 1917.
A LAST CHANCE
"If an enrollment of twenty pupils cannot be reached, no Czech class will be
held in the evening courses of Carter Harrison High School."
This dictum pronounced by Mr. Morse, principal of the school, threatened to
become a reality last Tuesday, but the decision was deferred imtil tonight.
However, only fourteen students have enrolled for this course so far.....
We appeal to Czech young men to do justice to the nation from which they
are descended, and also to act in their own interest by joining the class
which, if it materializes, will be taught by Professor Bohumil Krai every
Tuesday and Thursday from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Czech parents should urge their children to enroll. Among the fourteen
prospective students of the class, two are Germans I They feel that they
would profit by a Imowledge of the Czech language, but woe, our own Czech
students seem indifferent I Is this not painful, and does it not cover us
with shame?
I A 1 b
B0H3ML\N
; Denni Hlasatel . vLept. 27, 1917.
CZECH CLi:-.3 IN GIC-:RO
(Summary)
Wight school courses will be opened at the J, oterling xiorton High ochool,
Cicero, Illinois, There is one class provided for the study of the Czech
language. It v.lll be conducted ;vith the condition that at least tv.enty
students enroll, Cicero is a predominantly Czech tov.n ;;ith a mayor of
Czech descent
There is no use in teaching a child a foreign language up to his fourteenth
year if he is to forget it later. The course is free .,ould it not
be a shame for Cicero not to be able to muster out the minLmum of only tv.enty
students?
I A 1 b BOHEiaAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Sept. 18, 1917.
CZECH CLASSES OPEI^IED
(Summary)
Although the number of students at Carter Harrison High School who are en-
rolled in Czech classes is larger than last season, nevertheless it is
disproportionately small considering the total number of students of Czech
descent who are studying at that school. Parents should give this some
thought.....
This season we have seven Czech classes, one of which is taught by our
Professor Boh, Krai. The classes in the history, literature, and culture
of the Czech people are particularly small,....
I A 1 b BOHEMIAN
I B 3 b
III H Dennl Hlasatel. Sept. 14, 1917.
FOR CZECH PARENTS TO CONSIDER
( Summary)
"To feed and clothe your children does not complete yoiir obligations. There
Is one supreme duty which you must fulfill toward those of your own blood:
to bring up your child to be a man in a moral sense — a man who loves not only
his parents and companions, but also the nation in which his parents were
bom. For this reason it is necessary to inform your child about his national-
ity so that he will not ridicule or think lowly or the nation from ivhich he
is descended — or disavow the merits of o\ir great men of art and science... ••"
Our children must become acquainted with the nation and the language of their
forebears. This can be done by the Czech school.
We constantly hear about Americanization and assimilation v;ith the great
American people. Yes, we want to become good Americans; we want to show our
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHSIvIIi\N
I B 3 b
III H Dennl Hlasatel . Sept. 14, 1917.
gratitude for the kind reception accorded to us; we v;ant to show oiir appre-
ciation by offering the best v/ithin the abilities of our people. ....The
Czech school is the liiolc betv/een us and this country.
"Although we Czechs are a small nation v;e are more mature than others that
are larger than we. Our glorious nation need not let other nations occupy
the foreground. Vie were the first to fight for the liberty of body and mind,
and only few nations can be compared with our glorious history....."
The Association for the Maintenance of Czech Schools is opening classes in
Chicago public schools, similar to those conducted in the private schools
sponsored by the Chicago Czech people. The schools are free-religious /tree
thought, nonsectarian/^.
Classes were opened in the follov/ing public schools: Cooper, Corkery, Bryant,
Farragut, Pulton, Gary, Hammond, Healy, Jungrnan, Konensky, and Sav/yer.
'^
I A 1 b - 3 - BOHSMIiilT
I B 3 b
III H Dennf Hlasatel , Sept. 14, 1917.
"In the old homeland we fought for every Czech child so that he should not
be lost to the nation. 'Vhat good v/ould liberty do us if we could not be-
queath it to our children? Hov: could we answer before the world the neglect
of our national duty to our children?
The Czech child belongs to the Czech school."
Uj
I A 1 b BOTfSMIAN
Dennf Hlasatel , Sept. 1, 1917 •
C2SCH LAKGUACaa IN Hi:iRRI30N HIGH SCHOOL
(Summary)
"By sending their children to Czech classes, parents will help the youngsters
as well as fulfill a patriotic duty.
Carter Harrison High School, Marshall Boulevard and 24th Street, announced
that classes in the Czech language will be opened at the beginning of the new
school year. Students will receive credit for this modem language on the
same basis as other subjects. The Czech classes are open to students enrolled
in the general course. A new textbook has been published for beginners. The
course in the Czech language takes two years and may be followed up by a
course in Czech history; this latter is a six months* course.
W.P.A.1)
I A 1 b BOHSIiliUI
I F 4
Denni Hla3at3l. Aug. 31, 1917,
jTdE, PEOPLE -.i'mj
(editorial)
The exclusion of the German language as a subject in our public schools
probably will be realized, and there is little doubt that the majority of
the populace .vill be in accord v;ith the measure. The only question is
the attitude taken toward it by Mayor "fhompson, head of -ohe "sixth largest
German city," as he styled himself a short time ago apropos of the recep-
tion of the English and French delegations here.
The School Board is appointed by him; yet it hiS taken the step to eliminate
the German language. This action will certainly displease our pro-German
"Burgermeister" (I.Iayor).
I A 1 b BOHSllIAN
17
Dennl Hlasatel, June 14, 1917 •
CZ3CII LAiNlGUiiGE IN HIGH SCHOOLS
Prof, J, V, Nigrin of Hairison High School declares that many responsible
Americans have arrived at the conclubion that immigrant children who have been
"Anglicized" here are not necessarily "iimericanized." In brief, the language
alone cannot perform the assimilation. The national traits of the various im-
migrants cannot be removed and simply substituted by purely American charac-
teristics. Gradual, smooti methods in Americanization v;ill surely bear the
best fruits.
The study of foreign languages is not detrimental to sane American sentiment.
On the contrary, it is helpful to Americanization in that it facilitates the
association with, nd the approach to, the virgin immigrant clay. In this
manner our future fellow citizens can be tetter instructed about this country
and their duties tov/ards it.
An article in this vein, written by Professor Nigrin, is printed in the latest/<r'=^"='^
I A 1 b ECim^IAN
II B 2 d (1)
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 29, 1917.
L3SS0JS IN TEE CZ2CH lAI^IGUAGE FOP. ESADSRS OF THS
DBNKI HLASATSL BY HUDOLPH BUBSNICSK
(Sunniary) 5
This is one of a series of articles on grarninar, spelling, and style, to be ^
followed by articles on geography, and tales for children, -o
o
OS
s
—J
I A 1 b P0II3I.1i\i^:
I G
Denni Hlasatel . Feb. 5, 1917,
I.!OKi I1:T2R53T II: CZ2GII CLASSICS URGIS
(Editorial)
The introduction of the Bohemian language in Harrison High School may
be considered one of the greatest of our national achievements in
Ghicago, but the results at the present time do not show that v/e enjoy
our success too much, ./e mir-ht have fairly v/ell expected that there
v;ould not be room enough for all the students crov/ding in to learn
the language of their fathers, and also that there would be insufficient
help from the part of the staff of teachers. Ilie enrolliiient is, hov/-
ever, so weak th-at one of the classes is in danger of being dissolved.
This news seems incredible, and does not, beside other points, serve
to bring much credit to the Czech element of Ghicago. It is about
time that Czech parents became aware, at last, of the importance of
the instruction in the Czeca language, and see to it that their
I A 1 b
I C
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatel, Feb. 5, 1917,
BCTGI'^EAIT
children take advantage of the opportunity offered at Harrison High
school. The school board, in a meeting last v;eek, decided that
students from other high schools shall be allov/ed to attend the
Czech classes at Harrison High school. lIo\v, Chicago is a towa.
big enough v/ith a strong Czech population so that no danger should
arise that even one single Czech class v;ould be closed on account of
an insufficient number of students.
■: m. B
I A 1 b BOHSMIAN
III A
I F 4 Denni Hlaaatel . Jan. 7, 1917.
CZECH TAUGHT IN Gliia.GO iIGH SCHOOLS
The revolution in our public life caused by the Weu:, compels us to
count with every single unit of our resources and to use the opportunities
offering themselves for the perpetuation of our national life in America.
One of the most important components of our strength is the education
we are ^.iving to our future generation, V/e point with particular pride
to oup Czech classes in Harrison High School, - and today in Morton ^ark
also, - which are maintained by the city, and in which the students of
the Czech language receive full credit for it just as for any other tongue.
The language of Komensky and Palacky has been placed on par with French
German, and Spanish, This makes us rejoice, but w© have, edas, not
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHSMIAN
I F 4
III A Dennl Hlasatel . Jan, 7, 1917,
learned to appreciate this achievement* It shall be the duty of all
of our papers to call the attention of the public to the great opportunity
offered for students of Czech descent to learn the language of their
fathers. We can do a bit for our nation by helping the number of students
to double.
I A 1 b BOHmilAK
II B 2 g
I F 4 Denni Hlasatel . Jan. 27, 1916.
III A
FROM CICERO
The Teaching of the Czech Language at the High School
Will Begin after the Svuniner Vacation
A movement was started some time ago for the purpose of creating an interest
in the teaching of the Czech language at the J. Sterling Morton High School.
The result proves that if good will and a sincere effort are shown, much may
be accomplished.
so
o
C3
The school board resolved, some time ago, that the Czech language be taught Z^
in high school. That much is certain, and there need be no fear that the
school board will reverse the decision to which it agreed, at the behest of
the Czech citizens.
V^ith reference to this the only question to be answered was when this teaching
would begin. Later, at the suggestion of the school principal, it was decided
to start after the summer vacation — that is, on the first day of the September
term, immediately following the Labor Day holiday.
I A 1 b - 2 - BOILg^OAN
II B 2 g
I F 4 Denni Hlasatel . Jan, 27, 1916.
III A
The principal is of the opinion that it would not be advisable to begin
the instruction in the middle of the semester, because of the many arrangenents
which he has to mal-ce, and also because it takes tLme to secure a teacher.
Mr. F. J, Kubec told us that a number of teachers had been recommended, and the
principal will choose one in a short time, but he requires that the teacher be
qualified to teach other subjects so that he can be paid a suitable salary. 2
Without doubt a teacher with those qualifications can be secured without great ^
effort, and if it is not possible to begin now with the teaching of the Czech
lajiguage, we shall have to be satisfied that the promise will be kept, and
that the Czech class vri.ll attend lectures next September.
This matter of teaching the Czech language should not be forgotten; and the
greatest interest should be awakened among the citizens, so that when the
Czech lectures begin the attendance be commensurate with the interest displayed.
That is the only way to prove that our countrj/men of Cicero and Bevfiyn do want
-o
I A 1 b - 3 - BOHailAN
II B 2 g
I F 4 Dennl laasatel . Jan, 27, 1916.
III A
the Czech language taught and that there are enough students in the two %
communities to make the teaching of the Czech language worth while. ^
r—
Mr. Slapak, chairman of School District No. 99, has a plan which should create ^
the necessary interest. He intends to arrange a lecture about the Czech nation 3
for the benefit of the student body of the high school. 2
This matter of a Czech lecture is being worked upon v;ith enthusiasm, and we j^
will soon be able to announce the date it will take place.
I A 1 b BOHEMIAN
I A 3
III A Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 23, 1915.
iiJTiSNING INSTRUCTION AT HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL
Bohemian and Spanish Classes ^
While the classes in drafting rooms are overcrowded, there is much vacant room '^
in other classes. One of these is the Spanish class, which convenes only twice r"
a week and offers the students an excellent opportunity to learn the fundamentals -t>
of a language whose importance for America is growing, and which gives those who o
know it a possibility of making good in South American trade. L>
The Bohemian class is doing very well indeed. Attendance is much larger than *^
last year, and a number of last year's students have enrolled again, a circum-
stance which proves their interest in the Bohemian language. TSie t)resent class
is composed of students vrtio know Bohemian but who wish to perfect themselves in
that language. There have been many requests for a beginners' class, and it is
probable that such a class will be started. In accordance with a ruling of the
Board of Education, at least twenty-five students must be enrolled before a new
class may be established.
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHSagAN
I A 3
III A Dennl Hlasatel, Oct. 23, 1915.
Mong those iito have asked for such a class was an Irishman who is married to a
Bohemian girl, and a number of American businessmen. The majority of the pupils ^^
study the Bohemian language for practical reasons, but many also for credits for 5
their high school diploma. That the Bohemian classes do fill a need may be seen ^
from the following interesting instances. r^
-•
An American-born girl has said: "I am a member of a Bohemian ladies' association o
and they want to elect me president. I attend these classes in order to learn '^
how to write and read Bohemian correctly so that I can perform properly my future S
duties as president. *''
Another student was born in Georgia and has almost entirely forgotten the Bohemian
language. He has come to Chicago to learn Bohemian again to please his mother.
Thus our classes are preparing workers for our national purposes euaong local youth.
I A 1 b B0H3MIAN
I A 1 c
III A Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 16, 1915,
17
FOR BOHDMIAN CLASS3S
A very considerable number of people assembled in the hall of Sokol Karel
Jonas in Cicero last night. They came from the J. Sterling liorton High
School district and their purpose was to take deterxoined steps to start the
teaching of the Bohemian language in that school.
The meeting was called by citizens who, convinced that their demand is prop-
er, are ready to exert every effort in order that the teaching of Bohemian
in the Morton High School shall be realized at the earliest possible moment.
The demand is backed up by their numerical strength, their importance as
taxpayers, and the fact that other modem foreign languages are being taught
in the School, and there is therefore no reason why the Bohemian language
should not be included.
The meeting, attended also by a number of ladies of Cicero and Berwyn, was
I A 1 b
I A 1 c
III A
17
- 2 -
Dennl Hlasatel, Oct. 16, 1915,
BOIEMIAN
opened by a brief and snappy talk by lir, Kubec, in which he dis-
cussed the reasons vdiy the Bohemian language should be taught in the Morton
High School and pointed to the fine success its teaching has achieved in
Chicago in the Harrison High School.
Among the first speakers was Professor Bohumil Krai, who was the first
teacher of Bohemian at the Harrison High School. He stressed the impor-
tance of that language and told how, three years ago, only forty pupils
attended the classes, while two hundred and twenty are enrolled this year,
certainly a most gratifying increase. He discussed the importance of
Bohemian also from the practical point of view and urged those present
to do all they can to have the teaching of the Bohemian language introduced
in their high school.
I'jT, Jos. a. Holpuch, a member of the Chicago Board of Education, was wel-
comed with deafening applause. He said he had not come to tell the people
I
CO
I A 1 b - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 c
III A Denni EQasatel . Oct, 16, 1915,
17
Tfb&t their duty was because he knew they were all veiy well aware
of it, and imew what to do about it. He complained, however, that there
was not a sufficient interest in schools among the people in Chicago. This
fact induced him to start disseminating detailed information about the
activities of the School Board through the Denni Hlasatel and other news-
papers ....
After JSx, Holpuch*s speech, a resolutions cornmittee was elected which draft-
ed the following petition:
•^We, the undersigned citizens and taxpayers of the Morton Hi^ School dis- 3
trice declare that we are the representatives of the majority of the Bohe- l*»
mian citizens and taxpayers of the named school district, and that it is i::^
our desire to have the Bohemian language, our mother tongue, taught in the
J. Sterling Morton High School. '.Ve wish to point to the fact that Bohemian
is recognized aiid among the modern languages tau^t in schools in Chicago
tT'
I A 1 b - 4 - BaHEMlAN
I A 1 c
III A Dennl Hlasatel . Oct, 16, 1915.
17
and elsewhere.
"We further declare that the Bohemian citizens feel justified in suhmit-
ing this request because the School district is inhabited by a population
which is overwhelmingly Bohemian-American and which, by paying taxes in
the district, help in supporting the School. 4
"Therefore we request your body ^ic. No indication of the "body" to which .=
the resolution was directedT' to take the necessary steps toward granting --^
this request and to see to it that the teaching of the Bohemian language ^
^ "J* Sterling Morton High School be soon started and thereafter continued 2
Indefinitely. ^
The resolution was read by the secretary of the meeting and unanimously
approved. It will be submitted with the largest obtainable number of
signatures, and it would seem that it will soon bring the desired results.
rs3
I A 1 b BOHKT/TAN
Dennl Hlasatel. Sept. 4, 1915.
THE BOHiiMIAN LANGUAGE IN HIGH SCHOOLS
On September 7, the new school year will start and our youth will again be • 5
filling the school buildings. In the Harrison High School, on Marshall Boule- <n
vard and 24th Street, the Bohemian language will be taught again as one of the p
modern languages, and it is up to Bohemian parents to see to it that all Bohemian ^
classes are full. o
CO
This will be the fourth year of Bohemian instruction in Harrison High School, ^
and the interest in the Bohemian classes has been growing from year to year. u^
Both the students and their parents realize the importance of a thorough knowl-
edge of the Bohemieui language. In the first place, the Bohemian language has
a practical value as a means of contact with the Bohemians, the Slovaks, and
the Poles, but, by having a knowledge of Bohemian, we also maintain our tradi-
tions and national unity which, based upon mutual help, is a guarantee of our
growth.
In these stirring times when it seems that the morning star of a better future
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHSMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . Sept. 4, 1915.
has risen for the Bohemian nation, let there be no Bohemian high-school student ^ |
who will not enroll in a Bohemian class. Let him or her do it in his own in- ^rr^
terest and as a token of reverence to the nation of which he or she is a descend- p
ant. 1^
o
The Bohemian teacher at the Harrison High School will be Mr. Jaroslav 7. Nigrin, ^
S.B., A.M., who taught Romance languages and mathematics in high schools last g
year. tr
Pupils of Bohemian schools who furnish proof of their attendance at Bohemian
classes in public high schools .vill receive the respective credit.
i
I A 1 b BOHiuLIlAII
II B 2 f
I C Denni Hlasatel , June 27, 1915,
IV
THE BOIElJIi\N Lj^JTGUA(S IN PU3IIC SCKCOIS
by
Professor Bohuniil Krai ^
The Bohemian language is being tauf^t in only one public school in Chicago, ^
the Harrison High School, vrfiere one hundred and sixty pupils in seven grades -4^
have been taking that subject this year. ;vttenpts have been made to introduce ^
the teaching of the Boheninn language in other schools, but none of them \vere £
successful, I believe tliat it would be in the interest of the Bohemian people ^
to try to ansv/er for themselves these two Questions: ^
■ o»
(1) Is it necessary that all children who v;ant to learn the Bohenuan
language in our puW ir* schools should have to enroll in the Harrison High School,
no matter whore they majr be livin;^?
(2) Should the teaching of the Bohemian language be limited to those
I A 1 b - 2 - BOEaEIlAIT
II 3 2 f
I C Denni Hlasatel , June 27, 1915.
IV
children v/ho are fortunate enough to be in a position to attend a high ^
school? ^
T—
The first question can be ansv/ered by the j'ouths of tlie various high schools C
the]:;iselves. If there is a sufficient number of students desirinc to learn the 3
Bohemian lanruat-e, Bohemian classes will be fonied in any l.igh school. ?or £
various reasons, the "second question is of much greater importance for us. Vj'e ^
and t^^ other Anericans, io matter v;hether native born or iramicrant have so far C:j
been indifferent to the growing German influence in our public schools, Especialt^"
should we Boheiaians resent the teaching of the language of a nation tliat always
has been our chief oppressor. Nevertheless, Gerriian classes were being formed
frequently in grammar schools in v;hich there lias been a large percentage of
Bohemian children. Of covirse, the German language was not an obligatory subject,
but manj^ of us have been of the opinion that German is a very useful language
to know; we have needed it manj' times in iivirope, so v;hy should it not be useful
to our children in iinerica? Such has been the logical conclusion of many of us,
hence, we had our children enroll in the German classes.
lb - 3 - 30Hffi,Ii;iII
II B 2 f
I C Denni Kla satel, June 27, 1915.
17
Nou I ask, v/hich is inDre practical for the cliildren of Bohemian descent,
to leam the lan^narre of their parents, or to learn the language that v;e have ^
been tau,^:ht to hate? ^\11 of us Icnov; that :.an;'" children of Bohemian parents have ^
a smattering knoi/ledge of both Boheriiian and Gerraan, but knoiv neither of these c:.
lD.ncuages. If the claildreii had been learning: their inother tongue frora their early p
youth, ^ve should nov; not be conplainin^ that they are becoioin?^ denationalised, ^
o
o
•:Vhy is the Gerinan lanc^lace and none other than the German language being forced ^
on us in our public schools? Is its practical value greater than that of any '^
other LTDdern language? Lbre recently, v/e have learned to Icnov/ the German iC?^
"culture" too well to keep on being deceived by that pretense, Even our "Yankees"
luive been of the opinion lately that the Gerrian "cvilture" is by far not what the
Germans v/ould like us to believe it is. id.1 delusions concerning the usefulness
of the Geriian language have been overcoae already, but, nevertheless, the German
language is tiie only foreign language taught in our graiuoar schools. Of courso,
Geriian is of great value to children of Gerr^nn i^irentage. But the sane may be
I A 1 b - 4 - BOISIJIi-ilT
II 3 2 f
I C Denni Hlas atel , June 537, 1915.
17
said about any other lancua^e in regard to the national group using
it. VJhy, then, should the teaching of ncdern foreign langiiages be limited to
Gernan?
3»
V/e Bohe;nians should nal^e sure that our children have tlie opportunity to learn
the Bohenian lanf.tiar.e in public schools, if they so desire. Just thinl-c of it —
they are teachinc; GerrBn in our Pilsen and in our California districts! Is it 2
not an insult to our national traditions to have our ovmcliildren being asked ^
to enroll in Germn classes? Let us see to it tliat our children are reared in i::^
a spirit which -.TOuld inake them vrorthy of us — make then love v/hat our fathers ^
have suffered for in our beloved old country, our riiotiier toncue! Let*s wake
up, and let»s do all we can in order to succeed in having the Boheriiian language
taught in our public grariiar schools.
The teaching of Bohemian in our graiornar schools v;ould be of the greatest
benefit to us and to our cjiildren alike. V/e all know how much easier it is to
I .1 1 b - 5 - 30KSIvII.UT
II B 2 f
I C Denni lila satel, June 27, 1915.
IV
learn a language v;hile youni-. than in maturity. V/e kno?; very v/ell
hov; difficult it vas for us to learn the Snclish lanLiia^e and hov; easy it
is for our children to leam it. '..'e knov; also that children viho have attended
our schools on Saturday'" and Simday, knov; rriore Bohemian tiian those v;ho learned
it later on in life. If our children were learning Bohenian daily for four
years while hearing their inoUier tongue at home, 'je could be very sure that
our nation i-rould not disappear so soon in our nev; country.
3»
-a
TO
Sone of us rai^ht say tiiat it is for this purpose that we are keeping up our §
free thought schools \7ith inoney furnishel by our national associations. Perhaps '^
so. But are the results achieved in such schools as good as the results from
public schools v/ould be? \/e knov; tliat our private free thouclit school s'^sten
has manj" v/ealcnesses: the classes on Saturdays and Sunda^rs, vjhQii other children
are free, are too great a burden on our youth; at times, some of the teachers
are incompetent (here I renember v;hat I, myself, had to go through as a pupil
of a 39henian school, but since then the conditions have become very iiiuch better).
I A 1 b - 6 - 30E3vII/aJ
II B 2 f
I G Denni Hla satel. Jxme 27, 1915.
IV
The free thoucht teacher does not have the authority and prestige that
the teacher in a public school has; conseauently, the children obey and %
respect him less. It is most difficult to find men teachers better than ^
those v/O nov/ have — teachers vAio would be willins to give us their free time r=
on Saturdays and Sundays for the little rnoney that v/e are able to pay them. -^
If we could keep our teachers busy throusliout the v;eek, we could get better ^
men. But, where v;ill the money be forthcoming with which to pay them? The
authority in a public school is greater and consequently, the results achieved
there are better. This has been ably pointed out by teacher /YoJtaT Benes
/brother of the future President of Czechoslovakia, 2duard Benes/ during his
recent visit in Chicago.
If the Bohemian languaf^ were taught in public schools, its teaching would
become more stabilized, more normalized. It frequently liappens that the little
pupil — because he had been disciplined — angrily leaves our private school and
~)
I A 1 b - 7 - BOHEIJI.AIT
II 3 2 f
I C Denni Hlasatel , June 27, 1915,
IV
there is no pov;er that could make him cone back, except that of his
parents, and that is frequently both unvjillin::; and -,veak.
So far, I have been discussini'^ only the technical advantacos of the teaching of .-^
Bohe:ii'';n in our nrai-mr schools, J.et us lool: at the rnattor also froni other {H
vievjpoints. First, ho;; irrach money v/ould v/e save if the teachinc of the Bohemian ^
lan.guar'ie v/ere talcen over by the city? Our schools, private schools, cost us g
iiany thousands of dollars every year. V/hat are the results? v;ith the exception i—
of the Ceska 3vobodonj,''slna 3kola Vojta Ilaprstek (Vojta Haprstek Bohemian Free o
fNS
Thou<:ht School) which really deserves the designation of "school," niany of ^
the so-called classes are a caricature of vjhat a class should be from the
pedafiOsic point of viev/. It is, therefore, but natural tliat the children there
do not feel the oblif^ation of school discipline.
This brings us to another point. :i)ney nov; being spent by us for the teaching
of the Boheiiian lan^^uage could be used for educational work along free thought
lines v;hich v/ould acquaint the children, in an entertaining way, with the
It - 8 - BOHLIliL^JI
II B 2 f
I C Denni laasatel . Jiiiie 27, 1915.
IV
principles of riodem thinkins and protect then against the influence ^
of sectarian Sunday schools. That v;ould ci^e us an opportunity to i.nke our ^
schools that are free thoucht schools in narae only, free thought schools in ^
reality and in truth. pz
It is up to us alone to reach this goal. As taxpayers, ue have the ri^ht so
to demand that our money be used for the benefit of our children. ITovj, a
deiviand of this kind should not be rxide for partisan reasons, or because \ve
desire to renain Bohemians, llo other nationality iriakes better AmeriCcms,
and no other nationality is a nore peace loving, industrious one than ours.
In xvantin^' to keep our lan^^a;;e alive, v;e try to keep alive the lanf^uage of
a people that since time iinrieriorial has been fighting and bleeding for freedon
and human ri{;hts. Ue knov; that those of our children v;hD have been educated
in our national traditions are the best type of youth we have, a type we may
be justly proud of. It is, therefore, in the interest of a higlier level for
our future citisenshit) to malce a reauest of our School Board to introduce the
CO
I A 1 b - 9 - BOHHIuTAIT
II B E f
I C Denni Elasatel , June 37, 1915,
IV
teaching of the Bohemian lancua.^e into our cmTmsiT schools.
Only a fev/ grarimar school craduates go to high school, and thus have an
opport^jnitj'' to take advanta'-e of the Boheriian classes there. :ji opportunity
that is offered to children v;ho are fortunate enouch to receive hish school
education should be available also to those wiio will never see a hlij^i school.
3»
3>
C3
Eov; can we have the Bohenian language introduced into crainciar schools? The
same way as it is being done in the case of the German lan{niap,e, Gerriian is o
being taught in the fifth, sirth, seventh, and eighth grades of graramar schools
wherever tiie parents of at least fifty children request it. Now, let us start
the campaign this sunnier; right non, I have no doubt tlmt in such Bohemian
centers as Pilsen, California, Tabor, Tovm of Lake, and others, it vrould be
possible to get toi^etlier not hundreds, but thousands of Boheraian parents to
request the teachinc^ of the Bohemian language in the 3.ocal public schools.
Our representative on the School Board, Uv, Joseph ii. Eolpuch could then be
1 b
- 10 -
B0II£3:iiilI
Denni laasatel , June 27, 1915.
II 3 2 f
I C
IV
requested to present the petition to the School Board, and a petition
signed by thousands of parents and supported by our associations, lodges,
etc, could not fail beinc heard and granted.
I A 1 b EOHEagAN
I A 3
Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 4, 1914.
BOHEMIAN LANGUAGE IN HIQI SCH00I3
Ins tiruct Ions In the Bohemian language continues satisfactorily at Harrison
High School. There are forty-nine new pupils in two classes, and 123 in all
five classes — a considerable number. Of course, it could be much larger if
it were not for various circumstances limiting the attendance. For instance,
pupils of technical courses are not admitted in foreign-language classes* For
others the schedule of hours interferes, the Bohemian classes taking place at
times when the would-be enrollees are occupied by their regular studies.
I wish to invite the attention of our public to the fact that all high school
subjects will be taught in the night classes at Harrison High School. There
will be also an advanced course in the Bohemian language and literature. But
this course will be offered only if there is a sufficient nui:iber of students.
There are many of those among us who did not have an opportunity to complete
their education while in the old country. The knowledge of the Bohemian
C3
I A 1 b
- 2 -
BOHHli'vlL^I
Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 4, 1914.
language is very important from the practical point of view to our businessmen,
lavjyers, physicians, etc J Do not fail to enroll if your are interested in see-
ing this course in operationl
-o
3>-
Bohuml Krai
o
CO
cr
I A 1 b BOESIOAIT .!
I A 3 ":
Denni Hlasatel , Sopt. 30, 1914. §
AN ADV-AITCID BOffi::.IEAlI COURSE
Mr. ?raiik I.:orse, superintondsnt of the Carter H, EaiTison Hi.f::h School where
the Boheiiiaii laasuage is beine tan::ht in day classes, is planning to organize
an advanced eveninc; course in the Boherian language* -'e hope that his ex-
peririent /.'ill be foimd of sj^eciel interest to our public.
This nev7 course -//ould con::iot of lectures in i^nctlish on Bohemian histoid'- and
literature, and the reading of the best Bohenian books in the ori{::inal. There
vrould also be training in v/riting Bohemian papors and essays. Instruction ■
of this kind should be particularly useful to our ladies, physicians, lav/ye rs,
and students v;ho desire to perfect themselves in the Bohemian languac^:e and
learn to knov; the spirit and beauty of t/.e creative literar:' -'Ork of our
nation.
Since, liovjevor, this course, so useful to so many of us and most creditable
^i.
lb - 2 - B0IIE!IA1I
Denni laasatel . Sept. 30, 1914.
to all of us, will be organized only if there is a sufficient enrollr.ient of
students, v-;e urge all our public to take advantar.e of it in large ntinbers
and thus assure its existence. Applicationo v:ill be received at the Carter
II. Harrison High School, 24th Street and California Avenue, Thursday and
Friday, October 1 and 2. Let*s all try hard and see to it that this course
becomes a reality.
-o
I A 1 b BOHSMIAN
III B 2
Denii£ Hlasatel , Sept. 2, 1914,
TO BOHSLlLiJ Pi^lilJTS AInT) STUDENTS
By now it is generally known that the Cesko-Ziinericka Narodnl Rada (Bohemian-
American National Council) has succeeded in having the Chicago Board of Edu-
cation introduce the Bohemian language as one of the regular subjects into
Chicago high schools, and by that fact put our language on the same level with :&i
German and French, Nov/ it is up to our parents and their children to see that <=^
Bohemian is really taught, because it will be introduced only into those high ^
schools where a sufficient number of students enroll in the Bohemian classes. 12
o
It should be unnecessary to appeal to our countrymen* s patriotism in these Lo
days, and we are sure that each and every one of them v/ill do his duty. But §
we v;ant to show that the knov;ledge of the Bohemian language now has a practical
value. High school students are required to study at least one foreign lan-
guage. To take up French and German is often v/astcd effort, because it is
practically impossible to leam a language in the short school terms. The
little that the students are able to learn is soon forgotten. But a Bohemian
VT
I A 1 b - 2 - BOIEMIAN
III B 2
Denni Hlasatel, Sept. 2, 1914#
student livjs among people v;ho talk that language at home; he hears it spoken
constantly; he uses it froir; time to time hinsolf; and thus everything he
learns at school becomes of permanent value, Md what a value it hasi Our
physicians, businessmen, lawyers, and artist agree- on the great value of the
Bohemian languace because it opens nev; fields of activity, nev; spheres of ^
marketing, not only among the Bohemians, but also among the Jlovalcs, Poles, ^
and other Slavic people who can understand our language. A knowled-.e of F;
Bohemian is a key to a number of other tongues and a door to a number of other <^
nations. 5c
o
Hov/ever, let us not forget the cultural value v;hich the knoviledge of Bohemian o
has for our youth. It is our aim and desire to introduce into the rapidly ^
developing American nation the very best elements of our race, and thus gain
true merit for future /jnerica. This, however, cannot be achieved if our
youth is ignorant of the best that is in our character and in our history, We
want to merge with .-^erica, rather than get lost without a trace.
I A 1 b - 3 - BOimMJ
III B 2
Dennl Hlasatel. Sept, 2, 1914.
Therefore, let there be no Bohemian hi^h school boy or cirl who v/ould neg-
lect his or her ovm interest and not enroll in Bohe:riian classes.
Signed: Cesko-Moricka Narodni Rada, ^
za
o
CO
I A 1 b B0IIEI.O:.itT
I B 3 b
III A Denni Hlasatel . Sept. 11, 1913.
NOT liirTOUGII ri?ID3
In order to determine the effectiveness of the aT)T:eal to Bohenian rarents to
have their hip;h-GChool children enroll in the Boheriian department, v;e visited ^
the Farragut Kigh School yesterday. By the v/ay, since the bepinnine of this ^
term, the school has been called the Carter H. Harrison Hich School. p
;/e v/ere received by the scliool 'principal himself, Llr, F. L. I.'orse, and v;hen 3
we told him the purpose of our visit, he assured us most kindly that he
v;ould be very happy to f^ive us any information v;e might v;ish to have,
./hat v;e heard from him, hov;ever, and the confirmation v;e later received
from rrcfessor B. ?:ral, who is in chari-^e of the Bohemian department, was
infinitely less pleasant than our reception. Only thirty-five pupils have
enrolled in the beginners* class this year; four of them are not even of
Bohemian descent. /%ie article lists the names of the pupils_j7'
CO
c=>
on
I A 1 b - 2 - BOIISI.;iAIJ
I B 3 b
III A Dennl Hlasatel . oept. 11, 1913,
Last year this department started v.lth forty -nupils,. ..of v.^arn only thirty
remained in February, v/hen fifty-eic^ht ner/j pupils joined the class. Of
these, thirty-six enrolled for the second-year course, and of the original •
class, only sixteen pupils enrolled in the third-year, that is, the advanced ^
class. Thus, all in all, there are eighty-five pupils in the Bohemian ,-^
department this year. The beginners' class consists of thirty-five, the p
second-year class of thirty- four, and the. advanced class of sixteen T^uriils, "^
The enrollment in the beginners' class -vas smaller this year than it :vas ""
at the same time last year, ^-^.s arainst thls/recordT', the German depart- ';\;
ment of the same school opened tv;o be-i^inners' classes, each with thirty-tv;o ^'
pupils. Two beginners' classes with an enual number of -oupils vjere opened
also in the Latin department. The fact that in both of these departments
there are also children of Bohemian descent makes the comparison that much
more disappointing, nay, baffling.
lie do not vash to underestimate the value of any lan^-^uage. All of them have
lb - 3 _ ^ BOIISLIIaW
I B 3 b
III A Denni Hlasatel, Sept. 11, 1913.
their importance and meaning in this world. But nobody can accuse us of
chauvinism if v;e say that ac far as v/e ourselves are concerned, the Bohemian
language must be our primary interest. .7e are far fron any chauvinism, but
'.ve do hate the necessity of raisinp- the accunation that the first ones to .^
underestimate the value of Bohemian, their o\vn native lan.o-uage, are the :o
Bohemian parents themselves. If that vrere not the case, they v/ould do all ^
they could to see that their children learned that language in viiich they p
could best talk to one another from heart to heart, from soul to soul ^^
If the parents do not care vjhether or not their children learn to speak, ^^
read, and v/rite Bohemian, the children themselves will care still less.
On the other hand, if the parents ^/rould instill in their children, from
their very earliest ap:e, a healthy interest in the Bohemian lanr-ua^-e, and oi
would keep it u^^, that interest v;ould r*row and develop into love and affec-
tionate reverence, and the Bohemian clepartment of the Harrison IIi(?;h School
i70uld have not eiphty-five, but three or four hundred pupils. The school
is in the very center of one of the larrest Bohemian settlements and — accord-
ing to its principal — between seventy and seventy-five per cent of its pupils
Cv')
ro
I A 1 b - 4 - EOKg-'UI-:
I B 3 b
III A Dennl Hlasatel . 3ept. 11, 1913.
are of Bohemian origin.
.•/hen !.'r. Morse says he deeply rerrets the fact that the Bolierr.ian department
of his school is far behind other departments, and that he cannot find any -^
explanation for this phenomenon, all v.'e can say is that this sad state of -*
affairs is for us Bohemians exceedinf^ly embarrassin'^ and nuts us to deep i=
shame, ^^
Vx, I.'orse frankly admitted that he had expected a much larr^er enrollment, w
and that he had also been ready to open tvro classes for the bef^inners. He ^"
had made all the necessary arranp;ements v/ith Professor Krai, and had never
failed to shov; his own strong personal interest in the success of the Bohemian
venture. His disa^r>ointment is keen, Nov/ he kno'.vs that our parents are
indifferent, and consequently their children are disinterested. In fact,
he seems to have noticed that the children are even ashamed of their parents'
language. .That a sad observation! .Ind how much more rad it is ivhen made
•a.
I A 1 b - 5 - BOirsr.:iAiT
I B 3 b
III A Denni Hlasatel . 3ept. 11, 1913.
by an outsider and supported by fi-ures v;hich need no interpretation.
V/hen he took us into the classroom of Professor llral — empty at that time
because of lack of students to listen to the Professor's lecture — he re- :S
marked that he would be happier if sometiiin,'^ could be done to change the 5
sad state of affairs. There v/as still time to attempt it, he thou,'3ht. ^
He now again address an ax)peal to Bohemian :^arents of the Harrison High r;
School students to av;aken their children to an interest in the Bohemian :p
department of the school, and to see to it that they apply for enrolLment. o
If we have a lar^^e enrollment in that de':^rtment, 7;e v;on*t be doin^ the o>
school a favor, nor v;ill we be doin^; the Chicago Board of j^Jucation a favor; jv^
the only ones 'vho will ^^rofit by it v.'ill be ourselves, Je vail profit be- *■"
cause the younger ^-eneration will be strenf^thened and because vie will
av/aken the self-respect on which so much depends.
V
Now, let us do our duty. Let us not permit ourselves to be put to shame by
I A 1 b - 6 - BOnaJIAN
I E 3 b
III xi Denni Hlasatel . Gspt. 11, 1913,
a fev; non-Bohemians viho also send their children to the Harrison Ilirrh .3chool.
Let us prov'j that ^'.'e appreciate the fact that the Bohsnian lanrua^^e may
now be taught in an?/ nublic school v/here there are enough pupils v;ho v/ant
to study it. Let us not '?ernit thims to come to such a pass that non-
Bohemians in .»merica vjill be able to say that they viere more interested in, ^
and had a p;reater ap-reciation of the Bohemian lanrmace than v^e ourselves, F
-t3
TO
o
Oc
c:>
rs:>
in
-O
I A 1 b < B0H5I.IIAI^
Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 5, 1913.
OUR LANGfUi\GE Jli THS SCHOOIS
(Editorial)
It was only natural that we were greatly pleased last year over the introduc-
tion of the Bohemian language as a subject of instruction in the hi^ schools ^
on the condition that a sufficiont number of pupils would enroll in the Bohe- 5
mian classes. Shortly after this victory, we came close to a disappointment ^
when the fact was disclosed that among Bohemian parents and pupils, there is r;
no genuine interest in this most important achievement. ~o
o
This year offers an excellent opportunity to do what was neglected last year, ^
If this opportunity is not taken advantage of fully, we shall stop wondering S
why the Chicago Board of ^education tarried so long before consenting to the <^
introduction of the Bohemian language into the hi^ schools. This would al-
most lead us to believe that the Board may knav us better than we know our-
selves •
I A 1 b BOHEIvgAN
II B 2 f
II A 3 b Dennl Hlasatel . Aug. 31, 1913.
II B 3
THE imi SCHOOL YEAR BEGUMS
The day after tomorrow classes will start in Chicago public schools, and our
school authorities expect that in all of thera the enrollment will be considera-
bly larger than in any preceding year. It even seems probable that some schools ^
in thickly populated districts v/ill not be able to accommodate all enrolled -^
children. For Bohemian parents of this city, the beginning of the school year F^
is especially important, because this is the time when they should realize that <-
the decision of whether or not the teaching of the Bohemian language in Chicago Ig
, public schools v/ill be continued rests upon them, and, what is more, vrtiether £
or not the Chicago Board of Education will continue to be of the opinion that ^
the Bohemian language is a subject whose teaching the public really desires. p5
It required a great deal of sincere effort — in fact a very real fight — to cause ~"
the Boeird of Education to introduce the Bohemian language into those schools
which show that a sufficient number of their pupils are enrolling in Bohemian
classes. If this decision of the Board should ever be rescinded, it would not
be because of the Board's failure to do its duty, but definitely and only
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHKLTTAN
II B 2 f
II A 3 b Dennl Hlasatel , Aug. 31, 1913,
.II B 3
because of the failure of the Bohemian public to attach proper value
to the achievement of those who had made it their duty to see the Bohemian
language among the subjects of instruction in Chicago public schools.
3>
Last year Bohemian classes were started in the Farragut High School, but the
enrollment was nothing to be proud of. This is the time to wake up from our f=
indifference toward a matter of great importemce. If all Bohemian parents do C
their duty and see to it that their children enroll in Bohemian classes, such ^
classes will become a part of the program not of only one school in Chicago, 2
but of all schools in every Chicago district which has a preponderance of ^
Bohemian residents !^
en
Also instruction will soon begin in our Bohooiian schools. For instance, in
our largest Bohemian school, the one maintained by the Fatronat (trustees)
Vojta Naprstek, enrollment for all of its six classes will take place September
6 and 7. It is to be expected that our parents will enroll their children in
time, and thus make it possible for the school to take off with all its pupils
I A 1 b - 3 - BOHEMIAN
II B 2 f
II A 3 b Denni Hlasatel , Aug. 31, 1913.
II B 3
for the year. The minimum age limit is six years, and the clay's
program for pupils of public school age is arranged so that they can take part
in recreational activities such as games and athletics after school hours.
-o
3>
The gymnastic school of Sokol Plzen will again be under the direction of ^
Brother Rudolf Styblo, whose activity in this respect is well known and generally rj
appreciated.
7f3
O
Also the Cesko-Delnicky Pevecky Sbor (Bohemian V/orkingmen*s Singing Chorus) will oo
open its vocal and violin school September 7, and just as last year, Mr. Jos. S
Maly will act as the school's principal, ^
I A 1 b BOHStJLAN
Dennf Hlasatel, Feb. 9, 1913.
BOHam^J CLASSES IN HIGH SCHOOLS
It gives us pleasure to report that the enrollment of students in classes
of the Bohemian language to be held in Harrison (formerly Parragut) High
School is very satisfactory. Two new classes of over twenty-five students
each have been formed, increasing the total of those who learn the Bohemian
language there to more than ninety. There were more applicants, but not all
of them could be accepted.
The Medill High School received over thirty applications. However, since
there was no competent teacher readily available, and no hours could be
agreed upon which would be satisfactory to a large enough number of students,
the organization of classes and instruction, had to be postponed. Arrangements
Eire now in progress which will make it possible to accommodate all applicants
at the start of the next school year. Parents are cautioned, however, to
apply in advance for the acceptance of their children.
,A/
I A 1 b - 2 - B0H3ML\N
Deiml Hlasatel. Feb. 9, 1913.
So far, instruction in the Bohemian language is offered in the Harrison
High School only, at Spaulding Avenue near 24th Street. Next year, classes
will be formed in all high schools in which a sufficient nxomber of students
applies ..•••
lm.B
I A 1 b BOIEML^
III B 2
Dennl Hlasatel. Jan. 31, 1913,
MOST URGEInTT NATIONAL DUTY
Lack of Appreciation of the Introduction
of the Bohemian Language in Schools
Would Prove This Privilege Undeserved
(Bohemian-American Press Bureau)
A good old Bohemian proverb says that one who is ashamed of his native lan-
guage should be generally despised. For our American conditions this can be
amplified by saying that one who does not give his children a Bohemian edu-
cation is not a Bohemian*
It would be impossible to imagine that a descendant of one of the most highly
educated people of Europe, a people whose history teems with gallant deeds
and self-sacrificing efforts toward human progress; a son of a country abound-
ing in rare beauties; a scion of a nation which has a great past and is aw
ening to face a great future, could be ashamed before his children of his/o'
mother tongue.
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
Dennf Hlasatel . Jan. 31, 1913,
Is it possible that Bobemlaix parents would not gladly and enthusiastically
welcome an opportunity to give their children a knoprledge of the Bohemian
language; to make them aware of its beauty, its rich literature; and to be
happy in the thought that they will be able to talk with their children-
even when the children grow up~in the beloved, pleasing, and harmonious
language which is their native tongue?
A Bohemian language class will open at I^rragut High School (Carter Harrison
High School) on Monday, February 3. If all parents who were interested in
the introduction of the Bohemian language in our high schools at the time
when the Narodnf Rada (Bohemian-American National Council) was fighting for
its acceptance as one of the subjects of instruction, and who gave a written
approval to that organization's efforts, vjill also nov/, when the desired end
has been achieved, do their sacred duty, the class will be overcrowded with
Bohemian pupils*
We all know that it was somewhat difficult to arrange the schedule so that /^^
" m.
I A 1 b - 3 - BOHSMIAN
III B 2
Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 31, 1913,
it would be convenient for all students. But this matter is too important
to permit neglect because of any slight inconvenience. Should this great
gain become lost through indifference? Would not our nationedity become
ridiculous in the eyes of the American public?
The significance of a discontinuation by the high schools of the teaching
of the Bohemian language would be easy to imagine. It would indicate our
indifference toward the way v;e are being treated. It v/ould prove that for
us our nationality is meaningless, that we do not care. It would be a
blemish which no amount of washing could remove from our record.
Besides, it should be taken into consideration that the Bohemian language
is both of cultural and practical Tdlue even here in America. There are
well-known Bohemian- American scientists whose success is due to their
thorough knowledge of the Bohemian language. There are many who profit
by it in their daily life, in business, in their contacts with people, in
politics, and in countless other ways. The fact that the Bohemian language
UJ
m.
I A 1 b - 4 - BOHSMLW
III B 2
Dennl Hlasatel« Jan. 31, 1913«
can be used as a key in the study of other Slavonic languages — languages in
which great literary and scientific works are written — is also important.
Hence, the Bohemian language is of considerable cultural value, and the
knowledge of it is just as much an evidence of higher education as the
knowledge of any other modem language.
Parents of children of school age, let us not deprive our children of this
rare opportunity! Let us fulfill our duty toward them, toward ourselves,
and toward our nationi
Let us enroll our children in the Bohemian class today!
m.
I A 1 b BOHSMIAN
III B 2
I F 4 Dennl Hlasatel . May 5, 191E,
I C
17 THE B0HEML4N LANGU ^C3S IN THE HIGE SCHOOLS
Efforts of the Cesko-J^ericka Narodnl Rada Crowned with Success
In the annals of cultural attaiiunauts of Chicago Bohemians, there should be ^
entered a nev/ grand success of which we have every reason to be proud — and 5
that is the introduction, at last, of the Bohemian language as an elective <::v
course of study in the local high schools. p
-o
The movement, which was started by the Cesko-Americka Narodni Rada (Bohemian- §
American National Council) and which seemed to be almost hopeless in view of ^
the many obstacles, at last has met with success. Today we have before us g
the actual fact that the Bohemian language, as the result of a resolution of S
the Board of Education adopted in a meeting held on May 1, 191E, will be
taught in all high schools wtiare a sufficiently large number of pupils apply
(that is, at least thirty}*
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
I F 4 Deiml Hlasatel . May 5, 1912.
I C
IV Today it depends only upon Bohemian parents to make use of this advan-
tage in order that with a sufficiently large number of Bohemian students,
the teaching of the Bohemian language may be given a permanent place in the
educational system of our schools. The larger the number of students study-
ing the Bohemian Icmguage. the more convincing the proof that the demand of
the Cesko-AmerlOka Narodni Rada was a just and warranted demand and that this
representative body of ours, in its endeavors to have the Bohemisin language F=
introduced into the Chicago school system, voiced the wishes of all our <--
Bohemian people* S
The struggle for the introduction of the Bohemian language into the school
system was not easy and required much work and effort on the part of
enthusiastic workers united in the Cesko-i^nericka Narodni Rada. It was
necesseupy to place before the Board of Education convincing reasons for the
introduction of the Bohemian language. Pressure was exerted upon the members
of the Board by various petitions and written requests. The situation was
-T3
JO
CO
CD
ro
"■^
I A 1 b - 3 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
I F 4 DennI Hlaaatel , May 5, 191E.
I C
XV complicated In no small measure by the fact that no sooner was the
demEuad of the Cesko-Americka HarodnlRada known than the representatives
of other nationalities began to send petitions of a similar nature to almost
every meeting of the Board of Education. There were times when it seemed
that all this effort would come to naught and that the requests for instruc- ^
tion in all foreign languages would be rejected; but thanks to the persistence ^
of some of the more farsight ed members of the Board of Education, first among p
whom was the Bohemian member, Mr. James B. Dibelka, and likewise the -^
Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Ella ilagg Young, opposition faded day by day. ^
Finally, in the meeting held on May 1, 1912, v/hen the question of teaching £
foreign languages came to a vote, a motion in that sense was approved by a o
large majority, ^
Aside from the success in having the Bohemian lemguage Introduced as a course
of study, the Cesko-Americka Narodni Rada deserves credit for the fact that
the Bohemians were first among the various foreign nationalities to bring
I A 1 b - 4 - B0H5MIAN
III B 2
I F 4 Dennf Hlasatel. May 5, 1912,
I C
IV this important movement to life and to make possible its accomplishment.
This success is Just added proof of the satisfactory results which can be
achieved by persistent effort, in the first place, and by a central organiza- ^
tion which, as a representative of the whole, is able to ccmpel respect and ^
recognition and secure the approval of its requests which undoubtedly would '^
be ignored under other circumstances. The successful fight to have the -17
Bohemian language taught in the high schools and the alacrity with which the ^
lectures arranged by the Cesko-Americka Narodnl Rada are v/elcomed in our
local public schools proves unmistakably that v/ith proper representation, it
is possible for us to accomplish results in non- Bohemian circles which seemed
impossible a short time ago.
o
fo
ro
I A 1 b BOEErJAN
IV
Demi Hlasatel . May 2, 1912.
TH3 BOARD OF 2DUCATI0N YESTERDAY RESOLVED THAT BOHEMIAN .^ND
OTHER LIVING LANGUAGES MY BE TAUGJIT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A matter, the settlement of which has long been eagerly av:aited by the whole
Bohemian people v/as finally broiight to a vote in yesterday's meeting of the y^
Board of Education. The request of the Cesko-iiimericka Narodni Rada (Bohemian- -p
American National Council) that the Bohemian language be taught in the public ^
schools was discussed and acted upon. As v/e know, the superintendent of go
schools, Ilrs. Ella Flagg Young, spoke in favor of the request, and our repre- o
sentative on the school board, Mr. Vaclav DibelkeC, vrorked zealously for its oj
approval. Their efforts met with complete success. jo
Because the 3v/edes and other nationalities ^-dio'have settled here expressed
the same desire as the Bohemians, the motion was worded so that any living
language may be taught for which there are a sufficiently large number of
requests to warrant the appointment of a teacher. A large majority of the
board members voted favorably on the matter, there being only four dissenting
votes.
1
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHl^'TAM
IV
Denni Elasatel. Llay 2, 1912.
It nov/ rests with Bohemian parents to malce use of this opportunity by hav-
ing their children apply for these courses. The Ceska Narodni Rada will
surely give them further advice and infomation.
It v/as also decided in yesterdaj'^'s meeting not to teach sex hygiene in the
public schools, as was requested by sone person's. The motion was defeated
at a private conference held in the office of the president of the Board
of Education. A conpromise of sorts was arrived at in that ^2,500 was set p
aside for the teaching of parents along these lines by the holding of ^
meetings in the assambly halls of schools. g
A school census will be instituted today, and it is expected that the enu-
meration will be comnleted in the course of three weeks.
CO
I A 1 b • BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 1, 191E.
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS
Mrs, J, C. MacMahon, a member of the Chicago Board of Education, talked
before the Irish Fellov/ship Club about a most important question which,
due to the initiative of the Cesko-Americka Narodni Rada (Bohemian-
American National Council) has come before the said Board, The problem
is that of instruction in modern languages in Chicago public schools if
there is a sufficient enrollment for the classes, Mrs. Lacilahon is in
favor of this request but desires that Gaelic also — the now almost extinct
language of the Irish — be taught.
Said she: "One of the reasons why our principal, Mrs. Young, has agreed
with the plan, according to which more attention should be given to the
teaching of immigrants' native languages, is the attitude of their
children. In many cases the children are ashamed of their parents; they
want to forget their origin, and they are in no Wdy trying to learn the
language which is spoken in their homes. There is no reason why the
"m"'
vO
I A 1 b
- 2 -
BOHEailAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 1, 1912.
children should not be proud of their parents' native country and tongue.
Making them familiar with the history and literature of the country of
their origin would keep the children closer to their mothers and fathers,
V/hen the instruction of such languages is introduced into the schools,
Gaelic must not be omitted. It is a modern language and one from which
all other tongues have developed."
W.P.A
I A 1 b BOHfaMLAl\i
IV
Deimi Hlasatel , Mar. 7, 1912.
THE TEACHING OiT THE BOHEt.lAK LANGUAGE
Administrative Goimnittee of the Board of Education
Adopts a Resolution To Bring Our Mother Tongue
into the Public Schools
An important resolution which is the result of the energetic agitation of
our Cesko-Americka Narodni Rada (Bohemian-American National Council), the
endeavors of the Bohemian member of the Board of Education, kr. J. B.
Dibelka, and a true understanding on the part of the Superintendent of
Schools, Ivirs, Ella Flagg Young, was adopted by the Administrative Committee
of the Board of Education and presented for approval at yesterday's meeting.
It was decided that in the future, whenever at least thirty pupils apply for
instruction in any modern language at any school, that language will be
introduced as a subjeo-t of study, lurs. Young was an ardent supporter of the
plan which met with the agreement of the majority of members of the Board of
Education.
\6^-?A^| i
I A 1 b - 2 - bukel:ian .
IV
Denni Hlasatel . Liar. 7, 1912.
There is no doubt that Bohemian parents will see to it that Bohemian becomes
one of the languages, since the demands for its instruction have been most
numerous. We have an advantage in that our children are concentrated in a
small number of schools, and we hope that not only thirty but more than one
hundred pupils will apply at each of these schools for instruction in the
Bohemian language.
To be sure, there was strong opposition to this proposal,,,. On the basis
of this opposition the recommendation of the Administrative Committee was
returned for further consideration.
It will be necessary for Bohemian parents to exert great pressure upon the
members of the Board of Education in this matter. The recommendation of
the Administrative Committee concerns only the high schools.
I A 1 b B0H3IvfL;N
III B 2
I G Denni Hlasatel , Dec. 15, 1911.
IV
TEIH CZnCI-I LATIGUAGE 11-3 'JKH; HICK SCK00L3
"..e stand upon the threshold of an event very importarit to our national life:
The introduction of the Czech language in our high schools is to become a
reality ver^' soon, for LIrs. 211a Flagg-Young, the superintendent of Chicago
schools, pronised that she v;ill recornmend in the J- nuarj'' meeting of the
Board of Education that the Czech language be int reduced .;herever a sufficient
niwiber of pupils apply. It must be added that no language is compulsory,
but that each student has the right to choose the language v:hich he v/ishes
to study. Where there are no pupils it will be impossible to teach the
Czech language, and for that reason a proclamation was issued by the Cesko-
i^erikou Narodni I^^dou (Bohemian-American iiiational Council) calling upon the
parents of Czech children in the high schools to send their names and addresses
to the Bohemian-.^^erican National Council as soon as possible so that Czech
classes can be organized just as soon as lirs, Young*s recomraendation has
been voted on. The Council has several such applications on hand already.
t
I A 1 b . - 2 - BOEEr.IL'J^T
III B 2
I C Denni Elasatel , Dec, 15, 1911.
IV
It is necessary, hov;ever, that all those whom it concerns should send
their names.
L!rs. Yoimg*£ promise vras made to the secretary/ of the Bohemian-American
National Council, Professor Jaroslav J. Zmrhal, over a month ago when he
v/as discussing with her the lectures now being given in the public schools.
She spoke highly of them and showed genuine interest in the activities of
the Bohemian-American National Council,
"Activities such as these have been needed for a long time," she said; "up
to the ijresent the chasm between the school ard the home was almost too
great. ITrom vdiat the Bohemian-^American National Council is doing for the
Czechs, there v/ill follov; benefits not only for the Czechs but for the city
and state as well, because from children brought up in that way there vdll
grow up a generation of enlightened citizens."
This is the first time that we Czechs have been met with such willingness.!
lb - 3 - BOIEi.il^ilT
III B 2
I C Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 15, 1911.
IV
Our cause v/as recognized without pressure, simply on the basis of rational
argunents and national equality. To be sure, there v;as riuch ork attached
to it; hov;ever, it v;as and is a v;ork crovmed v;ith success.
Our Bohemian member of the Chicago Board of ilducation, I.Ir. J. B. Dibelka,
is working diligently for the success of our cause and this week will present
to I'.Irs. Young the representative committee of the Bohemian-.jnerican National
Council ,.hich will make the formal request for the introduction of the Czech
language as a course of study in the high schools.
Another important activity v;as begun by LIr. Dibelka, in that he is investi-
gating conditions in the high schools and gathering statistics on the Czech
pupils so. that the introduction of the Czech language v;ill not remain a
dead subject, but so that the organization of classes can be commenced as
soon as LIrs. Young's recommendation is acted upon by the School Board. ^- ; 'X
H.
1 b
BOHEMLhN
I B 3 b
III B 2
I C
IV
Dennl Hlasatel. Dec. 7, 1911.
A V/ORD TO CzaCH PiiRSKTS
The request of the Cesko-i^ericka Narodni Rada (Boheiaian-.^erican National
Council), that the Bohemian language be introduced as an elective course
of study in the high schools of Chicago, will be discussed it the January-
meeting of the Chicaj;o Board of Education, Its request, vdiich is not un-
reasonable ;vhen we take into consideration the multitude of Czechs settled
in Chicago, as v/ell as their industrial and political maturity, is supported
by the National Council v;ith a list of practical and logical reasons v/hich
will surely be taken into consideration in responsible circles. But the
most convincing reason is the resolute desire of the Bohemian people that
the Czech language be introduced as a course of study in the high schools,
and chiefly the desire of those Czech parents who either are sending or
expect to send their children to the high schools and who want to use the
privilege of the study of the Czech language to their advantage. The
school authorities are willingly meeting the wishes of the citizens and
there is not the least doubt that the request of the Czech parents will be
' il
1 b
I B 3 b
III 3 2
BOILill.iT:
Denri i Ml a 3 at -; 1 , Doc. 7, 1911.
I G
IV frrantcd, if sufficient Interest, supported by nuneroun proofs, is sliovm
in the v/hole idea. It is absolutely unthinkable that the cichool board
vrould introduce into the educational syaten of the schools so;;iethini- v;hich
■ ould not bo apT^reciated iOid of vjhich ■idvanta-.G tvould not be ta.^cen. It is
needless to have such fear>'>; lea-t of all about the question of introducin;-
the Czech lanr::ua.-e ir.to the hi;;h schools. Today, the Bohej-iian-^uaerican
Kational Council already has a I'/hole riass of concurring and syapathetic
co::i'nunications from ths ranlcs of Ciiech parents v.ho v/elconed the idea, not
only as a nev; roco^nition of Gaecli ri^^:hts :nd a nev/ proof of our cultural
.maturity, but priraarily as a really practical step, v;hich aside fron the
educational c^uestlon v.ill jaean chiefly th^; 5trenf/,thenin/; of our Bohenianisni
v/here it is funda!!ientally needed — ;jnon;: our student youth. Nevertheless,
the desire of the Bohej.iian- Jieric^m I'ational Council i-: that Lhe number of
the.v.e concurrin-j coruiiurii cat ions bo as l''r:*e as possible, so that there will
not be the slit;:htest doubt about the lo^ic and justice of our request.
iTor that reason, the Bohenian-.xiericim. national Council turns to all Jzech
parents \iho are sendinr; or expect to send their childr^ju to hir^h school,,..
I
I A 1 b
- 3 -
BOHiliJI/iM
Denni Klas atel, Dec. 7, 1911.
I B 5 b
III B 2
I C
IV and likewise to all our iiixluential persons and circles taking an
interest in the idea, so that, in this pro j act — the introduction of the
Czech lanr^acre into the hi.nh schools — they nay be of assistance. Our lodges
are holding their annual meetings this month and this question ought to
receive due attention and fitting resolutions should be adopted at these
meetings. V.'here only an individual is concerned, it is sufficient to give
nerely the name and address, but so far as a lodge is concerned, it is
necessary to give the name of the lodge or union and, i^ some cases, the
nuiuber of members.
All these concurring communications should be sent to the address of the
organizer of the Bohemian-.'imerican r:ational Council, Ilr. Enrique 3tanko
Vraz, 1617 c3outh Millard jivenue, Chicago, Illinois.
There is not the slightest doubt that the desire of the Bohemian-American
National Council v/ill find proper response and quick fulfillment among
our Czech parents and the ranks of our lodges.
I -. 1 b
III a
I c
Denni lilasatel , Dec. 6, 1911.
Tli3 Iniii oration Gor;i...is3ion in '..ashinGtcn hua just conpleted a report on
the Chicago public ochools ;uid fron this report it appears that Czech
children, tha;; is, children or parents bom in Bohenia, are nu.-.ierically
in third place ai.iong iirHrdGrant nationalitioso -ccordinc to the report,
235,45.'3 children attend the local public schojls, and of these, 75,887
are of native-born parents. Ir.inediately follo-.-ino;, are G-er;.:an-born
children, of '..hen there are 3C,155; then follov; 17,773 oVedish children;
16,165 Czech children; 16,021 .cus si an- Jewish children; 10,565 Irish
children; 10,170 Italian children; 7,465 Polish children; 6,4£3 ITor./e-
Gian children; Jn^lish, Canadian, ■".ierr.ian-JG^.:ish, Danish, Scotch, Dutch,
Polish-Jovash, French, J-oisji^oa, hun3arian, Lithuanian, and ilovaic. .>.c-
cordin^ to the report, Czech children are by far nore nui.iarous in the
public schools than are Polish children, but, nevertheless, the Polish
langua^^e is tauciht in the local hi.-ii schools. 'Ihese fif^res v:ill be a
— c^ — J3wi-::ti..X--jj.>
Denni _ Illasatel , Dsc. 6, 1911,
c Olivine in;; urGUiiicnt that the Gzecli lanc^uago should also be tauGht thero.
.-iS has been nentionod, these fisures are concerned onlj'- v;ith the chil-
dren of foreicn-bora parents. There are also nany thousand Gzoch children
not included in this report whose parents '..ere born in this country.
I A 1 b BOHBI.IIAN
I C
lY Denni Illasatel . Nov. 28, ISll.
JOYFUL IGTi'/S
We Have Hope That the Czech Language '.Vill Be
Taught In the High Schools of Our City
Fron what we hear from reliable sources, it is very likely, that our Czech
language v;ill be taught in the Chicago high schools. This privilege, as we
well knov;, up to the present is enjoyed only by the Poles. To be sure, we
are not as numerous here as are the Poles, but, nevertheless, v/e are an
iiiiportant part of the cosmopolitan population of our metropolis. In business,
industry, and politics \ie achieved success and gained the attention of
iunericans and members of other nationalities much sooner than did our Polish
brothers.
We have recently been informed by a distinguished fellow-citizen and friend
of our paper that recognition of our mother tongue is zealousy being sought
by Professor Jaroslav J, Zmrhal, Professor Zrarhal already has had a discussion
on this matter v/ith LIrs. Slla Elagg Yoxrng, Superintendent of the Chicago
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHSMI/iN
I C
IV Denni Klasatel, Nov. 28, ISll.
Public Schools, and she is favorably inclined tov/ard his aims (to introduce
the Czech language as a course of study in the high schools). The Board
of Education's Coinraittee on Education is also ic favor of this idea, so that
T/e have good prospects that after Nev; Year we stall have gained this prized
success, v;hich v;ill have great significance especially for our young people
in so far as they are able to dedicate themselves to higher education. The
superintendent of public schools, L'Irs. Ella "^agg Young, will introduce a
motion on teaching the Czech language in the high schools at the January
meeting of the Board of Education, and we hope that her povi^erful recommen-
dations and perhaps the help of other favorable elements will succeed in
bringing about these aims, even though they meet with opposition from circles
unfriendly toward immigrants.
I A 1 b
II 3 2 f
III B 2
J0IL13.XAK
Denni Hlasatel, Feb. 1, 1911.
A ima BQ'.^.
IIAIT 3:ii00L
The Grav/ford District Bohenian Settlers Educational Society, v; ich v/as
organized last year in I.larch and endeavors in every ..ay possible to y-^
promote the grovrth of that quarter, at its last neeting decided upon the
praisevrarthy step of founding a Saturday and Sunday school and for that
purpose has joined the Association of Bolienian Liberal (Free Thought)
Schools, quarters for the school already have been found and registration
of pupils will be held in the socL^^ty's hall at 2702 So. 43rd Avenue,
next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Parents v/ho v/qnt their children to naster their nother-tongue in speech
and v/riting,will v/elcome the nev; school v;ith pleasure and vail appear in
large numbers vdth their children for registration.
I A 1 b - 2 - BOHEIMIAN
II B 2 f
III B 2 Dennl Hlasatel , Feb, 1, 1911.
The officers of this society are Mr, Josef B. Cihlar, 2809 So, 43rd Court,
president; Mr, Vine Krabec, 2800 So, 43rd Court, secretary; Mr, Vaclav
Mis, 3049 So. 43rd Court, boolckeeper and Ant, Vackar, 3023 So, 43rd Court,
treasurer.
%
III B 2
II B 3
I F 3 BOFngMTAN
I ? 4
I C Illinois otaats-Zeltung , June 8, 1900.
THE BOHEMIAIB
Chicago's Bohemian Sokol societies met at Pilsen Hall last night in order to
make arrangements for a publicity campaign. The Bohemians demand that
their native language be taught in schools of those districts which are
largely populated by the Bohemians. A committee composed of V. Donat, Cyril ^
Fiola, Joseph Dusek, Frank Chyna, and John Klaus was entrusted with the <s.
designing of a petition ifrtiich will be submitted to the Chicago School Board r^
at its next session. According to the demands of the Bohemian people, the -u
petition will require that in schools »diich are attended by at least 50 per o
cent of children of Bohemian descent, the instruction of Bohemian should be
seriously considered by the Board.
It was rumored that the entire Bohemian population of Chicago is giving its
support to this movement. Mass meetings to further the cause are supposed
to take place throughout Chicago within the next few days. The Bohemians
insist that they have as good a right to their demands as has the German
element of this city.
§
^«^ ^-A
I A 1 b \o.^'--*'-,f^j
I C BUHbiaAN-:^
I A 1 b (Genoan)
Svornost, Sept. 25» I89O.
AGAE^ST GOITULSORY STUDY OF GERMAN.
Yesterday's meeting; of the Bohemian-American National Union was fairly
well attended. In the absence of the regular chairman the .ieetin^ wxs
presided over by Jitizen Sinkula and after the acceptance of the minuxes
of the previous meeting the incoming coi'smunic itions v/ere read. Some
organizations, especially the C. S. P. S, (Czecho Slovak Benefit Societies;,
returned the resolutions unsigned, with the added comment that they did
not wish to meddle in political affairs; other nationalistic societies
and the Jatholic societies returned the resolutions signed. A communi-
cation from the tJohemi n-.onerican Sokol referred to a certain member as
not being authorized by it, to be a member of the Bohemian-Aaierican
National Union, was tabled, because of the fact that anyone is eligible
to membership in the National Union who subscribes to it's aims.
- 2 - BOHEMI^L.
Svornost , 3ept . 25, I89O.
The committee on Agitation Among other Nationalist ies handed in a very ^
favorable report, new delegates were welcomed and given copies of the r"
resolutions for the purpose of obtaining signatures thereto.
A committee was elected to make preparations for a mass meeting of all
nationalities interested in the protest agair^st the compulsory study of i|^
the German language in our public schools, 1^
For the purpose of joint conference other nationalities, especially
the Scandinavians, Poles, Italians, French and Americans will be invited
to attend.
I A 1 b
I C
I A 1 b (Gexman)
BOHEMIAN
Svornoat, Sept, 11, I89O.
BOHSL'IAN-AISRICAN N_ITIOMaL UNION.
Under this name was completed the reorganization of the joint Conuuittee
of Sokols and Citizens working against the use of the German language
in the Chicago public schools. Everyone cin become a iiiember of the
Bohemian-American National Union, who is not indifferent to the efforts
outlined here as well as those who are merely interested in public
affairs. Yesterday's meeting .vas attended by several new delegates
from various Bohemian societies, especially Catholics; there were
turned in many signed resolutions against the continued teaching of
the German language in the public schools*
.1^
I A 1 b SaiSKIAM .. (
Svornost , Aug. IP, I89O. ^f^V^H^'
AIITI-G^MAN ^-^^.^ ^
The Movenient in opposition to the te&chin[: of German in the Public "chools
is i^-ettin^ .'.lore support. The Tov.Ti of Lake "eniocratic Club in its neeting
on the l6th of this month, made knov/n, that it ix^vee:- to have steps taken
by Chicago Sokols ao;ainEt the teaching; of German in the public schools and
adopted a resolution similar to che one drawn up by the central co;?jnittee.
"Tel. Jed. J"okol Praha" (GyiT'.nastic Union "Tokol Pra^nje") also fror; Tov-n of
Lake, as a testimonial of their a^rcerAent with the present movement, elect-
ed a committee of three members to attend the meetings of the central com-
mittee, to support the movement for the abolition of the teaching of the
German language in the public schools.
I A 1 b
l"c Svomost, Jxily 31, 1890. BOHSMLIN
I A 1 b (Geiman}
/^ERUAN IN TEE PUBLIC SCHOOI^
In regards to the question of the teaching of the German language in
the public schools, the strange standpoint of Bohemian defenders of German
can be explained only by the fact, that they probably hope, that they
will succeed in getting the instruction of the Bohemian language in
the public schools if they remain content with the German, From the
very beginning we pronounced such ideas as nonsensical.
That which ceui be accomplished in sorre community in which Bohemians are
in the majority, is impossible of accomplishment in a city such as
is Chicago* Je knew, in the beginning, that the Termans would always
be the first to oppose the requests of the Bohemians, and that we
were not mistaken is proven by excerpts from the local Staats-Zeitung,
- 2 - BOHEMIAN
Although the editors of the above mentioned paper recognize the Bohemians
as the L.ost cultured branch of the Slavic nationalities, they still
deny to Bohemians the right to aspire to a place in the American public
schools. The S taats-Zeitung emswered our German-Bohemians in the manner
which we expected of it.
Ve expressed our sorrov/ for those v;ho dared to hope, thet in a city like
Chicago, the Bohemian language could be introduced as a subject of
study in the public schools, and we v/ould have to be even sorrier for
those who would request it, for we know they would become the subject
of poisonous puns and vulgar insults from the German press.
- 3 - B0H5LIIAN
In the present agitation, let our countrymen, who have placed themselves
at the head of the fiuiti-Genaan movement, often recollect, what Bismarck
said, when the inhabitants of Alsace petitioned him to have the French
language, which in their children's later years is as necessary to them
as is the German: (in fact iLore necessary, than the German in America)
taught in the public schools*
Bismarck replied to his petitioners: ••The public school must teach
only one language - that is the language of the nation. To introduce
into it another language would be against all reasonable educational
principles* .Vhoever wishes to learn French, will find opportunity
to do so in the higher schools, otherwise they must accomplish it at
their own expense. The public schools are not for such purposes."
i^y ^\.
^ - . "^v
- 4 - B0H3L:IAN
^m.i:
He maintain the same about local schools: to introduce into them
another language is against all reasonable educational principles,
'iVhoever wants to learn German, will find an opportunity to do so in the
high schools, or they must accomplish it at their o«m expense; public
schools, which are attended by the children of immigrants, are not
for such purposes*
<G ,
if.
I Al b
UBS
I T^ie Illinois Staats-Zeitunf;. July 26, 1890.
J kit (Gexnaal
0!T A SLIIPiSY nOAD.
E0rir3.XyT
n
BO'r.jiaLi:.Ts upik)3:3 cch/x: histructio:: et t^is fltblig scticoio.
Amongst the Bohanian "Turnvereins" the question -.as been debated Tor 3©r:ie tine
as to what languages besides j2n[:lish, and vrhat lan{^a'-es in particular, should
be taujjl.t in the public schools, T^ve throe associations answored this question,.
in their last sessions, vSiich v/ere held yesterdaj^ and the day before, A request-
shall be made, so they declare, that the scjiool board of CSiicago give the same
right to the Boheinians \'A\icr. the Oeimans now ^'lave: that tre Eoher.ian language
shall bo tau.rht in t're Bohadan districts, and if this is not feasible that
German insti-uction shall be elininated, A lons-\tinded resolution conforming with
the above dictum found unanimous favor at the Thursday 'leetinr" of the North Side
Turnverein, Cechie, in 'ctiich the -<est Side Tumverein, Telocvicxia Jedvota
'*Gesko American Sokol" concurred, ?}ielatter was present at the {gathering of
last Thursday, at the Turner Hall, coiner Taylor m d Canal streets.
30Il3.:iAJI
Tie Illinois Staats-Zeitunp ^, July 26, 18S0.
The Turners entered occup^/ing the seats vjhicli were proffered to them,
chairman su-;-:ested that their dele-tates sreak.
The
Turner Jens Gltristensen riade the opening address.., "!'r. Chairman/ Gentlesmenl
It is not r.y purpose to ra]:e a lonp- speech toni':ht,.. One fact I wish to call to
yoi^r attention is one ■.<?.! ich, in m:-- opinion, confronts ever:' i'mrsraiit, I riean
the fact, tr at rer:ard2BSE fron vfiich JIuropean coimtrj^ T/e carie, we are all con-
fronted by a coininon enemy, Tliis adversai^/ is "knovmo thing ism," that aloof prod-
ttof Q.f American ]>itriot ia'n, tfriich considers all who are not bom iix this land as
crool.s or dullards. I have no adverse co:iments for true patriotism, but, that
forn of "patriotism" v/hich intends to dictate to us nhere and •'.vhen, or vjhjr, we
may not drink beer; a "patriotism" screaminr itself into laoarseness, in order to
enforce ti-;e ounda;- closinn; of the projected Trorld exposition; which prescribes
that nothiinrr stron:';:er th-m soda-water shall be consumed, such a pusillanimous
"patriotism," vvhica: intends to subjUj-^ate us to f;e lonf, forratten ideas of past
centuries aid the presort modern cranks; that kind of "patriotism" I abhor and
despise.
- 4 - EO'iSI.:
Tl:e Illinois 3taats-.:c itung , Julv 26, 1390,
'*1"iis •knovr-'othinsisn* does not ask vxhether ;7e are 3o]Ter:iians, (}er!nans, or
Scandinavi?ais» It considers xis only as 'T»..d,,, foireicners, creatures of
a lower order, Tflio re'iuiro consistent noti-ierly .^luidance,
"In retrospection of this ai-titude I say: 'Je must not fi:':ht each ot^ier, ne
imist sho-;/ a united front a-sinst t-iS nutual enanyl*
**7he •'TerrTin elenent of this city has fou.-ht for man;- :'ears to obtain Ger:?Tan
instruction in our public schools, Tinally we -.vere successful. Our children
are now enabled to learn l -lish and also their mother tongue. It is not
conipulsory and v;e always have emphasized, that Znslish, beinr; the national
language, is entitled to precedence, IIo one, I believe, can object to this
principle,
**! liave been inforraed, that soine of our Bohenian co-cioizo^s are not satisfied
with these arrange; lents; that they desire the discontinuanceof C/er;;ian in-
struction in t'l.e public schools.
•••■PA
A
T-e IllinoiG 3taats»Ze-itun.^ , July 25, 1890, ■ >, ^
'Jheir arc^nsnt is on f g follov/l.f; basis: ',/e Bo'.er-iians jnust contributs to t'^e
sc^.ool-fund frai v/hich >;; e Gez^-an teacl.ers aro paid,*
'*'.7Iiy can '.;e not also daanci , b'-at our children s:;all have an OTroortunit;- to learn
their hereditary' la7i:;^a-e? Ai-e t:.e 'derin'is better than we are? 'T.vj should tj:ey
be 021 the preferred list? IIo, GQ^i'^^lei'sn, tr.e Ger;,vans are not better than you,
and they should not be sh.OTCi any fom of prefenient. In a republic, equality
should prevail for all,
•^But, on the other hand, is this a reason \vh;' you should rob us of fe liberty and
victory -.76 obtained after pr-olon^^ed fi3::tin3?
'*',7ould it not be infinitely better, if yon also v/ould try to procure recognition
for your langua're, in those districts v/here a lar-^e percenta^^e of t]:e school-
children are of Bohemian parent a; *e?
- 6 - BOHEMIANS
The Illinois Staats-Zeitung , July 26, 1890.
"If that is your goal) then you can be assured of our most cordial co-operation.
But, don't fight against usi Rather, fight with us for your rights, for our
rights, against political corruption and stinting nativism. Our victory will
then be assured J"
After Mr, Christensen's speech, which was well applauded by the German Turners,
I'r, luoehle addressed the audience: "A certain Anglo-American element considers
everyone a criminal, who can speak any language besides English.
"Will you, Bohemian Turners, identify yourself with that class? You are on that
path if you adopt your resolutions in practice. You are on treacherous ground.
If you continue in this manner, you will live to see the time, when Irish police-
men will belabor you with clubs when you speak - Bohemian" Turner Gloy
saidt" ...ffhy this attack, after twenty years of peaceful concordance? It
is undoubtedly caused by gossip This German said this and.... the school-
board concurred These certain Germans are considered tlie "elite" by the
Bohemian 8... .It is a mistake*
^ 1 ^
The Illinois Staats-Zeitung , July 26, 1890.
BOHEMIAN/,^
W.P.A.
"In truth these men are only 'servants who became prosperous.' The real repre-
sentatives of genuine Germanism can be found amongst the Turners •*
Editor Stulik of the Bohemian Daily Svornost dernanded equal rights for all, in
a. passionate appeal.. . .Editor Jicinsky, virtually the moving spirit of the
resolution, commanded an an5)le supply of cynicism. He is a masterful actor and
used his gifts to the detriment of the Germans He showed that the Bohemian
children are bambootled into confusion by studying three languages, (Gernan,
Bohemian, English) simultaneously.
He regards the efforts of the German press to help the Bohemians as "much ado
about nothing,"
The original Bohemian resolution passed amidst an uproar of approval.
I A 1 b BQEIEMIAN V> V;
I C
I A 1 b (German) Svomost, July 25, 1890.
AGAINST GKHMAN IN IHE PUBLIC SCHOOIS
A meeting in protest against the continued teaching of the German language in
the public schools was called by "Tel. Jed, Sokol," "Cechie" (Gsnnnastic Union
Sokol, "Bohemians") on last Wednesday. Because of some misunderstanding of
late the meeting was not fully announced, consequently the attendance was rather
small.
9
-a
3»
-o
A motion, that the chairman appoint a committee of three, for the purpose of ^^
preparing a resolution of protest against the ccsnpulsory study of the Geiman ^
language in the public schools was adopted. c^
The resolution, which follows, was approved and unanimously accepted.
1. Whereas, in view of the insignificant minority, the German language has been
introduced as a subject of study in the public schools of Chicago.
2. Whereas, it is known, that in many of our local schools, because of insuf-
ficient room, only a half day is devoted to the study of English subjects;
-2- BOmM]_
SYornost , July 25, 1S90.
that part of the t inie used in liie unnecessary study of German, vi&ose teachers
are paid wi bh public money, could be used to better advantage in the study of
other jln°;lish subjects.
3, iVhereas we, as American citizens, feel ourselves deprived of our rights, jg
and if the '3ermans are to have the privile^^e of havini;; their lant^uage taught 5
in our public schools, we are logically entitled to request the sane considera- ^z:.
tion for our nationality and likewise every other nationality represented here ^
in sufficient numbers is entitled to the sa.-ne consideration. Therefore be it
resolved: -
■so
o
1, That the School Board of the City of Chica.-o, in re-;ard to the above rea- fo
sons acknowled/^e the sar.e rights of all nationalities represented in Ghicago, <^
and when petitioned, provide for the study of their lan:^uap;e in the public
schools, and if the School Board does not want to accede to these reqiiests,
then the teaching of the German lancuace be also discontinued, as it is a de-
liberate insult to the other nationalities, which are just as good citizens as
the Germans, if not better. i\nd if the School Board of the City of Ghioa:;'o
will not fulfill this request, be it further resolved: -
-3-
Svornost. July 25, 1890,
2, To petition the Legislature of the State of Illinois to forbid the teaching
of any other language, except English, in our public schools, to influence our
State Representatives and Senators, that such a law night be presented and
passed. If however, even this should be of no avail, be it further resolved
that : -
3, A petition be sent to the Congress of the United States, so that it raay put
a stop to thje curt&ilment cf our ri^^its as citizens, and in case of necessity,
that the whole natter be talsn before the Courts for decision,
4. Be it resolved, that the representatives elected to the central committee
of "Sokol" Unions, with other connittees accoroirxg to the needs of this gather-
ing, do everything possible so that the ains of these resolutions nay be success-
fully acconplished.
-o
o
rvj
.J,
I c
I A 1 b (German)
Svornost , Jvly 2U, I59O
TE^ ger;.x:s ai^d us "
On the question' of schools, fie standpoint th.?t v^e have talven is familiar to
all our readers and it is unnecessory to further elucidate, "''e r»re not in
the h.-^ljit of sputterin^g 'vords and phrases; 've specX el ear I:-', openlv and ahove
"board, for we .--^re convinced that we defend a just cause; we are convinced
that re express the wishes of the ""arge majority of our Soheniaji people. *
For what reason h.-ve re co i<^ out against the G-erman Langua-ge r/hich has heen
introduced into the lowest priinar.7 grades of oior Puhlic Schools? For reasons,
which must he acknowledged >■:/ every educated person, which must he acknov;-
ledged hy every reasonable person.
Ihe children of Bohemian parents enter English schools, in order to ler^rn
the lang'iage which is used in this /end, and is oxi unavoidaDle necessity for
everyone who wishes to la^'" the foundation for his future here.
V
The children of most Bohemian families attend only the primary grades, a few
of them grr-d\iate from the grammer schoo''s, ajid those f'-'w years of attendance
are not enoiigh for the thorough learning of the iiinglish language.
- 2 -
T=oiiE:.:iAN
^-^
'*/
^h
Svornost . Jvly 2h, I89O
Isn't it a crime against these children then to force the study of Oerman
on them? They cannot ''earn it and it only makes the familiarization with
the ■C'nglish lan^aatie more diff ic alt in so fev; years.
Our Bohemian countrymen in the homelejid h-^ve fouijht against the compulsory
study of the 'iernan language, "by children, for man^' years, Bohemians of
America. hpve "been of gr^at assistance to tlen in this fight; hut even at
that ti'.e German Language is much more useful in Anotria than it is in the
United States. I^evertheless, there have "been found Bohemians here defend-
ing the use of the j-erman language in our schools,
"Te do not laiov/ V7hat opinion is held oy "Filsen Sokol" on this suh.iect todpy;
hut ne Iznovf thrt a month ago they appointed a committee to v;ork with con-
mi ttees from other ^okol ■'units against the use of the ^erT.an Langur^ge in the
primrry grades. They ware in agreement y.'ith our vievrpoint then end we think
they still are, for among "Solcols" opinions ore not changed daily, like coats.
I A 1 "b The Chica.'^o Tribune, July 20, 1890. BOHEMIAN
GLEAMING IN LOCAL FIELDS
Bohe.ni.ins Vi'ant No Discriaination.
The Bohemian societies "Sokol" have adopted a set of re olutions protecting
against the granting of special favors to any foreign nationality by the
State or municipal government; indorsing the compulsory education law,
and requesting the Bc'^rd of Education to omit the German language from
the course of study in the city schools because they believe "it is
inconsistent with Araerican principles and a hindrance to th?^ perfect
learning" of the language of the American people. Mass meetings of
Bohemian Citizens, for the purpose of ratifying these resolutions, will be
held Wednesday evening at No. 102 .Vade street; Thursday evening at
Coliimbia Hall, forty-eight and Paulina streets; Friday evening at Bohemia
Turner Hall, corner of Taylor and Canal streets, and Saturday evening
at No. 400 West Eighteenth street.
goHi:;.:iAN
I A 1 b
I F 4 .
I A 1 b (Germen)
I C Svornost . July 1, 1290*
IV
THS I'GV/ SCHOOL BOARD
The Mayor announced -t the Council fleeting yesterday, the appointrheat of the
ne77 n^.embers of the School 3o?rcL ns follows; 1!ho':r\cr. Brennsn r.nd Jolin l^cLaren
are reapoointed; Miss 'uary S. 3urt , to replrce Kozininski; x^onald alorrill and
D.R.. Ghmeron np,Tied in piece of Seal end 5'orche; Dr. I'. J. Jirks, nr-jned in
piece of l^rank ?'enter, resiif,TiSd; Dr. Jlrka, is a cotmtrynan of cirs, quite
well-known "because of the large practice he has' ainong us.
Dr Jirk,? is offered the opoortimity to. ^ain the grateful reco,jiition not
only of his ovm countr-zmfen, "bat of all others w)io are against f^.e teaching
of Osrnan in our PuDlic Schools,
The Board — at least so i^ see;:.s to us, — will no*;^ be more American than '3-er-
man and as soon as the j-ernsn Lang^iage comes up for discussion, we "believe
that Dr. Jirka will interpret the wishes of the majority of Bohemians.
y^
iAJL!> - /{fl:
o
II B 3
I C , BOHB?/iAN "-^''\.^/
I A 1 b (Genaan) "l.-J^
Svornost. March let, 1820.
More Al)Out The Teaching Of The Bohemian Language
In Our Public Schools.
At a meeting held last night in the "Tel. Jed, Sokol" (Gymnnstic Union Sokol) hall
in protest against the unjust decision of the School Board In regards to the
teaching of the Bohemian Language in the Throop School the following resolution was
adopted: -
1. We Bohemians, of the City of Chicago, citizens of the United States, laiF-ahiding
taxpayers of this county and city, in mass meeting this 29th day of Pehruary
have resolved that we consider the action of our Chicago School Board in rejecting
the petition of 258 Bohemian Barents, citizens and . taxpayers of the 6th Ward, who
are sending their children to this school, and who requested the School Board
in accordance with their previous decision in allowing the teaching of the German
Lfinguage, as -unjust, a ilight to our sense of citizenship and as depriving the
rights of one class while upholding another,
2. That the argument advanced hy the School Board memher "Vocke" is not true
Svornost, March ist, 18S0.
if it was held as sufficient reason for rejecting of the petition, that even in
Europe the Bohemian Language is so de8t)ised that it is ta^Jght only in two education-
al centers, that is Prague and Vienna, for we know that "besides these the education
in the Bohemian Language is carried on the following named:- The Oriental Acadenjy
of Vienna (where Prof. Burian lectured) The College of Prance in Paris(where
Mickiewic lectured) The University of Berlin(Pr6f. Jagic) at the Universities of
St. Petersburg and Warsaw and others in Russia, at the University of London and many
other places. We know that the most eminent etymologist, the German professor
Schleicher, wrote in Bohemian of the Slavic Languages: The great "Soethe" in
his old age learned the Bohemian Language for its "beauty and richness and trans-
lated its poetry: tne eminent Herder in his work "Die Hrunanitaet" tells of the
Bohemian nationality and its language and praises it highly; the Saxon King John,
translated Bohemian poetry into the German language and Bohemian songs are
known the world over for their "beauty.
3« That we do not desire any special privilege in our public schools, i»rtiich
a"bove all we value for their utter impartiality, "but realizing that the German
Language would acquire an incofflmensTira"ble privilege if other languages were
neglected, we wish only to perform our duty, to forestall privileged legislation
Page 3.
I A 1 1) V'
I C . BOHEMI-^
Svornost. March 1st, IggO.
and to obtain for our children the same "benefits, which they are entitled to "by
reason of common cltizenshl-D with the Germans, requesting all other nationalities
in Chicago to make use of all advantages offered hy the School Board for the
education of their children.
U. Finally that we respectfully -Detition the Honora"ble School Board to reconsider
the action taken at its previous meeting and recognize the rightful and just-
ifiable petition of ottrs for the teaching of the Bohemian Language in the Throop
School and allowed it to be so.
I A 1 b BOHiailAN
I C
The ChlcaFio Tribune . Feb. 29, 1880.
TO TKIi: EDITOR OF THE CHICAGO TRIBHWE, ClIIC^GC, FEB. 28
?/e, as Boaemian citizens, would enter our protest against the unjust and partial
action of the Board of "Education on last Thursday ni£:ht. V'e, up to that time, had
thought that the members of the Board in all their doings acted in accordance with
the principles of fairness and consistency. But we must acknowledge that last Thurs-
day night's proceeding has greatly shaken our faith in then.
It seeras impossible that the members of the Board can afford to let such an action
go o ; record before the searching criterion of public opinion. Can they allow tneir
reputation for consistency to suffer in tnis v.ay? a few years a^o, at the merest
suggestion of teaching German in the public scnools, they at once admitted it. But
now, when the precedent of teaching foreign languages in the public schools is esta-
blisned in a school where almost every pupil is Bohemian and .ie Bonemian taxpayers
of tae district are compelled to pay almost the entire assessment taenselves, the
unanimous petition of tne whole district to teach Bohemian in tnat one school alone
is disref arded and rejected, .And on what grounds? f^imply because one of our en-
lightened German members — who, by the way, knows at much about Bohemian as he does
I A 1 b -2- * BOHSMIiiK
I C
The Chica^:-o Tribune , Feb, 29. 1860*
about Choctaw — rises majestically in his place, and, after thundering forth denun-
ciations against -he language, says that 'Bohemian is not to be mentioned in the
same breath with German."
V/e wish tr -t-aank our German member for the high coraplimsnt that he has paid our lan-
guage. In fact, a language like the Bohemian, whica is superior to the ancient Greek
in its variety of forms, declensions, inflections, list of patronymics, etc., cannot,
by any s&ne inaii, be ^ulled down to tne level of a language like the German, No, we
thank our German member for not degrading our language in sucn a maniier as to men-
tion it in tne same breath witn German. Better haa he ranked tiie ancient ton* ues
equal with the grunts of the busximen of Africa than lower tne Boiiemian down to the
plane of the Genaan.
'.Ve do not approve of teaching any foreign language in tl^ ^ schools in Am-^rlca, but .ve,
as citizens, claim equal rights with all classes of citizens. If the Germans have
tneir mother tongue taught in the schools at public expense, we claim the same privi- |
le^e. Surely we have the rigat to ask for our mot.ier tongue in a district entirely
Bohemian when the German language ib taught in all of the schools of the city, even
in those schools where tne German scholars are in a decided minority, And i^ ill "c-i-
I A 1 b -3- BCdKUlHli
I C
The Chicago Tribune. Feb. 29» 1380.
comes a member of the Board to advocate the teacninf; of one foreign lanf uage and at
the same time strenuously oppose the Introduction of another. Po the issue forces
Itself upon the gentlemen of the Board, and they as honest, candid men must meet it
squarely J either admit Bohemian into the Throop School, or, on the principle of
justice and coiiSistency, abolisa from the public schools all forsi^,n languai^es.
I A 1 b
I F 4
r A
rrx
1 b (G«iniaa)
A
Svornost . Feb. 7 J, lJ?gO
BOKEMIAlv II^- PIDLIC
SCHOOLS
UIIRIOCOGNIZSID
30Hi;i.iIAK
The petition of 25S prrents and ga^rdipns of children attending- the Throop
School, for the incl-jsion of the Bohemicn Langiiscse as a study, which was
referred to a special coinmttee for consideration some tv.'o weeks ago v.'bs
the cause of considerahle dehp.te on the part of the School 3o.'-rd yesterday.
The readers of Svornost know who the favorahle nemhers of the 3oard were
and who were unfavorable. The way we indicated the last tirae we Mentioned
this mat"L3r is just the v.'a7 it haptjened. Of the committee two rnei'.bers.
Stiles '-^nd Stone, recom'iended frvorrhle action hy the School Borrd, where-
as tlie obstinate G-er-v^n "^.enher, Vorhke, who hrpT)ened to preside over the
committee, stood out a5;:^ainst the introduction of the teachins;, of -Bohemian
in the Throop School. . ■
Mr. Stone said that the petition for the introduction of the study of the
Bohemi-n Lajiguage in this school, is sij^ed by more than half of the tar-
payers of this school district and that the petitioner? have just a.s nuch
right to request the teachin,^ of Bohemian as have the Grernan citizens to
have Oer-^:an tau^jht in the public schools.
I
I
r
- 2 -
Svornost . Feb. 27, ISSO
BOHE'JAIT
In opoosition to this, Mr. Vocl:e claims tl..- t t lere. is a. f'jreat deal of
difference 'between Oerinans and Boherai.?ns, or ir other vrnrds tiiey are
superior, 'ne does not visli tiie Germens to be f;iven any privi?.e£i*s before
other nr-tionalities, but the Bohemian Lant^.iaf';e is so "ianiin;)ort£nt that it
must not be comprred in the least with i5er:nan. Use is ri^de of th.e -•Bohe-
mian Langua^f^ in onlv two of the Educational C-mters of the 7/orld, t at
is at Pra^'ue and Vienn.?, v/hile the German Languat;e m^ist '^e considered as
a major basis of c^jlture. -^he kno-."''-'^:^ je of Oer'nan is s-ufficient for every
business man to carry on all transactions with benefit and advantaoe any-
where.
In this same rarnner I'r. Richberg spoke, moving, in conclusion, that the
Board .jroce'^d to vote on Uv. Stones motion th;\t the teaching of Bohenifn
be permitted in the Throop School,
rssults:
The vote brought out the following
For the introduction of Boheinian: Sr.one, Brenn.on, ?'ra>:-3, Gurran ar.d Stiles
(5)» Against :- -Yocice, Hichberg, Keith, Bprtlett, Fran;:enthal , Delaney and
H;>yne. (7). .~ .
I • - 7 _
T • ■ '
Svornost . le'h. 27, ISSO
Therefore, by a majority of two votes tlie jnft petition of Bohemian "Citizens
was rejected ;- nd unrecognized,
hovr easily could this petition of ours hr-ve >.een acted on 'rvorably hrd it
not been for the old, (still fron the old coimtry) Crerra^n obstinate hrtred
r'riich, in a conteTirptibl e ?nd shameful manner, vented its spite on every-
thin,; Soheraian even in this lani of freedom. If these three G^rrnpns, Vocke ,
Hichberg pnd Franlcenthel hpd voted for the teaching of the Bohenian Lpng-
MDQe, we co-'ild be rejoicin^-; today in the .iust disposition of o-^ir petition,
^e seek in this Ipnd of freedom, in t'^is city, ".•h'=re the Boheriian elenent
is f.ficorid in numbers only to the Gernans, only tha reco£,n.ition of o^jr rights.
^;7h9ther the Sohenipn ton^ae is used in one or ten world centers does not
concern us in th-^ least; w? rre interested onlv in the preservation of ofor
language and nc-tionality , in the sar.ie banner th.-^t it concerned, &nd still -
concerns the (Jer-ir.n people, ^xl since tl-ey hrve been ^Iven the privilege,
7/hy should they take it upon themselves to prevent us fro^ acquiring a
like privilege. ' '
- 4 - BCii^MlAI^
Svornost . Feb. 27, l^'^O
Finrlly, since inprid^nce, selfishness, o"bstin'cy nnd inso"* ence is excess-
ively rooted in the Tiinds of al!' G-ernj^.ns, al^nost without exce;">tion, ':o".'
then could we expect, even in tlLis "I ?nd of freedo^., to receive sny suprjort- •
from them'' I-'', .^t so'^e ti-je or other, t..ey seem to incline toward frieiid-
ship, it is only hecause they wnnt some help in some cause, "but if they
have an idea that they may he able to accomplish their ob.jective without
\is, then all we got from them sre dirty sneers and scorn and opposition to
any" effort whatever on our port.
Our attemjjts, efforts, req'uests, pnd hopes for the teaching of the Bohem-
ian languas© in the public cchool v^'nere over balf of the pupils are of Bo-
hemian parentage, were, since yesterday, destroyed, unrecognized and for
the time. being, we must submit. Perhaps we shall find other wcys end T.eans
by v/hich we shall finally receive onr .lust rijhts. .
m.
I A 1 13 BOHSl.-.lAy
Svornost. Fetnaary I3, 13J?0,
BOHEHIAK IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL
-o
The TDetition for the te-^rhing of Bohemian in the "ThrooT)" P-!i"^^lio School was
finslly delivered to the Board 0"^" Education yesterday. Sigjirintendent of ':^
Schools Curran moved that the request of the Bohemian T)eot)le of that district r^
he complied with. Gen. Stiles, ?sked tnat the -netition he referred to the -o
Committee on German. Sunt. Stone ureed. tliat the -oetition "be trea.ted with 3
every attention and that he does not wish it to he suT>T)ressed. The entire .^
•oetition was referred to the committee on books and education after ??, short ^
discussion. Th^^refore, our petition ne?rs a favorrhle .iud^pnt ^y\^- it see?ns c«
more than likely tnat it will he f ? vor^hly acted unon and our countrymen will
"be satisfied. It now de-oends on the committee to i?^ich the -oetition was re-
ferred, to give its o-oinion in fpvor of the T>etition and to recommend fa,vorchle
action there on to the -present assembly o-f^ the School "Board,
It would he fitting, yes, and even urgent, that som.e of our better q[aalified
countrjnnen, the more the better, c?ll on the above committee in ord^r to exnlain the
entire matter and enlighten it on the need for the teaching of the Bohemian
Language in the Throor) School, the truth of which was -)roven by the t)etition.
When the proi^er times comes for tnis visit we will announce it' in this iDarjer!
i A
II B 2 f
•Mi"
Svornost . Jan. 22, 12>^0
E'=iUAL OBLIGATIONS, E'^UAL HIGHTS
SIGN T:i3 PETITION!
30HSMIAN m THE PLtBLIC SCHOOL
3UI'-^j.viiAiN
The decisive step has 'been talcen and if it v.'ere not for the cursed in-
difference and sluggishness anong us, we could know before tonorrov dom-
ing, what kind of reception wss given to our petition to the School Board, .,
in re£;ard to the teaching of the ^ohenian Language in our Public Schools,
It is to he regretted that, in view of very grer-.t importance of this matter,
the perspnal interest of the greater portion of our coxontrymen remains un-
precedentedly cold end indifferent. There is, no doulst, hut t'cat it was
for this reason that the meeting which was. held la.rt night, in the inter-
est of this generally knor?n caupe, was so little attended.
The meeting ^rs opened and presided over "by Citizen Leo "eilhek. After
the explanation of the purposes o-f this me-=^ting, namely/ the selection of
a cornrdttee for the securing of signatures to the petition, ^'-r. M. Ea.um-
ruker gave a. brief tal;<, pointing out the usefulness and benefits to be
derived fron the teaching of the Bohemian Language in the Public Schools,
__J
I A 1 ^
- 2 -
Svomost . Jan. 22, 1S50
BOhEiYlAN
descri"bing the convenience of the present time for. the accomplishnent of
this purpose.
"Let us jgive some thou.^ht to the SohemieJi iJnrilish (Liberal) School, even
though it is sufficient for our purpose, still no one cm den;/ that if
the Sohenian Lanc^uase Wt=-'e tauj^ht in the Puolic Schools it v/ould he of
gre.?t benefit to us for in the forner, Sn^jlish is not studied so well as
in the latter, and after all, Snf];lish is the chief lan.^ueYjS here."
y^sxvr hitter truths were spoken hv our esteemed friend and all those pre-
sent admit thr.t he v/as right. It was "brn'Of^lit out that some of our country-
men were opposed to the teachin^^ of the -Bohemian LangTu^g® iri the Public
Schools, fearing that they would be forced to pay a.dditionc'>l taxes for
tnat puroose. To be s-ore they r^re very much mistaken. T'he appointment
of an instrtictor of the Bohemian Language in the Public Schools will cause
no increase in the tax levy upon Bohemians, because the estimated needs
for school purposes are spread upon the entire city and each one is re-
quired to -^BY ? certain siLm, v/h/3ther they have one, two, five or no teach-
ers whatever end whether or not they send their children to school.
I A 1 -b ' - 3 - . BOHSUAK
Svornost . Jan. 22, l^^^O
Supposing that the taxes were really increased "because of this appointment*
of a -^ohemian Tepxher, who y/ould receive about $600,00 yearly, how much
increpse would fall upon each citizen of the community, surely not over
one cent "before the entire amount would he made up. Let no one he fright-
ened ahout this matter; the teaching of the Bohemian Language can be in-
troduced into the school system without any additional outlay or eroerse
to us. Let the parents who have children attending the Throop school sign
the petition when it is presented to them r.nd secure the signatures of
their neigh"bors.
The petition which was made public la.^t Ivlonday was to have been delivered
to the School Board today, but owing to the lack of a sufficiently large
number of sign;^jtures the presentation is postponed for two weeks.
The committee appointed for the securin/j; of signatures is as follows: Jan
Poustecky and J. Sedlacek.
•
Once more r/e wholeheartedly urge all our countrymen who have children
attending the Throop School to see to it that the petition for the teach-
ing of -^ohemiaJi have as many signatures as it is possible to get.
I Al b
II D 1
I F 2
III A j
I C
I A 1 b (German)
Svornost . Jan. 19, 1S:!0
30Hj2^:IAS
3CK:-r;.iAr iv. ti-t. fjblic sgeocls
3ISC7SSI0N or This ! A'^TER III Ti'liTllRDAY'S
Tre mass meeting held yesterda^^ ^afternoon on tlae premises of J. Sedlack
was not attended so rell as the purpose of the aeetin-- renuired.
The meeting was "broug.it to order nt 3*30 P.'-. oy leo '.'eilbek. Ir. Dvorak
was elected ciipirman e-nd i-r. Fiala as secretary. Thereafter I'-r . I.
L'eilbe"^ read a speech in wVich he Ir.id stress on the need for a h<?It in
the constant or;-;aniza-tion of nev; Sohemien Lodges to the detriment of o''JOC
public, hut t:jat those existing should he improved for the (general good.
In his speech he iirges that all lodges and individ-:als shoixld join forces
in order to sec-ire the instruction of tiie Bohemian La.n,5uage in our jjuhlic
schools, and first of all in the Throop Street School where over half the
pupils are of Bohemian extraction, '.'ith this thou^}it in raind the follow-
ing resolution was excepted unanimously —
'■l^e American Citizens of Bohemian descent .gathered in moss meeting on the
premises of Citizen Jos. Sed?ack, corner i-or^an and 19th Street, c;.dopt
the following;
BOHK'IAI'I
Svornost . Jan. 19, IScQ
(1) We Call upon and urgently request all Bohemian Benevolent Associations
end Loc.j-es, whether pu"blic or pecret, that "thev require all persons seek-
ing raenhership in orgenizstione , to hecoi^.e citizens of the United States
and that the present rie.noers of these lodij,-es and associations should like-
wise hecone citizens, in order that we "Le-y work in unison to secure eqioal
rights in tiie public schools of Ghic,•^:-o, so that the teaching of tiie Bohe-
mian Language may he adopted as soon as possible .
(2) '''e ■'jr.-ie citizens to .ioin Politic??! Pprties, for it is oiir duty to dis-
cuss tije various political questions arising fron tine t'^ time. "e nust
necessarily have puhlic meetings for this purpose, for everyone knows th.-t
the discussion of politics in the nieetings of onr various lod{:^es end assoc-
iatio'is is not permitted.
(3) There shall he elected at this meeting a committee (composed of as
many memhers as are decided on hy those pr^^sent) for tie purpose of secur-
ing signatures of all o^.ir Bohemian countrymen who would like to have the
Bohemian LaJiguage tauglrit in our public schools. .
- 3 -
3oiis:aAH
Svornos t. Jsn. 13, 13?50
That a connittee of two "oe selected at this meetin;;, who ?re capable of
working; out the details of this matter end toa'et->er vrith the si^'-ned peti-
tions to present it to the School Board snd fio't'-.er that this comnittee
shal3 do all thpt they consider proper and of "benefit to this c-^use and
they shall fron time to tine call meetings so as to report on the r)rogress
of this matter.
Then so that the firrt step in the matter mi^ht he an accomplished fact
the petition to the School 3oord was drawn \vo as follows:
Chicago, Jan. 19th ISr^O
To the HonoralDle Board of 3ducrtion of the City of Chicav^jo.
CJentlenen; •■ ■■
We, the iindersigned parents and i-5u.ardians of chi''dren attending; the Throop
School, would most respectfully petition yoiir Honorable Borrd to introduce
the study of the Bohemian -^anguaie in said school for t-.e following rea-
sons: ^here ;.re now attending this school '^J,0 pupils of -^ohenicJi parentage
or about one-ha-lf of the total attendance, • nd as your Honorable Board
- ii - B0ii3:'iA:y
Svomost . «Jan. 19, ISSO
caused the 'jernan Lajig'aase to "be taught in severpl schools, vje. as citizens
r-.nd taxppyers denrnd the sr-me recognition a?' is accorded to other nation-
aJities,
(.ur .
'vJ W.P.A. °
Finally it vas decided to hold another meeting rt this same plrce next
".ednesdey night, to which meetin^^ all parents v/ho are sending children
to the Throop School are ^xci^ently requested to cone. At this pasting the
committee for the circul-^tion of the above petition will he elected. Mrs.
L. Meilbek and M. Baumruker were appointed to the committee which is to
take the question up rdth tl.e School Board.
The importance of yesterday's meeting and those to come is plainly evident
It is for the individuals now and for our various Lod^^es especially to do
their part, for if tlie Gsrnan people can hp.ve their Language tau^.t in 18
of our puhlic schools, why can't we Bohemians in those sections of the
city inhabited mainly "by us have our mother tongue taioght in the public
schools? .
I A 1 1) BOHMIANS
SVOBNOST. July 10th, 1379. ' .' ;
On the Teaxdiisg Of Bohemian.
5
The indifference of Chicago Bohemians to one of the most important aatters nhieh '^
concerns them, and about which all the Bohemian-Newspapers have had something to g
say, is truly amazing. We are referring to the matter of teaching the Bohemian i^
tJO
language in some of the city schools* In spite of inquiries from all directions, s
to.
there is maintained on this subject the silence of the grave* ^
If we werb not aware that the important matter of the Sharpshooters has taken pre-
cedure over other matters at tha present time, we would be forced to think that
Chicago Bohemians had lost their love for their mother tongue entirely* However, we
hope that when our disturbed thoughts have quieted down, that some active national
society, or some group of individuals, will take the task upon themselves and work
for its realization with vigor*
1 kl-b
I~C BOHEMIAN
STOEHOST, June 9tb. 1879- jy^ (iiU KiyJ. Jo,.;.
Bohemian in Public Schools.
For some time past there has been among sev^eral of &e Bohamiant New8paT>er8, Including
ours, some discussion about the possibility of having the Bohtfnian language taught in
some of our public schools in districts inhabited mainly by Bohemians. *e expressed
ourselves as being of the opinion that informed Bohemians of Chicago wo\ild take notice
of this im-oortant matter and take the necessary action for the accomplishment of this
purpose. We believed that Chicago Bohemians would consider such a movement as being
of the utmost importance to them personally and so far as their pocket-books were
concerned. However after fu:^er thought and consideration of the matter, we are forced#
to admit that we were greatly mistaken. After the publication of this subject it
waa discussed here and there, one would say that it was impossible to accomplish this
objective, another would say that he was satisfied to have his children learn English
as the knowledge of Bohemian would in all likelihood be of no use to him in this Ismd.
If we asked some member of one of the National Societies what they thought of this
matter and whether they would go on record for it, the answer invariably was that
they would give it no consideration since they were a Benevolent Organization.
Page 2.
^ Q ^ ^ • BOHBiklAK
That any one in the Reading Clu'bs has even mentioned this matter is douhtful. If
the various Societies and Reading Clubs of the Bohemians disregard this important
matter it can hardly be expected that the mass of citizehry as a whole will give it
any th0T:ight.
5
In Chicago we have some sixty national Bohemian Societies and Lodges, but in not oneC"
was there any mention made on this subject; it seems as though they were all afraid g
to even discuss it; much less to start a movement which if it was successful could S2
only bring honor anr" recognition. We still believe that if some one of our organi- <^
zations were to initiate the first steps toward the accomplishment of this matter, t^
it would speedily receive the support of all the other organizations and of the ^*'
entire Bohemian Citlzeliry. The German population has succeeded at the expense of the
general public in having German taught in l6 schools, and there is no reason why we
should not succeed in having Bohemian taught in five schools.
All that is required is that we ardently and willingly work for it.
1 kit
I C BOHE MIAK
SVORHOST. May 5th, 1S79. ' ^p. ,,., > ..,
Y^rh (kL> FRO^, jij^/i
(Editorial) Foreign Language in Pu"blic Schools.
The prevalent rule in Chicago is that the German language shall he taught in all our
schools. In its district the parents of ahout 60 children requested it and t ne German
citizenry has managed so well that their mother tongue will he taught in fifteen
schools.
In Chicago we number at least 25,000 Bohemians living for the most part in oee section
of the city. According to our viewpoint we should he entitled to have our Bohemian
language taught at puhlic expense in at least five schools for we p^ for the up-
keet) of the school system the same as do the Germans. If we contribute less we would
he expecting smaller advantages.
Thus far we have maintained through our own finances and work our own s6||ools for
teaching the Bohemian language. The Germans are smarter than #e, for they are much
more able to maintain ten schools to our one, but why should they do so when they can
have taxpayers of other nationalities maintain them with apTJarent pleasure? Germans
are continually rmshing into the foreground and with this activity of theirs, the
Page 2,
I A 1 \> s
I~C BOHEMIAH 5
constant "boring In they have gained a nice privilege. We Bohemians continually C
shrink into the 'background and whenever there are any proceedings going on where it ^
would serve to our henefit if we were to speak up, we all have our mouths sewed up. £
Our well informed associates to vdiftm the maintenance of the Bohemian nationalism t^
should "be of prime importance should take heed of our admonition on this matter andf"
"begin to work for the teaching of Bohemian, at least in the schools where most of the
children are of Bohemian parentage.
Will any one of our many Lodges and Societies take notice of our motion in this matter?
Which one will be in the lead?
I A 1 b
I C SYornost . Feb, 14, 1879,
I A 1 b (German)
£tSE teaching of GERMAN IN PUBLIC SCHOQI^
The teaching of German in the mtblic schools will douhtless he discontinued as
the majority of the school hoard are not in favor of continuing this study and because
school finances are insufficient.
This matter is to be definitely decided at the next meeting of the School-Board,
Consequently there is great pressure being exerted in German circles for the contin-
uance of this study in our schools and to discontinue instead the teaching of music
ajQd drawing.
As far as we are concerned we are against the teaching of German in our schools
for the reason that like the German people, the Bohemian, Polish, Scandinavisii and
all the other nationalities could request the teaching of their various languages,
for. they are taxpayers also.
Not wishing to see their children denationalized, they should maintain private
schools for the teaching of their mother tongue just as the Bohemian's are doing.
I. ATTITUDES
A. Education
1, Secular
c. TSuBtion for Public Schools
\
I .^ 1 c - ?. - BCII-l-.I^J
I F 8
1 F Z> Denni lUasute l, Cct. 17, 19r;:i.
•ji3se3Sim3Rts of proparties.
i\ lively debate follov/ed his report, und it wa^ suggested that the school tj
board v;orl-c hand in hand v:ith the toi'.Ti council in order that correct assess- ,--;.
rionts of properties be :.iade. It vris a^-^reed that a coriiiittee be delegated to r-
intex'Viev/ the board or revievi on October 10 to discuss the correct increase X
cf assessLients. The meeting adjoui'iied before midni^^nt, after bein^; adifonish- g
ed by the ^resident to attend tni; next r.eetinr in an ec,ually large nir;iber,
and not to forget to coiae to the b.mnuet v.-hich the opolelc has arranged for
Saturday, Cctobor 21, in tne .'^arel Jonas jokol hall. D*
Vaclav iious, secretary.
CO
o
-«*
I .•. 1 c B.-lI-i..I.>^I
III A
Denni Illasatol . Feb. G, 19?32,
The result of Saturday's ballotiriij concerning the ;600,000 bond issue for the
erection of four nev; hi.^h ochoolc did not surprise our Cicero citii^ens, for _^
it v;cjis a knovm f^ct that such an issue -.voul'l become an /^dditionalT" burden, i^
and the najority did not consider it of utmost import :.nce, Th':^ Cicero polls
".■ere well attended by the voters, \;hile in Bevwniy not enouch interest was
shovm in this important ouostion, Tho reai;lt.i; of tho voting are as follov/s:
For Ap;ainst
Cicero 1,545 4,S52
BeT.Tjn S42 fill
Lyons 71 48
The total number of votes cast v/us 4,611 acainst the bond issue and only 1,858
for it. In every Bohemian precinct of Cicero, there v;;,3 a ^reat majority of
votes against the icjuoo
I .. 1 c - 2 - • 3C^:z:i:ii
III A
Denni Illasatel . x'^eb. 6, 19?: 2.
By this defeat, the cuerjtion of the bnildinc of the four hi^h schools v;ill
undoubtedly ti 'rettled for a lonr time, and the school bo-ird will probably
be conpellod '.<- •:;^n3ider the other plan as recoinnended by vtirious organisations?
before the election. This second plan consists of v/ideninf tlie J, 'Jterlinp;
Iv.orton hijh school so that it wo^ild satisfy the needs /for .iJ.ditional school ^.=
buildings/', but even in this case, it '.'.'ill be neces'^ary to ask the voters to l^
pemit another bond issue, <r.-.
LJ^ 1 c 2^::s .1.::
I FL
Ill .; Donni };in3.:t-5l. J-n, ;:9, 19'::3.
'^ ■' Til (-, c-T "T "^n '-I -."- , •"■ •■- t ■• ■ ;• -1-r 1-, - ■■ Tr-T' TT' .
^/-i_iV .U— Oil.--. V. ^U _.>.i..i, . -J. .-.^' .vJ-^Vw(J_i_J.t.. J.'.Xi...~>J.O
The school boari of the CiC'S-ro-^iticlaiay school district has orclerad a spocial
eloction in ordor that a nc>v; tend i rac for the bull. Mr.-, of hi-h schools, nay
be sanctionod» 'ITie bond i.:.M>o of ^500,0 :;t 5 l/P per cent interest is to
be used for the construction of four hi-h schools, Tvto of the r:rojocted ^
schools srs to be erected in dicoro ■:j\.a tv;o in Bor'.'rm, 'flic buildjn''* sitos 2
of these schools are doscribed as haviny the follo'i."in;: boundaries: .. blocic .^
bounded by loth and loth Streets rmd .er;ls3r :ind :i;i!clid .venues in aerw-^Ti, P
Illinois; a blocl' boiuuled hr 51ct Aver.ue and olr.t Goart, and anotlier bounded by ^
52nd avenue ' nd o'ind Jtreot, both in Cic;:ro, llliji.jis; and a block bounded by p
"-'aple and Ilarlon Avenues -ind .'."iJth and oGth Streets in Ber-.-rrn, Illin-'ir;»
The r.avibors of the Cesko-Slovr-Jislcy -oplatniclrjr .;^-polek 7 Oicei'o {Gzecho-Slavonic
Taxpayers* /iSsoGiation of Gicero; ror-istered ;-roat consterxiation and ar:azo-
nient ovor this aroposed bor.d iosue. 's^j this unprecodeated act, vrhich mili-
tates a -ainst all o" ato:: in sue:: c .ses, the school boarv. has shovm its
CO
■^
-Z^.
I A 1 c _ g - 3^:,.. l.T.
17 2
III A Danni Hlasatel. Jan. :?9, 19^:2.
tactlessness, IQie nenhers of the aforerientioned tJixpaj'^ers association be-
liovs that the citizenry iz already ^iiuch overburdened by t;:jces and cpecial
assessnent,;, and th-.t the nov." bon;I i.;c:ue, as proporjed by the bo^rl, v.'cnld
T-ind-aly increu-iie thoir tax burden.
There is the J. rjterlinr'; Ilortcn -lich school locat d on .lUstin Eo'.:levard, ad-
joining rrhich there is a lar -e e;:pty lot v.'hich niuy serve as the proper site -r-,
for the erection of an annex .Jid still leave enoiV'~:h rooM for an athletic r"
field, X
cz
Ey utilizinr this vac.mt Jot and by building such an annex, the expense re- L-
ouirod by the no;; project v.'Jiich is favored by the achool boa.rd '.vould be na- ^^.
terially les enod, 'Jao C^jlcy l-oplatnicky ^polelc does not object to the '-"^
buildin,-.; cf__schools and high schools if they are actually neaded. It ^-.e
association/' objects, ho;;ever, to a v/aste of :ioney and to t.he is3uinc o:"
bonds at a ti;.=; \;hen there is no direct need for the building of a nev/ school,
lot alone four of them, Ihe J, -Jterlinr 1 orton Ilih ichool v;as erected ^n a
J A J. A. - ^ - Bci:a:m
iT^
III -. Denni laasatpl . J ;... .':9, 1922.
very suitable place r.o that it borders indii'sctl:* upon the to'..T.s of Beir:ryn
and Cicoro, -uiu the students in these tv;o localities nay reach the ochool
vorj'' e:-.sily, l3y building a saitable ■Annex, tiie purchase of exi-ensive real
estate v/ould thus be avoided; the sarie holds true in record to the buiJdinr
of ex:"ensive .:chool structures, ."he citizens v;ould not be required to assa-.ie
a nev; tax bur dor.
Tliere have been previous protests voiced ar:ain3t the building of nev; hi-h 5
schools, and it v:as pointed out then that thei-e is no ir.unediate and crjin,^ '^
need for tj-or.. I.'ov;, in arize of all the .e . r-otests,- the school bo^rd has r~
ordered ai electi -n to t- ko tjIfco on February 4 :o vote for the issuance of
pr;
bonds onountinc to .;600,000, o
The executive corinittee of tho 3oGko-31 over sky Poplatniclcy Jpolek, v:]:ich nu:::- [^
bers a .f^reat m.-iny mcnbers, is asking all coiuat_7Tr;en v.'ho are citizens of Cicoro «-
and vicinity to vote against the bond issue for the above-r.entioned reasons.
1 c BOmiMIiiN
I F 6
IV Denni Hlasatel , Aug. 5, 1915.
OUR V/ASTiSFUL SCHOOL BO^iRD
l£p. Joseph A. Holpuch, the Bohemian member of the Chicago Board of Education, ^
testified yesterday before an investigating conmittee of the State Senate, „^
whose purpose it is to study thoroughly the methods by which the School Board p
conducts its business, and to look into all matters connected therewith. Mr.
Holpuch*s depositions caused a sensation among the large audience, in which g
there were several members of the School Board and many teachers (women) be-
longing to the Teachers* Federation. According to the testimony of Mr.
Holpuch, the million-dollar deficit of the School Board is due to its waste- Dl
fulness, its antiquated methocls, and its lack of carefulness.
From Mr. Holpuch* s testimony, the following is of particular i:nportance:
The School Board needs an efficiency expert. A good man would save it from
^200,000 to |500,000 a year, no matter how high a salary he might be paid.
The organization is so loose and so inefficient that many things are being
done twice and an enormous ainount of money is plainly xvasted.
-o
ro
1 c - 2 - BOHillJIAN
I F 6
IT" Denni Hlasatel , Au^. 5, 1915.
According to Mr. Holpuch, the present system is an invitation to graft in large
proportions. He discussed, first of all, the department in charge of repairs,
and maintained that, as it is now, the School Board pays nore for repairing
articles than it would cost to buy nev: ones. Any employee can take whatever
he wants, because no record is kept of anything. He has been told that an
employee of the repair department has built txvo houses for himself of bricks ^
left after the v/recking of school buildings. It was !.Ir. Holpuch*s intention
to investigate this case for himself, but he could not get any,vhere. o
Replying to a question put to him by the la\*;yer of the investigating committee,
Meyer J. Stein, Mr. Holpuch said: "The School Board is a huge business enter-
prise. If it v;ere mine I should close it down and should not start doing
business until it had been reorganized. It is much more difficult to run a
business with a turnover of $100,000 than to run the School Board, which spends
$18,000,000 a year. This is because the Board members are "good fellows" who
don*t mind spending when they spend City money. Of course, they would be much
more careful if it were their own money, or if it were a question of spending
it in their own business enterprise."
-o
to
CD
-^
cr
I. ATTITUDES
A, Education
1. Secular
d. Si)ecial iJndownienta
I A 1 d BOHBTJIAN
I A 1 a
Dennl Hlasatel , Aug. 9, 1918,
TO CZ3SCH SIUEENTS
Uatice Vyssiho Vzdelani (Mother /or cente^ of Higher Education) will again accept"4
applications from students of both sexes who are gifted, and vrtio desire to con- ^
tinue or finish their studies, but are without means to do it. ?-
Part of the expenses, not exceeding $250 for one year of academic study, will be ~j
loaned without interest, merely upon their word of honor, to students, who can 2
meet the requirements prescribed by the Executive Committee. These requirements '0
are printed below for the careful perusal of prospective applicants:
cr
"They ^pplicantsJT must, regardless of sex, be of Czech descent, must have a
command of the Czech language, and be conscious of their Czech descent. They
must be leading a decent moral life, and must be able to pursue the more advanced
studies. Only students without sufficient financial means to continue their
studies independently will be accepted. They should enclose their photographs.
I A 1 d - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 a
Dennl Hlasatel , Aug. 9, 1918.
and should state which institution of higher learning approved by the Executive
Committee they wish to enter. ^
"Before the loan is accorded to him, the student must prove his qualification r^
hy one half year's work at that institution. He must declare his intention of -o
completing a full academic course, and agree that the faculty of his institu- o
tion send reports on his progress to the Executive Committee at certain intra"- Lo
vals," S.
Only academic, teachers', or engineering courses are on the list approved by
the Committee.
The "academic" courses are termed in University catalogs "Collegiate Courses,"
"College of Liberal Arts," "College of Arts and sciences". The respective lec-
tures are on modern languages and literature, history, philosophy, agriculture,
exact and natural sciences. In teachers* and engineering colleges, the related
subjects are taught.
-a
tr
I A 1 d - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 a
Dennl Hlasatel > Aug. 9, 1918,
Students should give particular attention to preparatory studies in English ^i
grammar, to TKdiich great importance is attached. Czech students are frequently ^
deficient in this branch and do not pass in other subjects on account of in- <:^
sufficient knowledge of the language in which all lectures are delivered. r;
-a
The Committee lays particular stress upon proficiency in the English language, o
and insists upon proof in the form of examination papers from accredited high '^
schools, or other schools on the same level. ^
cr
Applications must be sent to the Executive Committee on or before Septanber 1.
They should contain references from fellow citizens and teachers. Address the
applications to P. A. Korab, Iowa City, Iowa. For the Executive Committee of the
Uatice:
6. Simek, chairman;
P. A. Korab, secretary.
I :. 1 d 30E3I3AII
I ^ 1 a
Denni illasatel , July 11, 1915,
TO 30IE1.XJT STUDlillltJ
The L^tice Vyssiho Vsdelfini (Council for Ki^iier lilducation) is at tLis tine
again accei^tint: applications of Bolieiiiian students of botli sexes wlio desire
to continue or i'inis]: tl-eir studies but lack the noans of doinj^ so. Such ^
students \iho confomi to tlie require) ^jt^nts of the executive corirdttee of the 5
Llatice VyssiLo Yzdelani :r£xY receive a loan of not Liore than ^^^-50 for one ci
school j'ear. This loan is Liade on a pled,':e of honor bv the appliccoit. The f-
corir!iittee*s reouirer.ients are the follov.ln-: ^
O
"The applicant — -.vithcxit re^^ard to sex — riust be of 3ohe):iian orii:;in, liave a j_^
coLirnand of the Boheriian lancua^e, and feel as a Boherlan, imist be knovm for S
his or her deco:it, r.ioral life, and prove his ability to nake a success of "^
advanced studies. Tiie applications v.lil be co2isidered only of those students
who have no neans of supportin;^: thei.iselves in their school ;7ork. The
I A 1 d - 2 - BOHIilll AIT
I ^ 1 a
Deoni Illa satel. July 11, 1915.
applications must be accorrpanied by a recent pliotorrc-pii of tlie applicant, and
a statenent as to •.■.•aid; of tho instii.iit.ions of Lif^Iier learr.int-: a .proved by the
corxiittee the applicant der.iret^ to attend. The cora.iittee requires evidence of
at least one serienter of succes.-;ful studies at the indicated institution ■'^rior
to the approval of the loe.n. Tiie aj;plicant v/ill f^ive the co:.)irj.ttee a pledre
to finish the full courso of studies he is en' a--in • in and vail cause the
authorities of the selected institution to report periodically to the committee
on his procress,"
Tlie loan r-ay be ,'-ive:i only to students fol.lov.ln:; an acadenic course, a course
in en,;ine8rini' , or preparin^j for a teaching career. "^xCadei.iic courses" are
those generally desif-nated in university prospectuses as "colle;;iate courses,"
"the colle e of liberal arts," "the colle -.e of arts and sciences". In such
courses tlie follov.ln': subjects: are tau^h.t: nodeir. and classical lanciaaces ,
histoi*;;/, philosophy, political econor:^-, ejixict and natural sciences. In
teachers' and enjlneerini-; courses, subjects gernanu to such professions are
x
«,
I .. 1 d - 3 - BOICI-JAN
I .. 1 a
Demii I l ia sat el , July 11, 1915.
being taurjit.
The students* particular attention is callea to the absolute necoesitj'' of
acquirinc or having-, by v;ay of preparation for the courses, a thoroucli
coruiiand, in rrar.iiar raid every other respect, of the -Jn -lish lanLT-iac"©* l^iis s
is really a natter that it should net je necessar;; to nention, since every r.
student should feel the iJuUspensability of knovjins :ve] 1 the language of the
coimtr;<^', the lanrunpe used in all lectures and classes. Boher.iian students
have, in rani* cases, proved to have an insufficient Icnov/ledf-e of liJnftlish, ^
havin-- failed to pass in that subject, and having': failed in other subjects --
just because of poor knov7led,"e of i^nflish. The executive; coridttec therefore
considers it necessary that every applicant present a report (issued by an
accredited hi.-'h school or an equivalent institution) proving that he has the
reouired l:no;;ledt^e of the Unrlish lanf'uar.-e.
The apT>lications rrust be subriitted in a special form, the blanlcs for v;hich
««
s
I ,. 1 d - 4 - IBOiniXa^T
I .1 1 a
Dennl I-.lasatel , July 11, 1915,
v;ill be furniGLocI upon request addressed to the co:.ii.iittee, and i.iust be in the
hands of tr^e cor.c.iittee prior to, or on, -Ai(:ust lo, 1915. The applications
imist contain the names oi" teachers or profecsors to v,iiom the applicant is well
knov/n and to v;ho:.i the coi.a.iittee :nay refer lor the necessarj'" inforr.iation
conc9rnin.j th.e applicai'.t. Let ten.;, innuirios, and applications for loans should
be addressed to the secretary of t' e coraiittee, Ih?, r, i., KoKib, lov.-a City,
Iowa .
?or t::e executive coi.Jiittee of the Llo.tice Yyssiho Vsdelani:
B. Sinek, president,
P. ^. Ilorab, secretary
Ill
B 2
II
D 10
II
D 1
III
H
I A 1 d BOHEIIIi^
Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 7, ISll,
lilTICS VY351H0 VZnSLi^I-ll
Annual Report of Mat ice Vysslho Tzdelani
for the Fiscal Year 1910-1911
The eighth administrative year of the Matice Vysslho Vzdelanl (Council for
Higher Education), closed with the termination of the 1910-1911 school
year. The Executive Coiaraittee hereby ....renders its annual report to
the public, especially to the numerous national societies and individuals
who supported this organization materially and morally and who are inter-
ested in its activities.
The Llatice Vyssfho Vzdelanl is fulfilling the task. ...of making loans to
indigent students and encouraging Czech youth to ^ecure/ higher educa-
tion, so that they may in the future successfully compete v;ith citizens
of other nationalities with whom they will cone in contact V/e report
I A 1 d
III B 2
II D 10
II D 1
III H
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatel, Dec. 7, ISll.
BCEDLII^^T
with pleasure that this task is properly understood by our
wards •
In addition to many requests for information, the office of the Itiatice
Vyssiho Vzdelani, during the past year, received a total of thirty requests
for loans. It can be noticed with satisfaction that the real purpose of
this organization is nov; better understood than v;as the case in the
earlier years of its existence The largest loan received by any individ-
ual for a single school year amounted to ^250; the smallest v-ji^s ^75; the
average per student was vpl68. The total ai»iount of loans made was ^2,685,
Aid \\"as extended to thirteen male and three female students during the
past year. According to States, students v;ere given assistance as fol-
lows: Illinois, 3; Io;.'a> 2; Nebraska, 2; Ilevj York, 2; Texas, 2; Pennsyl-
vania, 1; Liichigan, 1; Vusconsin, 1; luissouri, 1; and Minnesota, 1.
I A 1 d
III B 2
II D 10
II D 1
III H
- 3 -
Dennl Elasatel. Dec. 7, 1911.
BOHSvlI/iN
According to institutions at xvhich they studied, students
v;ere divided as follows: Illinois, 1; Iowa, 2; Missouri, 1;
Nebraska, 2; Texas, 1; V»'isconsin, 1; Viashington, 1; Chicago University,
1; Cornell University (New York), 1; Columbia University (New York), 1;
Pennsylvania State College, 1; Texas State Normal, 1; Minnesota State
Nomal, 1; Olivet College (Michigan), 1.
Due to the generosity and support of the societies and numerous individ-
uals, the Llatice Vyssxho Vzdelanl thus far has not had t o refuse any
really deserving case because of a lack of funds in its treasury. Never-
theless, no one should think that there is a surplus or an idle fund in
the Matice*s treasury. On the contrary, in this report the executive
committee feels compelled to call attention to the fact that v;ith the
closing of the financial report, the treasury shows a very small balance,
barely sufficient to aid students during this school year. Because this
I A 1 d - 4 - B0H5MIAN
III B 2
II D 10 Dennf Hlasatol , Dec, 7, 1911.
II D 1
III H report is issued after all students have been to their schools,
we can say in passing that during the present school year, 1911-
1912, the Matice Vyssiho Vzdelani is assisting sixteen students, to whom
aid amounting to ;^2,915 was granted for this year. It must also be con-
sidered that this undertaking is growing, and that in the future more and
more applications cem be expected, For that reason, the executive coraait-
tee hereby calls upon our Bohemian national societies and generous indi-
viduals for continued support, so that the work of the Hat ice Vyssiho
Vzdelanl may be continued v;ith success dxiring the next year.
In presenting this annual report of the activities of the Matice Vyssiho
Vzdelanl during its eighth administrative year, v/e beg all friends, donors,
and people of good will, to give it their attention. At the same time,
we hereby express sincere gratitude to all donors and friends for their
contributions. In closing we take the liberty to again emphasize that
I A 1 d
III B 2
II D 10
II D 1
III H
- 5 -
Dennf Klasatel . Dec. 7, 1911.
BOHELIIAN
tills undertaking can fulfill its cultural and humanitarian
mission only with the effective help of our Bohenian--in3rican
people. Therefore, we take the liberty of submitting a sincere and urgent
supplication for all to remain favorably inclined tov/ard the Llatice Vyssiho
Vzdelanf , and to support it in its efforts, both morally and materially.
V^e are also seeking nev/ patrons and friends and v/e beg them not to refuse
their aid to this undertaking. Vte also ask all those into whose hands
this report v/ill cone, to call attention to this organization and endeavor
to gain many nevi friends for it.
7or the Executive Committee of the Llatice Vyssiho Vzdelani:
B. Simek, chairman;
P. A. Korab, secretary.
I A 1 d - 6 - BGHailAN
III B 2
II D 10 Deimi Elasatel , Dec. 7, 1911.
II D 1 •
III H Financial Report of the Matice Vyssiho Vzdelani
from July ICIO to July 31, 1911
translator's note: List of individual contributors, tv.o columns, omitted/.
Contributions (by States)
Nebraska, s?170,G5; Laryland, s?26.00; v.isconsin, -^1.90; Ohio, ^70; iviissouri,
v68; Iov;a, ^207.30; Illinois, ^40>j.oO; Texas, si^290,E5; Arkansas, ^5; Okla-
homa, ^pl4.50; Montana, sAO; Liciiigan, ^10; Worth Dakota, s;;l0; Pennsylvania,
^13; New Jersey, v5; Kansas, ^9; Llinnesota, .#21.25; California, o2; oouth
Dakota, .;10; New York, ,?7.95; total vl,452,30.
Id - 7 - BOIELILiN
III B 2
II D 10 Denni Hlasc^tel . Dec, 7, 1911.
II D 1
III H Loans to otudehts (by States)
Kew York, ^i)400; Llicliigan, J^SOO; IJissouri, ^200; Illinois, ^^310; Texas,
^i!325; .Wisconsin, v200; Pennsylvania, •;i200; l.'ebraska, s;;225; Iov;a, ;?400;
'..ashington, .,?150; Llinnesota, ^75; total ,^2,585.
Repaid by otudents (by otates)
Ohio, ^200; Illinois, ,^5; Nebraska, ^100; New York, ,#50; Oklahoma, ;?20;
total ^55.
Recapitulation
Cash in treasury July 26, 1910, ,^,799,15; contributions from individuals
4'65&»05, Contributions from societies: the Cesko-olovcmske Podporujici
I A 1 d - 8 - BOffigiLAlN;
III B 2
II D 10 Denni Illasatel . Dec. 7, ISll.
II D 1
III H Spolky (Czech-Slavonic Benevolent Societies), $236.50; the lodges
of the Zapadnf Cesko-Bratrska Jednota (V/estern Bohemian Fraternal
Association), §157; the lodges of the Jednota Ceslcych Dam (Bohemian Women's
Union), $84; the lodges of the Sesterska Podporujici Jednota (Mutual Benev-
olent Sisterhood), $112; the lodges of the Slovenske Podporujici Jednoty
Statu Texas (Slovak Benevolent Society of the State of Texas), $155.50; mis-
cellaneous lodges, $160.95. Interest from hank deposits, $78.80; interest
from the Vojtech Masek Endovmient I\ind, $40.40; interest from the Joseph
Dusil Endovanent Fund, $10,10; loans repaid by students, $885. The grand
total is $5,086.43. Loans to students for the year 1910-1911, $2,685,
Balance in treasury, ip2,401,43.
National Stamps /Seals/
Cash on hand July 26, 1910, $418.70. :.iiscellaneous receipts for national
stamps, $59.85; interest from bank aeposits, $10.79. Total $489,34.
I A 1 d
III B 2
II D 10
II D 1
III H
_ o _
BGir2.:LJi
Dennl Elasatel , Dec. 7, 1911.
Disburser.ients
Postage, ^?47,25; for journal Konenc]::,' , vl^5; incorporation fee, vl«50;
enevelopes, vl»10; secretarial work, I..r. J. otcpan, „:7o; total v31^«85.
Balance in trousury, vlc9,49»
Financial oumniarj'"
Gash on hand in Latice Yyssiho Vzdelani treasur;;, ,;2,40l#43; national
stamps, .^1G9,49; Bohemian-.-jnerican 3ndov/i.;ent Fund, •■•590,92; Joseph Dusil
ilndovjiaent Fund, v250; Vojtech Llasek Jndowiuent Fund, .;1»000; total cash
as of July 31, 1911, ,?4,411.84.
Joseph Lekota, financial secretary;
w, F. Sevjra, treasurer.
II 3 2
d
III
2
III
A
III
H
IV
I A 1 d
(1) ;
BOHEMIAN
Denni Hiasatel , tay 8, 1906.
\ ASSOCIATION FCE HIGHER EDUCATION. ^
p. 3— The meetings of the executive committee of the "%tice Vyssiho Vzdelani" '-^
Association for Higher Education) are growing more and more interesting. At 7^
the meeting of March 16 i 1906, the application of a Czech student was approved; *^
he is ambitious to continue his studies at the University of Iowa. The applicant ';
has produced all his prelindnery examination papers and other references.
A gift of $50 by the widow of Jos. Dusil for the "Dusil Fund" was accepted with
gratification. At the meeting of May 4, 1906, opened by Professor Simek, there
was proposed the printing of a "National Stamp," the money yielded by the sale
to be directed into the proper channels for the advancement of national pursuits.
The respective motion made by W. F. Severa will be discussed at a later meeting.
;3.
I A 1 d
III B 2
III H
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatel , liiay 8, 1906.
BOHEMIAN
Jan. Haylasa, Czech writer, who was in Chicago at the time, suggested a plan
for the levying of a "National Excise" for national purposes, in the form of
a stamp of negligibly small denomination. This excellent proposition evoked
no more response than a few articles in nev/spapers and comments by correspondent
CD
<.r>
S.
Mr. Vaclav Snajdr offered the same idea in the paper Dennik Novoveku , but nobody
paid any attention. Dr. Jaroslav E. Vojan contributed to the formation of a
plan for the introduction of the stamp and its use for the national work to be
done. Kr. Severa, feeling that the idea should not be abandoned, considered
all that had been said in favor of it, and resolved to come to the Association for
Higher Education with a compact proposition in order to realize Havlasa's original
idea.
I A 1 d - 3 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III H Denni Hlasatel , tay 8, 1906.
Mr. Severa offered to pay for one full year all initial expenses connected with
the introduction of the stamp, under the condition, in accord with Dr. Vojan,
that one half of the money gathered in this way would be given to the Association
for Higher Education, one quarter to Czech schools, and one quarter for charitable
and humanitarian purposes.
;-C
Within one year it should be apparent whether the stamp has proved a paying •**
proposition, and if so, further expenses can be payed from the income. ?=
The division of the second part of the yield, for school and charitable purposes, ^
should be placed in the care of a committee of nev/spapermen who have taken a f—
friendly attitude toward the Association for Higher Education. The collections ^
from the sale of stamps are to be deposited in a bank, and be kept under the
control of the Association of Higher Education and distributed once a year.
I A 1 d - 4 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III H • Denni Hlasatel . May 8, 1906.
The creation of a atasap should prove of great benefit for the Bohemian people in
America, and should become a fact after the executive conimittee, has passed favorably
on the idea.
All of the Czech painters are invited to subiait sketches of drawings which could
be used as a basis for the design of the stamp. Further infornation about the
shape and size of the stajap, the use of the name, etc. may be obtained from
W. F. Severa^ Box 569, Cedar Rapids, "tia. Specific information on the use and
propa^tion of the staiap shall be pul5lished in the near future.
The executive committee of the Association of Higher Education.
-c
•3>
O
CO
I. ATTITUIES
A. Education
2. Parochial
a. Elementary, Higher (High
School and College)
2 a - 2 - BCIE::iJVtT
III A
III C Dennl IQr-.satcl , Cct. 12, 1922.
becinninr of the ncv^ school ye:;ir, cur Bohemian free thought school lacks
the infill:^: of nev; pupils, the sons and daiv-:iters of our Czech -oarents,
parents v.'ho pose -as active ne:iibers in our free thought orcaniriations, but
'.Tho, at the sane tine, ;io net offer the advru-.taren ujid opportunities of a
Uohenian free thourht schooling to t-.eir ov.-n children. Triis th.ey should do
v.'hile their children are still of a tender a,-;e, an a.;:e in v;hich the children
are ricre iriipressionable ana able to understand the lan{;uace v/hich their parents
enploy at hone. It is therefore re-uisite that sucli c:.ildren be enrolled
nor; and be^in to tahe part in the activities of tJie school v.'ith the other
children '.;::o are alread" receiving instruction. Iliey should be enrolled at
the ver^' borinninr of t;io school year so that the rest of the pupils v/ill not
be held bach in their pror^ress by the late enrol] eec.
The patroiiftt cnde-vorcd to secure the best available teachers, and our Czech
parents nay trerefore entrust their ciiildren to us in the knowledge that the
youngsters v;ill be taicen care of. In a fe.; -.veeks the patronat v/ill celebrate
its tenth anniversary. On that occasion a full and detailed account
v;ill be riven of 'vor^c already acconplished It v/ould be desirable, too.
I '^ 2 a :3 ciij:i.:i.:l
III A
III C De — 1 :i:.-ivtQl , Get. I'l, lOT:!'.
sci;lcl c? Gicrsc
Cur Czec^xclov:;."; cotKiti*:-:::en, •••^•■..rticul -rl:,' the Trien.ls of the patronat
(r.ansrcment) of the I.asur:^!: 3c!:ool r.nrl all free thouKit sciiool systei.G,
should receive re;)orts fror. ti:;'.e to tir.e concerr.inr t]ie r.ro{T:*ess this school
is riakinr-, torcti.cr v ith reverts o:i tlic incrcM"c i:; Ciirollnent , if any, and
finally, rG;^ortc or. t.'O str^te of our clac:j)es, etc, '7:ie students of this
school receive instructions in t lo Czech lan^-ur.::e and in the free t^:Ou.:ht
spirit. It is equally desirable, ho'.;ever, to report to our liberal-iiinded
Tiublic every iimortant f ' ct and ha-r^peninr* as it -vctrally occurs i:- the life
of the aforeraontioned school; to report all the unfavorable and often- trouble-
so:.-.e conations v/hich the ^atrcnat ..uct often face, conditions ahich are
really ascribable to the indifference o: our pocplo, an indifference v:hich
may be noticed a;ionr* all our lodres, clubs, and societies. 'Ulins^ at the
I A 2 a - 2 - bch:;:iait
III A
III G Denni Hlnsr.tcl , Get. 12, 1922,
becinniriC of the nev' school ye^ir, our Boheinian free thov.'^ht school lacks
the influx: of nev; pupils, the sons and daivhters of our G:iech T'srents,
do
v;hile their children tire still of a tender a,-;e, an ace in which the children
are ricre iriipressionable and able to understand the lanf-ua^e v;hich their parents
enploy at hone. It is therefore re-;^uisite tliat such cj.ildron be enrolled
nov; and ber-ij" to take part in the activities of t'le school v.'ith the other
children './ho are alrcad:" roceivinf^ instruction. Ziey should be enrolled at
the verj' berinninn of the ccl:ocl vear so that the rest of the pupils v.-ill not
be held back in tiieir pror^ress by the late enrol] ees.
The patronat cnde-vcrcd to secure the best available teachers, and our Czech
parents ri"" therefore eiitrust their ciiildren to us in the kno'Tledge that the
youngsters v;ill be taken care of. In a fe.; v.'eeks the patroimt v.lll celebrate
its tenth anniversar.;. On tlmt occ^ision a full and detailed account
v.-ill be f:iven of -.vork already -icconplished It v;ould be desirable, too.
I A 2 a - 3 - BOH3IMIAI7
lU A
III C Denni Hlasatel , Oct, 12, 1922.
to be able to report an increase in enrollment, and to point with pride at
our Cicero free thought community. The work which has progressed for a
decade should not be held bade by the lackadaisicalness of our Czech parents
or by their belittling of our work. A self-conscious effort and a sincere
desire to see our school prosper is needed. Parents should not wait till
some of us begin to stir up their slumbering national consciousness; they
should not wait till we flood them with requests and appeals to entrust their |
children to a Czech school.
■c
We are now witnessing the calm and systematic planning and activity in the
enemy's camp, a camp steeped in religious mysticism and ideationally opposed ^
to ours, \7hile they plan, we, feeling secure because of our numbers, relax
our vigilance, and worse, slacken in our work, thus giving others a chance to
fish in our domain using for their bait honeyed words, attractive promises,
and various other means to gain their own ends. It certainly is hot dignified,
as far as we are concerned, to be compelled to step before our Czech people
■3
1 A 2 Si - 4 - BOKffl-'IIAN
III A
III G Denni Illasatel . Oct. 12, 1322.
and semoni^e to then about their duties toward the Czechoslovak free
thouglit school systei.i, and yet this adnonition vjas necessary and unavoidable •
'.Tliat effort and what labor, v/hat financial sacrifices v.ere necessary to build
our /Ozeoh/^ school in Giccrol xind nov;, inpossibls tliough it may seen, the
rooms usually occupiel by the first and the second grades are empty. The
nunber of newly enrolled pupils is so snail that we find it necessary to report i
this fact to the ^Jzech public, the sane public v/hich likes to point with pride 5
to its national institutions — as Ion,]; as they prosper. Therefore, you Ozech "^
parents, who, for whatever reason, no matter how negligible, make iinpossible rj
the entrance of your children into our Czech schools, consider this: It is x>
your moral duty to preserve your children for our ranl-is so that they can be o
the pride and ornament as well as the useful uenbers of those cultural groups r^
of v/hich you yourselves are novj i.aembers. Do not procrastinate, let your • j
children cone to this school now; do not stand in the vjay of their opportunity "
to gain more knowledge, even though such knowledge nay be conveyed to then
in only the Jzech language. Do not underestim-ite our school sys^-en, but lend
a helping hand in raising its standards so that it mi,7jit be more than a mere
A 8 a . _ 5 _ BQHEMIA2J
III A
III C Denni Hlasatel , Oct. 12, 1922.
equal of the regular institutions or the parochial schools. Give our schools
an opportunity to gain prestige even among the public schools.
y/e shall be grateful to all who v/ili come because they read these lines
and register their children in the T. G. Wasaryk School. V7e shall be also
convinced that even these tardy parents are not indifferent to our efforts,
and that they are glad to do their duty to support the patronat, to help it,
and thus sustain the Czechoslovak free thought school system. Enroll your
children after 4 P,U, The office is open every day,
Jan Sebek, president;
Josef Eolub, secretary. *
I A 2 a BOIiaalAN
III C
Denni 1-D.asatel , oept. 7, 1922.
iimiOT31IGj:.2:iT OF TrLL iLUtSL KiVLICEK BOiLil.!^: ^l^CiHl
THOUcsrr school of oak pasi. -r
I*
The patronat (managing boarcD of the Ceska ovobodna Skola iiirei Kavlicel: 1^
(Eatel Havlicek Bohenian Fxeo lliouglit School) of Oak Park, Illinois, an- f-
nounces that it v;ill hold its school registration on Saturday, Septsnber 9, "^
and Sunday, September 10, jVdZZj at 9 A.ii. Tlie registration fee is ^ijJl.SO o
for each child or .k>4.00 for tliree children belonr,in::;; to the sarie far.ily. \^
This fee nust be paid at the tine of registration. Parents are requested to S
register their children at the "uesinning of the school year or by October 1, '^^
l'J22 at the latest, for sifter that date no children except those who have
moved to Oak Park after the date specified v;ill be adr.iitted.
For the patronat,
.i. Polivka, President.
-D
I A 8 a BQHJMIAN
III C
Denni Hlasatel . Aug. 26, 1922.
A MEETING OF THli FEDERATION
OF BOEillAN FRES THOUGHT SCHDOIS
The meeting of the Sdruzeni Ceskych Svobodomyslnych Skol (Federation of
Bohemian Free Thought Schools) was held ^esterda^. President Josef Tichava
opened the meeting. All of the officers of the Federation and many of the ^
delegates were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as ^
read. U
A letter was read from the patronat (board of trustees) of the school of the 2
Cesko-Slovanske Podporujici Spolky(C2echo-31avonic Benevolent Societies), l^
situated in Town of Lake ^n Chica^^. The trustees, in referring to pajnaent i:::^
of tuition, infoimed the Federation that they were not officially advised as to "^
the rules of making such payments to the Federation; they also mentioned the
great expense they have incurred in having their school building and their class-
rooms cleaned and redecorated. It was decided to send them a letter. The delegate
^ ^ ^ ^ - 2 - EOHSI.TIAIT
III C
Dennl Hlasatel, Aug. 26, 192?
'(» •
Of the Jan Anos Komensky School complained about the great hardships that
school has in meeting the obligatory school fees; the delegate argued that the
school raanageraont lacked funds, but in spite of their financial struggle they
turned one third of their tuition fees over to the Federation. A report was
made concerninr- a schoolpicnic-excursion of the Spolky school on v/est 18th
Street. /Tt.vjas decided/ to permit the managenent to retain the surplus from
receipts (^7.37) v/hich is to be used by the school in the next entertainment
given for the children.
The bindery bill for .$138.75 submitted by Hr. Safranek vxas ordered paid, but
the economics committee v/ill first audit the items. Irs, Radesinsky made a
motion that registration for the ffsll/ semester be set for September 2, /yB22j\
this was approved and the school children v/ill enroll on that day.
Applications for teachers* jobs were referred to the executive committee to be
passed on. A lively debate follov/ed the introduction of a motion specifying
that the free thought ideas be propagated by the teaching staff. Dr. ICueller
3j
50
BCK:]I.II.'JJ
III G
Denni lans-itel, Auf:. 26, lOC^.
agreei v;ith I'r. /olinek viho insists u^^on a nore systcnatic presentation of
free thou.-l.t -jrir.ci-nles, and v;ill frladly co-operate to tliat end,
■Kie entert^i.-iiient coMi'iittee for the Staroceska rosviceni (Old Gsech festival)
to be held by t}.e ?3derr:tion on Septenber 17, 19.^'!^, submitted its reports -./hich ^
7rere approve*!. It '..•as decided that the treasurer, Jr. Lueller, pay all the 5
bills connected \7ith the arranf-enents for this festival, -:^
O
The receipts for August 19, 1922, r;ere as follov/s: ?ro:;i the T. G. Lasaryk
School, vloO.OO; dues from the Illinois Grand JLod^-e of the GesI:s-31ovanslca
Bratrsha A Podporujici Jednota (Gzecho-Slavonic Fraternal and Benevolent Inion) _
.y51,05; from the Sccialni 3okce Zen Cisio 2 (■..'omen's Social Section To. 2), ^
.,i;3,50; total receir)ts v204.5E. Di:3bursei:ents: Bindery bill to Kr. Bafranck,
vl38,7o,
Josef Tichava, president;
Karel Soukup, secretary.
I A 2 a BOICiSilAM
III G
Denni Hlasatel , June 29, 1922,
coi>ii.:iTT:ij oiJ BOE^a::^: :.duc.^ion ■
i'RZP J^2S FOR A>^^.i TZ-SUYi'I.
Dalsgates of the I.latice --ikolska {'Jo.T.aittee on ^oheiaiar^ Education) and the
Svobodna Obec (Bohemian Free Thought Community) are makin^ plans for an
annual festival to celebrate the end of the academic year. The affair is -^
to take .place tomorrow, June 30, 19.82, at 8 P. lu. in the Jubilejni Husuv r;
Dum (John Huss lle.Tiorial Building), 4236 l^Vest 22nd Street, llie school is no
supervised by Hiss I.I. ^e;r.an who vvas instrumental in aiding the coiiiinittee i'
in tlie preparation of the program v/hich pro.iiises to be very attractive..., c_
re
Z3
I A 2 a BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III C Denni Hlasatel . May 5, 1922.
A PROCLAMATION LIADE BY THE N/iRODNI
SVAZ CESKYCH KATOLIKU V .\MERICE
The follo^vin3 proclamation is directed to all the Bohemian Catholics and
especially to the branch offices of the i^larodni Svaz Ceskych Eatoliku v
America (National Alliances of Bohemian Catholics of America) .
Inasmuch as all others of our Catholic fellow citizens are doins their
ut:!K)st to swell the ranks of their yoimc people, and to increase the
numbers of their adolescents who require a higher education, it would be ^
an error on the part of our Boheioian Catholics were we to overlook the
many possible ways and means by which we might encourage and compel not
only our youth but also the parents of these, our young people, to txirn
their attention to this phase of our cultural life. If we omitted to do
so, it would mean that we have no feeling for higher education. At the
-c
Co
I A 2 a - 2 - BOHSIgAN
III B 2
III C Denni Hlasa tel. May 5, 1922,
sane tine we do not wish to take it for granted that all of our countiyraen
are so wide awake regarding the necessity for higher education, and so
enthusiastically coiniaitted to its pursuance, that any encouragement on our
part would be unnecessary. If other foreign language groups find it necessary,
we find it doubly so, for only then may we be entitled to representation in ^
all of the important branches of American public life — when we have enough .5
educated people among us to fill these posts. Our significance in American _
society will be in direct ratio to the higher education of our youth. r
We gladly admit that our sympathies for higher education are on the increase, f*
judging from the perennial increase in the enrollment of our Czechoslovak :J,
students in our one and only Czechoslovak institution of higher learning —
the Kollej Svateho Prokopa v Lisle, Illinois (Saint Pix^copius College
of Lisle, Illinois) , but we are also of the opinion that the increase
thus far is not only not commensurate with the number of our covintrymen
in America, but like wise it is not representative of the present economic
I A 2 a - 3 - B0H3MIAN
III B 2
III C Deiml Hlasatel , May 5, 1922,
security and social position of our people. And if it is asserted that many
of our young people are enrolled in other institutions, such other institutions
are either non-Catholin or foreign to our cultural interests. Neither one nor
the other can bring us the desired results. If we expect to be of use to our
nationality and have faith in this country we must bend all our efforts to give
both a Catholic and a national education to our youth. This may be accomplished 5
only in the Saint Procopius College.
^
One may debate this statement and reach convincins proofs. There are some
among our countrymen who either believe or who have been led to believe that,
outside of the Bohemian language j our college at Lisle offers few subjects
available in some of the institutions in the old homeland. The Czech students ^
in our college are preparing for the public life of America, and receive Z?^
training in all those subjects which are necessary for such a life. In
addition to that it is expected that they become ardent Bohemian-American
patriots.
I A 2 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III C Denni Elasatel . May 5, 1922,
It goes without saying that the highest encouraeenent and coimsel concerning
all higher education of our youth may be given to our Czech settlers lay our
priesthood; and there can be no doubt about it that our priesthcocl is doing
it. And yet, there are places which their voices cannot penetrate* It is in
such places that our laity may work to good advantage. It is to these lajnnen ^
that we are now directing our words in behalf of our nationality and our holy ^
faith in the hope that they will use their eloquence during this month of May. ^
Should they be successful in securing for us new applications for admission to p
the school for the ensuing scholastic year of 1922-1923, we ask them to be so 1^
good as to mail the names of the candidates to us. Not that the respective '^
candidates could not do it themselves, but we wish to know hovj active our ^\
laymen are in this respect. We are always glad when we notice such activity,
and the general Bohemian public will likewise be pleased to learn from our
official publication of the Svaz that our people are active workers. It would
please us very much to be able to announce at the expiration of the month of
May that we have received masy new applications for admittance to the Bohemian
2 a - 5 - B0H2I£[.^J-I
III B 2
III C Denni Hlasatel , I^y 5, 1922.
college of Saint Procopius at Lisle.
Belov; is an outline and a procran of speeches and activities which are to take
place in the tells of our parishes from I.laj'' 21 to liiay 28, 1922: 1. .^ main
address concerning the need for higher education. 2. vrnereever possible,
speeches by the students themselves v/ill be r-iven. 3. V/riting assignments,
having higher education for their theme, v;ill be uade in the higher grades of
all of our peirochial schools. 4. The best examples of such written vrork will
be read aloud in classes. 5. Free debates rnd discussions concerning certain
problems of higher education v;ill be held.
The above program v/ill be carried out only in tliose places v;here the local
priest assuiaes responsibility therefor, probably only in those parishes v;here
higher educational classes obtain. In other parishes it vail be left to the
discretion of the parish priest who will be governed by such conditions and
circumstances as arise in everj"" parish.
Hoping that each of us v;ill give his very best service, we submit the above
■n
ao
o
CO
CD
I_AJ! a • - 6 - B0H2I!L;N
III B 2
III C Denni Illasatel . May 5, 19ii2.
ideas to our General Catholic public, and to our branch offices in particular,
and bid Godspeed to the work.
The executivB committee of the Ilarodni Svas Ceskj'-ch Eatoliku v ^uaerice.
i
o
I A 2 a BOHTSMIAN
III C
Denni Hlasatel. Apr, 22, 1922.
FIRST GR^UATION EXERCISES OF A NEW SCHOOL
The Parish of the Blahoslavena Anezka Ceska (Blessed Agnes of Bohemia) which
is the largest Czechoslovak Catholic Parish in Chicago, has not only a parochial ^j;
graimnar school which was consecrated and opened way back in 1905, but also a :^
high school, which affords grammar school graduates an opportunity of continu- p
ing their studies.... This latter school was established in 1920 at a cost of ^
#3,000 and started out as a two-year business school. At the very start there r?
were twenty registrants. The teacher was the revered Sister Amadea who en- 2
deavortxi to bring the school to a hi^ degree of excellence. • The students, too, to
did their best to progress. There can be no wonder, therefore, that praises :"
and recognition began to come at the end of the first year of their study activi-
ty, and that medals and diplomas for excellence continued to be awarded to the
students.
The student body persevered, and with only two exceptions remained enrolled in
the course for the entire duration of it. The commencement exercises are to
I A 2 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
III C
Denni Hlasatel, Apr. 22, 1922.
take place tonorrow in the hall of the Sokol Havlicek-Tjrrs on South Lawndale
Avenue near west 26th Street, ^ames of graduates are omitted in translation_^
The graduation program, which was arranged by both the Parish and the school,
will be rich. The school slogan is "Modli 3e A Pracuj" (Pray and 7/ork) , and
the school colors are blue and gold. The program itself consists of vocal and
instrumental music, recitations in the Czech language, and a one-act play in
the English language, Mr, Jaroslav Cermak's band is to play during the evening
following the ccaranencement exercises
.)
c;?
r '
-J
I A 2 a BOHaJIAN
Dennl Hlasatel. iUig* 10, 1921*
FOR THE ATTENTION OF B0H3MIAN CATHOLIC PARENTS OF CHICAGO
In tills vacation period we again call the attention of the Bohemian Catholic
parents to the fact that it is their duty to send their children to Catholic
schools. A preference for Bohemian parochial schools should be given by
them wherever these schools are in existence* A Catholic home and a Catholic _
school are tne foundations of Christian life* In this country we have a ^
large ntimber of excellent high schools where your children can acquire an ^
education which would place them in the ranks of the Bohemian Catholic in- ^
o
telligentsia*
We especially call your attention to St. Prokopius College in Lisle, Illinois,
which college is under the direction of the Bohemian Benedictine Fathers*
There is still a very small number of our children who seek to acquire a
higher education*
Today, before the beginning of a new school year, there is an opportunity
CO
o
I A 2 a - a - BOHSMIAN
Deanl Hlasatel . Aug. 10, 1S21,
for us to remind you again of this duty. As soon as the time arrives for the
registration of the children, they should be registered only in Catholic
schools* For that purpose only you had your parochial schools built*
The Narodni Svaz Ceskych Katoliku
(National Alliance of Bohemian ^
Catholics of America)* "'
:a3
\
I A 2 a BOILZJIAI^
II D 10
III C Denni Elasatel . Hay 9, 1921.
A GLCRI0U3 MY III GIC3RC
Yesterdaj'" was a significant day in the history of the Bohe:aian freethinkers
of Gicero. After a period of strenuous efforts, the Patronat Geske
3vobodo:.iyslne Skoly Tonas G. Masaryk (Board of trustees of the Thomas G.
I!asar:/k Jrae Thought School) and other local organizations laid the corner-
stone for a new school building v;hich also v;ill be a jiieetin^: place for our
organiriation. The Patronat has long seen the necessity'- of an independent
school bj.ilding, but as long as the 3icero School Board was v;illing to
lend its classroo;;is to the Bohemian school, the necessity did not seem to
be so urgelit. Only v;hen the School Board excluded the Bohemian classes
from the public schools did the Patronat come to the conclusion that, for
the preservation of the Bohemian school in Cicero, there was no alternative
but to erect its o'.vn school building, and with the aid of Bohemian organi-
zations and individuals go to -work at once. A lot was bought at the south-
v;est corner of 57th .tvenue and 22nd Place, and the contract for the erection
3=«
CD
w
I A 2 a - 2 - BOI^JIAN
II D 10
III C Denni lilasatel . :.lay 9, 1921.
of the school building ;vas av;araed to Mr. Julius Ilinst. The wor^c on the
school building prosressad rapidly. In the near future it will be possible
for our Johe.Tiian organisations to hold their neetings in the Tonas G. L'asaryk
School, and after next vacation our cliildren ..ill attend Bohemian school
classes located in the Patronat^s ovvn school building.
3?*
Yesterday's celebration of the laying of the cornerstone was brilliajit and
v;orth" of the large Bohenian settlenent of Cicero. Svery one of the local
organizations participated at this celebration and was represented either
by a threat nuiabor of its nenibers in the parade or by a delegation, and
enomous throngs of people gatl.ered around the new building long before
the prograr.! started. The participants in the parade net in front of the \^:
Sokol liarel Jonas Hall at one o'cloclc in the afternoon and, through various ^
Oicero streets, niarched to the place of the celabration. Several hundred
of school children jiarched at the head of the parade and one group carried
a large American flag. Another group of the children v;ore wr.ite, red, and
-a
c
I A 2 a - 3 - B0H3'IIA^I
II D 10
III C ■ Denni Hlasatel , liay 9, 1921.
blue caps, resambling the Czechoslovak flag, and the rest of them carried
small Aiierican fla^s. Folla/ing the school children niarchad the members
of various organizations, ^.t the site of the celebration the school
children gathered in front of the speakers* tribune and to ths rear gathered
the members of organizations and a countless naiiber of people. :r<
-->
The prograi.a of the celebration -vas opened by the chairman of the Patronat, 3
Mr, Jan Sebek, who v/ith a few sincere v;ords greeted the audience, sjeaking r;
on the necessity for the Bohemian school. He then inoroauced Miss Haruska -j
and Miss llarik, pupils, the first one of whom recited a poem and the other
briefly addressed the audience and then (--ave the committee the sum of
eighteen dollars as a gift froiii the school children. The band then played i;'
"The Star-Spangled Banner". The chairman introduced the president of the «''
board of trustees of the town of Cicero, Mr. Joseph Z. Klenha, who, as the
representative of the to^vn, addressed the audience in the ^Inglish language
and said that although it is our duty to be good and loyal Americans, we
I I
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I ii. 2 a - 4 - BOIGuIAIi
II D 10
III C Denni Hlasatel , Llay 9, 1S2X.
should also teach our children the Bohemian tongue. Tha next number of the
prograia .vas a song by the llarl Marx Singing "Society, after v;hich the principal
speaker of tlie celebration, I'.r. Vaclav Petrzelica, was introduced. Kis
lengthy speech aroused great interest and the speaker was often interrupted
v/ith applause. I.Iiss Lastovka then recited a poem and the school children
sang the Bohemian nation anthem. In conclusion, :.:r. Joseph Tichava, ^
chairman of the Federation of 3ohemaln Free Thought Schools, s ooke on the ; i
progress of the Bohemian schools in Chicago and vicinity. The delegates of ^'^
various organizations .vere then introduced. These, in the name of their rf
societies, extended con:: rat ulat ions and delivered generous laonetary gifts. ■^'
/List of contributors and contributions as omitted in translation^^ ^'
~" c •
.ifter the delivery- of the addresses of the delegates, the ceremony of the ^
layin^r of the cornerstone began. Various docujients and a list of the
I A 2 a - 5 - BOIlJlvIIAIv^
II D 10
III C Denni Illasatel . Llay 9, 1921.
donations ..3re placed in a box and sealed iu fcha corr.erstono. The chairman
of the board of trustess, i.lr, Jan 3obek, then e.ided the celebration. The
celebration was a success in ever,' respect. The tagging, which .ms under-
taken by a number of school children and young ladies, also nelped to ^nake
it a financial success.
r -
'a
I A 2 a BOHEi.iIAIT
III C
Dennl Hlasatel , Llay 6, 1921.
A KSW BOHEIilM FRSE T^IOUGHT SCHOOL BUILDING
After several years of energetic activity for the preservation of Bohemian
Free Thouglit schools in Cicero, the Patronat Ceske Svobodomyslne Skoly Tomas
G, Liasaryk (Board of Trustees of the Tho.-nas G. I-asaryk Bohemian Free Thought
School) is preparing for the celebration of the laying of the cornerstone for
a nev/ building which will become the pemanent hone of the Bohemian school and
also the meeting place of nxir.xerous Bohemian organizations in Cicero. Next Sun-
day, therefore, will bea joyous day not only for the Patronat, but also for our.
organizations, our school children, and the Czechoslovak settlement of this
growing suburb. The new school building, the erection of which is advancing so
rapidly that the building may be occupied in about five months is located on
the southwest comer of 57th Avenue and S2nd Place, Cicero, Illinois, on a site
measuring 52 x 125 feet. Tiie structure itself will be a two-story building, 48
feet vri.de and 62 feet long. The interior of the building will be practically
arranged so as to meet every school and organization requireiient. On the first
floor there will be tv70 classrooiiis, measuring 18 x 52 feet, a room v^here small
I A 2 a - 2 - B0H3t;IIAIT
III C
Dennl Elasatel . Lfey 6, 1921.
meetings can be held, and a three-room apartment for the janitor. On the
second floor there will bo one classroom, measuring 18 x 32 feet, one large
hall which nay be used for lodge meetings, and a toilet room. In the base- -'-
ment there will be a dining room, measuring 18 x 52 feet, toilet rooms for ^
school children, one large room v;hich nay be used as a storeroom, and a ^
heating plant. There will be a fire escape installed, and in general, every C
precaution will be talien in order to rnake the building safe and comfortable ^
for the school children. The construction is under the supervision of the 2
well-known builder, lir. Julius Kinst, and the building is estimated to cost i*>
about $35,399, including interior decorating and furniture. Mr. Zrank J. ^
Petru, a member of the Patronat, arranged a loan of 5^25,000, of which amoxint
$15,000 is a direct loan; for the remaining siiui of ^10,000, bonds bearing
5^ per cent interest will be issued. These bonds will soon be placed on the
market.
en
I A 2 a BOHEa^IAN
III C
Denni Hlasatel . Apr, 23, 1921.
TBE SDROZENI CBSKYCH SVOBODOMTSIJ^CH SKOL V CHICAGU
■X?
3>
Following are the minutes of the regular meeting of the Sdruzenl Svobodo-
myslnych Skol v Chlcagu (Federation of Bohemian Free Thought Schools of -a
;o
Chicago), held April 16, 1921: o
CO
The meeting was called to order by Mr, Joseph Tichava, chairman, in the S
presence of all the officers and only about forty-five delegates. After the ^
delegates were greeted by the chairman, the minutes of the previous meeting
were approved as read. The minutes of the last meeting of the executive com-
mittee, as read by Mrs, Radesinsky, were also approved. The reading of com-
munications followed.
The Sbor Ceskeho Narodniho Hrbitova (Bohemian National Cemetery Association),
in its communication, informs the Federation that the Sbor appropriated the sum
of five hundred dollars for the benefit of the Bohemian Free Thought schools of
I A 2 a - 2 - BCBEMIAN
III C
Dennl Hlasatel , Apr, 23, 1921,
Chicago. The Sbor also asks that an appeal be made to the parents of the
children who attend the Free Thought schools to pay a larger tuition fee be-
cause everything is more costly nowadays, a fact acloiowledged by everybody.
The contents of the communication were talcen into consideration and the g
secretary was instructed to send a letter of thanks to the Sbor Ceskeho
Ncurodniho Hrbitova and, at the same time, inform the Sbor that the Sdruzeni
Ceskych Svobodomyslnych Skol does not receive one penny from tuition fees
because the boards of trustees of individual schools keep the collected amounts
for rental and cleaning expenses.
The reading of a letter sent by the school children who attend the Vojta
Naprstek School followed. These children sent the sum of $3.12 for the benefit
of the Bohemian Free Thought schools. The children of the said school under-
took a collection for the purpose of buying a floral piece for their deceased
comrade, Edward Hess, and they are sending the remaining sum for the benefit of
Bohemian schools. It is surely a beautiful example. We doubly appreciate the
3
■'J
Lit
I A 2 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
III C
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr, 23, 1921.
gift because it came from our school children of whom we may be proud, ^e ^
secretary was instructed to send a letter of thanks to the teacher of the ^^
Vojta Naprstek School, Mrs. Hulka, and her pupils. P
The Patronat Ceske Svobodomyslne Skoly v Morton Park (board of trustees of ^
the Bohemian Free Thought School of Morton Park, Cicero, Illinois), in its ^
communication, announces the names of its new delegates, Mr. Fr. Gruener,
1537 South Fifty-seventh Avenue, Mr. Joseph Holy, 2241 South Fifty-eight Court,
and Mrs. Beurbora Laibl, all of Cicero, IllinoiSo The next secretary of the
aforesaid board of trustees will be Mr. Stanislav Snaider, 5527 V/est 23rd Place,
Cicero, Illinois.
Further, it was resolved that those teachers who accompany the school children
to a theatrical performance which will be given for the benefit of the Bohemian
Free Thought schools. May 23, shall receive their regular salaries. The
teachers, first of all, should ascertain how many of the children will attend
-p
I A 2 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
III C
Denni Hlasatel . Apr, 23, 1921.
the performance. If the majority of them go, classes need not be held and
the teachers will go with the children. But if only a small percentage of
the children should attend the performance, the teachers will hold their ■:S'
classes as usual. The teachers are requested to speak to the school childiren p:
and create an interest for this performance, and in that way help to make the rj
success of the theatrical performance possible. ^
o
The annual report of the Sdruzeni Ceskych Svobodomyslnych Skol and a printed ua
resolution will be sent to every society or organization either through their ^
delegates or by mail.
The chairman, Ur. Joseph Tichava, then reported that the committee for the
Fosvicenska Slavnost (Country-wake Festival) asked him for the addresses of all
the secretaries of the boards of trustees of the Bohemian Free Thought schools.
Inasmuch as we do not have all the addresses on hand, all the secretaries are
requested to send their correct addresses to the secretary of the executive
'^
I A 8 a - 5 - BOHEMIAN
III C
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr, 23, 1921,
connalttee, Mrs. Katerlna Radesinsky, 3550 '.Vest 26th Street, Gtilcago, Illinois,
-o
Lately, delegates of many societies and organizations do not attend the meetings ^
regularly. Therefore, it was resolved that in every meeting the names of all ^
the delegates will be read at roll call and should any delegate be absent twice 17
in succession then the society or organization he represents will be notified. ^
As there was no other business to be transacted, the reading of receipts and 2
disbursements followed, and then the meeting was adjourned by the chairman, ^
Mr. Joseph Tiohava. ^
Kiarel Soukup, secretary.
Dsnni ::i::sc-.tol , J-m, r:2, I;;!--, /^' ^'•
^.
4^1
Yejt3rd>..7'3 :ua:iual ir.oetinc oJ tlio .^Criijjiii ^vobodo; ."jln^cL ^I:ol (l-oierutlon
Ox Cuech :.?rco T-iou-iit .vc2.oo1g), ii;la ii '-1-3 Luli.iir .JL^ccl I ..li, .„3 note-
v.'ortliy h'jCauc3 to U--ivcrolt7 •.rofo: acre ..orj _r-.^ont, ii.i-.ol;^, iroi'eGsor
xlionas fron the Lnivexsity Ox X-.ica :c, .uv^ ^ roxesscr . llljr iron the
rnivsrsit:' of !"ichi:-r;n. -l-o" atte-riaoci the Mootinf: ;:■:! ^Lo iavit-tion of
..r. ..\ J. 3e:i2G, -ho." .ere .cconpaaied cir hr. . -.la^, '..ho Introduced bhor.i
to -jhe aui.iGrous r. ^rosont-.tivec: - thoi-od :-.t the :.i03ti:i~. !3oti- r.rofessors
exproGsed their creat inteiarst ii: C ceh ;: tt.;.r3 and Jiiid the" tool: r:r3..t
i-L^torest in the ;::tud:' of the C .ecli 1 .ar-ua/e and hi lory, -■.ofesGor fha.ias
said that he ".rill '^rtici:a:.to ia ;.l;i.j year* 3 johol o::cur:;ion to Boaeaia,
..lie. th_t he 3.:.. ects to rii.udn in 3ohe:iia ^or - Ion er ;eriod of tine for
the pur^ioce o.' etudy. -J: the a;.^::e ti:.o, ho G-ad x,h.:.^ ao e::_ ected tc reach
c;o-:.e aort of c:.r. arree.aent . ith the /0hie."o7 -^-i-^ . '^■p}^^ i- roG--a uo send-
in?; rj-.-erto of hie travels throu;a hoha.".ia. Doth nveecIieG vere rDceived
v.lth enthusiastic aToiuuse,
III C
'Oe:-i ': ix3_tpl_, Jan. 2'2, lil2.
'ilie procoedin-sS oi' yesterday's :.3:;ti:i-; coiiGist.:'! ..L-:io:;t yntirely oi" the \.o
olsction of officors -n:I ".ractically -;11 othsr ::..;t;teiS -.ero Iiold oYer lor
tli-3 ne::t r.Gotin:; or turr.ed ovor to 3joci;..l co. r.ittGe.:; for action, . 'jroup
of n3v; J3ler-.:t2o ";„3 -Lnncuiicod, J:;d alno3t :.!! cf Ihs orcani^:-tion3 ro-
prjsontod -Jinciincjl th t they ac^^s^d ;.itii tho incrau^e in ar-ocial aGsoJs-
nsnts fro:.: tlireo cj:it3 to five c:nt3» -Jig trujtoas of tao Ycjta. l.'aprctak
-.ci.ool v;or.^ -ivan ";-3r.iijc.i on to .,t.rt .. i:i:id3rr:arten
fho '^u.:rte .-iy fina::ci...l ri_::rt jhcv/j rocoipts of ;3,0o2,5J3; di Jbur30.....nt3,
/I, £19,21; balance i:^ the tr:..3ury ..t tao ti:.o of tl:i;- :.ieotir.'v;, o, 004,04,
I A 2 a
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BOIEi.IAN
Denni Hla satel. Fob. I, 1911,
COIIoT.cUGTIOil TO B:£GDJ
In Yesterday's Annual Loetin;;; of the Patrona-;e of the Yojta lIa;or3telc
School It w'as Dec idea That the Jirectors Should
Av/ard the Buildin:^ Contracts
One of the best attcnled iPLeetin:::s of the Vojta llaprstek school patronage
v/as held last evenin;^ in the uuper hall of 3o:':ol Ghicaso, on Kedzie Av.
The reasons for the lar^e attendaii'^e of the raeeting v;e::-e very vj.ighty,
not only because it vjas the annual r.;eetinr^ and election of officers vras
on the pro::;ran, but because at this nesting, it V7as to be definitely
decided as to v;hen constructirm of the nev; school at 25th St. and Ilonan
Av, is to be co::iriienced.
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Denni lllas atel. Feb. 1, 1911.
The meet in : v;as called to ordor, at eight o'clock in the evenino;, by
the chair.ian, Llr. H, Dusil, The secretary l-r, Otcovsky, read tae i.iinutes
of the previous neetinc, v;hich v;ere accented as read. Bills v;ere ordered
paid and of the corm.'iuni cations read, the one from the As ociation of
Liberal (Free Thought) Schools v;as noted by the proper officers. The
secretary then read the report of the coTi'iittee for t;ie New Year's Day
celebration, in v;hich he annjunced, th'.t the receints on that occasion
amounted to y228,16 v;ith disburse- lent 3 of JllS.lO, result in;-; in a net
profit of "?11S',05. Tiiis report v/as accepted and than]:s voted to the com-
nittee, Ilrs, Llazacova, for the Dobrocinny ICrouzek i:aliforns-r'/-ch Dan
(Calif rrnia Ladies Benevolent Circle ), a-mounced they are turning over for
the benefit of the school, )300. .J from, t .e orooeeds of the masquerade
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Deuni'IUasatel. Feb. 1, 1911.
3Cii-ui^Irt.i'j
ball, siven by then, and any further profit realized vn.ll be included in
the final report. The v/ornen vrere thanked for such profitable work and
the {^ift v/as accepted v.lth expressions of r^ratitude. Then follovxed the
reading of the nanes of nev;ly elected delegates and of the amounts of the
contributions sent in by various .i.od:es. All nev/ly elected delegates
were then v;elco:ied by the chairman.
The secretary of the Board of Directors Llr. J. A. Jurena, then read a
report of the activities of that body, pointing, out, that all preparations
for building have been c npleted and it is nov; up to the dele.-^ates to
decide when construction of the new school shall start. From the report
given by I.Ir. Jurena, v/e find the total assets of the Patronage amount to
I A 2 a
II 3 a f
I D 1 a
III B ;3
II D 6
III A
- A _
.303LiI.:iAlT
Demn^Uasa_te_l, Feb. 1, 1311,
•:?ll,17:i.76, of v)Inc . '^lljljO.wJ is loaned on notes, leaving a balance of
jlZ.I^ v;vth tlie treasurer. Because the largest ^art of the loaned a'^ount
is vjith the Kedzie Buildin^^^ & Loan Association, a sumnary of about one
hundred '^aid-up shares v;ith tiiat societ:' v/as alsn read, I.ention also v/as
nade of directors* neetin'';^, v/here tie bids of various contractors -jere
discussed. The relatively lov; bids vjere aven consideration and the directors
strove to recoirj lend ]iohe:iian rir:is exclusivsly, Accordin,^ to the bi:.s anoroved
and received, the cost of construction ;.lll be about ,|;2o,011, and out of
this suin, i.^r. Jurena, announced foi* the directors, there is a possibility
of savir.:"^ about a hunured - oilars. The report v/as accented and then other
matters of the evenln,-^ v;ere tclcen up.
I A 2 a
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- o -
.iO-Lii..Lii'T
Denni Illasatel . Feb. 1, 1911,
The chrdrr.an Ilr. Dijisil, made a sunr.iarized report of the activities of the
past year, referring to t'le dimute about the :onstru3tlon of n Duildin^
to cost :u0re than ;20,000, He '^.ave the reasons v/hy he protested a -ainst
the construction of so expensive a buildin,::. This, of course, caused a
short debate, '. r, 7, Roubal, a forr;er nenhor of the Board of Directors,
replied to t'^? chnirr.an's oroteat, lIov;ever, at the request of the r.ajority
of those present that old v/ounds be not reonened, the debate ceased and the
matter of bonds for the officers v;as taken up, Att3ntion was called to t'.".e
fact tbat the secretary of the Ijonrl of Directors v/as bonded for only .;i,000,
as a.-:ainst a bond of ^5,300, for the bookkeeper, alt ;our;h all money passed
through the hands of the fonaer r.nd not the latter. Consequently, according
I A 2 a
II 3 2 f
I D 1 a
III J 2
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Denni Iilasatel . 7eb. 1, 1911,
bc-Iji:
to a notion i.iade and carried, the bond of t!;e secretary v;ill be raised to
,)5,030, and the booKceoper's r^dur^ed to Jl,000. Tho bond of the chainian,
•#2,000, and that of the treasurer, ;10,000, .ill re ,.ain as ere-to-fore,
'..'ith the cv.-:) let ion of t .is riatt'^r, the r.ost 1 .^iTtant business of the
evenin:"^ -jas taken -p, nanel^'-, the election of directors. To the -ioard of
Directors, v;"^ich consists of nine inenbers the rollov;lnr.' nansd persons vjere
elected: 1-essrs. Dusil, .lys, Toiinka, Otcovsliy, Zednik, ous, StejDanek
and "jnes, Ilrychova and liazacova. Llr, TXisil v/as elected iresident. I^rs,
Brychtova v;aG naned vice-president, I'rs, .itepanek v;as elected secretary,
lirs, Kar. Janecek v;as reelected boolckeeper r.nd :;r. J. I. Jurena vn\s re-
elected treasurer. The arran.^eir.ent con ittee was n p-jinted by the chairnan
ri 2 a
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ill 3 2
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Denni rilasatel , 7eb. 1, 1911,
to a r.otion .•.lade and cjarriod, the "mnd of t: e secretary v/ill be raised to
,^5,000, and t:.e book>eoper's ridur^ed to 31,000. The bond of the chairiian,
.;2,000, and that of the treasurer, ;10,030, •.ill regain as ere-to-fore,
lith the c .•;■■) let ion of t .is ::att-^r, the r.ost i. .n-rtant business of the
evenin-^ ;;as taken 'p, narioly, the election of d'rectors. To the .oard of
Directors, v/dch consists of nine nenbers the follov/ln*: nari3d persons v;ere
elected: Ilessrs, Diisil, 2ys, Tooinka, Otcovslry, Zednih, ous, Stepanek
and lines, Ilrychova and Ilazacova. Ilr, :)usil v/as elected ^resident, r.rs,
Brychtova v;a3 naned vice-president, "'re, itepanek v;as elected seoret-:.ry,
LIrs, liar. Janecel: v;as rcrdscted boolckneper and ! r.J, I, Jurena v;.-.s re-
elected treasurer. The arran je:;.ent con Ittee v;a3 a p-jinted by the chairirian
II 3 2 f
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III J.
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-£3at2l» ^^^'5» ^-» -311 •
■O'l^'U^
and Is coiiposed of Ilessrs, , 3us, Zsr.ian, cn-l 1^183,301193, Fencl and ?.ak.
The nuditin.; con ittee also v/as noiiied by the c'lairaan as follo7;s: I.rs,
Soucek, I.r, Yasak and Mr, D. llovak, lir, Tjpinka and i;rs, -rychtova
v;ere elected dole rates to the Association of Liberal (Free Thought)
Schools.
'■Jlth this, the elections cfune to an end cjid on the ..otion of I.r, To'oinka,
it v;as decided "by TOte to bo -in building at once, the av/ardino of contracts
tu be left to the decision of the directors, T is body vd.ll hold its
neetinr* on I.onday, at vrhich tine contracts v;ill be si ;ned and soon after
that construction v/ill be'dn. The nev; buiidln- of the Yojta I'aprstek
I :. 3 a
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■-\{YTr 'T '.fT
Denni Illasatel. 7eh. 1, 1911.
School, u ion its co:;. ^lotion and dedication, ■.-.•ill surely be the pride of
all oro:",reG ive yhica30 Boheruan.: -nd those of Vesica Calif ornie (Boher'iian
California) in oarticr.?.ar. After tho rcadin--];
the receipts of the
evening 279,05, ond disburse. lents of ;157,25, the ".eet-Ln,;^ v;as adjourned
at a late hour.
I A 2 a BOHSJ.JA^T
I A 2 b
III B 2 Denni Hlasatel . Jan. 20, 1911.
II B 3
II D 6 FOR A IIE:.'; school Al^ID A US':; GYIJIASim:
Preparations for tvio buildings in "Czech California" are being pushed
with great vigor for the edifices are destined to play an inportant part
in the life of the Czech population of the district. One is the school,
Vcjta ITaprsteck, on 26th and Homan ave. , the other the gyrnnasiim of the
Sokol Havlicek, on Lawndale ave., near 26th st.
The old school has been in need of a building for a long tine, to cen-
tralize its activities and to keop the classes xinder one roof, af-;ain, the
old gynnasiuin has proved utterly inadequate for the accommodation of the
ever increasing numbers of ohe Sokol association, ;jhich began and pros-
pered in the old locality, but now has outgrown its size. The tv;o build-
ings v/ill not only meet a pressing demand of the astoundingly thriving
district, but v;ill no doubt have a decorative effect as well.
I A 2 a
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Denni Hlasatel, Jan. 20, 1911.
B0II2I.!IAtT
The bids of the contractors for the school, will be opened
Konday in the chambers of the Sokol Chicago f^ymnastic society.
An outlay of )45,000 was originally planned; the svm. v;a- lowered to ""25,000,
as soi:.. of the leaders, I'r. Richard Dusil and a fev; otheis excepted, v;ere
afraid to go too deep into debt. The drawings were v/orked out in the
of rices of Architect Jan Klucina. They are generally acknov/ledf^ed as
meeting the requirements of usefulness and beauty.
The school has nov; six classes, four on Kedzie ave. , and tvro on Homan ave.;
the six classes in the ne.v building are to accommodate one hundred children.
The building coiranittee v/ill be co::posed of I'-T. Richard Dusil, president,
I'r. Adolph Rys, I'.ts, I.arie Stepanek, and I'r. J. F. Fisher; the construction
will be started toward the end of Llarch.
The site for the gymnasium is valued at §3,500.
in the offices of architects Ludvik Ilovy £: Son,
The plans were prepared
The cost of the building
I A 2 a - 3 - I;C!I3r.:iA:T
I A 2 b
III B 2 Denni Hlasatel . Jan. 20, 1911.
II E 3 ,
II D 6 is to be .7;35,OCjQ, v;hicli will be contributed in shares. The
Cjnnhastic socieu.' has two hundred male nenbers, eif-hty members
in the women's section and about 150 members in the junior division. The
preliminary wor2<, propaganda and support, as well as the actual erection,
aro in the hands of a committee of t'.velve Sokols whose names follow:
Yelan, Jakoubek, Zeman, Prochazka, Benes, Kier, Krametbauer, Cermak,
Zeman, Raska, Vlsen, and I.^artinek.
II 2 1 c (3}
15 4 Denni '[lasatel , June 12, 19^5 •
III :;
£c:iccL FOR :t. ^:G:i::'~ oHURCii cci^PLii .d
BCj_:.:i.:K
r.l — A "beautiful £;chcol-''cuilQin[: hus been erected on C'sntrsl F^rk Avenue
beside '-""t. i-.gneE's '':hurc:., a testimony tc the ijride v/hich Bohonian Catholics
take in their schools. Yesterday the foundation of the school v-&s cele1;ra-
ted, and a lar^ e num.er of societies, sor.e in uniform, took part in the cer-
emony. The church, the school, und •'■he adjacent streets v/ere lavishly dec-
orated with flag's. A passu; ev.'ay erbo'.vered v/ith ^reen branches led to the
entrance of the school, and alon[. this the precession parsed, headed by
Father i'olitor, archiepiscopal ccunsellor, vho performed the rite of con-
secration. After the ofricial celebration those in attendance renoved to
the near-by garden, where an entertainment vru:. presented.
I A 2 a BOHEMIAN
I B 4 Svornost. Way 8, 1896
HI c
Against the Bitle in Schools
The Bohemian Liberal Comminity decided at its last meeting on Sunday, to ask
the Chicago Board of Education to make a decision to eliminate from the
Chicago schools the reading of the Bitle, The petition was as follows: 3S
r
^^
Konoratle Board of Education; - The Bohemian Literal Corjnunity in Chicago
made a lonanimous decision at its last meeting, May 3rd, 1896, which is
hereby "brought to the attention of the Board: ^
Whereas - many Christian sects have introduced to the public schools the t---
Bible, with the purpose of having it read by the school pupils, it is &5
decided to present this honest and reasonable petition. Your educational
body should have as its main problem the protection of our present free
schools, which are an inheritance of a free nation, against any misinterpret-
ations and misunderstandings, and consequently it should be prohibited from
reading the Bible, for or by the children in the schools. We are sure the
Bible reaxiing would spoil the young hearts of our children, would deprive
then of pity for hunanity, good fellowship and tolerrnce to others, of
morals, liberty, and education. Examples from the past are proving this.
I A 2 a -2- BCmiM
Svornost , May 9, 1896
Our children xhould be taught in the schools equality, fraternity, freedom __
for all peoples, justice and the duties of good citizenship, without the 7^
EilDle, no matter whether Jewish, ChristisJi, Wohammedan, or K'lorraon, - F. B,
Zdrusek - President, F. Nadherny - Secretary, if
B
Ill c
Svornost, Sept. 1, 1890
lav; CAThOLIc' SCHOOL
Yesterday v^as a da^ of re,ioicin;=; f-.hX celebration for iohenian Catholics of
oiir city. 'Ihey "becai^e the possessors of a beautiful new school building,
of which they can well be iDroud, especially the meTiberE of St. Procopius
Parish, who unafraid of the task, set sbout to build this beautiful refuge
for their youth, a school such as ™e "Liberal, minded" (P'ree thinkers) would
not be able to provide so easily.
The school is located behind the church, on Allport St. ne.?r loth St. It is
a building; four stories high and ve'' 1 arranged for the piirpose it is neant
to serve, j-he erection of the building ^7as under the supervision of the very
conscientious and upright builder, F.C. L?yer.
This new Gptholic institution of lesrnin ■■ wa? dedicr-ted yesterday and will be
given over to its "ourpose in p few da:/s. Various societies of the community
attended the Oatnolic celebration. A parade was formed and at 2:30 P.^'. the
massing of people in the vicinity of the school and church was irimense.
Bo;5i;;^iAN
Syornos t. Sept. 1, 1890
Arch i shop i'eehen, in the comppji;/ of the Priest? and Trustees, went to the
school building. V.'ith custor^ar;/ rites the "building* v/as consecrated, the
keys to the "building e.ccepted end given to the Procopius community for the
purposes indicated. After these rites the gathering returned into the
church for hi er sing.
5or the evening there was arranged a theatrical, a concert, and ? large tab-
let in honor of the St. Procopius parishioners.
I. ATTITUDES
A. Education
2. Parochial
c. Contributions
I A 2 c BOHEIJLAU
I A 2 b
Dennl Hlasatel . June 24, 1920.
ERbCTION OF A li^.l HJIIDING FOR THE BQHELIIAN FHSS THOaCET
SCHOOL m OUR FOREIilOST BOHEIJIAIJ SSTTLEI^^T
The Patronat Svobodomyslnych Ceskych Skol v Ciceru (Trustees of the Bohemian
Free Thought Schools of Cicero), after many years of peaceful work, is under- ^
taking a difficult task — the erection of a new building for the Bohemian Free ^
Thought schools, the urgent need of which requires quick action. More thein F;
six hundred children, pupils of the Bohemian Free Thought school, are anzious ---
to find out whether there is a possibility of learning the language of their S
parents in a reguleir school building, and not at places where the children ^-
suffer both moral and bodily harm.
In the name of these children, the Patronat Svobodomyslnych Ceskych Skol v
Ciceru is urging all friends of the Bohemian language to contribute toward the
building fund in order that this project may be financially secure. We ask
all the Bohemian organizations — they will receive our letter with the request
for monetary help — not to lay this letter aside v;ith the remark "Zase zebrota"
{Itore beggary) , but to help us to the best of their abilities.
I A 2 C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I A 2 b
Dennl Hlasatel . June 24, 1920.
This project is for the benefit of our Bohemian children. It is for a new
school building from vbich they cannot be ousted by any of the Cicero School
Board moguls, as happened some time ago. At the same time we urge the organiza-
tions to send delegates to the meetings of the Fatronat Svobodomyslnych ^
Ceskych Skol v Ciceru regularly and to participate in this gigantic vork vihich ^
is ahead of us. Furthermore, we ask the Bohemian societies of Cicero to p
appoint the greatest possible number of collectors from their ranks and report
their names to the secretary of the building committee.
o
For the building committee of the Patronat Svobodomyslnych Ceskych Skol ▼
Ciceru: Jan Sebek, chairman; Vaclav Kesl, secretaxy, 5321 West 25th Place,
Cicero; Frantisek Suchy, treasurer, 5522 West 24th Street, Cicero, Illinois.
I. ATTITUDE
A. Education
2. Parochial
d. Special Sndoiwments
I A S d BGEmaAIT
The Czechoslovak: P;eYiew _ September 1921,
A SGI-OLAIiSj .IP*
p, 274 ,, The national Council of Bohonian Catholics has set aside '5,000 to
be used as a uucleus of a scholarship •
This fund ttIII be aviarded to a poor but v/orthy youn-;;: nan vjho will pursue
studies at sone of the higher Catholic institutions.
Those interested should communicate v.'ith the llational Coimcil of Eohenian
Catholics, 3207 ./est 22nd Street, ChicaTO, Illinois,
so
o
I. ATTITUDES
A. Education
3. Adult Education
t'i'i_'-&':'!W",: ■
II D 10
II A 1
III C
III G
III H
I A 3 BOHEMIAN *
Dennl Hlasatel . Oct, 12, iy21.
SOCIAL SEH7ICE WOHK
The Narodni Svaz Ceskych Eatoliku (National Alliance of Czech
Catholics) has been paying a great deal of attention lately to social service,
and one of its achievements is the Czechoslovak department in the Catholic
Immigration Office in New York, which was orgeinized by the National Catholic ^
Welfare Council, The Narodni Svaz will send to this aepartment very shortly J^
a Czechosluvak young lady, a social worker who will devote all her time to p
Czechoslovak immigrants exclusively* The work along this line is very important ^
and our nation has been in great need of it. Now, however, the problem is being ^
dealt with by the Naroani Svaz and will be solved by the appointment of a Czech °
worker, '^^
rs5
This, however, is not all we have in mind to do. The need for trained
social workers is steadily growing, particularly for workers who are also
trained in civic and social economics ana are otherwise well equipped
for social and charity work m all branches. The importance of this
I A 3 - 2 - B0H5IJIAI-I
Denni Illasatel, Oct, 12, 1921.
II D 10
II A 1
III C
III G
III H
v;ork camioL be denied and it is our desire to see iriany more of our
girls and worr.en in it; ladies who like this kind of v;ork will find
in it their best and nost conplete satisfaction. For this reason
the Narodni Svaz Geskych Katolilru has appointed a special coraiittee under
the chainnanship of Dr. k.3. Lorenz, who is a v;ell-knovm Czech physician. ^
The comnittee has made contact ivith the social departi^ie^it of the National ?
Catholic \»elfare Council in './ashington and a number of the foremost Ameri- ^
can universities having a department of social service. One of these uni- (J
versities is the x^oyola University of Chicago located on Clark and Randolph -o
Streets. Tlie Svaz's contact with this university has resulted in a letter p
which we are proud to publish in its original reading ^/^iglisi^. L
Loyola University
"Dr. i.l. 2. Lorenz, jS National Alliance of Bohenian Catholics /sicj.
I A 3 - 3 - BOHEMIAN
II D 10
II A 1 Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 12, 1921.
III C
III "Chicago, Illinois.
Ill H
"My dear Dr. Lorenz:
Relative to our conversation I take this occasion formally to
repeat my offer to your National Alliance of Bohemian Catholics of two scholar- T
ships In the Social Service Department of this school, provided the young ladies
are at least eighteen years of age and have not a hi^ school education, or are ~
over twenty cmd have the equivalent of same. '-
"V/ith every best wish, 5
"Sincerely,
"(Signed) Frederic Siedeburg, S.J."
A fine success, this] We have two scholarships already which must be given
to worthy and desirable girl students. They will receive a complete train-
ing for social service free of any charge. With their studies completed
I A 5 - 4 - B0EI1I.JLAN
II D 10
II A 1 Deiini Illasatel , Oct. 12, 1921.
III
III G they will receive a diploma and engage in that service, either in
III H the sphere of irmiicrr tion, industry, charity, health railv^ay, or
any other. Girls v/ho have an inclinatior: for such work shoul d
send their applications directxy to the Ilarodiii Svaz Ceskych Katoliku,
3207 "./est 22nd otreet, Chicago, Illinois. The application nust contain
infon.ation as to the applicant's age, education, and experience. If you ^
do net, at this tL'.ie, receive the above-nentioned scholarship, your appli- ^
cation will remain on our files for future inference. It is our wish to p
see our gir.l.s engaginc in social v/oric, a field v;here v;e miss then nox7. ^
-o
For the Ilarodni Svaz Geslych Ijatoliku, • 2
Ant. Vaclav Tesar, office manager. ^
All those who want to join the expedition of the Ilarodni Jvaz Geskj^ch
Katoliku to Czechoslovakia next year please send us their applications.
The Harodni Svaz Geskych Katoliku is making reservations for the
r«o
\
I A 3 - 5 - BOEauIAIJ
II D 10
II A 1 Denni laasatel . Cct. 12, 1921.
III G
III G participants in the expedition to the old covmtrj'- in the year of
III H 1922.
-c
-T5
o
CO
C:
r\3
-D
I A g BOHE!?>TAN
I A 1 a
III A Dennl Hl&satel , Sept. 5, 1921,
NIGHT SCHOOLS
As in past years, evening classes will be held in Chicago public schools this
year. They will start tomorrow, September 6, and end January 2, 1922. Classes
will be four evenings a week and the instruction is free. Classes will be held :^
in the following schools ^^anslator's note: Here follows a list of three ^
schools on the North Side, six on the Northwest Side, ten on the West side, rj
eight on the North Side, names of which are omitted in translatio^. gg
o
These night schools offer to everyone an excellent opportunity to learn the fol- lo
lowing subjects, or to become more proficient in them. ^
Of
Instruction is given in the English language, which is of special importance to
the immigrants. Those who for any reason were unable to attend or to finish the
elementary school can complete their knowledge of the English language at the
night school.
I A 5 - £ - BOHEinAN
I A 1 a
III A Dennl Hlasatel, Sept. 5, 1921,
Besides this, these night schools take up such subjects as are taught in high
schools.
Instruction will be given in dressmaking and domestic science, etc., for girl£^
other subjects are bookkeeping, designing, machine engineering, and various ^
crafts. Immigrants, or those who have not yet acquired American citizenship, -
may receive instruction in civic matters, some knowledge of which they must X,
show to pass the citizenship examination. o
The Chicago School Board urges all immigrants and ncncitizens to attend night Kj
schools, because there they can learn English and everjrthing else a citizen of--*
this country is required to know. The Board also urges all employers to send
to the night schools all their minor employees who have not finished elementary
school.
For housewives, and such girls and women as are unable to attend night schools,
there will be special day classes in various schools. Of these the following
IAS - 3 - Bcswmm
I A 1 a
III A Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 5, 1921,
are In, or close to, Czech settlements ^ranslotor^s note: A list of fifteen 3?
schools Is omitted In translatio^, ::i
Ibere are also many factories vrfiere daytime classes will be held for employees -r
who vjant to acquire additional education. Sore of these factories are also in i-
Czech neighborhoods. ^.
I A 3 BOEavIIrtN
Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 19, 1914.
NIGHT SCHOOL INSTRUCTION
Instruction in night schools will start next Monday, October 5, and as in ^
previous years, there will be two-hour classes all weelcdays except Friday and ^
Saturday. As their principal purpose, these niglit schools offer adult ijnmi- ^
grants an opportunity to learn the English language, and public school gradu-
classes in various practical subjects, such as stenography, bookkeeping, type-
writing, caligraphy, business correspondence, and in higher classes, various
technical subjects.
In the Harrison, Crane, Lake, Lane, Englewood, Bowen, Medill, Tuley, Waller,
Pullman, Phillips, and other high schools, there is instruction in mechanics,
drawing, mathematics, electrical engineering, and other practical subjects.
There are classes for women's work, such as cooking, sewing, millinery, etc.
According to the Chicago School Board's decision, the instruction is free, but
pupils of the higher classes, as usual, will have to deposit one dollar, which
-o
ates can also add to their educations. For this reason, the schools offer g
I A 3 - 2 - BCHg^IIAi:
Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 19, 1914.
will be returned to those who attend classes at least three fourths of the :«*
time. Classes will be held in the following schools in Bohemian neighborhoods: 3
/There follows a long list of schools and tneir locationsj^T" C
CO
ca
— I
tr
I A 5 BOEdlLX'^T
II C
I C
Denni Hlasatel . :m-z, 6, 1911.
PUBLIC LIBRAHT BILiNCE
So tliat those beautiful i.ords v:ould not sound enpty that r/ere spoken a
week aco upon the occasion of the Ilavlicek festivities; so that our
people here riiay dravi nev; strencth from the loost successful celebration,
it is urcont tliat v;e fulfill the pronise v;e made during the sacred
moments of the unveiling of the Karel Ilavlicek laonunent, to the effect that
vie will v;ork earnestly for everything tliat v;as dear to Ilavlicek. In order
that such work be done, it is necessary'' first of all that our people,
especially the youth, educate theiusolves by reading cood Czech books.
Really good Czech books can be obtained at the branch of the riiblic Library
located at 3o47 .aest T'-.-enty-siicbh Street. This library is stocked with
Czech books
I A 5
II C
I c
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatel , Auf^. 5, 1911,
BOEJLIIAII
If there is an active deinand Tor Czech books, the Library Board vdll be
coir.pelled to increase the nuiiber und improve the collection of these
books.
li . • .^ LAI
BOHEMIAl^^
Svornost . ilov. l6, IojI
- ■ T&iiz t:oachii^g or EiUiLisa
A few dp-'-s PQO we Drought the information thrt oior coiontryn- n, Mr. Jos. F.
Kohout, v/a.s mexie a tercher in the City evening school, locrted in the Fos-
ter school "biiildintS on Union St. So far as v^e know, English was taught
previousl:/ by ex. Irishr.an, snd in his classes vrere nan;/ Bohemians, These,
however, practically -^11 stopped rttendinji the school, for tl^at which he
tau^jht v:as anything else hut English.
We hope that everything will c-"ienge now, and that all those who formerly
attended the school vill retin*n and with them many new pupils. All those
who wish to enrol] in the class are "orged to report to the principaJ of the
school, rnd tell him that they are 3oheraians and they will 'he assigned to
the class which is under the supervision of -^r. J.F. Kohout.
Sspecially our youth who do not know the i^n^lish lancTiage would do well to
attend, for they not only woulo hensfit "but would serve to advance Bohemian
thin^^s in i^,eneral.
- 2 -
Svornost , I'.ov. l6, ISGl
BOKEMIM
If Bohemirns let it "be known that they rish to learn Snglish, .'^. different
attitude would De tf.ken tov/prd them in reg'^rds to their ?chool m-tters.
': in
'•'"e shrll expect that this little hint will he suif'ficient and that I'.v, Ko-
hout's class will "be edvpntafaSous and STiccessful .
I A 3 • ■ BOHBM IAN
III A
STorncst . Dec. 9, 1878.
^pmWHG CLASSES IN ENGLI^
The teaching of English has "began in the evening school. Classes are held on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 75 30 P* M« Anyone wishing to join these classes
will kindly report to Mr, Matas at 73^ Morgan Street.
I. ATTITUDES
B. Mores
1. Temperance
I B 1 BOHS!!LAI-T
I F 2
I F 3 Denni laasatel . Feb. IS, 1920.
I?
ACTIVITY" OF CZSCH ALD}3K.e^:
In a meeting of the City Council of Chicaco held yesterday, our Aldermen,
John Toman and Joseph Kostner of the 34th A'ard, presented a resolution
v;hich is emphatically challenging the City Council to take steps to in-
duce the State Legislature to repeal its decision concerning the National
Prohibition iimendment, and which started the National rrohibition. The
resolution was referred to ths judicial committee. In it it is claimed
that the Eighteenth Amendment was accepted during the time when our
country was in a state of great excitement, and v/hen our people did not
have sufficient opportunity to consider such an important and extraor-
dinary nev; matter. It is asserted that the Eighteenth -Amendment is a
violation of personal liberty and the States* independence, and that until
the time when the Supreme Court will decide on its constitutionality, all /^
the citizens ought to aid the officers in the enforcement of this law, i'^\^-\.
The resolution is also asking that the copies of it be sent to Governor Vo^" ;:^
y
O;
%, ^>./
I B 1 - 2 - BOHHIL^I
I F 2
I F 3 Deimf Hlasatel, Feb. 19, 1920,
^ - -r
/Frank/ Lovxden, to the speaker of the House of Representatives
and t o the chairman of the State Senate,
The main purpose of this resolution, proposed by the Aldermen John Toman
and Joseph ICostner, is that this question of prohibition should be decided
by a referendum.
The Aldermen also made it clear that they are interested in seeing to it
that the sale of beer and light wine is made legal, /alderman Anton Cermak,
chairman of the judicial committee, to v/hich the resolution was referred,
and also most of its members, proved in different matters that they are of
the same liberal opinion, and it is surely expected that the resolution will
be approved by them^ and will be recommended to the City Council for its
acceptance, ^
'J.J
^
m. f j
I B 1 BOHSMLflN
I B 2
17 Denni Hlasatel, Feb. 3, 1920.
/CONGRSSSLLm 3ABATH PROPOSES PROHIBITION imj
(Sditorial)
Gongressmaii Adolph J. Sabath, a well-known Czech Congressman, has proposed a
new prohibition law, which would allov/ the manufacture and distribution of
beer with an alcoholic content of three per cent and wine with a nine per
cent content. Should this proposal become a law, vre could somehov/ reconcile
ourselves with Prohibition. But there is very little hope for its acceptance,
for Congress is fanatically possessed and will not become cool-headed until
the ice-cold shov/er comes — at the next Ivovember election.
13 1 rK)::.:x.::
17
Denni aasatol , .Tr_..n. '61, 1920.
The eni'orc8:ij:it oi" the :ic:.tio".i:-. 1 prohibition lav: \jill bu iiTOO'-:ible, o.eclared
Gon(;:ressi,ian ..dolph J, .'>rroatb fron Ghics-.ro ir. the House of Reprosantativen,
today, in an attonpt to eztclude froia the deficiency aT^propriation the iten
of one nillion dollorc, for the ^ra-intenance of '■j.-j.rds for thi liruor v.T.re-
hoD.r-es, .... "I do not .;elievo tr^xt the Government uill be able to en-
force thi'j prohibition la-;;," sriid Con'-rer.r-riF.n ..i.dolph J. S&bath. "Before vie
ret through v;ith f::ic-., the attcimt v.-ill cost four or fi^'"e Million dolj.nrs s
year. You cannot enforce it, bccauco the people of ti^e United States -.re
ar^ain^t it."
I B 1 B(HS3>TIAN
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Dennl HLasatel , Jan. 25, 1920,
IV
FROM ACTIVITIES OF CZECH CONGRSSSIIAN
ADOLPH J. SABATH
Last week, Congressman Adolph J. Sabath, representing a preponderantly
Czech district in Chicago, presented to the House a bill demanding that
all bonded liquor be bought by the Government, and to place it on the
market for medicinal or industrial purposes. Besides this, the Govern-
ment is to refund taxes to owners who had not been permitted to sell
their liquor. Such an arrangement would certainly be justified, because
people who have been deprived of their valuable property through no fault
of their own, surely have a good claim for damages. The only question is,
however, vdiether the Government can bear such an enormous expenditure.
About sixty million gallons of liquor are stored up in the Governmei^
warehouses, and if the Government were to buy up the entire stock, the
amount would be quite excessive. Those congressmen vidio are responsible
I B 1 . _ 2 - BQriE!!IAi:
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Dennl Hlasatel , Jan, 25, 1920.
IV
for prohibition ought also to find a way for a just restitution,
and should, therefore, support Congressman Sabath's proposed measure.
I B 1 • BOHHILIL'il-:
I F 3
I F 6 Denni Hlasatel. i\ug. 28, 1917.
^ r- -r
^yOHN TGivIM RiiTUItlv^o TO GHICaGO/
Alderman John Tonan is back fraii Boston, l.Iass., where he and other members
of the City Council license co.-nniittee studied conditions of the saloon
business. He voiced his admiration for the manner in which it was handled
in that city, and expressed his earnest desire to see a sLmilar system
established in Chicago. The people v;ould like it very much, true enough,
but Llayor Thompson would surely prefer to see the plan defeated, as it
would take away a part of his pov/er.
I B 1 BOHailAIT
I G
Denni Hlasatel, July 2, 1917.
[k 'uise IIovg/
(Sditorial — ouiiunary)
It is interesting to note that some Jnglish language papers, which have been
rabidly prohibitionist up to the present, are turning tov;ard a laore tolerant
viev;. They are {jraduallj'" becoming aware of the danger and the impending dam-
age to the country if Congress should vote for national prohibition.
The Chicago Daily IJevfS , a paper vvhich iias always advocated dry measures, now
admits tJiat prohibiting the manufacture of beer and wine would not be
\vise The Chicago Tribune is even more outspoken on the issue. It
points to jJurope, v/here restrictions on account of the ..ar, liave been lim-
ited more to solid foods than to liquids. Radical measures, like prohibition,
should not be introduced during ..ar time. "If any restrictions are to be
placed on consumption, this should be done only in case of urgent necessity,"
the paper says.
-^ -' •*■ Rjri..ii;j:
I G
Domii :;i,i.;:-t-l . Hay fil, 1917.
(Editorial )
Billy oimdaj' proclair.ied he will enlist as a soldier under Hoosevelt even
if they should sive hiin no other tasi: than shinins the Colonel »s boots.
He ni.3ht thus prove nore useful there than b: his rabid activities in the
field of prohibition.
I B 1 BOE-:..I.:IT
1 D 2 c
I J 2 Denni IIlasatGl , Apr. 25, 1917.
I G _ _
/PROHIBITION/
(3ditorial-Suraaary)
Extensive and intensive propaganda for the introduction of national pro-
hibition has set in all over the country; the neaoure is proposed to last
for thu duration of the v;ar, for it is considered by some as a natter of
expeuiency. The degree of acuteness of the situation can be gaus3d by
the fact th^t the caucus of the Democr':itic congreosmen h:^s deci'^,.- for
prohibition, advancing as the main reason the large cuantities of corn
saved by usin;; it for food, instead of for the manufacture of alcoholic
beverages.
The advocates of prohibition do not consider the loss of v;ork for many
thousands of people unci the dissolution of many industrial .jid co-'inercial
organizations that v/ould inevitably follov; prohibition. The lia^uor tax
I B 1 - 2 - BOi:S?.!IAr
I D ?. c
I F 2 Dennl raasatel , Apr, 23, 1917.
I G
■would replenish the funds that support our government. We are not sur-
prised by the attitude the caucus has taken, for many congressmen come
from southern prohibition states.
I B 1 BOHBML^^
III B 1
I F 4 Denni Hlasatel. Mar. 37, 1917.
I F 5
I H . CZECH BRANCH UIIITED SOCISTISS* MSSTHW
17
A meeting of the Czech branch of the United Societies was opened last night
by its president John A» Cervenka; the place was the home of the Sokol Chicago.
There was a large number of women in the gathering. Anton J. Cermlk, secretaiy
of the organization, gave a report concerning the Barbour Proposal on the pro-
hibition of liq^uor, which is to be voted on in the Illinois Legislature,
The essentials of the proposed law are knovm in their outline. They demand,
briefly, that alcoholic beverages be barred from premises where four or more
people assemble for dancing. The fine for violation is fixed at $200. The
bill has reached the stage of the second reading. All the bills concerning
the United Societies will be voted on by them in a meeting next Vtiednesday.
Mr. Sermak called further attention to the harassing to which a representative
of the United Societies, who is a member of the Legislature, was subjected to
I B 1 - 2 - BOHELIIxilT
III B 1
I F 4 Denni Hlasatel , IJar. 27, 1917,
I F 5
I H last Sunday, when tv/o hundred, or more, men and women with children
IV demonstrated in front of his residence warning him in a threatening tone
to vote for the Barbour Bill and for the referendum for the establish-
ment of prohibition.
"Some members of the Legislature and the city coimcil are liberal minded and
opposed to blue laws," LIr. Cerraak said, "but they often indulge in passing: un-
premeditated remarks as, 'they might vote for prohibition,* and by using them
as a sort of threat, they blur and confuse the whole issue. Our nev;spapers
ought to keep an eye on these men and submit their actions to severe criticism,
in due time."
iilr. Cervenka introduced LIr. Kramer, president of the United Societies, v/ho re-
lated his interviev/s with several members of the Legislature, each of whom de-
clined to prognosticate the outcome of the voting on the blue bill but produced,
in lieu of a promise, circulars in which resolutions, recommending laws by which
our state would be hurled into an abyss of fanaticism, v/ere published. These
I B 1 - 3 - BOHSIvgAIT
III B 1
I F 4 Dennl lUasatel , Ivlar.. 27, 1917.
I F 5
I H circulars were passed vjith the aid of bo;'"S and girls of sectarian
IV churches and schools. Mr. I-Iramer hopes, hov;ever, that just as in the
State of Missouri the rural vote was overwhelmed by the vote of St. Louis,
Chicago will manage to beat the country districts, three-Q.uarters of whose
votes are for prohibition.
In taking the floor, Llr. Cervenka viewed with alarm the extent to which pro-
hibition has gained a dominant position in the various states (tv;enty-five to
date), and hov/ almost one-half of Congress is for prohibition, where only two-
thirds are necessary to make the blue bill a law. "The situation in Illinois
is so extremely critical," the speaker stated, "that the brewers are afraid to
invest in their business, apprehending eventualities. A constitutional con-
vention, in these portenteous times, may bring a constitution worse than the
present one. IVithin one year Chicago will have to vote on prohibition and v/ill
have to face the issue," predicted the speaker.
ISr, R. Svoboda observed that this country has ceased to be a land of libertj
im.o
I B 1 - 4 - B0E2MIAI'I
III B 1
I F 4 Deimf Hlasatel , Ivlar. 27, 1917.
I F 5
I H but has become one of usurpation and fanaticism,
IV _ _
/ilderman /Otto/ Kerner announced, in mentioning Home Hule, that he has
worked out an ordinance, v;hich, if passed by the city council, v;ould then go
to the Legislature; it is designed to secure authority for the city council
to regulate the liquor trade, Ke v/as to submit the proposed ordinance on the
day of the present meeting. The referendum vdll be voted on by the public.
The speaker felt sure of the success of his ordinance, notwithstanding the
fact that some aldermen seem to have changed their minds to the detriment of
the proposed ordinance.
I.!r. Cervenka called for vigorous participation in the work of the delegates
who are to be sent to Springfield. I«Ir. Frank Liasek and Alderman Novak re-
gretted that the tavern keepers lag in interest for the anti-prohibition
movement, although they are the first to be hit by the adverse lav;s proposed.
"Many of them," they said, " do not even belong to the United Societies."
I B 1 - 5 - BOHailM
III B 1
I F 4 Deiml Hlasatel . Mar. 27, 1917,
I F 5
I H In defense of the liquor men rose LIrs. Sistek and Mr, Cermak, both
IV of whom described the tavern keeper as a forgotten man, who has no one
who would come to his support. The meeting v/as then adjourned.
?;^■
13 1 Bo?£i:.:i.jT ,^^
III 3 2 /^^^ ■
I H Denni -Uasatel , liar. 25, 1917. |3 H'.fJ ci
17
0ZJ^12 GALL I^ZrilTG AGAIII-T D2YS
The Oz3ch branch of the United Socioties is sendinr; out a call to ams in
defense of personal freedom. There is {'oin^ to be a :-,eetinc in the hall
of the Sokol CJhicano tonorrov; hight. The discussion v;ill center around the
Barbour ;^roposal for the ^oro'dbition of liT.uor in public halls, v/liich
threatens to nalce serious inroads into ou social activities. The Mani-
festo inviting; participation in the --orotest neetin-:: is signed by John A,
::;ervenl:a, president of the Bohe-iian section, and by A, J, Oemak, secretary
of the United Sociotie.i,
I B 1 BGEmim
I D 1 a
III B 2 Denni Hlasatel , Mar. 4, 1917 •
I F 6
I H DAITCES WITH LIQUOR
(Editorial)
Chicago refojraiers are preparing for another crusade against dance halls.
A woman reformer made a survey of dance halls and published a report
which contains nothing but the ancient complaint against dances where
alcoholic liquors play a part* She claims that the young people become
intoxicated, that indecent dances are allowed, and that dancing enter-
tainments are detrimental, on the whole, to youth. All of this is not
news to anybody, but it furnishes the professional prohibitionist with
means for experiments aiming at the abolition of drinking liquor at
entertainments. Some of the drys intend to protest to the city council
and, because they know they might not meet with success there, they
threaten to urge the state legislature to pass a law prohibiting any
kin/3 of liquor in dance halls. If such proposal becomes a law it would
I B 1 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I D 1 a
III B 2 Dennl Hlasatel , Mar. 4, 1917. ,,
IF 6 (p.? A
I H again mean a restriction upon decent societies who could not
arrange entertainments without liquor and would thus be
deprived of a little money, the larger part of which is usually diverted
into the treasuries of charitable organizations.
With due consideration of all circumstances, it must be admitted that
the main complaints against dance halls are justified, but the fault
lies in blaming all of the entertainments, with no discrimination
between dances given by respectable societies and those airanged by
private individuals. There are halls in Chicago vrtxere there is a
dance almost every nipht, where the worst rabble gather and police
tolerate them, as was shown during the recent investigation in the
"black belt" in the Second '.Vard and others. The investigators observe
the debauching in certain halls and then throw all of them into one and
the same basket. It is time to finally do away with the dens and to
o
I B 1
I D 1 a
III B 2
I F 6
I H
- 3 -
Denni Hlasatel, Mar. 4, 1917,
BOHEMIAN
leave decent entertainments unmolested, v^ich are conducted
more properly than private dances given by the Chicago
aristocracy in big hotels, objects of the recent investigation by police.
I B 1 30H3rJIAII
III B 1
I F 3 Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 21, 1914.
IV
III TII^ IIvTZRSS? 01 EilRSOIlAL LIBZITIY
The City Council of Chicago has before it non two proposals v;hich constitute
a new attack by pussyfooting taaperance mongers against tlie liberal element. ^
One of these proposals v;ould prohibit any cafe from doin^ business within ^
250 feet of a school or a church; the other v;ould forbid the sale of alcoholic ^.
beverages in dance halls after 1 ^.. LI r-
The voting on tbese proposals is expected to take place in a week from today, o
December 28. The Sdruzene Spolky {United Civic Societies) of Chicago soon ^
became aware of the danger these ordinances hold for tiie liberal olenient of S
this country, and particularly for social organizations which ovai various "*
public halls
Protest meetings against these proposals are being held all over the city;
I B 1 - 2 - 30EjI:JI.JT
III 3 1
I ? 3 Denni Illasatel . Dec. £1, 1914.
IV
one such meeting, called by the Bohemian section of the Sdruzene Spolky,
took place in the rilsen Park Pavilion resterda;'' afternoon. The attendance
was good, but by no means as large as it should have been, \;hen one considers
the grave nenace of these proposals. Mr. John ^x, Gervenka presided over the
meeting.... attended by all the aldermen of Bohemian '.vards, xvho gave the audi-
ence their assurance that they will do all in their pov.-er to prevent the en-
actment Oi these ordinances
The discussion was participated in by the chairman of the meeting, Llr. Cervenka,
Aldermen John Tonan, Jelix Janovskj', Otto Kemer, Held, LIcKichols, Bov^ler,
and Judge Joseph 3. 'Jhlir
The meeting ended vath an appeal by !.!r. OerverJca that Congressmen of Bohemian
districts be urged h-j telegram to v;ork against the adoption of Ilobson's
13 1 - 3 - DCKaJIiU^
III B 1
I F 3 Dennl IIL^satel . Dec. 21, 1914.
IV
proposal to introduce prohibition into the United states. This measure
vjill be voted upon in Congress tomorrow
-tj
c ^
I B 1 BOHEaUMI
I F 3
Dennl lilasatel . Dec. 17, 1914.
OUR VJEST3M SUBURBS
As our readers know, a deteriiiined fight is being waged by our Berwyn country-
men against the fanatics of prohibition. The Fourth and Fifth lYards are over-
whelmingly Bohemian, and there are many Bohemians in the other three wards.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the end of the "blue law" regime is in
sight
o
tr>
V/e regret, however, that among us there are men who are trying to persuade co
their neighbors to abandon this important work and to support with their !:^
votes the temperance rulers of our tovm. There are not many of them; in fact,
there are only a very, very few, but even these few prove that not all of us
know enough about o\xr own interests
Let us all unite behind this movement to liberate Berwyn from its "sabbatical"
(sic) rulers by next spring, when important elections will be held
I B 1 B0I-BI.Z;JI
Denni IILasatel , oept, 17, 1913,
/T^X^I7> :■ 7T.-' rri . J .rp—: ■•: ■.Tr\-rin~T
(Ijditorial)
"Je have been r;ondering vmy it is that the "diys" are trying so terribly iiard ^
to stop people fror. getting intoxicated, since it has been proved by experience ^
that it is better to overdrink than to overeat. Overeating results in life- -^
long suffering frori indigestion, 'vhile overdringing doesn't cost i.iore than a ^^
day of feeling li2-:e — after the night before, g
o
13 1 BOHESJIAIT
I H
IV Denni Hlasatel , Aug, 13, 1911.
ALDSRI,!Hl^I .-JJTON J. CSRMAiC AGAINST DHUGGISTS
IK th: PHCHIBITIOIT DISTHICT
The secretary of the United Societies, .alderman jlnton J. Cerinak, announces
that the druggists in the prohibition district on the South Side
freely and without punishment violate city ordinances and State laws
and that they sell intoxicating liquors, without having the necessary
license. Mr. Cenaal: made the rounds accorapanied by his chauffeur,
stop-ninr also in Kyde Fark. They were both successful in getting all
the whiskey they v/anted from all the drugstores they visited. The
city ordinance permits drugr^ists to sell \*iiskey for medicinal ptirposes
only, but Llr, Cermak and his companion v/ere able to get whiskey every-
where without a doctor *s prescription , •
Prohibitionists have a standard excuse for this condition; they say
that they are not against drinkin;^, but against saloons.
I L 1 -(in.'iAi:
I 7 4
Denni 'Ilasa'.el , Apr. 1, iril,
/7.': iijjcr. ;:c3e:,:iciJ
larre nuubers of our countr5T,i3n v;lio live in 'jha 34:tli and btli Jards,
v/ill vote in Tuesday's election. In addition to fillin- tliG offices of
r.ayor, aluSKianic, and other city offices, tj;3 inportant ouesticn of
-.vPether or not the u .dirnified i:Cthodof rsnev;in{: saloonlreepers' licenses
in that part of the city v.tiich for:.ierly belon;:ed to Cicero shall ho con-
tinued.
I'Siiiy Eohe:.'.ians are settled in this pp.rt of tha city. In this .hole dis-
trict, the 3aloonl:eeper is reiiuirod to secure ^he sir:natures of a Majority
of the citizens residing .;ithin half a mile of his plc.ce of Lusiness lefore
he can have his license renev/ed. 'Jhis is because in this section an ordi-
nance is in force froir; the tiiio vjhen the district still belonped to Gicero,
and vvas only sparsely settled, Tnis ordinance has been trie source of ra;ch
difficulty, not only for the saloon}:eepers , but for the citizens as v/ell.
: mi
— ^. X ^ — Aj — - Li--... !-;^.
T '"' '
Donni lllasatel . .vcr, 1, 1911.
j^'/ice oach year, the saloonkeeper h_d to seek sinatures to his potition,
thereby disturbinf the c;^uiet of the ^leople^S '■.ones. Tut that v;as not all.
After tho salooiiiliesper, cajie t:ie prohiuitioi.ists, a;estioni:ir each si'-ner
as to v.'hether he really sirned the salooif<eej)er' s petition, and police
also carn.o to officially ascertain zhs ler-ality of the si -natures.
In order to do av.'ay vith this unnecessary annoyance to the citizens, and
in orde:- that this district irdpht te foverned hy the ordinances and reru-
laticns in force throuchout the r.jsl of Chica.c:o, an election v;ill he held
in that section next 'l^iesday. .T-Ccordiny to the ordinance, ur.on ',:hich the
anrexation of zhe a":ove luentioned district v/as carried out, tho ..luestion,
"Shall an ordir.ance be accepted v/hei-eby pov/er to issue licenses in that
district -/ill be ranted," nust be suuaittei to the voters for decision.
Cur countr:':.:en, r.s is u:'derstood, v;ill vote for the issuance of licenses,
and v;ill :-arh a cross after the '.;ords: "For Drai-.i Shops." In that v/ay,
they v.dll sipnify that the; are for the principles of personal liberty.
^
I I: 1 - 3 - ECirg'Ix;!^
I ? 4
Denni Hlusatel . A-r. 1, 1911.
They will p.a:ce sure tliat th3:'r neighborhood is "overned Ly the sane lav/s
as are in force in the rest of _3hicaso. Thej'- v/ill mai'e provisions so
that neither they nor the saloonlieepers v/ill he unnecessarily annoyed
before each license period e::pires,
3very citizen livin.;- in the indicated district should clip the speci;ien
ballot found on pape nine of this paper, and rark the ballot he receives
next Tuesday accordinrly. This special ballot v;il.\ be issued in the 27th,
28th, 29th and 30th precincts of 5th .Jard, laid in all precincts of the
34th 'Jard lyinp \vest of 40th Avenue, and in all parts of 15th, 29th, 30th,
35th and 35th precincts of the 35t]i Jard -.rhich lie east of 4r-th Avenue.
BOHHlMIiiN
Dennl Hlasatel , Peb. 28, I9IO.
M^iSS ISSTING OP IHE UKITID SOGISTIES
II i)2 d (1)
IJ. ^ 2 s
III Aj e
Ix ^ 3
II A 2
II D 5
I B 2
I f 3 1
III A .
III G ' %
I C ^
I J ^
IV ^
^.i^^Jffi^eople are not ignorant of the fact that the prohibition Party g
does not attack the Chicago saloon only. They have long ago learned that '^",
the fanatical Prohibitionists' intentions are directed against personal ^^
liberty in general. There is hardly a single Bohemian in Chicago who does v^
not know the Prohibitionists* trump card, and consequently all know that
the Drys play a crooked game. All know that they want first to annihilate
the saloon, and that after they succeed in that, they will turn to other
issues and finally dictate to us not only what to drink but also what to
do at all times. This of course we shall not and must not allow to happen,
and it is therefore the duty of all liberal- thinking citizens to enlist in
one mighty army to repel the attack against the first strong fortress of
liberty, the saloon business. Bohemians will not be told by any one in the
- 2 - BOHSMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 28, I9IO,
world v;hat to drink, what to eat, and how to live. There is one person,
it is true, to whom vie will listen, — the physician whom we consult when we
are ill.
Mr. John A. Cervenka, first vice-president of the United Societies, opened
the meeting at 2 p. m. He was then elected chairman and explained to the
assembly the purpose of the meeting. He than gave the floor to !.?r. Michel s,
who immediately sailed into the prohibition movement v/ith these words;
"These people begrudge us the pleasure of having a glass of beer in an inn
7>
In the meeting held last night in the pilsen Sokol Hall under the auspices
of the United Societies the prohibition movement was thoroughly discussed,
so that not even one who may have lent a willing ear to the blandishments
of the Pharisaical Prohibitionists' could hesitate any longer to rise again-
st that riff-raff and fight them on every front. The hall overflowed with
enthusiastic liberals who filled it with peals of applause during everyone
of the speeches, which bristled with pointed remarks. »
- 3 - BOHSMIAH
Dennl Hi as at el , Feb. 28, I9IO.
with an agreeable conversation; they want us to drink in alleys and shantiest
as people drink in those sections where Prohibition has succeeded."
Mr. Michels was followed by Mr. Michaelis, editor of the Illinois rtaats -
Zeitung , who expressed his Joy at the tremendous response to the invitation
to this mass-meeting and then continued:
"We are all immigrants or the children of immigrants, and it is immaterial
how long we have been in America, Immigrants deserve great credit for the
development of this country, and that is why we are proud to be known as
immigrants. The Prohibitionists on the contrary are continually attempting S
to prove that as native Americans they are superior to the immigrant. V/ell, tr
I am glad to admit that they are Americans and the offsprings of Indianst
and Indians, as is well known, must not be allowed to take a single swig
of alcohol because this will result in an eruption of beastial ferocity
dangerous to their environment. But it is impossible to get along vdth
that paltry trash who have no red blood and no honor in them."
Alderman Anton Cermak, the next speaker, exposed by incontrovertible evi-
X
CO
- 4 - BOHSMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 28, I9IO.
dence and precise conclusions the hollovmess and falseness of the arguments
of Prohibitionists;
-o
"It is not a question of whether v;e shall have saloons in Chicago hut the 3>
question of personal liberty for every one of us. Prohibition cannot pro- ^
hibit the use of liquor, but it can put upon us such burdens that we shall r
be sorry that v/e have allowed affairs to go so far, \Ye still have the power ^
to destroy the Prohibition movement, but unless v/e do so now, it will rise o
to attack us over the entire state. The struggle will then have fatal pos- Lo
sibilities and may easily end in disaster, I wish to submit some figures ;^
which show that prohibition cannot forbid liquor but will put a burden upon *''
the liberal-minded taxpayer."
And then Mr. Cermak produced some very interesting statistical data. Ho
compared towns where there is no prohibition with such as are under the
heel of the drysj invariably in the former towns there were fewer instances
of punishment for drunkenness than in the latter. The reason for this, Mr.
Cermak said, is that in the free towns beer is used to quench the thirst.
- 5 - BOHEMIM
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 28, I9IO,
whereas in tovms v.-hich have prohibition liq.uor is consumed only to aggravate
thirst. Internal revenue from the sale of liq.uor has increased fifty per
cent in States which have adopted prohibition. In Chicago the sixth, seventh, ;_^
and twenty-fifth wards, dubbed » silk-stocking v/ards, " the very hotbeds of 5
Prohibition, yield $375t590 in city taxes for general consumption. The fiftht -^
eighth, ninth, twelfth, and twenty-ninth, populated by the liberal element, r-
pay $l,369i500. On the other hand, the general expenditure of the city for -r,
the upkeep of the prohibition wards is t^k3*3k5'7Q* while the liberal wards p
receive $868,738.86; this shows that the taxpayers of the liberal w^ards have :"
to pay for the prohibition wards populated by the wealthy. h3
After these telling comparisons a certain Gilchrist Lawson, a Protestant
preacher and a protagonist of prohibition, appeared and asked for the floor.
He demanded of ?.!r. Cermak whether it is not true that the inhabitants of the
prohibition wards, for the very reason that they are v/ealthier, are those
who maintain the charitable institutions for the benefit of the poor. The
arrogance of this half-crazy fanatic caused much indignation in the gather-
ing, but Mr. Cermak promptly demonstrated by figures which he had ready that
it is the poor who pay for the police in the rich wards, for the old people's
homes, and for the hospitals as v/ell. Mr. Cermak' s explanation had the de-
(i
- 6 - BOHZIalAR
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 28, I9IO.
sired effect, and the preacher retired with dejected mien.
In a "brief speech Mr, Cyril Jandus pointed out the economic consequences
of Prohibition.
"Seven thousand stores would have to close, and twenty thousand men vrould
have to look for other occupations; besides that, seven million dollars in
taxes would have to be raised from other sources, " he warned.
Congressman Sabath then took the floor and said: "This multitude of intel-
ligent men and v;omen and their attitude convince me that our liberty will
be preserved, and that no one will succeed in wresting it from us."
Mr. Sabath then charged the prohibitionists with taking money from the poor
without contributing any for their needs. He did not spare the heads of
the railroad and street-car companies, who almost without exception are
Prohibitionists.
"How well they care for their property and foster its growthl" the congress-
"X!
-T3
c..>
Ifc.
- 7 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 28, I9IO,
man exclaimed. "And what do they do for their working-men? v;hen a car is
damaged, they promptly have it repaired for further use. But when a man
■becomes incapacitated v/hile v/orking for then, ho is abandoned, and another \':
takes his place,"
The speaker characterized such behavior as downright criminal and unworthy
of citizens of the United States. Ke referred to the struggle against Pro-
hibition in the city of Baltimore, where as a speaker he had put the ques-
tion squarely before the leaders of the prohibition party:
"V/hat are you going to give the people in return for the saloon? Do you
think that working-men can gather in clubs like yours and drink champagne?
No, gentlemen, the working-man to-day needs the saloon for the discussion
of public affairs and as a place for social gatherings."
Several other speakers appeared on the platform and spoke in various lan-
guages. The meeting was an unqualified success. However, we recommend that
some one be engaged for the next meeting to speak in Bohemian for the bene-
fit of those who do not understand Hlnglish very well.
T - 1 bcil:iI....
Ill E 1
II D 1 Donni "lasulel . ?eb. J, I9IO.
I B 2
I p 1 u:;iTa> cccijti:::- ??UR:^:D ?c i^CT
I p 2
I c
5
?.l — .'•. stranKo procession moved through the uO'.;n-tcv;n yesterday, --men, v/om- ^.
en, .:-nd chilursn sinrin^ h:;..ii:St shoutinr- i;. pruise of the Lord, and jlunning, ^^
wrir;rlin£, one v/rithinc with Joy. '"hen the anci-^nt Israelites beEiered the ro
towTx of Jericho, they could not have r-ude p.cre noite taan the prohibiticn-
co
ist£ when they cc>rried their -Detitionc to the officos of the ^.oard of '^I'-^c- .0
tion .•:o:r."issioner£.
Cjr»
The leaders of the drys entered ^nd prei:ent:.d 74»S05 nai.-.es on their peti-
tions, 14»0CC nore than the lav; requires, in order to insure for themEelves
a x:lace on the ballot, Chica£-o has never ..itne::.ec; a tir.ilar aanifestation
of 3'ich ua^nitudc. It £,avc one the inipression, th-...t ..e ure. living- in the
'!iddle -■-.^.es, when swar-.s of fanatics peregrinated fro:r. tovm to tovrn and
gave vent to their rcli^^icus enoticnt in the nost absurd fathion.
Representatives of the United "ocieties, v.lll .ull on the 0'o:ii;:iicsioncrE to-
day with local option ac their nain object and also to demund an examination
I L 1 - 2 - i^Chii..!.::;
Ill 3 1
II D 1 Zi^ixd "lu^utcl . ?oh. J, 191c.
13 2
I ? 1
T ^ 2
of the rlrys* petitions to ascertuin hov; many ri&^.'ieG on ther;> ure fictitious
or beloric. to non-vctoi's, and hov; many r92ietitions were fraudulently used.
3>
>L>S-
Thesy petitiouE, as is v;ell knov.Ti, are for the purpose of £cttin: on ""jhe .^
"b£;liot tne :.ionier.tous question of v/hether the stilocn shall be allov;ec to '^'^
exist in ?hicuj_o. The Vr.iteL! "ocisties, in which the majority of our Bo-
heniian societies und clubs are included, done very littlo \j to the pres-
ent to meet the issue- effectively. It is to bo hoped that frc:n nov/ on they
v/ill apply tac.Ttcolvss vif_orously to cor^butln; the drvr, so that the rejoic-
ing; of these latter nay le chai;£-ed into ^nushinp of teeth on election day.
I B 1 BOHEMIAN
Svornost, January 24, 1896.
-o
NEW BOHEMIAN CLUB ^
I —
I —
The other day in Chicago the first Bohemian Temperance Club was inaugurated • ^^
Taking in consideration the names of the first elected officials, we have ^
a right to "be confident that all rules of prohibition will be observed to v^
th* letter. ^
to
The officers are President- Mr. Vaclav Kaspar; cashier- Mr. Anton Matuska;
pianist- Mr. Vincent Texemsky,
I B 1 BOHE?>-IM
Svornost . Jan. 10, 1S91
THOROUGH TEkPERAUGS EDl.'CATIOK - PlI-J'OSES Ai:i) L^TEODS OF 30i:a::iAiJ
* TSMPERAl^'CS UlvION - ^
In our nation?! orchard there blossons a p^irely American flower — how it 't-
will thrive the futiire will tell. Its first pin-pose is to educate the ^
youth of both sexes. Thus spoke to us the chief orgrnizer, Mrs. Leman of ^
Cleveland, Ohio. 'The second end main purpose is moderation. However, ■ o
that is a far reaching conception — we would rather call it according to ^
current usage of word Temperance L^oderation is a very ^^ood thing and we S
have succeeded after a short conversation with the la.dy, to have her •«*♦
f Tank] 7 admit that she realty ler^ns towaJ"As strict teraperajice oecai.ise
drinking of alcohol is h-.-^rmfiil to mankind.
I 3 1 BOEilMAxr
Srornost. Jan, 9, 1891»
2^0EBMIAN WOMENS» CHRISTIAN OJIMFERANCE UNI(W ORGANIZAIlT'
As stated in yesterdc'^/'s Synrnost the trr-ric^'"- of the Bohenirn ■•'oTnen's lenper-
p.nce Union was or.j;anized. Tl;is news will reach our readers in a happy mood.
In its firpt me^r^tinig we h.?d c hot d^he.te hetween the partisans ex>A Inde-oen-
dents, "both parties fighting for the Bohemirn 'brgnch of *^hica,;o. l-rs, Jose-
fina Lena.n of Cleveland, Ohio is non-prrtissn <?nd the Chicr^go "branch was or-
ganized t-ie s.?me. A?, soon as the oartisajis learned of the nesting place
t?iey rushed for it rnd had lone talks.
iVrs. vj-rubh of Xrnsgs and hrs. Kuchins of <^hicac;o explainin-^ the bright
futiire of the organization on the Independent side and Mrs. l-inerva K.
2liott on the partiSc-^n side.
Then it was agreed to vote, which ended in great msJorit/ to stay Indepen-
dent .
13 1 ; ^0HF]!:iA2I
Svornogt . Jpn. '■', ISll
3>
The Bohftr.upn ""'onen's Christian Te v)or.^nne Union" '."p.p or^-jpnit^ed in trse .^
::et''Odi§t r^hurch ^t'i'rlsted Pind 30th Streets. Officers elected were f-
j'.isr Ocesek, president pnd !'iss "prin Vilik, secretarj. "^,
sc
cr
It 'vas or,>-!ni"ed by secrst^rie? of Olevelrnd, Ohio, V.r?. Jopef.-^ Lo-n^n, 1~
:.'.rs. Jrubb of >nsaR. ^
Mrs, }'utchins, PreFi-'.ent of o:r city w-^st side hrmch and :>?. "'inerva
K. Eliott, President of ti e IlMnoi? Trj^ajiij^ation v?ere ? leakers.
I. ATTITUDES
B. Mores
2. Blue Laws
•*
I B 2 BOHSMIAIT
I F 1
I ? 3 Denni Hlasatel , Nov, 5, 1922,
I F 4
THE IMPORTANCE OF THS SMALL avXLOT
^bstractT^
All Gzechoalovak voters are hereby advised to vote for a change of the Volstead
Act, The Chicago voters and all other voters in our county will have an
opportunity to vote for either of the two propositions placed before them on
the so-called small ballots One of these small ballots will contain a
proposition asking that the present prohibition act be changed in the sense
that the manufacture and sale of five per cent beers and light TrtLnes be
permitted. It is a referenduiii vote which gives the voters an opportunity to
express their opinions as to prohibitory laws, and in reality this is the first
time that such an opportimity has been given them.
The Eighteenth Amendment to the National /federall Constitutioi '.Tas approved
by state legislatures and the Volstead Act was approved by the Congress, but
in neither case were the American people asked what they thought about such
I B 2 - 2 - BOHPaTIAN
I F 1
I F 3 Dennl Hlasatel , Nov. 5, 1922,
I F 4
limitations of their ri£:hts. Both the Eighteenth Amendment and the
Volstead kctj were adopted against the wishes of the majority of American
citizens, and these citizens see the necessity of using such devices by means
of which the forfeited rights taken by Congress may be returned to the people.
Next Tuesday the Illinois voters will have the first opportunity of proving
by their votes that they are dissatisfied with the existing prohibition laws,
and that they desire that these be reduced in their region. More than half
a million of voters in our state have signed a petition for a referendum vote
on this question, and this in itself is a proof that the people are dissatisfied
with the constant limitations of their rights. But half a million voters are
only a part of the number of Illinois voters who will cast their ballots next
Tuesday, and of the Czechoslovabs who are thus to vote there should not be one
vdio would not vote against the present prohibition law. We are convinced that
there is not a single Czechoslovak citizen who would not wish to change the
existing prohibition law, and it is therefore necessary that every one of us
I
I B 8 - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I F 1
I F 3 Derail Hlasatel . Nov. 5, 1922*
I F 4
place a cross after the word "yes" as provided for on the small ballot.
We call the attention of our people to this small ballot knovjing that it
frequently happens that such small ballots are easily overlooked iftien a
person deals with such large ballots as he will on next Tuesday. We repeat
that It is necessary to place a cross behind the word "yes," thus giving an
affirmation to the proposition permitting the manufacture and sale of light
wines and beers*
-c
The second small ballot will deal with the permission to float a bond issue x
for fifty-five million dollars to pay a bonus to the soldiers and sailors ^
of Illinois who served during the World War. Ihe last legislative session t:..
approved the bonus but referred the giving of the permission to float the ^
bond issue to the people. We believe that our soldiers and sailors should
receive that bonus. When thej'' marched to battle there was not one of us who
would have denied such aid to them, and there is no reason why such aid should
I B 2 - 4 - BCKSMIAN
; I F 1
I I F 3 Demi Hlasatel> Nov, 5, 1922.
I F 4
be denied thsra hoxt. We are certain that a great majority of our
Czechoslovak voters will vote for the bonus. ♦,.»
CJ*
I B 2 BOI-ISLIIAN
I F 1
I F 3 Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 17, 1922.
IV
IV (Jev^ish) Tias IS CUR FIGHTI
(Front-Page Editorial)
The Czechoslovaks of the old homeland fight for the social reforns of their ^
country. They try hard to bring order into chaos, to contribute to the ^
happiness of the v/hole /nQtlonsJlJ community. '.-Je, as citizens of this new ^
homeland, should follov; the example of our brothers beyond the seas, and '-^
unite in an effort to conbat the forces of fanaticism, forces v;hich in this ^
land of liberty are more and n:ore coining control in an endeavor to influence ^-
the rest of the population and to dictate to it v/hat it nay or may not do.
The aim of these fanatics is to shackle the masses, thus making it im-
possible for them to act independently and to think freely. But as long as
v;e are here their plans shall miscarry. The Czechoslovak men and women
voters know their responsibilities to the whole society and to the nation
whose citizens they have become, and they are aware of the responsibilities
tr
I B 2 - 2 - BCHSHIAH
I F 1
I F 3 Denni igasatel . Oct. 17, 1922.
IV
IT {Je:7ish) to ther^elves. And the responsibilities which they have
assimed they aim to discharge till the very end, ^
The first of these responsibilities is that of registering, and every one =:
of us v;ho has his citizenship papers and who has lived at least one year '^
in this state, three months in the county, and thirty days in his precinct :o
inclusive of election day, ought to go to register at once in order to be 3
able to join our fighting ranks and to be entitled to use his vreapon~the "cu
ballot, §
Today is the last registration day. VJhoever neglects this day to have his
nane entered on the register of voters, is lost to the cause so dear to
us all, so iiriportant to all of us. .jid should the outcome of our struggle
be \mf avorable , the guilt v/ould chiefly fall upon the shoulders of those
who, in a decisive moment, by their indifference and procrastination,
\
I B 3 - 3 - 50ESt!IAN
I F 1
IPS Dennl Elasatel , Oct. 17, 1922.
IV
IV (Jewish) abandoned their brothers before the battle started.
In the forthcoming November election we are chiefly interested in certain %
principles v/hich v;e v/ish to see victorious and v/hich we shall therefore ^
support; v;e are also interested in certain individuals whom v/e know to be p
honest and who will work v/ith all their energies for the v/ell-being of ^
all the citizens, and because of whose work we, the Czechoslovaks of Cook 3
County, shall gain the respect of the rest of the citizens. The gain will r-
be everybody » s
V7e Czechoslovaks have always fought that justice should be done where
justice needed to be done, and as for liberty, we have never hesitated to
sacrifice our substance and our lives that it might be. These same ideals
have Rorjj also become our objectives as citizens of Chicago and Cook County.
It is these ideals that will be our raonitors as we go to the registration
OJ
CD
— J
13 3 - 4 - BOHELIIAN
I F 1
I F 3 Dennl I-aasatol . Oct. 17, 1922.
IV
1 IV (Jewish) of voters today, and as v/e qo to the ballot boxes three
weeks hence.
"O
The fanatical "dr^^s" recognize in Anton J. Ceimak their bitterest enemy; ^
they recognize hira to be the leader of liberals, the champion of all those F
who long for liberty. It was these fanatics v/ho issued a call to all their C
partisans not to fail to register their votes so that Mr. Cerniak might be 2g
defeated in his candidacy for the most important office — that of the 2
president of the coxmty board of comr:.issioners. 3uch a call must not be w
allowed to go unchallenged by us who stand back of i>Ir. Cenaak and all that
he represents.
Let us see to it that every one of our countrymen who failed to register
ten days ago, registers today, .'vnd those of us who will go to our
precincts to perform this duty, should avraken the sleepy ones and the
^N5
13 2 - 5 - BOIISLIIAII
I F 1
I F 3 Denni Ilia sat el . Oct. 17, 1922.
IV
rV (Jewish) lackadaisical and the deaf. Let us lead the politically
blind v/ho happen to live in our neighborhoods.
There v/ill be other countrymen of ours besides Lr. Cerriak, v/hose candidacies
and election should be equally important to us. It is most important to
us that our state representatives personify all that which has become our
credo and the basis of our ^olitical^ convictions. V/e must have men in
the legislative branches of our covernraent who are of us, who understand us, r^
vrho knov; ■^That v;e v;ant, and who can defend our interests v;ithin their spheres ^
of activity. All that for v/hich I'x, Cennak and the rest of us who are behind ^
him, stand, may be gained only by legislative means. It is therefore abso-
lutely necessary that by today's registration and by the November election
v;e help to secure the victory for Congressman Adolf J. Sabath, whose long
record in the Congress of the United States is v/ithout blemish. From the
nineteenth senatorial district v;e desire to elect Mr. Albert B, Holecek,
who by his entire upbrii:iging, his thorough education, and his spotless
3*
5C3
I B 2 - 6 - BOIIELIIAN
I F 1
I F 3 Denni Hlasatel , Oct. 17, 1922.
IV
IV (Jev;isli) character, gives us a guarantee tbat always and in all places
he v/ill defend us, the poor folk, the foreign-language groups
and the Czechoslovak people to ivhom he has always been sincerely devoted.
Let us meet today, therefore, at the registration desks, and three weeks
hence at the polls!
The registration offices will be open today — Tuesday — until 9 P. lil. to
give an opportiinity to evei^body v/ho has not yet had such an opportunity.
At the last registration ^en days ago/ aore than 400,000 voters were
registered, v;hich is about one half of the people of the county who have
the right to vote. The reason for this discrepancy is most probably the
inclement weather, and also perhaps the fact that Saturday is not a particu-
larly good day for the v;omenfolk. Besides that, thousands of voters imagined
that there was tine to do it later, and delayed registering till the next
day. It is therefore probable that they will do their duty today
/Translator's note: Porty more lines (about one-fifth of a colxmn) continue
-o
O
I B 2 - 7 - BCHELJAJ^
I F 1
I F 3 Denni Hlasatel , Oct. 17, 1922.
I\T
TT (Jev/ish) in this vein, but since they are constant repetitions of
the importance of registering, I have omitted translating
thenu7
o
o
13 2 30IIEI.JLmT
IV
Denni Elasatel . Oct. 6, 1922.
CZECHD3L0YAKS PROTEST iiG^iINST PROHIBITION
(Announcement)
A Czechoslovak mass meeting against prohibition v;ill be held on Friday, October 6,
1932, both afternoon and evening, in the Pilsen Park pavilion and in Pilsen ^
Park, V/est 26th Street and Albany Avenue. The meeting will begin at 2 P. 1.1. ^
The admission is only fifty cents per person, emd tickets are beinc sold by all if.
saloonkeepers. 1^. .-^nton J. Cermak, the chainpion of human rii::hts, and other —
speakers v/ill address the meeting. There v;ill be four different orchestras -^
playing in the Park Cf the many attractions vre mention only the ^-
follov;ing: iJi Indian reservation in v;hich dishes cooked in the Indian style v/ill S
be served by the most chariaing Indian i.iaidens. The meal and drink tickets will
be sold by ladies representing Liberty. iCach ticket thus sold will count as
five votes in the interest of liberty regained. /There will be/ the Liberty
Bell, the Spirit of 1776, /and/ many other attractions. The entertainment will
be exemplary in every respect.
in
I B 2 - 2 - BOEEIO:/,!!
IV
Denni Tllasatel . Oct. 6, 1922.
This HESS neetin^^ to be preceded by an autoraobile parade on October 4, 1922,
at 7 P. l:., startiac fron the Tovm of Lake, Pilsen, Boheinian California, and
Lav/ndale districts/, and from Cicero, Illinois. ^Tocations of the various
starting points for the several sections of the parade are omitted in
translation^
3=-
0\vners of cars and supporters of the principle of personal rights of man are
/hSTeh^ asked by the committee on arrangements to participate in Viednesday*s r-
parades, and without regard to party politics and religious creeds to come to X,
the great popular meeting to protest against prohibition. §
This is most important. Do not forget — Friday, October 6, 1922 J ^
I B 2 BOH£I.j;jT
I F 5
IV Denni Illasatel . Oct. 4, 1922.
HI BiKriLF OF PE2S0IIrtL FlfiilSDOIJ
All of our large Bohemian neiehborhoods will arrange a splendid automo- ^
bile parade this eveninc. ihe parade, as previously decided, will be ^
in conjxmction vath a huge Czechoslovak laass meeting in the interest of ,-^
personal rights. Parades vail start at 7 P.k'. simultaneously in the fol- !^
lowing Bohemian districts: Pilsen, Bohemian Oalifomia, j^axvndale, Town ^
of Lake, and Cicero. The parades v;ill be limited to these districts, pass- g
ing through their main streets. ^^ previously announced in ;/esterday*s ^
issue, the various minor parades v;ill converge into a huge one in Pilsen ^
Park where the mass meeting is to be held. The parades vvil] form as fol- ^
lows: For the Pilsen district, in front of the Geskoslovenska i^^iiericka
Jin (Czechoslovak-.'iiaerican Hall); for the Bohemian California district, at
the comer of iLLbany Avenue and ./est 26th Street; for the Lawnda.le dis-
trict, at the intersection of Crawford Avenue and 31st Street; for Cicero,
Illinois, at the intersection of /est 26th Street and 56th Avenue; for
Town of Lake, in front of Ij:, Mauser's restaurant, on 48th Street.
-a
3>-
I B 2 - 2 - B0Ii5:.JM
I F 5
rv Denni laasatel , Oct. 4, 1922.
It is easy to iruaeine tiiat a great mass of our coiintryjien vvill attend
these parades. This is highly desirable, for the avowed purpose of the
parade is to shov: to the world that our people are really interested in
regaining personal liberty, v;hich the ^inerican people lost by the im-
position of the prohibition act. The der.onstration will also serve as '^
a stiraulus for a nore concerted action of all the liberal voters who will r;
thus have an opportunity to prove tha"o a large riajority of the people of -o
the state of Illinois desires a change. If this majority is to achieve o
its ends, if it is to have full meaning, it must be active. The owners "oo
of cars in all our 3ohe:aian neighborhoods fully comprehend the meaning of §
this demonstration and we may therefore expect them to turn out in full '-^
number tonight.
Tliere is to be another Czechoslovak mass meeting on Friday afternoon and
evening in Pilsen Park, V/est 26th Jtreet and South Albany Avenue. It will
begin at 2 P. I.:,, and those country.ien of ours ".vho attend it will have an
opportunity to hear the speeches of some of the most outstanding cliampions
I B 2 - 3 - 30I3EIJJ^I
I ? 5 ^
17 Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 4, 1922. 52
of huiaan ri^];ixts of the American people. Amonc the speakers will also be r"
Ur. Anton J. Cerroak, candidate for the office of president of the Cook -d
County Board of Cormissio.inro. j^'or nany years Ijc, Gemak has be^n head- 5r^
ing tiie strucgles for the preservation of personal ri^its. Besides the .1^
speakers there xvill be other attractions, such as four orchestras. Alto- t^
gether, the day proaises to oe filled with entertainment. '<^
IBS BOHEMIAIT
III B 2
II D 1 Dennl Hlasatel , Aug. 27, 1922.
III C
HOW SIOJATURRS VrSRE STODRHD ^
Astonishing Results of a Petition to Amend the Volstead Act ^
To prove that an overwhelraing majority of Chicago citizens is backing the C
petition... .a monster mass meeting will be held next Wednesday night at the ^
Coliseum. This demonstration meeting will also celebrate the completion of a 2
petition signed by about 500,000 citizens, 300,000 of whom are Chicagoans, the <o
rest suburbanites or residents of Cook County Ibe meeting will begin at
8 P.M. Half an hour before that time a large parade will start marching from
in front of the Pilsen Sokol, All of our Czechoslovak organizations will take
part in this protest meeting and parade, Ote officers of our organizations
promised the maximum attendance of members* These organizations include The
Sokolska Zupa Stredni (Central District of the Anisrican Sokol union) , the Grand
Lodge of the Cesko-Slovanske Podporujici Spolky (Czecho-Slavonic Benevolent
societies), Ceskoslovensti Leglonari (Czechoslovak Legionnaires) , Cesko>Americka
Jednota (Bohemian- American Union), Jednota Taboritu (Taborites), Cesko-slovanska
I B
2
III
II ]
III
B 2
D 1
C
- 2 - BOHMIM
Dennl Hlasatel, Aug. 27, 1922. jj
Jednota (Czeclio-Slavonic Union) , Cesko-Americtl Lesnlci a Lesnice (Bohemian- 5
American Foresters), Sesterska Podporujici Jednota (Bohemian Sisterhood), ci.
Jednota Ceskych Dam (Bohemian Ladies* Union) , Ustrednl Jednota Cesko-Ane- r^
rlckych Dam (First Central Union of Bohemian- Aneric an Ladies), Distriktni Svaz 3
Ceskych Katoliku (District Alliance of Bohemian Catholics), Sdruzeni Katolickych 3
Lesniku (Bohemian Catholic Order of Foresters) , Statni Odvetvi Katolickeho ^
Delnika (State Branch of Bohemian Catholic Workingmen) , Sdruzeni Jednoty ^
Katolickych Zen (Federated Unions of Bohemian Catholic Women) , Sdruzeni Kato- ^
lickych Lesnic (Ladies* Catholic Order of Foresters) , Sdruzeni Katolickeho
Sokola (Union of Catholic Sokols) , and Chicagska Rada Ustredni Podporujici
Jednoty (Chicago Council of the Central Benevolent Union.)
I B 3 30E£I.nCAi:
I F 3
IV Denni pgasatel , Lar. 20, 1922.
Ill BEHALF OF PER30JL\L FRSEDOtl
A Protest Meeting of the Local Sdruzeni Svazu Svobodomi'-slnych
The same hall, v;hich a Tortnight ago v;itnesscd an unusually interesting
debate between Alderman Anton J. Cermalc and the apostle of the dries, '-'i
Alderman John i:. Lyle, harbored another mass protest meeting of our people. ^^"
The protest v/as directed against liquor prohibition and all blue laws 'J
generally, ilais time the meeting was called by the local Sdruzeni Svaau
Svobomyslnych (Federation of Bohemian Freethinkers) which invited some S
notables to address the meeting. The meeting ;vas a success as was expected --
by the co.'anittee on arrangements. In spite of inclement weather, the s
pavilion of tiie Tilsen Brev;erj'' Company was filled to capacity. ^
During the afternoon speeches were given in the Czech and the Snglish
languages. The subject of the liquor prohibition and its evil effects was
well handled by Lessrs. Vaclav Petrzelka, Jan Jelinek, Joseph Proebstle,
I B 2 - 2 - 30E3I.:iAi:
I ? 3
IV Denni Hlasatel , Lar, 20, 1922.
the last-named being a secretary of the International Association of
Brev;ery "ror]iers of Cincinnati, Ohio. Other speakers were IuT. Laclaskey,
secretary of the American Secular Union, County Treasurer F. J. Carr,
Senator Joseph J. Boehm, and othsrs. All of them have tried to shavj that rj
the liberal element vras not particularly concerned about a barrel of beer •'"*
or a bottle of v;hisl:ey, but it concentrates its efforts to defend personal ^
freedom to choose, and the freedom cf conviction ^hich is the7 richt of -^
every nan. M
Particularly remarkable vrere the arguments advanced by Alderman Anton J.
Germak. .,.i:r. Cermak has for a number of years been the president of the
United Societies for Local Self Govcrmaent; he opposed the ei'forts of
prohibition pussyfooters both in the state legislature and in the City
Council, and being a man v;ell versed in public affairs, he is surely
most competent to judge the question of prohibition. In yesterday* s
speech he threw more light on the subject in a manner v/hich ought to be
13 2 - 3 - 50HELX\N
I F 3
IV Denni Illasatel . Liar. 20, 1922.
of particular concern to taxpayers. Ke revealed that d\iring the tv/o-and-
one-half years since prohibition was introduced the city of Chicago v/as
deprived of y20,000,000 in revenues. Today li- nor is sold as before, v:ith ^
the only difference that neither the federal government nor the municipal 75
administration derive any profit therefrom, and that there are only a few <^
individuals v.-ho have gained by the systeu. lie v/as sorry to say that the •"
"blame for this is mainly attributable to the indifference of the public. -ci
IThen, in the days past, people v/ere v/arned to be on their guard against o
the prohibition^ system, no one v;ished to listen to these warning voices,
and everyone dismissed the subject \;ith a "it v;ill never happen".
But v/hat seemed to be an impossibility became a fact, and today the coiintry
groans under the yoke of react ionarj'' lav/s....In Washington they point to the
State of Illinois which enjoys the reputation of being the most liberal
state, as being also the driest state of the Union. This vras brovight about
by the faithless actions of those congressmen who were elected by liberal
13 2 - 4 - 30HSR!IAH
I F 3
rv Denni Hlasatel . uar. 20, 1922.
folk vjham. they betrayed. Thereupon Alderman Cemak outlined a method
v;hich ;.ould serve to correct the creat eiror. At this tine there are
petitions circulatinf: among our population in v/hich it is asked that Congress
and the state legislature amend the law in such a v;ay as v;ould perr,iit at least -^
the manufacture and sale of beer and light ./ines. In order that this question ^
may be handled by ballot and thus become the expressed opinion of the general -^^
public, six hundred thousand sigjiatures are necessary. Jveryone v/ho desires, r^
therefore, that the law be amended should sign this petition. At the same ^
time it is important that every signer of this petition register for the
polls, for the prohibition zealots v/ill surely see to it that the petitioners*
names be checked over, and the unregistered ones be stricken off.
There v/ill, of course, be another registration of voters before the L'ovember
elections, out that one v;ill be of little use as regards the present problem,
since the petition must be filed before that time. The law requii^s that a
petition be filed at least sixty days before elections, and the fall
?>;'
I B 2 - 5 - BOIgI.:L\II
I F 5
IV Demii lilasatel , Lar. 20, 1922.
registration v/ill take place later, ".."hoever v.-ishes to sicn this petition,
nay do so in the real-estate office of Oermalc and SerLant, 26th Street and
Eoman Avenue.
The neaning and significance of the petition, and -.vhat it is to accomplish
was discussed in a comprehensible manner by i..r. Jan A. Cervenka, Pie stressed
the fact that the petition alone :loes not mean that one has cast a ballot, it
is merely an expression of opinion, of the combined opinion of many people -^
who have signified their unv;illingness to have such strini7,ent lav/s and
viish an amendment.
The meeting '.vas characterized by much enthusiasm, and the many signatures
which v/ere appended to the -oetition blanks bear proof that our people are
determined to remove the ^^^ohibition evil/. Pauses betiveen individual
speeches v/ere filled by excellent music furnished by our tambour orchestra,
v/hich played several fine compositions and reaped its revrard of applause.
I B 2 BOHaivlLiN
IV
Dennl Hlas^tel , Kar. 6, 1922.
BOTH t^lUS,S OF THE PHOHIBITIOIJ PH0BL3LI
rtXi Interesting Debate between Aldermen
Anton J. Cerradk and Jolm A. Lyle
3»-
The Czechoslovak taxpayers, together with taxpayers* associations of the
Twelfth Ward, called a mass indignation meeting for yesterday afternoon. The p
main feature on the program was a debate between Alderman ;inton J. Cermdk of ^
the Twelfth Ward and his colleague, Alderman John H. Lyle, of the Thirty-second §
Ward. Both debated the question of prohibition, a question which at the ^
present time promises to beccme a campaign issue of national importance. ^
Therefore it can be understood why the debate attracted such a large number cJi
of listeners. The Pilsen Brewery pavilion was filled to capacity. Cermdk
and Lyle are, above all otners, the proper persons to engage in a debate of
this kind; the former has for many years been a champion of personal liber-
ties; the latter is well known as a mouthpiece of the drys, not only within
the City Council itself, but ^vherever he happens to be. The meeting was
presided over by Mr. Hanus with LCr. J. Liska as secretary. ALdenaan Cermak
I B 2 - 2 - BOKSSaAN
IV
Dennl Hlasatel , Mar. 6, 1922.
opened the meeting and introduced Alderman Lyle who was to prove that the
prohibition law met with an undeniable success. ^
-a
J*
Mr. Lyle, vrtio is an attorney, is a good speaker, but nevertheless his talk was ^::^
very disappointing to everybody who listened to him, and his audience was aware r;
that he is supposed to be one of the most ardent Prohibitionists. He defended -o
an issue, which in spite of all its moral and humane punctilio is basically o
fanatical and bad. Lyle*s task therefore, was erbranely difficult. Since "o,
prohibition, which was forced upon the people of this country, cannot have a S
logical basis, it must needs have a recourse to sentimentality, Lyle tried to ^
show that while saloons were in existence, the people who frequented them spent
all their earnings in them; spent more than they could afford, causing suffer-
ing in the family. He tried to show that prohibition lowered the percentage of
crimes, taught people how to economize, and that its good fruits will be borne
by the next generation. He likewise endeavored to argue that taxes are not
higher as a result of the prohibition law, but because public life has been
corrupted by politicians who are in the service of rich corporations to whom
I B 2 - 3 - BOHEMIAN
IV
Dennl Hlasatel , Mar. 6, 1922.
they sell their privileges at the expense of the comnon weal.... At the end >•
of his speech he paid a doubtfvil compliment to the assembled citizens: "Either "^
respect the law as good American citizens or go back to the country you came r;
from." These words evoked a storm of protest. ^
o
To these shallow arguments, it was an easy task on the part of Alderman Cermak c^
to answer. Mr. Cermedc overturned thera one after another, and in many instances c;^
he did not spare the horses. First of all he showed that prohibition does not ^
render people more moral but, on the contrary, it degrades them. It lowers
the respect for all law and incites citizens to circumvent it. People today
do things vdiich in times past they would not have thou^t of doing. Crime is
on the increase, not on the decrease. After eighteen months of prohibition
in the city of Chicago alone there were more hangings than for the entire
decade preceding the prohibition. The people of this country did not desire
prohibition, at least not such stringent measures as are prevalent today. But
the people were not given an opportunity to vote on the question generally..,.
It is therefore very incorrect to make such wholesale assertions as were made
3>
I B 2 - 4 - BOEEMAN
17
Deaini Hlasatel . Mar. 6, 1922.
by the speaker. ...Mr. Cermak finished by saying that the right to protest
against excessive legislation rests with every citizen, and that consequently
such a citizen cannot be accused of disloyalty to the constitution. IVhen we ?=
had more liberal laws which were not pleasing to the members of the Prohibi- ^
tion party, no one asked them to leave America and "go back to the country you "S
came from". When the time arrives again to vote on the issue, there will be 2
enthusiastic citizens who will vote it out of existence, even those who in- ^
habit Mr, Lyle*s own Ward. ,^
This was the tone of the whole debate; the listening public heard the debate
calmly rewarding especially Mr. Cermak' s refutations with unstinted applause.
If there were some of us who were a bit more enthusiastic than others they
must remember that in their zeal they ought not insult an educated person and
a public official, especially one whom we have invited to come into our own
midst; we should use tact and civility. For when we criticize fanatics we
ought not fall victims to fanaticism of another kind.
I B 2 BOEaailAN
IV
Dennl Elasatel , Mar. 5, 1922.
A PR0T3ST MEETING OF THE CZECHOSLOVi^
CITIZENS IN THE PILSEN PAVILION
An indignation meeting will take plac^ today in the Pilsen Park pavilion. A
large number of our Czechoslovak citizens are protesting against curtailments
of personal liberty and are preparing to voice their indignation in this meet-
ing which promises to be well attended. As a special attraction, the program
will include a debate between Alderman Anton J. Cermak who will speak for the
preservation of personal liberties, and Alderman Lyle who will defend prohibi-
tion. Other matters such as high taxes, will also be discussed in this meet-
ing. Czechoslovak taxjjayers ard citizens are urged to ccme in great numbers.
c
IBS ^CI^!I^1T
Denni ?Ilasatel , Nov, 3, 1921,
PnOHIBITICK HI THE AI^T^IC/^T F-JESS
The majority of American newspapers have alv/ays been enthusiastic supporters
of prohibition. It is only lately that many of them have come to the con-
clusion that strict prohibition lav/s are of no benefit to this country. The i
Chicago Tribune has been one of those few papers v;hich n ver have catered to 3e
prohibition, which have never agreed with it; and its editorial articles have
been severely critical of all self-appointed reformers and their senseless
activities. Lately it has again printed an article of a nature such as has
hardly ever appeared in the Merican press. Here are a few interesting ex-
cerpts from it:
It is reported that Russia intends to do away with prohibition, as far as it
concerns beer and v;ine, but not, however, raising the ban on vodka, brandy,
and other forms of hard liquor, Russia is one of the present or former first-
class powers which have tried absolute prohibition. The United States is the
second, and Turkey the third.
-D
I B 2 - 2 - ■BOimOAll
Denni Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1921.
Russia has received her prohibition from one autocrat ancl has kept it under
another. Of these tv;o, Nicholas was less bloody than Lenin. He was weaker,
and perhaps more general in his murderous tendencies, because the Czarist
system was more murderous in its oppression. Lenin is stronger, but absolute-
ly v;ithout feeling, like a machine gun,
"Bone-dry Turkey has the lowest Jioral level of all so-called civilized countries,
All her women are permitted to have are their bodies, and the murdering of de-
fenseless subjects was being done vath an almost religious zeal. All this de-
gradation of human feelings and instincts has been taking place without the
incentive, provocation, or influence of alcoholic beverages, ''Je may not agree
on the causes v;hich made the Turks human tarantulas /s"ic/ but we must agree
that it was not drinking. In that respect they are as moral as V'ayne VJheeler
or VJ. J. Bryan,
Since we are talking about Asia, let us look at another nation which drinks
hard. It is Japan, It has its sake and distilled drinks made of various
-c
I B 2 - 3 - B0H5!.!IM
Dennl HI as at el , Nov. 3, 1921.
fruits, and it has its beer. Perhaps some Japanese are too poor to indulge
in drinking, but alcohol is a part of Japanese life. Japan is the greatest
Asiatic nation. The Japanese have their arts, literature, and their ideals,
which may not agree with ours, but they are ideals just the same. They have
an incomparable industry and an exemplary devotion to duty, and have what the
Turks lack, character. These are facts that everybody must admit, and the reader
may draw his ovm conclusion, ^
F-
Concerning Russia it has alv.ays been maintained that it suffered under the rule ^
of the Czar and vodka; and vodka \vas prohibited by the Czar. It was said that -c
Ivan's foggy brain started getting some vision, if such a thing was possible, o
Life's realities were nothing, life's pleasures naught. Vodka occasionally en
gave him a dream; without vodka he hsd not even that, '.'."hen Nicholas entered S
the war he took some nineteen or twenty million men, and put them into concen- '^
tration camps, and had weapons only for two million. Great masses of Ivans,
superfluous in the vrar, were drovming in their ovm inactivity, without work,
without vodka, without beer, without anything. Finally they murdered the
I B 2 - 4 - BOE^vTIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1921.
Czar and accepted Lenin, and with him they dived head first into the abyss,
murdering the arts and literature which Russia had had, ruining productivity,
turning their fertile soil into desert, creating for themselves famine and
pestilence, losing territory and ports they had gained as a nation that had
been growing stronger and stronger.
VJe do not v;ish to imply that the constitutionally dry United States v;ill go 5
after Abdul the Damned, or Lenin the Terrible, or that the /anericans are head- "=:
' r~
ing toward an abyss because they are not being heated up by alcohol, or at least r~
those Americans v/ho do net do so during constitutional prohibition. But it is -c
only proper to speculate why two of the three nations that heve refused legality o
to the old natural law of fermentation, have surJcen to the lowest levels and are l^
being destroyed by internal evils and external enemies. The French, this intel- S
lectually greatest nation, are drinkers of wine; the greatest Asiatics are «^'
drinkers of v/ine and liquors; the greatest builders of nations have been drinkers
of alcoholic beverages, and the nation of the greatest artists raises vdne grapes
on every other plot of land up to the edge of fiery lava from Vesuvius; and the
I B 2 - 5 - EOHE^TIM
Denni Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1921.
greatest organizers of industry and commerce, the wielders of the greatest
national power, the Germans, are drinkers of beer and wine.
Other local papers have lately been writing a great deal sbout the question
of medicinal beer and wine, and almost all of them agree that a new step has
been made toxvard the nullification of the prohibition laws and the final re-
turn of beer and wine. Of course, nobody is serious about medicinal beer.
There may be people v;ho believe that beer mey be a medicine, or at least a
tonic, but there are very fev; of them. One paper says in this respect:
"There are comparatively few people who are in agreement with the issuing
of medical prescriptions for beer or v;ine because they believe that neither §
of these two beverages has any special merit as medicine. The majority of ^
the people agree with that system^ because they want to drink and believe g
that they have the right to want to drink. And why should they not have that cjf
right? The ruling of Secretary Jlellon concerning medicinal beer and wine will
not dispose of this controversial question, nor can it be disposed of by the
new prohibition law which has been discussed in Congress for such a long time
-rs
IB 8 - 6 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1921,
and finally may be passed. Prohibition cannot last because too much property
is involved and affected, and because too many people are convinced that pro-
hibition is depriving thea of certain inalienable rights. The people will go
on violating the law while endeavoring to give it such interpretation as will
permit them to drink what they want and remain within the law while doing so.
The final outcome must be that all prohibition lav/s will be so adjusted as to ^
agree with the ideas of the majority of the American people.** ^
T3
5D
O
CO
ro
cr
I B 2 BOimTIAIT
Denni Hlasatel , Oct. 27, 1921,
A MATTER FOR TtlE COURTS TO DECIDE
During the last two days Chicago has been rejoicing over the regulation issued
by Secretary of the Treasury Mellon permitting the manufacture of medicinal beer
and wine. But the pleasure v/as of short duration. It was taken away by the
Attorney General of the State of Illinois, who declared that he would not per-
mit the sale of medicinal beer and wine, basing his decision on the search and
seizure law passed by the State legislature. His declaration was the topic of
many heated discussions, as the result of which the v;aning joy started gradual-
ly to return, owing to the fact that many prominent lawyers and experts voiced
the opinion that the law in nuestion v.-as unconstitutional and could not stand
against the last Governmental regulation, o
\Vhile these opinions were being voiced, "T. Scott McBride, the Illinois State
superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League, was severely criticizing the Federal
Government for loosening up the prohibition lavjs. He declared that in regard
to the question of medicinal beer and v;ine, the campaign for such beer and wine
o
I B 2 - 2 - BOHPailAN
Deainl Hlasatel , Oct. 27, 1921.
by people engaged in illegal traffic in alcoiiolic beverages, proved that the
real purpose of the agitation was not to malce beer and v.'ine available as
medicines but to cause a general slackening: or the regulations in regard to
the sale of all intoxicating beverages.
3e
Of course, the point of view of lawyers and legal experts upon this matter is
different. Most of them are of the opinion that a Federal law has precedence "^
of a State law in validity and interpretation. They are convinced that the ^T
State search and seizure lav; is unconstitutional, or at least out of place 3
and cannot be enforced as far as its application to physicians is concerned, 2
because it prohibits them from prescribing beer and wine to patients for v;hom jg
these beverages are an indispensable medicine. They also say that the whole
State prohibition law is unconstitutional because, on the one hand, it permits
the prescription of v;hisky as a medicine, while, on the other hand, it pro-
hibits the prescription of beer and wine for medicinal use. These same legal
authorities call the Illinois prohibition law farcial, saying that it makes
the saine impression as would be made by a cotton-grov;ing state v/hich vrauld
*«4
or
c
I B 2 - 3 - BCHl^JAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Oct. 27, 1921.
prohibit the use of cotton undemvoar, or, perhaps, a vegetarian legislature
which v;ould prohibit the use oi' beef broth or meat by patients who need them
for recovery. They say further that the vjhole State law and its drastic en-
forcement is far from the intentions of the legislators, v.-hose only purpose
was to limit the sale of v/hisky, beer, and wine, and not to prevent a sick ^
person from getting what has been prescribed for him by his physician, and
what he needs to regain his health.
Lawyer Levy "ay er, talking about the Tederal and the State prohibition laws
insofar as they concern medical prescriptions, said there v,as a definite con-
flict between the lav/s. He thought that in case of such a conflict the Federal
law must prevail. Of course, vAiether it will or will not prevail in this specific ^
case is up to the United States Supreme Court to decide. Another question, and
one of great interest and importance, is whether the Stcte legislature has the
right to stop a physician from prescribing anything he considers as medicine
for his patients in any particular case. His personal opinion is that the de-
cision of the State legislature \»;ould not be tenable in any such case.
CO
I 3. 2 - 4 - BOHEI-IAIT
Dennl Hlnsstel , Oct. 27, 1921.
Lavfyer Coliit C. H. Fyffe says he is convinced that the Federal Congress and
its encctments have priority over those of any state legislature, and that
in the cases novj under consideration the State lav; can be declared invalid.
Also he is of the opinion that no state legislature has any right whatever
to tell a physician what he may or may net prescribe for his patient. He
believes that a law of this kind is too drastic for enforcement.
Lawyers Thomas D. Nash and Otto raer thought that the State of Illinois could
not be deprived of its medicinal beer and v.lne. Nash said that the State con-
tradicts itself Tivhen it permits the sale of medicinal whisky and prohibits the
sale of medicinal beer and wine. He is convinced that such a lav: v/ould be de-
clared unconstitutional by any court of lav;. In such a case the Federal lavjs ^
and regulations v;ould remain in force until the matter \vss decided, one way
or the other, by the United 'Jtates Supreme Court, or until the State legisla-
ture passed an entirely different law. That being the situation, Attorney
General Brundage would have to issue a permit to release v;ine and beer for
sale as medicine, no matter v/hat his T:»ersonel attitude toward thet matter
should be.
Ck>
I B 2 BOHSMIAI^T
Dennl lilasatel . Oct. 26, 1921.
W3 kUST NOT USE BEER 2\S IJSDICH-ri)
Things in Illinois a state '-vhioh we have been in the habit of calling amone
the most progressive and liberal, have cone to such a pass that we shall not
be able to use the good beer for improvement of our physical condition, as
medicine, in spite of the fact that this is permitted accoruine to the de- 5
cision of the Treasury Department in I7ashiii£ton. In Illinois, the search 5
and seizure law adopted by the last Legislature and signed by Governor Small 3
prevents that. Attorney General Brundage declared yesterday that that law !~
makes the Washington decision inapplicable in the State of Illinois. ^
o
Tlmt law specifically prohibits the use of wine and beer for medicinal ^
purposes, forbids physicians to prescribe it, and drugstores to sell it. p
According to regulations issued by Secretary Llellon, "medicinal" beer may "^
be sold only by licensed pharmacists. According to the Illinois law, phar-
macists who sell such beer, and physicians who prescribe it are liable to
lose their licenses and in addition may be fined and jailed.
I B 2 - 2 - BOHSLJAIT
Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 26, 1921.
Local prohibitionists, however, fear that the new decision of the Department
of the Treasury will cause an increase in illicit beer traffic in Illinois,
because the State has no monej'' for the enforcenent of the State search and
seizure law, Governor Snail having crossed out fron the budget the iten
that would have permitted the Attorney General, to hire spies without which
the enforcenent of such noble laws is impossible. The various assistant
state's Attorneys declare that they are fully occupied with the supression
of crime and have no tine for the enforcenent of the search and seizure law.
The drugstores were being visited yesterday by very many people who do not
feel well and believe that good beer would help them. They cane to put in
their orders for a share in the coming beer shipment. But their hopes of
getting any part of any shipment were squelched by the declaration of At-
torney General Brundage. Druggists, physicians, brewers, do not know v/here
they really stand. Some say there will be beer, some say there will be
none. But the fact seems to be that any physician v.'ho prescribes anything
with more than one half of one per cent alcohol in it, any druggist who
3>
I B 2 - 3 - BOHSIvZAIT
Denni Klasatel . Oct. 26, 1921.
sells anything like it, any brewery that makes anything like it, and any
patient who uses anything like it will be in danger of prosecution for
infringenent of that state law.
Levy iiayer, attorney for the "wet" forces, upon being asked yesterday about j.
his opinion, declared that there is no doubt about the veilidity of the State
law, which in this case could not be riiade void by a mere "regulation" of a
department of the Federal Govemiient. But he has serious doubts about the
constitutionality of that law because it prohibits the physician from pre-
scribing for his patient a medicine v;hich he believes would be beneficial
for the patient.
Ifeny physicians and pharmacists r;ere asked :.''esterday what standpoint they
would take. A large part of their, declared they would respect the Illinois
State Law. Most of then are waiting for an opinion from 'Washington about
the situation in Illinois.
1 13 2 BcnmiPi^
Denni Hlasatel , Oct, 12, 1921.
JOHN B.V^.L?TCCR1I STILL LF/^S
A most stubborn pctient, one that refuses to die no matter vliat happens, is John
Barleycorn. By that name, permit us to repeat, are designated alcoholic bev-
erages, and it was originated by the popular American novelist, Jeck London, s
xvho published under that name a book dealing with the alcoholic habit, 5
According to general expectation John Barleycorn was to die the day the r^ighteenth r"
Amendment came into force after Congressman Volstead had succeeded in having his ^
notorious law enacted. But die he did not, Scott McBride, the head of the Anti- o
Saloon League in our state, declared last week, v;ith tears in his eyes, that John co
Barleycorn is not dead; in fact, that he is not even asleep. And those who fol- !^
lov; the process of drying up the United states v/ill certainly agree with that
statement. Besides, T^cBride is not the only man who has reached that conclusion.
That John Barleycorn is not dead is known to every congressm.an, every federal
prohibition officer, and every little child, :2verybody knov;s it, and it is
no longer a matter of prophecy but a matter of experience that the Eighteenth
— J
I B 2 - 2 - BOHPmAN
Demii Hlasatel , Oct. 12, 1921.
Mendment and the Volstead Act are no solution of the question of drinking, and
that If there Is any real prohibition, It cannot be found anywhere else in the
whole vast country but in the federal and state lawbooks.
Everything is as it was before, except one little thing: While alcoholic bev-
erages were being sold openly in pre- Volstead days, they now are being sold
secretly or semi -openly, and the authorities are not strong enough to stop it.
Instead of in saloons, whisky is now being sold by so-called "bootleggers," and
their business is one of the most lucrative ones in America. United States At-
torney James C, Beck estimates that during the past year the Illegal trade in
alcoholic beverages has brought three hundred million dollars to men who by now ^
have developed their methods to perfection and find their business a richer gold
mine than any in Alaska. c^^
T:
•'ji
The famous moonshiners in the mountains of our Southern states are mere pikers
in comparison with the modem whiskey makers and smugglers. The moonshiners used
to feel contented with a primitive still in inaccessible hills, and the people who
I B 2 - 3 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Oct, 12, 1921.
bought their whisky bought it only because it was dirt cheap. At times they
would have a battle with the agents of the Treasury Department and would be
arrested; at times they would shoot and kill one another; but hunting moon-
shiners was, on the average, an exciting pastime rather than a serious business.
The up-to-date smugglers are, oi' course, quite a different matter. Their busi-
ness has spread all over the country and they have agents in European countries,
in Canada, in Mexico, and in various British islands, and everything is being
run on a big scale. The whislcy is not transported in high boots as was the
custom with the moonshiners, but in automobiles, railroad trains, ships, and
airplanes; and if there were another, still more modern method, our smugglers
would be sure to be using it.
What proportions the ^isky business has actually reached in the United States
nobody knows, and whatever the public is being told about it is mere guesswork.
There can be no doubt, however, that its proportions would stun the prohibition-
ists, in the first place, and, in the second, the congressmen who thought that
all that was needed to change human nature was to pass the Volstead Act, Whether
5
13 2 - 4 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Oct. 12, 1921,
or not our congressmen are surprised by the proportions that the whisky business
has reached is not known; but that they know about it is shown by the fact that
their committee on taxation wants to impose a four-dollar tax on a gallon of
alcohol, and this tax is expected to bring seventy-five million dollars a year
to the Government. It takes an enormous quantity of alcohol to bring that amount
in taxes, and the congressmen are not likely to believe that all of it would be 5
used for industrial and medicinel purposes. That, of course, refers only to ,^
alcohol and alcoholic beverages put on the market in a regular and legal way, p
and not the enormous flood of beer, wine, and all kinds of hard liquors sold ^
surreptitiously. §
Co
The Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead Act have solved nothing at all. The
manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages has not been stopped, much less the ^
drinking of them. Large cities are not any drier now than they were before pro-
hibition, the only difference being that the traffic in alcoholic beverages was
formerly above board and legal, and now it is on the sly and illegal. Already
it has grown to such proportions that the authorities are unable to supress it.
I B 2 - 5 - BOHEMIAN
Dannl Hlasatel , Oct. 12, 1921,
The chief prohibition commissioner declared recently that he expects to take
action personally in order to make Chicago bone dry, since local authorities
are unable to do so. He has taken personal action in New York already, but
there are so far no indications that that action has met with any success.
The only result has been that the courts are swamped with work which they are
unable to take care of, and thousands of cases remain untried. This situation %
has caused the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, former President Taft, to ^
request the appointment of eighteen additional federal judges, a measure that F
would do away with infinite delays in trying violations of the Volstead Act. >-
He declared openly that more judges are necessary as a direct consequence of x=
the Volstead Act, and that this is not the only measure necessary for its en- ^
forcement. Prohibition officials say openly that it is impossible to make the ^'
United States, particularly the cities, dry without an immense army of detect- ':j
ives, and even then it is more than likely that our country would not be "dry
as a bone". There are things that cannot be "legislated away," and drinking
Is one of them. But the worst part of the whole situation is the fact that
there are hundreds of thousands, or rather millions of people who had always
-wT^
IB 8 - 6 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Oct. 12, 1921,
been law-abiding citizens, who would not think or doin^ anything that was not
quite right and proper and who now, knowingly, transgress the law and do not
admit that they are doins- anjrthing wrong or illegal. The people are losing
their respect for law, and that is a most serious matter. No doubt congress-
men had not foreseen this, and now are trying to change the Volstead Act so
that it may, at least to some extent, comply with the wishes of the public, ■*
And in the meantime, John Barleycorn not only lives, he—according to Mr. 5*
McBride — doesn't even sleep, "--■
r—
"T.
X
I
I B 2 BOHSMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Oct, 5, 1921.
PRCeiBITION AND CRIME
Prohibition Has Reduced Instances of Disorderly Conduct 9|
but Murder is More Rampant S
Prior to the enactment of prohibition, the most numerous cases on the court r^
dockets were those of disorderly conduct ishile intoxicated. Prohibition will ^
stop such cases completely in a short time, A delayed report for 1920 issued o
by the Chicago Police Department for the past four years shows the following Lj
number of such cases: 1917, 55,947; 1918, 45,414; 1919, 35,608; 1920, 32,859, §
To offset this, home mode whisky — "moonshine" — has caused quite enough evil "-"
because it shows its effects in a much more serious type of offense or crime.
There were 115 murders ccMimitted in Chicago in 1920, and taking the first
seven months of this year as a criterion, it may be anticipated that there
will be at least 130 murders in 1921,
In 50 of the 116 cases of murder in 1920 no arrests were made. Twelve cases
cleared themselves up automatically by suicide of the murderer. Ihree of the
I
I B 2 " 2 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Oct, 5, 1921,
116 assassins were hanged. Twenty-one were sent to Jollet» Seventeen were ^
found Innocent by the jury, and in thirty-two cases the indictment was quashed. ~
There are twenty-five cases awaiting disposal. r;
The 5,150 policemen employed by the Department in 1920 had less to do during o
that year than did the 4,706 policemen employed in 1908. This would lead to Lo
the belief that prohibition has been helpful, just the same, to some extent. §
The report shows another interesting fact: It reveals that saloonkeepers and '^
those employed by them have been and are more law-abiding citizens than bankers
and brokers. Of the former, only 289 were arrested. But 330 others arrested
were identified as either brokers or bankers. During the year, 26 detectives,
113 milkmen, 49 policemen, 18,849 chauffeurs, and 21,251 workingmen were arrested.
Although there were 438 persons killed by automobiles, as against 290 in 1919,
there were fewer instances of arrests for speeding. The police found 4,340 out
of the 5,947 stolen cars.
I B 2 BOHiailAN
I F 6
Dennl Hlasatel . Oct, 4, 1921,
PROHIBITIOII IS A BLSSSINO— FOR SOlS
(Editorial Comment)
The chief of Police has declared that fifty per cent of Chicago policemen are r;
engaged in the illicit trade of selling alcoholic beverages, and if he should ^^:
succeed in getting proper evidence, he would discharge perhaps the whole police ^
force even if he had nobody to replace then with but rookies. This declaration oo
was not made by a citizen of v;hora it might be said that he had political reasons ^^
to criticize the police department, but by the chief of police himself, and he *^"
must be expected to knmv v;hat he is talking about. Policemen have a better
chance to get away with v/hiskey selling because they are protected by their uni-
forms, but it seems that there are now thousands of other people in Chicago who
welcome prohibition because it gives them an opportunity to make huge profits.
This is only natural in a city v;here ninety-nine per cent of the population
disagree with the prohibition laws and do not consider their violation an
offense.
I B 2 B0HJ!.!IAK
Dennl Klasatel . Sept. 24, 1921.
ffiCSLLjUvT PilOSPi'XTS
The Chicago Association of Law and Order is Tjreparinr; a petition asking Con-
gress to pass a law which -Adll make Chicago police enforce the prohibition
laws. The Association charges that v;hisky is being sold publicly in all
Chicago saloons, and that our police are aware of that fact. The lavjs which
the Association is desirous of havimr enacted would nake prohibition agents
of all Chicago policemen and thus save our HeT)ublic from the danger of ex-
cessive wetness. Also a special Congressional coiranittee is being planned
which would Investigate Chicago enforcement conditions. The proposal to
send such a commission to Chicago is particularly inviting. The Congressmen
vjould thus learn where they can get something more substantial than "one half
of one ner cent" in case it should become necessary to leave .Washington for
that particular purpose. Also Chicago TK)licemen would v/elcome their change
of status to that of prohibition agents. They would be busy sampling liquor,
an occupation of many advantages over that of catching thieves and robbers.
So, all in all, our policemen and our criminals should be looking forward to
the future with agreeable expectations.
-T.
IBS ., SOirJU-'IA!^"^
IV
IV (Jewish) Denni Hlasatel, Jan. 23, 1920.
CZECH CCi:0?J^S3I,!AIT I!I ACTIC'
Prohibition Annulment for IT:
as a I<!easure to Combat Influenza
Asks Prohibition Annulment for Tlinety Days " 5
The Honorable Adolph J, Sabath, of Chicapo, today placed before the Congress a ^
resolution In vriiich he declared that whiskey is a very essential remedy to o
combat influenza, which is rapidly spreading. He proposes a ninety-day sus- io
pension of the national prohibition law, which requires a special permit and jo
reports from pharmacists, doctors, and others with reference to its use as a ®'
medicine. The purpose of this resolution is to make it possible for anybody
to get his prescription and his whiskey for medicinal purposes without any
delay. An amendment to the prohibition lew to permit the production and sale
of beer containing not more than three per cent of alcohol and of wine with a
raaxitnum content of nine per cent of alcohol was also proposed by Congressman
Sabath,
I B 2 BQHMIAN
I B 1
Penal Hlasatel , Sept« 15, 1918.
NEDSLNI BESEDA. (FCJR READING ON SUNDA-Y)
(Summaiy)
Can you Imagine how Chicago will look at Christmas time, and how you will
be preparing to celebrate Saint Sylyester, the last day of the year?
Visitors from out of town from "dry** districts may be able to giye you
an idea — ^yet they will probably not know nhat is going to happen to Chicago
in the future, when all sources of the hop and malt beverage will be sold
out. Thirsty people from the State of Indiana used to need only a few
steps to be in Chicago at the fountain
After December 1, or when all supplies are consumed, it will be hard to
find a "wet" spot here* All the breweries will close, and not &ven the
famous Pilsner beer will be allowed to come into America**. .After June
next, general prohibition will be introduced, and thirsty people will
have to wait till our soldiers come back from the war, unless they prefer
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I B 1
Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 15, 1918.
to quench their thirst with a rotten drink of perfumed water from Lake
Michigan*
Chicago certainly is not used to this kind of innovation, and many protests
are on record. But the war compels us to accept manifold cbanges in our
standards of living and to adopt habits never dreamed of before* Many more ^
economizing measures are ezpeeted in the consumption of food and gasoline,
as well as in clothing, than are in effect today* •••.even stones from plums
and peaches have become war supplies, being used for gas masks; patriotic
housewives are expected to save and deliver them to collecting stations^*^**
3»
No one knows irtien Chicago will be emptying its last mug of beer. •••When this ^
has happened, our people will stop singing '^de Se Pivo Yari.^*" (Where they
brew beer, there it is good to bet), and scores of other songs in praise of
that beverage, for what is the use of praising a thing of idiich there is
nothing left but the sweet memory of its taste
I B 2 - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I B 1
Dennl Hlasatel . Sept. 15, 1918,
What is going to happen to all those «^o made a living in the beer business?
Tbey will, however, not be the only sufferers: Thousands of prohibition
evangelists, and reformed drunkards who hit the sawdust trail, and who are
now exhibited as warning examples, will be looking for a job, because there
will be nothing left against which they could direct their vilifications*
Just think of «diat is going to befall the regiments of the "Billy Sundays'* %
who are making a comfortable living from abusing and slurring saloons and
drinkers*
>»
XI
o
K>
• •••Besides the "Billy Sundays," "Volivas," and "VJilliam J« Bryans," there
are hordes of people who first fill their tummies to capacity, and then
display in prohibition meetings "the terrible consequences of drunkenness ^
and the ravages of alcohol". All these people will be thrown out in the
street — unemployed — because they are deprived of their means of livelihood*
Prohibition politicians, also, will find their business undermined. They
will resemble a physician who has cured his patient too early, or a
lawyer who won the case for his client prematurely, and so dried up the
I B 2 - 4 - BOHEMIAN
I Bl
Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 15, 1918.
source of his regular income*
This proves that to every evil there is attached an ounce of good. It
depends from ndiat angle people view an issue like this. But these con-
siderations are only of minor importance.
The Government says that no beer must be brewed during war time* That is :^
final. If prohibition can contribute to victory over the Germans, then ^
every decent citizen should regard beer as an unnecessary commodity, and rj
gladly substitute a drink of sparkling water from Lake Uichigan. tj
I B ?i 3w li. I.J:
I (J
IV Deun< 0.j^::;t^i , ..ay :.v, li?l- .
Czecjis V*ell Aepresent(=;a >.t rhirteent . . jinu ) L 'Jonvention
Tne t:.irtoent oonv.intioii o." X-uk- L::itea .jocieties v;ad ..jia y-saterauy ir. t..e
1 ortn Jide Tiinu^r .-IL, o\s Jlur': jtreiit uuar Jnicaj^o .vvenue. Cur re^-asrs
iiave always been zeht v;ell infoKriea aoout t.e purpoass uua ac>.ivities or
tills Doay. Tue org^iiiization ;i-i'j .iccor.plis: ec5 i:.ue.i I'oi- t.^f^ preservation of
psraonal liberty arid tae improvenant of nunicipal t^ovcnii.ient in our city.
l,:uc'"i or purittmisni cind pronibitionist tyranny, ^.c advocated by crazy tiioralists, g
ras been suppressed t :rous:. t.ie laeritoviors ii.r.erveiition in tae legislature en
and cit;, council of t n crja'.ization*G loaders.
It auroly caxmot bo dei--.--.i t.:c-.t tie .joei-3t:.es* secrot-:ry, :-.v, .xntoi' J, Cei'uaic,
deserves nifj-i praise for lis \Jor}r in hi.wili' of certain ri-jate v;:ac^i t^ie
ortjanization .^ucceederT in preserviaj. .JLso to be co:.i^ie:id3d are ...r. jo.ir.
•Jer'\'=-ia«:-.'., .JLriernv.n Jc::n Toi.an, t :o unfor,.:ettable Ji'd^e o . ... l-alir, -ind
o
CO
X D - - - i:;0--_^.X.u.v _
I G
I,.r. J--inviu.s, -13 v;ell us our ...r^. xrinc, . ri;. Zenf5ol:, ..rs. oi::-loi;d, anu ..rs*
iedlacc?-. Besides ti3 Jza^-ic, tr.e J-or.-.-.-.'is al.iO t^ics tae livaliest intei-ost ^
in tae activity or t \j [riil^id oCPJeti33 t.iro'j.:;: t-ielr le.ders.... ^
The neetin£i opened v.ith ine siiif-^iiiG cf "T:ie Jtitr-opancled 3aru''er", T.ie irresi- p
dent, ... Ira:.;or, declrared t lat, v.-.iile i;. t.i'i ivur brotrier .l*i£:.-ts broti.er, in ^
t.-'.e United Jocietioc all nationulities stand tOj.-eL^.er in tae I'lght :^or personal o
liberty -:.r.6 loc:,l :_-ovoT'rrient , •;.:ilo t.iuy ::ill --jsn ^•■••lol'^i'aortodly xor -j victory c.o
for t\e Inited Jtc.tcs. ^
• ...Th.e cr^vnization comprises 2,105 societies wit.. Cu6,o28 :.iy;.bero. 02:cc:i
-■csocictionr are t ^e :..03t nvi'crc;u.s :.itn 1S9 :..on's -.cvA llo 'v;o:.'en*e or^-.LT.izutions.
Lr. Cexriiak pointed out t ;rit nuc.i untrut.i '..".'is s-»ia in ./.snincton ^.nd t .e Jity
.-:all durin,-^ debutes on tae c:i;ection -.i' sp^ci-.-l pjr;:uts I'ur ai:.;pcn3ir.r al-
coholic beverfiries
iV ijqrr.i .IL->j-it^l , ;._.y TV, i^ib,
...r. riclak callGcl a^oi.tior: tc t.io abs-erice of .-.r, ."o.ui verveiL-;a, one of the ^
i.ost zealous '.;orl:ov.«: in tno "Ji.ited .Jocieti'js, v/.io net "..it.! an uccicieut re- 5
ceritl^y . riie Jociaties resolved to ssnci u i..ossL.(--e of rer*ret. -Si,
r-
Judge Bernarn Baraoa v/-.. s elected president; 0. Landau vice-presiaent , and -n
^jiton J. Cernak, secretary, o
^D
—J
cr
I B 2 BCHa-Ii;iH
IV
IV (Jewish) Denni Klasatel . Apr. 30, 1918.
Bli^R LICSlTSi:: FOR CZIiJCII HALIS
Our alderJian, Joseph 0. Kostner, chairnan of the City Council coianittee
for home defense, departed for .Washington, D. C, to confer .vith Secretary
of the Navy Daniels about his attitude to-.^ard the prohibition of beer licenses ^
for entertainments which are frequented by navy men. Congressman A. J. c3abath >
had previously made arrangenents for the interview, and he is also going to '—:
arrange for a meeting: with Secretary of V/ar Baker. The alderiaan is of the <~.
opinion that decent entertainments should not be denied the right to a ^
license. 3iis words are being interpreted to shov: that the City Council is £:
taking a more conciliator^' attitude toward the question of stringent pro- c.
hibitlon measures, ° ^
' I B 2 BQHaMlAN
III B 2
' II D 1 Dennf Hlasatel , Mar. 10, 1918.
17
DNITSD SOCIETISS
A meeting of the Czech branch of the United Societies was held in Mr. Joseph *
Pla5elc*s hall last Friday, A very large number of delegates from Chicago Czech ,-^
organizations took a lively part in it. Mr. John A. Cervenka presided after p
an absence of some time, and he was heartily welcomed. He called on those ^
present to devote their energies to the fight against prohibitionist elements, :s?
for the preservation of self-government in Chicago, and for the personal liberty ^
of its citizens. <^
A remarkably large number of Czech organizations was announced as having joined
the United Societies recently. CHief Bailiff Anton J. Cerm^, secretary of the
Societies, called attention to the prohibitionist petition, vuhich is now kept
in the offices of the election commissioners, and to the many forged signatures
and false names. He solicited the good will of all honest voters, urging them
not to fail to appear at the places of registration^ He declared that the
situation is very serious, and reminded the gathering about their duties as
cr
I B 2 - 2 - BOHSMU^N
III B 2
II D 1 Denni Hlasatel . Mar, 10, 1918.
IV
citizens. 3v9ry single vote cast means additional protection for personal ^
liberty against increased taxes and against fanaticism. Mr. Cermak stated 3»
that in typical prohibition districts, every married woman and every girl is 'p
registering, and that their number fully equals that of male voters. Their C
efforts are bent on crippling our city, devaluating property, and raising the ^
taxes which are unduly high just now anyway. £
Mrs. Velik reproached those men of unsound reasoning who are hampering anti-
prohibitionist agitation. VJhen women are urged to register, men of this tyjie
address them in a vulgar manner with such trite phrases as "V/omen should stay
at home and wash the dishes".
Mr. Placek, chairman of the campaign coiiuiilttee, announced that he has appointed
more members to the committee. They are Mr. Jakob Fink, Mr. Straka, and Mmes.
Zenlsek and Vacfk. The committee, he said, is awaiting directions from the
main body of the United Societies to initiate proper action.
I B 2 - 3 - B0HSML4N
III B 2
II D 1 Dennf Hlasatel , Mar, 10, 1918.
IV
Mr. CermSk stated that if the prohibitionist elements succeeaed in enforcing %
their schemes, the city, according to figures compiled by the City Council, ^^
would lose fully eight million dollars in yearly revenue. If on May 1 the p
saloons are closed, the city will suffer an additional loss of six jriillion ^
that was counted on in the appropriations. This gigantic decrement would have ft
to be made up by taxes, imposed mostly on trades and business. This would . ^"
result in a further rise in prices of food and other necessities. ^
Mr. Yenceslaus fiehHk stressed the real intentions that lie at the bottom of
prohibitionist efforts. It does not essentially matter to them~particularly
to William Jennings Bryan—whether saloons are open or alcohol is dispensed,
or even whether they contribute to the delinquency of the habitual drunkard's
family. They use these issues only as a screen to conceal their ultimate aims,
io e., to usurp the power of government in all its branches, and to establish
a dictatorial domination headed by such mountebanks and prevaricators as
Bryan, Billy Sunday, and their consorts.
I B 2 - 4 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
II D 1 Dennl ELasatel , Mar. 10, 1918.
IV
1^. Cyril Jandus declared that these explanations were on the right track.
He enlarged upon them in pointing to the alarm with which prohibitionist
women view the education of youth in our camp, while, as a rule, they them-
selves expend their educational energies on the training of cats and dogs. rp
After disposing of some routine business, the meeting was closed, o
-o
3»
~o
I B 2 BC!-o:i;jT
rv
Dennl Illasatel . ?eb. 17, 1918.
UlTITJD i30ci:Tn:s
(Sirmiary)
The United Societies held a noetin^ in the Pl-:intsrs Hotel re-jently at i;hich -S
representatives of the various national groups of Chicago reported on the
preliminary/" work ucco.-nplishad for the iinpending battle against prohibitionist i^
action in this city.,,., <^
... -. ... ...... ........... ...... "^
The GOrjiittee on resolutions subnitted a motion to express congratulations to o;>
.-jiton J. Certiiak, secratary of the I'nited societies, for the f^.vorable outco.-ae t:
of his controversy with Judge ..illiam Ge:ru"iill» Complete confidence in the ^
manner in " hich llr« Cerrn.ak conducts business as chief bailiff of the luunicioal
Court is voiced in the resolution.
llr, Cermak responded in v;ords of v/holehearted gratitude for this manifestation,
I B 2 - 2 - B0}I:2:LW
17
Denni Illas-itel , Feb, 17, 1913,
adding that had Jud£:e Gerinill not been incited by certain people, \:hOf for
sheer maliciousness v;ish to embarrass the bailiff's office, he v/ould not have
demanded the investi-^'ition,
A nxmicipal judges* investigating coix'.ittee exoner- ted J.lr. Cemak, as was ^
reported in an e'-irlisr issue of the Denni IHasatel. '^
• ■ r—
-a
CJ
Co
CD
rsj
I B 2 BOEEMIAN
I F 3
Dennl Hlasatel . Feb. 8, 1918.
. . Prohibitionist tactics7
(Editorial)
The prohibitionists declare that at least $100,000 will be needed for the ^
successful prosecution of the caii9>aign which aims at mopping Chicago dry. It ^
is not certain, at the present time, whether so much money will be needed. ^
The "wets" are surely doing their best to keep contributions down. They do ^
it by exposing forged signatures on the "dry" petition. ^
o
rvj
When the prohibitionists made an attempt a few years ago to "dry up" Chicago,
they had several Lincolns, Washingtons, and Roosevelts on their petitions; also ^
numerous names known from history or otherwise, whose bearers have already de-
parted from this wicked world or who never had the right to vote. Such names
are likely to appear on the petition which is to be circulated now. Of those
who are dead the prohibitionists may claim at least with some justification
that they are really "dry".
<
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I F 3
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 8, 1918.
Incidentally, however, names of the sort Just described do not count, and if
a sufficient number of them is discovered it may happen that there will be no ^
yoting on prohibition next April. In the reverse case, the liberal element ^
will have to make extreme efforts to win. The beating administered to the pro~ <=:.
hibitionists must become so sound that they will lose any desire to make p
Chicago dry for a long time to come. ^
"tto
."CD
1N>
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
I F 3
IV Dennl Hlasatel . Feb. 3, 1918.
CZECH BRANCH OF UNITED SOCIETIE IN .MEETING
The Czech branch of the United Societies held a meeting in the hall of Sokol
Chicago last Thursday night. Considering the large number of members, the
attendance might have been better. The bad weather and inadequate transporta-
tion surely had something to do with this. fZ
Since Mr. John Cervenka was detained, Mr. Joseph Bolek opened the meeting 5
and was elected temporary chairman. He pointed out the danger in the activi-
ties of prohibitionists and similar reformers. These elements filed petitions
just recently demanding revocations of certain licenses, and also asked that
a "dry" amendment be placed before the next session of the State legislature.
The speaker warned that if the "dry" fanatics succeeded in their efforts,
hardly a single one of our halls could be preserved for us, v/hich would mean
the end of our social and national life. Another menace in prohibition
looms, i.e., an increase of taxes by one hundred per cent. Our city is
1^3,500,000 in debt, and this amount has to be paid. It can be dene only by
taxation. A regular source of revenue from saloon licenses has been destroyed
Co
era
ro
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMI/^N
I F 3
IV Dennl Hlasatel . Feb. 3, 1918.
by the closing of several hundred taverns, for which the rotten Thompson
administration is to blame. If the prohibitionists win out, the taxpayers
will have to foot an extra bill of |600,000. These are the prospects we
have to face, V/ork and sacrifices v;ill be needed to forestall their
realization.
Alderman John Toman followed by characterizing certain leaders of the Juvenile
Protective League. He singled out the Reverend Yarrow, Mnies. Rowland, llenford,
Eowe-Britton, and De Witt, calling them barkers and liars in plain English.
He substantiated his contentions beyond reasonable doubt.
The first report of these stool pigeons concerned an entertainment held at
the hall of Sokol Havlicek-Tyrs on January 17. Tnese spies claim to have
seen drunken boys and soldiers, half -naked girls sitting on the laps of young
men, indecent dancing, and the sale of alcoholic beverages to soldiers and
minors. All this could be seen even after midnight. Yet Idr, KUbik, president
of the club Valley Rose, and, the rest of its members, swore that all these
accusations were plain inventions. The police report also branded these spies
<->
Co
I B 2 - 3 - BOHSaAN
I F 3
IV Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 3, 1918.
as corriraon, ordinary liars, declaring that there was not one drop of intoxi-
cating liquor dispensed at that affair, and only nice people who enjoyed
decent diversion were present.
Another entertainment, in the hall at 3000 Union Avenue, v/as pictured in a
similar light. V/hen they arrived, the snoopers said, drunken persons were
being carried from the premises. One of those investigating ladies bought ^
two bottles supposed to contain cherry wine, but she is convinced that it was
real winel Some of the girls, the sniffers claimed, poured beer from the
gallery down upon the boys who were dancing; dancing couples fell on the floor,
etc. The police report again states that the entertainment moved well within
the limits of good behavior. It is a fact that a material share of the
proceeds froin this entertainjiient went for the relief of relatives of victims
of the "Fastland" disaster, and that the club counts highly respectable
citizens among its members, as for instance, Messrs. Millburt, Stanek, Stock,
and others. The club is known as a benefactor of the needy of the neighbor-
hood. There was only one disturbance, and this was caused by a man who
invaded the hall, but he was quickly driven out. This is according to the
police report.
-T-'
3:>
IBS - 4 - 303ISI.J.\IJ
I F 3
IV Denni lilaGatel , Feb. 5, 1918.
Sinilar raportrj v/ere inade about tjie li'ort}! Side Turner Hall, The prohibi-
tionist rabble evin denounced a policeman as beinr drunk, althou'-h lie has
not toucjieJl into.cicants in any ford in liis ^/holo lifel
The hei3ht of brazenner.s and shanelessness of" the "drys" v;as reached in a
report on an entertaimient alleiiedl;- held at 1825 Itobey Street, v/hero glarin^^ -^
in'iecep.cies were perpetrated, Drinl-inis and various kinds of debauchery v/ere —
rampant. The sni.'fers even "discovered" that there v;as one coirimon toilst r^
roon for both sexes, etc, J g
ijid no;; listen to the official report issued by the captain of that police -j
district an^I si.-nod by Chief of Police li, SchuttlerJ It reads: "There is A
no dance hall at the place Mentioned, nor is there any at all in the entire
neighborhood. The place referred to is occupied by a lirae pit one thousand
feet deep, from v;hich that spot takes its name aroonf^ the iniiabitunts of the
neighborhood, and v;hich is the property of the Illinois Lime and Crushed
Stone Co J"
This is certainly si{3nificant, is it not? .^id this set of notorious liars
I B 2 - 5 - BOHEMIAN
I F 3
IV Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 3, 1918.
and rabble-rousers has the backing of all our English language dailies vdio
support their, as best they can.
Mr. Toman went on to say that the kind of services rendered by the Juvenile
Protective League is best illustrated in the records of our State legislature,
page 84, of the year 1915. A committee consisting mostly of "drys" issued %
the following memorable statement: "So far as it is not under the juris- ^
diction of state, coxxnty, or municipal government, the Juvenile Protective F=.
League of Chicago is an utterly insignificant body. The fact has been ^
established before the Juvenile Court, the Court of Domestic Relations, and r^
the Morals Court that the League has wrought more evil than it has done good, 2
and the Chicago public would be better off without it."
Notwithstanding the utterance of the highest legislative body of our State,
the League is permitted to continue unhampered in its perpetration of absurd
injustices.
Mr. Toman* s address was wholeheartedly applauded. He was followed by
CO
I B 2 - 6 -• BOHEMM
I F 3
IV Denni Hlasatel . Feb. 3, 1918.
Mr. Joseph Placek, vi&o urged the assembly to sacrifice and to work persistently
in opposition to the fanaticism which constitutes a menace to all of us. He
proposed that an agitation committee of nine members be formed to work out a
program for future activities of the Czech bi'anch of the United Societies. ^
Mr. John Cervenka became chairman of this committee, and Mr. Anton J. Cerraak :;a
an ex officio officer. The other members are Messrs. Placek, Princ, James Basta, ^.
Mejda, and Mmes. Vilik, Statek, and Sedlak. p
Contributions from various Czech organizations were handed over to Mr. Stastny,
secretary of the branch. The amounts varied dovm to $2, the Sokol Chicago
topping the list with $25.
Further contributions are earnestly solicited. For reasons of economy, all
notices within the organization and those to the public will be published
through the Czech press.
13 2 £Ojm.:i;>i;
IV
Denni Illasatel , Jan. 25, 1918.
^: iLXORT.n::T i:ctic2
v;e deem it our duty to call the attention of all voters to the agitiition of
certain reforners v.-ho have naie it their tasl: to collect one hundred thousand
si^jiatures on petitions for prohibition in our city. 3hould they succeed, i^
their propostion v;ill be placed upon the ballot and voted on in the next ^^ii.
election. Their plan for the fight is about as follov;s: p
-a
Volvjiteers and paid agents are distributed c^ll over the city. They v/ill look o
for voters v/ho have chanoOd their addresses or have obtained tLeir second -^
papers only recently. They v/ill offer t o acco:npany these people to the S
central registration office, and then ask the::: to si^/n their "dry" petition, "-"•
It behooves the taxpayers and citisens of our city to oppose this propaganda,
which has proved inpractical and obnoxious wherever it has been put to a
13 2 - 2 - ECKZi^IIAN
lY
Denni IRasatel . Jan. 25, 1918.
test, and has added additional burdens to the oblir:ations of taxpayers.
The liberal-minded eler.ient in our societies should do everything in its
pov/er to cor.bat this infrincerient of the personal liberty of individuals.
The only v/ay to resist these activities is to refuse to si^n the "dry" peti-
tion, ohould the "drys" still succeed in bringin,-:: the question before the
voters, then it is i:'iperative th^-t every .Tiitn znd v/oman r.anifest his or her
V7ill throuGh the ballot. 2ead the official infomation very carefully:
3»
-D
It is v/ise to point out that the appetite to ar^end our custor.s, as display-
ed b:' these paid agitators, v;ill by no means be stilled even after the
closing of saloons in Chica.ro. ITo, indeed, it will tend to render impossible :xi
any entertairment given by our organizations if liquid refreshirients are 2
dispensed there. ^
17
[ - 5 - hoh:l.:lj3
Denni Hlasatel , Jaa, ;]5, ltl8.
translator's :iote: The information is "rinted in fullj^
iTor the united Jocietioa for Loc^l Jelf-Governrient :
The :i:ecu.tive Corjraittee.
j'or the Czech 3rai:ch of the liiited Jocieties:
John -w. Cervenha, Chairnan.
Joseph F, Bolek, ..cting oecretary.
5
TO
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I B 2 BOHEIvHAI'I
II ^ 2
I G Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 16, 1917.
OUR socrariEs
(Editorial)
The agitation of the enemies of our societies and clubs has begun again. Only
this tiiae it is assuming a more threatening form, for the foes of our social
activities are now addressing themselves to the State Council for National ^
Defense, This authority, as well as the chief of police and the aldermen, has .^
been informed that soldiers attend entertainments , xvhich in itself is neither p
a harmful nor unlawful act. The soldiers are said, hov/ever, to be drinking ^
alcoholic beverages and are even said to have been seen intoxicated in many =o
halls. This is a very serious matter, in view of the critical times, the re- ^
formers declare. The soldiers and sailors are forbidden by law to indulge in o
alcohol while in uniform. The vendor of the liquor is subject to severe punish- ^
ment.
The prohibitionists demand of the authorities that dance halls be closed. It
xvould not surprise us if they succeeded in having them closed, Itlany rumors
I B 2 - 2 - BOHSIJIitfJ
II i^ 2
I G Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 16, 1917.
about the soldiers are exaggerated. 3uch rumors tend only to incite the
public and the city council against our social activities, V/e hope that these
activities v;ill remain undisturbed. The occasional outcries from the reformers
against our entertainments should nevertheless have a salutory effect. They
should v/arn ovmers to operate their places according to standards of decency,
V/e are calling this to the attention of the Czech public because some of the :5
halls on the black list are owned by Czechs, who v;ill do well not to trifle 3>
with the authorities. '—
f —
o
Co
<=)
fNO
■ — I
bci:j£:ian
IV
Denni lUasatel , Sept. 16, 1917.
!.:eeti:c.i of iHn; Ui^iTiij oOCisTidis
(Summary)
The executive committee of the United Societies met in the Briggs House last
Tiiursday af csr the suujner vacation, a. resolution was passed to send a protest
to the city council acainst the proposed closing of dance halls and cabarets
in vjhich intoxicating bevara^-^es are served, attorney Cyril Jandus, speaking
for the Chicago Czechs, warned the gatherin-; a-^ainst the proposed measure.
"The contention that the obnoxious ordinance •.vill 'purify' Lhe various places
is only a pretense, a veiled threat to curtail personal liberty," he said.
"The United Societies were founded to defend the right of anyone to drink his
glass of beer whenever and wherever he pleases to do so."....
The press coraiaittee of the Societies, of which two Czechs, Joseph Stastny and
J. A. Kospodsky, are also members, announced that a ::)re3s ca:ripai-:n against
t
13 2 - 2 - BQH3^!IAN
Dennl Hlasatel. Sept. 16, 1917.
17
prohibition has been launched Mr. Stastny suggested the establishment of
a special press bureau viiich v-rauld supply all foreign lanr-uage oapers with the
proceedings and resolutions of the United Societies. Tiiis proposal found
\manir.ous favor.
Judge Joseph Uhlir and Ix. Sinejkal were two other Czech members present.
Mrs. Zenisek, also a Czech meaber of the co.a'r;ittee, vjas .^iven thanks for her
excellent v;ork done in behalf of the Societies,
I B 2 BOimiL^T
I B 1
I G Dennf Hlasatel . Sept, 4, 1917,
TiiiONG ON RE.^ON
^%iti-Tobacco Movement /ifoot/
(3ditorial — Sunuaary)
"Many indications tend to show that the fanaticism of the prohibitionists
has reached a climax, and that a gradual decrease in that sentiment is on
its way. The trend is now turning back toward personal liberty. Those
drastic laws which destroyed decent and legitimate business and replaced
it with shady and illegal transactions have created a reaction by v/hich
the people can justly profit,,,..
There is, however, a new movement afoot to prohibit the use of tobacco in
any form, ^-igain those freakish pastors are at work. Just as they are in
the foreground acclaiming prohibition, they are decrying any enterprise
which identifies itself viith progress. Those good men do not stand up for
peace and well-being of the people; they are only *good to themselves*.
I B 2 - 2 - BOIGIt.IIi\N
,1 B 1
I G Dennl HLasatel , Sept. 4, 1917,
They are trying to gfiin control over the people and use prohibition as a
means to that end.
The head of the Non-ciaokers * Protective League of America submitted to
President Vi'ilson a proposal asainst the distribution of tobacco in any form
among soldiers and asked for the diversion of tobacco fields to the cultiva-
tion of grain and other victuals. This document declares that the distri-
bution of tobacco among array men is a crime and accuses the American Red
Cross of being an accessory to it... .Pastor Cannon, chairman of the national
legislative ccMnmittee of the Anti-Saloon League, is one of the chief agita-
tors of the lobby which has been making life miserable for many of our
congressmen. ...Many influential American nev/spapers now openly criticise
the activities of the 'drys*. This is highly gratifying to us, indeed.
Sound reasoning is slowly coming into its own....."
V_c
13 2 30H:iII.!L\IT
I G
Denni Ilia sat el . Jxay 29, 1917.
^noHi3iTioin:sT tactics/
(Editorial)
/m unsoiind, pernicious petition is beinc circ\ilated in V/ashington, D, C,
by the prohibitionists. In this document the "drys" frankly adiiit that
there is only one neans of introducing their refon.as into the law — that
is to interpolate them as part of the laws that govern the sale of food.
Propositions concerning these laws are being debated in Congress now. No
other v.'ay reinains open to bring the issue of prohibition before the body,
for it cannot be presented on its own merits.
By incorporating the "dry" question with the question of pure food, the
prohibitionists practically force the citizens to vote for the measure, un-
less they prefer to see the vote on the whole proposition delayed. That is
precisely the aim of the food profiteers. Prohibition cannot be placed be-
fore Congress as a financial war measure, for its introduction v/ould be too
costly and vay out of proportion v/ith the possible savings, /o
5 m.
I B 2 - 2 - BOHB?.lIAgT
Dennl Illasatel, Jtay 29, 1917.
I G
Prohibitionist tactics such as these are typical of the policy of the "dry"
party. Concressnea and Senators who really care to see Uncle Sam succeed
in his undertakings in these critical times shoiild be aware of the implica-
tions of such tactics.
UJ
mk
i I B 2 BOKE!.Ji\IT
Demi Klasatel , July 28, 1917,
\HiSR^ TIISY 3R2J BI2CR
(GuinLiary)
"I'llhere They 3rev/ Beer, There It Is V.'ell to Live!" It riust have been a vague
musical prerioaition tliat whispered into the ears of four Chicafp detectives
that they v/ere on the ri,7ht track v/'ien they leisurely sauntered upon the premises
whence issued the strains of the vif^orous old Czech drinkinf^ song. It v;as in
the Filsen Bre\very Park, ^llbany Avenue and 26th Street, where a imiltitude of
members, male and female, of the Cesko-^imericti Lesnici (Order of Czech-Zimerican
Foresters) with countless friends, had gathered for a picnic on Sunday, June 22
of this year. As if guided by a clue — an art perfected by years of assiduous
exercise — the foxir plain-clothes laen automatically found themselves in front of
a bar where Ilessrs. Vojta Sindelar and 2mil Yicha catered v/ith great zeal and
dignity to the thousands v/ho sought relief from the heat.
One of the sleuths ordered a full size stein. A few Lioments later he was smack-^
ing his lips, rubbing his tummy, and rolling his eyes. Another detective also^
I B 2 - 2 - BOimgAN
Denni Hlasatel , July 28, 1917.
ordered a stein; then, all four displayed their stars and invited Messrs*
Vicha and Sindelar to follow them to the station, there to be booked for
violation of the Sxmday closing law. <'It*s near-beer!" the bartenders protested.
"It*s the real stuff I" retorted the sleuths They also extended their in-
vitation to Mr. Zigmund Chobotsky, chief forester of the Order, and to ISr, Jan
Budilovsky, his aid. To make tha party merrier, they also took the private
park watchman along.
The company was joined by IiJr. Vaclav E. llarek, formerly a deputy bailiff of the
municipal court, who volunteered to furnish the bail; but when the prisoners
arrived at the police station on 23rd and Robey Streets, Llarek was declared
xmder arrest himself. The police claimed that he had "become fresh with them,"
and they wanted to assert their authority The comedy closed with only Marek's
and Vicha* s being booked and finally bailed out after police had denied them
that right for several hours.
The case came up before Judge ^Villiam Gemmill of the municipal court, whose per-
sonal bailiff Marek had once been. The defendants claimed that it was near-bet
V?
I B 2 - 3 - BOHHagAN
Denni laasatel . July 28, 1917.
Detective Dalesky, one of the officers in the raid, declared it v/as genuine
Olympia brew. The verdict of the court was not guilty, but the question of
whether near-beer or Olympia brew was served at the Czech-American Foresters'
picnic still remains unsolved
I B 2 BOHETCTAN
Dennl Hlasatel , July 22, 1917,
OUT? SOCIAL ACTIVITIES JSOPAHDIZSD
(Sximraary of Editorial)
Rumor has it that the State* s attorney, together with the sheriff and the
county board, intends to extend the enforcement of the S\mday closing law
over the entire area of Cook County. Communities such as Cicero, Lyons,
and Stickney will certainly not be elated over this prospect; their local
governments are, we are glad to state, by far too liberal-minded to lend
themselves to the prosecution of violators. The season for picnics is only
half over. Many clubs and societies, depending on profits made at their
picnics, would consider it a heavy blow to their main source of income if
the blue law were forced upon them.
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
IV
Denni Hlasatel . June 16, 1917.
UNITED SOCIETIES HONOR A. J. CERMAK
(Suimnary)
In a festive meeting held in the Planter's Hotel, the anti-prohibitionist ^
United Societies re-elected Mr, Anton J, Cermak secretary and presented him :<
with a beautiful watch in recognition of his services during his ten years p
as secretary of the organization, ^
3D
I B 2 BOHEI^I/iN
II E 3
I H Dennl Hlasatel , May 28, 1917.
IV
T/fflLFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE UNITED SOCIETIES
Czech Ladies ,Vin Special Recognition
(Summaiy)
V/icker Park Hall, Milwaukee and Grand Avenues, was the scene of the tv/elfth
annual convention of the United Societies yesterday afternoon. Mr. Kramer,
the presiding officer, pointed out that it was the United Societies which
thwarted almost every attempt of the prohibitionist element to restrict
personal liberty by means of lav;s, etc There were 974 delegates repre-
senting 1,079 societies.
i»Ir« nnton J. Cermak, secretary, read the annual report, which shows an increase
in membership to 253,203 in 1,099 societies and corporations.
Judge Joseph Uhlir of the Municipal Court, speaking from the experience which
he gained during four years on the bench, declared that most of the cases
5
-a
CD
-^
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II E 3
I H Denni Hlasatel , May 28, 1917,
IV
before the Morals' Court originated in the large hotels located downtoim,
where hundreds of girls are being intoxicated and then seduced. Not a single
similar case of delinquency among girls frequenting the decent Czech, German,
or Polish halls has been brought before his court as yet. If anything can be
done to protect the young women, then the first step should be taken against
the big places in the Loop. The speaker urged a change in the system of
dealing with girls who are on the wrong path. A special institution should
be created for these girls, because the jail has a decidedly bad influence
upon their characters. "Demands in this direction up to this time have had ^
the effect of a voice in the desert," the Judge declared in conclusion.
3>
c:?
Mr, Leopold Neumann, organizer of the Societies, in making his report, paid
special tribute to the activities of our Czech ladies. He maitioned Mrs, Velik
and Mrs, Zenisek as particularly ardent members.
A resolution against the Bismarck Garden and Bismarck Hotel, submitted by the
bailiffs' organization, was referred to the executive committee. It contained
I B 2 - 3 - BOHSMIiiU
II E 3
I H Denni Hlasatel , May 28, 1917,
IV
the statement that the above-mentioned corporation steadfastly refuses
to deal with union labor and the United Societies,
Judge Bernard Barasa of the IJunicipal Court declared that though certain
people resented his membership in the United Societies, he felt that he
adhered strictly to the law in all his decisions, and that he could not be
biased by nationality, color, creed, or political party; also that no group
of female reformers could make him swerve from his principles.
Alderman John Toman took issue with the Barbour bill, which he terms a
"corpse which has been buried ten times and dug out as often again". As the
City Council was unable to do anything with it, some people carried it to
the State Legislature, There are at this time twelve "wet" members on the
license committee, and so the Barbour bill remains but a scarecrow. The
petition against nation-wide prohibition has been signed by fifty aldermen.
Seventeen refused to sign, and three v;ere absent. Alderman Toman stated.
3=
<..)
k ■*
I B 2 - 4 - BOIJEMIAN
II E 3
I H Denni Hlasatel , May 28, 1917,
IV
Czech corporations and societies will be represented in the executive
committee by the following Czech-;imericans: John A. Cervenka, Joseph Placek.
I B 2 BOHEIflAN
I G
Denni Hlasatel. l^y 13, 1917.
/TSE. prohibitionist PATRI01B7
(Editorial)
The worst patriots are the prohibitionists, for they are trying to use the
war, and to take advantage of the crisis in our country in order to spread
their propaganda. Thus they create domestic unrest and obstruct the path
of social progress.
I B 2
I G
BOHSI.IIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 26, 1917,
(iiditorial)
Attenpts are being made to take tobacco fron the soldiers. No
wonder, iVe know that America is the land of freedom, and of all
progress. For this reason, we would not be surprised if the
government should offer them a substitute for everything smokable,
chewing gum.
I B 2 BOHHyjAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 31, 1915.
IT ..ILL bh: hard going
(Editorial Comment)
Our prohibitionists are having a difficult time securing a sufficient number ^
of signatures for their petition to put the question of a dry Chicago on the .^
small ballot. So far they have only a small fraction of the required number, p
and it is a big question wrtiether some of those who have signed are not just 'i;!
having some fun at the prohibitionists* expense. At any rate, it would appear ^
so, because among the signatures there are about a dozen Roosevelts, a multi- ^
tude of Billy Sundays, several Carter H. Harrisons, Bryans, and .Vilsons, and, ^
no doubt, many dead people and many who will have to let a number of years J>l
elapse before they will be old enough to have a legal vote that will influence
the future of Chicago as to its dryness or humidity.
Once before the drys circulated such a petition. A careful scrutiny of it how-
ever, has shown that the majority of the signatures were "phony," and that many
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlaaatel . Dec. 31, 1915.
people who had signed it wanted to liave their little joke at the prohibitionists*
expense. The same will, most likely, be the case with the present petition, and -^
the prohibitionists had better secure at least twice as many signatures as they 5
need to make sure there will be enough left after they are sifted. ci.
r-
-o
TO
O
CO
*^
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Dec. 30, 1915.
SS7EN NEV/ STATJjS DRY"
The people of six Western states and one Southern state v;ill receive a New
Year's gift they will have reason to remember with bitterness for many years,
and nobody can tell how long it will take before they get back their personal
liberty. Six Western states having a population of 8,254,043 will become dry ^
on New Year'^'. Day, and tomorrow is the last day that beer and other alcoholic
beverages v/iH be sold there. These states are Iowa, Colorado, Washington,
Idaho, Oregon; and Arkansas. The Southern state is South Carolina, which
will also join the dry states January 1, 1916. What results this drying up
of six prosperous states, some of which are just beginning to enjoy real de-
velopment and progress, will have is easy to imagine. One immediate result
will be that many thousands of people will lose their emplo^itient , thousands
of families will be reduced to a state of privation, and many million dol-
lars' worth of business will be lost. That will be the immediate result of
prohibition, but other results will follow soon and will cause a cessation
of the rapid tempo of progress of these states, the development of business
y>
c;
IBS - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Dec. 30, 1915.
will be retarded, and thousands of people about to make their homes in these
comparatively new states will avoid them. This applies, in the first place,
to the immigrants. Lnmigrants do not like to settle in states where the per-
sonal liberty of citizens is restricted in that way, and some of the states
mentioned are among those in which a new, steady flow of immigrants was being
expected, and where they are otherwise offered many advantages. In Oregon,
Washington, and in some parts of Colorado and Arkansas, there is a ^reat deal ^
of comparatively inexpensive land suitable for settlement, and a very large ^^
number of our coxmtrymen who live there enjoy a high degree of prosperity. p
These will certainly not welcome their New Year's donation, it may discourage
many of those who expected to go West, and, all in all, nobody can maintain -t
that the introduction of such laws can do these states any good,
Iowa is the only one of the older states that expects to enjoy complete prohi- ,,-'
bition after New Year's. A degree of prohibition is not new to Iov»a. It has
been rather dry for many years. Since its original enactment, many laws have been
passed modifying some aspects of it, mitigating its unfortunate effects upon
I B 2 - 3 - B0H2MIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Dec. 30, 1915.
the population. One of them was the so-called "Mulct Law" permitting the
sale of alcoholic beverages, and after its enactment sixteen breweries were
built in Iowa. This law was recalled a year ago and Iowa reverts to the
state in which it was many years ago when its first prohibition law was put
on the statute books. The first effect of this law will be that ths sixteen
breweries will be closed by tomorrow night, and 136 saloons will be put out ^
of existence. Eleven breweries and 1600 saloons will be ruined in Colorado; 2
many of the latter were in summer resorts where local option was not in force -z.
and enjoyed a good deal of prosperity. After New Year's no alcoholic bever- F
ages will be sold in Colorado, except on a physician's prescription, but at ^
least for a time after that day the state will not be fully dry. It is re- o
ported that the people of Colorado have been laying in supplies of alcoholic ^
beverages for several weeks, and that miners and ranchers are taking out with S
them whisky in barrels so that they will not go thirsty when the lights in <^
the saloons are put out for good. Also, drurrists are laying in supplies of
wine and whisky so that they may have something to sell on doctors' prescrip-
tions, a method which, at least at the beginning, v/ill be the easiest one by
I B 2 - 4 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Dec. 30, 1915,
which to evade the law. So, Colorado will have some wine and some whisky
for those who comply with the law and get a doctor's prescription, but the
most harmless of alcoholic beverages, beer, will be most difficult to get
in dry Colorado. The tame undoubtedly applies to all the other states where
prohibition comes into effect Saturday. It will be much easier for the people
to buy whisky which, as is always the case in dry states and districts, will
be of the worst kind imaginable, and thus prohibition, instead of promoting ^
temperance, will result in excessive drinking of hard liquor of a quality mors ^
likely to be injurious to human health. ?=
Oregon will most likely have its prohibition on paper only, and its drying-up ^
will result in people's paying more for beer and other alcoholic beverages £
than before because they will have to order them from other states. This is ^
also likely to cause the consumption of inferior liquor because there will be ^j
no choice and the people .vill have to drink what they are sent. The new pro-
hibition law of Oregon premits every family to order twenty- four quarts of
beer and two quarts of wine or liquor every four weeks. Some Oregon liquor
tr
I B 2 - 5 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 30, 1915.
dealers v/ill move to California and send their goods to their former home
state by express. Undoubtedly, also, most of the beer will go to Oregon
from California.
The closing of saloons in the state of Washington tomorrow will be accom-
panied by the hope that it will not be forever. The prohibition law will
be submitted to the popular vote next November, and the liberal people hope
that ten months* experience with prohibition will be enough to make every- -n:.
body vote against it. They have thus a trial prohibition, and the ten F
months' trial should convince everybody of its unsoundness. The nev/ prohi- ^
bition laws of Idaho and Arkansas are particularly strict and will be hard o
to circumvent. Arkansas has a penalty of one year in the penitentiary for ^
violation of the prohibition law, and, to make matters worse, the judges are ^
not permitted to suspend or other.vise mitigate the sentence. f
General prospects for the future are by no means encouraging. Including
South Carolina and Virginia, where prohibition will po into effect November 1
3>
I B 2 - 6 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 30, 1916.
next year, there will be nineteen dry states and a number of others in grave
danger of becoming so. The prohibition question will be voted upon next year
in Nebraska, South Dakota, Michigan, Vermont, California, and Alaska, and
possibly a few more. Sverytilnj points to the fact t'lat the prohibition wave
is growing, which, by the way, the people in Chicago have experienced. Our
dry Sundays made the bef^:inning, and our prohibitionists hope that thay will
succeed in drying up Chicago for good by the April elections. It is quite "2
certain that this will not be the case, but what is going on in other states '=;
and cities should be a warning to our people to be constantly on the alert, p
*
CO
• I B 2 BOHS!.nj\N
• I F 2
■ I F 3 Denni Hlasatel, Dec. 18, 1915.
' IV
UNITED SOCrSTDlS PREPARES P3TITI0N
Mr. Anton J, Cermak, in his capacity as secretary of the United Civic Societies
of Chicago, declared yesterday that, shortly after New Year's, petitions would
be put into circulation for presentation to the election commission, asking to
have put on the •♦small ballot" at the April election the question whether cities
should be given the authority to regulate their own afiairs in regard to saloons, S
including the question of closing them on Sundays. The petition will require D^
about 170,000 signatures, the same number as are necessary for the petition of
the drys for the complete abolition of saloons in Chic-jgo, VThile the prohibition-
ists will have trouble in securing the necessary number of signatures of registered
voters, it is certain that the liberal element will in two or three weeks have more
them than are needed. The question that the United Civic Societies want to see on
the ballot— and since they wants, they will get it — reads like this:
"Should the State legislature amend the law regarding the administration of cities
and towns so that cities and towns availing themselves of that privilege would
1
I B
2
.
I F
2
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I F
3
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IV
- 2 - BCBEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Dec. 18, 1915.
have the right to make their own regualtions concerning saloons, Including the i»
closing of saloons on Sunday?" ^
I —
The result of the voting on this question will not, of course, compel the legis- ^
lature to pass a law of that kind, but the large majority of ballots with votes £
in favor of such a law vd.ll influence not only the State legislature but also *co
the City administration. City autonomy and the closing of saloons on Sundays C3
will be among the principal matters with which the coming session of legislature
will deal. The United Civic Societies will recuire every candidr-te for the
office of alderman to make a definite and binding statanent concerning his
standpoint on these questions.
CJt
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
II B 1 c (3)
III A Dennl Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1915.
IV
THE MAYOR RAGES ON
The nearer the day of the Sunday demonstration of the United Civic Societies
is, the greater becomes the nervousness of "Big Bill," former cowboy vnho,
by dispensation of the liberal-minded citizens of Chicago has become the ^
Mayor of our metropolis. How he will carry on v.hen he sees the iinmense .^
parade Sunday it is difficult to imai/ine. No doubt he now realizes that he fZ
has dug for himself his own political grtive, and before he lies dovm in it, irl
he certainly will treat the Chicago citizens to a series of true cowboy =t;
stunts.
Yesterday Liayor Thompson sent to every municipal judge a letter attacking
Superior Judge Olson, who had dared to refuse his demand to take steps toward
depriving the chief bailiff of the municipal court, Anton J. Cermak of his
office, and on top of that, ridiculed him, the mayor, for his prohibition
fits. On that occasion, Judge Olson had something to say about sots playing
"prohibition".
CO
c
I B 2 - 2 -
II B 1 c (3)
III A Denni Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1915.
IV
The Mayor, in his letter, requested the judges to take under consid-
eration, in their next inonthly meetings, the acti"vities of Chief Bailiff
Cerraak, the leader of the liberal-minded element of Chicago, and the actions
of Superior Judge Olson, who evidently approves of Lir, Cermak's attitude,
"Big Bill" offers municipal- judges these suggestions:
"The judges should take into consideration the question as to v.hether or not
the municipal bailiff may be trusted vjith the proper discharge of his duties
in regard to tht: enforcement of the law requiring the closing of saloons on
Sundays, in view of his publicly knoxwn attitude,
"If Bailiff Anton J. Cermak»s point of view has the approval of Judge Olson,
the least the judges of the municipal court should do is to adopt in their
meeting the rule that no cases of trt-.nsgresiion of that lavj should be heard
in Judge Olson's court."
Copies of this interesting letter, which again indicates the extent of the
I B 2 - 3 - BOHEUIAN
II B 1 c (3)
III A Denni Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1915.
IV
Mayor's ra^e v.hen he realizes that what v.as to put him at the zenith
of his political power ana glory has become the instrument of his political
death, ivere handed to Judge Olson and all judges of the municipal court
yesterday at five o'clock in the evening.
Judge Olson got a big "kick" out of the letter. Said he: "This letter
reminds me of the letters v.e used to receive from Hadrian H. Baker, who
was later indicted for r.olesting judges and other officials by sending
thera letters. Every time I see a fat envelope or a long letter, I suspect
something of that kind. There is a rule in my office according to v.hich all
fat envelopes are put in £. certain place and opened and read by my bailiff,
because I do not care to waste my own time that way. This fat envelope was
one of those few that have been made exceptions of; because it carried the
stcinp of the Uayor's office, I thought it might be something or greater im-
portance.
"The whole affair is nothing but a cheap political trick of a man who took
IBS - 4 - BOIEllL'ilT
II 3 1 c (3)
III A Denni Hlasatel , Nov. 5, 1015.
17
several nonths to decide tirt he v:as f-oinr: to enforce the lav;. It
is an attempt to put ne under suspicicn of beiir: not interested in the en-
forcenent of the lav;. Ever since the establishnent of the municipal court
nine years ago, all its judres hav3 considered the Suau;iy suloon-closine la'//
valid and have been instructing th3ir juries accordingly.
CJ
The next re£;ular monthly meeting of the jud,ees v/ill be h;.ld IJcvember 2G, but ~*
it is possible that Judce Olson .vill call a special meeting prior to that
date, at v/hich the Layer's letter v;ill be discussed and the proper reply to p
hLn; drafted.
It may safely be expected that I.li*, Germak also v/ill react properly to the ^
lIayor*s att-'iclc. Said he yesterday, ./hen he heard about that letter, but
prior to reading it: "As soon as I have rea;! the letter I shall isbue a public
stotement md shall try to mnke quick v/ork of 'cleaning up* on the Layor. VJhen
he reads my letter, he v;ill either jump out of his ov/n hide or — out of the City
Eall. I have 3e?irned various taints about him v/hich I have so far hesitated to tell
I B 2 - 5 - BOHEMIAN
II B 1 C (3)
III A Dennl Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1915.
IV
the public, but I shtll not keep them to myself any longer. He
will get a reply that will roalce hin wish he had never touched this matter.
The weapon he is wielding will be knocked out of his hand and it will bash
his own skull." ^,
Mayor Thompson's new attack is aimed not only against liir. Cermak and Judge
Olson, but also against all the liberal-minded people of Chicago. These
will give him their answer on Suncay, and it is certain that that answer,
which will be in the form of an immense, stately demonstration, will quiet
him dovvH for good. The Bohemians will be represented in the parade in pro-
portion to their numerical strength in the city and the strength of their
conviction that their city must be administered according to principles of
personal liberty anc: autonomy'. All our associations have requested their
members to assemble in front of their meetinc places shortly after noon next
Sunday; from there they will march to the place v.here the parade will be
formed. Every member should be there. The interest of their own association
anG the interest of our own city requires their presence.
r—
I B 2 - 6 - BOH^NtTi^N
II B 1 c (3)
III A Denni Hlasatel , Nov. 3, 1915,
IV
Nobody should be discouraged from participation because of the
circuiastance that the Mayor has refused to viev; the parade. The citizens,
men and women, in the parade, will, by his absence, be spared the embar-
rasoinent of being reviewed in march by the man whonx they have helped to ^
elect, whose promises they had trusted, and who has deceived them in such ^
a shameful way. V/hen "Big Bill" could review the diminutive parade of the .^
prohibitionists, half of which was composed of children, he should consider i^
it his duty as the Mayor to attend a demonstration in which at least fifty tT.
thousand men and women, all Chicago citizens, will take part. But his %x
absence will not be regretted by any one of them, ^
' o
CD
I
I B 8 BOHBagAN
II B 1 c (3)
17 Demnl Hlaaatel . Nov. 1, 1915. •
CIVIC SOCIETIES INVITE MAYOR TO PARAEE
Mayor Thonqpson was yesterday given an invitation to attend and see the parade
organized by the United Civic Societies of Chicago as a protest against the ^
Mayor's order to close saloons on Sundays. The letter of invitation sent to ^
the Mayor was signed by the Civic Societies* president, George Landau, and <:v
the secretary, Anton J. Cezmak, and reads as follows: p
"The United Civic Societies of Chicago is organizing a parade for autonomy and g
personal liberty which will start Sunday, November 8, at 2:00 P.M. Preparations ^
are being made for the erection of a platform on V^ashington Street directly in ^
front of the City Hall. We present, herewith, an invitation to you and the t^
members of your cabinet to review this parade. We assure you that we shall greatly
appreciate it if you will honor us by your presence on the platform "
Seventy-five new instances of violation of the order were reported by the police
yesterday, but all these are unimportant cases and there is no doubt that the
I B 2 - 2 - BQHEIMIAN
II B 1 c (3)
IV Dannl Hlasatel, Nov, 1, 1915.
Mayor, idio so far has not found any case serious enough to be punished by loss
of license, will also do nothing in these cases**.**
2^an8lator*snote: Thirteen names of Bohemian saloonkeepers ndio are among the
seventy-fiTt^ are omitted in translatioi^
C-
IBS BOHSMIAH
II B 1 C (3)
IV Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 29, 1915.
IBS (Slovak)
PARADE OF THE Ulv^ITSD CIVIC SOCIETIES
A Call to All Bohemian Assoc iations and
Friends of Personal Liberty
It is therefore our duty to attend and participate in this parade to the last
man
The Sokol organizations from the whole city will assemble in front of the hall
of the Sokol Pilsen on Ashland Avenue and 18th Street at 12:30 P. M«
'J
Sunday, November 7, has been selected by the United Civic Societies of Chicago -^:
as the day on which a demonstration for personal liberty will take place. It ['_'.
will be a huge parade, the purpose of which is to show the strength of the -^
liberal element in this city to the prohibition fanatics and convince them -j
that Chicago people will not have a few deluded individuals tell them how to ^
organize their lives and their social customs J
I B 2 - 2 - BOEaMIAN
II B 1 c (3)
17 Dennl Hlasatel. Oct. 29, 1915,
I B 2 (Slovak)
The Bohemian Catholic organizations from the whole city will
meet in front of the Cesko-Anglicka Svobodna Skola (Bohemian-liinglish Free
Thought School) on 18th and May Streets at 12:30 P, M,
Other organizations, associations, and clubs will assemble on Blue Island
Avenue, between 16th and 18th Streets, at 12:30 P. M
It is absolutely essential that all participants be on time. The parade will
start marching punctually at 1:00 P. M,, and there will be absolutely no
waiting for those who are late.
Information concerning other details of and preparations for the parade will
be gladly given by Mr. Josef Placek at 2333 South Kedzie Avenue, telephone,
Rockwell 2199, or by the secretary of the organizing committee, Mr. Otto T.
Pergler, at 1808 South Avers Avenue, telephone, Lawndale 9738.
CountrymenJ Let us show the world that the Bohemians are always first when it
; )
I B 2 - 3 - BOHEMIAN
II B 1 C (3)
IV Denni Hlasatel . Oct, 29, 1915.
I B 2 (Slovak)
is a question of protecting and promoting freedom and personal
liberty:
For the Ceske Odvetvi Sdruzenych Spolku Pro Mistni Samospravu (Bohemian Section
of the United Civic Societies),
John A. Cervenka, president;
" Anton J, Cermak, secretary.
I —
( —
-n
rs3r
CJ1
I B 2 BQEatlM
II B 1 c (3)
IV Dennl Hlasatel. Oct. 27, 1915.
BOHSf-IlAN PR2PARATI0N3 FOR LI32RAL DEMONSTRATION
A meeting of officers and representatives of Bohemian associations was held last
night in the Pilsen Park pavilion. The meeting was called for the purpose of
making preparations for a huge parade of protest against the action of Iteiyor
Thompson ^n closing the saloons on Sunda^^. The parade will take place Novem-
ber 7, that is, a week from next Sunday.
The meeting was attended by about seven hundred delegates and officers of Bo-
hemian organizations and was presided over by Mr. John A. Cervenka.
After the discussion of various proposals offered bjr those present, a committee
was appointed /composed of seven men and two women/ which will work out a plan
of action.
The meeting expressed full confidence in the secretary of the United Civic
Societies, Mr. Anton J. Cermak, and nominated a resolutions committee which was
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II B 1 c (3)
IV Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 27, 1915.
charged with the drafting of a resolution containing a proper expression of that
confidence. This resolution will be published in all our newspapers.
It is unnecessary to say that the meeting properly condemned Mayor Thompson* s
action. No effort will be spared to give a forceful expression to this con-
demnation by the largest possible participation of Bohemian organizations and
Bohemians in general in the parade. So far fifty associations have promised
to participate, and it is desirable that all others indicate their agreement 4
to participate in this great demonstration.
•3»
o
I B 2 BOHSIIIAIJ
17
Dennl laasatel , Oct. 20, 1915.
TllOraPSOII AGiUNST CSRIoAK
"Big Bill" Considers Cerraak His iiost
Dangerous Foe
hJayoT Thonpson returned to Chicago yesterda;/. At the Union Depot he was
■welcomed bj city enployees, ordered to be there, ministers, and prohibition
fanatics v;ho escorted him in qLott/ through streets or the business district ^
of the city. IJany autojiobiles v;ere covered with slogans praising the Mayor ^
for his decree closins saloons on Sundays, proclaiming him savior of our ^
city, a man who would br>ive anything in order to enforce the laws. C
The parade marched into Cohan's Grand Opera House, v:here the Sabbath fana- 2
tics held a meeting. They, of course, gave Thompson an enthusiastic wel- ^
come there, and all their leaders spoke extolling the Lliayor for closing
the saloons.
Then Thonpson mounted the platform and read a docuraent in which he attacked
I B 2 - 8 - BOHK.T.iN
17
Denni laasatel . Oct. 20, 1915.
Anton J. Ceiraak, calling him to the attention of municipal judges, and
suggesting that they take action against him; accusinc: him of failure
to do his duty, and urging him to resign frou his office of Chief Bailiff
of the LIunicipal Court in case he should refuse to enforce the law.
Iviayor Thompson's docuiiient is of such a character that its whole text
should be made public. It is something quite unique in the history of ^
our city and will help our public, whose opinion has lately been turning J
against the :Iayor, to know "Big Bill" in all his littleness. Head
Thompson: --
-o
"Being asked by the organization carrying the name of United Civic So- §
cieties of Chicago to state ny personal opinions and my intentions in ^
case I sho\ild be elected mayor, I immediately gave the organisation a S
written statej.ient in which I expressed my personal views. It was nothing "^
else than an expression of private opinion. I did not bind myself by
that statement to abstain from enforcing the law in accordance xvith ray
I B 2 - 3 - 30H2I>ILAI.^
rv
Deimi Hlasatel . Oct. 20, 1915.
oath of the office.
"rjhat a man likes or dislikes is of no consequence if it is against the
law which a public officer has sworn to enforce. It is not the function
of the chief executive of a city to enact or repeal laws, but to enforce
thera.
"I am, and I have alv;ays been, in favor of city autonoiny. The only way
the people caii secure good adniniet ration, truly liberal govemriient ,
govemjnent of personal liberty, covemi.ent of equal rights, is honest
enforcement of the law by public officials.
o
"'.Vhen Anton J. Cerrnak, the secretary of the club knoivn as the United Civic
Societies, or anybody else, ever thought he could force me to disregard ^^
my duties, the duties I have sxvom to perform to the best of my ability,
he was ignorant of my conception of public duty.
I B 2 - 4 - BOHKT>aAN
IV
Denni HI as at el . Oct. 20, 1915.
"llr. Gemak's attacks directed against ne because I do itv"- duty are in-
excusable, particularly because he himself, as the chief bailiff of
the IJunicipal Court, has sworn to obey the lav;, Kis action in attack-
ing the Layor of Chicago because the hlayor is enforcing the law is
detrimental to free govenLTient. I'x, Cerraak is harming the people whose
representative he professes to be.
s
"I refuse to believe Lir. Gerir.ak's statement t-at the men and women who ^
are members of fraternal societies organized for their ovm good would
require the mayor of Chicago to neglect duties he has sworn to perform
and vjhich are prescribed by the la;v.
■a
"Irir. Cermakl Because j/ou, as an officer of the LXinicipal Court, have ^
made a public request that a public official violate the oath of his I^
office, and because that request of yours is detrimental to the repu-
tation of the Municipal court, you should either retract your state-
ment containing that request and give the public the assurance that
I B 2 - 5 - Boin^r.rrAii
17
Dennl Illasatel . Oct. EO, 19113.
you yourself will obey the law, or resign your office of Chief Bailiff
of the LIunicipla Court so that Chicago may be spared the odivim of having
in its courts an official who publicly requests public officers to neglect
their sworn duties.
"I an calling on Ilarry Olson, the Chief Justice of the Municii)al Court,
to take notice of the statements made by Mr. Cenaak, an officer of his $
Court, and to ask the judges of that Court to take such steps in this
matter as they may see fit.
-o
"I make this request because the question as to whether or not a public -o
official should enforce the lav; in accordance with his sworn duty is not o
a question of v/hat he likes or dislikes, it is not a question of the wet Lo
and the drys; it is not a question of personal opinion. It is a question '^
of law and order. .'^
"Therefore, men and women who believe that lai; and order should be upheld
I B 2 - 6 - BOHEtvUAN
IV
Denni iaasatel . Oct. 20, 1915.
must join hands and stand united against the enenies of society, no matter
who these enemies nay be, in case they request public officials to neglect
duties thej'' have sworn to perform."
The attack on l-i*. Cerriiak and his accusation to Judge Olson, as v;ell as
the inflating of all the judges of the iJunicipal Court against hir, Certaak
are characteristic methods of "Big Bill". i
-o
A3 it happened, Uir. Geimak was not in Chicago yesterday. He '.vas in i^ntioch, —
Illinois, from where he telephoned the following reply: "Bill Thompson £J
cannot intimidate me by any threats. Had he not signed the pledge to the ~o
United Civic Societies he would never have been elected Ivlayor. If I were Q_
in his place I should rather resign my office than to enforce the Sunday oo
closing law knovjing that the people of Chicago are against it. If it comes L:^
to a fight, I am not afraid of Mr. Thompson. I Imov; hov; to defend what '"
I consider rif-ht, good, and profitable for the people."
According to expert legal opinion, municipal judges are unable to undertake
I B 2 - 7 - BOFFirrAN
IV
Denni laasatel . Oct. 20, 1915.
anything against I'x, Oenaak, even if they wished to hxiraor llr, Thompson.
According to the otate constitution only the otate legislature can im-
peach and suspend an elected official who has failed to discharge his
duties.
There was a rumor yesterday in the City Hall that in case Cermak should
continue his attacks against 'the Ilayor because of the enforcerient of the 2
Sunday closing law, the States attorney's office would be asked to charge r:.
llr. Cermak with misbehavior in office. p
-a
o
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CD
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— J
cr-
i.
I D 3 BCH^.:iAII
II E 2
Denni I-aasatcl. Cct. 18, 1915.
j?i:''iY-'?..c 3/axoi:3 '.TiiRt; CFim
Assistant chief of Police Schuettlor received a report yesterday that fifty-two
saloonkeepers disregarded l.ayor Tilonpson's decree and had their places open
yesterday
Anone those v/ho '.vere accused of violation of the ordinance v.'ere the following
Bohenians: ^translators IJote: Ten naiaes and offenses-nainely, keeping open for
from ton bo thirt" ninutes after nidnight Saturday, or obscuring vision by
curtains in v.-ind.ov.'s — onitted in translation^^
o
CO
I 3 ^3 B0HJt.-:i.2T
T "^ O
D3r.nl Iilnsatel . Oct .18, 191b..
aiiio;.ao tjotl: r.-^iCT-jUT
The United Civic "ocietian Prapcire ^. Hur:3 Denonstr.-ition
In the presence of a nultitude of p3ople of ooth sexes ^ the President of
The United Civic societies of Chi^aro, '.'.r. Landau, opened a s ecial con-
vention b;/ explainir.r: tho, i: it i? b3in=: hold in order tc deal v;ith the
I'jarjor^s decree to close soloons on Sundays, The neetin^ ;vas held in the
'^reat hall of 3ohol Chica.':o
The floor v/as than ::iv-.n to ex-'ayor Gairtor H, 'larrison
"is speech v.'as fre'iuentl;' interna ted by -ipplause
Gecretar;'' /Inton Xj/osi^^iak read the resolution of the United Civic so-
cieties by ..'hich the callin" of ohis convention v/viG ratified. The resolu-
- 2 - BOii;:.:i.j-;
T^T
I ?
Deiini "Icsatel, Get. 18, 1915.
tion dG'ils vith tlie detri i^ntul effects of '.'Ayov T:ic.-ipson*s breach of
plsQ^-3, and urfag the Ttoople to uri'.lartr.ke a stron^^ dononstration of its
dis'ole'xnure ovjr the breald.nG of thi T'-iyor's prouss and the violation
'ind limitation of the p-arsonal liberty of tho citiT^ens. The crodentials
CO nit tee reported the presence of 3,341 dele^^ntes rorresontin,-: 969 asso-
ciations
The revolt ions coTjr.iittoe presented '^he tG"t of six resolution? it had
drafted
.".11 resolutions .vera unaninousl7 ado'-^ted and ex-Alderian 7elix Janovs -:;.'•
delivered an enthusiastic sneech
-J
~1
I '- g - 5 - BCKJilZ
'JJT.ri :!l-:Gat-3 l, Oct, 18, lOlo.
"r, CJarn*"!'.': 3X Ininad th?tt the nattgr of tho pub'' ic d^r-i-rn'rtr'jitinn h-.a . Gon
discuGssci t)-'- the cor-jiitto*? f?r -lolitical r^cti'-'r., '^<n.c, tlvit it v;r:s up to
the dole'Titsr, to ■i?/:'3 it tho ■'•rj;it3!?t ever h3].d in ■^liirp.-o
13 2 boig:i.:iai>i
Dennl laasatel , Oct. IG, 1915.
TH3 FIH3T DE£ SUimAY
The first dry Sunday in Chicago is over, and it must be admitted that it ^
was a very quiet and peaceful one. Quite against the expectation of '-"'
some people, there were no disorders, and the reason there were none was "r^
because the saloon men themselves, upon the advice of the United Civic ^^
Societies, acted exactly in accordance with the law which UayoT Thompson ^
unearthed, in order to show the whole population what a really dry Sun-
day in Chicago looks like. There were just a very few transgressions of
that law which, in proportion to the number of saloons in Chicago, are
not worth speaking about. And in fact these were not real transgressions
of the laxv closin:^ saloons on Sunday, but rather failures to close the
saloons at the hour specified by the police, a regulatioix that has always
been sinned against.
u'ell then, the first dry Sunday in Chicago was quiet. But that does not
mean that the people of Chicago agree with the Iviayor's decree, or that
t7»
I 3 £ - 2 - BOHSIJL"^T
Denni Hlasatel , Oct. 16, 1915.
they have forgotten about it in their aany other cares and troubles. By
no means. The people disagree and do not forget, but the organization
which defends their personal liberty is trying, within the limits of the
law, to find ways and neans by which to annul and void the Laayor's decree.
-o
3>
-O
In pursuance of this end, the United Civic Societies holds its convention
tomorrow. The convention will call attention to the conception of honor :=5
shown by laiayor Thompson as the highest executive officer of the second
largest city in the United States, a city which is more cosmopolitan than
New York itself; how he can keep his word, and ho\v he can deny a pledge
to which he attached his ovm signature. There xvill be discxission of the
question whether the Ijayor's decree could not be made invalid by spontane-
ous demonstration of the people. The Civic Societies also expect to put
the question of drj'' or v;et Sundays on the ballot at the next municipal
election.
'Je do not know whether or not the United Civic Societies v/ill find means
13 2 - 3 - BOHSIILilJ
Demil laasat el, Oct. 16, 1915.
to accomplish anyiihing of that kind. All we knov; is that the law upon
which Liayor Thompson has based his ordinance is a State law, and can be
changed only by the State legislature, either by repeal or by aiaendnent.
en
CO
In our opinion, the most practicable anendnent would be one providing
that cities with a certain specified population and over should have the 3
privilege of deciding for themselves whether they would be dry or wet.
Undoubtedly, cities v;ith fifty thousand people or more should have greater
rights than those vjhich are much smaller. Consideration should also be
given to the fact that large cities have a much more heterogeneous popu-
lation than villages or small tov/ns. This circumstance, of course, is
also of moment.
It is not only recently that Chicago's rigiit to antonornj' has been talked
and written about. Ilie subject has been discussed for many years, and the
opinion expressed that Chicago should be permitted to settle all its own
important problems. i\s it is, all questions concerning Chicago and its
I B 2 - 4 - BoseaaAN
Dennl Illasatel , Oct. 16, 1915.
welfare are decided by the State legislature. In consideration of the ^
fact that Chicago is by far the largest city in the State, and that it ^
pays the largest arnount of taxes, every unbiased person v/ill admit that .^
it should have the riglit to decide on all matters of its oivn concern. f-
It is well knovm that different custons and different needs prevail in "^
a small town or a little connunity fron those in such large cities as g
Chicago. If small to'vns decide to be dr:,' because they do not feel any
need to oe otherwise, vjhy should Chicago, v^^hich feels the need to be
wet, be dry like the small towns? As it is, Chicago is powerless, be- cr
cause the small towns have a majority in the State legislixture, and
the small tovm legislators have made up their minds to keep not only
their ovm coru.i-unities, but also Chicago, dr^r.
But the question of dryness and xvetness is not the only one in which
Chicago is concerned. Tliere are many other very important issues that
are being decided by the legislature against the v/ill and interests of
Chicago. V/e believe that the present state of affairs is unjust.
CD
I B 2 - 5 - BOHRTfTAN
Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 16, 1915.
unjustifiable, and unsound. A strong campaign should be started in the
vevy near future to liberate Chica^^o fron -one supreraacy of siiall tovms
and rural districts, and to put it in a position where it would be master 'f
within its ovm borders. This could be done by having? the people express -^
an opinion in favor of autonony at tlie next election. It would be there- 5o
fore an issue of that car-ipaign to bring this question before the people. 2
This is a democracy, and the will of the people is the supreme ruler.
Hence conditions are in the hands of the people, and if these conditions
are not appropriate, it is up to the people to change then.
5>
c::>
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
IV
Denni Hlaaatel . Oct. 14, 1915.
TOMAN GlVdS TfLL Y^YOR r^ PliSCa OF KI3 MIND
The Mayor's excursion party, now on their way back from oan Francisco to ^
Chicago, are returning in very poor spirits. The cause of it is Alderman John ^
Toman of the Thirty- fourth ;jard, who, at a banquet in Portland, Oregon, told F=
the Mayor and, incidentally, the people of Portland, what he thinks about the C
closing of saloons on Sundays. But Thompson and his friends started on the way ^
home with a great deal of dissatisfaction even without this bitter pill to swal- 2
low. Thompson did not receive as fine a welcome in the Far ./est as he had ex- ^
pected, and his heroic deed was not appreciated there, so Alderman Toman's
speech did nothing more than intensify the disillusionment already felt by the
Mayor and his friends.
The special train with the Chicago excursionists aboard stopped in Portland
the day before yesterday; the local Rotary Club had arranged a splendid ban-
quet for the visitors from the Metropolis of Chicago. The Mayor, as well as
a number of members of his party, made speeches, and one of them pointed out
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
IV
Denni Hlasatel , Oct. 14, 1915.
Toman as a Democratic black sheep, asking him at the same time to get up and
speak. Toman accepted the invitation and his brief talk is the cause of the
frigid feelings between the Mayor anri the Democratic members of the party.
Toman said among other thim?s: "Cur Mayor has dug up an old law passed in ^
the days when Chicago was a village and now he wants to see it enforced. The
law closing saloons on Sundays was passed when Chicago consisted of a smithy
and a general store, and it was dead so long that it is not remembered even
by the oldest inhabitants, Chicago is nov/ a cosmopolitan city and is opposed
to the decree inflicted upon us by the lilayor."
Alderman Toman* s speech was received with huge applause which, of course,
peeved the Mayor suad his friends more than anything else. Republican Alderman
Norris rebuked Toman for this speech, maintaining that no member of the Mayor's
party has a right to speak in that -.vay. But Toman cut him short by saying that
since he had been designated as a Democratic black sheep, he had the right to
defend his and his party's opinion. Leaving Portland the whole party did not
go together. The Bohemian Aldermen Toman, Klaus, and Hrubec formed a little
j>
— I
I B 2 - 3 - BOESIIAN
IV
Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 14, 1915.
group of their ovra because feeling v;as very high between them and iaayor ^
■Thompson's partisans. ^
The Democratic aldermen, particularly the Bohemian ones, Jslt. Toman, who was <
accompanied by Mrs. Toman, and IJr. Klaus, and Mr. Krubec, hesitated to join ^4
the excursion after the disagreeable surprise prepared for them by the Mayor S
in issuing the dry-Sunday decree. But they had bought their tickets and made f^
all other preparation for the trip, so they decided at the last minute to go
just the same. However, they did not leave with the party; L!r. & I^s. Toman
did not leave until twenty-four hours after the departure of the party, with
which they caught up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Now it is rather to be expected
that they will avoid a common return home.
It was also revealed on this occasion who had paid for the trip of the Mayor
and his friends to San Francisco. It had become knovm even before the trip
that the aldermen had been offered free fare if they would keep the Mayor
company. This offer was accepted by many, but the Bohemian aldermen declared
I B 2 - 4 - BOHiLMlAN
IV
Dennl Hlasatel , Oct. 14, 1915.
they would pay their own fare. Many politicians accepted free tickets without
knowing who had paid for them. Now it has been learned that the bill for the
excursion is being footed by Thompson's Republican Club which, it is said, has
$100,000 ready for the Mayor's campaign, should he be running for president or
any other office whatever. The money, according to our information, comes from
donations from many of Thompson's rich friends.
■S3
O
IBS BOm.:L'J:T
Denni Hlasatel , Oct. 13, 1915.
IT 13 NOT A C^UjSTIOIT OF DRIIIKEI^'G OH NOT. . . .
(Editorial)
::ani'' peopla say: '*'.','hy [^et so excited about the closir^^ of saloons _^n
Snnd&ys/? It is not a ;iU9Stion of life and death for our city and the
majoilty of its population if a few hundred barrels of beer more or a few
hundred barrels of beer less be consuned. True encush. But v/e declare:
It is not merely a matter of closing saloons; it is not rierely a matter
of drinking on Sundays or going thirsty. It is the question .vhether or
not a handful of fanatics are to rule the majority of the people, deprive
it of its rights, impose on it their v/ill, and neke the majoritj'' like it ^
v;hen it is being called a mob of degenerates and a cancer on the body of c5»
hurian society. If the fanatics get their way nov/, soon they v/ill be still
more arrogant, still more presaiiptuous. It is therefore necessary;- that
all liberal-minded citizens nuicicly stop our fanatics and all those who
have become their tools.
O
CO
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
T B 2 (German)
IV (German) Dennl Hlasatel, Oct. 11, 1915.
,VHAT HILL BiL THE RESULTS?
o
ro
Well, the first dry Sunday is over. All saloonkeepers obeyed Mayor Thompson's
decree and kept their places closed so the Mayor will have no opportunity to
take away licenses, as he no doubt had hoped to do. Saturday before his
departure he advised the Chief of Police that he did not wish to have the
transgressors arrested, but wanted to have a list of those who disobeyed his ^
ordinance. In case of arrest the offenders would have to be arraigned in
court and, in accordance with the law, the first offence would result in a
$200 fine, and the second in the loss of the license. But liayor Thonpson
would not give the saloon men an opportunity to seek justice in a court of tr
law because he knows that no Jury in Chicago would find them guilty. For
that reason he is prepared to use his right to decide about the licensing
of saloons, and revoke the license of saloonkeepers who are guilty of dis-
obeying his ordinance. And he would do this the very first Sunday the ordi-
nance was in force.
The liberal-minded people of Chicago are at a loss to imagine just what it was
B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I B 2 (German)
IV (German) Denni Hlasatel ^ Oct. 11, 1915.
that made Mayor Thompson proceed in such an inconsiderate way against the
saloons. Kis statement that he did not know until nov; that the law concern- ^
ing the closing of saloons on Sundays was in force and that now, having learned 5
about it, he proposes to enforce it in Chicago, is ridiculous. Svery Chicago "^
boy knew about that law, and it is impossible that a man running for mayor of ^
Chicdgo, and elected to the office of mayor, would not knov; anything about -a
that law and would have to be told about it several months after his election, o
The only way to explain Mayor Thompson* s act is to assume that he had some f^a
special political aims for the achievement of which he needs the support of ^
the prohibitionist and blue-Sunday population of rural Illinois more than
that of the liberal-minded people of Chicago. Some believe that he aspires
to the membership of the National Republican Committee for the State of Illi-
nois; others go so far as to claim that he wants the Republican nomination for
president, .Ve shall soon learn more about it, and about whatever success he
may have achieved in it.
V/hat we are interested in right now are the consequences, financial and economic.
BE - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I B 2 (German)
IV (Gennaa) Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 11, 1915.
of the enforcement of the law until the time when it can be repealed by the
State legislature. The law was passed seventy years ago but was never en- at
forced in Chicago, But a repeal can be voted only by the legislature which *■
will meet after the 1916 elections, and which will not start functioning p
until after the beginning of 1917. That is a long time during which the C
dry Sunday will cause a great deal of damage which will be difficult to
repair.
i
It is remarkable that Thompson was considered a liberal-minded man among the
liberty-loving oeople of Chicago. How he could have gotten that reputation
is one of the mysteries surrounding his person, character, and future plans.
No doubt he had very clever campaign managers who succeeded in describing him
to liberal-minded citizens as a liberal, and at the same time, to prohibition
fanatics and blue-Sunday mongers as their own man, all, body and soul. There
Is one thing quite certain. <Vhile the United Civic Societies have not been
backing him any more than Robert Sweitzer /Germanl, Chicago saloon men wore
working for him to the last man, and greeted his election vjith much jubilation.
CO
o
I B 2 - 4 - BOHjaHAN
IBS (German)
IV (German) Dennl Hlasatel, Oct. 11, 1915.
This is true not only of our Bohemian saloon men but also of the Germans whose
countryman, Sv/eitzer, ran against Thompson.
%
-o
An old saloonkeeper, alderman and German, Kaderlein, had this much to say
about it: "The North Side Saloonkeepers* rissociation, composed almost ex-
clusively of Germans, holds its monthly meetings in the Turner Hall on Paulina
Street and Belmont Avenue. Its April meeting fell on the day after the spring
election in which Thompson came in with a majority of 150,000 votes. There 2
was great elation about it in the meetias, but I warned my colleagues even at ^
that time against praising the day before sundown. Ttiis was because I had ^
been following 'Big Bill*s' campaign most carefully and found that he had
preached prohibition and blue Sunday most ardently in Lake View, Hyde Park,
and Austin, while promising liberal administration in the Stockyards district
and when talking to Negroes on the South Side. He went so far as to arouse
their hopes that they .vould be able to shake dice and shoot craps without
being disturbed. I talked about this with saloonkeepers, my old colleagues
in business, and they laughed at me on the side, and were telling each other
B 2 - 5 - BOIiffliaAIT
I B 2 (German)
IV (German) Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 11, 1915.
that there must be something \vrong in my Bavarian noodle. They were convinced
that 'Riompson is an enthusiastic sportsman, endowed with a capital thirst, and
that there is no reason for them to be afraid of such a man. But I kept on
insistin?^ that saloons v;ill be closed in six months, and now you see my fears
were justified."
•so
o
In order that the blow which the Mayor has .^iven to saloons may be lessened,
it v;ill be necessary for the Municipal Council to take immediate steps. The
license fee v;ill have to be correspondinj^ly lo.vere^, at least down to $750 a
year, and the Mayor must be legally deprived of the right to revoke saloon- J^
keepers* licenses at his own discretion. Chicago is the only city in Illinois
whose mayor issues and revokes saloon m^n's licenses without consulting his
aldermen. The Council must rescind the right it has f-iven the mayor; to that
end no new ordinance will be necessary. It cannot be expected that the I.!ayor
will try to switch now. The 77ets have "his number," and he cannot expect any
support from them whatever. Therefore he will have to stick to the drys and
blue-law mongers, to all the hynocritical fan .tics to v;hose influence he has
B 2 - 6 - BOHEMIAN
I B 2 (German)
IV (German) Denni Hlaaatel , Oct. 11, 1915.
yielded. These will do all they can to make all Chicago dry by next spring,
and if they should not succeed in this, at least to give Thompson a substantial ^
majority in the City Hall. The liberal element can, of course, shatter these >•
plans easily enough, as long as it keeps united and stays on the job, p
The dry-Sunday law will materially damage about eighty-five per cent of the 5
saloons. The remaining fifteen per cent will hardly be affected. These are 2
located mostly in the Loop and near large factories. The other saloons had, ^
on the average, twice as much business on Sundays as on weekdays. It was Sun-
day that kept many of them out of the red. ,Vith the Sunday business gone, many
of them will have to close up. The effect may not be so noticeable at the next
term, November 1, because the saloonkeepers will still be hoping that some way
may be found to bring about the reopening of business on Sundays. Should this
hope prove idle, the decrease in the number of licenses may go into the hundreds,
and, perhaps, thousands. The city will lose many thousands of dollars of income.
Then Chicago will feel the "blessing" of blue laws and their enforcer, "Big Bill"
Thompson.
ro
13 2 BOHSxYJaN
I ^' 3
I F 4 Denni lilasatel , Cct. 6, 1915.
IV
TKOIvIPSON HF:Si^KS HIS ILICDGE
Frieads o- Perjonal Freedo.:; Getting* Ready for Fight
The Sdrazene Spolky {United Civic Societies of Chicago), the reuresentative
body of the liberal element of Chica.-ro's population, gave to the press ^
yesterday, photostatic copies of a letter received from '.'illiain hale Thojapson 5
before the election. In tne conmuni cation he promisea to oppose all blue -r^
lav.s and keeij saloons open on Sunaays. The letter reads as follov.s:
'•The undersigned takes plensure in advisin;.; you that he is the Republican *
candidate for the office of ^ayor of the City of Chicago, that he favors the
principles of pergonal liberty, local autonomy, equitable taxation, • end all k.-
the aims for the promotion of v-hich the United Civic Societies of Chicago tr;'
Vvaa organii^ed; that ho proposes to support these aiias by every means in his
power, thax he believes that ever.' citizen shoula be protected in his full
enjoyment of the personal ri.rhts anu privile^^es guaranteed to him by the
I B 2 - 2 - BCKai.:iAN
I ^' 5
I ii' 4 Deimi „lasatel , oct. 6, 1915.
rv
Constitution of the United States anc the State of Illinois, and that,
in case he shoula be elected r.iayor of the City of Ghicaro, he vill use all
honest .'ueans to promote the follov.iiii^ objectives:
"(1) To oppose all laVkS knovvn as 'blue laws'. He proclaims in the first ^
place that he is agai.iSt the closinp /of saloons_/ on Sundays because he is ."^
convinced that the stcite law concerning: th'.t closing is unenforceable and
should not be enforced by the city <ud;;iinistration. That he is against any
and all oruinances, the purpose of v.hich is to liiait Ghica-o citizens in the "
enjoyment of f"all freedom durinp; the day of their rest anc recuperation.
"(2) That he is in favor of 's^^ecial bar permits' for cecent societies and -•
other decent organizations, givinj.^ them the riht to serve beer until three
o'clocK in the .aornixie? and thus enabling the-a to hold their customary enter-
tainiuents.
"(3J That he v.ill, in his capacity as Mayor, use his rifdit of veto a^-ainst
I B 2 - 3 - BOESMIAIT
I F 3
I F 4 Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 6, 1915.
IV
the enactment of :iny ordinance limit inc the rights of personal liberty,
or the suspension of any liberal ordinance nov/ in force, especially if its
purpose be to a:iencl or revoke the ordinance concerning 'special bar permits'
as nov; in force.
"(4) That he ..ill oppose the enlargenent of dry districts inside the city '^
liiiiits, unless such enlargement should be requested by the majority of the
residents of a district in which at least two thirds of the lots are improved
by residential buildings.
"(5) That he is absolutely opposed to seeing Chicago enclosed within the
sphere of the anti-saloon lav;.
"(6) I also declare that I have not signed any obligation to the Anti-Saloon
League or any other so-called 'reform organization,' or to any nev/spaper."
This, so clear a promise, and what the I'.ayor did Londuy, needs no comment.
I B 2 - 4 - BOICailAIJ
I F 4 Denni laasatel . Oct. 6, 1915.
IV
Acting on the basis of these prcniscs, the political coranittee of the
United Civic Societies adopted a resolution in yesterday's meeting denouncing
the llayor as a man v/ho does not keep his promises. At the same time, a meet-
ing- of the executive committGe -./as called for Tnursday night in order to
organize a public protest against the Layor and his closing ordinance.
It has not yet been decided v;hat steps the supporters of the principles of
personal liberty 7;ill take in order to force the IJayor to retract the ordi-
nance and to dispose, once and for all, of the v;hole question of closing
saloons on Sundays. A plan is being discussed to demand the enforcement
not only of the Sunday closing law, but all blue lav;s that are in the statutes.
The rigid enforcement of such laws vihich so far hava been dead letters v/oxJ-d
close all theaters on Sundays, would stop all electric cars, ball and other
games, and close all amusement parks. This, however, v/ould be attempted
only if all other means failed.
The above quoted r.romise is said to have been signed by the Mayor on
13 2 - 5 - BOHEIvJAN
I F 3
I F 4 Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 6, 1915.
XT-
March 31, 1915, in his home at 5200 Sheridan Road. Present v/ere Eugene
Pike, then director of Thompson's carr.paign, and three members of the United
Civic Societies: President G. Landau, chairman of the committee for poli-
tical action; Adolf D. Ueiner, and ors&nizer, Leopold Neuman. The officials 5
of the United Civic Societies declare tliat Thompson was th^ only candidate '^
to sign such a pledge. The pledge vjhs prepared upon the initiative of L'r. 7=
Pike, -r-'ho indicated v/hat it should contain and suggested to the officials C
to make it "strong". j
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The officials of the United Societies assert that thoy did not req.uest such -^
a pledge from Ir. Thompson, and that he invited them to his ovm residence, i:^
signed the pledge, and handed it to then of his ovm free will.
Secretary of the United Civic Societies, Lr. Anton J. Cermak, ^vho works v/ith
his usual eaergy to avert this bloxv directed against the liberal element of
Chicago, has made the follov/inij statement:
I B 2 - 6 - BOH^f^HN
I V 5
1^4 Dexini Ulasatel , Get. 6, 191b.
IV
'•Ve did not request any or the candidates to rive us plea^^es. During;
the primaries v»e supported De-iOorat Harrison, ana Hepublicau Jacob l.aye v;ho
is a laeriiber of our organization, iifter tne prijnaries there \.as a rumor that
our organization v.oulc. support Jv;eitzer. Uufrexie Pike, ;.ho v.as tne director :^
of Thompson's cam^jai^jn, caiue to our office and nave us the assurance that 5
V'illiam hale Thompson vJns ftivorable to our principles, '"e did not ask that ~
he shoula sign a pleu^e. Harrison has never signed anything of that kind, r
and v.e huve never de.aunded it of any candidate. ^Oiueu.ie , sUf:;(-:ested that -x.
Thompson visit the msetini- of our political coi.Liittee, and ^"ike assured us
that Thom :)son v.oulc be t^lad to come. On the day of the meeting Pike ccjne in
an:- told us that i,j. Thojapson Vjus ill at home, anc that he ..oulu like the
comi.iittee to call on him anc brin*,: along a plede-:e fur his signature, x-ike
remarked that the pledge iiiijj.ht be a^ "strong" as v;e should like to hLve it.
ne went so far as to suf;r;est vhat it shoulc, contain. Its text shov.s that
the pledge is a very clear one. At Lhc.t time the question of speci;.l bar
permits v-as bdnt- aiscusseu ana \«e made the paraf';raph referrinf- to that
question considerably stronger than th-3 rest o^' the pled,-e. In the 1911
X-
b 2 - 7 - Bacti^
I r 3
I S 4 Deiini lilasatel , Cot. 6, 1915.
I\'
caiupaign, Charles j» ...erriaja sirned a pledre for U3, and v.e shov-ed it
to xixco in. our on'ioe, .-i::s read it anc reiiaiiced: 'You jriay :aaKe it ..iUch
stroaf--er for " illiaja l^ale Ihompsoxi. '
:S
"3o, o.i ounday, .^arch 21, George i^andau, x.. 7.. , einer, aac Leopolc "eui.iann 3>
vuent to Sue Ihoi.ipson in hiti hone on Jheridan i.oaa. They found there Jr. ~
ThoapGon in the oo.apany of :..r, ±-ike, •ih^.y had v.iuh them ii.erriain's pledge
and the pled^ie preoarea according to ij?, x ike's ouc 'est ions for .jr. Thompson. -
i..r. like took ...erriaia's pleage, showec it to IjT. ihoapt-on, ano pointed out ;-
the ways in -..hich his fihodi son's) pleage v.a.- str^n^^er than ...erriarr/s. like
said: 'V.'hat uo you think of it, Bill"; V>hat do you think of that guy, merriam,
who nakes such a saintly face in the Council; there is nothing' he ivuuld not
laake a 'di?;' into, aao at t.ie Su..ie ti..;e he si ns a pled;^e like this wimn ue
runs ior 'aayor';' ThoMpson read tne. pledt-^e, saivl that in a few points it
could be still stronger, ana signed it.
"Cweitzer also ca::.e to a :.ieeting of the coojaittee, but he did not sirn any
I B 2 - 6 - l^GIiriwIAIT
1 1^ Zi
I F 4 De.irxi rllabatel , Oct. G, 1915.
IV
pledije, ant- v;e uic not ^tsl: hi.; t..; do it. '.'hen Vve issued our recon-
raendatioa for tiie election v.e aid iiOt riontioa any cuidiaate by na.'.ie cut said
that both canaiuatec v.ere suitable, :;ov.- the ;.iayor has violated a pledge
v.hich he sUfr,'3ested and ci. ned by hi£ ov.n free v.ill vithout havinf- been asked ^
to CO c^C."
The resolution aaopted in yesterday' ii f.ieetin)- of the political co/iiiTiittee of
the United Civic Societies of Chicago reads as follows:
"The United Civic Societies of Chicago, thrcu.':h its co.vuiittee on political
action, -orotests cost stront":ly a^^ainst ilayor Thompson's action in ordering:
the closing: of saloon., on Sun::.ays, and condei.ms it as an unjustified attack
on the person'^.l liberty of Chica?:o people. It designates ^-ayor Trionpson as
a pled::e-breaker because he hh s bro:-:en a very definite pled;-e, voluntarily
given anc signed upon -his ov;n initiative. It denounces ...?iyor ThOi-npson f.s a
iiian v.ho secured our support by a iaenaacicus v.ritten proclamation in vhich he
claiiued to be a liberal-minded nan, an(i a foe of blue laws and closin/- of
I B 2 - 9 - BOK'^LJiiN
I ? 3
I J 4 Denni HI ass t el , Get. 6, 1915.
IV
c&fes on Sundays.''
Vliile luavor Thompson, cieuounced by all liberal citizens of Ghlca -o and ap-
plauded by &11 our fanatics, v^as on his v.tr/ v.est yesterday, he arroirantly
decl^rec in Cmaha that iie is happy to have broken his o\.n v-ord ana th; t he ^
v-oulu ■ lauly do it at-:uin, .-lis cuiei* of police, Jealev, helu i. confereaoe ^
v.ith Corporation Counsel i<'ol3o..i as i,.ayor Tho.ipson's representative, concern- -^^
ing iieans x'or tne strictest enrcrce-aent oi' the saloon-closii^^' ordin-.nce, r-
.^fter the conference, i.ealey issu--o the follovjin; state::.ent; "I^.
"Civners c2 cafes v.hc are I'cunu to huve their cafe^i open next Sunc^;y v.ill be -"
si.nply arrested. Tne prosecution v.ill be in the h:;nds of the stt^te's attor- tc'
nay ana not of the city prosecutor because "che char, e v.ill read as a viola- tr
tion of a state lav^. '..hen founc to have vicl^ited the lav, ^'or the secom"
tine, eve^i thou,:h they n- y h-.ve been disch = .r -ed by the court in the case of
their first offense, th»;y v.ill b::? arrested fu-ain, and I shall recoirjuend the
voiding of their licenses, i do not care v.hethei or not they v.ero sentenced
- 10 - BCHr]ivJ.'AT
-t)
3>
I J' 3
I f 4 Denni Hlasatel , Get. 6, 1915.
lY
for the first viol?-tion. The secoac arrest ..ill call for a severe
punishiaent anc their licenses v.ill b-. revoked,"
The police "pasha" /sic/ proposes the i'ollov.iri;:; riethod of e-iforeing iiiayor
Thoiupson's decree: 3aloons .aust not be open even if they v.ere to sell
v;ater or soda only. The bi.rs in coffee houses and restaur;Jits jiiust oe
clcsea, ^ilcoholic beveruf:;es ..lUst not be served lo hotel ;:uests in their -^
rcons, Glubs en i-lichigciii ..^veiiue i.iust be as dry as tae last saloon on West r"
Ladison Street. iJ.coholic beveraces nust not be served at entertairuaents -r
from i.iiani;--ht betv.een Jataroav f,na 3undav until ifiidnifrht between Sunday and c
i..onday. Restaurants v.ill not be permitted to serve sandv.iches soaked in L-
v;hibky as is beiit: done in sc.Tie dry places v.ith the claiiii that it is food. js::
According to this proposcil of Chief of xolice Lealey, Ghicaro nust be as <^
dry as Sahara in public places,,,,
Saloons in Cook County outside of Chicaco's city limits v.ill db open on
- 11 - BOIIEJI-^
T U' '2 I
X V '^ [
I j' 4 Deuni iilcuatel , Oct. 6, 1915.
IV
Sunday. Tlits I'anatics, euccurar'ed by their success v.ith Llayor Thompson,
have approached Sherifx Traei-;er v;ith the requcot t ■ h-ove the Suncay cloGinc
lav/ enforced also in the rural parts of the county. But he definitely re-
fused to becoue a tool o:' thu fanatics, ne saic :
"The cuty of cur office is to executt court orders. liver..' coiriiaunity in the
county has its ovai aoiainistration, ana, acccrr.inr to ny opinion, it is up
to this aa;:.inistration to decide v^hether the saloons should be closed or
open. It is my opinion that roat.houses bexonc: under the supervision of
county ccirunissicners. i^y nen are not .olice;aen. I have only one hundred
anc ten of the:n, and if I tihoulc do the police duty in the v.hole county, I
flhoula need at least ^ne thousanc, I believe that the people of each ccti-
.Tiunity should decide by votinij hov: they vdsh to have tiie question of saloons
solved,"
The fanatics v.ere relying also on State's attorney Hoyne to do their dirty
ViOT£, but there, too, they v.ere disappointed. He said it vi,as not his business
- i:^ - EOir^:jL.N
I,, '*
I F 4 Deiini lilaaatel , Oct, G, 1915,
IV
to airest saloonkeepers v.ho have tLeir places open on Sunday no matter
vjhether they are in or outside of Chica^ro. This v^as the duty of the sheriff,
the police, ano the constables. The follovjin,'- coiniunities in Cool: County
will have their saloons open next Sunday: Lyons, Blue Islana, Chicago Heii-hts,
Thornton, Jorest raPK, jj'ranklin ir'ark, nOiiiev.ood, iut'. Olivet, rosen, Rivercale,
St. i.:ary's, rlver^Teen x-artr, iiay^.-.ood, and Schauinburr,
The prohibitionists in Chicago \.ere iuost elateo yesterday. They v,ere jubi-
laxit over nayor ThoiTipson's decree and proclaimed tnat it is the berTinninp;
of the end of saloons in Chicago, They denied very definitely that they had
threatened to indict luayor Thor.ipson for nonperforiaance of his duties. Some
of the xi.ayor's friends hj.ve tried to vinaicate him by saying that he was
forced to issue the decree because of such a threat. The fanatics are bra^^-
ging of their very rreat politicsl pov^er in Chict-go and declare that Garter
H. Harrison coulu have been r.ayor a;:cin i:' he had done ten days before the
election ;.hat :..ayor Thompson aid on i^onday, Nov/ tae prohibitionists blue-
Sunday promoters v.ill uouble their efforts to ma^ce Chicago dry oii v-eekdays.
IBS - 13 - BOm£lJ.-J-J
I F 3
I i?" 4 Deimi Hlasatel , Oct. o, 1915.
IV
and to introcuce (general prohibition.
If the closing decree should be enforced the saloonkbepers v;ill denand a
reduction oi* license fees in proportic^i to tne losses suffered by having
their saloons closed Sundays, Tv.o such proposals were offered ia the ;,.on-
day iiieeting of the City Council and referred to the licensing coirunittee.
One of the.'u proposes the reduction of the fee to five hundred dollars, the ri
other to ont seveath of the presexit fee, that is, one hundred forty-three ^
dollars annually. sS
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1»
I B 2 B0Hj3.!IaN
Denni Illasatel , Oct. 6, 1915,
llAYOR THOMPSON'S DjSCRES
(Editorial)
The decision of Mayor Thompson requiring the closing of cafes on Sundays
is to be deeply regretted and condemned. It is not only a slap in the face
of all liberal-minded Chicago citizens, imparted in order to satisfy a hand-
ful of blue-Sunday pietists and prohibitionists, but it is also a decision
which will do a great deal of harm to the City and its population in the
economic respect. 5
Nobody was forcing l!ayor Thompson to issue the ordinance prohibiting the sale
of alcoholic beverages on Sundays. Even our blue-Sunday pietists would have
been satisfied by having the question of the Sabbatical law voted upon at the
coming spring election. But it seems that our Mayor, ever since good fortune
has been the lot of his political plans, has become cocky and has arrived at
the conclusion that he can afford to do whatever he pleases. If that is the
case, we believe that he is facing an ugly disappointment.
T>
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 6, 1915.
Mr, Merriam is one of those reformers whom we have learned to look upon with
a great deal of suspicion. But it must be admitted that he believes himself
to be waging a good fight, that he fights in the open, tells everybody frank-
ly -Ahat he thinks of him, what he wants, and why he wants it. Such men as
he are infinitely better, more honest, and more valuable than men \vho have
secured the confidence of the liberal-minded public by false pretenses and
promises, who have had that public put them into high offices, and then have
revealed themselves as eneirdes of all that which the liberal-minded public
favors.
3
Carter H. Harrison was mayor of Chicago for five terms and always very definite- ■^
ly refused to yield to the desire of fanatics for the observance of Sunday by ^
having saloons closed on that day. Thompson has been ICayor just a little over
five months and has completely yielded to Sabbath fanatics. No doubt many
people noT/ -vill say, "Too bad we did not keep Harrison", But there is no use
crying over spilt milk. The only thing to do is for our public to learn the
lesson and next time refuse to give its confidence to an unknovm man and take
I B 3 - 3 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Oct. 6, 1915.
it away from somebody who has always said openly what was and what was not his
opinion and personal conviction.
-J
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CI
I B 2 BQIIBILII.AIT
IV
Dennl Hlasatel . June 29, 1915.
T53 PHINCIPL:: OF KHRSOHAL LIBilRTY "illiS
The definite disposal of the question of liquor licenses in connection with
dances and social entertainments of various associations, clubs, etc., took
place in yesterday's meeting of the Municipal Council. Although this matter
had apparently been decided sometime ago, when, after long public investi-
gations, both sides selected representatives to draft rules for entertainments
having permission to draw and serve alcoholic beverages, the notorious alder- ^
-•nen Merriam and LlcCormick kept on dipping into the matter until they were
definitely put in their place yesterday.
To Alderman John Toman, as the chairman of the licensing coimaittee, goes a
great deal of credit for this victory. He had been working on the committee
for a sensible ordinance regulating the use of beer and other alcoholic
beverages in public dances, but v;hen McComick and Merriam presented their
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I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
IV
Dennl HIasatel , June 29, 1915,
minority reports yesterday, one of them prohibiting the serving of beer after
one o'clock in the morning, the other prohibiting it altogether. Alderman
Toman got up and pinned down the hypocrisy of these apostles of temperance who
would not permit the people to take a glass of beer in a public entertainment,
but at the same time did nothing to prevent the drugstores in their own neigh-
borhood frcm selling whisky to minors. The final vote showed forty-three
aldermen for the liberal ordinance and only twenty-five against it.
Alderman Toman caused another defeat of Merriam when he beat him to any new
steps by proposing the formation of a committee ccmiposed of six aldermen and
three private citizens to investigate the conditions in the restaurant and
saloon business in order to detemine whether or not the continuous attacks
against that business are justified. Merriam came up limping with another pro-
posal, to foim a committee composed of seven aldermen, and make the nomination
of that committee the special object of the coming meeting of the Council, Upon
Toman* s motion the Council disapproved Merriam* s proposal, and both proposals
were passed on to the licensing committee for report.
I
I
13 2 30HSLXUT
Denni iil as at el, June 18, 1915.
Tl'in UIIIT.JD STATICS SUPiaiS GOUiOT DECIDES
iAOAIIilST TxHL PHOHIBITIOIIISTS
(Editorial)
The decision concerns the so-called V/ebb and Kenyon lav; prohibiting the
transportation of alcoholic bevera-jes into dry states. This law was
passed bj' Congress, and the prohibitionists were happy because they
thouc^it it -vould stop tiie transportation of even a drop of alcoholic
beverages into sone of the states, jut our transportation companies
have been disregarding this lav; and have been delivering >eer, wine,
and whiskey to anybody who would give tiie:! an order. That resulted in
O
The Supreme Court of the United States has nade a decision lately v;hich
will not particularly please our prohibitionists, and the result of
which will be that sone states, in spite of their drj' laws, will not be ^
dry.
-o
I B 2 - 2 - BOHSIuTLhIT
Denni Illasatel , June 18, 1915.
a lawsuit, and the ^idaris lispress Zovrr^jany was heavily fined for trans-
protins alcoholic beveraces from lennessee into di^^ Kentucky. The y>
Company kept on appealing the decision, and the case v;as carried up 'p
to the Suprene Court of the United ota-oes, where it xvas decided in C
favor of the Express Company. The Court ruled that ever;/ citizen, in 2
dry as well as in other states, has the riglit to order alcoholic bever- £
ages for his ov;n use, except in states v;here the laws ^orbidy^ the <.■•;
ovmership or consumption of such beverages. Thus, the drinking in dry ~^
states will go laerrily on, the dry states will be as v;et as other states
v.'here the people are sensible enough not to put prohibition laws on their
own necks.
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
I F 3
I F 5 Denni Hlasatel , May 14, 1915.
I F 6
I H DSFEAII^D HYPOCRITES
IV
The prohibitionist pussyfooters, whose principal speaker in the City Council is
Alderman Charles S, Merriam, and whose main trouble shooter is the notorious,
sly Arthur Burrage Farwell, of the Law and Order League, have received at the
hands of Municipal Bailiff Anton J. Cermak a thorough lesson and a moral hvunilia-
tion that they will not soon forget. It happened yesterday in the City Hall
during the session of the licencing committee which was to decide on Merriam* s
amendment to the ordinance regulating the issuing of licenses for dance aiter-
tainments. Because this was quite an important question, the session was
attended not only by many protagonists of personal liberty, but also by many ^^
old women, both in skirts and trousers, from the aristocratic wards, whose feel- ^;
ings when listening to }St, Cermak»s words would be very difficult to describe.
The ordinance covering the issuing of the so-celled **special bar permits'* was
~ 1
7'."
C )
I B 2 - 2 - BOHE?^IAIT
I F 3
I F 5 Denni Hlasatel , May 14, 1915.
I F 6
I H to become effective yesterday. This ordinance is identical with the
IV old one providing for the issuance of licenses for dances, except that
it requires that the request for the license be filed fifteen days
before the date of the dance, thus giving the police sufficient time to investi-
gate the kind of entertainment planned and determine its actual sponsors. If ^j
this ordinance were to be enforced as strictly as the United Civic Societies of ^ ^
Chicago propose that every ordinance should be enforced, it would mean the end ■..'.
of all entertainments of a dubious character, because all such entertainments ^-^
would have strict police supervision. The drastic provisions of the ordinance, r^
however, do not seem to satisfy our rabid "Aquarians,** because Alderman Merriam *•'-
offered an amendment prohibiting the sale of any alcoholic beverages at such -i
entertainments, \Vhat would be the resxilts of such an ordinance anybody with a bit ,'
of sense can easily imagine. It would bring to ruin all social and civic centers
which derive the greatest part of their income from renting their halls to
various societies, clubs, and lodges that give dances for their members and
friends. The discussion of this amendment was on the agenda of yesterday* s
I B 2 - 3 - BOIi^^lAlT
I F 3
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , May 14, 1915.
I F 6
I H meeting of the licencing committee whose chairman is Alderman John
IV Toman, and which has in its membership a niimber of inveterate "water
lappers**.
The speakers of the prohibitionist reactionaries were Aldermen ?!erriam and A, a. 5=
McCormick who were valiantly seconded by Farwell and a large female audience,
Merriam explained that he was prompted to introduce this amendment by a report "r:
of the canmission investigating the vice conditions of the city, and by a report C
of the League for the Protection of Minors, both of which go to prove that many l^
young girls have lost thsir virtue as a result of drinking at dances. The speakersi.^
of the more liberal element, particularly Mr, Cermak, endeavored to prove the -^
fallacy of making no distinction between various kinds of dances. If there are
any halls where youths are being spoiled, it is up to the police to close them
up. In this activity the police will nowhere find more ardent supporters than
among the friends of personal liberty. But there are many decent halls, halls
in buildings where members of national groups assemble for their entertainment
I B 2 - 4 - , BOHEJ/IAN
I F 3
I F 5 Dennl Hlasetel , May 14, 1915.
I F 6
I H and social life, where the people also dance and drink, but vdiere the
IV most clever prohibitionist spy would not find one single reason fbr
complaint throughout an entire year.
The whole affair is not an effort for improvement, but a clear prohibition
propaganda conducted by people who are not even in a position to explain satis-
factorily where the city would get money with which to pay its current expenses
if it should come to the closing of cafes, a step they most ardently desire, <^
It is an attempt to vote in prohibition by men who believe they have been put i;
into this world to reform any and everybody, but who should first look around -c
and see what is going on under their own noses. For instance, there is local c
prohibition in I^de Park, but in that section of the city even a little child [.
can buy liquor in any drugstore, and it has happened many times that young boys r'
have come home totally drunk on whiskey they had bought in drugstores. V
These conditions have come to Mr. Cermak's attention by a letter from a young
J
I B 2 - 5 - B0H5MIAN
I F 3
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel, May 14, 1915.
I F 6
I H girl vidiose brother had cone home intoxicated several times. Hence
IV Mr, Cermak decided to make a thorough investigation. He took an auto-
mobile ride through the aristocratic, prohibitionist Hyde Park with
Alderman Bowler last Wednesday afternoon. They took along a young girl yiho
succeeded in buying liquor in any drugstore she entered. But in order to secure ^
still stronger proof, they sent to a drugstore a young boy who was playing in : '•
the street with Alderman Merriam»s little son. The boy, hardly ten years of age,^"-
returned in a short while with a quart bottle of whiskey for vbich he paid $1,25#,^J
Eight drugstores were visited in this way, and in each of them either the boy :-;
or the girl could purchase as much liquor as they would ask for. The whiskey is [J
being sold in the immediate vicinity of schools and churches, ri^t next to the i,>
Kerriara and Farwell homes, and in no case did the druggist inquire whether the 1.3
liquor was needed for medicinal purposes. It may be well to mention that, "
according to city ordinances, a druggist is not supposed to sell more than six
ounces of whiskey at any one time, and each sale is to be reported to the police.
But ordinances do not mean a thing to the elite in Hyde Park. Anybody can get
I B 2 - 6 - BOnPT^IAN
I F 3
I F 5 Denni Hlasatel , May 14, 1915.
I F 6
in as much whiskey as he cares to buy in that section, and it is being
rv sold freely even to minors. Little wonder that drunkenness among the
youth is growing to such large proportions in that district, Mr. Cermak
presented several bottles of whiskey to the licencing committee yesterday; all
of them had been purchased in Hyde Park by minors on the day before, and each r^
of them carried the name and address of the druggist from whom it was bought and '"
the time of the purchase, so his evidence is staggering. r^
What effect this episode had upon those assembled is easy to imagine. The '■?]
puritanic temperance hjrpocrites looked like wet hens after this moral spanking, »--
but from the benches occupied by the liberal element there came frequents bursts
of loud applause. As a result of Mr. Cermak* s argumentation, the amendment was
defeated by eleven votes to three. In an effort to wash this moral licking off
a little bit, the honorable aldermen from the aristocratic wards, together with
Mr. Arthur Burrage Farwell, made notes of the names of the druggists in whose
stores the whisky had been bought, and declared they would see to it that
I B 2 - 7 - BOHS?HAIT
I F 3
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , May 14, 1915.
I 5* 6
I H anything like that would not happen again. They could not have suffered
^ a greater shame than by having their attention called to such irrefna-
larities in their own neighborhoods by those vchom they would like by all
means to reform.
It is certain the licencing committee, having such a resolute chairman as
Alderman Toman, and a decided majority of members immune to infection by prohi-^
bitionist lunacy, will just as definitely and decidedly throw back any other
attacks against personal liberty it may be called upon to deal with.
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
I B 1
Denni Hlasatel . Apr, 7, 1915.
FROM ONE EXTREME TO ANOTHER
(Editorial)
1^
iProhibition seems to be gaining ground all over the United States. V/e go '^
tT:Qim. one extreme to another. Vftiere formerly alcoholic beverages, especially C
the "potent" kind, were being consumed in large amounts, suddenly complete 3
prohibition was instituted, accompanied by such evils as hypocrisy, intolerance, 2
snooping, etc. If it were moderation, we should be the first in favor of it. ^
But prohibition, In our opinion, is worse than excessive drinking. ^
I E 2 BOHSt-'L^I-^
I J •
Denni Klasatel , Liar. 30, 1915.
FOK OUR LIBERTY
(Sditorial)
•
The nations in Europe are fighting Tor both their national and personal li-
berty, while v/e h«^re in America seeri to permit the latter to be taken away
from us by various and sundry '^improvers," "corrf^ctors," a!id "reformers"
without too much objection on our part. These men would like to tell us ^
what we should eat and drink, when we should go to bed, when we should get ^
up, etc. In brief, they, in the manner of some national quacks, would like f^-;?
to force a certain diet upon us which we are to follov/, re{^ardless of whether ^
or not it is good for us. Their iieas of liberty are based on some antiquated
notions of autocratic governmonts, v/hich considered thej.r authority supreme,
and their subjects mere animate objects upon which to exercise their superiority.
That, of course, is all wrone. The individual was not created for /the benefit
of/ the government; government was created for /the benefit otj the individual,
whose individuality has always been distinguished here in America by the attri-
bute of personal liberty. By using his personal liberty, he has created a
-o
I B 2 - 2 - BOIgMIAI^"
Denni Hlasatel. I.'ar. 30, 1915.
I J
government which will protect this personal liberty, and let us hope this
will continue to be true in the future. The only liberty in which the
Americans believe is the personal kind, the personal liberty of the indi-
vidual. This liberty they have always considered their most precious
possession, and have always known how to protect, even with their lives.
There certainly is no reason why they should fail to find a way to protect
it from some nondescript ♦♦national quacks'*.
c:">
< ,
Fc
J
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Dec, 12, 1914,
IN OUR VffiSTI]RN SUBURBS
Last Sunday, December 6, 1914, a huge meeting was held in the hall of Sokol
Oak Park, llie meeting was devoted to the discussion of means to effect the
opening of Berwyn to the Cafe business. The meeting enjoyed a very large ^
attendance, if we consider the extremely inclement weather prevailing that ^
day. As usual, most of those present were workingmen, and the majority were -.
Sokols who took a most lively part in the discussions. The meetings gave I^
evidence of the fact that the population of Berwyn is not, by far, as indlf- ^
ferent to the welfare of their town as it used to be o
CO
If Berwyn citizens will continue to display as much interest as they showed at ^
the meeting in the defeat of the reactionary, fanatical, intolerant element '-^
whose purpose it is to enslave the working classes, I am sure that our work
will be crowned with success. All those present agreed that the struggle will
be hard, and the only way to gain a victory is to go, united, toward the one
and only aim, and to secure the co-operation of as many voting citizens, men
I B 2 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I C
Dennl HLasatel , Dec. 12, 1914.
and women, as can be reached, for our cause. Our lest defeat does not mean
that we shall be defeated again, I have talked to many non-Bohemians residing
south of the Burlington tracks and I have found that there are many of them who
will vote with us, because they are getting tired of the closed dry district ^
and realize that.,,. the properties in such a neighborhood do not rise but rather \
decline in value. Let us not forget that the majority of Swedish, Polish, ^^
Croatian and Slovene nationals will be voting with us. Therefore all we need \-
for victory this time is a united front ^
-J
CO
That the work of the Bewynske Sdruzene Spolky (Union of Berwyn Associations) is r3
getting recognition is evident from the fact that there are already some friends ^
of freedom who are offering us their financial support. Thus, we have received
twenty-five dollars from Mr, J, Jedlan, treasurer of the Kirchman State Bank
as a contribution to defray our campaign expenses
All similar donations will be acknowledged in the dally nevi'spapers, and should
I B 2 - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I C
Dennl Hlasatel , Dec, 12, 1914,
be addressed to secretary F. A. Svoboda, 2613 South Ridgeland Avenue, Berwyn,
Illinois
■J
C3
o
I B 2 BOHST'.:iAI'T
Dennl Pllasatel . Oct. 16, 1914.
:VHaT a 'rrCTCRY!
(Editorial)
Since our prohibitionists have received such imnortant support as the ^
signatures of Joliet prisoners, there is, of course, nothinp; else left 5
but to make the entire state dry v;ithout any further delay. A Protestant .^^
reverend who is the chaplain of the Joliet penitentiary, induced twelve p
hundred r>risoners to sign a petition requesting the state legislature to
introduce prohibition in Illinois. Only about one hundred of them refused
to sign, and those vjho did sign v/ill hardly benefit the prohibitionists.
-o
CO
As a result of their sentence to serve time in the state penitentiary, these tn
prisoners have lost their civic riiE^ts and, according to the law, noncitizens
have no right to ask the legislature for anything. But the prohibitionists
will soon proclaim that the TAdiole state :.iust become dry when even twelve
hundred Joliet t)risoners have found it desirable.
, « « BCHEIIIAK
I B 8
Illinois Staats~Zeltung:« March 25t 191^*
STATE POLITICS.
(Editorial)
There are politicians, who ccn never get over a defeat, and to these belong
the supporters of the latest blue-law, the prohibition of smoking in the
street cars* Naturally, the United Cocieties for Local Self-Government,
and the Freedom Lea-^ue, v/hich is affiliated v/ith then, are, in the first
place, made responsible for it, especially "Tony" Cermak, a co-founder of
the United oocieties, who is scourged because he dared to give advice to a
few friends at the City's Council meetingt held the dciy before yesterday#
The chief clerk of the Magistrate's Court, declines decidedly, to claim
the v^hole honor for the victory of personal liberty, and at th:; same
f 5 WW- SI
- 2 - BCH'i:iAN
Illinois Staats-Zeitung . March 2S% 191'^»
timet he lets it be known, that one or the other city father, v/ho voted against
the ordinance in fear of uhe women, has not altoj^ether fallen into disgrace.
The opponents of srnoking in the street cars and those enjoying nicotine in
general, mi^^ht, figuratively/ speaking, cost the secret'.ry of the United
Societies, his scal^ , His opponents v.-ill not rest, till the United
Societies will disappear entirely from the picture of our city's develop-
ment.
A prominent representative of a prohibitionist nev-spf per, even made the
remark in the City Hall, in the presence of several aldermen, that the
United Societies, figuretively speaking, ars on their last leg. A few
aldermen were brave enough to point to such prophecies as remarks, during
the charter fith of the year 1907»
I B 8
IV
BOHFlIIAi:
Illinois Staats-Zeitunr.. i^iarch 25, 1914»
SCAPBGOAT
(Editorial)
The former representative and councilnun, and at present chief clerk of the
Megistr'dte' s Court, Anton J. Cermak, is named the main conspirator by the
prohibitionists, becsiuse he frustrated the passage of the latest blue law,
and "Tony", as his colleagues c$ai hin, is not asha'ned of this nev^ nick-name,
"I have not yet been called a 'a gray v.'olf,"' he declared yesterday in the
City Hell, "but hy and by, I shall surely turn gray, and then, if any charit-
able? neighbors v/ant to call me a wolf, then they can. '"hey do not appear
to have forgotten the fact, that I, as alderman, vdth several colleagues,
discovered the flat'-rant violations of the tax-lavs, and therefore have earned
the ill v/ill of the reform party's representatives, ^-ut this is not going
to cause my hair to turn grey,"
I B 2 B0H3MIAN
•V
Dennl Hlasatel . Dec. 20, 1913,
IHiJ FRSS LUNCH MENACE
(Editorial)
For years it has been a well-known fact that our prohibitionists stop at -o
nothing in their fight against the liberal element. We see this once more .^n^^
in the controversy concerning free lunches in cafes. The prohibitionists p
say that if free lunches were abolished we would get rid of at least fifty ^
thousand bums at once. These bums come to the city at the approach of winter, g
knowing that they will get free food when they buy a glass of beer, for which ^
they can always "bum" a nickel. What amazing and beautiful logic! It is very^
true that men flock to the cities during the winter when work in the country D^
stops, and, of course, it is also true that loafers and. bums come with them,
because it is easier to worry through a winter in the city than on the snowy
plains of the fanning areas. That is only natural. But It is amusing to see
someone trying to Insinuate into the public mind the idea that this undesirable
influx would be averted by the abolition of free lunches in saloons.
^
I B 2 - 2 - BOHSMIAN
Denni Hlaaatel, Dec. 20, 1913.
We can now expect some craz7» bigoted "Aquarian" to come forward with the
sxiggestion that the heating stoves should be removed from cafes because they
provide free warmth to various undesirable individxials. Unfortunate cafes 1
They are needlessly causing some people a lot of headaches* ^
3*
o
I B 2 BOHSt>iIAN
Deaml Hlasatel , Dec. 7, 1913.
THE Ti^NGO IS TABOO
The Cicero town coimcil decided to prohibit the dancing of the tango and all
other "disorderly" dances. ••••No dances may be held without a special permit
issued by th9 police captain. ••••
TO
o
en
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
III A WPA (ILL) PROJ. 30275
Dennl Elasatel , Aug. 5, 1913.
LIBERALS .VIN DT MORTON PARK
Those who are financially interested in or follow the development of the new
Bohemian colony in Ilorton Park will be elad to hear that, by a vote of eight
to one, the local council adopted an ordinance permitting the conduct of cafe
business in a certain part of the community. The liberal element settled
in this suburb had been working for quite some time for this privilege. Now
it has finally succeeded in convincing: the wise members of the council that
catering to puritanical prejudices would hamper the development of this new
and promising settlement
The number of cafes is not limited; the license fee is set at five hundred
dollars a year The territor-- where cafes are permitted is described as:
25th Street between b4th and 56th Avenues, the east side of 56th Avenue
between 25th and 26th Streets, and the south side of 22nd Street between
54th and 56th Avenues,
15 2 bch:i::.:ian
I B 1
I C Dsnni Illa^atel , Fet. 5. 1?10.
SDITCR r::ject.t uplift
?•! — Ohicagc nay well cherish the stron; hope that sometime after next Tun- p
day it will heccae the most .loral city on the globe. It has just been de- r;
aided to appoint a comnission v/hose duty it v/ill be to swut everytnin^ v/hich ^
mi; ht offend our moral sensibilities, yayor Busse, has been intrusted with g
the task of forminc- such a commission, and it v/ill consist of fifteen morals- lo
o
mongers of both sexes. ]y. Eusse is hi{_:hly pleased to have been thus honor- ^£^
ed, and he has declared himself r^.; dy to do, v.-hatever may be asked of him, '*^
V/e, however, merely point to the Chicago '.Vomen' s Temperance Union, from
v/hich some members of the com:.dssion are to be selected.
BCiiII.:IAK
I B 2
J J ^ Dcnni Hi as at el , Feb. 3, I9IO.
PICUC ■.;i?H~S OF THZ DRYS
F.4--The Reverend Duncan C. ?;ilner recently delivered a lecture on "Law
Enforcement, " in which he pointed out the inportance of the next election.
He expects a mayor to "be elected v/ho will have "backbone enough" to see to
it that the laws v.lll be follov;ed to the letter. '.'.Tiat pastor Uilner has in
mind when he refers to the laws is perfectly well known, and he himself
makes no bones of it. He is explicit, V/e quote him verbatin:
"Abolish the saloon, and all the saut, the lewdness, and the obscenity v/ill
vanish v/ith it. This monster cannot be leashed and taned; it must be an-
nihilated. V;'hy, it has been revealed that dealings in liquor lie at the
bottom of the corruption in the city hall recently exposed. "
The only point on v;hich the pastor needs to be corrected is his opinion on
what type of man should be sought for to succeed Busse, Chicago indubit-
ably needs for this office a man whose reputation is knovm to be above r
proach, who will do his duty v/ithout thought of p-^rconal (;ain, and v/ho
sesses the confidence of the voters to a sufficient degree to insure hi
- 2 - £GII£i.:i^H
Semii lUasatel , Feb. 3, I9IO.
election. But the Reverend !,:r. :'ilner denands the rejection of any candi-
date wlio declares before the election that hs v/ill not prosecute "certain
violators" of the lav/. 7he pastor rnav, ho-.vevei, rest assuret: that no r:.an
vail, ror the tine beinj;;, be elected either mayor or state's attorney whose
views on the Sunday-closin^ la.v do not coincide v.lth the opinion of the ov-
erv/helmin£; majority of 'our fellow-citizens.
h metropolis of Chicago's character and sif:nificance, can intrust the man-
agement of its affairs only to a man who is free from the yoke of obscur-
antism, retrogression, and n;/pocrisy. If the opposite thing should happen,
it v;ould be a crime against the welfare of the city and a mistake, for
v/hich we should have to pay quickly and dearly. There is no dearth of men
in Chicago who could hold the office of mayor vath honor to themselves and
for the ; cod of the city, arid it is er^uall,' true that some man of this char-
acter should devote all his time and iiis energy to the pro^ioticn of public
welfare. "Ve have only to knock at the right door.
I B 2 BOHEMIAN
I F 5
XV" Denni ELasatel , Nov. 18, 1909.
SLACKNESS OF THE UNITED SOCIETIES DECRIED.
p. 4.. The braxennoss of the prohibitionists knows no bounds, and nov is the »
time indeed to call them definitely to order. That riff-raff picks out some '^
districts, places there two or three of its henchmen iriio will not lose ax^ ^~
time to file a petition with the city council asking for a declaration of the '-^-
district as a '•dry* one. o
They used to succeed in this up to a short time agoi recently, however. Alder*
nan Cermak obstructed their practices in numerous ways. But all this is use-
less, unless more vigorous methods are employed against the nefarious actions
of the prohibitionists and their terrorising of the liberal majority of the
citizens. Where are our United Societies for horns rule?
They should be working right now, for it is no secret to them that the prohi-
bitionists are at present developing an astonishing energy and are gaining
position after position. Tes, indeed, it seems that the United Societies let
their arms lie in their laps and that their leaders says '*We have done enough,
and want a little rest." Your rest is taking a little too long, gentlemen,
you should brace yourselves quickly to counteract the dark forces!
re
BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 6, 1907,
CZECH TAVEEiNKEEPERS VERSUS BLUE LAWS
A meeting of the Czech Tavernkeepers* Association for the purpose of
discussing the Sunday closing law was held yesterday in the hall of the
Bohemian-American Free Thought School on 18th Street. The Association had
publicly announced the reason for the gathering and had invited every inn-
keeper who intends to Join in the fight against the menace of prohibition.
Every saloonkeeper is certednly acquainted with the extent of the Sunday
blue laws, and has completely realized what the consequences would be if
the antiquated laws should be revived and enforced.
Ou
An unusually large number of tavernkeepers, over two hundred, of Czech and !^'
other nationalities, made their appearance. Many v4io did not belong to the ''^
organization applied for membership, paying the five-dollar initiation fee
and subscribing to the regular monthly dues of $1.50.
The meeting was opened by John Cervenka, president of the Association, tiSio
declared that the reports gathered by the first district of the Chicago
I B 2 - 2 - BOHSfaAN
II A 2
IV Denni Hlaaatel , Dec. 6, 1907.
Barkeepers* Association will be submitted to the meeting to serve as a basis
for united action. The Association, Mr. Cervenka continued, has been in
existence for twenty-five years, yet many an innkeeper ascribed only little
value to it, not grasping its importance to the trade.
One of the primary objects of the Association is protection against the
police, whose arbitrary actions are a daily occurrence. In such cases the
organization stands behind its members to the limit. The rules forbid the
members to serve liquor to intoxicated persons. Sometimes a tavemkeeper 3
is ignorant of the actual age of a young man; when trouble results, a lawyer
is furnished. Flagrant violations of the rules, on the other hand, are
punished by expulsion from the Association. One rule directs the members to
refuse to serve liquor to habitual drunkards who neglect their families.
The rules are in no vay at variance with the one o» clock closing law; the
organization will not protect violators of this law. The Association does
not inveigh against laws on viftiich men of sound judgment can agree.
Many are the victories won by the Association, among them the abolition of
o
«/«
I B 2 - 3 - BOHKMTAN
II A 2
IV Depnl Hlasatel . Deo. 6, 1907,
the billiard and bowling alley tax and the prevention of an increase in the
Government tax to fifty dollars and the final settlement at twenty-five
dollars. Numerous readjustments in favor of the saloonkeeper were effected
without the latter* s knowledge of the forces responsible for the action,
for which the Association deserves unstinted praise.
An energetic drive is now under way to secure the close co-operation and
sincere efforts of the tavemkeepers. They must join the forces whose aim
is to combat the sinister elements that are trying to bring the United States
under the control of prohibition. Should these elements succeed in subduing 2
our Chicago, the rest of the cities all over the country would easily fall ^
prey to them. Mr. Cervenka appealed to the assembly, asking that they give ^
their i^olehearted support to the Association, and he closed with a resound- *'
ing "Na Zdarl" (Good Luck I )
Attorney Jos, Smejkal addressed the group, pointing out the fallacy in the
reasoning of many members who had always looked upon the organization as a
mere sham. No Czech tavemkeeper has yet been arrested for a violation of
the new ordinance, true enough, and not one has stood before the judge.
:3o
I B 2 - 4 - BOKJSwRN
II A 2
IV Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 6, 1907.
The first case of this kind will come up in court on December 16, The
tavemkeepers » league will take up the defense, and the cost will be paid
by the members. In every municipal court there will be a lawyer engaged
by the -league. Every member arrested will refuse to plead guilty, but will -%;
demand a jury trial. The first district has engaged ten lawyers for a fee
of ten dollars per day to defend all the members brought before the court, b
The colored tavernkeepers — sixty in number — were refused membership, but •.
were promised aid in case of arrest,
o
The Czech Tavernkeepers' Association draws about fifty per cent of its i^o
members from other Slavonic groups such as the Poles, Croatians, Slovenians, §
etc. About seven hundred dollars was collected at the meeting, and sixty- *^
four new members were secured. Everyone who attended the meeting left with
high hopes and a smile of encouragement.
I B 2 BOKEMIAI'i
I F 1
I C
17
Denni Hl-sat el, :.:arcn 2, 1901,
POLITICAL OBLIVIOIJ.
Alderiran Anton F. Zeman, of the 29th ward, announced thet he v/ill not seek
reelection. The low paj-inent received by our poor slcerman, for r'hich they
serve the city day ei'ter day, Ig given as the reason for thi^ decision. Ho
one, however, will weep over the fading political star of Mr. Anton Zemak.
Those frrent achievenents in behalf of his countrymen who helped hir. to his
position with their votes are vsrj'- few - in fact none, for they csnnot be
found. The single act by which he was glorified, and which surely lost for
hirn the vote of all conscientious 3ohernians, was when he voted with the
crack-brained prohibitionists in the City Council a;^ainst the ri.i?hts of
saloon-keepers. In this way he showed himself to be an eneny toward those
countrymen in his ward who worked for his election and who through the high
taxes they pay as saloon-keepers, helped pay hie salary. The renuneration
for the work done by Aldernan Zeman in the City Council was almost too
erest and was not the reason for his not wanting to seek reelection. But he
knov^s that none of his countrymen in the Town of Lake will vote for him and
without them he cannot be elected. The statement of Alderman Zeman referring
- o „
BOF!i!;''IAN
Dennl Hlasatel , March 2, 1901.
to insufficient pay is only a subterfvire to cover the real reason for his
seekinr reelection. The public c'oes not v/ant him and his political career
is ended.
^. :^:..:
•'■.'■. '■<,:•■ '■-'
I. ATTrnJDES
B. Mores
3. Family Organization
a. Marriage
I B 5 a BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel. May 13, 1917,
OFFER FOR MARRIAGE
(Adv. )
Decent yotmg man, aged 30, good mechanic, wishes to become acquainted with
a nice girl, or widow, of appropriate age, with the prospect of marriage.
He is goodnatxired and of sober mien. Friendly and genuine proposals, with
photograph, if possible, may be sent to 2548 So, Homan Avenue, a branch
office of the Denni Hlasatel ,
translator's note: This sample of many similar adds typifies one of the
immigrants* ways of getting acquainted with marriage in vlevt^
I. ATTITUDES
B. Mores
3. Family
Organization
b. Parent-Child Relationship
• I
I 3 1 b - 2 - BOHSLIIAN
Svornost . June 1^, 187S
Teach them, an honest mechr»nic has a greater value even though he has no • ^,
possessions or wealth, thpn a dozen well-dressed, slick, high-toned idlers. ^
r~
Teach them to have pleasure in nature through gardenin;^, Seing financially C
able, teach them music, painting and fine arts, "but keep in mind that these ^
accomplishments pre not necessities. £
Teach them that to take a walk along the promenade is better than to go rid- ^
ing and that flowers growing wild ere much more beautiful to one who knows
how to observe their, carefully.
Teach them, to disdain hypocrisy and, whether, yes or no, we should do like-
wise.
Teach them, matrimonial happiness does not depend upon outside influences
nor upon the husband's property but upon his character.
Having taught them thes^ thitigs and if they understand them, let them seek
a mate. They will not go astray even without your assistance.
^W%-;:ifW7
I. ATTITUDES
B. Mores
4. Religious
Customs and Practices
. ■. /■..
ik-^-
:■)«■;■
^4"
-■^i)-
,f:'
si
-'
•iiuuki
I B 4 BOKSUIAH /c? ^
III B 2 {^^H °i
m C Denni Hlasatel . July 31, 1910. \>^ 'bj
5th B0H3!n/iK KATICN.^L PILGRIL'IAGS E'CLD IK TIK PARISH OF THE BLSS^ED AGICIS
P.l, Col. 4 — The 5th Bohemian National Pilgrimage, is being held, in the Parish
of the Blessed Agnes on '.Vest 27th St., and Central Park Ave.
The hundreds that will participate in this pilgrimage, will feel, as though
they v/ere in their homeland.
Gingerbread cookie booths, snooting gallery, wheels of fortune, hot d.og stands,
photo-gallery, post office, and in fact, everything expected at a pilgrimage,
will be at the disposal of the participants.
The affair is held inside and is more interesting than those of past years.
For the oldest male and female settlers, splendid prizes v/ill be av;irded.
There is no reason, why this pilgrimage of the Blessed Agnes, should not be
successfully attended.
I B 4 1 • •
i II B 2 g ' B0H5LELAN
r III C ' .
jy . Cvprnost, Liar. 4, 1900.
LffilTil-I LECTUR2S. ^'^PA (!LL.) PROJ. 30275
•Hifi liberal community Svobodna Obec is arranging this year, as in previous
years, their special lectures in the hall of the Boheraian-3nglish school.
These lectures will be held ever;;- Lenten Sunday for tlie followers of free-
thinking ideas, for the purpose of strengthening their consciousness that
blind faith in erroneous public worship and oral prayers is only treachery
and poison to the heart; that the real God is a sense, the known laws, the
truth and the love of humanity.
He suppose the welfare of huraanity is more dependent upon good sense than
upon errors, .upon light rather than darkness, and that should be sufficient
motive for everyone who has not yet joined, to join one of our lodges now,
which are always open to progress and education.
The speaker of the liberal community Li*. Frank B. Zdrubek chose this year
a very interesting theme, "Saviors of the Nation," which he will develop
very accurately, as always .
I B 4 -2- BOIISvIIAI-T
Svornost, l!ar. 4, 1900. WPA (UU PROJ. 30275
The community Svobodna Obec is working not for profit, but for recognition,
and its only objective is to spread the liglit before those people who are
still blindfolded, . '
I B 4 BOHB^IAN
Svomost , September 14, 1898
THE OLD CATHOLIC RELIGION
mOSQ BOHEtHMS
The people on all sides axe "beginning to \inderstaiid and assert themselves,
because the scholastic culture of the last generation has been markedly
improved, opinions of the world and man's task thereof have been promoted
among peoples and the spiritual serfdom such as the churches forced on
their believers during the middle ages has left only those of the preceding
generation - the old men and old women whose minds are not capable of
comprehending the new spirit in which the world m.oves. We see improvements
of this kind going on in all churches, both Catholic and Protestant,
Here we want to refer to the movement being carried on toward the reform of
relations of the people toward the Roman Catholic church, which began in
G-ermany, was carried over to the Poles in America and is beginning to work
aunong the Bohemians, not only in America, but in the land of their
ancestors as well.
I B 4 -3- BOHEMIAN
Svomost, September 14, 1898
The Germans called this reform movement old Catholicism, They had a bishop
consecrated as an old-Catholic for the purpose of acquiring apostolic succession
from the Orthodox Bishops, and this old-Catholic Bishop now ordains priests
and bishops with the same right of apostolic succession as the Roman Catholics
do.
Old Catholicism has for its aim the retention of old time Catholic teachings
with all the rituals, sacraments and religious dogmas as observed by the old
Catholic church, but it does not accept the newer perverted versions, appendages,
superstitions, evil orders and nuisances x^ich in the course of time came into
practice in the church and by which the people were spoiled or the more
intelligent were driven away from religion.
l"^ — BOESMIAtI
IV i
Svornost, Jan. 23, 1883. .. ^^„, ^^,^
' WPA (ILL ■> PROJ 30275
TKE SP2AI2E OF - SVOBODIIS OBCE - ( HJDSPSMDEI'mT?
S0CI2TY) IS AUTIIGRIZjID 'TO FilR^BI.! TIE I.IAS^IAGE GSRSI.10Iir.
The county circuit clerk in Chica.^o, llr. Ryan, was persuaded by somebody that
it would not be conforming with the law, if the speaker of "Svobodne Obce'* a
Bohanian independent society, incorporated as '♦Congregation of Bohemian Free-
thinkers" can possess the ri.^t to perform the marriage ceremony like other
ministers of the Gospel, who have the rl-^ht to do it according to state laws,
llr, Ryan invited the speaker, I.i*. Frank B. Zdrubek, last Saturday and expressed
to him his doubts, requesting him at the sa;r.e time, to visit the district
attorney, Llr, Blisse and find out from him what the law says about it, to be
sui-e of the legality of the situation.
Conforming with Lj:, Ryan's request, the speaker li". Zdrubka, explained the
whole matter to the district abtorney, who fbimd the proper law and the decisions
of the supre;^ court in similar questions, and sent his opinion in writing to
the circuit clerk.
I B 4
-2-
Svomost, Jan. 23, 1383.
It stated that as lonr^ as t'r.e speaker of the •♦Svobodne Obce" acts lawfully,
he is considered by the law as a 'Minister'* like every preacher, Jewish, Mormon
or Christian, andhas the le 3a]. ri -^at to perform this ceremony. The speaker of
the '*3vcbodne Obce" started to perform the marria -e ceremonies in April, 1878,
after consulting a prominent lawyer, Llr. E. Rubens, and the district attorney
praised Ulr, Rubens, stating that he was right in reference to this question
and his advice was ler^al.
I. ATTITODES
C. Own and Other
National or
Language Groups
I C BOHEMIAN
III B 2
Denni Hlasatel. July 15, 1918.
CHICAGO TO Y^mCE
....The French people of Chicago and their friends commemorated the storming 5
of the Bastille ^
The Czechs, vrtio have always been friends of the French nation, held a separate -t?
celebration in the Pilsen Brewery Paric last Saturday. It was attended hy our §
national associations and large crowds of our fello;v countrymen. The meeting co
was a complete success. ' nj
w
I C B0H3MIAN
III B ;5 a
III B 2 Dennl Hlasntel . July 14, 191b,
rv
FROLl TILS CZ3GK BUHi^iU
It Chicago Czechoslovaks were ever accoraed rlatterinc recognition, they
certainly receivea it last Friday in a meeting or the Irninigrant League.
Representatives of thirty-three nationalities of Chicago were gathered in
the La Salle Hotel; llr. Felix J. Streyclcnan presided. Czechs were repre-
sented by Llessrs. Anton J. Cerraak, F. G. Ilajicek, and Joseph J. Salat. L',r.
Streyckman spoke of the memorable meeting at the tomb of George 'A'ashington
at Mount Vernon. President V/ilson delivered an address, the essence of
which was the assurance that the V/orld V.ar, this great tragedy, will not
be ended until tiie main purpose is attainea — to wit, tne utter defeat of tne
enemy and the liberation of all small nations now groaning under foreign
rule.
The press has already informed our people that Lr. Karel (Charles) Pergler
was in the President's party on that significant occasion, representing the
Czechoslovaks. The President was at that time assured of tiie infinite
5
I C - 2 - BOHMIi^
III B 3 a
III B 2 Dennl HlasatQl, July 14, 1918.
IV
loyalty of the immigrants.
In the La Salle Hotel meeting, the Fourth of July celebration was discussed,
and right there the participation by the Czechoslovaks was pointed out as ^
having been the most impressive in manner as well as in compass. The celebra- jj
tion by the Chicago Czechoslovaks is spoken of all over the United States as ^
of overwhelming magnitude, and is pointed out as a shinning example to all ^
other nationalities. Professor Liiller of Oberlin College declared that 75,000 ^
immigrants took part in the New York celebration. This number is below that ""
of the celebrating Chicago Czechoslovaks alone I
Professor i,Iiller, by the way, enjoys a world reputation. He spoke with great
enthusiasm of the Czechoslovak nation. It was a real pleasure for us to hear
how correctly he pronounced the word "Czechoslovak". A speech of the same
tenor was made by another man who occupies a high position in ^erican life,
Mr. liiddlebore, first assistant to the i^djutant General of tne State of
Illinois.
o
I G - o - BOimilAN
III B 3 a
III B 2 Denni Klasatel , July 14, 191b,
IV
Representatives or other nationalities also paid remarkable attention to
the cause of the Czechoslovaics. Jev/s, Italians, and the Jrencn celebrants
symbolized the aims oi' the Czechoslovalcs on their allegorical floats. The
Czechoslovaic delegates nad to listen to so much praise throughout the meeting
that finally Mr. Cermalc deemed it fit to say a few words in response. Bb
expressed sincere tnanks for the recognition, v/nile declaring that the Czech-
oslovaics aid notning but what they considered to be their duty. They do
not expect to be singled out I'or praise. The only compensation they nope for
is what really belongs to them, and that is justice.
This meeting will not be forgotten*
I C BOHSHIAN
III H (Serbian)
17 ' Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 28, 1918,
CHICAGO FOR THE SERBIANS
(Summary)
In the auditorixm yesterday afternoon there was a great demonstration in honor
of the Serbian mission of which Dr. Milenko Vesni5 is the leader. ....
....Grovemor Lowden presided... ..There was a great percentage of Czechs,
Slovaks, Poles, and other Slavs at the reception.....
o
Dr. ^^aroslav fJ/ Stoietanka was to have spoken for the Czech people of Chicago. ^^
He could not appear, however, for he was detained by Important business. S
Another member of the Czech National Alliance took his place. «^
I C BOHEMIAN
II B 1 c (3) (Slovak)
III H (Slovak) Dennl Hlasatel. Jan, 20, 1918,
TO THE CZBCH PEOPLE IN CHICAGO
(From the Coimittee of the Czech National Alliance In Chicago)
The Slovaks, our brothers, are making preparations for the bazaar which they
will hold in the halls of the paylllon of the Pllsen Brewery Park, January
27 to February 3. The Slovaks of Chicago have always been in the forefront ^
vdienever we Czechs have held a celebration, festivity, or bazaar. They have S
shown their sympathetic attitude toweord us by extending financial and moral '^
support and imnediate participation. The Slovaks have thus helped us to ^
make our enterprises brilliant successes. We €u>e deeply indebted to thenu ^
2
Our Slovak brothers in Chicago are busy with arrangements for a big bazaar. ^
This affair promises to become a grand demonstration of love for their S
distressed motherland. It proposes to demonstrate that Slovaks, Just like ***
us Czechs, are ready to put forth sacrifices for the liberation of beautiful
Slovak lands.
Ihe Slovaks did not approach us directly for support* Yet we feel that Czech
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II B 1 e (3) (Slovak)
III H (SlOTak) Dennl Hlasatel. Jan* 20, 1918.
Chioago is under a great obligation from a national and patriotic point of
Yiew, and tliat we are honor-bound to participate in their noble work*
We urge the Czech people of Chicago, members of the various branches of the
Czech Nationed Alliance, and all friends of the Slovaks to participate in
large numbers, and so reciprocate all that the Slovaks have contributed to
our successes* All donations from Czech friends to the Slovaks, our brothers, ^
will surely be accepted with the greatest joy. They should be addressed to S
Ibe Slovak Bazaar Coraaittee, 710 West 18th Street, Chicago, Illinois. ^
r-
We expect that the Czech public of the City of Chicago will peorticipate in "^
mviltitudes and contribute generously to the brilliant success of this bazaar 2
idxich is sponsored by the Slovak League* ^
rs>
Signed: The District Committee of the Czech National Alliance in Chicago. ^
I C BOHEMIAN
I G
Denni Hlasatel« Sept. 6, 1917.
VJHAT TO DO Wrm THE MAYOR
(Sunmary of Editorial)
The most important question before the people of Chicago is how long Mayor
William Hale Thompson is going to be kept in office
His pro-German attitude was being dismissed with a laugh up to the moment
when he refused to welcome Marshal Joffre v;ho is visiting here with French
and British representatives.... but now the National Defense Council and nu-
merous other organizations are of the opinion that the only means of deposing
the Mayor is by impeachment for malfeasance in office*.*..
Whatever may happen to Thompson, whether he be driven from office or allowed
to remain, it is certain that he will be remembered as the most despicable
mayor Chicago has ever had.
I C BOHELIATJ
I F 4
I G Denni igasatel . Aug. 14, 1917.
_^HICAGO ZDuiLLY DESTROYS EUliGEROUS FRCPAG^^.DaT'
(Editorial)
The Chicago School Board, v;hich is controlled by Layor Thompson, had to
submit to the pressure of public opinion, finally. It has administered
a regular "kick" to His Llajesty from the House of Kohenzollern by bann-
ing the page containing the Kaiser story from the schoolbooks.
This victory of the populace of Chicago should not be taken as final.
The affair ovight to have an aftermath. The Kaiser has admirers not only
in Chicago, but they are dotting the entire United States, and school-
books all over the Union are teeming v;ith articles disseminating pro-
German tendencies. Radical steps should be taken by discerning Chicago
citizens to initiate a v/idespread campaign to extirpate the pxiffy signals
to the "Vaterland" (Fatherland) v;hich, in the course of years, have been
so cunningly planted in the schoolbooks. The American public has been /'l-\
I C - 2 - BUKE2.:iAJJ
I F 4
I G Denni Hlasatel . Aug. 14, 1917.
by far too indxilgent in regard to this matter, but it is luckily becoming
aware of the fact that its tolerance was bestowed not only on an unv/orthy ob-
ject, but on an extremely dangerous one, and that it is necessary to block
the propaganda decisively.
I C B0EST/7AN
I f 6
I A 1 a Denni Klasatel . Aug. 8, 1917.
THE KAIS3R .jTNS
Mayor Thompson may feel gratified with the behavior of the School Board
appointed by him. The Board, like the JJayor, is avoiding everything that
night possibly hurt the feelings of the Germans, here and abroad, and it is
striving to sho:*; that Chicago really is "the sixth largest German city in
the world, •* as the Mayor put it. We have no School Board — we have a German
"Schulrat"'.
The Board rejected a proposal by I'x. Czarnecki by seven votes to three. Mr.
Czarnecki's motion demanded that the parents of one hundred thirty thousand
Chicago school children be requested and encouraged to tear the page contain-
ing the offensive "Kaiser story" from the books. Still another motion by
Mr. Czarnecki was defeated proposing that the superintendents of the various
schools prepare a list of the names of all parents who refuse to tear out
the page; the list is to be submitted to the Government for further action.
The Board passed a motion by Superintendent Shoop purporting the removal of
fully forty pages from seventy thousand school books; the remainder of the
"V,'l
- 2 - BOIIEMLAIT
I F 6
I ri. 1 a Denni Hlasatel , .-lUg. 8, 1917.
schoolbooks are to be used in tha ei^:hth srade only. Among the forty pages
to bs torn out is X>h<=) one containing the "Kaiser story." I.'j?. Czarnecki
pointsa out the inconssquence of such proceedinf;s, but his objection rias over-
ruled.
The meeting was a stormy one i'j?s. Snodgrass declared that by suggesting
to a child to tear out the page it is taught a destructive practice v/hich is
related to anarchism. Irs. rnornton, another member, concurred in this opinion,
and added tliat v/hen she was a little .^irl, she ivas being constantly warned
against spoiling; or danaginjT anything. To this Mr, Czarnecki answered "*7e can-
not fight against the Kaiser with gloves on. He alone, is responsible for
the innumerable murders. ..."
The whole matter was referred to : r. Shoop, '.vho declared that the issue is too
difficult and delicate a matter to be decided mon rrecipitately.
The ladies and gejitlemen now dominating"; the School Board had intended to ''*'ii-i» ^.,
I C - 5 - BOHSiJAN
I F 6
I A 1 a Denni Hlasatel , ^lUg. 8, 1917.
distribute a few juicy plums in the forin of well paid jobs, but in viev; of
the iiapending criticism from the public, they postponed further action.
I C BOHEatlAN
I F 6
I F 4 Dennl Hlasatel , Aug, 6, 1917.
I G
SHOOP IS VERY INGRATIATING
(Editorial ^ Sunmary)
When John D. Shoop, superintendent of the Chicago schools, was asked last
night Kriiether he is willing to take steps to remove the obnoxious article
about the German Kaiser from the school books, he answered that nothing could
be done, '^e cannot be sentimental in this matter," he said.
This comes from Mr. Shoop, who has been assuring parents of Czech school
children for the past two years that a new school book would be published,
in which no more praise is to be given the Kaiser. Mr. Shoop is collaborating
with the seven loyal members of the School Board who have been appointed by
Mayor Thompson, who controls these eight men. The Mayor's attitude towards
the War is sufficiently known and sheds the proper light upon the further
utterance of Mr, Shoop in regard to the issue. "We do not want to hurt the
feelings of anybody." He failed to explain whose feelings he meant. He am-
plified his statement by using the excuse that there v/as not enough money on
hand for a new edition. Such an excuse as this has never been offered in com-
plaints up to date.
I C - 2 - . BOHEBflAN
I F 6
I F 4 Dennl Hlasatel , Aug. 6, 1917.
I G
The School Board closed a contract with the P. F. Pettibone Company on June 2,
for forty thousand school books for the price of only $4,000. Mayor Thompson
created a position on the School Board which pays ^'4,000 to his protege, Morton
McComick. Another forty thousand school books could have been bought for
one year* s salary
Besides the Czechs, other nationalistic groups such as the Poles, Italians,
Greeks, and French, will make efforts to have the pernicious article vftiich is
poisoning the minds of our children removed. It will be one of their first
actions up for consideration in the meetings to be called soon. Not only
parents of school children are to be invited, but all the newly enlisted
soldiers as well. Of the latter, it is expected that they will give vent
to their resentment of the article that praises the very man whom they are
to fight at the risk of their lives. The meeting will surely bring results.
The Czech National Alliance, the Polish Alliance, and similar organizations
of other language groups are preparing a monster protest against the behaviour
of the School Board. Each part of the city is to be organized in order to
effectively combat the few loyal friends of the "Chicago Kaiser."
I c
I A 1 a
I G
I C (German)
BOHSMIiiN
Dennl Hlasatel. Jiay 21, 1917 •
^OMB DISGUSTING aE0UGm's7
(Edit orial— Summary )
• • • • Some of the members of the Chicago School Board, which is con-
trolled by Mayor Thompson, have the cheek to stand for a story in the
books used in grade schools giving praise to the German KJaiser* J\gain,
other members cannot see why the Chicago Poles raise an objection to the
name of a public school which is located in the heart of their settle-
ment on the Northwest side of our city, and which is disfigured by the
name of Bismarck*
Not only the Poles, but we Czechs as well ought to be grateful to Mr,
Anthony Czamecki who is making every possible effort to have the name
changed from the obnoxious "Bismarck School***
Is there one among us Czechs who, at the mention of Bismarck, '*the Iron
10 - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 a
I G Deiml Hlasatel. July 21, 1917.
I C (Geiman)
Chancellor," would not think of the many thousands of our boys mowed
down by the Prussian armies that invaded Bohemia in the IVar of 1866?
I C BOIEIvIIAN
I C {German)
Denni laasatel . July 14, 1917.
^ONCR TC VJHOM HONOR IS DTJ^
The Czech liational Alliance submitted a request to the School Board to change
the name of the Biamarck School, This Institute is located on /irmitace and
Central Park Avenu-ss, The petition deiaands that the school be named after
someone who represented de;;iocracy and liberty better for the world than did
the first German chancellor.
I C B0H5MIAM
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Dennl Hlasatel« July 8, 1917,
I G
17 SPEECH BY" 70JTA BSNSS
Delivered at Harrison High School July 6, 1917,
at John Hus Memorial Service
{Summary)
Vojta /Adalbert/ Benes is the brother of Dr. Edouard (Edward) Benes, second
president of the Czechoslovak republic. He is a schoolteacher by profession,
was formerly a resident of Chicago, and is recognized as one of the fore-
most leaders in the movement for the liberation of Czech lands from Austrian
rule.
Four lines of verse of the dismal contents gave the cue to his speech.
"These horrible dirges were those that we dreaded so much," he began. "They
took the tranquility from our days, they robbed us of our night rest, they
destroyed the confidence in our existence. How hard, how painful was llfel
*.
I C - 2 - BOPmilAN
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Denni Hlasatel , July 8, 1917.
I G
IV "There tvas no sun for us, and the laughter of our children
sounded to us like an ugly jeer at fate. Our Czech national
convictions and their spirit — we sunk them into a deep tomb. There were
such terrible ideas in the obscurity of the nights during the last three
years — not all the time, but frequently. They hovered over the nation
like a shroud of despair. There was no East, there was no dawn. Black
shadov7s of death only and graveyard elegies crisscrossed our souls, batter-
ing our hopes, VJe feared that our nation would die just as our poet,
Bezruc, sings: 'Night is breaking over my people. We are boimd to perish
before dawn — .'
"Today, on the five hundred and third anniversary of the martyr, John Hus,
the loyal Czech-American people are reminded of the past and the present
of o\ir nation. After bad nights of doubt, after terrible ordeals and ad-
verse fate which flogged and are still flogging our nation — this nation
has risen before the forum of mankind, a big, strong and determined people.
I C - 3 - BOIi£I./!Ii^
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Denni Hlasatel . July 8, 1917.
I G
IV The speaker holds out hope to his nation, quoting the great
Czech poet, Otakar Brezina: "Our victories are the roads to
■nieel**
"To him, to our great Jan /John/", I turn again with you." The speaker pro-
ceeded to depict a time of storm and stress, a period of which the chronicler
says: " 'Gold drove out love, the svrord drove out the Cross, and Christ was
driven from the Temple by a rabble of pharisees,* It was a tiiae of greatest
expansion of the power of the church, and of its moral decadence at the
same time. The mind of humanity v/as shackled; blind obedience was demanded,
and sheer creed, but no love The church v;as dominated by German-
influence and filled with German lust for pov;er. It becarae a political
pov;er and its kingdom of heaven became a kingdom of this earth. This medi-
eval canbined autocracy'' of state and church did not want the soul of the
nations; it threatened their mental, national, and social development; it
threatened the nations and their cultural existence.
I G
I D
I D
I G
IV
1
1
a
b
- 4 -
Denni Hlasatel. July 8, 1917.
BOHELZAN
"Materialism, which drove out pure religion from the church
of that time, and made the latter a mere handmaid of the
political power and reaction; materialism represented the values of life,
Man, in those times, ceased to be a brother, but became a tool for mate-
rialistic conceptions of life. Delight and comfort, gold and incest, be-
came the desirable essence of life, Llan was not the image of God any more;
life became a valley of tears for some, and a Sodon and Gomorrah for others
Man in the middle ages was born for the church, although the church was
created for him, Man was here for the world, and for those who ruled it,
who hid behind the cloak of the church of the Lord,
"In this atmosphere of materialism and Germanism, of German conceptions of
life, in this atmosphere of irreligious formalism, there met two worlds:
the Germanizing world of the powerful which Germanizes not only by the
tongue, but by the mind as well; it is the world of the power of the church,
The other world is that of the small frightened peasant, of the suffering
ones, who, however, feel with the soul of our nation.
I C - 5 - B0H3LII/K
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Dennl Hlasatel. July 8, 1917.
I G
IV "These latter people who worked hard in the fields, who have
learned to know the value of bread earned by honest work, have
also learned to love liberty of the mind as they saw it in the Scriptures.
They learned the value of real Christian life. They were longing for
truth, harsh as it may sound, the truth as hard as the soil upon which
they worked, and as hard as the callouses on their hands. This was the
world of the only truth, it xvas the world of toil and prayer. In this
world, where toil was prayer, in this world John Hus was bom, the son
of poverty, the son of a small nation, the son of the soil. He was
severe, sincere, relentless toward himself and othersj a peasant, as they
grow up in the southern part of Bohemia. The schism between the Scriptures
and life of those times, the abyss betweeen Hus* conscience and the lusting
for pleasure and comfort,- characteristic of those times, drove him to the
stake, into death, a martyr for his convictions ••.••"
The speaker pictured Hus as the protagonist of genuine faith and liberty
of the mind, as he stood up for his nation . • . . •
I C - 6 - B0E3I>!IAN
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Dennf ELasatel, Jiay 8, 1917.
I G "
17 "And yet his nation lost out. After the battle on the B£la
Hora ^j^ite Moxintai^ the nation suffered terribly for three
hundred years. There were those v^ho cried out: *3ee how far Husitism has
led youl* But was it the Husitic democracy that was responsible for the
downfall of our nation?"
"The real cause," the speaker continued, "was that the nation strayed away
from the great democratic ideals upheld by John Hus, The nation threw
away the strong doctrines of pure Christianity, rejected truth, and turned
to selfishness and the very materialism against which Master John Hus
preached. The greed for gold and the lust for power were contrary to the
principles of Hus and the Bohemian Brothers "
"Today, again the land of our birth is the battling ground of these ideas;
our country is again the central point of the strife, 'Between us and the
ideas of Austria, that servant of Germany, there can be no peace!* This is
the slogan that comes from our Thomas G. Masaryk in Geneva, Switzerland.
I - 7 - B0H5MIAN
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Demif Hlasatel. July 8, 1917,
I G
IV It means that we are renewing the old fight, the struggle in
which we were once defeated, which we have never lost neverthe-
less, as it is the fight for the best of mankind, .^e are happy to again
fight for the same cause as did Hus • • • . • Me are fighting in the
same ranks with great nations, to the tune of one great song, the Marseillaise
of mankind, our battle cry of victory.
"The fate of Bohemia is and shall be the fate and the sign of fight. It
shall point to the victory of mankind, and of its soil.
"Autocracy was always outlined by German violence; it is making desperate
efforts now before the world to cast off the shameful mark of guilt and
reaction. Havlfcek says: *As reaction is a shameful thing, nobody is
willing to admit being a reactionary, just as a card shark will not hang
out a shingle with his name and profession given as card shark.*
"We are facing the same fi^t today that our forebears faced four hundred
I C - 8 - BOESMIAN
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Demi Hlasatel , July 8, 1917.
I G
IV years ago. 7/e are fighting Vienna and Berlin now. Medieval
heretics have chan^^ed into defenders of the Czech nation. The
purpose of the strugp;le is the same — to show v;hether brutality can destroy
ideas and the rights of a nation in its national attitude "
The speaker continued by f;ivin«; explicit explanations on the purposes of
the present fir.ht "The German state has becone the ideal of the
German race. It knov;s not liberty of the individual, it does not knov; a
liappy* inner, and external life, it does not know freedom of conscience,
the liberty of a nation. It knows only the liberties which were taken by
the Emperor It is not the state of •^ood, straipihtforward people,
a state of nations. V/hat, then, is this state that has become the disaster
of mankind? This state is the state of those who rovem it, who preach the
gospel of force and have rejected the evangel of love; those who claim that
right is on the side of mirht.
", These mighty ones have made a god of the state in order to subject man, as
I C - 9 - BCHaiJIAIT
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Denni Hlasatel . July 8, 1917,
I G
IV a slave, to it, and to those who have re-made the evangel of
force into an evangel of God
"Ihis is the reason for the miserable life in the strong states, a miser-
able life for every- individual who has no right to think, who has no right
to live. It is the state that does the thinking and living for him. The
state possibly gives him his daily bread, but takes his brains from him.
This state must of necessity be given to materialism, and represent the
medieval church, for it is based on force. This is why it creates armies.
"This again is the reason why that state drove other nations into war, so
that we are now fighting a battle of life and death Our people
responded with one breath and in one spirit "
In describing the conditions in Czech lands at the present time, Mr. Benes
reminded the audience of the sufferings of the people. He drew a parallel
I C - 10 - BOI-IigvIIAN
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Denni Hlasatel . July 8, 1917.
I G
IV between John Hus and the individual patriots under the Austrian
yoke. Kus was branded v/ith the Cain's mark as an heretic; in like
manner Czech patriots who stood up for the right of their nation were
branded as 'traitors', jailed, exposed to starvation, and sent to the
gallows, Llany of these men fled their native country, became exiles;
others went into battle to die for their country on the side of the
Allies,
'"The spirit of IIus, that spirit which has been disavowed so often, that
viril and strong spirit, that spirit of truth and courage, has uplifted
our nation and inspired us to victory I It raised the courage of our whole,
undivided people!
"1.'^ brethren and sistersl I believe that the moment is near when we shall
be free from that century-old misery, and that v/e shall be returned to the
majesty of our nation in which we shall find truth, life, and happiness
I C - 11 - . BOHSLIIM
I D 1 a
I D 1 b Dennf Hlasatel. July 8, 1917.
I G
IV" for oiir future generations "
The speaker closed in high poetic, awe-inspiring language, voicing his
confidence in the re-birth of the Czech nation.
I C BOHELIJj\N
II B Je d (3)
Denni Hlasatel , June 2, 1917.
TO EliCQLR^'vGE SELF-CRITIC ISL
(Editorial)
(Summary)
He who acutely observes the environment and ivays of our Czech-American
commxinity will notice things that provide food for thought. Ore of the
conspicuous characteristics of the Czechs in America is the lacic of self-
criticism and insincerity in the exercise of it. V7e find this ieficiencj'
not only in our national and social life, but also in our ever:day life,
v.'hich has become to most people just an endless chase after the dollar,
and this in turn has been adopted as the battle cry of every individual.
Experience proves this. This lack of self-criticism and this insincere
manner in which it is being practiced results in a proclivity to take offense
easily, as is v.'ell depicted in Podebradka, by the well-knovm New York Czech-
American writer and journalist, Karel Horky, This trait of character was
I G - 2 - BOHEiiJAN
II B 2 d (2) ■
Dennl Hlasnte l, June 2, 1917.
one of the first observations made by that '/.Titer upon his arrival in Kev/
York, v;here he has now made his home,
Czechs v/ho have settled in America are, for the most part, a very pecxiliar
people. They view all things with optimism, and they are convinced that
everything they do is of the best. They criticize the work of others but
are sensitive to criticism directed against themselves, especially when it
might produce results unfavorable to them. Many, not all of them, are given
to vanity and conceit, resulting in disappointments If there y;ere less
vanity among our fellow countrymen, the communit:/' would fare better in many
respects
V/e do not knov/ how to face the truth. This fault may at some future tine
be a liability to us. V/e do not acknowledge our mistakes, even when v;e
ourselves have recognized thsm. Our reason for this is that v;e are to
blame. If others "had done it," v;e would subrit them to scorching censure.
The fact that our ov;n work is at issue, knocks the protective weapon,
I C - 3 - BOHElvIIAlM"
II B 2 d (3)
Denni Hlasatel, June 2, 1917.
self-criticism, from our hand. If this v/eapon still remained in our grip,
v;e would try to dull its edro or make it less obnoxious in some way or other.
At times like those just mentioned, a goodly portion of our insincerity is
dormant • • . • •
The ancient Greeks, guided b^'- one of their eminent philosophers, believed
that v:hat is expressed in the words "Kna;/ Thyself!" v;as one of the greatest
feats of man
It is our duty to learn frcm others \'Je should search our innermost
thoughts and practice criticism of ourselves It is most important for
our own v/elfare in Czech-American national and social life.
1 C BOIIEMLAN
I S
I G Dennl Hlasatel. Ivlay 29, 1917.
iiGAINST MILITARISM
(Editorial)
(Suraniary)
The V/ar waged by the United States is directed not only against many evils,
under which subjugated nations are groaning, but also against militarism.
It is, in fact, militarism which is to be destroyed in the first place.
The oppression of other nations, and autocracy v/ith its exploitation of
the working classes, are bound to fall with the destruction of militarism,
In consideration of this, our radicals, pretending to be deeply concerned :;
with the welfare of the laboring classes, ought to be in the first ranks
of our warriors • • • • •
A Chicago German Socialist paper printed an article on militarism which we
have translated for the benefit of our readers, VJhat we are unable to com-
I c
I E
I G
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Dennl HLasatel. May 29, 1917 •
B0II3I.IIAN
prohend is the reluctance of the German Socialists and the ianerican
Socialist organizations controlled by them, to join in the fight to down
militarism,
"The last bulwark of capitalism is the army v/ith its cannons and rifles
and rigid discipline • • • • • Is this not a devilish institution? • •
• • ,** the article reads.
Militarism is a sore which undermines the happiness of the nations • •
• • it is a monster*
Mong all the monsters, the militarism of Germany and Austria is the
ugliest. It is being obediently served by the oocialists of Germany,
and also by those of the United States, who place every obstacle in the
way of oiir Government in its combat against militarism. \'ih.y do not the
Germans follov; the example of Russia, v/hom they have dubbed "backvrard,"
I c
I 3
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- 3 -
Denni Hlasatel. May 29, 1917,
B0KE2/iLAl^
and why do not the Austrians do as the Czech and other Slavonic sol'lliers?
They refused to obey their commanders when they were ordered to kill!
Vfliy do Austrian and Hungarian regiments fire at those objectors, v;hen
they themselves count many members of that party who condemn War?
The present I7ar could be quickly stopped if the German people only v?ould
emulate the Russian people v;ho got rid of the Czar; they should depose
the ICaiser, destroy militarism, and blast their pan-Germanistic dreams.
All other nations are anxiously waiting for this to happen, so that they
can extirpate militarism and everything with it v^ich has made this
horrible i-ar possible • • • • • Until the Germans themselves decide
to take steps such as these, the fight against them must be continued*
The United States deserves the praise of the whole v/orld for having
taken part in the struggle, for it is rendering invaluable service to all
thd nations* He, who works against this War, prompted to do so under
I c
I e"
I G
- 4 -
BOHan/J^J
Denni HI as at el. May 29, 1917.
whatever slogan, damages the cause not only of .Merica, but of all the
nations, especially of those enthralled under the yoke of Germanism,
■ «</
m.
v^.
I C BOHSIigAN
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel . May 26, 1917,
I F 6 _
/gratitude/
(Editorial)
The horizon of every man in Ihiblic office can be easily gauged by the
manner in which he shows his appreciation of the good will of, and of
the confidence placed in him by his constituency. Particular tact in
regard to this is required in Chicago, a preeminently cosmopolitan
city, the heterogeneous nationalistic elements of which are entitled
to a representation on the School Board. There is a very large niimber
of Czech and Slavonic voters here who were instriaraental in the election
of Mayor Thompson two years ago.
The Mayor, nevertheless, did not deem it proper to appoint a Czech to
the Board. One member, iip. Antony Czarnecki, is a Pole. Other nationalities
are represented in larger numbers. The neglect exists; it borders on
political backwardness on our part perhaps, but we do not regret this
V!.Pi.
I C - 2 - BOHSTflAN
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , May 26, 1917.
I F 6
in the last analysis. The present administration of our city is so had, its
conscience is burdened with so much glaring mischief that any closer contact
with it would heurm us rather than do us any good.
I c
BOHSmAN
I F 4
I F 5
I F 6
Dennl Hlasatel , May 23, 1917.
^YOR THOMPSON IGNORES CZEC^
(Editorial)
Our "Mister Mayor," \Tilliam H. Thompson, has not named one single Czech
to the office of member of the School Board. This is not surprising.
On the contrary, we would have beenr surprised if the !.!ayor had acted
justly and impartially. He is not a sincere American, neither a
sincere Chicagoan, nor a sincere Republican. He is merely a politician;
he is a "Thompsonite," leader of the political clique by the support of
which he is striving to keep in the foreground of political life. It
was this clique which he had in mind when appointing members to the
School Board. Czechs do not belong to this clique, which is the reason
why none of them were appointed.
I c
I F 2
I F 3
I F 4
3CTi:!.:i;i:
Dennl Illasatel , I-.'^y 18, 1Q17,
(iJditorial)
In the next nieetinG of the City Council, the :.;ayor ■ ill probablj^ make
reconnendations on the nenbers of the Jchool board. It is very ir.iportant
for us that one of the neribers be of Czech stock. In former times, vie
alv;ays v;ere certain of having one of our coimtryiaen on the board. Under
the administration of Mayor Thompson, hov/ever, ".;e did not rely upon the
chance of a similar appointment, thour-ii v;e felt entitled to it. The Czech
friends of the I.Iayor ought to make clear to him that the appointment is
not a mere affair of politics, but an acknov;ledf;ement of the rights of
citizens and taxpayers, vho form an important part of the comra-unity, and
who demand adequate representation.
'm%'^
I C BOHEMIAN
I A 1 a
I A 3 Denni HLasatel. May 18, 1917,
I F 3
I F 4 ' DUTIES OF THE AMERICAN CZECHS TOWARD
III C THEIR NE\V HOMELAND
I Gr (Address by the Reverend Jan Rynda in the Memorable
Meeting of the National Alliance of Czech Catholics)
(Summary)
"Paul, an apostle of the nations, while iniprisoned, created a state of awe
among the Roman and Jewish soldiers by his determined bearing* On being
asked by a Roman high official whether or not he was a Roman citizen, he
answered: *I am.' It was then, and ever before considered an honor for
him who could say of himself that he was a Roman citizen*
"There is no higher title which could be bestowed on man or woman than
that of American citizen* We are American citizens and proudly attest to
our loyalty to the flag irtiich is the symbol of liberty • • • • . After
the Civil War, when freedom was established, men and women from all the
I
I
I
I
A
A
F
F
III
I G
1
3
3
4
C
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatel. May 18, 1917,
BOHEMIAN
oppressed £\iropean coimtries flocked to the shores of Merica,
where they found *a govenunent of the people, by the people and
for the people,* as President Lincoln defined lt« We have no
dictators or monarchs • • • • •
"l.!y fellow-countrymen! Whatever we have accepted from anybody constitutes
ani obligation, and to meet it, shoxild be a point of honor to us* Is there
anytiiing better and more sublime than what Merica has given to us, the
civil, political, and religious freedom? The sense of justice and gratitude
has not left our Czech hearts. We feel that we have obligations which we
owe America, its Constitution, and its colors. I appeal to your patriot-
ism, I challenge your loyalty* I consider it treason if anyone forgets his
duties toward this country, and foolishly gloats in the saying, ^Ubi Bene,
Ibi Patria» (Where there is good living, there is my country). It is not
sufficient to say * I love my country.* The mere singing of the anthem,
the wearing of the colors, frenzied shouting in meetings— all this does
not by far prove true love of one's country. It is merely an emanation of
I C - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 a
I A 3 Dennl Hlaaatel. May 18, 1917.
I F 3
I F 4 natural impulses, and It would mean a fatal error to call this
III C fulfilling one»s duties,
I G
"The great English thinker, Samuel Smiles, condemns this sort of
patriotism as follows: *The major part of what in our times is being termed
patriotism contains but hypocrisy and narrow-mindedness* It exposes itself
in vainglorious bO£isting, in vulgar clamor, flag waving, end a constant
reiteration of wrongs committed recently, or long ago* Patriotism such sis
this is perhaps the worst curse upon any country* There is no more dignity
in it than in the howling of the wolves**
"Patriotism may be likened to a magnificent structure. It cannot be built
up out of slogans or high sounding phrases, and cannot be erected by shout-
ing, but solely by work and sacrifice in which everybody should carry his
share • • • . • There are thousands of people who, though they do not know
how to talk on patriotism, are nevertheless filled with the genuine sentiment.
I C - 4 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 a
I A 3 Denul HLaaatel. May 18, 1917,
I F 3
I F 4 because they act as loyal citizens • • • • • And what is the
III C source of unselfish, pure patriotic inspiration? Religion is
I G that so\irce«
"Ttie Roanan king, Numa Pompilius, in striving to uplift Rome, fostered a
religious cult* In order to make Rome the eternal city, he first trans-
fozmed it into a holy city. This king well knew that patriotic virtues,
such as willingness to sacrifice, moderation, cleanliness of habits.
Justice, loyalty, obedience to laws, and others would find the staunchest
support in religion, for with its growth the virtues also begin to bloom*
George Washington, the Father of the Country, proclaims in his farewell
address; *Rellglon is the foundation of the State. He, who undermines
the mighty pillars of human society, cannot lay claim to the name of
^patriot and loyal American •>.•••*
"George Washington also laid stress upon the necessity of education* En-
I c
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I A
I F
I F
III
I a
1
3
3
4
C
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Dennl Hlasatel. May 18, 1917,
BOHEMIAN
lightemaent and liberty have become the beacon lights to the
trend of our time. The worlc and the efforts of the human mind
concentrate upon them. Nobody will pay attention to a nation
which in the near future will not have a sufficient number of
educated and prosperous people* Epictetus, the Roman sage, clothed in the
rags of a slave, proclaimed that one can render the best service to the
people not by lifting the roofs off their houses, but by uplifting their
souls.
"Do not give riches to yovx children, give them an education. It is high
time that we Czechs advance from the back seats to the front seats, and be
represented in the Legislatxire, in Congress and other offices of importance*
"After our duty to the Lord, it is to our homeland, its welfare and pros-
perity, which should primarily occupy our minds and souls. The ballot
should play a prominent part in our life, for it gives us supreme power.
^ • - J
I C - 6 - BOHEtllAN
I A 1 a
I A 3 Dennl Hlaaatel. May 18, 1917,
I F 3
I F 4 ♦The crowning fact of freedom is the foreman's veto,* an old
III C politician used to say.
I G
"It is not my intention to give a talk on politics, I am merely
mentioning the right to vote because it has not received the proper attention
from our people. It is our duty to vote for the good of the country, and
for our own "
The speaker closed with a mighty appeal for cooperation and generous con-
tributions for the successful prosecution of the vVar.
^Translator's Note. — For report on the meeting, see Denni Hlasatel. llay 17,
1911 J
Ill D
I G Denni lUaGatel. I.Iay 12, 1G17.
• • (Sditoricil)
Besides the Czechs , our brothers, the Poles, arc the first to offer themselves
in largest numbers for the defense for the country. One sin.'ile recruiting
station in the Polish settlement of Llilv/aulcee, '.as,, has registered 637 nen
for Uncle .Sarins ..my, all young, v/ell built boys, v.-ho just seem to have been
born for the unifom. This roiarlcable result has naturally attracted the
attention of the Jn.:*l.ish languaj^e press, . hich shorrered lavish praise upon
the Poles and Czechs.
Such appreciative manifest at ions are gratifying, even if they seem belated.
..ith somev;hat laore sincerity than they have shovm heretofore, the Jlnglish
language papers no'.: admit that they have been treating the olavonic imr.ii-
grants v;ith no particular favor. They have slighted than, and omitted news
about their community life, except something uncomplimentary. The olavonic
people v;ithin the populace of Chicago have their ovm traits, tind thoy have
Em.
<\\
I. C - 2 - BOIIinLII^T
III D
I G Denni laasatel. May 12, 1917,
nissed no opportiinity to demonstrate that they belong to the iiost desirable
class of irmisrants, and thoir flaming patriotic enthusiasm is therefore no
ephemera, but originates fron a deep, idealistic conviction. "».e, the ;Slavonic
people, have always been doin,'^ our duty, and it is not our fault that at
least, a snail amount of recognition has not been shov.Ti us before. Be it
as it nay, better late than never.
flu
WM
BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . filay 8, 1917.
ONE MONTH OF PATRIOTIC V/ORK
(From the Press Bureau of the Czech
Catholic National Alliance)
(Summary)
Although we have started our organization work only one month ago,
we have taken steps of importance in the patriotic endeavor of our
fellow-countrymen
As soon as we learned about the McCormick bill which demands that
the liberation of the Irish and Polish people be considered in
the peace negotiations, we sent a letter to our Congressman
Adolph Sabath, urging him to see to the inclusion of Czech
liberty into the proposal. The Congressman replied that he
l7tO
5 m.
- 2 - 30HS?JIA1T
Danni Hlasatel . May 8, 1917.
has not up to this day presented a bill about Czech liberty, "No such
bill as that contemplated by Congressman McCoriaick shall, however, be
recommended by the respective committee, xmless it also contains the
clause concerning Czech liberty. Of this you may rest assured, I
deem the issue is of vital interest to me, I shall present the
aiaendment v/hen the time is more propitious for action." The letter
was dated April 19, 1917,
Conditions have changed since, and our Congressman presented the bill
on May 3. It is before the committee now as is the McCormick bill , ,
V/e are rapidly being organized, , , . V/e have sent Ivir, John Straka
to Nebraska, a state with a large Czech population, . , , he founded
branches of our Alliance there
- 3 - BOHEICCAIT
Depnl Hlasatel. Ilay 8, 1917.
\^e are creating branches in every Czech part of Chicago, and we hope
they fill will strive to emulate the achievements of the Bl. Anezka
Ceska \The Blessed Czech Agnes) settlement. YIe are noxv busy with
preparations for a large gathering in Chicago of all Catholics,
The pursuit of our national aims will be the key note. Prominent
men have promised to deliver addresses.
I c
BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 29, 1917,
(Editorial)
It is well known that the New England States in American life have always
demanded preference, ^Vhatever issue may be before the public, one always
has to heed what the "Original States" have to say. However, when real
sacrifices are needed they responded differently.
For instance, in the first days after the declaration of War, the number
of Volunteers from our neighboring town, Gary y Indiana, was larger than
that of Maryland,. Vermont, and Delaware taken together. This proves
conclusively that whenever anything is to be gained the New England
States are in the front, When anything is to be parted with, there
they modestly retire.
I.Uj
m.k
^/
I G
II B 1 c (1)
I C (Slovak)
BOEs:,:i^
Denni Klasatel , Apr. ^9^ 1917.
FOR THE LIBSRxiTICIT OF oLOV.-^lA
(Surinary)
Cur Slovah brethren are doing everj'thing in their pov;er to be instrunental
in the liberation of their nation from Austrian rule. A drama from the
history of their coimtry, "Llatus Trencansky" (a nane of their national hero)
will be given in ..alsh's hall, Noble and 3mma Streets tonight.
Translator's Note;
The surmarized announcement captioned "For the Liberation of Slovakia,"
serves as an example for the mutual and undivided sympathy of Czechs and
Slovaks for one another during the -.'orld V.'ar.
I c
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I C (German)
BOHEIvIIAN
Denni Hlasatel. Apr. 29, 1917.
THE AMERICAN PRESS ON OUR PATRIOTIC WORK REPORTS
ON CZECH NATIONiiL ALLIANCE I/ISETINGS
(Prom the Press Bureau of the Czech National Alliance)
The English language papers gave considerable space lately to items on
the recruiting of Czech volunteers, and to our exertions for the independence
of the Czech nation.
Though we would not attach excessive value to them we hold these reports to
be important and we appreciate them. The American offices which furnish news-
paper clippings work inaccurately, and so it is difficult for our press
bureau to check wo on the news which concern our national vrark.
The liveliest interest was evoked in Chicago by our action for the removal
of the Kaiser story from the Chicago schoolbooks in which it was retained
by pro-teutonic members of the School Board. Our action bore fruit in that
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I C (Gexman)
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Denni Hlasatel. Apr. £9, 1917,
BOHEMIAN
it was reported by the local dailies and was particularly taken notice of
by our state authorities.
The publicity given our cause gathered momentum, and it may be contended
that today the greater part of the community is grateful to the Czech
National Alliance for having taken a stand against the Kaiser story. We
have received hundreds of letters in which credit is given the Alliance.
Newspapers of other cities have taken up the issue, so that the broader
strata of the American public is paying much more attention to our or-
ganization than in former times.
Our recruiting activities and the mass meetings arranged by the Czech
National Alliance have contributed very much to the popularization of
our movement which has been commented on by almost all the Chicago dailies,
and also by papers of New York» St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Detroit.
I C - 3 - BOHEMIAN
III D
I G Dennl Hlasatel , Apr, 29, 1917.
I C (German)
There was for instance a meeting in Minneapolis,.,.. . . where J, Turzicky
spoke, who is secretary of the Czech National Alliance, to encourage en-
listment, and which was commended in diverse papers.
There is a difference in the liberation of nations. Czar Nicholas of Russia,
and also the Kaiser, promised the Poles a separation from other nations, hut
under a new potentate in the person of a viceroy. The Poles do not want a
king, and the Czechs do not long for any more kings from the royal line of
the Ottakars. The Ukrainians do not hanker for the grand dukes from Kijev.
These nations demand complete liberty and a crowning of the people themselves
with the crown insignia of democracy.
The news of the successful participation of the New York Czechs in the mani-
festation under the slogan "V?ake up America" are of special interest to us,
for the Czechs were given there, if not the first, still a prominent place.
I c
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I C (German)
- 4 -
BOKMEIAN
Denni Hlasatel. Apr. 29, 1917.
Nowhere has the entrance of America into the Vfer evoked more exultation
than among the Czechs and Slovaks. These tvro nations know the methods of
the Germans and Itogyars. There are still thousands of Czechs and Slovaks
in prisons, and thousands have been executed.
The defeat of the Austrians in Galicia vias inflicted upon them by the Czech
and Slovak soldiers. Entire regiments of the latter are now fighting in the
Russian ranks against Austria and Germany. In the French Army, there is the
Czech Legion and one contingent in the Canadian Army.
The Czechs and Slovaks of this country are going to support the President
with their goods and with their lives.....
I c
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BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 27, 1917.
(Editorial)
The American organizations are still passing patriotic resolutions.
They are promising loyalty to our President, and they are also
watchful so that no one will. insult the Americcm flag. Yet, these
boys still sit at home behind the chimney. They ought to point
their fingers at the "hyphenated Americans," for instance the
Sokols (members of Czech gymnastic organizations), who demonstrate
by their deeds what a large percentage of patriotic Americans
seek to accomplish by talking.
I c
BOHEMIAN
I a
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 26, 1917,
(Editorial)
The Americans like to call the immigrants names and to look down
upon them whenever an opportxmity offers itself. Yet they allow
themselves to be put to shame when the seriousness of the situation
calls for a demonstration of real American patriotism and enthusiasm.
I C BOHSMIAN
II B 1 C (1)
Denni Hlasatel . Apr. 26, 1917,
(Editorial)
The theatre season is nearing its end, and this is the time for
the public to make a summary of the profits they have drawn from
it. In the coming season, the public should arrange to support only
those theatres which deserve their good will.
I C BOHEMIAN
I G
Dennl Hlasatej . Apr. 25, 1917.
(Editorial)
Before the World '-"ar, the Germans bragged about being the most cult\ared
nation. They were indeed, acknowledged as such. The V/ar has, however,
exposed their real shape. If what the Germans have perpetrated in this
World V/ar were to be credited to their culture, mankind would have to
hasten to get rid of such a culture.
I c
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I C (German)
BOHEKIAlf
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 24, 1917.
PUPIIf; ALLOVfflD TO TEAR OUT "KAISER PAGE"
The pr^spure exacted upon the School Board by the Czech-American coiranunity
is beginning to bear fruit. Vvhen it becane evident that a strong' agitation was
being carried on against the authorities, Mr. John D. Shoop, ssuperintendent
of Chicago Schools, finally began to heed the sentiment of the parents in
regard to the story, which eulogizes the German Kaiser and is resented by the
patriotic Czech-Americans and parents from other nationalistic groups.
V/hen Mr. Shoop was informed about the method of protest to be ea^loyed, as
recommended by the Czech National Alliance, he declared it to be a simple
solution of the embarrassing question and in explaining his point of view
I c
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I C (German )
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Dennl Hlasatel , Apr. 24, 1917.
BOHEMIAN
added: "Allow the children to tear the page froin the school book. The
book is their ovm property. They may handle it the way they desire,"
This would mean that the extirpation of the story has net with semi-
official approval. However, it should not stop our agitation bj? any means.
The Chicago School Board is a very unreliable institution, at least some
of its former members. We Czechs, at least, could sing a nice song about this.
It is known that the School Board had allowed some of the school rooms to be
used for evening classes in which the Czech language is taught. VJhen the
school budget was debated on last fall, this accommodation would almost hare
been taken away from the Czech-American parents if it had not been for the
resolute demand of the Czech member of the Board, J5r. Holpuch. The rooms
I C " - 3 - BOHEMIAIT
I F 2
I F 4 Dennl HLasatel . Apr. 84, 1917.
I C (German)
continue to be at the disposal of the Czechs. The force with which we
stand in our demand for the elimination of the "Kaiser Story" must not
decrease. The excitement of the public might slacken. There are evidently
some members on the Board who desire to retain the objectionable story. A
future edition might contain it anew.
I G BOK-IIIIAIT
I C (GeKiian)
I G " Dennl Illasatel . July 3, 1917.
TKd CZaCII c^IESTION IN Giffili^j: LIGHT
(Editorial)
The local German language papers are givinc much attention to conditions in
xi.ustria, and the situation of the Czech people, its exertions and demands.
Two Chicago Gerr.ian papers published editorials about the issue in their last
Sunday editions. The Illinois Staats-Zeitung , in an editorial by an ioneri-
can-HUstrian, exhibits rabidly anti-Czech views, blaming the Czechs for
everything evil. The oonntagspost , the other paper, was formerly read by
some "also Czechs" who v«tnt to remain loyal to the "v;hole homeland," and are
convinced triat the Qorman language is "something better," and superior to the
Czech language. This paper has vanished in our community now, for we do not
tolerate anything utraquistic, half-and-half.
These Chicago German papers are trying to slur and discredit the activities of
OUT Czech National ^J.liance, and to brand our cause as something \injust tind
impossible in its aspirations. ....
I C - 2 - BOHSMIAfT
I C (German)
I G Deiini Hlasatel . July 3, 1917.
Vie, hov/ever, think that after the Germans have received the lesson from the
Allies, they will be more willing to live with their neighbors in peace, . , .
After peace has been established, the rabble-rousing War agitators will be
out of a job. The Abendpost article defines the Czechs as the trouble mak-
ers: "If they reach their goal of a united Bohenia and Moravia, there will be
many Germans ruled by them and their paths will not be bedded with roses."
The writer thus adrdts that as the Germans have treated the Czechs, so they
are liable to be castigated for their deeds. .... Too much tolerance and
indulgence exercised by the Czechs has not brought good fruit
Civilization is the product of collaboration among nations. Our Czech cul-
ture is also the result of the work of two nations; it could be enjoyed much
better if the exertions of the other nation were not split and part of them
used for the purpose of oppressing our people. This oppression forces the
Czechs to defend themselves. Vvhen there is order in Czech lands as promised
to us by the Allied nations, co-operation will bring splendid results. . . .
I C BOIEailAN
I G
IV Denni Ilia sat el . July 1, 1917.
/pzechs Defend Their National Alliance/
'r(From the JiJxecutive Connaittee of the Czech Sokol Comnrunity in -tunerica)
(Simmary)
The Czech Sokol Conmunity in .Kinerica, xvith headquarters in Chicago, in a gen-
eral assembly held here Jxme 25th manifested its sentiment as follows: "From
the moment when our beloved leader, Prof. Thomas G. IJasaryk, raised the ban-
ner to take up the fight against xtustria, and for Czechoslovak independence,
we Czech Sokols of the United States of ijaerica have been faithfully standing
at his side, ue have given the movement our moral support, v;e have offered
our sons for service and sacrifice on the battlefield; we have joined the great
ranks with all that is within our power, we have joined in that organization
which required so much exertion to build up — the Czech National Alliance —
guided by the slogan of our own lyrs, vvho, together with Fuegner, founded the
Sokol gymnastic association: •'Neither for profit, nor for gloryl •! .ve have
I C - 2 - 1- V,'V.Jl ?) BOHliI-lIAI\r
I G
IV Dennl Hlasatel . Jiily 1, 1917.
been guarding the authority of this organization, that authority which was very
difficult to establish; v:e have been loyally taking care of it so that this
organization iiay stand before the whole world with a clear conscience, pure and
mighty.
Today, a man stabbed it in the back. One from whom we vx)uld have least ex-
pected such a deed — the Czech writer, liirel (Charles) Horky.
xit a time when all our Czech writers in the old homeland are jeopardizing their
very existence to guard our nation against steps which would bring shame and
hiuailiation for centuries upon it, there appears aiaong us a Czech literatus to
sling mud, and cast slurs upon the dear name of T. G. Masaryk, and also upon
those who strive at his side and follow his leadership.
•'•e fully agree v;ith the manifesto issued by Dr. Ludwig Fisher, chairman of the
I C -3- f^VJOAoi BOHEMIAN
I G
IV • Dennl taasatel . July 1, 1917.
Czech National Alliance, who condemned this blow in a manner befitting its
merit. This blow is aimed against our entire movement and at that shield with-
out a blemish which is carried by Llasaryk, as well, Horky*s attack is also a
gross insxxlt to the v;hole community of Czech Sokol organizations in the United
States, The fight led by tiaxaryk and the Czech National Alliance is also the
fight of the Sokol organizations; the heritage of Tyrs cannot be consummated
before it is climaxed by victory,
Vse repudiate v:ith profoundest indignation the unclean agression against the
economic angle of our movement. U'e fully trust in the examinations made by
our honest men — esteemed by o\ir people throughout the United States — such men
as the Reverend Vanek, IJr, ICLicka, the banker, and Mr, John A, Cervenka, clerk
of the Probate Court of Cook County, Vi'e highly appreciate the pronunciamento
issued in regard to this question by Dr. Fisher, and we are convinced that the
attack is slander thrown into the face of the Czech element in the United
States, These observations were made by us through the aid of Messrs, Vlk and
I C - 4 - BOHEMIAN
I G
IV Dennl Hlasatel , July 1, 1917.
Simecek, whose names are above reproach,
Our Czech nation is ashamed of her son who forgot himself so far that he vrould
help drive his ovm people into destruction for the mere satisfaction of his
selfishness.
VJe proclaim most determinedly before the foriuu of Czech— anerica that the Czech
National Alliance, the pride of oxir nation, must not be exposed to any attack
from any side as long as it fulfills its duties with the same love with v/hich
it is regarded by the best people of Czech descent in America.
The Czech 5okol Corannmity of America is herev.lth giving expression of its full
trust in the Czech National ^i3J.iance. For the Czech Sokol Community, Signed:
Joseph Cermak, Chairman, Cyril Popelka, oecretaiy.
I C BOHEMIAN
I F 4
I F 3 Dennl Hlasatel . Apr, 21, 1917,
I G
IV »R;JJS MIT KAISERi
I C (German) Some Defenders of the Bloodthirsty Eohenzollems
in the Chicago School Board
(Summary)
"President Wilson's recent message to Congress is a document of high historic
iii5)ortance , and one to which every sound-thinking man will revert with a
burning interest, even after decades, when the present bloody struggle with
all its sufferings and terrors will be an event of the jmst. In the message
the President sets forth the ideas of a great statesman, great philosopher,
and above all, of a great human being* He was facing the gravest problems
met by any President since Lincoln's time* He was forced, true enough, by
circumstances to allow the United States to be dragged into the war, but he
Justified his actions in an emphatic manner vAiich was acclaimed on all sides:
The United States is not entering a war of aggression; neither is it interfer-
ing with the Geiman people* As a free and purely democratic country, it
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I F 4
I F 3 Demii Hlasatel . Apr. 21, 1917.
I G
IV aims at the destruction of frenzied Icaiserism which is the
I C (German) main exponent of autocracy, oligarchy, and of that militarism
which saps the strength of all nations*
Like other diplomats, President Wilson, with an acute mind, perceived that
there can be no thought of anything like a permanent peace as long as the
German throne is occupied by a beast in the shape of man whose night and
sickly greatness are supported by pyramids of guns and bayonets, and yrbOf by
a single stroke of his pen, has reduced civilization to a primitive stage."
A story, "The Making of the Eaiser", containing purely sentimental mush, has
been fouling the textbooks used in the grades from fourth to eighth of the
Chicago schools for the last years. It is an insult to the intelligence of
every American citizen, and of all the parents v;ho are sending their children
to Chicago schools, excepting Germans.
William II, that despot, whose unsound propensity for shedding blood has sent
I C - 3 - BOHKI^TIAN
I F 4
I F 3 Denni Klasatel . xi.pr. 21, 1917.
I G
IV nillions of youns men to a premature death, that megalomaniac,
I C (Gennan) -ho has dragged the X';hole civilized vrarld into the nost terrible
war in the histor:,' of iiiankind, that degenerate, v.'hon no huiaane
feeling can permeate, that sane one is being represented as a shining example
for our school children.
The responsibility for the reiaoval of the story from the books as yet is to
be unquestionably placed upon the shoulders of I.irs. Ijlla Flagg Young, former
superintendent of schools, ..ith all her pedagogic ability and talents, she
has exposed herself as possessin{: a narrow horizon hy not insisting upon
the removal of the stor:-'' from the sight of the susceptible pupils. There had
arisen a strong movement for the extirpation of the story, German influence
in the Board, still strong, alv/ays brought the exertions to naught,
A nev; opportunity offered itself by the proclamation of war, and another attempt
v;as made to purge the books of the storj^^ about the kaiser, A strong deputation
of our Czech fellow-countrymen appeared in the offices of the School Board
I G - 4 - BOiaiiXJT •
I F 4
I F 3 Qenni Hlasatel. Apr. ^1, 1917.
I G
IV the Tribune Buildinr; yesterday. Other nationalities, repre-
I C (German) sented by leaders, also took part. Besides nev-'spapemen, there
were in the rproup. Doctor J. Rudis-Jicinsk^'' for the Sokols
2[^j'7.uaastic societiesT", Doctor J. 3. Bitek, and Doctor J. F.
i3netanka for the Czech national .vlliance# There v/as the Polish
llational .vlliance and others. .>. forceful protest by the Slavonic nationalities
vnis to be riade. It can be said that the opinions of all unbiased /uaericans
v/ere voiced, ^». joint resolution worked out by Doctor Jiaetanka was to be pre-
sented,
>ifter the School Board had finished its routine business, the speaker /nsLwe
not Eivei^, representinf the Czech national -alliance, stepped forth, and
supportin," his explanations by V7eif?;hty reasons, declared the story about
the kaiser to be a pretense, and a i^ake-up, utterly intolerable in the books,
aside fron the fact that Anerica and ueriaany are inimical tov;ard one another.
The speaker, in proclaiiiing that the stor;* should have been expunged lone
^GO, gave a drastic deraonstration of v.'hat should be done v;ith similar trash,^
v/ith a dramatic gesture, he tore the page with the obnoxious story from thei'-.',' uir
/^
- 5 - BOHEIiJAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr, 21, 1917.
book and crumbling it up in his fist, tossed it on the table.
It was a moment of great tension and was foUovred by spontaneous
applause from the delegation.
The passionate words of the speaker invoked a reaction on the members of the
board which could be seen already in the beginning of the protest. One of
the Board members, Mrs, Sethness, atteiqpted to interrupt after the speaker* s
first words. Another member, Mr, Piggott, however declared it a necessity
that the delegation be given a hearing, as they were entitled to it, Mrs,
Sethness is not one of the little girls vho allows herself to be discouraged
by momentary obstacles. She raised objection after almost every word of the
protest, and was efficiently supported by the chairman of the Board, Mrs,
76 shrink, Mr. Shoop, the superintendent of the Chicago schools, was present,
but took no part in the controversy. All other male members of the Board,
excepting Mr. Eckhardt, also declined to participate, Sckhardt limited
himself to the statement that a new book is being prepared v/ithout giving
any assurance that the kaiser story would be omitted in it.
I C - 6 - BOHT^.tTAN
I F 4
I F 3 Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 21, 1917.
I G
nr The speaker of the delegation remarked that promises have
I C (German) been held out for two years, but that no one has moved a hand
toward their fulfillment as yet. The story, the speaker said,
treats about the life of him who coined the brazen phrase "Deutschland Uber
Alles," and it is poison for the mind of our children. "By permitting this
with a quiet conscience, you are committing downright treason" the speaker
thundered into the faces of the astonished Board members. "Just read what
President Wilson says of that kaiser "
Here the speaker prepared to read the salient passages from the President's
message, but he did not get that far. His fascinating words created a commo-
tion among the members of the Board which resembled chaos. Mrs. Vosbrink,
chairman, wielded the gavel most vehemently, coming dangerously near smashing
it, and Eckhardt, who had, at least apparently, kept his composure, suddenly
revealed now his true descent. With a face which had taken on the hue of
ashes, he objected to the expressions just used by the speaker. "We want
to point out to the speciker that we are precisely as loyal citizens as the
I C - 7 - BOIiEilliilJ
I F 4
I F 3 Dennl Ilia sat el . Ai^r. 21, 1917.
I G
IV nenbers of his delegation, and that vie shall not suffer to be
I C (German) called traitors to our countryl I request the chairman to with-
draw the privilege of the floor from the speaker until he has
duly retracted his last statement, I an requesting the chairman most emphati-
cally."
The speaicer of the delegation there upon turned tovjard the recorder asking
to be shovra the passages ^;ith which he v;as said to have insulted the Board.
Meantime, however, an uproar, hard to depict, arose in the hall, ITo one,
ever so well acquainted v.ith the influence wielded by the Germans, would
have expected encounters of like impact. The ensuing turmoil was brought
to an end by a motion made by I.j:s, .i^ethness to leave the final decision
to Superintendent John D, Shoop, hi.. .self. The lady evidently intended to
si)are the Board any responsibility in this burning question, Tlie raotion,
seconded by Llr. Peterson, member of the Board, carried unanimously, and
the session v;as declared closed by Ilrs. 3ethness, Superintendent Shoop
v;ill now have to decide v/hether the story is to remain or vdiether the ^«u
dest)otic kaiser will receive the v;cll deserved kick.
I C - 8 - 301-m^T
I F 4
I F 3 Denni Hlasatel . .ipr. 21, 1917.
I G
IV The resolution of Czech National iklliance has thus failed to be
I C (German) foriiially presented, v;hich fact, hov;ever, will not count too inuch
in this affair. The Slavonic population of this city refuses to
have its children taught eulogies about the kaiser, and its wishes must be
respected, not;;ithstanding any opposition of Teutonic members of the School
Board and their followers. It mieht not be amiss to sent the textbook with the
trumped up kaiser story to President "..ilson, so that he v;ill take official
action against this, and similar material used for the education of our
children.
I C B0HSML4N
Dennf Hlasatel . Apr. 19, 1917.
i\N INCRHlDIBLIi; STOHT
Today's Chicago acamlner Prints Hews Item
About Inhuman Father, a Czech 3S
The local papers omit all news items in which credit should be given to '^
people of our nationality, but they stretch those reports v/hich place the C
Czechs into an unfavorable light; then they take pains to nail doxvn the ^
fact that the person in question is of Czech nationality. Among these i
papers, the Examiner occupies a sadly prominent position. o.
Last night, Leola Allard, one of that sheet's contributors, vividly de-
picted how a fellow-comitryman of ours tortured his little son. V/e are
giving a translation of the article without assuming any responsibility
for it. Owing to the fact, however, that the grand JLiry voted indictments
against the man, the charges may be grave ones and the evidence conclusive.
The report says: **A little, browbeaten, pathetic woman appeared in
CD
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel. Apr, 19, 1917,
the office of Mrs, Josephine Lawrence, head of the Social Welfare Bureau,
Tuesday and gave a heart rending account of how her husband, Frank KalbaS,
a bricklayer, slugged her nine year old boy, Charles, half to death. The =f
grand jtiry returned indictments, charging assault and battery with intent ^
to inflict bodily injury. Assistant State's Attorney, Charles Center Case, j::
Junior, in charge of the case, declared. that EalbaS, who is of Czech nation- ^
ality, and not a United States citizen, could be held in a detention camp 3
until such time when prosecution for the serious charges sets in.
The boy with his five brothers and sisters used to pick rags and old iron
to partly provide for their living. They were, however, mostly dependent on
the good neighbors.
Last Sunday, the father gave the boy ten cents to buy a can of beer from the
saloon owned by Otto Wolf, The child bought ten rolls for the ten cents and
gave each of his starving brothers and sisters his or her share.
CD
ro
— J
I C - 3 - BOHEI£[AN
Dennl Hlasatel, Apr. 19, 1917.
Kalbac went to the saloon, where the barkeeper told him that the boy had spent
the dime elsewhere. Mrs. Lawrence, in relating the news item to the reporter,
proclaimed never to have heard a story as terrible as this, and she continued:
•The father beat the boy vdth a heavily buclcled strap until the little fellow's ^
head resembled a mass of pulp, his swollen back was criss-crossed with welts, ,^
and the other parts of the body covered with blue marks. When the boy attempted p
to escape the brutal attack, he slipped, falling upon the hot stove smashing ^
his nose to the bone. He finally crawled under the bed, completely exhausted. g
The father then sat down, breathing heavily. The moment he had recuperated,
he pulled the boy from under the bed, began to flog him anew, and to kick him
in the hips until the boy was unable to' stand on his feet. After this, the boy tn
did not get any nourishment all day, except a bowl of soup. The strap with the
heavy buckle, the mother said, was the terror of the whole family, none of
whose members was spared.
Two weeks ago, KJslbac, in a drunken stupor, began to beat the children, ages
CO
I C - 4 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . Apr. 19, 1917 •
from three to fourteen. They finally took refuge under the porch of a
neighbor. .
I was told that a neighbor loaned the boy some clothing so that he could
appear before the court, for none of the children has either clothing or foot-^^
wear. The father weighs one hundred eighty pounds, while the boy is a weak '-v
child, with a crestfallen gaze, and half crippled by continual beatings, ^
r ■
! —
The mother had brought the fourteen year old sister of the boy before the ^
grand jury, and told how she had taken the boy into the saloon to show the r^
keeper what he had done by selling whiskey to her husband. The man ejected ■—
her, saying it was none of his business to bother about her husband. » g
Mrs. Lawrence supplemented the foregoing statement by stating that the Bureau
of Public welfare had knowledge of these conditions already one year ago; that
a social worker had been sent to Lansing where the family lived. The father
produced false witnesses, who declared that the mother had the habit of
iC. - 5 - BOHB?JIAN
Deimi Elasatel , Apr, 19, 1917.
drinking liquor. The woman being intimidated, did not dare to produce proofs
to the contrary, and the case was dropped."
- .^
C3>
o
.-JTS
I B0H5MIAIT
III C
Denni Hlasatel. Apr. 18, 1917.
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRESS ABOUT THE CZECHS
(Summary)
An article about the Czechs which appeared in the Nationar Geographical
Magazine from the pen of Professor A. Hrdlicka, a Czech-American scientist,
is discussed in the " Wausau Record Herald ," a '.Visconsin tiaper. A
certain Mr. Vaclav Novak sent a clipping from the V/isconsin paper to
the Denni Hlasatel , whose editor reprinted the English language article
translated into Czech. He did this, he declares, only to accommodate
Mr. Novak, the correspondent, adding:
"We vrould not bother with the Wisconsin article, for it is teeming with
nonsense with which to agree it is impossible for us, and of which there
can no trace be foxxnd in the original excellent article written by the
great Czech-American scientist, Professor Hrdlicka. iie made mention of
I c
III c
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Denni Hlasatel. Apr. 18, 1917,
BOI-CSMIAN
it in an issue of a few days ago. In singling out one of the conspicuous
nonsenses contained in the Waudau paper article, we point to the passage
in which the Czechs are described as if they were specially ardent
propagators of the Russian-Orthodox church and Orthodox rites."
/ U.'
I C BOHE?£[AN
III 1
I G Denni Hlasatel. Apr. 17, 1917.
I J
(Editorial)
Fifty years ago, it was the Bohemian Slavonic Rifle Company in the State
of Illinois which first offered its services to President Lincoln to
help keep the Union intact and abolish slavery. Today, again, our
brave Sokols are rallying behind the Star Spangled Banner to prove •>
that they are in the front of all others. We may have faults and
deficiencies just as have all other nationalities in the large complex
of the United States, There is, however, one trait to which we may
always point with pride. It is the sincerity and earnestness with
which we regard the oath that binds us to the vital interests of this
great republic, with its destiny, and better future. This is,v.in the
last analysis, the best testimony that can be given the American Czechs,
I C BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . Apr. 14, 1917,
- (Editorial)
If we want to be consistent, we oxight to practice consistency In select-
ing English language papers for our daily use. The majority of the
American papers look down upon us with disrespect. This is a well-known
fact irtiich we have not forgotten. Only recently, one of the Jjiggest
sheets published in its report on the parade held Cor the preservation
of personal liberty here that "the Czechs marched along because they want
more beer." On rare occasions only did the local English papers make
favorable mention of us, and then only after much entreating on our
part. Even now, in these turbulent times, when our people are standing
up in the very front of all others for Uncle Sam, has this condition
changed. There is, however, one paper which has now and then published
articles about our people and its rights which coiild have not been
written more sympathetically had the author been the most ardent patriot
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . Apr. 14, 1917.
from our own ranks. We refer to the Chicago Journal . Its attitude
towards us is very friendly. We ought to appreciate this fact and
reciprocate their hospitality towards our ideals, rfe have not too many
such friends in the English press. Let us, therefore, value them*
//o
I C BOHSMIAN
II B 2 d (3)
HI r Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 12, 1917.
IV
BOHSOA AND THS BOHEMIANS
(From the National Geographic Magazine .
Written By A. Hrdllcka.)
The February Issue of the National Geographic Ifaigazlne . one< of the fore-
most publications of Its kind In the United States, prints an article
under the abore heading from the pen of Mr. Ales Hrdllcka, Czech-American
scientist and curator of the department for physical anthropology of the
Federal National Museum in Washington. We make mention of this, not only
because the writer is a scientist of high standing, and one of our best
fellow-countrymen, but mainly because the article contains some of the
best information on our homeland emd the Czech people*
The article, which Is divided into sereral chapters, is accompanied by
splendid pictures, showing the city of Prague and its most magnificent
edifices, pictures of groups of peasants in their colorful attire are
m
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II B 2 d (3)
III F Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 12, 1917 •
17
many« The author also dwells on the answer which the Allies
sent to President Wilson upon his inquiry about their peace terms, among
these, the liberation of the Ceechs from foreign rule formed a main item.
This condition in the peace terms brought our small, yet great eoid
glorious nation conspicuously and favorably before the eyes of the
American public*
Mention is made in the article of the book The State , by Woodrow Wilson,
published in 1911, in which Mr. Wilson, now President of the United States,
devotes some space on page seven hundred forty to ezplanatoiy remarks
about who the Czechs really are. Taking this as a cue, Mr. Hrdlicka con-
tinues by writing about the coming of the Czechs into Bohemia, idiich was,
at times, allowed even by their best Czech kings to come under the dom-
ination of the Germans*
The article gives prominent space to King John, King Charles 17., and
W.P.ft.
I C - 3 - BOHEMIAN
II B 2 d (3)
III F Deiml Hlasatel. Apr. 12, 1917,
XV
further to the great reformer, John Hus, and his tragic death.
After the royal hoxise of Fremysl became extinct, the Habsburgs ruled the
Czechs for many centuries, and it took all of the letter's sturdiness to
keep frcan being broken up. The beginning of the eighteenth century
brought about a renaissance of the Czech people. Vvhat the Czechs have
\mdertaken and acccMplished in the ensuing period is described therein.
Mr. Hrdlicka writes in the books. History of Bohemia by Robert H. Vickers,
and Bohemia and the Czechs by W. S. Monroe. IVhen, in later chapters, Mr.
Hrdlicka gives a characterization of the Czech people, he pauses at the
personality of Jan Amos Komensky (Comenlus), as of one of our greatest
men, of vdiich he mentions several others.
The article treats with great 'enthusiasm the high position the Czechs have
gained in the realm of music. Bedrich Smetana, Anton Dvorak, Kubelik and
Ebcian, Emmy Destin, and Slezak, all these names have helped to spread the
esteem for the Czech name. Jaroslav Vrchlicky and Svatopluk Cech were the
I C - 4 - BOBBMIAN
II B 2 d (3)
III F Denni Hlasatel . Apr. 12, 1917 •
greatest in Czech literature. Further mention is made of a
number of great men of Czech life, especially of Thomas C. Masaryk, the
leader of the Czechs, who is so well-known in the United States.
The last chapter of the article treats about the Czechs in the United
States. It speaks of the early Czech settlers and of the immigrants of
today, who have achieved prosperity and won the respect of their fellow-
citizens by their assiduousness and pertinacity. Scientists of Czech
descent have gained great distinction. There also are many students of
Czech biLood enrolled in our universities; chairs for the Czech, and other
Slavonic languages have been established in some of the most prominent
American schools of high learning. There are many educational clubs,
some of them named Komensky Clubs, in which is gathered the Czech-American
intelligensia with a large percentage of students.
The article does not omit to define the attitude of the Czech-Americans
^\^
I C - 5 - BOHEBgAN
II B 2 d (3)
III F Dennl Hlasatel . Apr, 12, 1917.
17
toward the government of Austria-Hungary, which country they
have ever regarded as one of their worst enemies. For this reason, they
work with comhined forces for the liberation of the Czech people, from
which they came, and of which they are still proud* At the same time,
they never forget their new homeland. They always show their colors, as
loyal sons of America should do.
mi
I C BOHELgAlT
I G
Deimi Hlasatel . Apr. 12, 1917,
(Editorial)
He who led, and is conducting, a war in such dirty style as the Germans,
cannot expect a better fate than that by which Germany, under the crim-
inal influence of Wilhelm, shall be smitten.
I C BOHEMIAN
I G
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 11, 1917.
(Editorial)
"Ceterum Autem Censeo, Carthaginem Esse Delendam" - Cato of ancient
Rome concluded each of his speeches with these words which mean;
« in conclusion, it is my judgment that Cartage be destroyed."
Similarly, each speech, each article, concerning the War should wind
up with "Austria must be destroyedl" Not her nations by any means,
but the Austrian state. If the statesmen intend to remove the teutonic
danger and render impossible a repetition of the present War, they must
destroy Austria, for only with the latter can Germany be dangerous to
the rest of Europe. Austria-Hungary is a monster, where a German-
Magyar minority rules, the majority consisting of Slavic, Italian, and
RoTomanian peoples, where services are required not for our own people,
but for the aggrandizement of Germany.
Austria must be killed, and a community of free central European states
I C - 2 - BOHmilAN
I G
Denni Hlasatel , Apr, 11, 1917.
put in its place. That means a Czecho-Slovak, Serbo-Croatian-Slovenian,
and a Htingarian state. As to the Germans living in the Alpine countries,
let them keep their Habsburgs or join with Germany. The arrogance" will
thus have been beuiished forever into narrow borders, from within which
it will not be able to menace anyone. Our statesmen, and those of the
Allies, should therefore, concentrate their reasoning upon this consider-
ation and say, similarly to Cato of ancient Rome: "Ceterum Autem Censeo
Austria Hungariaa esse delendaml"
I C BOHEtCTAK
I G
Dennl Hlasatel , Apr. 11, 1917,
HARAEIRI OF THZ DUAL MONABCHT
(Editorial)
The actions of the Vienna government have, since the beginning of the war,
shoim that there is a fate vAiich points tovrard destruction. After having
want only declared War on Servia, the dual monarchy evoked forces which
threaten to devour her now. She had several times during the War had an
opportunity to disent entangle herself from the German yoke; its govemmentj
could have escaped complete dissolution and could have rescued at least
certain parts from the ?rreck of the ancient state. Great Britain was
willing to leave her partly intact under the conditions of a sei>arate
peace, divorced from the German cause. This opportunity was given at the
end of the second year of the War, which was a period of distress for the
Allies. The Vienna government did not take the hint given it by England*
Austria, misled by passing successes against Servia and Rumania, tightened
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Dennl Hlasatel , Apr. 11, 1917,
BOHEMIAN
the ties that bound her to Germany, v^ich "held her up so faithfully,**
Just about as secure as the rope which holds up a hanged one*
There came a change, but too late. The new Emperor of Austria made some
feeble attempts to influence Geimany, which stood in the shadow of a
threatening war with the United States. The menace of this War with the
United States prompted Count Czemin to sound the Allies for a possible
peace. London, Paris, and Petrograd waved off. Emperor Carl was then
ordered to the headquarters of the Kaiser, there to receive further
instructions.
The United States declared War on Germany which resolved now to drag
Austria along into the abbys by compelling her to break off diplomatic
relations with the United States, and so sign her own death warrant.
We Czechs were very much distrubed by the attitude which President Wilson
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Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 11, 1917.
BOHEMIAN
took some time eigo. He sought to isolate Germany by working for a
separation of Austria from Germany. This might have saved Austria.
Luckily for our Czech people the attempts to separate Austria from
Germany came to naught; Austria was already too tightly in the grip of
the German tentacles. Uany articles had been written in America, which
knew nothing about the real nature of the dxial monarchy, with the inten-
tion of saving Austria-Hungary the dissolution of which is a vital prereq-
uisite for the liberation of the Czech people* This was acknowledged by
the Allies, who emswered President Wilson* s inquiry about their conditions
for peace, by making the liberation of the small nations one of the tenns.
The United States may congratulate themselves upon the actions of Austria.
It will give our country an opportunity to get rid of a host of disagreeable
agents of the kaiser, who recruited themselves from all the Austrian dip-
lomats and consuls in the United States. They can be removed now. Consuls
Nuber Yon Fereked in New York, and Ernst Ludwig in Cleveland, are two men
I c
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Dennl Hlasatel. Apr, 11, 1917,
BOHEMIAN
nho have acquired much notoriety \>j their agitation to incite strikes and
other unrest* Nuber was the go-between in the sales of ammunition to the
Central Powers, and was aided by the Austrian embassador Dumba. Ludwig
was under obserrration by United States detectives, ^^iho found him involved
In diverse spy activities.
These conditions have changed now. The kaiser has lost his agents who
worked here under the guise of Austrian employes. Bulgaria and Turkey
will ?rithin a short time be counted among our enemies, not in theory, but
in actuality, then the line up will be complete. On one side the whole
world, on the other a handful of desperate autocrats, who hide behind the
protection of so many millions of oppressed people who do not know where
they stand.
BOHEMIAN
Denni KLasatel , Apr. 8, 1917,
AUSTRIA IvU3T 33 PARTITIONED
Communication from the Press Bureau of the Bohemian National Alliance
In the debate on the authorization of President Wilson to declare War on
Germany, Senator John Sharp !7illiams delivered a brilliant address in
which he especially emphasized the urgent necesoity of declaring v;ar on
Austria also, and the ultimate elimination of the houses Habsburg and
Hohenzollern as ruling powers. The Geske Narodni Sdruzeni (Czech National
Alliance) , in order to point to the imperative necessity of the dissolu-
tion of the Austro-Hvingarian dual monarchy, sent the following telegram to
Senator Williams:
"Congratulations to your correct declaration that the United States must
perpetuate the v/ar until the guaranty is given that the Hohenzollern
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Denni Hlasatel . Apr. 8, 1917,
BOIfflaLAN
and the Habsburg dynasties shall not rule over G-emiany and Austria-
Hungary. any nore, and also, until Turkey is driven back into Asia.
Austria is equally guilty with Germany, and the partitioning of Austria
is unconditionally necessary for democracy, Austria is an artificial
state, and has no right to exist. It siould be broken up into an
independent Gzecho-Slovak republic, a free Jugoslavia, and a free
Hungary,
The Bohemian National Alliance in America,
Doctor Fisher, president,"
I BOIC£!LAN
I G
Dennl Hlasatel , Apr, 8, 1917,
(Editorial)
The notorious St aat s -Ze 1 tung used to spit fire against anyone who would
have called the conduct of Germany hy its right name, especially the
conduct of Germany toward the United States. That paper has always
considered the interests of Germany in preference to those of the United
States*
The Staats-Zeitung has calmed itself to a certain ertent, and bridled its
frenzied outbursts of sentiment since the disruption of diplomatic
relations bet.veen Germany and the United States. Since the declaration
of war on Germany, the paper has changed its attitude. It now prints
editorials in the English language, and in them "begs" for justice before
the eyes of the ptiblic. This is to prove that German obstinacy and
defiance cannot reach up to the welkin.
I C BOHEMIAN
II D 1
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 6, 1917*
WE SHALL NOT BE SLACKERS
Declaration By The Narodni Suaz Ceskych Katollloi
(National Association of Czech Catholics)
We hare been lagging behind the activities of others, indeed. The Czech
National Association began its work almost two years ago, and has
accomplished wonderful work, we must acknowledge that. We Czech
Catholics will begin to work now for the liberation of onr old homeland.
We will try to alleriate the siifferings of ovr brethren who are groaning
under the hardships of a cruel war urtiioh shows its effects in Bohemia,
MoraTia, and Silesia. We want to show our patriotism and true christian
love for meinkind.
Now that the offices of the National Association of Czech Catholics are
opened, we shall put all our energy into the work. We shall begin with
the creation of branches of the Cyrilo-Methodian Aid Fund. These
I G
II D
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Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 6, 1917,
BOHStSlAS
auxiliary stations will dot the entire United States, and their great
number will raise them to the status of one gigantic orgcmization, which
will be able to extend its helping hand to the entire Czech world. Write
for the statutes and by-laws of our organization* Report to us how the
work is progressing in your community, and keep in mutual contact through
the medium of the newspapers*
The following rule should be observed: Each donor is entitled to select
the branch which he wishes to support, either the national, which works
toward the liberation of our motherland, or the auxiliary fund, which
seeks to cdleviate the misery in our homeland. Donations in the form
of money should be sent to the treasurer of our organization, addressed:
Jos* Eopecky, 3205 West 22nd Street* General correspondence should be
directed to the office at 2601 St. Louis Avenue*
II
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I C BOHail-AN
Dennl Hlasatel, Apr. 3, 1917.
THE FUTURE STATUS OF BOHEI'ilA
Coamnunication from the Czech National Association
The articles by Professor Thomas G. Masaryk printed in the Bohemian Review
selrve very effectively to show the activities of the Czechs and Slovaks
in the American press. These articles are being reprinted by the fore-
most American dailies, thereby contributing, of course, in an excellent
manner to the spreading of knov/ledge about our Czech and Slovak exertions
for the independence of our motherland.
The Bohemian Review ; prints in its April issue a v/ork by Professor Masaryk
entitled "The Future Status of Bohemia." It will accomplish a great deal
for our cause, and a copy of the Bohemian Review should, therefore, be
available in every library, and at every club, and should be in the pos-
session of everyone v/ho may have the opportunity to inform Americans
about our national aims*
I c
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IV
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Denni Hlasatel. Apr. 3, 1917.
BOIISMIiiN
There is a map of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, and Slovakia in-
closed in every copy, v;ith demarcations showing the distribution of the
minorities, thus giving the observer an exact idea of the nationalistic
conditions.
The question whether the immigrants in the United States will be loyal
to Germany in case of Mar is answered definitely by Doctor Jaroslav
Snetanka, editor of the Bohemian Review , He speaks for both the Czech
and the Slovak immigrants. Karel Pergler, a lawyer, criticizes the
sentence passed on Doctor Kraraar and co-defendants. His conclusions
culminate in the statement that the difference betv;een American and the
Austrian justice is analogous to the relation of American democracy to
Oriental despotism.
For the sake of variety, there are two stories included in the April
issue. They are well translated 'from the paper, Gechoslovan of Kiew,
Hussia.
I C - 3 - BOHBaOAN
II B 2 d (1)
II B 2 d (2) Dennl Hlaaatel ^ Apr. 3, 1917.
17
Among various news contained in that x>&rticular issue of the
Bohemian Review one item, ueaded "Triimph of Democracy," speaks of the
victorious Russian revolution. Another reports ahout the participation
of the Czechs in the Allied Bazaar in Baltimore, New York, Cleveland, and
Chicago. Mr. Front ingham, of New York, friend of the Slavonic peoples,
is given Bueh appreciative space. He had contributed $5,000 to the fund for
political action of the Czech National Association.
I C '• EOHEI,TIAtT
III B 2
Denni Hlasatel. lar. 29, 1917,
i:3T'S SUPPORT SLOVAK AFFAIRS
In these -nortentous times v;hich have united the Czechs and the Slovaks
under one flac and v/i-oh ohe same aim, tliat is Czecho-Slovak independence,
our Slovak brethren have demonstrated repeatedly that they are sincere
about the unification. They -nroved it not . nly by the utterances of
their speakers and articles in their papers, but by their actions as .-ell,
Sufi'ice it to point to their vjillingness and sacrifices at the very
beginning of the strugcle for Czecho-Slovak independence, in v;hich the
Slovenska Liga (Slovak league) Virorked hand in hand with the Ceske
ilarodni Sdruzeni (Czech L'ational Association), The Slovaks lent us a
helpinfi hand, v/hich v;as evident and appreciated during the bustle in the
Czech Eazaar, The Czechs thanlced then and promised to reciprocate their
friendly support on iiha very next occasion,
V/ell, the best opportunity to shovr our gratitude v/ill be offered next
I G - 2 - BCHSI'IAIT
III B 2 ■ .
Denni Hlasatel . I.£ir. 29, 1917.
Saturday, -./hen .'e can at least partly raturn v;hat our Slovak brethren
and sisters have done to enhance the cause, Diere v/ill be a theatrical
performance under the auspices of the Cchot, Drusstuo T, Slov. Aner.
Sokol (Aniatour group of the Slovak American Sokol) in the hall of the
Sokol Chicago on !.arch 31, I.-aj'' our fellov; countrj'^iien prove that Czech-
Slovak unity does not :iean only a slogan to them.
I C BOHaciAH
II D 10
I G Dennl HLasatel . I.'-ar. 26, 1317.
A GOOD 3>:AI.2>LE
(Editorial)
Julius Rosenv/ald has subscribed one million dollars for the Jews suffer-
in^-; because of the war. The fact that the recipients were of his own
race does not lessen the nerit. The deed sh uld stimulate some of our
wealthy .en to donate a thousand or so, for the cause of Czech liberty,
to reduce the urging and soliciting before a small amount is collectad.
I C . BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Mar, 21, 1917.
SXXrr YEARS AGO— AND NOW
An interesting story from the life of Czech workingmen of Chicago from 1870
to 1880 is related in the German workingman's paper, Fackel , where Jacob
Winnen reviews the "history of the labor movement" in Chicago. The ex-sol-
diers* and veterans* clubs among workingmen were not uncommon, and in con-
nection with this, the story runs:
The Czech Socialists had a picnic in the Silver Leaf Grove, Western and Og-
den Avenues. A gang of rowdies invaded the premises, and commenced to annoy
the female participants. When their behavior exceeded all limits, a company
of Czech sharpshooters gathered and with fixed bayonets, drove them from the
garden. Several disturbers were wounded.
Shortly after, a squad of policemen arrived, Prokop Hudek, the commander,
and the entire company of sharpshooters were arrested and taken to the police
station on Madison Street, where they were exonerated by the court the follow-
ing day.
C 1
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I C - 2 - BOHKMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Mar, 21, 1917,
We are glad to read of the incident mentioned, even though we are at a loss
to connect it with "the labor movement in Chicago". It evokes, however,
bitter recollections of the abuses immigrants had to endure in our city in
those more remote times, when they were frequently stopped and rudely attack-
ed by packs of boisterous blades, who took offense at their not speaking
English, Not more than two decades ago, it was no rare occurrence that Czechs
riding a street car, speaking their maternal language, were gruffly interrupt-
ed and bidden to "talk English",
Conditions have since changed considerably in Chicago, The comer of Ogden and
Western Avenues has long been given up as a picnic ground. Our city has spread
in every direction, and gained a superb aspect. The activities of rowdies in
the streets are on the decrease. The younger generation should think of the
pioneers with respect for they have done much for the amelioration of the social
conditions of our city.
m
III H
I G Denni lllasatel . Feb. 10, 1917.
CZSGPIB iiP?R2CIA'JH ClIICAGC J01ji:i-IAL'S ATTITUDE
"I-.'uch, but not a sincle word too niany, has tesn ;/ritten about the two
unhappy countries, Belgium and Serbia, v;hose people are being beaten down
by the originators of the ;/ar in Berlin. There is, ho./ever, one more
plucky little country v/hose r.'iartyrdom passes so to say unheeded, Bohemia.
By this v/e mean the Gzecho-Slovak nation v:hich comprises Bohemia, I.oravia,
and the northv/estern part of Hungary. This nation of ten million souls
has an ancient and rich culture, and possesses an indomitable love of
-o
5»
The Chicago Daily Journal is really the only paper v;hich ta]:es a more
intense interest in our affairs and of >.en prints editorials or other
articles of importance to us. One such article appeared in last ni;-ht*s
issue. It contains one of the most syr.pathetic manifestations of a real 'g
grasp of the situation in v;hich the Czech people find themselves. It is
captioned "Sufferers Left by the .Tayside," and runs as follov/s:
-o
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I G - 2 - ECHjn.-IAK
III H
I G Denni lUasatel , Feb. 10, 1917,
freedom. It -vithstood the Germanizinf: ovislaught of the Kapsburgs, re-
mained a Slavic nation, and a friend of France and -Cnrland, the protagonists <:^
of liberalism among the European pov/ers, and loj^al to Russia, the pro- r"
tec tor of the Slavic nations. For this reason, t?he Gzecho-Slovaks v/ere -o
oppressed even before. the V/ar as a subjugated nation, but since the out- o
break of the .Jar, their lot is pitiable, Before the first year of the \^
war v/as ended, more than two-thirds of their newspapers v;ere suppressed, S
and many of their editors v;ere imprisoned or executed, llo Dohenian '*^
musician was permitted to play the rreat vrorks of Smetana and Dvorak;
no Czech v;as allov;ed to read or propagate Tolstoy or Snerson, All of
the Sokol societies were dissolved. The Germans -vvere intrusted with the
administration of the police in Czech cities, the Czech language vras
banished from the railroads, and was not even to be used for telegraphic
messages. These ordinances are being enforced v;ith fiercest rigor, and,
according to the official report of a semi-govemnental Vienna newspaper,
there were not less than 1045 civil executions in Eohemia and I.:oravia up
I c - 3 - roniii:iAN
III H
I G Denni lUasatel . Feb. 10, 1917.
to December 1?16.
3>
The Czechs resisted this tyranny as well as they could. .Then they v/ore ^
forced by their torturers tc fight their ovm friends, they surrendered C
at every opportunity that offered itself during battle. The tv/enty- eighth ^
resrinent (infantry) went ove.- to the iiussians as a unit, and nov/ valiantly ^
fight on the other side. The 8th, 30th, 88th and 102nd regiments v;ent over i^
in great numbers. Thousands of defiant Czech soldiers v;ere executed, the '^3
properties of families, -.mose members had allowed themselves to be taken '*"
prisoners, viere confiscated, yet the uefiance of the Czech did not abate,
A people so courageous and daring cannot be dovmed, and should not be held
in slavery. When the ..'ar is ended, there should arise an independent Czech
republic.**
I C BOHia.aAN
III H
I G Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 22, 1917.
SLAVS FROM AUSTRIA-HUNGAEY IK PARADE
The widely advertised Austrian parade was lield in the district aroimd
20th Street and Wentworth Avenue last Stmday afternoon. It was sufficiently
big to demonstrate that even among the Slavonic peoples of this city there
are a number of dolts who are unable to form a clear picture of Hmperor
Francis I. as a ruler, man, and chiefly as the "father of the Slavonic
nations." The procession, besides the automobiles, ;vas about three blocks
long. It is said that fourteen associations v/ere represented. They were
accompanied by ten bands. The procession began at the Croatian Catholic
church, moved to 26th Street and i/entworth Avenue, then Iretunied to-the
starting point.
While they were on the way back to church, a disturbance occurred which
led to the arrest of eight members of the Czech gymnastic society Sokol.
There were paHcemen in great numbers distributed over the parade ground,
I C - 2 - BOHS'.niAIT
III H
I G Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 22, 1917.
xmifoOTied and plain clothes, on foot and mounted, some moving along
with the marchers. They were there in order that the loyal subjects
of the emperor should remain unhurt. The Sokols began to distribute
pamphlets among the participants of the parade. The bills vrere
printed in English, and bore the heading "The Real Francis Joseph,"
and below was a picture, showing the true features of the emperor.
On the last page, there could be seen a multitude of widov/s and
children moving thru a forest of crosses erected over the graves of
their husbands and fathers.
The instant the paraders glimpsed the handbills, they assumed a
threatening attitude towards the Sokols. The police were -on hand and
arrested eight of the Sokols, whose followers immediately telephoned
Anton Cermak and John Cervenka, to arrange for their release. They
were at liberty shortly after, stating that they had been accorded most
unbecoming treatment by being called "Crazy Polacks" and "Crazy Bohemians."
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Denni Hlasatel . Jan. 22, 1917.
BOHSLOlAIT:
It is to be noted that in the parade there v/ere even a nioinber of Sokols,
but Dalmatian (another Slavonic nation) Sokols; it seems incredible
that they can make the ideals of the Sokol organization compatible with
the memory of the executioner of the Slavonic peoples.
In the handbills, there were enumerated all of the ill characteristics
and actions of the late emperor, that is his guilt in the death of
Karel Havlicek in 1856; how in the Crimean .Var he proved an ingrate
to the Russians, who saved his throne in 1848, by supporting the Turks;
how he started wars, in all of which Austria lost out; that he was a
double-crosser and a bad husb€uad and father, hov/ he persecuted any move
on the part of the Slavs to free themselves, and how he crowned his
misdeeds by declaring War on Servia, thereby making himself guilty of
the bloody World .Var,
The Examiner in today's report on the parade, prints details which favor /'o'
" m.
I c
III H
I G
- 4 -
Denni Hlasatel.' Jan, 22, 1917,
BOHELUM
the Teutonic side, as this paper has been wont to do, without accom-
plishing its aim. Excerpts from the handbills, published in the report,
only to serve to open the eyes of the readers, and show how the Sokols
have acted merely in the name of truth and justice when they distributed
the pamphlets.
The reason for the rather considerable proportions the parade took on
lies in the fact that representatives of the peoples from Bosnia,
Herzegovina and other countries, besides many Btohannadans had appeared v/ith
the marchers, also that people hailing from Dalmatia had come from their
homes in South Chicago, and still more remote settlements.
I C '' EOHEf.TIAIT
III B 1
I F 2 Dennl laasatel , Jan. 21, 1917.
I F 6
I G STOP PARADE OF "LOYAL" SUBJECTS
A resolution passed by several Slavonic organizations was submitted to
F-ayor Thompson last nifrht in vAiich objection is raised ap,ainst a
parade, arranged by Austrian agents to be held in the neighborhood
of V/est 22nd and 'A^entv/orth Streets, and a decree prohibiting the
demonstration is demanded. The comraunicaoion is signed by the
presidents of the following societies: "Slovanska Alliance" (Slavonic
Alliance), "Ceske Ilarodni Sdruzeni" (Czech irational Association),
"Jihoslovanska Karodni Rada" (Jugo-Slav National Council), and some
Russian societies.
It calls attention to the process of assimilation of the immigrant,
during which the individual is loath to encounter scenes reminding him
of the countries which he has left on account of oppression by the
government. Assimilation is pointed out as essential to the welfare
I c
III B
I F 2
I F 6
I G
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatel , Jan. 21, 1917,
of America, The resolution states In part;
BOHEI.TJm
♦♦People in the service of the Austro-Hungarian government are constantly
looking for an opportunity to prove to their employers that they are
drawing no salaries without rendering, the equivalent services. A parade
headed by "Slave loyal to Austria," is to be held to honor a monarch,
who had filled the entire sixty-eight years of his reign with design,
and forced little Serbia into ;var, and so is guilty of the blood spilled
by millions of human beings. The man's name is being cursed by tens of
thousands, and a parade is being arranged for him by foreign agents to
be held in the streets in a Republican coiintry. The streets of Chicago
are not here for this sort of propaganda. If there are some people in
this city who wish to hold a "post mortem" celebration, they can do so
in their chtirches or meeting places. Under no circumstances should
they be allowed to demonstrate in the streets."
10 - 3 - BOHE?.aAN
III B 1
I F 2 Denni Hlasatel , Jan. 21, 1917,
I F 6
I G The mayor referred the doc\ament to Chief of Police Schuettler,
who declared that he was not authorized t o prohibit the
parade. So it will be held, but the Czechs will not be in it.
I c
I F 2
I F 3
I F 4
I G
EOIIS!,:iAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 19, 1917,
AUSTRIAlv^ PR0PAGA1©A IM CHICAGO
The Austrians are beginning to use new tactics. It is reported that
a parade vms arranged by them for Sxinday, featuring the Slavonic
nations "loyal to the Snpire," and inarching for the immortal glory
of Smperor Francis Joseph II
The demonstration is supposed to serve a three-fold purpose: First,
to prove that there are, maybe, some remnants of Slavonic blood still
loyal to the Habsburgs, and desire to remain under their rule; second,
that the old criminal, who has signed with his own hand over four
thousand death sentences during the .Var, still finds some fools who
call themselves his admirers. And thii^, to incite the Italians
against the Dalmatiniana. The route, V/entworth Avenue and ./est 22nd
Street, to be covered by the parade, is inhabited, predominantly, by
_c
F
F
F
G
2
3
4
- 2 -
Demil Hlasatel . Jan. 19, 1917.
BOIia.!IAK.
Italians. The hostility thus created could be used for
propaganda, in print or otherwise, against both the Italians
and Dalmatians. The parade was a blunt provocation, for the great
majority of the Slavonic peoples, so overwhelmingly, to the extreme
limit, anti-Austrian.
But we are exceedingly interested, and so is the broad thinking public,
to learn who coaxed the parade managers into using Czech flags at the
head of the procession! Some Austrian agents may have intended to
create ill feelings toward the Czechs and Slovaks, in case some distur-
bances should take place during the marching. Or, it may be that the
Austrian agents strove to include in their reports to their superiors
in Vienna and in Washington the news that they have found Czechs in
America who think of the murderers of their fathers back in the old
country with gratitude.
F
F
G
- 3 -
Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 19, 1917<
B0HEI.1AIT
But, by using Czech flags, the agents also intended to mislead
the Allies, v/ho have only recently promised their support to
the Czech cause. The Slavonic colors displayed should create in the
minds of the Allies the impression that they are being double-crossed
by those peoples whose interests are to ^rxiard those shedding their
blood. It is further v/orth mentioning that the Austrians had tried to
engage a Czech bsind, that of the v/ell-knovm leader, i-r, Povolny. The
latter, however, conscious of his duty as a patriot, flatly refused
to hire himself for such a purpose, although he had often before played
for those who attempted to persuade him. Our Czech public v;ill surely
give prodf of acknov/ledgement of this firm attitude. It would be
appropriate to inform our authorities, even the I'^yor himself, of the
insulting treatment suffered at the hands of aliens by those who have
gladly renoxinced allegiance to their former rulers in order to become
Americaji citizens, and enjoy the blessings of Republican freedom. If
those provoking agents wish to adore their emperors, they ought to do
- 4 - . bohet^an
Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 19, 1917.
it at home, and should not hurt the feelings of tens of
thousands of those who have fotmd a better existence here
than their bloodthirsty former rulers would ever have provided for
them.
It should be the task of our organizations to call the attention of the
authorities to this mischief, and the Czech colors should not be allov/ed
to serve as a means to pay homage to the v/orst ruler for the last three
hundred years, and to whom the Czech nation ever has been a subject.
I C BOHEMIAN
I D 2 a (2)
I G Penal Hlasatel . Nov, 24, 1915.
GOMPSRS Am GUR GERMANS
(Editorial Comment)
The election of Samuel Gompers to the presidency of the American Federation ^
of Labor was almost unanimous. This fact has a oarticular significance just p
now when our Germans, and their allies, the Irish, have been launching vicious^^
attacks against Gompers for his disclosure of their underground machinations 3
and plottings in local labor unions in an effort to prevent the manufacture ^-
of war materials for the Allies. r>
— I
The confidence shown in Mr. Gompers by the American Federation of Labor honors
both hira and it. It is a proof that the furious efforts of our Germans to use
labor as a means of forcing the Government to discontinue the exportation of
war material, none of which can reach Germany, and all of which therefore goes
to Germany's enemies, is futile. Gompers is a good American, and a good en-
lightened m€in of labor. This he has proved by taking a stand against German
- 2 - BOIISMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Nov. S4, 1915.
intrigues. His almost unanimous re-election to the presidency by the delegates
to the convention of the American Federation of Labor shows that the American
iKWkingmen share his viewpoint. He should have a solid support in all his
efforts.
•so
o
I C BOESMIAN
III B 8
III H Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 23, 1915,
III B 2 (SloTak)
III H (Slovak) SOLIDARITY BETWEEN BOHEMIANS AND SLOVAKS
IV (Slorak)
The central Slovak national organization In America, the Slovenska
Liga (Slovak League), has sent the following cablegram to the British Prime
Minister on the occasion of the inauguration of Professor Masaryk's lectures
at the University of London:
""Qie Slovenska Liga of America sends you, on behalf of seven hundred thousand
Austro-Hungarian Slovaks settled in the United States, greetings on the oc-
casion of the beginning of the lectures of our noted countryman, Professor ^
Tomas Q. Masaryk, at the University of London. We, the American Slovaks,
wholeheeurtedly, desire the success and decisive victory of the British and
the Allies* arms, because it is only from such victory that we Slovaks, in
narrow political i>artnership with our nearest brothers, the Bohemians, can
hope for liberation from Austro-Eungarian oppression and. tyranny, and for free-
dom cmd national independence."
The Liga has also sent a cablegram to Professor Masaryk:
I C - 2 - BOHEagAN
III B 2
III H Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 23, 1915.
Ill B 2 (Slovak)
III H (Slovak) "Sincere greetings and good wishes for the success of your
IV (Slovak) lectures in iriiich please remember us Slovaks who work hand ^
in hand with the Bohemians for liberty and national indepen- ^
denee. F
"For the Slovenska Liga of i^erica, -o
"Albert Uamatey, president." o
Both these cablegrams are most timely and appropriate manifestations. Just at S
this time a conference of representatives of the Ceske Narodni Sdruzeni (Bo- *J^
hemian National Alliance) auid the Slovenska Liga is being held in Cleveland,
Ohio, and the cablegrams are harbingers of closer co-operation between the
central bodies of the two brotherly Slavic branches in America.
I C BCKEMIAN
I G
II E 2 (Geiman) Denni Hlasatel , July 7, 1915.
GEHMAN RSFH^MEIir IN CRIMES
(Editorial)
It does not take just a fanatical enemy of the Germans to recognize this
interesting fact: There has not been one single sensational, refined, and
well-prepared murder during the last fifteen or twenty years whose perpetrator
was not a German. No matter if it was Chicago Luetger who "chopped up his
wife into sausages," or Hoch, who killed women by the dozens, or New York ^
Wolter, the murderer of a fine young girl, or Father Schmidt, who killed his ^
sweetheairt Aumueller—we quote four Instances only—all of them took great ***
pains with their crimes, did all they could to prevent detection, and gave
strong evidence of the thoroughness for which Gennan professors have gained
world fame. A new German name is now being added to the list of great world
criminals, that of Professor Holt-Maeller, who killed his wife years ago,
succeeded in disappearing, and made a reappearance by an attempted dynamiting
I C - 2 - BOHSMIAI T
II E 2 (German) Denni KLasatel t July 7, 1915.
of the Capitol in V/ashln^ton and shooting the millionaire Morgan, t^at
is a poor Italian with his stiletto, or a j>oot Negro with his razor, compared
with the educated, artful Germans? A great deal of studying is being done
in Germany, everything is being thoroughly studied, even the art of killing,
the profession of murder. And the shining example of perfect accomplishments
in this respect is, of all Germsms, their Kaiser with his Admiral Tirpitz and
submarines.
-o
III H
I G Dennl Hlasatel , Apr. 7, 1915.
A BOKEa£LAN-SLOVAK LIOVST^HMT
(Editorial)
Vthen the present war started raging in Europe, the whole Slavic elenent here 5
in America, all nenbers of the oppressed nations in i2urope, realized suddenly "^^
that the historic monent is near that will give then an opportimity to throw r^
off the foreign yoke. At the sane time, they resdized that they must not -o
stand idle and wait for what the future v;ill bring— what new state formations o
will rise from the sea of blood that is being shed. Tlie Poles, the Lithuanians, L^
the Serbs, the Slovenes, all came to the conclusion that they are being called S
upon to lead the liberating movement. i,e have to confess that it is among us,
the Bohemians, that this movement is least successful. As to the reasons for
this, there are several. At first it was the unfortunate controversy betv;een
the advocates of the so-called "relief movement" and. the so-called "liberating
movement".
I C - 2 - BOHS?.aAN
III H
I G Dennl Hlaaatel , Apr. 7, 1915.
The first movenent was a failure; there is no doubt about that any more. The
few dollars that were collected are a pemanent reproach to the American ^
Bohemians' indifference rather than a substantial relief fund of which we could ^
be somewhat proud. o.
The second movenent did not do so well either, being ridiculed and attacked by ^
variovis people who, partly because of ignoi-ance and partly because of offended §
pride, have succeeded in splitting public opinion in Bohemian-America, and even ^
in filling it with indifference, nay, disgust with the whole matter. This has g
been going on even though it is clearly apparent that only political action, an <5^
action directed toward the fonaation of new states on the ruins of the rotten
Eapsburg Ifonarchy, has a promise of peimanent beneficial results. A relief move-
ment may alleviate misery, but it can never abolish it if the causes of that
misery are not removed. There probably will be no difference of opinion among
us about the statement that the struggles between Austria's nations, Vienna's
blood-sucking policies, and the Hapsburgs' yoke have been the principal reasons
for the lamentable economic status of Austria's nations. In principle, the
I C - 3 - BOHEtCTAK
III H
I G Dennl Elasatel . Apr. 7, 1915.
relief movement is a matter of sentiment, of the heart, while the political
movenent has its roots in corjiion sense, in the brain. VJhich of these two is ^
of greater value is easy to decide. 3>
A great improvement, however, has been taking place recently. It may be late, C
but it is better late than never. A central body for the whole of Bohemian- tj
America has been organized to take over the leadership of the movement; contacts o
have been effected with Boherdan committees in Russia, France, and England; a Lj
more effective publicity campaign is being conducted to acquaint the world with §
our desires, our hopes. V/e have gotten rid of the spirit of inertia, of those *^
lazy and cowardly people who would not atterupt anything that could not be re-
alized tomorrow, or better still, who would attempt nothing at all, V«e have
come to realize that anything that can be achieved tomorrow and with little
effort is not worth having, and that only by setting for ourselves a great goal,
an ideal that is aeemingly impossible of achievement, can we get ahead. ^Now,
we have to come to the realization that, being the whole nation's most ardent
lovers of liberty — we came to America because we would not bear political or
I c - 4 - BOHaa^
III H
I G Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 7, 1915.
economic oppression — v;e shovild be the leade3?s in the fight for that nation's
liberation. Now, what do v;e want to achieve by our political movement?
5
We want the foundation of an independent Bohemian-Slovak State on a federative ■c:^
basis following one fixed policy towards its neighbors and other nations, with p
utmost liberty and freedom within, with a republican fom of governi.ient . This ^
goal, whenever we have thought of it, included both the Bohemians and the Slovaks. o
That this is the case was clearly shown at the Paris Slavic congress where it ^
was especially stressed that Hungarian-Slovakia should become a part of the S
future independent Bohemian commonwealth, because the congress realized that it ^
will not be the Slovaks, but the Bohemians who will derive the greatest benefit
from this union. The Slovaks are in a position to give the Bohemians much more
than the Bohemians can give the Slovaks. They can help in restoring pxirity to
the Bohemian literary language which was corrupted by Jungman ^irst modem
Bohemian grammarian and lexicogi^phe^; they can have a purifying influence
upon the national aims of the Bohemians which have been defiled by fsuLse cos-
mopolitanism; they can instill into us some of their energy and vitality
I C - 5 - BOKK^TTAH
III H
I G Denni laasatel . Apr. 7, 1915.
steeled by their struggle with their Kxingarian oppressors. In exchange for all
this we can offer nothing more than a oodicma of modem civilization which, s
after all, is a poor kind of gift if we realize that it has led the world to 3»
such disaster as the present war, eind that such civilization may be achieved 'p
in one generation, while the rare qualities of the Slovak people took centuries ^
to develop. go
o
Under such conditions it would be only natural that it is the Bohenians who shouldco
be first in working for co-operation between American Bohemians and iimerican C:^
Slovaks in an effort to create an independent Bohemian-Slovak state upon the
wreckage of the putrid realm of the Ilapsburgs; a state v;hich would be based on
complete equality of rights of both component elements in the inner affairs of
the state; a state which would be boiinded by national borders and would for-
get the silly border lines as we remember them from our school atlases; a state
which wotild draw the line of deraarkation between the Slovak and Bohemian autono-
mous administrative spheres along the line of territory inhabited by one or the
other national element. That is to say, that, within the common state, the
tn
I C - 6 - BOTrPMTAN
III H
I G Dennl Hlasatel , Apr. 7, 1915.
Slovaks would form one autonomous unit, no matter whether they are now in
Moravia or In Hungarian-Slovakia. Let us not forget that there are about one
million Slovaks in I<lDravia. To sum up briefly: The American-Bohemians should
be at the head of the action aiming at the formation of one common Bohemian-
Slovak state with complete autonomy for the Bohemians and for the Slovaks with-
in; the demarkation of the autonomoiis spheres drawn along language boundaries.
5
-o
TO
CD
Instead of this, we see that it was from the Bohemian side only that voices have ^
been heard urging Bohemian action quite separate from the Slovaks, and without ^
regard for whatever the Slovaks might do. Thus, after a long struggle of eipJtit ^
months, when, in principle, the political movement heis been recognized as cor-
rect and proper, we come to the sad phenomenon of some puny, small-minded people
making fresh attempts against that action, people who prefer a tiny backyard
as long as it is exclusively their own, from which to call "Hands off!" They
prefer this to working as equal and full-fledged partners on one great undertaking;
this is the phenomenon of efforts on the part os such puny and small-minded peo-
ple to wreck the whole movement in order to satisfy their own petty personal
I C - 7 - BOHEI^aAIT
III'H
I G Dennl Klasatel , Apr. 7, 1915.
pride. The Slovalis nay be sure that that is not the Bohemian position; that
that is not the position of even a small minority of the Bohemians. It is the ^
position of one individual , a position that must be fully and strongly repu-
diated and denied. All Boneiiians agree that we have to form a united front
with the Slovaks, that we have to work together with one another, and that we
call "Hands off I" to the nan who would like to spoil this co-operation because g
of trifling selfish and reprehensible reasons. ^-
« Co
cr>
3>
-a
J
I C BOHEMIAN
III H
Dennl Hlasatel , Mar. 10, 1915.
BCHEMIAN-POLISH CO-OEERiffICK
(Editorial)
Bohemian-Polish co-operation, brotherly agreement, and unity of effort are in-
dispensable requirements in these days, and those among us who have accepted
the responsibility of taking the necessary steps toward the fulfillment of our
national desires — steps that the leaders of our nation in the old country are
unable to take under the prevailing conditions — should never forget this. It
will perhaps be easier at the present time to reach an understanding with our
brother Poles than it has been in the past, when all attempts of this kind
failed because of indifference on both sides. In those days, only matters of
inferior importance were at stake, such as 0(»mnon local political action, or
the question of so-called recognition by the political psrties. Toda^, however,
it is a question of the most important interests of both brother nations, the
question of their existence and their liberty. At the present time, the idea
I C - 2 - BOHBaHAN
III H
Penal Hlaaatel , Mar, 10, 1915.
of Bohemian-Polish co-operation In ibnerlca should certainly find a greater
measure of understanding and meet with a much more friendly reception, de ^
development of a program of action based on that Idea would be something our ^
own leaders cuid the Polish leaders would have to do. p:
It would be decidedly to our benefit if we Bohemians should pay closer atten- g
tlon to what the local Poles are doing. We should find that much of it we i"
could emulate to great advantage. If nothing else, their generous xinselfish- ^
ness and enthusiastic devotion to their old country are well worth emulating. uj
I I_C BOHa.'LuT
i III B 2
♦ III G Denni KlaGatel , I.Iur. 16, 1914.
IV
A DICS'Ii'IZD ?RCT-.oT IZISTIITG .CTjUJUJD BY ZILIC3IT2I3j2) ■ =§
ccu::Tirr..:i:i ' ' ^
opeaI:ers Take lart in ^- rot est A=;ain3t ."^saertionG of {H
Professor I^osse '-'
-a
to
o
Yesterday afternoon at three o* clock, at the behest of the 5esko-;j:iericka-
ITarodnl Rada (Boher.iian-.jrierican National Council), and of its untiring
chairman and founder, the v;ell-kno-..n traveler, writer, and national v/erlccr*, j^
llr, Zo ot, Vraz, a protest r.eetin v;as called at the :avilion of the Pilson
Bre\vinr Gor.:pany at which the Jlavs, and' first of all the Boheniians, v.'ere to
voice a i-rotest against Professor Rosse's assertions regarding the Bohemians.
Professor Rosse, v;ho heads the United Zt tes national oociolooical i-jS30Ciation,
just lately has v/ritten a number of articles a^^.pearing in the Century'-
.:agazine v;hich arc, in the true sense of the word, an insult to all irrjnigrant
r.erribers of Slavonic races.
I C - B - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III G Denni Hlasatel , Mar. 16^, 1914,
IV
It was up to the Bohemians to protest against his assertions, and they did
80 in 80 dignified a manner as to surpass the expectations of Mr. E. St. Vraz,
who had issued the call for this meeting.
By three o'clock the attendance was so large that there was not an empty seat^
in the huge auditorium, and many of those who came were obliged to return. ^
They have sanething to regret, for they missed witnessing the spontaneous -5
demonstration of enthusiasm we are capable of developing whenever we halfway 2
make up our mind to do so. ^
rs>
This we showed yesterday. V/e should be glad to see such a display more
frequently, aspecially on occasions of such importance as was yesterday's event.
We showed our strength, self-confidence, and keen interest when it came to the
point of combating statements and assaults aimed against all immigrants.
I C - 3 - BOHBMIAN
III B 2
III G Dennl Hlasatel . liar. 16, 1914,
IT
We were especially gratified to see that yesterday's protest meeting
was attended by members of all classes of our countrymen, no matter of what
political or religious conTiction they may be.
Of all SlaTonie nations, howerer, only Bohenians took part in the meeting. ^
This they did because they are aware of the injustice and wrong they suffered
at the hands of an individual who, as a professor of the University of -^
Wisconsin, is presuiaed to be a representative of American science. ^
In addition to the Bohenians, only Americans were present; men irtio, because o|^
their long contact with Bohemians, their experiences and special studies, ^
appreciate us as people devoted to duty and working not only for economic, but
also spiritucLL progress*
There were there to show their interest emd prove that they will always stand
I C - 4 - BOKSI^IIAN
III B 2
III G Dannl Hlasatel. Mar. 16, 1914.
17
behind such a people as the Boheiaians are.
:^
Such men are In xirlnciple opposed to any laws against imniigration and to the ^
tendency to calumniate nations which fona the bulk ot immigration. .-^
-TD
CO
l>0
The meeting was called to order shortly after three o« clock by the chairman
of the Narodnf Rada, Mr. E. St. 7raz, who said that the reason for calling g
the meeting is too well known to make its restatement necessary. Since it is
the custom among the Slavic people to honor the out-side visitors by giving
them preference, he introduced as first speaker Miss Grace Abbott, the chair- D^
man of the Immigrants* Protective League and a well-known Hull House worker.
Miss Abbott began by saying that she was glad when she received the invitation
to this meeting, because it gave her an opportunity not only to attend, but to
declare openly her opinion about immigrants, especially the Slavs, of whom the
Bohemisms are the best known to her, because of her experiences and contacts
I C - 5 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III G Dennl Hlasatel , Mar. 16, 1914.
17
with tham*
m the statements of Professor Rosse about the Slavs she sees only prejudice ^
against the imnigrants, a prejudice which, although not justified, is rather -o
coomon among Mericans*
?o
This prejudice is that much more to be condemned, because it is being used as S
a means of propaganda in a book for which its author claims consideration as ^
a scientific work.
The Professor states in his work that the Slavs are unclean, filthy, disorderly,
and have many other untoward qualities. Such qualities are, however, not
typical of Slavs, for we find them among individuals of all nations; not even
the Mericans can be excluded from this accusation.
I C - 6 - BCHEMIAN
III B 2
III a Dennl Hlasatel, Uar. 16, 1914.
I?
A nation should never be judged by a few individuals. But If it is, such
individuals must not be held responsible for something that is due purely to
conditions and circumstances brought about in this particular case by Merica
itself, where the minimum wage has a good deal to do with the problem which ^
Professor Rosse attempts to solve. ^
-T->
Professor Rosse has Judged the immigrants very unjustly and today even the p
Americans are ashamed of his assertions. Faults and weaknesses can be found t^
in every nation, but those faults are not a sign of weakness in the whole ^
nation. i—
CO
The Bohemian nation has brought to iUnerica many good and beautiful qualities ai
of which it should not rid itself during the process of assimilation to
ilmerican conditions, because these qualities are beneficial also to Merlca.
The speaker sees in America a great future for any nation which can preserve
I C - 7 - BOHailAN
III B 2
III G Dennl Hlaaatel , Mar. 16, 1914.
IV
its national and racial individuality* ^d one of the nations best able
to do this in iUaerica is the Bohemian, to which Miss Abbott herself pays her -^
respects* '-
I —
Her simple and sincere address was often interrupted by applause which, at ^
the close of her address, burst into a real storm of enthusiasm, clearly show- ~o
ing the deep gratefulness of the Bohemian people to a non-Bohemian for whom 2
prejudice is not sufficient grounds for berating a nationality* o^
, "-J
Here Ur* E* St* Yraz thanked Miss iUbbott in the name of all those present, and "^
introduced the next speaker, a well-known friend of the Bohemian people,
Professor Miller, who is active at the Olivet College*
The speaker pointed out first of all that Professor Rosse violated the principal
rule which every sociologist must follow; he should not have criticized from
the standpoint of outward appearance, and especially in the case of foreigners;
I C - 8 - BOKBMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel, Mar. 16, 1914.
3=-
and he did not touch upon the inner person, upon the spirit of the
criticized people* A true and serious sociologist does not work in that
way, especially idien he himself is publicizing his work as scientific and
author! tat lye. g
•XI
CO
rv3
Professor Miller states that he is glad he was able to be present at this
meeting, because he IcnowB foreigners, and especially the Bohemians, through u=i
frequent personal contacts; that he gladly journeyed to Chicago, and iinme-
dlately looked up Professor Thomas, who is active at the University of Chicago,
and eusked him for his opinion about Professor Rosse*s work.
Professor Thomas said that the work is not a scientific one, because it is
not founded on truth, and that he will soon publish a work in answer to
Professor Ro8se*s statements* The speaker expects to do likewise*
These wozks will be the answers to the erroneous assertions of Professor
I C - 9 - BOHMIAN
III B 2
III G Dennl Hlasatel. Mar. 16, 1914.
IV
Rosse*
5
"O
Professor Miller added that the Bohemians are winning recognition in the
field of arts and sciences in Merica. The Slavs, and particiilarily the ^
Bohemians, cannot therefore be considered here as an undesirable element.
He ended his speech which was filled with friendly references to our nation
and expressed a truly sympathetic feeling for us, with the Sokol salute,
Na Zdar! (To Success!}.
His brilliant address was rewarded by a storm of applause. Mr. S. St. Vraz
thanked him and then urged the audience to seek for an expression of feel-
ings about the wrong and insult we as Slavs have suffered. We must be heard
particularly in this instance, because this insult was noticed even by the
i^ericans.
I C - 10 - BOBEMIAN
III B 2
III a Dennl Hlasatel . Mar. 16, 1914.
It BU8t not be said that this mass meeting was called without Justifiea-
tion, that nothing really happened to the Bohemians to eooqplain about. Tbe ^
speaker goes on to say that Professor Rosse, in a letter to the Narodni Rada, ^
states that Bohemians have no right to conplain, because he places them on ^^
the same plane with the Germans; that he admits their primacy among all Slav r-
nations, a statement which he claims will appear in the August number of the X
Century magazine. He further writes that he cannot help it that the publishers o
printed the last four chapters first. ^
T-3
Ifr. E. St. 7raz, the chairman, remarked that even if Professor Rosse should now en
write a farorable article, he always would be against him.
The next speaker was Dr. Rudis-Jieinsky, who picked the Professor to pieces
with his satiric remarks. He said that the Professor himself is a foreigner; that
he threw all the Slavs into one basket, and now is surprised that we are knocking
one anotber on the head. And irtiy should we not, irtxen we Bohemians know how to
I C ■ - 11 - . BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III G Deiml Hlasatel. Mar. 16, 1914.
17
do that capitally among ourselves? And we mlgbt have fared better,
perhaps, with the protest meeting if we had waited until the learned
Professor publishes his next articles, so that he could be cleaned up all ^
at once. -ri.
After that Dr. RudiS-JiSinskf spoke of the work done in America by ^
immigrants to whom America is indebted for all that she is today. g
Mr. John A. Cervenka spoke next, saying that the insulting article written
by Professor Rosse put him in such a state of mind that he was hardly able oi
to read. He became nervous reading one insult after another heaped upon us;
and protest we certainly should when we think of our mothers and wives*
Mr. Cervenka considers the letter sent by Professor Rosse a capitulation.
When Mr. Servenka had finished speaking. Professor J. anrhal said that the meet-
ing was a test of the temper of the people, and that the success of the
gathering is a testimony to the maturity and self-assurance of our people.
I C - 12 - " BOHEMIAN
III B 2 •
III G Dennl Hlasatel . Mar. 16, 1914.
IV ^
vho will not stand for being belittled and insulted even by a learned ^
professor.
•
If the Professor sees faults in our immigrants, the nation is not at fault. -c
:x>
The responsibility lies in the deficiencies and faults of our social order* o
CO
Urs* L« Veselsky was the next speaker. She represented the Bohemian-iUnerican S
women, and very pointedly spoke of their skill in culinary and household arts. *"
In their homes Professor Rosse surely would not find the filth he wrote about;
and if he were to sit at a well-laden table of a hospitable Bohemian family,
and eat the food, he would change his views about the Bohemians* cleanliness.
Mrs. Veselsky also mentioned the educational and humanitarian work perfoxmed
by Bohemian- American women; their toil for all Merica eind its future
development.
After a short pause in the program. Professor Miller and Miss Abbott left the
I C - 13 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III G Denn^ Hlaaatel. Mar. 16, 1914.
17
auditorium, and the audience paid their respects to them by rising*
Then Dr. Jaroslav E. Salaba Vojan pitied Professor Rosse, as the author of
the published articles, and as a teacher in a university of a State which
was built with the help of Bohemians. Mr. SEurel Jonas, onetime vice-governor, ^
lives in Wisconsin. ^
o
Representing the Cesko-Americka Tiskova Eanoelaf , (Bohemian-American Press
Bureau), Mr. James F. Stipina followed in the line of the previous spesikers
and blamed the Century Magazine , a monthly v^loh is read by the so-called
American aristocracy, who like to boast of their ancestors as far back as o
three or four hundred years. ^
If we were to investigate their family tree, said the speaker, we would find
there many names of men with criminal records, men who were forced to flee
from Europe to save their lives. These are the men who organized colonies in
America.
I C . , - 14 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
III G Dennl Hlasatel , Mar. 16, 1914.
de speaker went on to say that the Slav nations, and the Bohemians in particu-
lar, show very little of the criminal in them; he was certain that the Cesko-
Americka Narodni Rada took upon itself the responsibility of infoiming the ^
American public about the facts in t lis serious matter. ^
Judge Joseph Z. Uhlir then spoke in English* He criticized Professor Rosse r;
severely, and asserted that a professor of such an outstanding university gg
should not be tolerated as a teacher. He urged all those present to join the o
very worthy body of Cesko-Araericka Narodni Rada. co
C3
With a few ^veil-chosen words Ur. £. St. Vraz then closed this most remarkable *^
mass meeting.
A resolution was presented just before the close of the meeting expressing
sharp criticism of Professor Rosse's articles, and infoiming him of the trend
I C - 15 - BOHEailAN
m B 2 •
III Dennl Hlasatel. Mar. 16, 1914.
17
of this most austere gathering. The resolution urged the Qesko-MerlckS
Harodni Rada to secure capable men, who, with the aid of publications, would
inform the American public about the Slars in general, and make it better
acquainted with the Bohemians in particular. :
-a
o
CO
2L2. BOHPMTAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Iiiar. 11, 1913.
^^bVSRSE PUBLICITY FOR OUR BOHEMI^l^/
(Editorial)
The Bohemian community in Chicago is growing in a gratifying manner. It is
increasing numerically; it is getting stronger economically; it is even, to
a certain extent, improving intellectually. Bat there is one respect in
viiich it is gradually suri)assing other Bohemian communities in the United
States-— in public scandals and the rather well-knovoa stool pigeon and in-
formant affairs. In this the Bohemian colony in Chicago is rapidly gaining
a supremacy which v/ill by no means be envied by our close and more distant
neighbors, V/hat good does it do to try to make other nationalities more
acquainted with the better qualities of the Bohemian element if, on the
other hand, we permit the luxuriation in our own midst of such an obnoxious
weed— a weed which is slowly poisoning the atmosphere in which we live?
This is a phenomenon worth pondering by all sensible people.
m.
:p
I C BOHEMIAN
III G
17 Denn£ HlasatQl. Oct. 11, 1912.
A PHOCLMATION OF TSE CESKO-iii^IZRICKA TISKOVA KANGEUtti
The Cesko-Americka Tiskova Eancalaf {Bohemian-American Press Bureau) requests
us to publish the following proclamation:
"The Spravedlnost of October 10 carries an article entitled •Slovaci A Cesi*
(Slo7aks and Bohemians) which begins as follov/s: • 3»
"•Our Cesko-Americka Tiskova Kancelaf protested last year against including <^
Slovaks with the Bohemian- Slavonic people in the census report of the Immi- ^
gration Bureau, giving as a reason the alleged fact that there are among them 2
many illiterates. Thus, our Bohemian nationality was happily saved through g
the efforts of two of our prominent scientists, Mr. Ales HrdliSka and £3
Dr. Jaroslav E. S. 7ojan,* ^
"The writer of this article is guilty of the worst kind of misstatement, and
no doubt Spravedlnost has accepted this article as a part of its avowed policy
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
IV Dennl Hlasatel. Oct. 11, 1912,
of fighting the flesko-Americkd Tiskova Kancelaf whenevar and wherever there
is an opportunity. In printing it, however, the Spravedlnoat assumes all
responsibility for the article. But the truth is edtogether different.
"The Cesko-Americka Tiskova Kancelaf published a nev/s item in Bohemian news-
papers of February 19, 1911, stating that Dr. Ales Hrdlicka had sent a pro-
posal, upon the request of Rozhledy (Reviews) and Americka Os79oa (American
Culture), to the Genersil Immigration Cooimissioner, Mr* Daniel J. 0*]&efe,
for a new division of Liimigrants as reported in the publications of the I&iited
States Immigration Bureau* TUxe proposal calls for division into five grou-ns,
the third of which would be 'Bohemians, Moravians, Silesians, and Slovaks*. g
To this, the Cesko-Americka Tiskova Kancelar added the follovfing: i—
» »Mr. Hrdli6ka*s proposal is correct from the ethnological point of view, c5J
but from the national-economic point of view, two colmnns are necessary, one
for the Bohemian-Slavonic people and one for the Slovaks. At that, the atti-
tude of the Bohemian people at the present time is to grant the Slovaks an
-o
I p. - 3 - BOHEMIAN
III G .
17 Denni Hlasatel. Oct. 11, 1912.
independent national development. This Is undoubtedly the proper attitude,
particularly since the Slovaks have decided for it. The separation is now
a fact, even if it is a regrettable one, and there is nothing to be gained
by reopening old wounds. In the national-economic respect, the Bohemlan-
Slavoni,c people live in Cisleithania territory to the west of the river
Leita, or Litava, dividing the old Austro-Hungarlan Empire into the Austrian
part and the Hungarian part/, and the Slovaks in Transleithania ^^east of that
riverT"* Each half of the Empire has different national-economic and political
conditions, and therefore the pooling of immigration statistics would not be
advisable. Also, it would cause new confusion. It is only since 1882 that
there has been a separate column for "Bohemia;" later on it was changed to
"Bohemia and Moravia," which designation, of course, could also include the o
Geimans from these two lands, although this is not likely, since the Germans ^
always indicate "Austria" as the country of their origin. Finally, the sepa- S
rate column for "Bohemians and Moravians" v;as instituted in 1899.* "^
"Thus, we have had a precise, well-defined classification for eleven years
3>
-D
I C - 4 - BOHEMIAN
III a
17 Dennl Hlasatel. Oct. 11, 1912,
only—a classification which identifies the exact number of Bohemians admit-
ted into the United States, A pooling with Slovaks would cause new difficul-
ties in the national-economic respect.
"The writer of the article published in the Spravedlnost (disregarding the
fact that he erroneously uses the expression * census* in talking about yearly
reports and monthly bulletins issued by the Immigration Bureau, even though
the census is taken only once in ten years) has permitted himself to squeeze
four untruths into two sentences: P
-o
"In the first place, the Cesko-Americka Tiskova Eancelaf did not protest §
against Dr. Hrdlicka»s proposal; it only expressed arguments against it. ^
ro
"In the second place, there v/as no talk at all about illiteracy. (The Cesko- S^
Americka TiskovS Kancelllf was considering only national-economic and statisti-
cal reasons, and here we may add to all that has been said before that the
Bohemians rarely return to the old country to live, while with the Slovaks,
-X3
5>
I G. . . - 5 - BOHEMIAN
III G
17 Derm£ Hlasatel. Oct. 11, 1912.
this is frequently the case. Thus, if there were a common classification, it
would be impossible to tell how many of those returning were Slovaks and how
many were Bohemians.)
"In the third place, there was no question of protecting our Bohemian nation-
ality, but simply a question of scientific exactness, which, of course, the
writer does not know anjrthing about.
"Finfidly, there was no question of a combined pressure or influence, but Just
the reverse: The question of the divergence in the opinions of Dr. Hrdlidka
and Dr. Vojan. Furthermore, how important it is to be most careful in matters
pertaining to nationality was shown on the occasion of Dr. Stefanik's visit.
When the Cesko-A- ericka Tiskova Kancelaf called this prominent astroncxaer a
' vesko-Slovensky ' (Bohemian-Slovak) scientist (because, although he is a Slovak,
he was graduated from the University of Prague and feels warmly toward the
Bohemians), the Pittsburgh Slovak newspapers protested against this nomenclature,
maintaining that Stefanik is purely a Slovak scientist and that the added
I C - 6 - ■ BOHSMIAN
III G
IV Denni ELasatel. Oct. 11, 1912.
designation 'Ceako* is Just as unfair as when the Germans make Germans out of
Bohemian scientists and artists. However, we do not propose to deal with
this natter now, because the Cesko-MerickS Tiskovi Kanceldf made its respec«
tive point of view sufficiently clear in its reply of June 23, 1911, to the
attack of Mr. Petr Kompis of Pittsburgh against the Bohemians.
"The article in the Spravedlnost might have engendered the Slovaks* antago- ^
nism toward the Cesko-Araerick^ Tiskova Kanceldf. Fortunately, however, the F
Slovaks will not believe the distortions contained in the article, and the -^
case will sigain prove the truth of the old Bohemian proverb that 'a lie g
walks on short legs*." !—
rv9
I C ' BOHEMIAN
I F 4
I H
Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 3, 1911,
CZECHS - TOO PATIENT
We Czechs, whether faithful or renegades, infidels or heretics, are all
gifted with genuine Christian patience, both in the old country and
America. Those who are compelled to venture across 26th St., between
Vfestern Ave., and Rockwell St., and work their way througli the excavation,
will bear us out. Thousands of people cross there daily, thousands plunge
up to their ankles in the mire and some up to their knees. A very few
of them give vent to their ire in three good round oaths - all the rest
of them, hov/ever, take it with loj'-al meekness, .ill of them are Czechs and.
have many an acquaintance in the City liall and the street car company
offices. In these places, hov/ever, the characteristic patience of the
Czechs is too well known, and so nothing is being done about the nuisance.
If this nationally distinct weakness were not known, some remedy, e.g. in
the form of a boardwalk, would have been provided a long time ago. But
mi
- 2 -
BOHEL^IAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 3, 1911.
why 'Should the "big shots" worry, when they are certain that the Czechs
will wait till the mire is frozen and they will meekly break their limbs
when trying to cross over, just as they are today almost drowning them-
selves by trying to perform the feat.
/ "^
I C EOHSMIAN
I C (German) '*
II B 2 d (1) Dennl Hlasatel , Jan. 2, 1911,
I A 1 a
III H AMSRICAl.^ REPORT OK BOHSrHA RECTIFISD - AIID APPRSCIATSD
17
The Chicago Record-Herald published for one entire week, beginning Nov,
2S, comprehensive articles from Bohemia by its special correspondent
William E. Curtis. Mr. William Elmer Curtis is a journalist of note.
He was bom in 1850, at Akron, C, has written several books on Spain,
, America, Russia, Venezuela, and other countries, has been director of
the Bureau of the American Republics, and the head of the department
for Latin-America and the Section for History at the Chicago Coliombian
World's Fair. This secured a great many readers for him. In his letters
from Prague Mr. Curtis said many flattoring things about Prague and the
Czechs. Simultaneously, however, he penned many an incorrect item on
Bohemiaoi history and on present Bohemian life as well. Evidently, while
in Prague, he was caught in Cexinan tentacles. The Bohemian-American
Press Bureau feels it incumbent upon itself to make at least the most
necessary corrections. It was^ for us, impossible to cover every point
which would have require^ several articles, and \Miich the English language
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Dennl Hlasatel , Jan. 2, 1911.
I A 1 a
III H papers lalght not have accepted. The statement, which has been
17 worked out by Dr. Vojan, the director of the Press Bureau, was
sent, with a letter of reconmendation from Mr. Vopicka, to the
Chicago Record Herald , and at the same time to The Minneapolis Journal at
Minneapolis, Minn., where Mr. Curtis* articles had been reprinted. The
Record-Herald has so far failed to publish oidr statement. The l!inneapolis
Journal published the statement in the second section of its Sunday edition
of December 25, verbatim, as near as we could gather from the copy, mailed
to us by the editor of The Minneapolske Koviny . Mr. F. R. Katlach. The
statement takes up two entire columns of close print. The article, under
the headline "Some Comments on Curtis' Letters from Bohemia," runs as
follows:
For the past 14 days Bohemian-Americans have been following daily, and
with great interest, the articles sent to the Record Herald and The
Minneapolis Journal by their European correspondent Mr. William E. Curtis;
they came from the capital of Bohemia, our beloved "centi-spired ♦mommy'
Prague." v;e have read with gratitude his words of regret that Prague,
I C - 3 - ■ BQHKMTAN
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Dennl Hlasatel . Jan, 2, 1911.
I A 1 a
III H which in some respects is unique among the towns of Europe, is
IV not well enough known among American tourists. Count Luetzow
makes the remark in his book Story of Prague , (London, J. M.
Dent. 1902) that "in dropping a stone from a window one is throwing out
a part of history." And it is not only a par.t of history of Bohemia,
but it is even a part of the history of Central Europe.
The situation has taken a turn for the better in the course of the last
year. The esteemed traveler Burton Holmes, spent six weeks in Prague
and Bohemia last summer, and his lectures, delivered in the fall in
Chicago and other American cities, shall disperse many prejudicies, and
shall more favorably introduce Czechs to the Americans. The American
reader is being made very thoroughly acquainted with the present cultural
development, the history and ethnographic features of Bohemia, the land
whose daughters and sons, like Emmy Destinn, Karel Burian, Alfred Mucha,
M. J. Korbel and others, are well known to art-loving iUnerica. Two
excellent books are serving this end: Bohemia by Count Luetzow, doctor
I C - 4 - ■ ■ ' B0n3.!IAIT
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 2, 1911.
I A 1 a
III H of jurisprudence of Oxfoi^ University, (Eversmian's library,
17 Hew York, E, P. Button) , 8ind Bohemia and the Czechs by
Will S, Monroe (Boston, L, C. Page) • And last but not least,
the articles of I'jc. Curtis, who is an unusually gifted observer, v/ould
equally tell to the American reader many a thing entirely new to him
about Bohemia.
The Chicago and the IJinnesota Czechs are therefore very grateful for
Mr. Curtis* instructive articles.
It is not my intention to find fault with minor errors which crept into - , o
the vivid pict\ire drawn by the esteemed writer. I merely want to point
to those few of a more weighty significance.
In the historical part, Kr. Curtis tells us that in the Husit wars
"the Czech aristocracy sided with the Reformation party, and the peasantry
remained faithful to the church." The reverse is true, and I am dissenting,
because, as Luetzow writes, "the time of the Husit wars war? the time of
the greatness of the Czechs, and, at the same time the period when alliances
I g
I C (Gennan)
II B 2 d (1)
I A 1 a
III H
17
- 5 -
Denni Hlasatel, Jan. 2, 1911.
B0HEI.!IA1J
between Bohemia and England were frequent and strong, proved
by the fact that lohn V/yklif*s influence was greater in Bohaoia
than in his native land," These v/ars, which made of Bohemia
mainly a husitic country for over tvro centuries, are a brilliant mani-
festation of sterling democracy. The peasants and the populace of the
smaller towns leaned preponderantly towards the Taborits. Zizka, their
famous leader, who never lost a single battle, and his small, but well
disciplined soldiery, defended the religious reformation, and annihilated
five crusading expeditions sent against the Czechs by the Popes. The
nobility was divided into two sides: One, together with the populace of
Prague, belonged to the Conservative Husit party - the "Calice Party** -
the other stood by the Roman Catholic church. Monroe, therefore, wrote
correctly "The Calice party finally formed the aristocratic party,
represented by the university and the city of Prague. The Taborits on
the other hand sided with the democratic party, comprising the common
people of the villages and small tO¥nis."
Mr, Curtis further finds very peculiar the fact that the "University of
i'CII °
I C - 6 - . BOHMTIAN
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Deiml Hlasatel . Jan. 2, 1911,
I A 1 a
III H Prague was separated into a Czech and a German section. His
17 information, aside from this, that there are two \iniversities
xinder one rector and a single academic senate, is not correct.
The division of the university and the creation of an independent Czech
university was an indispensable requirement of the Czechs. The Germans
and the Czechs are two totally different nations. The Germans belong to
the Germanic race. The Czechs belong to the Slavonic race. The languages
have nothing in common, and therefore anyone will comprehend that even
if there were no race struggles existing - Czech science and literature
could not develop successfully under bilingual tuition. Just as American
universities cannot be other than of the English tongue, so the Czechs
must have a Czech university. Both universities, the Czech and the German,
have independent administrative staffs, onlj' ~he library being common. The
increasing number of students at the Czech university, and the decreasing
ninnber at the German university, show best which one is the natural need
for the Bohemian country. In the school year 1904-1905, the Czech tiniversity
had 3,924 students, the German only 1,520, among v/hom many were not, perhaps,
from Bohemia or the other Austro - Hungarian countries, but from the German
I C - 7 - BOHEMIAN
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 2, 1911.
I A 1 a
III H Reich. The Austrian government treated the Czech university
17 as a step-child, llr. Curtis is mistaken when he thinks that
"the Czechs would, no doubt, refuse to accept help if it were
tendered by the Imperial government." On the contrary, the Czechs have
been calling for help in vain. One month ago the students of Professor
Vejvodsky, went on strike because the lecture halls and the laboratories
cannot hold one-half the number of students. Only by such means can the
government be induced to provide for better accommodations. Mr. Curtis
supposes that the Prague xiniversity has not regained the influence and
renown it enjoyed before the Husit VJars. As a doctor of Jurisprudence
of the University of Prague, I am able to defend my Alma Fater against
this contention. The Czech viniversity, as it is today, numbers among its
professors just as great scientists as any Austrian, German or French
university. I shall cite two names only: Prof. Thomas Garrigue Masaryk,
who is well known in a country even as far away as America - he took his
middle-name from the maiden-name of his wife, a bom New Yorker - and
Professor Vejdovsky, who is an honorary doctor of the University of
I C - 8 - BOHa^IAN
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 2, 1911.
I A 1 a
III H Cambridge, The former is a great philosopher and sociologist,
17 the latter a famous biologist. Professor Monroe says, on
pge. 153, "The Czech part of the university ranks among the
foremost seats of high learning in Europe, whereas, the German part has
decreased in numbers as well as in academic significance to the grade of
second rate institutes among the German universities.** -
As to ethnographic designations, Mr. Curtis uses the word "Austrians"
for the Gennans in Bohemia. The Germans in Bohemia are "Germans,** not
••Austrians** by any means. Austrieois are only Germans, who live in Upper
and Lower-Austria, But the inhabitants of the Austrian part of the Austro-
Hungarian empire have no name in common. In that territory there live
Czechs, Germans, Poles, Italians, etc., and therefore, we can speak only
of Czech, Geiman, Polish, Italian and other languages and literatures.
The subject is similarly expounded in the book Our Slavic Fellow Citizens
by Smily Green Balch, (New York, Charities 1910, page 12).
I C - 9 - BOHEMIAN
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 2, 1911,
I A 1 a
III H But my main objection is concerned with I'r, Curtis* opinion
IV" that in the nationalistic struggle in Bohemia "provocative
behavior is almost always on the Czech side," If I wanted
to claim most convincingly that the reverse is true there might be a
chance reader, who would think: "Well enough, - but he is a Czech,
how can I believe him?" For this reason I will quote an American, Prof.
Will S. Monroe, who says in the preface to his work as follows:
"If the writer did not picture the acclimatized foreigners in brilliant
colors, it is for the reason that he did not see in the Bohemian Germans
dignified representatives of their race. The author spent two years as
a \iniversity student in Germany and has only the friendliest feelings for
the Germans and for the German empire. But he feels compelled to admit
that the Bohemian Germans form only a not very likable offshoot of the
German race," That may suffice. Professor I&nroe spent many months in
Bohemia, he knows the trutli: the Czechs, who are the primeval inhabitants
of Bohemia are fighting only for equal rights with the German minority, /^
I C - 10 - . BOHSI.XAIT
I C (German)
II B E d (1) Dennl Elasatel . Jan. 2, 1911.
I A 1 a
III H There are seventy-two per cent Czechs in the country, twenty-
17 three per cent Gennans, five per cent Jews. There is no more
serious error possible than when Mr. Curtis writes that the
Czechs hold the control of their political affairs completely in their
hands, and that the Imperial power is felt in foreign affairs, in tariff-
policy and matter of military natxire solely. This is a misunderstanding.
In these three spheres the unity of the Austro-Hungarian duali^monarchy
becomes evident; they do not, by any means, constitute a link between the
Czechs and Austria. The centralized parliament in Vienna is, as a result
of the Austrian system governing elections, composed into such shape that
the Czechs cannot expect from it anything like justice; the provincial
parliament of Bohemia is almost merely a joke; the Imperial government
is more or less inimical towards the Czechs. The best illustration of the
conditions in Austria is furnished by the fall of Badeni. This prime
minister issued an edict in the beginning of the year 1897 according to
which every Austrian government official who wants employment in Bohemia
must, from a fixed date, demonstrate a certain knowledge of both the Czech
I_^ - 11 - BOHSI^TIAN
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 2, 1911,
I A 1 a
III H and the German languages. This meant merely equal rights,
IV although the ratio between the Czechs and the Germans is
72 to 23. Nevertheless, the order evoked violent reaction
from the Germans in the parliament in Vienna, and caused the fall of the
cabinet of Count Badeni in the autumn of 1897. The order vreis then
rescinded, and when the Czechs were not willing to patiently "suffer the
provoking demonstrations by the German students in Prague, the government
punished - not the Germans, but the Czechsl Prague was placed under
martial law Count Luetzow wrote in the closing pages of his book Bohemia «
the following words on the present premier. Baron Bienerth: "The attitude
of the present president of the Austrian cabinet is more antagonistic
towards the Czechs than that of any one of his predecessors." Even
though the Bienerth cabinet is defunct today there is no hope for the
Czechs to obtain justice and to come into their equal rights, at least
not in the near future. The Germans, deriving aid and comfort from
th» German empire, and being pampered by the dynasty of German origin
feel their own strength, and are troublemakers, ever and again provoking
o
I C - 12 - BOHZflLAJJ
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1) Denni Hlasatel , Jan. 2, 1911.
I A 1 a
III H th© Czechs in their own cotintry. This, then, is the real
IV truth.
Mr. Curtis also writes on the exclusively Czech street signs in Prague,
Weill Prague has ninety per cent Czech inhabitants. Is there any
injustice in the signs not being in German? There are only ten per
cent Germans in Prague. New York has, according to the census of 1900,
a German element amounting to 322,343 souls, V/hy, then, are the street
signs of New York not in German? 'He have, alas, not only in Bohemia
more than enoiigh of that German stuff! So, for instance, all of the
English and American writers use translations for the names of genuine
Czech towns. Professor Monroe, ;\^o uses Czech designations exclusively,
writes about this point: "The American and English readers would feel
on strange gro\and if they were to meet with names like Venedig and
^!ailand, instead of Venice and Milan, in English books on Italy; and
for the same reason they ought to rise in protest against Kuttenberg
>'.?J1
o
o
A
I
I C (German)
II B 2 d (1)
I A 1 a
III H
IV
- 13 -
Dennl Hlasatel , Jan, 2, 1911,
BOHETOAN
and Wartenberg for Kutna Hora and Sedmihorky in books on
Bohemia, llr. Curtis also '.vrites about "Altstadt" and
"Keustadt" in his book on Prague. \Vhy? He admits himself,
indeed, that Prague is a Czech tovm. He should, therefore, write
"Stare Mesto" and "Nove Mesto,** or in the English translation "Old '
Town" and "ITew Town,"
All of these remarks do not, of course, detract from our esteem for
l!r, Curtis, whose articles have been heartily welcomed by the Czech
public.
BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . Nov. 23, 1910.
<
THE BOHEMIANS WERE FORGCTTEN.
p. 1— Yesterday the money collected on the •*big tag-day** was divided among thirty-
one charitable associations, neunely children's and old people's homes and institu- :g
tions. >
Mrs. W. Scott Thurber, president of the Chicago Children's Benefit League, which £J
sponsored this tag-day, make a public statement of the amount of money collected ^
which was $54,324.77. All this money was turned over to institutions to be used £
in caring for the poor and the orphan children of Chicago. The largest amount, L>
$3,137.40 was given to the Chicago Refuge for Girls, and- the smallest amount was c^
assigned to the South End Center Day Nursery.
cr
Catholic and Protestant organizations received money for the care of their orphans,
and the Norwegian Orphanage also received a share; but the Bohemian Orphanage was
coiqpletely forgotten!' The committee had no knowledge of the Bohemian Orphanage,
and therefore it received nothing*
- 2 • BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel, Nov. 23, 1910.
T«t the Bohemians contributed their share on this tag-day; but for all the help
and the support which they accorded to make it a magnificent success they reaped
no rewaz*d«
o
•
I C B0H2MIAN
III H
III A Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 21, I9IO.
BOHEMIANS DE.IAKD RZCOGiaTION IK CENSUS
-t3
CD
IN3
P.l — A moment has arrived, v/hen all the Slavonic nationalities in the ^
United States have to join in a firm protest, rise in unity and without §
delay, in order to thwart the plan of the U. S. Census Bureau which aims
in obliterating their names from the list of acknowledged nations, and in
subordinating them to the countries of their respective emhglgration. The er
census which is to be taken in April this year is not to recognize any Bo-
hemians, Poles, Slovenians, Slovaks or Croatians but to recognize only
Austrians, Germans, Hungarians etc. These plans v/ere not revealed until
Saturday night, during a discussion by Mr. Hotchkins, director of the first
census — district of the State of Illinois, and which have been approved
by the congress. Strangle to say, nobody has called our attention to this
fact as yet. We hope, however, there is sufficient time left to effectu-
ate a change. It is not known upon whose suggestion congress acted when
it decided not to include above names into census as has teen done on form-
er occasions. It appears that influence has been exerted by diplomatic
circles of Germany and Austria-Hungary, and possibly also by the Jews,
I C -2- BOHEMIAN
— _ ^
Dennl Hlasatel t Feb. 21, I9IO.
who do not want to see their L'osaic religion identified with nationality,
desiring to be recorded as belonging to the country from which they came.
But it was easy to comply with the wishes of the Jews, without at the Oi
same time touching on the sensibilities of the other nationalities. ^
It is to be noted that the Irish shall be carried in the census as an o
independent nation although they do not use their own language, but the ^
language of the English. The Bohemians lost their independence much later ^
than the Irish, They had been promised the crowning of the emperor of
Austria as Bohemian king, though their hopes have so far not materialized.
The Poles have decided already to file a vigorous protest for their protec-
tion through the Polish National Alliance, and the Bohemians shall certain-
ly not stand bacl<. Congressman Sabath will have ample opportunity to in-
form congress of the struggle the Bohemians lead for the existence of their
nation, the perpetuation of their glorious history, and of the pronounced
repulsion they sense against being called Austrians. The differentiation
as approved by Congress for the census has no political meaning and no
scientific significance either.
«,''
I C BOHEMIAN
II B 2 d (1)
I B 2 Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 10, 1910.'
I F 6
I 3 EDITOR'S C015I.ENTS ON CURRENT NEV/S. . ••
p. 4. -Only one man ever lost his popularity quicker and more thoroughly than ^
Uncle Joe Cannon, and that man is Dr. Cook. ^
A dispatch from New York reports that a child there can play the piano in its <^
sleep. We are sorry for the neighbors. 5o
o
•
Few suffragettes rise early because they have so much to do, and few go to bed ^
early because they have so little. .!S
According to city engineer Ericeon the city made a bad bargain when it bought
the Rogers Park water works. But it is hard to believe that some one did not
profit by the deal.
A law against the sale of liquor has been proposed in Congress. A law against
the sale of privilege would do more good.
-o
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II B 2 d (l)
Denni Hlasatel t Feb. 10, 1910.
One of our profeggorg asserts that the American people can be civilized only
by music. If the professor refers to the phonograph, we had better remain "Zi.
barbarians • ^ r-
-o
Emma Goldmann has suddenly become a parlor anarchist, and high-toned women of o
the so-called better class are thrilled to think that they may now applaud ^
this onee-dreaded female and play a little at anarchism themselves, ^
I C BCHEIZIAH.
II D 1 ■ .
II D 2 Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 8, 1°10.
II A 2
III B 2 BCHa:iAlJS SSCELS FRCLI NORTH AlERIC^N UITIOK
p. 1— There are still som«^ people in America who think that they are at lib-
erty to take a fling at the Bohemians v/henever they choose to do^o. Yes,
there are some who believe that Bohemians are an inferior race, to be look-
ed down upon and scorned, and not qualified to resent the v/orst insults
that are flung into their faces. Cnly ignorant persons, it is true, enter-
tain such opinions, persons of limited horizon and narrow views who either
have never taken tue pains to know us or else, knowing us, are too stupid
to learn from us for their ovm good.
And it is equally true that there are many educated American imbeciles who
have never taken the trouble to inform themselves about the qualities of
other races but are arrogant enough, in their ignorance, to cast slurs upon
them. One of these educated persons — for a physician certainly should be
ranked a;aong the educated — calls Bohemians "undesirables." Now if such an
insult had been offered to us by some Irish hoodlum, we should ignore it,
considering that vie could expect nothing else from one of that type. V.Tien
however, such an attack is made by a man vmo pretends to be a person of cul-
I C - 2 - BCHSMiM
II D 1
II D 2 Denni Klasatel , Feb. 8, I9IO.
II A 2
ture, and when the insult is even placed on record in a publication, v/e deem
it to be our duty to protest most vigorously and to demand redrees.
It is well knoY/n to our readers and to the Bohemian public in general that
another attack of this kind recently occured. In the North American Uniont
the organ of an association numbering amon^ its members twelve hundred Bo-
hemians in Chicago alone, a vulgar and malicious- insult was hurled against
us.
The chief physician of that association, a certain Dr. A. H. Brumback, or
v/hatever the name of the savant may be, wrote in his report that people who
live in dirt and filth cannot be considered desirable members of the associ-
ation. Ke does not explicitly mention Bohemians, but immediately thereafter
he expresses his disapproval of the admission of Bohemians as members because*
so he says, they have the highest mortality rate among racial groups. Thus
he reveals distinctly whom he had in mind when he spoke of people who live
in dirt and filth.
I C - 3 - B0H5MI/K .^
II D 1
II D 2 Dennl Hlasatel . Feb. 8, I9IO.
II A 2
But we are very much gratified to hear that the Bohemians in the Union have
demanded redress and after failing to obtain it have decided to demonstrate
in an energetic and emph&tic manner to the gentleman above mentioned that
they will never allow any Brumback, chief physician or not, to throw mud at
a race which not only can hold its ovm against his nation but excels it in
many respects.
Plzen (rilsen) and Cesky Lev (Bohemian Lion) orders of the IJorth American
Union in joint action demanded of the supreme council a public declaration
disavowing Dr. Brumback 's derogatory remarks and further stating that Bo-
hemians are considered equal to members of the Union of other racial origin.
And what was the response received by the grievance committee? The supreme
council delegated its chairman to direct a letter to the Bohemian orders
in which it declares itself to be in accord with Dr. Brumback 's article,
contending that it implied no insult. Cn top of this the chairman of the
supreme council in a separate letter to the Bohemian orders reprimanded
them for not being an asset to the Union, inasmuch as the dues paid by them
fc
1_C -4- BCHSMIAl/ ^" p.-o
II D 1 ^-^ "•'^■^
II D 2 Dennl Klasatel , Feb. 8, I9IO.
II A 2
did not cover the expenditures entailed by the mortality amonp Bohemian mem-
bers.
In consequence of this treatment the Plzen order, in a meeting held on Jan-
uary 23 in the Bohemian-American Hall, resolved to secede from the ijorth
American Union. Besides these insults there were other motives which promp-
ted the Bohemians to sever the ties v/hich bound them to the supreme order
of the Union. Difficulties had developed rej arding payment of death poli-
cies for several brethren and also regarding some special by-laws which re-
strict the occupations of members.
In spite of full information about the movement in progress to sever connec-
tions the supreme council did not make the slightest effort to prevent the
separation, thus precipitatin; the break and evoking feelings which led to
another gathering. This meeting v.as called by T'essrs. Marsik and Bernard
in Krizek's Hall at Koman Avenue and Tv/enty-fifth Street.
The Bohemian organizers of this meeting informed the assembly that the su-
I C - 5 - BOHSLIIALr --^
II D 2 Dennl Hlasatel . Feb. 8, I9IO. lo ''•'^•'^- -^ '
II A 2 . V-cy ^'
preme council had called it and had promised to be represented by some of-
ficers. . These officers preferred to stay at home and did so with one ex-
ception, a certain Mr. Hinckley, assistant to the general manager.
The meeting was a very stormy one. After several speeches in v/hich members
gave vent to their opinions of the injustice done to the Eohemis^ns the chair-
man called on Mr. Hinckley for an e:q)lanation of the supreme council's atti-
tude. But Mr. Hinckley did not take the cue. Instead, he told the assembly
in plain words that those who v/ished to remain in th'3 "nion mi^ht do so pro-
vided that they continued to pay their dues, and he also took care to pro-
tect the physician, v/ho, said Hinckley, had had no intention of insulting
the Bohemians when he wrote about dirt.
Thereupon Mr. Basta exposed Hinckley by putting to him the blunt question
as to whether he knew hov/ much the plzen order had paid to the supreme coun-
cil, and hov/ much benefit it had derived in return. ?Jr. Hinckley replied
that he could not answer this question without his records, which v/ere in
his office and could be consulted there. He persisted, however, in his con-
I C - 6 -
II D 1
II D 2 Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 8, 1910.
II A 2
tention that the Bohemians are a liability to the Union because they draw
out more than they pay in. However, I.'r. Basta thereupon proved to him by
figures that the Plzen order has paid in $13*000 more than it has withdrawn
in benefits.
Thereafter Mr. Holub read the passage from Dr. Brumtack's article vrhich had
offended the Bohemian members, and which had been endorsed by the subsequent
letter from the chairman of the supreme council.
Mr. Holub then gave a description of Dr. BruT;back'£ person as depicted for
him by a lodge brother. He who wished to knov/ Dr. Brumback, said he, should
stop at a certain Italian restaurant on V'ood fttreet between the hours of five
and six, where one may see that £:entleman indulging in v/hiskey, often to such
an extent that he has to execute with hands and feet a normally two-legged
motion.
"And such a fellov/ has the cheek to chide us! Shame on him!"
I C - 7 -
II D 1
II D "2 Denni Hlasatel ^ Pet. 8, I9IO.
II A 2
Mr. Hinckley remarked that a libel suit should have been filed against Dr.
Brumback in this case.
Mr. Basta further asked Hinckley whether he remembered a neetin£' of the su-
preme council in v/hich the officers of the Bohemian orders had been called
"gral'ters." Hinckley could not remember it, but Mr. Chadraba, v.'ho had at-
tended the meeting, declared that he had heard this expression uttered by
a certain McLanghenry. Then "r. Basta pointedly asked ::r, I'arsik, who had
also been present at this meeting of the supreme council, whether or not he
too had heard the insulting remark made by McLanghenry,
"No, I did not hear the remark, " replied !.'r. l!arsik.
"I expected such an answer," retorted L!r. Basta. Ke then demanded to be
informed by Hinckley v/hy the present meeting had "seen called by the supreme
council against the v/ill of the officers and principally at the instigation
of certain men of whom one had not attended a meeting for tv/o years, und
another had not attended for four years.
I C - 8 - BOHSIvlIAN
II D 1 •
II D 2 Denni Illasatel , Fet. 8, I9IO.
II A 2
Hinckley refused to £ive any further explanations and restricted himself to
the simple statement that he had come only to define the attitude of the su-
preme council toward the Bohemians, reiterating, that those v/ho v/ished to
remain members of the supreme order nirht do so. But he also informed the
Bohemians, that the supreme council had obtained an order from the Fuperior
Court enjoining the officers of the Bohemian orders from consulting the books
and records of the Union except under the direction of the Court. Me himself
had nothing to do vdth the affair, said he; on the contrary, he considered
Bohemians desirable members, some of them even excellent members.
Mr. Basta took the floor a^ain, reviewing the grievances of the Bohemians
and calling attention to the humiliation which Bohemians would suffer if
they continued to pay dues thirty-three per cent higher than those paid by
members of other racial descent. Re also mentioned the limitations to free-
dom of action imposed by the restrictions of the by-laws, which prohibit
members from following a lar e number of trades and occupations,
Mr. Bolek interrogated Hinckley about the fact that the supreme council
I C . ^ . - 9 - B0H5MI
II D 1
II D 2 Dennl Illasatel . Feb. 8, I9IO.
II A 2
had called a meeting and had then failed to be represented in it instead
of delegating its chief officers to be present and give the enlightenment
demanded in regard to the council's attitude. Finally, Mr. Basta declared
it to be impossiole, for any Bohemian to remain in an organization vmich
dealt to Bohemians nothing but rebuffs and raw insults.
"Are you with us, brethren? '"ill you permit your officers, who have de-
fended your material interests and the honor of your Bohemian name, to be
excluded': If you see the necessity of secession, then demonstrate your
consent by rising from your seats!"
Almost all present rose.
"Yes," members shouted, "we are with youl Let us sever all connection!"
"Now all those who are not with us are Judases and have betrayed us!"
shouted Mr. Basta, and the assembly ansv/ered v/ith cries that resounded
through the hall like peals of thunderi
I C - 10 - 30HSMI
II D 1
II D 2 Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 8, I9IO.
II A 2
"Judases, Judases, that's what they arel"
Mr. Marsik tried to make himself heard above the tumult and tfre shouting:
"Just wait, we'll shovr youl"
"Be quietl" Members shouted in reply, adding other exclaniations still less
flatt erring. ,
Mr. Basta demanded that Hinckley promise to. recommend the exclusion of Marsik
from the supreme council on the ground that he had formerly been employed
as a bartender, Hinckley promised to consider the demand. Peeling vras run-
ning high, and the chairman pronounced the meeting closed.
The separation of the Plzen order from the North American Union is now com-
plete. The Bohemians have given the proper reply to the insults heaped up-
on them. And for this they merit our respect.
I c
Denni Hi as at el , Pet. 3, I9IO.
G0Vi2lll0R AND SDITCR DIFFER CN DIST
p. 4 — Some good advice on how to defeat the high cost of living comes to us
from Governor Hadley of L^issouri. That gentleman suggests raising cov/s and
chickens, as he himself is doing, to eliminate the necessity of buying meat,
V/hile v/e dutifully acknowledge the suggestion' given by this official, we
offer for the sake of completeness an additional idea. Vi^e believe that to
keep body and soul together a diet of Bohemian pheasant, Strassburg pates
de foies gras, and Russian caviar would suffice.
I C BOHEailAN
II B 2 d (1)
III H Denni Hlasatel , Jan. 7, 1909,
AITITDDE OF GERMANS TOWAIS) BGHEMIANS
p. 4— A few days ago we called the attention of our readers to a letter which ^
was sent to the local Geiman newspaper, the Abendpost In defense of Bohemians. ?
The author is Mr. Anton Uartinovsky, 897 South Ashland avenue. The German paper ^
published the letter but immediately afterwards printed a goodly number of r;
eoiiiBunications from Germans who vilified the Bohemian writer emd Bohemians in -o
general. This was not enou^. Certain obscene expressions incorporated in o
some of the letters were omitted by the Abendpost , and so the writers turned on co
Mr. MartinoYsky with private letters containing the most insulting remarks, ^
signing their full names emd addresses, thus giving Mr. Martinovsky the evidence '-^
necessary for a libel suit if he had not preferred to keep aloof from such action.
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 7, 1909.
Bat it is gratifying to find that not all Germans are insane enough to foster
such hatred against us, for some of them eren wrote letters to Ur. Uartino^sky
in which they commended his attitude* One of these, signed John Fried, 1043 ^
North Central Avenue, Austin, Illinois contains the following passage: **I .^
admire a man irtxo has the courage to stand up against the fanatical idolaters p
of Kaiser Wilhelm. He vrtio desires to write about you Bohemians or about other t^
nations must first be sufficiently well versed in his subject* I myself lired g
in Prague almost four years, and I learned a little of the language. I am ^
convinced that all the disturbances in that city are provoked by the riotous ^
behevior of the Oexnans. The German students ought to know that the Bohemian ^i
people have for many years been tcdcen advantage of by the Germans, and that an
unjust government has supplied the finishing touches. "The remainder of the
letter proves the writer to be well informed.
I G BOHEMIAK
III B 1
II E 3 Dennl Hlasatel , June 28, I905.
I H
ABOLISH THE DEATH PEKALTY! S
p. 4 — In no other part of the world is so much said or so much printed about ^
executions, as in this country of ours, v/hich we flatter ourselves by call- ^
ing the most, progressive and the best civilized on earth. Our newspapers ^
print daily reports of executions. If the accused be a colored man, and
the crime an ordinary murder, only brief mention is made of the occurence. ^
If, hov/ever, the condemned man belongs to that class of criminals whose mis- ***
deeds create a sensation on account of peculiar circumstances, whole columns
are devoted to the story for the "education" of the public. Readers must be
informed about the details of crime, about the trial, about the startling
points in the testimony, and about all the practical and unpractical juris-
tic motions made by the defense to save the defendant's life. Mo one be-
lieves that such reading elevates the morals or promotes the perfection of
mankind.
All this would be different if our law did not cling to an ancient medieval
rule: "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life."
I__C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
III B 1
II E 3 Dennl Hi a sat el > June 28, I905.
I H
t
Science has so far tried in vain to demonstrate to legislators by pointing
out the congenital defects of the human mind and the influence of environ-
ment and circumstance how little man is responsible for what he is and does.
Capital punishment, in most of our States, is apparently here to stay. Jn
some States, truly enough, it has been abolished; for example, in the neigh- ^
boring State of Wisconsin. But the States where the rule of Moses, "An eye
for an eye" does not prevail are still very few.
But there are other considerations, not of a scientific nature, which ought
to be taken into account. "Tie have read an article in a certain paper print-
ed in English the gist of which v/e wish to communicate to our readers.
"One of the consequences of the legalization of the death penalty, says this
article, is the excitement created by the publicatior. of details which might
better be kept from the public. Even people with mature minds do not derive
any benefit from such reports of the struggle for existence, whereas persons
of hysterical tendencies and those v/ho are afflicted with a morbid predilec-
tion for sensational stories are weakened thereby both morally and mentally.
-a
-T3
O
§
I C - 3 - B0H3MIAN
III B 1
II E; 3 Denni Pllasatel , June 28, 1905 .
I H
"In the States v/hich have abolished the death penalty those v/ho read the 5
accounts of murder trials are not wrought to so hi£h a pitch of excitement. Oi
V/hen the trial is over, sjid the verdict has "been found, the interest ceases, r^
Vrtiatever is undertaken thereafter to obtain a new trial, on appeal, or a no
pardon fails to attract the attention of either the public or the press. o
The contention that capital punishnent has a deterrent effect upon people i^
who would otherwise be tempted to commit murder v/as refuted years ago by i^
criminologists of the first rank. There have been times in which the ax,
the rope, fire, or the sword v.as used to mete out punishment for crimes
much less grave than murder; it was supposed that men would be deterred
by the fear of punisloment from committing such crimes.
In our day the most progressive of our States have discarded medieval crim-
inal laws and abolished capital punishment."
oi
I
c
i
I
D
2
a
(4)
I
E
Dennl Hlasatel , June 20, I905.
EDITOR LASHES ANTI -LABOR PRESS
•
p. 4 — In the present strike the American press has almost v/ithout exception
taken an attitude favorable to the employers; it prints colored and garbled
news in order to incite the public against the strikers and ur£;es the people
to deny their support. It is obviously necessary in such times as these
for the laboring classes to establish an organ, printed in English, which
will acquaint the public with the real state of affairs. It is clear that
the union men vrould have to set up a vigorous agitation for this organ and
become subscribers themselves. This would be the answer to the attacks,
open or cover-b, direct or insidious, launched against labor organizations
by the capitalistic press.
I C BOHS]JIAN/ ■'^
II E 3
Denni Hlasatel » June 2, I905.
BCHSMIAN DISTRICT lUVi^DED BY HOODLUMS
P.l— The behavior of the pocket-picking, riffraff which traverses our pilsen
district on street-cars is growing more daring and more shameless by leaps
and bounds. The day before yesterday our countryman Bedrich Holy, 172 Thir-
teenth Street was riding on the platform of a car. Suddenly a few boys,
strangers, set upon him, beating him and going through his pockets. After ■
they had got his small change, which luckily v/as not much, they threw him
from the car.
Mr. Holy will carry the memento of this adventure for a lont time. It seems
strange that the employees of the street-car company did not try to protect
the victim.
I c
II B 1 c (3)
II B 3
III S
III B 2
IV
BOHZMIAK
Dennl Hlasatel . May 7t 1905.
SOKOL POLICE?
The American Press shows what conception it has of our Sokols
Brazen insult to Bohemian Organizations
P.l — The Chicago American issued a special evening edition yesterday in
which it stated that thirteen thousand German Turners and Czech Sokols
have offered their services to Mayor Dunne for the maintenance of order
in Chicago, or in other words for the protection of l^fegro strike-hreakers
imported by unscrupulous employers to take the places of honorable citi-
zens who provide for their families.
We do not know where the American obtained this information. It also men-
tions the name of a distinguished German, who, it alleges, represents ten
thousand Turners, and the name of Karel j. Vopicka, who is said to speak
for three thousand Sokols, Hov^ever, we know of no one who could place him-
self at the head of our Sokols and speak for them on so important a matter.
Such a gesture does not conform to Sokol principles, and we hope that the
Sokols will defend themselves against this outrage.
I C BOHEMIAN
II B 1 c (3)
II B 3 Denni Hlasatel , !-!ay 7. 1905.
III S
III B 2 SOKOL POLICS?
IV
""' ~ The American Press shows v/hat conception it has of our Sokols
Brazen insult to Bohemian Organizations
P.l--The Chicago American issued a special evening edition yesterday in
which it stated that thirteen thousand German Turners and Czech Sokols
-^have offered their services to Mayor Dunne for the maintenance of order
in Chicago, or in other words for the protection of Ijegro strike-breakers
imported by unscrupulous employers to take the places of honorable citi-
zens who provide for their families.
We do not knov; where the American obtained this information. It also men-
tions the name of a distinguished German, v/ho, it alleges, represents ten
thousand Turners, and the name of Karel j. Vopicka, who is said to speak
for three thousand Sokols. However, we know of no one who could place him-
self at the head of our Sokols and speak for them on so important a matter.
Such a gesture does not conform to Sokol principles, and we hope that the
Sokols will defend themselves against this outrage.
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II B 1 c (3)
II B 3 Dennl Hlasatel , I.!ay 7. 1905.
III E .
Mr. Karel J. Vopicka, whom the American mentions as the author of the re-
port, informs us that he is hot responsible for the statement or the report
in the American , and that he recognizes the Sokols as independent citizens,
capable of determining their own activities. Ee absolutely did not speak
with any one about the matter, and his name was used without authority.
The idea was conceived by the American's representatives in their contem-
plation of Sunday's celebration. They were pleased by the stalwart appear-
ance of the lads and thought what excellent protection they would be. They
inserted only a few lines about the celebration at that time, but now, when
it is a matter of casting reflections on our pov/erful organization, they
are not spariiag v/ith their space and use lies to create sensations. *V/hy
does not this paper pick the clubs of decrepit American dudes as the tar-
gets for it's v;retched activity? Guarding their fathers' wagons and serv-
ing the felonious Ile^ro gangs v/ould become them much better.
BOHEMIAN
Denni HLaaatel , Mar* 19, 190S*
Bohemians on st, fairick*s lug^
P.4 - This year, as in other years, our patriotic youth took it upon themselves
to decorate tiieir breasts with green ribbons, shamrocks, and other symbols, of
the Irish people on the occasion of St. Patrick's Day. Although in most cases
it was done in a Jocular manner, neyertheless it was a sad manifestation. None
of us should make sport of the struggle of the Irish, of the patriotic feelings
of the Irish, or their loye for their mother-country, but we should take them
as an exano^le for ourselves. But to decorate ourself with Irish emblems, to
Bake it appear that one comes from the Emerald Isle is foolishness and nonsense.
Our Bohemian nation with its culture, its maturity and history surpasses by
far the Irish nation; and our children, American born perhaps, have no reason
to be asnamed of their Bohemian origin and to try to pass themselves off as
Irish.
BOHEMIAN
DcpBJ Hlaeatel , liar* 13, 1905*
/pUlL SHOPS GROWTQSD CXJT B7 BIG BUSINES^
P.4 - The large tailoring establishments in the down-town section want to swallow ^
all smaller employers. These oust think of means whereby they can save themselves^z
What would they say to the suggest! on, that they should themselves organize big ^^
business and big factories, which vrould compete with the Jews who up to now have ?d
profited on an now want to ruin our tailors. We must have a little enterprise and !—
courage if we wish to keep up with others here in America. If Jews can become ^
millionaires through the clothing industry, why could not Bohemians at least make ^
a decent living therefrom, since for the most part it is Bohemian labor, through
which the Jews become wealthy. If an individual is insufficient to accomplish this,
why don't several Join together, or a whole group? As has already been said, our
tailors very existence is involved and they must act. Bohemian workingmen and
businessmen surely would support them in their struggle for existence and no doubt .
many customers would be found among other nationalities for the expert workmanship
of Bohemians.
Why should we Bohemians continuously work only for others, why not work for
ourselves sometimes?
' »•
\
I
I Al b . ' BOHEMIAN
I » 3 I .
17
IT B 2 d (l)(0««a»)
H B 8 d (l)(7«ivi«li) Svornost, May 13, 1900.
,j ■■■
WHAT THE "BOHEMIAN" MR. LOEFFL^. IS PROMISING TO THE GEF.i.lAITS. ,
(Iditorial)
The Bohemian member of the Board of Education, Mr, Kristian R. Walleck,
created a big stir sunong the Germans in Chicago when he entered a motion,
during the last year, to introduce Bohemian and other foreign languages
into the schools visited by fifty percent of foreign pupils. Nevertheless
the Bohemians ajid other nationalities were thankful for it.
Now, while this motion is under deliberation and Mr. Walleck endeavors very
zealously to pass it fnrough, decreasing even the percentage of foreign
pupils to thirty percent, his work is really so much more meritorious. All
Bohemian societies have acknowledged his activity and at the meeting of May
11th, the presidixim of the club "Lipeny" No. 199 made a resolution to
express to Mr. Walleck a strong public approval for his efforts with the
Board of Education to introduce the Bohemian language in the school program.
As we have known Mr. Walleck for a long time, we believe fnat his efforts
are honest; his intentions are generous and all his endeavors in this direc-
tion are real and actual. It is really surprising that there is somebody
-. 2 - BOHEMIM
Svornost , May 13, 1900.
whose desire is to hurt this good yiork, secretly or publicly; somebody who
generally is respecter" as good Bohemian too, and who proclaims himself as a
Bohemian, especially always before the election period. This person is a
well-known Democratic boss, a magnate (bashaw) of the 8th ward, Mr. William
.Loeffler. As long as he was active in the smaller political affairs the
Bohemians w"re s\ifficient for hin but since he started to climb the politi-
cal ladder higher and higher, he found it. advant^^geous for himself to look
for cooperation and support to his friends of the same religion, and the
Hebrew press recommended him exclusively as a representative of the Jews.
The political activity of Mr. Loeffler is not ended yet. It is said he
hopes to receive a nomination for State Auditor or something similar. In
this case he would be in need, not only of Eohemiajis but of Jews and G-ermans
too, who ere very strong in nxamber but are not satisfied with the project
of Mr. Walleck's; that's why Mr. Loeffler is against Mr. Walleck's motion
and assures the Germans that he is disappointed, but not responsible for
Mr. Walleck's behavior.
- 3 - BOHmilAN
Svornost, May 13, 1900,
The local German daily, Freie Presse , which on every occasion condemns the
European and local Bohemians, is depending totally on Mr, Loeffler, who as
a political hoss can easily forbid Mr, ^alleck to agitate for the Bohemian
language in the puTjlic schools. It published, yesterday, an interesting
editorial note in wnich you can read a paragraph:
"The City Clerk, Mr. Wm. Loeffler, who considers the nominated Mr. Walleck
suitable to the position of a member of the Board of Education, announces
that the said Mr, Walleck, proposing the teaching in the schools of Bohe-
mian, Polish, Swedish, and other langxoages, acted of his own accord. It
is apparent that this proposal is simply a covert attack against the German
nation. According to Mr, Loeffler 's statement, Mr, Walleck will keep his
mouth shut in the fut\ire and his project will be buried forever,"
In spite of it fnat Mr, Loeffler promised to the Freie Press to attend to
it "that Mr. Walleck keeps his mouth shut," we are sure that he possesses
enough courage and esteem for personal liberty and good achievements not
- 4 -
BOHEIHAN
Svornost . May 13, 1900.
to subject himself to the authority of the political boss of the 8th ward.
The Bohemians and other nationalities are with him and conscious of their
cooperation given to Mr. Walleck by each step leading to the realization of
his motion. Our cotintrymen should remember what Mr. Loeffler knows and how
he washes his hands in the presence of the Germans, "that he is not responsi-
"ble for Mr. Walleck's deeds."
We doubt that Mr. Loeffler would act this way were he in his heart a sincere
Bohemian; his present general benavior proves that he is not a Bohemian at all
but he needs them merely for his own purposes. He considers, evidently, the
Bohemians as a herd of sheep not worthy of receiving any attention, in compari-
son with the Germans, stronger in number and more significant in state poll-
tics.
It would "be very desirable if Walleck's motion would pass and we are full of
hope that Mr. Walleck will do everything possible in this direction. In case
it would fail, the Bohemians, the Poles, and other nationalities will know
a
- 5 -
BOHEMIAN
Svornost, May 13, 1900.
exactly from what direction the wind blows and that a great Slav and Bohemian,
Mr. Billy Loeffler, supported the blowing, together with the Germans. Mr.
Loeffler should be aware that he attained his sunny political place only by
Bohemian cooperation.
II B 2 d (1) Illinois Staats - Zeltung , Vjblt, 26, 1900,
I G
THE BOHEKLANS CQUPA?J: THSLSSLVES TO IHIE BOERS.
Several hundred of Ohicap;o»s citizens of Bohemian extraction gathered at the-
Pilsen Turner Hall 3resterday to express their proHBowp sjnnpathies, Mr»
John Habenicht, the chairman of the meetini^, compared the fate of the Boers
to that of the Bohemians. He said, that Britain is trying to enslave the Boer
nation just as the Germans are doing with Bohemia. He asked for intervention s
by our Federal Government in the war in South Africa, To this proposal the 5
meeting responded with loud applause. I.'!r. Frank Cesvacek, publisher of the <^
newspaper Spravedenost , and .Gillian Kronziker of the Svornost delivered speech- r^
es to the sane effect. Ilr. William Naseman of the Onze Tbekoiaa-t thanked the -c
Bohemians in the name of the Dutch for their expression of sympathy for this o
South African nation. - The following resolution was then read and passed: i,,
"This assembly thus expresses its syinpathy and its deep admiration for the S
courageous Boer nation which is fi«5hting to defend its independence. We, the *'"
descendants of a glorious nation which has for centuries lived under the yoke,
sympathize with the Boers, whose only desire is to remain masters of their own
country. The Bohemians are a peace-loving nation, respecting the rights of
others. He are, therefore deeply concerned about the so-called enlightened
tendency of the powerful nations of the earth vrtiich tolerates the absorption
of smaller nations and the extinction of their native tongues.
I c -2- BonmuN
Illinois Staats - Zeitung, Mar, 26, 1900,
The Peace Conference at l^he Lague, vrtiich was supposed to be an intermediary
in international disagreements, is a sorry burlesque in the case of the pres-»
ent conflict, ^
Yes, Bohemia's sons fight, too, for their liberty, and will continue to do ?=
so until the day dawns when they will lift the yoke and be a free nation again# ^
la Citizens or this country we appeal to the government of the United States S
to exercise its influence toward the speedy termination of this horrible war i-
and to protect a small nation which is so honorably defending its liberty, a
"^
-qoxjT;:'-
ia:^
"" Svornost . J'srch 19, 1900.
LOCAT. mi-'S - THE Ri:COP.D ON BOHSHIANS.
The IocpI nerrspaoer. Record' , hfs been Iptely ar^itating very liprd, to gaAn
new subscribers among our countr^nnen; anc! in orc?er tc attract then more
easily, it placet on the front ptr-e from time tc time some tasteless and
senseless event, taken out of public life. It never misses an opportunity
to molest the Bohemians, and consistently hrs mentioned for the last few
days, that the Poles and Boherrlans maintain a special school for perjury,
in T/hich are trainer! witnesses, on ho'v tc give ffilse evidence in the courts,
hoTT to proceed with raenc'r-cicus complaints arpinst the city for damages,
Injuries, etc. This kind of scoun^'relism will empower the Poles and Bohemi-
ans to proceed in courts with complaints for slanc'er against the Pecorn and.
against ilr, Ryan, the ls7;yer, an.-' ve will have enough proof to bring them
to the Grand Jury, ^e can't deny th?t it can happen that, here and there,
some of our people will enter with a less substantial claim, being persuaded
by his lav/ypr tc dc it; nevertheless it is a disgrace when the P.ecorr
asserts that the Poles and Bohemians conduct a special "school," where the
witnesses are instructed how to swear falsely.
^e are sure that Mr. Pya-n and the reporters, who are on the Pecorrl in close
— '^ —
^ »^ ""
Svorr.o~t. llarch 19, 1900,
BO?sylTA^^
contact with the Bohemians, '70''ald "be able to find anong their ovrn coiintry-
nen. Irishmen, a greater numher of similar esses than araong the citizens
of other nationalities.
} , 1 C ' B0HE3>!IAN
^ n D 1 * Svornost . Sep. 25, 1899,
™ ^ HCDICaTATlON l;EETIllb, LIBEL CF BOKST.'IAIIS.
Volcoun*s malicious circular, as published in t]:e Tribune , Narod , and other
papers, and ^ich is wholly unfavorableto ovir entire nationality, was an-
swered by a gigantic indifjnation meeting held by Chicago's liberal-minded
, Bohemians,
The meeting was held in tte hall of the Bohemian-A;ierican Liberal School on
18th St., which is the center of our nationalistic societies. The large
hall was filled to capacity, both gallerj'- and nain floor. The meeting was
called to order by our well known countr^rnian Jan Pecha and he was elected
permanent chairman. The starje was occupied by representatives of various
Bohemian societies. I^, Peclia explained, in words of great feeling, the
purpose of the meeting,
A resolutions committee was appointed to work out resolutions in protest
against the accusation of Bohemians "by the English press.
- 2 - BOHSMIAV
Svomoet , Sep. 26, 1899.
The followlo^ resolntlons, as worked out by the committee, were read to the
gathering, and accepted:
Whereas, the Bohemian people of Chicago and the fraternal benefit societies
organized among them have foxmd out that the Chicago Tribune, prompted bj
persons more or less known, accuses us of organising societies professing to
be atheistic, and accuses us of degeneracy and the practice of suicide en masse
and indlTldually, and
Whereas, in a massmeeting, held in the Bdhemian-Americeui Liberal School, 400
W. 18th street, attended by a large portion of our people, there were presented
figures, statistics and records, proving that the accusations as published in
the Tribune are absolutely and unconditionally wrong; and further, it was
proved by testimony in said meeting that no societies for the practice and
support of suicide axe, or ever were, in existence among us, and the accusa*
tion in this respect is false; fturther, we make it clear that our societies
are not atheistic but that they are fraternal benefit societies having nothing
- 3 - BOHEMIiH
Svomoat , Sep. 35, 1899.
in eoBUDon with beliefs or religion; therefore, be it
ResolTed, "by us gathered in meeting, that we condemn and damn the degenerate
and treacherous person, or persons, who gave these false and malicious reports
to the Chicago Tribune , and be it further
Resolredf that a cop7 of these resolutions be given to the public press.
I C BOHEMIAN
III C
Svornost , Mar. 29, 1899.
CHDRCHES ON DECLINE
It is becoming quite manifest that religions are on the decline, churches are
remaining empty, the clerical business is unprofitable and that people
solicitous about the happiness, contentment and morality of their descendants,
must make preparations to haye their children well educated in the schools,
to free them of all superstitions in the home, so that they will be able in the
new century, without the aid of preachers and priests, to live orderly, morally
and happily.
A new era is approaching; it will be better than the old; it will be more
progressive, more cultured and happier, but only for those who free themselves
of prejudices, superstitions and ecclesiastical bug-bears, and depend upon
honorable work, honorable thoughts, good will and sincere hearts, who will be
loyal to truth, liberty and humanity in all their endeavors.
One such indication of the nearness of the new era frightened the godly Methodists
on the 27th of Uarch, who, in their prejudiced simpleness believe that only their
creed redeems mankind, and that without their creed everyone becomes a criminal.
X c -2- BOHBMIAK
111 C
Svomost t March 29, 1899
jail-bird or gallows prey. The Methodist clergy of the city and environs hold a
meeting every Monday, to formulate plans as to the "best method of urging subjugation
of the people to their creed. —
-o
3>
The Methodist Church is face to face with a decision and the coming twentieth
century brings surprising changes, the question remaining whether for better oi*
more likely for worse.
Today whole groups of its members are turning away from the church and joining
in preference social, scientific, literary and art clubs, and of these none
ever return to the church. o«
In vain do preachers poimd the bible while preaching the old dogmas. We must
find some new source of enthusiasm. In the coming centxxry we must turn about
or it will be amen for the church.
o
IC
II B 2 d (1) BOHEMIAH
III C { Svornost . may is, 1896*'
"^^ ! iff
I S /BCBBlfZARS NOT IK HED OF 11188101^
We expressed our otox Judgement on the ways used. by some local, also Bohemian
reverends who are hurabuggers and quacks, to make the Bohemian "better acquainted
with the local Better English classes. The major purpose of their activity
is only the filling of their own pockets. These people treated the Bohemians ^
like i^oramuses, rebels, half cannibal, and tried to persuade them that they ^^
are in need of missions and some other means for their conversion* ^
Last Saturday, there was an article in a local newspaper, The Inter^Ocean , g
stating that so long as the Rev, Adams edited the .journal, Pravda , Chicago's !—
Bohemians were controlled and held on the bridle, but now that the newspaper o
Pravda is discontinued the local Bohemians are subject to anarchistic ^
propaganda and literature. The Inter-Ocean suggests there should be found
somebody to pity the Rev. Adams, to subsidize him, that he would be able to
save the Bohemians in Chicago. It seems that Adams has participated in this
article himself, publishing this shameless lie, and should publish an immediate
revocation of same. In case he will not do that he can be quite certain that
we Bohemians in Chicago will look at this article as at a dirty business trick.
-3- BOHEMIAH
Svomost, May 13, 1896
Chicago Bohemians are not anarchists «md ignoramuses and this can be proved
by the fact that they refused to accept all the trash in this form of
publications by Chicago's Bohemian reverends, and forced them, in this way,
to disappear.
I D 2 a (4) '
n B 2 d (1)
n B 2 d (1) (G«nuai) BOHEMIAN
fevomost, March 19, 1896.
LABORER QUESTION
BOHEMIAN WORZERS AND THE FOREIGN PRESS
Many times we have had the opportunity to call the attention of OTir
countrymen to the manner in which the local foreign press, especially
Geriuan and English, eire using the smallest facts to lower the
Bohemian immigrant element to a basis below that of the Polish or
Russian Jew* Our Bohemian immigrauits were depicted as enemies of
the American regime, ignorant, anarchistlcally inclined and trying
to overthrow the regular government*
We should be thankful for this kind of inspiration to the individuals
who collected money among the American population for educational
purposes for the local Bohemians* It is impossible to refute such
calumnies with two or three columns of writing about some prominent
Bohemian citizen or about some national tindertaking which is published
in the American news by the country of this or that other person*
- 2 -
SvornoBt, March 19, 1896.
The German Journals^and especially those which reflect the local
voice of the people, as for instsuice, the Ateadpost a nd others, are
helping to spread among foreigners the false impression that the
Bohemian working masses are very lew in every way. At the outbreak
of the tailors* strike, one of the local german newspapers lamented
the Bohemian tailor trade and added to it that Bohemia is one of the
nations that brought poverty to this country. Everybody knows how
our intelligent tailors tried to keep on the level, to organize the
workingmen in the tailor business and to agitate for improvement
of the trade.
In yesterday's copy of the Record for instance, there appeared a
news story entitled, "Bohemians are Fighting With Bohemians. A Pew
Shots T7ere Pired And The Pitting Was So Violent That Police Prom
Three Stations Were Called*" The local press spreads this kind of
information with pleasure* Among American readers, we have collected
the details on the above item in the Record. There was a little
fist fi^t between two Bohemians. We hope our readers, friends of
the Bohemian population, will pay no attention to this kind of wrong
•* —■*'-— — *■•' —
- 3 - BOHEMIAN
Svornost, March 19, 1896
The local Bohemiaui workingmen know very well that the Bohemian
commimity and press sympathize with them. They will carefully watch
themselves so that nothing may happen, which would give the Snglish
newspapers a chance to write stories again, dishonoring oiir honest
workingmen* Endurance, self-esteem, general moderation and re-
putation will elevate the Bohemian workers and place them on the
high level with others.
. ^ • BOHEMIAN
I C
m I Z (6«naA) ST0«05t. Iby ». 1898.
/jiSHANIZINO OP BQHOOAI^
Although it is not the real "Prussian Schulverein" which exists within Chi-
cago, it is a variety, a society organized more than half a year ago for the
purpose of having Prussian and Aixstrian-Germans, in Bohemia and outside of
Bohemia, support both materially and morally in the Germ6.nization of every-
thing which is not German. It is a society of immigrant Austrians, or in other
words an "Austrian Society," which really issued the proclamation for the "Ger-
mans" to quickly and plentifully collect two-dollar contributions, because in
Bohemia, "oppressed" countrymen are in need of a great deal of money and a
great deal of encouragement to carry on the work with which the entire "Ger-
manic Culture" is so concerned.,
So that our countrymen will know from the groxind up what this famous
"Schulverein" really is, we say fnat the task of this refined society is to
force themselves boldly into Bohemian cities; to denationalize Bohemian
children; as for instance, turn the children away from their mother "tongue;
encotirage in them a hatred toward it, and everything which carries the name
Bohemian; to teach them to deny their native origin; to deny the language of
their mother and father. In this manner the children are- to be brought up
- 2 - BOHEMIAN
Svornost, May 30, 1882.
as traitors to their own nationality and join the ranks of the greatest
enemies of the Bohemian people. The Bohemian child who enters the "German
Schulverein" school will not and cannot learn. Everything is explained to
him simply In the German tongue, about which the child has not the slightest
idea; he doesn't \mderstand a word and therefore cannot do well. The result
of the teaching is that the child knows neither Bohemian nor German. Formerly
we had no "Schulverein" and we learned German, For Bohemians to learn, for
their own use and not for the convenience of the Germans, so much German as
is necessary is their own affair - and let the Germans worry about again
learning Bohemian. It is known that the Central Alma Mater in Bohemia and
Moravia is working ardently in opposition to the "Schulverein," The influ-
ence of this genuine Bohemian patriotic society is a thorn in the eyes of the
obstinate Germans and of the Bohemian traitors and renegrades. The Germans,
being unable to battle effectively with the "Central Alma Mater" because of
their greatly and contin\ially dwindling means, have turned to the American
"Austrians" for their financial support in the fight. As a result we have
the "Austrian Society."
For us American-Bohemians this fact is of great significance. Thus far we
don't care about otir particular national interests here in America, whereas
■d^\JA*>*iSm AA&A1
Svornost, May 30, 1882.
the Germems in addition to supporting everything that concerns the local
German element are helping to their utmost the struggle of their patriotic
overseas-countrymen. Isn't this so?
Under conditions such as exist among us we would not be surprised in the
least if the "Austrian Society" mustered among its members several Bohemians
also. The unknown attracts Bohemians, always and everywhere.
I C , . . BOF?a\>TTAN
II B 1 a
III B 3 a Svornost, tlay 28, 1892,
I A 1 b
I A 1 a BCKIEMIAIT-AM2RICAII CELEBRATION DI PUBLIC SCHOOL.
Exercises were held in all public schools yesterda/ afternoon in memory of is.
those tAio Ibu^t in the civil war, but probably in no other school was there 5
a more sincere celebration held than in the Hedges School at 47th St, and ^
ilfinchester Avb,, which is attended largely by Bohemian children. The prin- r^
cipal of this school lliss Malley, a highly educated lady, has a deep love -n
for Bohemiam. children and likes the Bohemian people for their goodness and £
tolerance, L>
On no occasion does she forget to place in the piograra some Bohemian son^* °^
At yesterday's celebration, the children sang "^de domov mly" (TThere kt
Hone ia) and another national song.
Because the invited speaker from the '♦Grand Army** did not appear, the prin-
cipal asked the gymnastic instriictor, J. Ceimak,to speak to the children
in their mothertongue.
5
I C -2- BOim'ITAIT
II B 1 a
III B 3 a Svprnost, May 28, 1892,
I A 1 t
I A 1 a
These listeners were very much pleased when the ineaninf; of Decoration Day ^
was explained to them in the language of their cradle-days ♦ ^
Tlhen the speaker, in conclusion, urged them to be not only ardent Bohemians S
but to become good Americans, thev all promised enthusiastically to do so» ^
icr
I BOHEMIAN
I B 4 ■
Svornost, March 16, 1892.
ALAEM AlIONG CATHOLIC KNIGHTS.
Whenever there appears among the free-thinking people some swindler who ^
absconds with money entrusted to him, our Catholic citizens raise a hue and "^
cry and almost tear themselves to pieces pointing out what scoundrels people C
are who do not want to believe in the Heavenly Kingdom and how dangerous it pg
is for a poor man if he has himself ins\ired "by such unbelieving societies. £
These gentlemen do not like to admit that there are scoundrels among the ^
Catholics as well as among the free-thinkers. Yet it is proved that there ^
are suaong the Catholics more people who perpetrate all sorts of fraud and '*"
who have the idea that by confessing all everything is well again.
The incident which we mention here is proof that Catholic gentlemen see the
faults of others but are \inable to see their own.
There is an organization of Catholic Knights in America which is directly
under the control of the priests. All officers from the chairman down to
I C . • - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Svornost, March 16, 1892.
the last clerk are under the supervision of the gentlemen in the Capoches 5
(priest's grrment). The devoted lamhs "believed that every penny which they ':ri
deposited into the central treasury was well protected. However, in the p
month of October of last year, the board of trustees examined the books and
annotinced to the much surprised Knights that there was some trifling short-
age. Little attention was given to it in the beginning, for how could any-
thing irregular occur in a society which was managed by such Godly servants ^
of the Lord? i<^
A somewhat more serious attitude was taken toward the whole affair when it
became known, after a thorough exauninaticn of the books, that the trifling
shortage would amount to $71,000, and that there was a possibility that it
might be much greater, probably as much as $200,000.
And where is this money? Catholic Knights have a membership of ebout
25,000, and they all pay dues into a central treasury for insurance in the
event of death. According to their laws, the treasurer is required to pay
the death benefits of the deceased within sixty, days after the annoiincement
o
I C - 3 - BOHm^IAN
I B 4 .
Svornost, March 16, 1892. ^
r;
of death. -tj
Under these circiimstances, the treasurer was able, "being hand in hand with Lo
the reverend fathers, to profit thereby. Recently, people have been dying ^>
more niunerously than heretofore and Mr. Treasurer seemed to think it the '***
best time to provide for his future. The more money that accumulated in his
hands, the greater was his love for it. ^en there had accumulated in the
treasury almost $200,000 he was completely enraptured. He knew, to be sure,
that this money belonged to poor forsaken widows and orphans. He knew that
he would commit a greet sin if he were to steal this money - but the money
seemed to promise him a nice, comfortable life on earth, so why wait for the
blessed life after death? Therefore he kept the money and the reverend
fathers are now trying to find a way to arrange it so that they will not be
forced to take Mr. Treasurer before the courts.
I C BOHEMIAN
The phlcago yrlbune , March 8, 18ol.
BOHEMIANS HAVE A MEETING
The Bohemian Democratic Club of the Nln>^th Ward met at No, 612 West Eighteenth
Street last evening and Indorsed Max Kirchman as Its candidate for Alderman.- The
club had an excited discussion over a statement made by a Bohemian that Bf^vemlaas
were being Illegally naturalized*
The members say that such statements are utterly untrue.
I C BOHEaHAN
III A
III C
Svornost, March 12th, 1885.
TOE BOHEMIANS IN CHICAGO (Editorial)
The article of Mr* Adams printed in Inter-Ocea under the above title vas
entirely destined to take us Bohemians under its protection. Ifr. Adams says^
that the only obstacle among us is our atheism; but we do not agree with thi^
view*-point. Our opinion is that a republic ruled by atheists, would be veryF
strong and could flourish better than in the hands of religious families. -^
Everyone has his own opinion and we cannot consider it wrong if someone has so
the view-point, that only faith in God can save humanity from the downfall, ^
The above mentioned article says: **The author of this article is a man of ^
rare character, completely acquainted with the Bohemian tongue and customs* ^
He spent a few years in Prague, the Bohemian Capitol in Europe, and at
present is living in our city. Vb can entirely depend on the <i©iHpectn«8s of
his statement •** Chicago, like other big centers, has numerous nationalities
among its population. All countries and all languages are represented here.
They are here to stay. Our rights and interests are equal. It is the glory
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN p
III A ^
III C • ^ g
STomoaA» IJarch 12th, 1885* ^~
of our goyernaent) that everyon* has the right to enjoy offered laririlege^ ^^
And this is the reason, iriiich is attending these millions to our shores and
filling our cities. It is most important that all those different nationalities
understand each other and live in mutual harmony* This reciprocal relation-
ship cannot be effected in one day, consequently evils can often be noticed
In the conunities*
13ie author of the above mentioned article is thriving to repute some of the
false statements, and he did a good job. "ThsYCthe Bohemians) are not the
kind of people depicted by the misinformed writers; as a rule they bring their
Suropean customs and habits with them. If they drink beer, there is nothing
wrong in it; nevertheless, it is said that they hate intemperance. Their
natural sympathy is always with the working people. It would be an offence to
them, i"^ we were to say that they are in accordance with the foolish anarchists
or socialists or that they even sympathise with them*
. 3 - BOHEMIAN
.STornort. March 12th, 1885. 5
r—
The Bohemians have one daily Journal^ Svomost « edited by Mr. Zdrubek which r^
propagates ardently morality, ' go
o
The worst that can be said about this journal is that it is anti-religious, Lo
and especially the Sunday supplement is conpletely blasphemous. In this ^;3
direction it surpasses even Ingersol himself. By the way, it is said that **"
nothing is read by the Bohemians more diligently, than the translated
lectures of Ingersol. The Bohemiems have many societies among them; mutual,
beneficial, building-loan education, and musical. The more educated Bohemians
subscribe to the Bohemian newspapers published in Cleveland, Minneapolis,
sad svsa in Bohemia, Surope. The number of Bohemians in our city is 35,000,
dvelliqgs are situated mostly on the south side. Such an important
factor in our life and in our city cannot be further misunderstood.
UL
BOHEMIAN ^
Svorno8t,Jan.29,1885. so
INSULTING THE BOHSMIANS. W
(iCditorial)
As wd know, a new attack vas made again on us Bohemians » and its injustice,
cannot be compared with the previous numerous affronts, printed in the
English press against the 3ohemians not only in Chicago, but in other
cities* We Bohemians know very well, that this article is mendacious as
is proven by the fact, that the article encompasses the entire Bohemian
Nation, not only here but in Bohemia, Europe* It states for instance that ,
we generally dwell in the worst holes* What a picture of us must be
created by an individual who does not know our people?
Certainly we must confess that there actually are somewhere some conditions,
which would be hard to defend before foreigners, but the whole nation can
never be blamed for this} the other nations given to us as an example -
are still worse*
It is true regarding the employment of eh-iirf^- xu * x,.
K u^fmenx 01 cftiidren, that there are many parents
- 2 - BOHHMIAN
Svornost .Jan .29 «1885 «
.who send their children to work while yery young, but this fact cannot be >
classed as characteristic of the entire nation. Ve have many wealthy ~
Bohemians in America, 4^0 also send their children to work right after r^
graduation from the public school. *e have also a great number of poor, ^
intellit^ent workinginen, who can hardly make their living expenses, but o
who send their children to school as long as circumstances permit* Lo
The same condition can be found among the Germans, who are offered us as '^'^
an example. There are more points in the attack which offend our
nationality and it is sufficient for our readers to peruse today the fourth
page of the correspondence of Mr. Baumbruker, a Chicago inhabitant of many
years. There are exceptions too; If someone a«te a iehemian woman stealing
corn grain or corn ears, this does not mean that all Bohemian women steal.
We have our faults, but the same faults can be found among the immigrants
of other nations, also suBong the Americans* On the other hand we have
qualities, which ennoble our nation and if one wishes to write about some
of our faults, he should not dare to include in it that the entire Bohemian
nation here and in the old country. His duty would be to show to the
- 3 - BOHEMIAN
? C
Sroronost, Jan. 29,1885.
readers our good quantities also ....«
The health coonissioner stated that the Bohemians as a rule live in
narrow dwellings, each floor of iriiich contains a large number of families.
The same conditions will be found among other nationalities. If a Bohemian
comes from abroad and has no place to sleep and one of his acquaintances
keeps him until he is able to find a home, this is not proof that this SE
condition is general in our life. The majority of us live the same way ^
as our brother citizens, the Americans, and in many cases even better. "^
so
o
I
»
I C BOHEMIAN
I F 6
III B 4
Svornost, Oct. 9, 1884.
CITIZENS WITHOUT REPRESENTATION (Editorial)
o
Co
The Catholic newspaper, the True Witness , edited in Chicago at 168 _
E* Randolph Street, gives e^n article in Tts last October copy about ^
us Bohemians* This article was written \>y a certain W« Mimgavin, and «^
is worthy to be given notice, especially, as in contrast with the libelous
article published not long ago in the Protestant missionary report of the
local missionary society* We print a copy of this article below in full.
Dear Editor, taking cognisance of your independence as regards political
problems, with your permission, I intend to bring before the public the
terrible injustice that is constantly being perpetrated over a highly
honorable, law-abiding and industrious race* The Bohemian-Americans are
taking an important part among the numerous nationalities that compose
the popxalation of Chicago* The last published school census shows that
the Bohemians hold fourth place in Chicago's population* Besides they
are pronoiinced as the most temperate, frugal and diligent citizens among
all foreign nationalities* Consequently their number eoid respectability
- 2 - BOHEMIAH
Svomost y Oct, 9, 1884.
entitles them to be accordingly represented, not only in state «md county ^
offices, but in national offices as well. They pay us political attention ^
to corrupt professional politicians, and every impairtial citizen should p
consider that because of their honorable behavior they should be ^'■^
represented in local and national governmental offices. The injustices S
practiced against the Bohemian-Americans in our city is purely aggression. ^-
This evil is worse in some specific wards and districts* Ward sixth is o
an example of what I mean. In this ward the Bohemian element surpasses ^r
every other nationality in Hie proportion of four to one. Notwithstanding
their numerical and material majority they have not even a district senator,
alderman or representative. Tliere is no other nationality which would
submit so long to such a situation. Ihe author of this article is convinced
that there was another cause for this prolonged injustice and not only
the restrictive activity of the politicians. After many inquiries I have
fouzid that jealousy among the societies helped very much to create the
I C - 3 - BOHEMIAN
TT"6
II B 4
STornost, Oot« 9« 1884*
differences -which were exploited very suooessfully by "the politicians*
Kow an entirely new spirit reigna over the Bohemians, they are uniting
with the purpose of self-preservation and of representation*
rp
P9
The last Sokol convention held here in Chicago had very beneficial ^
consequences. All existing disagreements, which were in the way of the ^
development of different societies, now are resolved fortunately, and '*^
the Bohamian»Ainer leans will work hand in hand for a prosperous future*
They soon will make good and turn aside the scorn, sticking to the
nation without the representation. I hope their efforts will be crowned
with a complete victory* I remain.
Respectfully,
(signed) TRga* Mungavin*
IC_ BQHElgAN
III C
I B 4
II D 6
II B 2 d (2)
2
Svornost, Sept. 16, 1884. - 5
, HOT THE AMERICANS CARE FOR CHICAGO'S BCXffiMIANS. ^
WE ARE INFAMOUS HEATHENS ACCORDING TO AN AMERICAN ,§
MISSIONARY SOCIETY. '*^
XDITORIALt There exists in our city an American missionary society. It published,
not long ago, its first annual statement called, "First annual report of the
Chicago City Missionary Society." This booklet has twenty pages with, at least,
twenty infamous lies and calumnies about the Bohemians in Chicago. We do not
like this kind of slander, and so much the' less when it comes from the mouth
of Ecelasiastical zealots, who boast that they are fighting eyil with truth.
We hope, anyhow, that the local public will be informed how our. nationality has
beoi unjustly offended, and What kind of crooked calumnies are spread anong the
religious masses about us. We must assert that their efforts are connected rather
IC_ - 2 - BOHEMIAN
III C
I B 4 f
II D 6 ^
II B 2 d (2) Svornost, Sept. 16, 1884. p
with the devil, than with God. ag
e
On page 6 of this annual repojrt, is given, by the superintendent of the missionar]^
society, J. C. AriLstrong, the first report on che Bohemians. j^
"In the Lumbermen's Ifission, founded for workers of lumber-yards > a new field is
opened for our society. This ndssion is located at the comer of 19th and Center
Streets. In this district the religious services are held in French, German,
Norwegian and English. One day in a week should be devoted to the Bohemians. A .
large number of Bohemians separated from the Catholic church have built in the
neighborhood a beautiful infidel temple. This is the same spot where, in 1876,
occured the revolt, and there have been, tuitil now, elements there which played
with dynamite. Those are the men, who are not afraid of God and do not oare for
the rights of other fellow human beings. It will be much cheaper, wiser and safer
to go among them With the gospel, than to let them come to us with sword and fire*
Our problem is to save them from eternal damnation, these despez*ate individuals
who are connected with the vice of our city. This sacred mission is given to us.
- 3 - BOHEMIAN $
IS 5
III c p
I B4 . -:
II D 6 g
II B 2 d (2) SvorpoBt . Sept. 16, 1884. !-
"■^— — — " CO
and what will be the answer to Him, who has sent us?** , ^
All that has been cited above is an infeimous lie and oalicicus slander of the whole
Bohemian comniunity in this district and of the National Hall of the G.S.P.S.
(Czechoslovak BeneVolent Society), and of all the workingmen, who feed and fatten
the churchfflsn* They lie when they say that the revolt of the workingmen, in 1877,
started in National Hall and that Ifotional Hall is a seat of tne so much feared
dynamite throwers.
It is further an absolute lie that Bohemians frequenting this hall, have no fear
of God or consideration for their fellow human beings. All those societies, which
have meetings in this hall, have the same nutual problems of encouraging fraternity
amongst humans and of fuz*ni8hing financial help to the needy. They are not, as tne
missionary report says, a bunch of desperados, connected with the city's worst
element, whose sole purpose is crime. It is incredible how a superintendent of a
2
- 4 - BOHEMIAN
III c
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II D 6 . . g
II B 2 d (2) Svornost, Sept. 16, 1884. ^
missionary society is able to release such infamous lies from his devilish throat. ^
His mouth anointed with sacred oils, Christ's blood and prayers, should be clean ^
and veracious. How can he dare to bring the Gospel to these defamed and slandered v^
Bohemian people, to preach -his American morality with all this Pharisaism, thievery
and knavery and to wish to convert them to his faith, a faith that has originated
from the devil, himself.
This superintendent's devilish mouth should not spreads lies about his fellow-men,
whom he does not know, and never has associated with. He believes only in
spreading vile calumnies. He mixes Christianity in his devilish saliva and believes
that no one will know the difference. In this way he strives to poison our people
and corrupt them to his level.
The Chairman of the missionary society, Ur, C.F.Gates, a missionary himself, expresses
a still worse opinion on the Bohemians living in this district. He writes on page 10,
IC - 5 - BOHEMIAN
III C
I B 4
II D 6
II B 2 d (2) Svornoet, Sept, 16, 1884.
as follows I "You have heard about the comnittee organized by us for the purpose ^
of establishlzig a UcLeane Mission, called the "Lumbermen's idssion, at 683 Centre,^
Ave. The committee's task was to find out the best ways to win for salvation p
the Bohemians, who are populating this district very densely. There is nothing ^^
done. We can see swarms of children running wild in the streets. We can see g
crowds of men leaving their dwellings and going to the meetings, to listen to i—
the instigative speeches of the communistic and socialistic leaders. The only ^
things that they learn at these meetings is to fight against God and the Church, ^
against the law of possession, against the family's rules and social connections.
Vhen we consider, that their votes in the elections have the same worth as ours,
we will understand the big value of our undertaking to penetrate those crowds
with the light of the Holy Gospel.
If we wish to be saved ourselves, we must try to save our children and in the'
name of our Master, under whose banner we are marching. We must walk through all
IC. - 6 - BOHEMIAN
III C
I B 4
II D 6
II B 2 d (2)
Svornoet, Sept. 16, 1884.
the side streets of our city seeking for the lost ones, to save them with God's
help.
Brothers, why does God allow all those people from Eohemia, Italy, Germany, Holland,
Norway, Denemark, England, Ireland, Holland, China and Japan to come independently,^
instead of delivering them straight into our hands so that we can show them the ^
value and power of the Christian faith, as a developer of their body, morals and >^
soul? It is a very expensive problem to send the missionaries to the remote p
countries, but when God is sending those pagans to our own door, we should seize ^
the work in our own hands and we will not regret this at the day of judgment. ^
•
As cooopensation for our missionary work we will have flocks of devoted men and g
women, who wil!^ go everywhere and distribute the bread of life and God's teaching,uT
We need money for this purpose, we need money to change saloons into churches, and
to decrease crime. If we had money to do this we would not need a big police force
- 7 - BOHEMAlf* /.
/
III c /
I B 4
II D 6 *
II B 2 d (2) ' ' %
Svornost « Sept. 16, 1884, *■
to keep order and we would save much money in this way. <C
50
From these few words it is easy to see that the Chairman of the missionary S
society looks at the Bohemians of the 6th ward as heathens and abases them ^
before the entire religious community. The whole prestige, of the Bohraiians:^
being destroyed, the missionaries in their devilish hypocrisy will show theiP"
mercy and, collecting money from the rich ^ericans, will start to convert
those uncultured, ignorant Bohemians from paganism. They would make out of us
sly thieves and io^ostors, of the type that are always recruited from American
clergymen. We read, almost every day in the newspapers, that they hang them-
selves, cut their throats, that some of them are put in jails, and some of them
run away with their spoils to Canada, stolen money, collected through their
people's faith in the Holy Gospel. Should the Bohemians be the same kind of
pious Christians, should they deprive themselves of their honesty, good heeurts,
good name and model themselves after the American brothers.
IC - 8 - BOHEMIAK ^
III C p
I B 4
II D 6
II B 2 d (2)
-t3
o
Ca3
Svorno8t« Sept. 16, 1884. o
«r
You Pharisaic creatures come among these so called pagan Bohemians and they
vill teach you honesty, Christian love, toleration, humanity morality, temperance,
and Justice. You do not need to teach Bohemians tnese virtues, but rather you
can learn these virtues from them, because all that you know nov is tne vices
of crime, shame and infamy - even if you pray and stay in churches. We have
recognized your infamy and this deterred us from attending your churches and
services, which allow such thieves, iIl^)Ostors and libertines to be^ seen and
honored as holy men; holy men that despise poor, honest workingmen; holy men,
who, nevertheless, are willing to save tnese workingmen from pageuiism.
Tou American Pharisees, who are hiding your vice and knavery in places that are
meant for prayers, go among the Bohemians and learn how to pray simply but
sincerely. If there was a country, which has had religion an^ may be too much
of it« such a country was Bohemia, and starting with the middle ages Bohemia
has been floded with religious teachings, religious practices, religious
propaganda, and bloodshed for religion. The Bohemians have outgrown all that
IC - 9 - BOHEMIAN
III C
I B 4
II D 6
II B 2 d (2)
Svornost, Sept. 16, 1884..
foolishness and they are not so low as to let themselves be the victims of your
religion that attempts to inqplant devilishness into the hearts of our people.
The Bohemians are outspoken. They will tell you all that they have in their ^
hearts. Through the experience of many centuries the Bohemians have abandoned ^
your type of religious practices, and even if you had whole regiments of F=
missionaries sent into their addst these missionaries would not be able to <Z
coange their human rioruls and doctrine of truth* These Bohemians would stand Ig
firm, like a wall that was once formed centuries ago by the Hussites, armed S.
with clubs similar to those which were used to split the heads of the black ^
monks, who came to Bohemia to preach hypocrisy, dishonesty and imtcorality, t^
ready to do the S6une to these modern black monks of the missions. ^
If these missionaries will come to the Bohemiems to learn from them religion,
morality and honesty, they will be welcome, but should they come with the inten-
tion to destroy the prosperity of our people, to insult us, to humiliate us
unjustly, and then to rehabilitate us later, their enterprise would not pay
at all.
IC_ - 10 - BOHEMIAN
III C
I B 4
II D 6
II B 2 d (2)
Svornost, Sept, 16, 1884.
I propose to the members of the missionary society, who intend to ensnare ^^
these ignor.int Bohemians for the Methodist church on 19th Street that t^«y p
explain and Interpret to their representatives, how the Bohemians feel about
it.
They should enlighten their American representatives on how to talk with
fiohmians. It is their duty to reprimand those Pharisaic slanders, and
to revolk thfse wicked chairmen and superintendents of the mission, all
of whom have tnrown caliimnies at us.
In the future they should not write about the Bohemians, beiore they mingle
with the Bohemians, and become acquainted with them. Further, they should
never lie so unpardonably, and offend people that endeavor to build noble
projects for the future.
*• are happy that Dr. Adam will visit Chicago in the near future. He knows
O
CO
III c
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II D 6
II B 2
- 11 -
BOHEMIAN
d (2)
2
Svomoet > Sept. 16, 1884.
o
m
Co
Cr
U8, loves us, protects us, and he will certainly take care, that all these
slanders thrown on BohemiEine by the religious fanatics be revoked and the
good name of the Bohemians restored. The offended morality and feelings
of the good and organized Bohemians in Chicago may instigate, unnecessarily,
a justifiable revenge.
The action of the Chicago Missionary Society, and of all those rascals who throw
different calumnies on Bohemians in Chicago, is decidedly criminal in nature.
I C 8TDrnost . T©b. 1, 1888. BOHEMIAN
II B 1 c (5)
II 6 1 (S) (0«rBan)2[BCBElIIAIIS TAKE PART IN UASQUERADE BAUj
The Bohemian Sokols were inTited as usual to attend a masquerade Ball giren
by the Gexman !I\imer8 In Torwaerts** gymnasium, last Monday night. The Bo-
hemian Sokols decided to enact a Bohemian Wedding Party at the Ball. With
about thirty members in the party, among them ten women and a bag-piper in ^
costume, the eelebrators departed from the hall of "Tel. Jed, Sokol" Gym- f
nastic Union Sokol at about 10:00 P.M. To the lyric sounds of a genuine C
bag-pipe the merrymakers arrived at the Ball. The arrival of the party was ^
the signal for thunderous applause. 2
The Bohemian Wedding Party was the subject of general attention, so much
that eyen Mayor Harrison, who was present, asked that it be speeiedly pre-
sented before him. Later, in his speech, he praised first the Bohemian
Nationali^, flattering the Bohemian population particularly, and eiqpressed
sorrow because he did not leeom the Bohemian Language in his youth. Only
after this did he make mention of Germans, their entertainment emd so on.
Needless to add that the Qeznans present were none too pleased because of
-o
CO
- 2 -. . BQHEHIAN
the attention paid to the Bohemians by the Mayor; also none of the German
Newspapers even mentioned the Bohemian Wedding Party at the German nasqaer-
ade in '^orwaerts".
o
BOIiSMlAN
The Chicago Tribune. July 3I, I879.
THE BOHEMIANS
To the Editor of the Tribune
Chicago, July 30, - I have seen published In the ChicaKO Dally News the following
statement: "A Bohemian captain was found drilling; with a Bohemian militia company."
This is a mistake and a wrong done to the Bohemians, for it was a German captain of
the "Lehr and ViTehr Verein." Why do the newspapers in this town by mistake use the
name of one nat ive "Bohemian? • I think myself Justified in recalling to memory our
last Civil V«ar, commencing in I860 and ending in 1865» Then we can see how many
Bohemians carried arras in the service of the United States, and see how many Bo-
hemians died on the battlefield; also how many widow and orphans are crying for .
their husband and fathers. Our most respectable and honorable men have been in the
service of the United States.
As regards the Bohemians of the present time, we would have to travel through
the States of Iowa, Nebraska, Dakotai and ^^yoming. There we find Bohemian settle-
ments. Their life is hard, but they will cultivate the land and work hard for
-2- * BOHEMIAN
The Chicago TrlTjune. July 31, 1879-
their living. Let us now see further on the plains of tne West*
If Gen. Custer's records were looked upt we would find amongst the massacred ones
Bohemians too. I myself am only two years home from the Fifth United States In-
fantry, stationed at Fort Keogh, Yellowstone River, Montana Territory, of which
General Nelson A, Uiles was the commander.
It was on the 25th of February 1877, after returning from the battle of Wolf Moun-
tain, that Gen. Miles commanded a parade and thanked us men for our bravery and for
the endured hardships, and for laying our lives down for the purpose of advancing
civilisation. Amon^, these men I was myself and also many other Bohemians. I hope
this will make a change in the public opinion about the Bohemians and give us the
proper honors. We are poor but honest, and poverty is no shame. I sign myself,
most respectfully, a true-born Bohemian,
Louis Pregler
^- I C BOHEMIAN
The Chicago Tribune. June 25t 1879* 9:7.
THE BOHEMIANS
To The Editor of the Tribune
Chicago, June 24r - The Bohemian citizens and taxpayers of Chicago had a meeting
at the Bohemian Turn-Hall on Taylor Street on the 23rd of June.
There was an article published in the Illinois Staats-Zeitung calling all us Bo-
hemians blood-thirsty beasts, and saying that it was only Bohemians that started
the row in I877t t^nd that now they were starting again. We, citizens and tax-
payers of this town, have been living here, and know that the trouble in 1877 was
only Chicago roughs and loafers, with clubs and stones in their hands, entering
shops and medcing the poor workingman stop and call It a strike* The police force
was not strong enough to stop the loafers in their action. The next day there were
a few Bohemians mixed in the crowd, but taat does not take in all the Bohemians.
iffe and thousands of other citizens stopped at home.
In regard to the row at the Silver Leaf Grove, how can a newspaper like the Staat^
Zeitung cedl all us Bohemian citizens blood-thirsty beasts? Can about 30,000 Bo-
hemians be responsible for about a dozen or more men that get in a row with loafers?
I C -2- BOHEMIAN
The Chicago Tri'bune . June 25t I879i 9:7.
We Bohemian citizens of this town have been abused several times by the staats -
Zeitung; without reasont and it is tlrae that it was stopped. There are as good and
respectable Bohemian citizens in this town as there are Americans and Germans*
We sign in the name of the Bohemian citizens and taxpayers of this town,
George Cvachoucek,
Louis Pregler,
Cpmmittee*
I C BOHELIIAN
The Chicago Tribune, June 25, l879.
TKS irAYOR AND THE SOCIALISTS
Uayor Harrleon has caused his special organ to retract the statement
previously credited to him, to the effect that the police could not disarm
the Bohemian Sharpshooters because the Constitution guarantees to every man
the right to bear arms. The Tribune cannot undertake to follow up all the
mistakes of I.!ayor Harrison's special organ, but draws attention to this case
because it was misled into a criticism of the ilayor for what he now asserts
he did not say, and because it is anxious to believe that he is not inclined
to take the communistic view of the statute which goes into effect the first
of next month and forbids the organization smd oarade of just such military
companies as the Bohemian Sharpshooters.
The constitutional principle is very clearly defined by the language em-
ployed, iriiich guarantees the right to bear arms because a well-organized
militia is necessary to the security of a free State; but the new law for-
bidding the organization of independent and irresponsible military companies
and punishing citizens who belong to such organizations, is one that should
I C - 2 - BOHEMIAN
The Chicago Trll)\xne , June 26, 1879,
hare no place among the statutes from the very organization of the State.
There would then have been no question ahout the right to disarm the
Bohemian Sharpshooters; In fact, there would have been no such organization,
cmd consequently no such riotous proceedings as occured on last Sunday.
I. ATTITUDES
D. Eoonoxaic
Oreanisation
1. Capitalistic Enterprise
a. Big Business
iSilMUMi
■■i*
1
I D 1 a BOia>IIAN
II A 2
Dennl KLasatel. Feb, 10, 1922.
YJASNC^G TO OUR C0UlTrHYl.i2R "*
Through the kindness of Uessrs. luayer and Smrz, of the Kaspar St^tnl Banka
(Kaspar State Bank), which is located at Blue Island Avenue and "Jest 19th ^
Street, v/e were informed yesterday about the business dealings which a cer- ^
tain VJestem Land and Operating Company is conducting mainly among Lithuanians p=
and Slovaks. This company, vihich is now also trying to approach Bohemians, <-'
has its representatives and henchmen in all the large cities and tCTvns of the so
Middle V/est. Its central office is located in Denver, Colorado, and its Chi- 2
cago branch is at 127 North Dearborn Street. . This company placed on the market g
a large number of so-called participating certificates, which are supposedly Q
guaranteed by real estate which the said canpany already owns or intends to
purchase in the future. For every one thousand dollars invested in the company,
there is a parcel of land containing five acrss»
The prospective buyers are lured by promises that for each thousand dollars, the
company will give them 12 per cent interest in the form of coupons, wdiich will
I D 1 a - 2 - B0H5L1IAN
II A 2
Dennf Hlasatel . Feb. 10, 1922,
be issued semi-annually — that is, six coupons for every half year. Besides
this, the company also promises to pay 25 per cent in monthly dividends. The
first coupon and the first dividend are always paid. The company refers in
its dealings to the First National Bank" of Denver, Colorado, which bank is
said to pay for the coupons and the dividends. But the rest of the coupons ^
and dividends are not paid. The company sends a check for them^ of course, ,^^
but the check is not honored by any bank. The checks are v/orthless, since the fH
corapioiy does not have sufficient deposits in the bank to which it refers and '^
which is supposed to pay for the coupons and the dividends. g
CO
The Kaspar Statnf Banka ascertained this to be true in several cases. And
because it wished to understand clearly hov; things really stood, it vn^ote a j^
letter to the said bank in Denver, Colorado, asking for information about the
company. The ans^ver came the other day and was as follov/s:
""""n response to your query of February 2, we beg to inform you that the
Western Land and Operating Company is not, according to our opinion, a responsible
I D 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
II A 2
Dennf Hlasatel. Feb. 10, 1922.
enterprise. The information v/hich we have about this company is of a decided-
ly unfavorable character. As v;e ourselves knov^ the background of the proposi-
tions made by it, v;e believe that it is necessary to be extremely careful in
having business dealin^^s with the said enterprise, and we ourselves do not ^
recommend dealings with it under any circumstances.
-T3
3»
"Yours sincerely, D. J. Gourley, assistant cashier." ^
By request of the Kaspar Statnl Banka, we offer this warning to our readers o
in the hope that they will act accordingly. ixs
S
I D 1 a BOIP?.a:M
I G .
Dennl Hlasatel , Nov. 10, 1917.
(Editorial)
Of what use is it if we raise vegetables in our back yards to help agricultural 5
production — of what use are all the appeals to the public to support our food -^n.
administration, if the war profiteers, unconscionable speculators, and other p
parasites hoard food, only to let it rot rather than accept lower prices? The ^ .
Government has done much to ameliorate these conditions, but there is still o I
much to be adjusted, ^
en
I D 1 a Bfim»nyiT/\H
Dennl Hlasatel . Sept* 11, 1917.
IHE FIRST STEP
(Sunnary of Editorial)
William Reaidolph Hearst and his publications are consistent in one thing, emd ^^
they deserre to be coisDended for it. They adTooate state control orer public p
utilities. This would be followed by a complete domination and ultimate
O
absorption by the Goremment* • • • .To tcUce the control away and make them work ^
under a charter would be a war measure. • . ,/eix^ railroads and other trusts
would be prerented from watering their stock.
I P 1 a BOHFIMTAN
I H
Dennl Hlasatel . May 15, 1917.
_^AMBLING ON IHE BOARD OF TRAD^
(Editorial)
It is true that we have laws against gambling, but they apply only to the sioall
fry. The most dangerous and ruthless gamblers are at large, free to pursue
their criminal practices without fear of punishment. They roeun the Board of
Trade, manipulating stocks valued at millions of dollars.
I D 1 a BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel. May 5, 1917.
CZECH DISTRICT DEMANDS A RAILROAD STATION
(Editorial)
The State Utility Commission has been requested many times to arrange for
the establishment of a station of the Burlington Railroad in our Plzen
(Pilsen) District. Promises were given, true enough, but nothing was done
up to this day. An ex-Senator, a certain Mr. Forst, informs us that a
hearing concerning the issue has been postponed imtil next Monday. The
aldermen of our Czech Wards are expected to be present there. We earnestly
desire that the question be solved finally in favor of the populace of
the district.
The station is an urgent need for our people from the country, who are
forced to use this road in order to arrive in the Pilsen settlement where
they have much business to transact. It is also much wanted b^ Chicagoans
I D 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel, May 5, 1917,
who wish to get to the Czech district by a direct route. The railroad
company is obstinately resisting the demand of the Czech settlement. The
Utility Commission will have to exert pressure to bring it to terms.
I D 1 a
BOHSKMI
■ Denni KLasatel . Apr. 24, 1917,
AN IOT3RE3TING ARTICLE ON TIE 31IPSHVISI0N BY T:IS CLEARING HOUSE
(Adv. )
(Summary)
All the banks belonging to t.ie Chicago Claaring House are subject to a
rigid annual inspection, , , ,
The American State Bank is a member, and enjoys all the advantages
offered by the Clearing House, , . .
Ask for list of our First Gold Bonds. ....
Fr, Stepina, president
(Signed)
I D 1 a
- 2 -
B0HS2.IIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Apr. 24, lal?,
Anerican State Bank
1825-27 Blue Island Avenue.
m.
c
I D 1 a
BOHEJOAN
Dennl Hlasatel. Apr, 7, 1917»
(Editorial)
Three occurences have roused as never before the entire Czech population
of Chicago. They were the failures of the Tuma bank, the Dubio bank, and
the house of Pitte, The total of the j.ioney involved amounts to one
million dollars > representing the hard earnings of our less prosperous
fellow-countrymen. The ehanoes of a restitution are slim indeed, only a
small percentage of the amo\int, if any at all, is expected to be rescued.
In every case, the cause of the break down must be assigned to unsavory
practices, perilously close to plain stealth, and not to a t^/pical
catastrophe as a result of any general financial crisis; even a v^ell
conducted concern may become a victim of the latter.
I D 1 a - 2 - BOma^IAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr. 7, 1917.
The tragedy in these three cases is the distrust which they create in the mind
of the public, thus damaging the good name of the honest institutions. The
latter are the sufferer.s although it is utterly unreasonable thus to draw
conclusions which cast doubt on honest business.
To date, honesty has been a privilege and the rule in the transactions of our
people. Shady manipulations are exceptions. This fact ought to serve as a
guide in the business of the Czech coramnnity.
I D 1 a
I C
BOHSI.!IAM
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 22, 1917.
ADVIC3 TO DEPOSITORS
Many of our Chicago fellow-citizens of Czech descent have had fright-
ful experiences as depositors of banks v;hich were not under State
supervision, and v/hich had resorted to false pretenses in order to
build up their deposits with the money of those who trusted in their
honesty. Security is necessary in every transaction, and our Czech
banks offer their depositors security beyond any doubt, V/e are
giving a list of banking institutions which have earned a reputation by
right conduct in their business. They are under strict state or
federal supervision; all of them are members of the Chicago Clearing
House, which accredits them as responsible institutions. If our
fellow-countrymen will transact their business through these banks,
the safety of their money will be assured, (Banks listed.)
I D 1 a 30HSt;!IAN
II 3 2 .
I F 6 Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 10, 1917,
EDITOR INSISTS ON JUSTICE BEING METED OUT
The rumor is gaining more and more strength that the responsibility for
the bankruptcy of the house of Robert Pitte & Son is going to be attached
to Hobert Pitte, the father. Influential political friends of Pitte 's
son have taken steps to see hiia exonerated. He is a former alderman of the
20th 'Vard, and now holds office as a member of the Cook Co\inty Civil Service
Commission. It is being pointed out that his office took up Pitte *s time
to such an extent that he could not do justice to the duties accruing from
his father's business, and therefore, could hardly be taken to account for
irregularities that occurred while he was absent.
It is not within our authority to pass Judgment; that is the business of the
jurors before whom the Pittes will have to ap'near, sooner or later. But we
;varn certain people not to attempt to clog the wheels of justice. '.7e shall
spare no ink, but take those under the limelight who v;ant to cover up
activities that smell different from iCau de Cologne.
m.
I D 1 a BOHELIIM
II E 2
II D 1 Denni KLasatel , Feb. 2, 1917.
CZECH SOCIETIES LOSE IN CRASH
The main conmlttee of the Jednota Ceskych Dam (Association of Czech Ladies)
held a meeting last night for the purpose of fixing or estimating the amount
of obligations owed the association by the "Notary Public," Robert Pitte &
Son, the firm which, through the law firm, Sabath, Stafford & Sabath, plead
voluntary bankruptcy recrentl-"-. There were rumors current that the associa-
tion is liable to lose a large amount of money, as its death benefits have
been handled mostly by the defunct firm. One of the first questions to be
tackled by the association was one of the reliability of these reports, and
their possible dubbing as mere gossip.
Our own information indicates that the Pittes have been handling the death
benefit cases of the association for a long time, even v;hen Robert Pitte' s
wife, an arduous worker for the association, was living. There was no secrecy
about the business, so that it is hardly possible to single out any one person
to be brought before a court. It is evident from last night's meeting that the
I D 1 a - 2 - BOHMIAN
II E 2
II D 1 Dennl Hlasatel , Feb, 2, 1917.
association looks at these conditions in the same light as we do.
In the discussion directed by President Mary Liska, it was found that the
Pitte firm owed the association the round sun of i|5,000. The activity
of Mrs, Mary Smrcek was then put under scrutiny, but v»as found within the
by-laws of the association. It was resolved that the discrepancy be made
good from the building fund and the "main coiamittee" fund.
I D 1 a
II E 2
BOHElilAN
Deimi Hlasatel . Feb. 2, 1917,
TH3 BAM3TOPTCY OF ROBERT PITTS & SON
Not since the time of the Kozel defalcation and the closing of the
Tuma bank, have the Chicago-Czech depositors been gripped by the
terror of impending poverty now that the magnitude and far-reaching
consequences of the bankruptcy of the house of Robert Pitte & Son
are being diviilged before the eyes of the public with utter hopeless-
ness and ddspair in their trial, Kost of the assets of the firm
which formerly were classified as solid have proved to be worthless,
and the real estate is heavily encumbered. As a result of the
regulations in bankruptcy proceedings, the winding up of the affairs
is calculated to take at least one year with pay of iaSOO weekly for
the receiver, and Dmny an outlay for overhead in addition. This
gives a conception of hov; much the depositors may fairly expect to
rescue from the wreck.
I D 1 a
II E 2
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatel. Feb. 2, 1917,
BOHSJ^TIAN
W.PA
0\\
From the evidence uncovered at the present time, it is obvious that
dishonesty played the major part in the actions of the Pittes, who
concealed their duplicity behind the business of "Notary Public."
Their practises in the mortgage business may well be likened to the
artistry of a criminal prestidigitator, some, however, shone by
their very simplicity. The Pittes received monies to pay off mortgages,
which they failed to do. Now, hundreds of the people who had trusted
the wrong party are awakening to the startling reality that they shall
have to pay their full debt to the last penny. It was the sister of
the elder Pitte, who lived in his house, to whom he accorded the most
despicable treatment. She gave a mortgage valued at ^?2000 in trust to
her brother, who resold it without her knowledge, and without having
paid a single cent of interest. His other blood relatives did not
fare much better.
The Pittes are in hiding now, but their apprehension is considered to
be only a matter of days.
I D 1 a * BOHEMIAN
ire
I G Denni Hlasatel . July 28, 1915.
"EASTLAND" AND "UJSHANIA"
(Bdltopial)
There are two names that will forerer remain entered in bloody letters in the
history of ship catastrophes of the year of 1915, this year full of horror,
sorrow, and misery: "Lusitemia" and "Eastlemd*** The first denotes the utmost
in barbarous warfare; the other, the utmost in beurbarous greediness of capitalism*
Both these catastrophes hare profoundly shaken human souls all over the world,
in spite of the fact that people's feelings eu:>e deadened by the news of the
terrible events taking place day by day, hour by hour, on the bloody battlefields
of Europe* In both of these catastrophes hundreds of innocent, helpless human
beings were sacrificed to the insatiable, bloodthirsty god Moloch, but the
"Eastland** catastrophe is much more tragic and shows our civilization in a much
more repulsive light than the **Lusitania'* disaster*
ID 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I F 6
I G Demii Hlaaatel . July 28, 1915,
When the "Lusltania" was leaving New York harbor last May, it carried, in
addition to some fifteen hundred or more passengers, among whom were about
two hundred Anerieeuis, a big load of ammunition in its cargo. She belonged
to a nation which is at war with Germany, whose submarines have been
waging a destructive ccuupaign against the shipping of all Gezmany*s foes.
At first, the submetrines governed themselves according to the rule which
required the giving of a warning to the people on board* But irtien the
British Admiralty — interested much less in the saving of human lives than
in the cargo aboard the ships>-«ffered prizes to vessels for the sinking
of submarines, the submarines changed their tactics* They started sinking
enemy vessels without warning. All this was well known to the American
passengers, most of vdxom were going to Ttnglnnd to negotiate new contracts
for delivery of ammunition against Germany. Not only was all this well
known to them, but they had also been warned that the "Lusitania** would
be sunk. Now, we do not wish to discuss the question whether GSermany had
the right to sink the "Lusitania" or not. All we wish to do is point to
the fact that there were about one hundred Americeui citizens who were on
I D 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAM
IPS
I Dennl Hlasatel , July 28, 1915.
their way to Sogland on a mission Inimical to Germany in its natiire, even
though, formally, strictly neutral. Furthermore, they were in a position to
avoid the threatening danger.
5
But Jttst the same, the sinking of the "Lusitanla" created a situation ^^
that threatens to put us into a terrible war with Germany. The United P
States Goyemment maintains— with full ri^t — that the lives of iUaeriean
citizens must be safe on the seas, that is, insofar as their safety depends
on human actions. Germany must not be tacitly conceded the right to change
at will the international laws, to violate the rights of neutral states
with the excuse of the exigencies of war. But if we are to protect and
defend the safety of our citizens aboard ships against a foreign nation
80 emphatically that we are almost ready to irage war because of the loss
of lives of some hundreds of American contractors, then it would seem
infinitely more logical to protect the lives of our citizens against
pirates who ply their trade right in our midst, to protect their lives
ID 1 a - 4 - BQHSmAN
I F 6
I G Dennl Hlaaatel . July 28, 1915.
against oriBioals, as the oirners of the "Eastland" have proved to be.
The thousands of sen, women, and children going out for recreation, presumably
in absolute security, had not been warned that the ship might be attacked ■^_
by sane uncanny, eerie horror; the "Eastland" was not sailing into eneny ^
waters; did not carry any war contraband in her cargo. Ihe simple, haimless "^
excursionists had no greedy alms on their minds when they were boarding the ^
ship that was to become their grave. But, nevertheless, their doom was more ^
certain than that of the passengers of the "Lusi tenia". §
Fifteen years ago, in Bar Harbor, the "Eastland" had had the same misfortune ^
that cost some fifteen hundred lives last Satxirday. The mere accumulation «^
of passengers on one side of the vessel was enough to cause it to keel over.
Anybody who knows anything about ships and sailing will tell you that such
an accident is caused by faulty eonstruetion of the ship, and this was
I D 1 a - 6 - BCBEMIAN
I F 6 .
I'O Denni Hlasatel . July 28, 1915*
the case in this instance. According to the law, the center of gravity of
a fully loaded ship oust be seventeen inches below the water level. But
in the ease of the 'Eastland'*, the center of gravity was only two inches
belofw the water level. It is easy, therefore, to understand why the ship
keeled over so readily, particularly since the Govemxaent inspectors, now
accused of accepting bribes froM the owners of the "Xastland" , had issued ~
a license for the steamer permitting it to raise the safe number of ^
passengers more than two hundred. This same vessel, in Cleveland, prior S
to its arrival in Chicago two years ago, was forbidden to carry passengers ^
at all; such was the opinion of authorities concerning it in a city which ^
is not so completely dominated by money interests as Chicago,
All that, of course, was very well known to the owners of the "Sastlcmd,"
who collected dividends from this deathtrap, and irtio alone are responsible
for the terrible disaster that has brou^t sorrow and distress into hundreds
~yj
I D 1 a - 6 - BCBSBOAN
I P 6
I G Dennl Hlaaatel . July 28, 1915.
of Chicago hones. Their responsibility is clear but here in America, alas,
that does not necessarily inean that they will suffer the punishment demanded
by the outraged public opinion. Of course, there will be strict and severe
investigations, hearings, adoption of resolutions, proposals, suggested
laws; but there is little hope that the real culprits, the owners of the
vessel, and the comx>any sponsoring the excursion which forced its employees,
on pain of discharge, to participate in the excursion, will ever be punished.
In fact, already, while many, many of the victims are still burled in the
dismal hull of the ship, attempts are being made to whitewash the real
perpetrators of this crime* State *s Attorney Hoyne has tried to secure
the documents necessary for the investigation. But, to the great astonish-
ment and surprise of the authorities and the public, it has become known
that the Chief of Police had passed on these documents to District Attorney
Clyne, that is, to a Federal official. It is quite evident that this is an
attenq^t to protect the Federal inspectors responsible for the condition of
-o
I D 1 a - 7 - BOBEMIAN
17 6
I G Dennl Hlasatel , July 28, 1915.
the 'TBastland**.
Many other nasty things are coming out Into the dayll^t. For Instance, the
son-in-law of the chief Inspector of ships In Chicago, Erlckson, was
appointed chief engineer on the "Eastland" Immediately after the company
ovmlng the ship had been given permission to take on board several hundred '^
passengers more than safety would permit* ^Is Is a clear case of criminal r
graft accepted In spite of the risk of hxmdreds of lives which, as It gc
happened, now really have been lost* c.
Everybody will understand the reasons why we call those who attacked and g
sunk the "Lasltanla" , barbarians. But before we cry out demanding their ^
punishment, let us get rid of worse vermin right heire at home. The war
will end one day, and there will be no sinkings of "Lusitanias" in peace,
but catastrophes such as that of the "Eastland** will recur with the same
I D 1 a - 8 - .. BOIJEt,iIAN
I F 6
I Or Dennl Hlasatel . July 28, 1915.
dreadful regularity as peace-time catastrophes in mines, on railroads, in
factories, if v:e do not put a stop to the savage greediness of big business
that values dividends . above everything else, and hundreds of human lives
not at all.
g
on
I D 1 a BOTM/TAN
Denni Hlasatel , Mar. 50, 1915,
BILLY SUNMY
(Editorial)
It would be most desirable to-4earn the truth about the income of the "greatest ^
modern evangelist," Billy Sunday, He v/ill not think of revealing it; there is ^
the income tax, you icnov:. But it would be of even greater interest to speculate ,.-«_
as to what makes for the size of his income. This v.ould no doubt lead to the p
conclusion that it is partly the stupidity of the people he befuddles and ^
partly from people who pay him for the befuddling of others. Such Billy Sunday- g
.treated human material is bound to be a real boon to the eyes of big capital. ^
I
I D 1 a
BOHEMIAN
Denni Illasatel , Jan. 2, 1915.
/"PEdSIDSITT \!IloCN Al© BRY.^lJ
(Sditorial)
Reactionary Anerican nev;spapers reproach our nev/ly elected President 7/ilson,
saying that he is not independent, that he frec.uently takes advice from Bryan.
These same papers v;ere in the habit of glorifying President IJcKinley, calling
him "the greatest President" iunerica has ever had, because he permitted hiia-
self to be dojiiinated by Lark Hanna and gave the trusts an entirely free hand.
7/ilson is right in listening to the advice of a man vdio is as honest and fear-
less as Bryan, and with whom even his greatest enemes cannot find any other
fault than that they do not like his political opinions and actions. Even so,
Bryan remains an honest and honorable man, very popular with the American
people. VJhenever he lost an election, it was because he was- defeated by the
superior force of capitalistic interests. As long as it is Bryan xvho stands
by Wilson, the American people may rest assured that the President is on a
good road.
I D I a BOHSIvIIAN
II AS
Denni Hlasatel , May 14, 1911,
THE HUDSON COi\L .AD MINllTG COLIPANy
As is knovm, the case of the Hudson Coal and I.Iining Company cune up before
Judge Cooper last week, and the main question dealt \;ith v/as a change of
venue. However, since none of t.ae petitioners were present at -the hearing,
the request was stricken froii the court's calendar. The petitioners state
that they had requested tne Judge to continue the hearing to another date,
to which the J^dge did not agree, and for that reason they did not appear
in court. For that reason, also, they find thenselves forced to uake the
follov.ing explanation of this case here:
At one tiiae, Williaia R, V/alleclc and others signed as chief guarantors,
responsible for a stated s\ki of money, for Joseph Ilokes and others, and to
pay, without discrii.iination, for ti.ese officers whenever necessary, includ-r
ing in the guarantee, their heirs and executors. This bond v;as put, up on
May 11 in the court session in ;;hich Joseph Kokes had appeared against
Vailiam R, Walleck and others, file niraber 2858.
\
I B 1 a - 2 - BOHB!^[IAN
II A 2
Dennl Hlasatel ^ May 14, 1911.
SeTeral court actions by the guarantors against Kokes and the other defendants
were at issue, when the latter soxight an injunction against any further court
action that might be taken against them. The court granted the injxmction,
and an appeal is being made from this court decision. Therefore, the guarantors
feel justified in asking that their bond be set aside, and for a change of venue
from the court which had issued the injunction. The appeal is signed by all of
the guarantors fighting for their rights.
(Signed)
One of them.
/
I D 1 a B0HS?.1IAN
II A 2
Denni Hlasatel . Feb. 18, 1911,
A NEV GOIIPANY HAS RISEM FROU THE RUINS OF THE FORI.IER HUDSOII GOAL GOIIPANY
AND THE NS7 COLIPAl'JY IS OFFERING FORMER SHAREHOLDERS Al." EXCHANGE OF
STOGK
An interesting meeting was held last night in the Gesko-Americke Slovanske
(Bohemian-American Slavonic) hall. The Torraer stockholders of the ill-
fated Hudson Goal Company net there with the directors, at the invitation
of the latter, whose meitbers are stockholders in the new company. The
Reliance Goal Llining Company. The Reliance nov/ owns the property formerly
belonging to the Hudson company. The majority of the shareholders of the
former Bohemian coal company did not knov; for what purpose the meeting was
called, and many of them could not adjust themselves to the idea of reviv-
ing the painful :iemories of the defunct Bohemian undertaking by the calling
of further meetings. In spite of this feeling, as a result of curiosity.
I D 1 a • - 2 - BOIIBI:IIAN
II A 2
Denni lilasatel , Feb. 18, 1911.
which is such a large factor in many things, yesterday's raeetinn v/as more
numerously attended than any of the many former raeetings of the Hudson
company. The meetin^'^ was brought to order by Mr, Jakub Kandlik, viho called
upon the former secretary L'r, V/intemitz, to explain to those present the
purpose of the meeting, Mr, VJintemitz, explained that the meeting was
called for the purpose of deciding in what manner the shareholders . of the
defunct company could be compensated, as much as possible, for their losses.
First of all, however, lir, V/internitz remarked, that these efforts had
nothing in common v/ith the suits, started by some shareholders against the
former directors and that, in any argument these must be left out, because
settlement of these will come before the court. Despite the fact, that
the directors on various occasions have been called unfair names, they did
not care to remember that at the meeting. Out of the ruins of the old
I D 1 a - 3 - BOH^.TIAN
II A 2
Denni Hlasatel . Feb. 18, 1911,
company a new organization has been created.
During the foreclosure sale the directors used their ovm funds to buy the
Hudson Coal Company's nine, whereupon, the new company, under the name of
Reliance Coal Mining Produce Company, was formsd. Registered bonds were
issued to cover the amount of indebtedness and these are held by the
present participants to protect their interest in the imdertaking. In
order that the management, the members of which are the present stockholders,
could prove that it operated at a loss formerly, it decided to offer the
stockholders of the former Hudson Coal Company, stock in the new company in
exchange for their old stock. The shareholders of the Hudson company would
not be required -to make any payraent because of the acceptance of -^his offer.
In fact they could elect directors, entirely different from those who
fona«rly managed the Hudson Coal Company, and these would thOR manage the
I D 1 a - 4 - 30!E!:!IAN
II A 2 ' .
Dennl Hlasatel . Jeb, 18, 1911,
the affairs of the nev; company. Surely no one would lose anything through
such a move, even if they gained nothing. The mine has been in operation
since last June, This is about the gist of LIr, V/intemitz's explanation
of the purpose for which the meeting was called, so that everyone could
realize what was being considered without undo excitement. When Mr, V/inter-
nitz,had concluded, Mr. V/alleck asked, who was behind the committee which
called the meeting, because the committee, elected at the last meeting of
the shareholders of the Hudson Goal Company, knev/ nothing about the calling
of this meeting. To this question, Ur, V/internitz, replied, that he spoke
for the present ovmers of the mine and that it v;as a committee, elected at
a meeting of these, vxhich called the meeting, Mr, '-Valleck, after he had
been assured that the acceptance of the proposal v/as to be considered, said
the matter under consideration was of too great importance for an oral
I D 1 a - 5 - BOHBilAN
II A 2
Denni Hlasatel . Feb. 18, 1911.
explanation to be clear and that It ought to be pat into writing and
signed by all of the present owners. In ans?;er to this, he was told
that the proposal was sufficiently clear, because the shareholders in
the new company were all present and agreeable. That every one holding
the old stock certificates, be given the same number of shares in the
new company. It is a sufficiently clear offer, whereby, the former
directors wish to reimbiirse the former stockholders and turn over to
them, the mine in the same condition as before the foreclosure. Aside
from the money, which the management put up from its own pockets, they
ask for no other security. To this Mr. Walleck replied that he had not
the slightest doubt about the sincerety of the present owners of the .
mine, however, a like offer had been made by the directors of the
Hudson Coal Company prior to the catastrophe, with the exception, that
at that time a six per cent first mortgage of $60,000 was mentioned,
whereas now, no amount is mentioned* As a result of this it
I D 1 a - 6 - • BOHSI.IIAN
II A 2
Dennl Hlasatel . Feb. 19, 1911.
is impossible to judge the value of the stock, because in case the ovmers
should want to secure themselves v^ith a first mortgage of i?60,000 and
the line was only ;vorth 145,000, what would be the purpose of exchanging
the worthless stock. The e:q?lanation of this v;as about as follows; tliat
the indebtedness at the time of foreclosure amounted to $59,000, a bonded
loan of $65,000 v/as made, so that v6,000 remains in the treasury. The
bonds nature after ten years and provision is made for amortization.
These bonds were issued by the Union Trust Company v^hich took over the
trusteeship and a company of this kind would not be interested in some-
thing which would be worthless. All other debts have been paid and the
bonds, listed are at six per cent interest.
Further-more; no one can lose anything, for if the mine does not pay even
now, the shareholders of the former Hudson Coal Oonpany can not lose any
I D 1 a BQH3t.!IAIT
II A 2 " ^ ■
Dennl Tllasatel . Feb. 18, 1911,
more than they have lost already. That the nine v;ill not pay is unthink-
able, for there is plenty of coal there and the de.iand is for as much as
can be produced. If one lood v/inter cones, it will be possible to sell
enough to overcome all orevious losses. The fonner directors are not
asking for sympathy. They merely v/ish to do something for those share-
holders v/ho shared their losses with difficulty. The directors actually
are not compelled to do anything of such a generous nature,
llr, Heinz, expressed doubt that the mine vjould pay even now. He declared
he could not understand how there could be any profit now, v;hen for the
past three years it almost swallowed rioney, lie also brought up the q.uestion
of the c^arantee of the fifty per cent loan by the former shareholders.
These v;ith the understanding that the loan \vould be protected by a first
mortgage, deposited t^.eir money and .any of them did not even receive a
receipt and the Ttoan v;as in no v/ay protected. An argument ensued and
when others arose and stated that they had not received receipts, Ilr, Sd,
I D 1 a
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Denni lilasatel . Feb. 18, 1911,
3G!ISL!IA1T
Novak, declared that line of procedure v;as drifting av/ay from the -Durpose
of the : eeting. The meeting ;as ceiLled so that the offer of the present
vaners of the raine could be either accepted or rejectee by the former
stockholders. Further explanations followed and the chairrian finally asked
for an expression of opinion, in regard to the trend of thought. To this,
it was said, that it ..as rather difficult to nake any decisions on such
short notices. In fact nothing more is being offered the former share-
holders than they nov/ have, a scrap of paper. It was then again pointed
out that they can lose nothing. Thus the argument v/ent around and around.
Finally it was decided to elect a committee composed of representatives of
those v;ho deposited money for the loan and those v/ho v;ere merely stock-
holders, and tills authorized comi.iittee to deal with the present ovmers.
Another meeting is to be held in a vxeek end the -iatter is to be discussed
once .":ore, Altho\igh many harsh v;ords v;ere spoken and many bitter pills
handed out at yesterday's neetin,^, the meeting was relatively quiet. Now
there is nothing left except to await developjnents and the progress of the
mine. There is no question but thet It v;ould be the wish of every Cfeech
here, that the undertaking should be put bade upon its fset.
I D 1 a BOHElgAN
Denni Hlasatel , Dec. 30, 1909.
CAR COMPANY NEGLECTS CZECH DISTRICT.
p. 4— We have persistently been pointing to the lack of consideration of the ^
street car conpany shown to the population of "Bohemiaii California" south of Ci.
Twenty-Second street, and especially in the neighborhood of Twenty-Fifth street r-
and Lawndale avenue. -a
E
CO
o
We have been expecting the people to rise in protest a^inst t^® ^^^ company
which is treating us in a manner it would not dare employ in other districts S
of the city, *»^
As no loud action has been taken we thought that the company had already made
preparations for redress , and that on Lawndale avenue there are more cars in
operation now than the usual two pitiful ramshackle carriages. But we have
convinced ourselves that this is not the. case.
I D 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Dermi Hlasatel t Dec. 30, 1909. S
5
Not only has the service not improved, but things have gone from bad to worse. r~
Formerly there were at least two cars working days and Sundays; now the con^sany -o
gends out two cars mornings and evenings, during the rush hours, but only one o
between, and one car only on Sundays. ^
g
Obviously the company would like to dispense with the car-line altogether, if <^
it were not afraid of losing the right of way. But according to all indications
the company need not fear anything even in this resepct. Nobody files a com-
plaint against it even now, when the time is ripe for action, and so probably
no one would cou^lain even if no cars were being operated at all. And, may be,
that would do better. The time spent on waiting could be better used for walking
the short distance.
I D- 1 a BOHEMIAN
X f 5
jjj ^ Denni ELasatel , Nov, 28, 1909.
IV
IV (Jewish) CZECH TAXPAYERS VS. CORPORATION
p. 2 — The long drawn fight of the taxpayers of Volesna against the
Barrett Company ended in Judge Chettlain's court last night with a vic-
tory for the taxpayers. Volesna is the name of a Bohemian district
between Sacramento avenue and Troy street, from Twenty-Eighth street r^
to the Canal* As is known to oiir readers from former reports, the jj^
Barrett Company, a concern manufacturing tar paper, "bought lots on «i
Sacramento avenue, and immediately began to fence in the property, thereby r"
closing the traffic on several streets. The taxpayers rose in protest ^
not only against the clogging of the streets, but against the erection
of a tar factory in their neighborhood as well* At a few meetings, held
in Mrasek's hall, the ways and means to oppose the rich corporation were ^
discussed, Anton Cermak, alderman of the Twelfth ward, and Michael Zimmer, t^
sheriff of Cook county, attending. It was decided to place the case in
the care of attorney Joseph Sabath,and to continue the uneven struggle
in the courts. Mr* Sabath instantly established contact with the city
attorney, who proceeded by filing suit to keep the Barrett Company from
obstxnjcting traffic, and to prevent the use of the property acquired for
the manufacture of tar* At the first hearing the court, overruling the
re-
I D 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Nov, 28, 1909»
objections of the defendants, granted permission to attorney Sabath to
function as special city attorney in this case*
In its findings the coxirt acknowledged the right of the city to the property
prior to the purchase, thereby annulling the sale of the lots, and restoring g
them to public oimership* The Barrett Company was instructed to clear the :,^
streets for traffic. Attorney Sabath requested that a lot, which had been pZ
selected for a small park prior to the purchase, be relinquished by the "^
Barrett Company* The attorney for the latter, however, refused on the g
grounds that no definite agreement has been reached as yet between his client ^
and certain property owners as to the space necessary for the monument of a ^
man who lays claim to popularity and leadership in the neighborhood* o:'
I. AITiroDES
D. Economic
Organization
1. Capitalistic Enterprise
b. Small Business
I D 1 b
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I G
jOHSHIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr, 7, 1917,
AGAHTST FOOD SPECUIATORS
Speculation in food articles is becoming rampant. The constantly grovving
demand for these com:iodities has been seized by dealers, and producers
have an opportunity for flagrant profiteering. These methods should be
taken under the limelight and treated accordingly.
Voices from all directions are grov/ing louder, demanding that the board
of trade speculations be restricted to cases where actual stock or supply
is on hand. Some proposals tend to completely forbid speculation in foods
on the board of trade.
I D 1 b BOHEMIAH
Dennl Hlasatel « Aug. 26, 1911.
INCORPORATIQIT
The Secretary of State issued a licenae to the Ginger Julep Conrpany, Capital
stock $5,000, Incorporators are Edward J. Snejkal, Joseph Kleriha, and
Adolph J. Krasa.
I D 1 b BOHSMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Aug. 18, 1911.
_^TS FOR SAI^
(Advertisement)
From the Tovm of Lake.
Fifty dollars cash, balance on easy monthly payments will buy lots on
47th Street, and 47th Place between Jestem Avenue, and Campbell Avenue.
For sale only by Joseph F. Triska & Co., 1945 W. 47th St,
I D 1 b BOEBa,aAN
Dennl HLasatel , May 4, 1911.
LAIE)LORDS» ASSOCIATION
(Advertisement)
No better method for the dispossession of undesirable tenants can be found
than that offered by the Smolik's Landlords* Association (not inc.). The
main purpose of the Association is to cause the removal of the undesirable
tenants without the loss of much time and expense, .7e write notices to
vacate free of charge, and advise you about all property matters. D. C,
Jones, and a Bphemian lawyer, Otto Kerner, are legal representatives of the
Association. Membership fee is only one dollar a ye€ir. The main office,
with Frank J. Smolik in charge, is located at 1852 South Centre Avenue.
(Hacine Avenue now. )
I D 1 b BOHB.:IAN
Denni Hlftsatel , Feb. 3, 1909.
BOHailAN-AHERICM CAPITiX IN JEOPARDY
"If we cannot have on hand at least $10,000 by Friday evening, our business
will be ruined,* proclaimed the chairman of the Bohemian corporation known
as the Hudson Coal Ccnpejiy last night. The concern owns coal mines in Indiana.
This portentous message Yre.s, however, no news, as rumors to that effect had
been current for a week and had been discussed at a meeting of the concern
held in the Bohemian-American Hall, on Tfest Eighteenth Street.
O
CO
(X
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Another meeting is called for Friday in which the stockholders of the Hudson ee
Coal Co. are to decide whether to produce the ^10*000 i^ question, since they
had on former occasions deposited abcut $125,000 for the enterprise, or to
leave the business to its fate; end there is little doubt that the concern
will perish if the money is not raised. This would mean a terrible blow for ^
the stockholders, who number one hundred end forty, and some of whom h3.ve
risked their entire savings, ranging from five hundred to sixteen hundred
dollars.
We do not want *to write of this natter in any other way than that in which it
I D 1 b - 2 - BCH3vIIM
I
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. '3, 1909
was treated at the meeting of the directors. We are merely pointing to the
severe setback that Bohemien-Zouerican enterprise shall suffer, if the worst
is to happen, and to the concomitant misfortunes for so many fsjnilies. ^^
At the first meeting called Friday last week, Mr. Vrba after the necessary ^
explanatory remarks, ceded the floor to LIr. Yfinternitz , the secretary, for the o
report on the financial condition of the Hudson Coal Co. According to this o.
report the assets are valued at $151, tOO, including stock as yet unsold to the .3"
amount of 045,000. The mines had been purchased for §125, 000 two years ago; ^
debts accrued were backed by first mortgage collaterals for $40,000; $10,000 <
on the mortgage Yre.s paid, leaving a mortgage of $30,000, owned by J. V/. ss
Rooth of Terre Haute, Indiana, on the property.
There is a host of creditors whose claims demand immediate satisfaction; for
instance, miners with impaid v/ages to the anoxmt of $5,i''00; rentals for twenty
small houses; taxes and other items, such as $2,000 for powder. The mines are
not in operation now as the miners have not been paid for fourteen days and
conforming with previous agreements have ceased to work.
I D 1 b - 3 -
Denni Hlasatel, Feb. 3, 1909
BOHS'IAN
Commenting on these ocnditicns Mr* Winternitz said: "The main reason for our
predicament is to be found in the manner in which we started, that is, with-
out money, which also caused the downfall of other Eohemien ventures into the
realm of business. We are paying $6,000 in interest, which net only takes
away the profit but is also steadily eating up our capital. It seems that fate
is against us* «o
r«»
"First our property W8.s d©mo.ged by fire, then we went thru a costly period of *^?
strikes and finally we had to buy our own money. Thus, for instance, we sold o
coal to a finn on a sixty-day basis; as in the meantime we lacked the money Q-
for wcges, we had to grant heavy disccunts to induce the firm to pay before U
due time. On another occasion we sold cur claims to professional collectors -rz-
at a commission of two percent of our earnings per month, amounting to twenty-t?
four per cent per year. This is the price we paid for our ovm money. Time %
also h©.d worked against us. We were producing from five tc seven hundred tons
of coal per day; then mild weather continually forced us to sell at a loss."
I D 1 b - 4 - BOHEIvIIAU
Denni Hlasatel, Feb. 3, 1909.
Mr. Zahrobnik st&ted that the compejiy had been in the hands of dishonest
managers until the arrival of Mr. Vrba.
The only final decision reached was to send ^400 in order to forestall the
loss of utensils. The meeting which has been called for Friday next will
have fateful results.
f
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BOHBMIAy
The Chicago Tribune. Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS 0? THS BOHEMIAN POBTION 07
THE CITY'S POPULATION. THEY ABE INDUSTRIOUS.
THEiyTY AND GENERALLY OP A MOST PEACEABLE
DISPOSITION. A COJ^JIUNITY THAT IS RAPIDLY
GROWING RICH BY THS EFFORTS OP ITS INDIVIDUALS.
There Is probably no more Interesting and progressive section of Chicago's
forelgi population than that Inhabited by the Bohemians. Some years ago there
was a decided prejudice against them on the part of American worklngmen and
capitalists. They took a very active part In the strikes and riots here some
iig^t years ago, and they established a Socialistic propaganda nhich was far
from being popular. They so fair succeeded in carrying their ideas into effect
that they were the ringleaders of the strikes, and they elected four of their
nominees - not all of them Bohemians, however, to the Chicago Common Council.
One of the most active among them at the time was Belohradsky, who Is now
living in Texas. Another so-called leader was Leo Mellbeck, Alderman and
ID lb -3. BOHEMIiH
II ▲ 2
I Y The Chicago Trlbane> Vol. XL7I, Uarch 7, 1886
II 1
III C legislator, who afterwards comnltted suicide uhlle acting as
I Pablic Library attendant* Frank Stanber and J« J. Altpeter
17 1 were also elected to the council as represnitatiTes of the
I X Gernan and Bohemian Socialistic elements, as was Christian
Ueier* It is only fair to say, however, about Staaber and
Altpstsr that there have been few more conscientious councilmen than th«y* But
as before stated, the Bohemians lost caste about the time alluded to on account
of their Socialistic tendencies and "striking" propensities* llhen they first caae
to America they were willing to work for almost anything* They would underbid
the Irish and German and American workingmen, and naturally evoked considerable
hostility against themselves as a resolt* They were to suffer for this, and
were, in fact, looked down on as outcasts, and not entitled to much sympathy*
then they took to striking and communism they were cursed up hill and down dale
by employers and enqployees* Latterly all this has changed, and in the lumber
and furniture manufacturing regions, where they are now esiployed, they are looked
iQxm as some of the thriftiest members of the community, useful citizens,
e«4>able and efficient workingmen and large contributors to the wealth and
growth of Chicago*
X 1 T> -3* BOHagAM
TTTT .
Z T The Chicago Tribune. Vol* XLTX, March 7, 1886
XI D 1
III The First Bohemian Inmigrante*
X C
I f I The first Bohemian ioaigration to Chlea^o began about the year
I E 1848 - "the year of rerolution"* The Czechs rose in rebellion
ai;alnst the Austrian authorities, with shorn they hare never been
on good terms, but were speedily suppressed by the Superor and his amy* Those
iriio were pr<Md.nent in the rebellion had to flee the country* Most of them eajM
to America, some of them settling in Uontreal, where they engaged largely in the
eigar-making business* The Bohemian emlgz^tion was at first about the rate of
6,000 per year. In 1878, 1879 and 1880 it reached probably 10,000 per annum*
It has fallen off again to 6,000* Host of those who caaie here were farmers,
farm laborers, workers in wood, or wearers • usually carpet and cotton weavers*
Those of them irtio located in Chicago settled down in the lumber region of the
Sixth and Sl^th wards* Some settled in the hardwood region of the ?ourte«Eith
Ward* 7* B, Zdrubek, editor of the Bohemian daily piqper the STomost. estimates
the Bohemian population of Chicago now at 40,000 at least* He estimates the
entire Bohemians of America at 20,000* Outside of this city
I D 1 b -«- BOHEMIAJSr
II A 2
I V The Chicago Tribune , Vol, XLVI, March 7, 1886
II D 1
III C they are located in Nebraska, Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin
I C on farms. Of the 40,000 in Chicago 26,000 are in the Sixth
I F 1 Ward, 9,000 in the Seventh and Ei^th Wards, along Canal Street
I K and Blue Island avenue principally, and about 5,000 are in the
Fourteenth Ward,
Lumber Workers and Furniture Men,
They readily find employment in the lumber yards and furniture factories. The
lumber merchants say they are steady, faithful workingmen. They are constant,
but they do not zush matters. The ordinary pay is about 15 cents per hour, thou^
they get as hi^ as 20 cents. They have practically driven out Irish and German
lumbermen. The latter will not work by the hour. They work by the piece - by
contract - and are not satisfied unless they make from 40 to 50 cents per hour.
At Harvey's, where the foreman, John Eallal, is a Bohemian, very few of the
Bohemians are employed. The same is true of Hatch and Keith's, At Beldler's
Germans seem to have preference. But as a rule the Bohemians have the call.
Many of them are excellent cabinetmakers and upholsterers. They nake from
ID lb -5- BQHEMIAH
II A 2
I V The Chicago Tribune , Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
II D 1
III C 35 to 40 cents per hour at this trade. They £U>e nearly alwaye
I C at work - always driving at something. Their wives and the
17 1 members of their families are also employed washing for families,
I K tailoring, etc. Any person who goes into the Bohemian district
will encounter some Bohemian. man or woman in every block loaded
down with bundles of pantaloons or vests on the way to some down-town clothing
house. The housewife usually employs four or five girls at this work. The
girls make from $5* to $6. per week, and their employers make a handsome profit.
The practice which prevailed in Bohemian regions some time ago, of sending the
women around to pick up shavings and kindling wood is fast dying out. The
women's time is more valuable noi^ar-days and begging is unknown among them.
The Italians appear to have a monopoly of that. The "dagos' can be even
encoiintered in the Bohemian quarter plying their vocation.
Oetting Rich.
People so hard working and so thrifty as the Bohemians cannot but p|70sper. The
Bohemian quarter in the Sixth Ward is certainly a credit to their industry and
seal. There is not a more cleanly or better built workingmen's section in
I D 1 b -&> BOHEMIAN
The Chicago TrlTnine, Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
I]
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Chicago. The district ttest of Halsted to Latrndale, eouth of
Sixteenth to Twenty- second Street, is "built up with comfortable
three-story brick dwellings and stores, nearly all of them owned
by the Bohemians. The bxilldlngs occupy nearly the entire
length of the lot. They are all neat and substantial, althou^ -
there is some degree of sameness in the plan of building. Portions of some are
frame structures pushed back on the lot and built up in front. All are neatly
painted and have a ^olesome and healthy appearance. Along Sixteenth, Nineteenth,
Twenty-first, Centre Avenue, Throop Street, Ashland Avenue, Blue Island, Wood
Street, Hoyne Avenue, the stznictures are very fine; the stores are especially
substantially built and commodious, and would reflect credit on any part of
Chicago. From a sanitary point they are all rl^t too, thou^ perhaps there
is too much crowding. Nearly every floor has three families. This is not
always conducive to moredity, it is claimed. The Bohemians, as is well known,
are very fond of soups. The odor from that article of food is not always the
most pleasant. But, on the whole, there is little cauxe of complaint nowadays.
Being 80 very frugal they do not buy the best cuts of meat, but they buy good
cuts. Mr. Curran of Curran and Delany, who do an extenslre trade with the Czechs,
I D 1 b -7- BOSailiH
II A 2
I Y The Chicago Tribune , Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
II D 1
III C says they always buy good hut not the best meats, and they are
I C excellent at paying. They always come to time trlth their bills*
I F 1 They are good customers and not in the least clannish. Very many
IX of them are in the butcher line themselves, and thoii^ there are
some in the saloon line, there are not many. The editors of the
Svomost say there are only about fifty in the "Cesky vinopulna line" (Bohemian
distillery). There are almost as many in the drug store business. Quite a
number are also in the carpet- weaving and clothing trades. Nearly all of them
are making money. It is estimated that at least 60 per cent of the Bohemians are
property owners. They have twelve building societies, with an average membership
to each society of 700, euad Mr. Cermak, one of the editors of the Svomost says
that the weekly receipts from each society varies from $600 to $900. Besides, there
are a number of men who are not members of those societies who are large property
owners; William Kaspar is reported to be worth $100,000. John Kallal is a
member of the firm of T. W. Harvey and Company. Dr. Kadlec of the Public Library
Board; Prank Fuclk, the West Town Clerk; John Matuska of MatuUca and Craig,
the furniture dealers; and several others well-to-do. The editor of Svomost
publishes besides the daily, two weekly papers, the Amerikan Mondays and the
Prilcha Duchu Casu Sundays. Besides, he publishes quite a number of books and
f
I D 1 t -8- BOHmaAN
II A 2
I V The Chicago frlbone. Vol, XL71, March 7, 1886
II D 1
III C pamphlets, and his estahlishment on South Canal Street is well
I C stocked. He employs about fifteen typesetters. Nearly all of the
17 1 Bohemians can read and write their own language. Their public
I K school system in the old country is conducted almost entirely "by
the priests. In this country the priests try to control the
education, hut the liberal thinkers' society - the C. S. P. S. (Czecho^ Slovak
Benevolent Society) - which has a membership of 2,000 in this city, stoutly
opposes. The C. S. P. S. "by the way, has a magnificent hall and school in the
Eighteenth Street. The organization is condemned by the church, but it flourishes.
The editor of the Svomost seems to be the leading spirit in it. Liberal thought
has been a phase of Bohemian public life since the time of John Hues. The
attendance at the Catholic schools - there are three of them - is quite large.
They are taught by the sisters. The children in attendance are all neatly and
comfortably clad. They seem to run to bri^t colors. Every one wears a bright
red hood, strong, thick-soled shoes, and a comfortable calico dress with
abiindance of petticoats. The Bohemian attendance at the public schools la
also quite large, especially at the Throop, Longfellow and .Garfield
I D 1 T) -9- BOHaCAH
The Chicago Tribune , Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
II A 2
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schools. Pew, hotrever, remain to complete the Grammar School
course* The yoting women nearly all marry early. There is a
disposition among the boys to be somewhat wild. This is
especially the case with those of them who get to have a
contempt for their parents and their parents' country. There
are three Bohemian Catholic churches, one in the Fifth Ward, one in the Sixth
Ward and one in the Ei^th. Vearly all the women attend church while not more
than half the men do so. John Kallal, , already alluded to, is the leading
Catholic layman. There are three theatres and about a dozen Bohemian halls.
There is usually theatrical entertainment every night, and there is sure to be
a dance every Saturday. At these dances some of the young Bohenians are apt
to be boisterous, but as a rule they are well conducted, and tfaere is little
trouble.
Habits and Mode of Life*
There is an isrpression abroad that the Bohemians are slovenly in their habits.
This is not the case. On the contrary they are clean and tidy as a rule. The
IP IB -10- BQHBaAN
II A 2
I V The Chicago Tribune . Vol, XLVI, March 7, 1886
II D 1
III C women egpeclallj are very cleanly. They get on very well with
I C their neig^hors. Since Sadowa there has been some feeling between
I T 1 them and the Germans, hut It Is dying out. They take very kindly
IE to the Poles. The Irish do not play them fair in poll tics*
they say, and there is a tendency among them to he more self
assertive. They like Cullerton because he attends to ward Improvements, but
they are down on Lawler for many reasons, thougb Prank appointed a leading
Bohemian sub-Postmaster of the Southwest district. The leaders among them
say that they will demand a better representation among the political parties
in the futtu'e. They have a sort of natural penchant for politics. They manage
to secxire representation in all the principal offices in town. They claim from
6,000 to 7,000 votes, though this is probably an exaggerated estimate. They
claim a population of but 40,00 altogether, and as they have abnormally large
families, and, as many of them neglect to take out naturalization papers, 6,000
or 7,000 is too hi^ an estimate. They have very nearly a majority, however,
in the Sixth Ward. Hitherto they have acted with the Democrats, but the leading
ones among them, with the exception of Eallal , Schlessinger and Nikodeun, say
they are tired of the Democratic party, particularly of the Harrisonian branch
I D 1 If -11- BOHEMIAN
The Chicago Trl'b\me , Vol. XL VI, March 7, 1886
II ▲ 2
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of It. They assert that they have been victimized. by the
contractors In street-paving johs, and, ri^tly or wrongly,
they hold administration responsible therefor. They sJ-so
complain of the espionage of the police. As a usual thing the
Bohemians are orderly and law-abiding - they are, as stated
before, a little boisterous at their society meetings when they indrdge too
freely in beer, which they too often do, and the policemen are too apt to use
their clubs on them. There is a general impression, too, that the women are
80 desirous of getting rich that they do not know the difference between "mine
and thine" very frequently. This is pronounced a gross slander, however, by
the Bohemians themselves, who complain that the police treat them harshly,
spread false reports about them and allow young tou^s to break into their
amusement halls, where the aforesaid tou^s insult the women. This is especially
the case at the Bohemian Hall on Taylor Street, near Canal, and frequent
fl^ts result as a consequence. In the Sixth Ward places of entertainment
the Bohemians are amply able to take care of themselves.
I D 1 b -13- BOHEMIAN
II A 2
I V The Chicago Trlbxine , Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
II D 1
III C The Loafers Among Them.
I C
17 1 It is very notlceahle that they do not loaf about saloons to any
I Z great extent. The present is a very dull time in the lumber region,
and many hundred men are Idle there, but in the Bohemian saloons
in the vicinity very few men are to be fo\ind. They devote much of their time
noTF-a-days to improving their buildings, constructing sidewalks, and clearing
away rubbish or assisting their industrious wives. They are seldom found idle.
Two young men met on Twenty-second Street last Thursday were asked why they
were not at work, "No work to do", they replied. No house - no work now".
They went on to explain as best th^ could that they had been in search of work«
Besides the religious, anti-religious and building societies, the Bohemians have
also several gyiqnastic societies. They practice nearly every night. They are
very athletic fellows althou^ they are not quick. For persons who are such
skilled tailors they display very poor taste in dressing. The men's clothing
is generally speaking, coarse and badly fitting, the pantaloons bag at the knees
ID 11) -13- BQHBQAH
The Chicago TribunOt Vol. XL VI, March 7, 1886
II A 2
I V
II D 1
III C
I C
I y 1
I K
and are many Inches too short, \ihlle the shoes are coarse and
heavy. They are a healthy race, thou^ there is considerable
Bortallty among the children in susuner, very likely due to
overcrowding and the neglect of other sanitary regulations*
Thou^ they have prospered in Chicatgo there is a general tendency
among those \fho have ready cash or t^o can dispose of their property, to leave
here and go to live on farms. Their papers here are filled with advertisements
of farms for sale in Nebraska, Dakota, Texas, and parts of Wisconsin, and there
are a couple of farm agencies here doing a big business. For this and other
reasons it is not likely that the Bohemian population of Chicago will increase
to any great extent in the future, though they are a prolific race, and many
of those who go to farming return in a few years. The Bohemian quarter of the
Sixth Ward is now nearly built up. The Scandinavians are crowding in on them
west of Ashland Avenue, in what is called the Stockholm region. The iTimber
business there is not expanding. Much of it is likely to go to South Chicago,
and the furniture factories are already crowded. As small traders they do not
make much headway, their trade being confined mostly to people of their own
nationality. The extension of the tracks of the West Division Railway Company
I D 1 b -14- BOHEMIAN
II A 2
I V The Chicago Tribune . Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
II D 1
III C. on West Nineteenth Street, will open up some new territory, bat
I C not a great amount. The building societies of the region have
I F 1 practically done their work. Very few dwellings are going up
I K now. Nearly all are three and four story store buildings of a
very substantial character. The Bohemian are not the only
buildings, however. The Germans and the Hebrews are doing more than their share. *
Religious Opinion
It Is curious that, thou^ there are very many Bohemian Jews in this city the
relation between them and the Bohemian Christians appear to be far from cordled;
and the Catholic Bohemians and the libereil thinkers appear to cordially hate each
other. The liberal thinkers seem to be the most prosperous, and also to be the
better educated. They seem to have a decided preference for Voltaire, HuxLey,
Darwin and two or three of their own writers. Their literature is not extensive.
The women have two or three societies of their own, and, strange as It may seem
In women, the societies are not of a religious character. It Is a mistake thou^,
to suppose that the Bohemians as a whole are not religious people. Of the 40,000
I D 1 b -1&. BOHEMIAK
The Chicago Tribune , Vol. XL VI, March 7, 1886
II A 2
I V
II D 1
III C
I C
I P 1
I E
who live here more than two-thirds attend church some time or
other. The average Sunday attendance at the church at the
comer of Allport Avenue and Sixteenth Street is ahout 6,000,
Twice that number of different persons attend daring the year.
The attendance at the DeKoven church nujnbers about 4,000 on the
average, and the attendance at the Portland Avenue Church in the Fifth Ward is
about 2,500, The Bohemians of the Fourteenth Ward attend the Polish church. The
pastors pay great attention to the societies belonging to the church, and devote
their entire energies to keeping them intact. Among no foreign nationality is
there such pronounced hostility to formal religion, and it requires all the zeal
of the clergymen to combat this,
Mr, Frank Fucik, a well-known Bobeaian of the Seventh Ward, said yesterday, in
relation to the building societies and other matters: "The district between
Halsted Street and Ashland Avenue is now almost built up, and the Bohemians are
beginning to build in the district between Ashland and Western Avenues, The
Scandinavians are also building in there, but west of the lime kiln on Hoyne
Avenue and thereabouts the Bohemians seem to have it all to themselves.
II A 2
I V
II D 1
III C
I C
I P 1
I Z
I D 1 b -16- BQHEMIAU
The Chicago Trllnme , Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
Value of Their Property
"Uhat is the V£j.ue of their property? I heard it estimated at
$20,000,000, hut that is an exaggeration, perhaps. They own at
least $16,000,000 worth of property in Chicago, They seldom
send money to the old country, except for the purpose of assisting relatives to
come out. What they earn they keep here. It is a mistake to think that the
Bohemians are only common laborers and wood-ahovers. They are blacksmiths,
watchmakers, and wood-turners, etc. Those along Canal Street, Canalport Avenue
and Blue Island Avenue work at various mechanical trades. They work at the
manufacture of American cutlery to a very large extent, and they are all steady,
sober, active men. They have frequently been slandered because they have not
been understood,"
"To vrhom do the house-owners rent"? njo people of all nationalities - generally to
their own countrymen though. They usually get $7 or $8 for three rooms, A good
proportion of the rent goes for a time to pay interest. The death rate is as
low in the Boh4mian qxiarter as in any other portion of the city.
II A 2
I 7
II D 1
III C
I C
I P 1
I E
I D 1 b -17- BQHBMIAK
The Chicago Trlfaine . Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
Their homes look as neat and as clean. Thegr appear clean theio-
selves, and I dont think there is the least ground for prejudice
against them now,"
Mr, Chatfield of the firm of Street, Chatfield and Keep, lumber
dealers, who traveled through Bohemia, said that in their native coiontry the
Bohemians appear to be industrious, frugal, hard-working people* Like the Irish
they did not like their form of government. There have been frequent uprisings.
They seemed to be of considerable political and intellectual force in their native
country. He considered them a very valuable portion of the population. He had
heard few things derogatory to them.
A three days* sojourn in their midst was convincing as to their thrift, their
industry, their cleanly habits, their generally high moral character, their
saving habits and their intellectual advancement. They usually make good
citizens; they have aided more than any other class of the popxilation in
building up the best portion of the southwestern district of the city; they
have done their part by their labor in adding to the material prosperity of the
I D 1 b -18- BOHEMIAN
II ▲ 2
I 7 The Chicago Trfbune. Vol. XLVI, March 7, 1886
II 1
III C city in adding to its taxable value. They are excellent members
I C of society, and they and their children have done and will no
I P 1 doubt continue to do their full duty towards the great city which
I K they have chosen for their future home.
I. ATTITUIES
D* Economic
Or^nlzatlon
2. Labor Orsanlzation & Activities
a. Unions
(1) Coopaoy
I D 2 a (1) gCHSTUAIT
I F 3
I F 6 Deiml Hlasatel , Ivlar. 12, 1911.
I H
A FITTniG REPLY TO THE CnJI.SY ATTACIS OF THE TYPOGRAFH
AGAINST THE BOHEMIAN PRDiTING TRADES CENTRAL UNION
Recently, we published in this paper a communication in which we
portrayed in the proper light the attacks of the International
Typographical Union No. 330 directed against our union, and at the
same time we called attention to the unprincipled actions of the
said International Typographical Union.
In the latest issue of the Typo graph , the masters are replying to us,
but in such a manner as is not customary among decent people. Or are
such expressions used among decent people as: "scamp," "driveling,"
"toad," and others, which cannot be published here? Vie expected a
real argtment, but experienced only insults. He made known a whole
list of true examples of the rottenness of that xinion, and instead of
answering us fittingly, they haughtily and snobbishly say that they
ID 2a (1 ) - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I F 2
I F 6 Denni Hlasatel . I&blt. 12, 1911,
I H
will not go to scabs for advice. They lie, and try to
squirm out, but at the same time, in their reply to Spi^vedlnost ,
convict themselves of lying.
For the sake of interest and judgment, as to whether or not we were
right when we iin'ote about "union" conditions in print-shops coming
under the jurisdiction of the International Typographical Union No.
330, we bring the following for consideration: Although Typograph
in past issues called attention to the ugly conditions existing in
the shop of Spravedlnost about which the secretary of the Allied
Printing Trades Council, Ilr, Straub, said that they are worse than
scabs, that organ in its last issue states that it pictured those
incidents in a manner almost too mild. Suppose then, if T^^ograph
were to tell the whole truth, then some pretty deeds would be brought
into the open, Typograph also accuses Spravedlnost of deceiving the
public when it says that the printing pleuit and Spravedlnost are
I D 2 a (1 ) - 3 - EOHSiaAN
I F 2
I F 6 Denni Hlasatel , liar. 12, 1911.
I H
. \mdertakings of all progressive organized Bohemian labor.
The International Typographical Union, ivith which Spravedlnost has an
agreement, and which is certainly aware of the conditions existing in
the shop of Spravedlnost , declares the claim of Spravedlnost is utterly
false, and that the print-shop and Spravedlnost are really the joint
enterprise of the Bohemian socialist section, which is still a long
way from being the representative of all progressive organized labor.
Further, Typograph points out that Spravedlnost is not sure that the
printing label will not be taken away from it, because the minutes of
the International Typographical Union are full of notations about the
violation of union regulations by Spravedlnost . Also a member of the
International Union, llr, I.^ejdrich, admits that he once struck the former
president of the Board of Directors of Spravedlnost . when that gentleman
accused the typesetters of robbing the shop, and throv/ing away good type
which was not worn out. A fine example of brotherly workingmen*s action,
I D 2 a (1 ) - 4 - BOHEITIAN
I F E
I F 6 Denni Illasatel . Liar. 12, 1911,
I H
is it not?
Also, it appears from these accusations that the full manifestation by
the Central Unity of Bohemian tnions was misused so that the associates
could draw commissions for themselves. Typesetters working for
Spravedlnost do not receive the wage set up by the Union. They work
longer hours than the Union pernits and that for scab wages. In
addition to this, the workers are compelled to contribute to the so
called **workingmen's'* newspaper, Spravedlnost ,
V/ell then, gentlemen, why do you become excited when your inconsistency
is admitted by yourselves? Or do you suppose that when you write "that
it is not possible for you to disprove the mass of li«a and slander,"
the whole matter will be settled? You are very much in error when you
say that the Bohemian Printing Trades Central Union was founded at the
request of the employers. To that we reply: The Boheauian Printing
/^
o
J^
I D 2 a (1 ) - 5 - BOHai:iAU
I F 2
I F 6 Denni Hlasatel . Kslt, 12, 1911.
I H
Trades Central Union was founded through necessity, so as to
resist the often nonsensical orders and fancies of various self-styled
saviors of workingmen, whom Haywood so excellently characterized in
his lectures,
Bohemian workingmen are, and always will be, so mature that they know
what they should do, v/ithout the necessity of having any such overlords
above them as are needed by the gentlemen in the International Typo-
graphic Union, who need some kind of a "sanctus spiritus" for every
trifle, without the help of which they would soon be at the end of
their resources.
Further, you write that the scabs of Svornost and lUasatel are impatiently
waiting to take in the members whom you expel*. ISany thanks, gentlemen.
We are not so greedy for numbers, a fact which you will readily agree
and recognize from the fact that we have raised the initiation fee for
I D 2 a (1 ) - 6 - DCHBJJIAN
I F 2
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . liar. 12, 1911.
I H
our union to twenty-five dollars. If we fonnerly accepted
every member expelled by you, you did likewise with our expelled members.
Or do you wish to have proof that you have members who formerly were
zealous workers in our union? Also, we did not write that the former
vice-president of the International Typographical Union worked for the
I'iational Printing Company for eighteen dollars per week when he should
have been getting twenty-seven dollars per week. That is an error on
your part. Your colleague, who worked in a certain shop in Bohemian
California for eighteen dollars a week is the one to whom we refer.
If you want to know his name, your present president, ilr, Aug, Capek,
can give you the information. We congratulate you upon having him,
Vife add: how can there be any talk of lying and slander? Isn*t it
really slander on your part when you denounce and insult the executive
committee of our Bohemian Printing Trades Union? Do you not condemn
yourselves by such action? How can you write that our secretary was
expelled and fined by your union, when the truth is that he resigned.
I D 2 a (1 ) - 7 - B0H3!.^IAN
I F 2
I F 6 Dermi Hlasatel . I^r. 12, 1911.
I H
willingly, from your union? And when someone resigns, can
they still be expelled and fined? Perhaps only by you, gentleraenl
Just a few more words. You call our union a "Bosses' Union." We
have disproved your false assertion, and v;e know that the International
Typographical Union No. 330 includes among its members four proprietors
of printing plants, and about twenty-five shareholders of the national
Printing Company. Therefore, more than half of all members of your
union are "bosses." .'/a, the members of Bohemian Printing Trades Union,
wish you consolation, after a long groping in the dark. You will
recognize, yes, indeed, that while they were motibers of your union,
they vjere groping in the dark, but nov/ they go by daylight, of that we
assure you. In so far as your threat to pillory of every individual
connected with our union is concerned, we are at your disposal. V/e
add however, that on that pillory there will be room enough for many
members of the International Typographical Union Ko. 330.
I D 2 a (1 ) - 8 - BOHSI.TIAN
I F 2
I F 6 Deiml Hlasatel . ilar. 12, 1911.
I H
We must not pass by your naive raention about machinists.
According to you, machinists are unnecessary in a print-shop. IVhy
then, do you have rules requiring a machinist for each three type-
setting machines? Or why are there inachinsts in every larger
English establishment? V/elll that remuneration which your colleagues
receive for the function of machinists is darned small. That the
members of your union are so thoroughly familiar with typesetting
machines and those of our union are not, well, that is very easily
said, using your own words, but it would be hard to prove. \'!e advise
you sincerely, gentlemen, don*t lie, don*t slander, and don*t look for
splinters in your neighbors eye when you have a regular log in your
own. '.'ie urf-e you to learn decency. Speaking of the members of our
union who "chip in" quarters for beer, as far as that is concerned,
what of it? At least they drink at their own expense, while somewhere
else the drinking is done at the expense of the International Union.
That is the only difference between the two cases.
I D 2 a (1 ) - 9 - EOmaJAN
I F 2
I F 6
I H Denni Hlasatel . I-Iar. 12, 1911.
Farther, we remind you gentlemen that our organization committee is
in no sense a secret body, at least not to the extent that your
committee is. V/e will add only that just as soon as the names of
your committee members are signed in full, our six member organizing
committee vjill not hesitate a minute to do likewise.
Every non-partisan and reasonable man who knows conditions as they
exist between the publishers of Hlasatel and Svornost and their
employees, who are fully satisfied with their jobs, union wages, and
union working conditions, will arrive at the point of view that the
Central Bohemian Printing Trades Union deserves the support of every
countryman.
Organization Committee.
:. ATTITUDES
D. Economic
Organization
2. Labor Organization
& Activities
a. Unions
(2) Craft
i
I. D £ a (8) BOHEMIAN
IE
IT Dimi HIaaaf 1. May 19, 1914«
^OORT TRIAL 0? PICHA AND BERAN^
B«for« a jury In Judge Bowles's orlmlnal seetion of the Ifunlcipal Court in
the City Hall, the case of Mr. Karel Vondras, a baker residing at 1540 West ri
18th Street, rersas the editor-in-ohief , Earel H« Beranek, of the daily ':$
SpraTedlnost and Earel Fioha, one of the prinoipal leaders in the camp of -p
the "reds", was decided against the latter two, and the lecture irtiich they r;
reeexved will not soon be forgotten by then. After a conference lasting -o
two hours, the Jury found the two guilty of criminal libel, and it is now o
up to the Judge to sentence them. The penalty may amount to as nich as six
months in Jail, the maximum in this case, and also a maTlm»ni fine of $1,000«
The Jury was composed of max of intelligenee, and included four unionists, ^
one of irtiom was an agent of a carpenters* union*
After the sentence was banded down, the legal representatives of the defendants
made it known that they would seek a new trial, and the heeuring of pleas was
set for Saturday, May 23. If the Judge should refuse the pl9as, the case
will probably be taken before the Appellate Court.
CD
I. D 8 a (8) - 8 - BOHBMIAN
I £
IV Damii Hlasatel , Uay 19, 1914*
We haTe referred to the substance of the case before. Mr. Vondras claimed
that he was ylslted by Mr* Ploha, who nas then a business agent for the
International Bakers* and Confectioners* Union No. 13, and Mr* Picha threat-
ened to deprire Mr. Vondras of his union label because, as the agent claimed,
Mr. Vondras had broken the union rules. Mr. Vondras claimed that Mr. Picha ^
proposed to "fix" the difficulty for fifty dollars, to which Mr. Vondras ^
refused to agree, and Mr. Picha thereupon carried away several boxes of union <=:^
labels from Mr. Vondras *s bakeshop. ^
In order to ccnform to the rules of the city weighoaster, Mr. Vondras began o
to paste the labels of the Bohemian Bakers' and Confectioners* Union No* 8
on his bakery goods. This union is incorporated under state laws and has a
duly registered tradenaark. »^
But with this arrangement, Mr. Vondras fell into disfavor with his comrades,
irtio began to "fire away at him," as it were, and the brutal acts grew in
intensity day after day* Many handbills were distributed in irtiich
Mr. Vondras was pictured as an enemy of union labor; and the Circuit Court
CO
o
I. D 2 a (8) .3- BOHEMIAN
IB
IV Denni Hlasatel . Hay 19, 1914.
was asked to stop Mr. Vondras from using the labels of the Bohemian union,
because it was claimed that the design is an imitation of the copyrighted
label of the Inteznationcd. union* Judge Windes decided that the tiro labels
are of -very different design, and he simply denied the petition of the
unionists* ^
The troiip card played against Mr. Yondras by the SpraTedlnost was in the ^
Noyember 23 issue of last year, under the caption, "TseodboroTa Hlidka" C
(Sentinel of Industry)* In this incendiary article, he was accused of being ^
untrue to his customers by his use of counterfeit labels* The writer of this S
marked and easily discemable Insinuation was, we are told, Mr* Picha; euid
therefore Mr. Vondras instituted court proceedings for the protection of his
honor and good name* Mr* Vondras sued not only Mr* Picha, but also the
editor-in-chief, Karel H* Beranek, who is responsible for the contents of
the article in the Spravedlnost^
Mr* Vondras felt justified in suing these men, because his character as well
as his business was blighted* Therefore, it was quite natural for him to
CO
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-a
I. D 2 a (2) -4- BOHEMIAN
IE
17 Demni Hlasatel , Uay 19, 1914.
0«6k redress in court*
The action ma broue^t before a Jury in Judge Bowles's court on Friday aTter-
noon and ended yesterday with the sentencing of the two defendants.
Mr. Tondras, with the aid of witnesses, proved that he eoqploys members of a
union lAiieh is duly incorporated and has its authorized trade-mark; that cmy
falsifying of labels is out of the question* As to the offer of Mr* Picha to F=
adjust the difficulties for a fifty-dollar consideration, Mr, Vondras had ^
witnesses to back up that assertion. The moot point of the correct transla- ^
tion of the objectionable words was given to the Jury by the attorney for
the prosecution, Mr. Jaroslar F. Smetapka, irtiose competence in making tran-
slations no one could doubt because of his thorough training in both the
Bohemian and English languages.
Mr. Beranek for the defense stepped into the witness chair and was followed
by Professor Jaroslav J. Zrorhal, idio informed the Jury that the translation
of the objectionable article, as it was arranged by the prosecution, was
incorrect in substance, and in translation entirely different words could
(.">
to
O
r-o
6^^
I. D 2 a (2) - 5 - BOBSMIAN
I B
17 Daaml Hlasatal. Hay 19, 1914*
^>
o used — ^words imioh milder in meaning, but expressing the same thought*
Professor Zmrhal cdso proved himself an authority and master of the tno
languages, but upon oross -examination by Attorney J« B. Brillow, representing
Mr. Yondras, Professor Zmrhal had to admit that there was a great differenoe ^
between the words "someidiat similar** and ** counterfeit,** and the word '*eounter- ^
feit** was used in the article printed in the Spraredlnost. ,^
-T3
From the evidence presented, the members of the Jury became convinced that
the purpose of the article was to cast suspicion upon the well-meaning ;^
baker, Mr. Yondras, and not, as the defense claimed, to show him ujf as an
C^i
ro
enemy of labor. Jor that reason the jury found the two editors of the <=>
Spravedlnost guilty of defamation of character.
The defense in this case had no easy work of it, because the sense of the
flurticle was so clear that its meaning could not have been changed by tech-
nical subterfuges, and Mr. Picha*8 behavior did not do him credit in the
least. He wisely refrained from testifying*
t
i
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I D 8 a (2) BOHEMIAN
II D 5
II D 4 Dennl Hlasatel. Miay 13, 1914.
A PROCLAUATIQN TO BOHEMIAN MA3QNS IN CHICAGO
Dear Brothers! Becatise of the growing number of applicants and cramped
quarters, it will be necessary to enlarge the present premises of the Cesk^
tHulna A SirotSinec (Bohemian Old People's Home and Orphanage)* Ibe members
of the Vsxie Ceskych Tesaru t Chicago (Union of Bohemian Carpenters of Chicago)
have agreed to co-operate in the erecting of an addition to the present build- p
ing and to ask other crafts of the building trades for co-operation* ^
cz>
We therefore make this appeal to oiu!> Bohemian bricklayers, trusting that they ^
too will lend a hand in such a noble and humanitarian undertaking* ^
CXI
Do not hesitate, but prove that our section always was and will be among
those whose help is available to others, when it is really needed*
Donate one day of work, or a few hours of your services daily, if you can.
This will, without doubt, help more than collections.
I D 2 a (2) - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II D 5
II D 4 ' Denni Hlasatel . May 13, 1914.
A meeting whose purpose is to provide a full explanation of our objectives
and to furnish an opportunity for an exchange of opinions on this matter will
be held May 17 at 2 P. M, at Mr, Josef Hacha»s, 26th Street and Springfield ^
Avenue, The organization committee of Bohemiam bricklayers is expecting a ^
large attendance* ..^
I —
r~
-o
?o
o
C3
rsa
•^j
I D 2 a (2) BOHEHIAN
II A 3 b
Dennl Hlasatel . Dec. 14, 1913.
F. IHOTAK RE-3LECT3D PRESIDENT OF ALIERIGAN MUSICIANS UNION
Tbe regular election of officers of the TMion of Merloan M\islclans»a national
organization with offices on South Clark Street, directly opposite the Federal ^
Building, was held last Tuesday, There were two candidates for the office of 5
president: our countryman, Mr* F. Lhotak, the well -known musician, and a non- -r^
Bohemian who had held the office prior to Mr. Lhotdk*s term. F
~o
Mr. Lhotak was re-elected by a vote of 326 to 240. To be elected president of o
a body as large and important as this Union is indeed a signal honor, €uid we ^
are happy to be able to congratulate Mr, Lhotak on the confidence and prestige B
he enjoys among the musicians of America en
1,0 2 a (g). J. BOHBIJIAN
Dennl Hlasatel. Nov. 9, 1913,
A CALL TO BOHEMLATI BRICKLAYERS
All Bohenian bricklayers are to report at tlie Bricklayers* Hall at Peoria
and Monroe Streets today, November 9. Take along your wage book and your
union card, and be sure to vote the Reform Ticket* If we win, we shall get
a Bohemian business agent. Do you remember the way a non-Bohemian agent
dealt with you when you applied for your union card?
Vie shall also try to take away the automobile from our president. Only its
repairs cost us thousands of dollars (sic) a year, and with present public
transportation facilities, an automobile appears to be quite superfluous.
You will receive your ballots in the Hall* The balloting will take place
from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.
Vote the following ticket: ^le names of eight candidates follow^^/
(Signed) The Committee.
-a
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GO
rsj
■ — I
C71
I D 2 a (2) BOHEMIAN
Denni Elasatel, Dec. 7, 1912#
sl;.vic bahbers form a rniiv organization
The meeting of Slavic barbers, about v/hich we already printed a short advance
notice, v;as held on the premises of Mr. Mlrko Vadjina at 1118 V/est 18th Street,
in our Pilsen district, last Thursday night. The attendance of barbershop
owners v/as very large*
It was agreed that the barbers in this part of the city are unable to raise
their prices as barbers in other localities do nov^, because their customers are
almost exclusively v/orkingmen who cannot pay more for their shaves and haircuts
than they have been paying. Therefore the barbers cannot go along with the 2
decision of the downtown organization, whose members work under entirely dif- ^
ferent conditions, * i^
-a
:s3
<Ln
In view of these facts, it was deemed necessary to start a new organization,
and this action was realized in the meeting, /TJae name of the organization is
not given_^
(
i
\ I D 2 a (2) - 2 - BOESl'JJ^ •;
Denni Hlasatel. Dec. 7, 1912, |
•Hie following officers were elected: Mirko Vadjina, president; Fr. Kolar,
vice-president; Enil Kolaf , treasurer. The meeting adopted a resolution I
signed by Geo. L, Lukic, Jan hiarich, Jos. A. Husek, Fr. Zornak, and Karel f
Hanpl v/hich, among other matters, sets the v/orking hours as follov/s: Daily
from 7 A. M, to 9 P. M. , except Saturday, when the shops v/ill be open until ^ I
11 P. M. , and Simday, v/hen they will be open from 7 A. M, to 12 noon. g i
The next meeting will be held in the same place on December 12, and its fZ
organizers hope that the oi»mers of barbershops will attend in large numbers so ""^
that the organization can be perfected and put on a firm foundation. g
I D 2 a (2) BOHEMIAN
Dennf .Hlasatel. Dec, 6, 1912,
OUR BUTCH-ilRS' T.-iillTrY-SIX'm AI-2TUAL B/iLL ' ^
The Podporujfcf Spolek Plzenskych Sezniku (Pilsen Butchers* Benevolent Society), <ri
the oldest organization of this important trade and guild not only among us, p
but perhaps in all Chicago, •,.vdll hold its tv;enty-sixth annual ball in the ^
Pilsen Sokol hall on Ashland Avenue,..,, §
Admission v.'ill be $3,50 per couple; additional ladies, ^1 each, ^
I D
(2)
II B E d (1)
I
I
I
I
I
D
D
D
F
H
(3)
(4)
BOHEMIAN
Denni Illasatel , -'eb. 5, 1911.
LiiBOR L^iTTERS
The Reply of lir. a. Uzlik to ivir. Balvin and to the
Anon3mious ..Titer of "-Vho is damaging the
Labor Movement"
In the first place, i'lr. Balvin, I am not an organizer of the Industrial
VJorkers of the V/orld and I did not arrive among the Czechs in the last
fourteen days, for I have lived among then eighteen years and I have been
active in the labor movement during this entire period. I never sought to
gain personal or selfish adVEintages and my aims e.lways v.'ere to aid and not
to hinder this idealistic movement,
I am a member of the working class and I can never advocate ideas which
are injurious to this class. One of these is the idea being spread
I D 2 a (2) - 2 - BOHEtOAN .
II B 2 d (1)
I D 2 a (3) Denni Hlasatel . /eb. 5, 1911.
I D 2 a (4)
I D 1 a hy oocialists, that only through political action can
I F 6 V'jorkingmen triuraph. Every strike lost is an opportunity
I H welcomed by them to confirm this false viev;.
If the strike is Tvon and higher v/ages obtained, they maintain th?.t it means
nothing because the capitalists vlll get it back through higher prices.
The result of this false vievv-point is that these people endeavor to use
every strike for the benefit of their political party. They are active in
the union movement only for tbose reasons. The rottener the union organi-
zation, the better it suits their purposes. That*s why they stick so
tenaciously to the American Federation of Labor. At the last convention of
the American Federation of Labor, eighty Socialists v/ere present and they all
voted for Gompers. In the Chicago Federation of Labor, not one Socialist
protested against the acceptance of the ap;reement vdth Hart, Schaffner and Marx
and to the last one they all voted for it. I have never knowingly lied
I D 2 a (2) - 3 - BOHTini.TlAN
II E 2 d (1)
I D 2 a (3) Denni Hlasatel . b^eb. 5, 1911.
I D 2 a (4)
I D 1 a
I F 6
I H
and I again assert, that every accusation brousht against Mr. Balvin, can be
substantiated by any delegate to the conference. I v;as chairman of the
last tvifo meetings of the conference and knov; whereof I speak. Neither
Trautman nor I forced ourselves among 3'"ou. Trautinan and Hayv/ood were invited
by the strikers to take charge of the strike. I was asked by Trautman,
because he did not knov. the Czech language and thought that I would be of
assistance in many respects. Your insinuation that v^e were more interested
in the assessnents than in the members, I reject as a common barefaced
insult. '.Ve urge no one to become a member of the Industrial .workers of
I D 2 a
(?).
II B 2 c
I (1)
I D 2 a
(3)
I D 2 a
(4)
I D 1 a
I F 6
I H
- 4 - BOim^IAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Feb. 5, 1911.
the World, \'ie are open and above board, and say only what we think and
nothing more.
In so far as the anonymous article is cnncemed, in which I am censured
for my membership in the American Federation and in the Painters Union,
it will not dissuade me from my intention to point out the vfanton cor-
ruption within them. That I write to newspapers v/hich you proclaim as
non-union is only your fault, not nine, "!lhen I sent you a communication
for publication, you returned it to me. If your paper is so strictly a
labor paper, why did you accept a full page ad from the ultra-capital-
istic Tribune ? In that advertisement the reading of the Tribune, which
in the year 1886 recommended lead pills nd strychnine for striking labor.
I D 2 a (2) - 5 - BOTTKMTAN
II B 2 d (1)
I D 2 a (3) Denni lilasatel . r'eb. 5, 1911.
I D 2 a (4)
I D 1 a
I F 6
I H » .
was reconmended to v^orkingmen. It was not Hlasatel v.'hich vies breaking
the strike, but the corruption and ' ^fitness of the Garment l.orkers*
Union and the federation of Labor, as you yourselves have acknovdedged
and to whom you are giving such stout aid.
IVe have enough laws, more than are needed, but what v;e need is someone
to enforce them. Inspectors allow themselves to be bribed, but labor
organized into the right kind of unions vdll see to it that every work-
room, every factory, every mine is safe for the health and life of the
workers. Labor organized into an industrial union, will be the political
power v;hich will enforce these various laws for the safety of the v;orkers.
I D 2 a (3) - 6 - BOHEMIAN
II B £ d (1)
I D 2 a (3) Denni Hlasatel . Feb. 5, 1911,
I D 2 a (4)
I D 1 a
I F 6
I E
Labor will not allov; itself to be murdered any more, as happened at the
Cherry inine and other places. Being av/are that it has the support of
the entire force' of the v.orking class, orcanized into one union, it will
never v.'ork where it constantly sees death before it. Labor in the present
day craft unions has no porer, no resistance, because every trade is for
itself and the result of all this is strikes lost, and broken and the
workingTien delivered to the mercies of more brutal treatment than before.
Here is viiere you gentlemen of Sprevedlnost should do your duty and criti-
cize everything that js not fair; pay more attention to the struggles of
v;orkers in the factories, meanwhile, uncovering corruption in the labor
I D 2 a
(2)
II B 2 d
I (1)
I D 2 a
(3)
I D 2 a
(4)
I D 1 a
I F 6
I H
- 7 -
Derxnl lilasatel . Feb, 5, 1911,
BOHai.IIAN
novement, because that is far more important than to call attention to
corraption in politics*. Svery strike lost indicates v/eakness, and
lack of confidence of the workers in themselves, "but every strike v/on
means a step forward, an Inclination to further strus^^le, 3very raise
in vrai;es and shortening of hours of labor means better conditions for
the workers.
If S-oravedlnost vdll work in this manner, then will it have the right to
call itself a labor paper, but not before.
Be consistent in the principles of Socialism and no one will criticize
you. Aiding Rickert and others in their work and keeping Bohemian workers
I D 2 a (2) - 8 - 30HE;:JAN
II B 2 d (1)
I D 2 a (3) Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 5, 1911.
I D 2 a (4)
I D 1 a on strike, in order to help traitors, was certainly .miserable
I F 6 conduct for a "labor" paper.
IE.
I have read carefully every attack upon my accusations, published
in that paper, but nov-here, I say, nov-here, did they disprove anything I
charged and even if the writer of the anonynous article claims that Spravedlnost
did not proclaim the first agreement vith Hart, Schaffner and Icarx as a big
victory for tailoring v,orkers, still he cannot erase it for it is printed there
in large letters,
A. Uzlik
I D 2 a (2) BOHEI£LAN
II B 2 d (1)
I D 1 a ■ Demil Hlasatel . Jan. 22, 1911.
III B 2
III A CZECH PAPER STANDS UP FOR ITS PRINTERS
I C
All of us have repeatedly had occasion to observe the malicious actions
of those obnoxious spirits that are wont to attack the Denni Hlasatel
and the organization whose members it employs. Now the Ceska Ustredni
Unie Tiskarskych Remesel (Czech Central Union of the Printic^ Trades),
rises in protest to defend itself and its employers. Circulars, in
which the attitude of the organization shall be duly explained, will
be sent to all Czech associations, trade unions, etc. This will help
to stop the abusive and malevolent eruptions of those evil-minded .-.
elements who try to enhance their interest by inciting unrest among
our workers, by subversive methods, and prevarications.
The circular runs in essence as follows: "Oiir's is an association as
esteemed as is yours, and in the first place a unionized one, which
closes its contracts on the basis of set rules, and therefore, should
I D 2 a (2 ) - 2 - BOHEMIAN
II B 2 d (1)
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 22, 1911.
III B 2
III A. merit the support of your association and of the Czech public
I C in general. The undersigned union furnishes help to the
Denni Hlasatel , to the Syomost , and to the printing shop of
Ur. Svestka; it is exclusively Czech, one reason more for its right to
the good-will on the part of Czech associations. Our organization was
founded because we felt that the dues and emergency payments to the
international unions, could be put to better use by directing them into
the channels of an organization composed of our own kind. We have gone
through the experience of being dependent upon the decisions of organiza-
tions foreign to us and of humiliation from societies we hardly knew; we,
therefore, arrived at the conclusion that a body governed by Czechs only,
would be the right union for us. The way Czech union men are being
treated by the officisLLs of the organizations of other nationalities is
well known. One example of the treatment accorded to Czech union men
is presented in the recent strike of the garment workers* union. Similar
occurrences prcppted us to found our own organization.
I P 2 a (2 ) - 3 - BOHEMIAN
II B 2 d (1)
I-D 1 fi Dennl Hlasatel . Jan. 22, 1911.
III B 2
III Jl Today, after an existence of several years of our iinion, we
I C can safely claim that the financial condition of the individual
members is much improved over that of former years, and the
contracts with our employers have been renewed. Those are reasons that
speak for themselves.
Besides this, we have been making every effort to aid our fellow-workers
in distress; at the same time, we allowed no opportunity to pass without
doing our bit in the field of nationalistic endeavor. We assure your
society that the contracts entered into with our employers are of more
benefit to us than those closed with any others. In closing we are
entreating your organization to lend your support to us by patronizing
the printing concerns for which we work.
Signed: Frank Sramek, president.
I D 2 a (2^ , BOHEMIAN
Denni Hi as at el , Apr. 17» 1910..
MEETING OF THE BOHEMIAN PRINTERS' TRADES S
go
P.l, Col. 3 — Today at 2:30 P.M. the Bohemian Central Union of printers' ^
Trades is holding its regular meeting. The meeting will he held in their r;
hall at 19th St. and Blue Island Ave. '|g
Important "business will be discussed, therefore all members are requested La
to be present. Numerous questions and incompleted business from the pre- i:^^
vious meeting will be settled also.
(per) Mr. J. Novak (Secretary)
V
I D 2 a (2) BOHEMIAN
II A 3 b
II A 2 / * Denni Hlaaatel , Mov. 22, 1909,
' ^' BOHEMIAM-AMERICAN MUSICIANS' UNION.
t _
p. 5.* Yo vieh to inform the piiblic, and Czech musicians in particular, that
the term for the redwed initiation fee of $2.00 has been extended to the end
of this year* Applications for membership vill be received at way time in
the headquarters of the union at Ifir* V. Randans, 3259 W. Twenty-Sixth Street, ^
and by the secretary before the meetings which are held every Saturday at 8 ^
p* m« ¥• are prepBtred to loan you money at moderate rates emd promptly. F^
Henry Batek, president* ^
o
.<r
I D 2 a (2) BOHEMIAN
II D 1
Denni Hlasatel . Nov. 1, 1909.
CHICAGO CZECH BUTCHBRS' EUPLOTEBS ORGANIZB.
p. 3.. The Butehsrs* Bnployetts* Bducational Club aniiouncds a reduction ffom
$3*00 to $1*50 for neoobershlp during the two months from Noveaber lot to
January let, and a similar reduction ddm to 25 cents per month for regular
dues. This club is decidedly one of the best mutual aid societies in Chicago.
It hasy up to datoy 130 fflssBbers, all of them honest, diligent Cseeh workingmen*
The aboTe offer serTOS the purpose of enabling every butchers* eaq;>loyee to
join the orgeuiixation without great expenses* The club has made it a main
point of its activity to keep working hours within due lijnits, emd also to elij»>
iaate work on Sunday. He is mistaken iriio thinks this an impossibility, for Sl
idiat has been enforced elseiriiere can be done here also, emd we are conrineed 3^
that more than half of our entployers will agree with our demands auid even sup- ^
port us in our struggle. r^
Ifany among them have urged us indeed to commence action on this issue. It is^ o
therefore, up to the workingmen to orgcmize and begin the work lustily, as Lo
nothing but good can corns of it. It is certainly necessary for us to wake up, §
for every other workingman finds himself in better conditions than we, the ^
I D 2 a (2) -2- BOHEMIAN
* Dennl Hlasatel. Nov. 1, 1909.
^~t
butehars* eaployees* There are here aany iriio vork from ei^teen to twenty hours
per day for small vagesy Saturday till midnight, and Siuiday from fire in the
morning till noon time or longer.
We expect you, our brethren, to set up an agitation in order to get the greater ^
paurt of the vorkingmen together before the nev year begins, that shall be p
devoted to ardent work for the betterment of our conditions* Breryona more '^
than fifteen yeeurs old, and who is of the butcher trade, and also new immi- 90
grants in possession of their work-book, can become members. ^
S
51
I D 2 > U) BOHSmAM
Daani Hla»at»la Apr* IS, 1907*
ONIONS*
p« 1 - ool* !•• The Bohaaian people belieiye ia organize^ labor and to prof
this they haTo or^^ised uaions ia aoreral of their trades. Aaeas thsss
Boheaiaa nnioas are the tekers'aad the printers' unions shich hare great strength*
TJ
TO
O
I D 2 a (2 ) " BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Jan. 11, 1907»
ANNOUNCEMENT CP THE FIRST INDEPENDENT BOHEMIAN BAKERS' UNION
P.l — This union will hold its meeting on Saturday, January 12, I907, in ^
the J. Konsy's dub hall, located at Nineteenth and Throop Streets, 5
All brother'memhers are requested to he present because business of im- P
portance and interest will be discussed. ^
o
This announcement also applies to bakers who have not yet Joined this or- ^
ganization. We request their presence at this meeting because they will ^
obtain an understanding of the activities of the union and will have an «^
opportunity to become members.
ID 2
r 1ST-
2 d
n Ai
m
ID
BQHEUIAN
Denai Hlasatel . April 17, 1902.
LABCR MATIERS.
FROM BOHEMIAN-AMERICAN SOCIETY OF JOURNALISTS.
At th«lr ovn request, the Bohemian-American Society of Journalists was inducted
into the International Typographical Union of North America, and given number
four (4). It was officially named "Chicago Bohemian-American Newspaper iafriter*^
Union No. 4^ International Typographical Union of North America.** It became
a regular affiliate, using the same union label as all other Bohemian union print-
shops and newspapers. Of these, only those will be considered union-shops, which
employ not only union typesetters and other labor, but union editors as well.
The agreement, in which are formulated the demands of the members of the Bohemian-
American Journalist Societies, has again been placed before the publishers of
Bohemian newspapers for signature; they have not accepted as yet, but it is
expected that they all will sign readily. The Union of Bohemian Journalists
does not want to cause the owners of Bohemian papers unnecessary difficulties
and will strive to maintain present friendly relations. However, it will insist
upon the fulfillment of its reasonable demands. Dius far a mutual agreement
with our Society has been signed by the publishers of the follcwing papers:
BOHEUIAN
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatel , April 17, 1902.
Denni Hlasatel . Spravedlnost .and Zenskychliety , •ffective since the first of xhe
year, and Lldovych Novin, effective since April 15.
The other Bohemian papers are to accept or reject the agreement by Saturday,
April 19. In case of rejection by papers using the union label, the local
representative of the Interna^onal Typographical Union will intercede.
*
I D 8 • (8)
Dennl Hlegatel« Feb. l6, 1902.
BOHEMIAN
MEETING OF BOHEMIAN MCLDERS • l/u.- ,^^
The Cesko-Slovanska Unie Slevaoka (Czeoho-Slovak holders Union) held its third V::_
agitational meeting Sunday, Feb. 9, in Ccmrade Fr. Pitry's Hall, 1279 //. 20th "~"
St.., between ilorgan and Fisk Sts.
It again met with ^ood results and several new members were gained. By this,
it is being shown that the 'Slavonic Itolders really want to help in the effort
to fonr. an independent union, ^vhere business will be transacted in their mother
tongue. However, it is re;-^re'tfeble that so few of them are applying for member-
ship. The duty of all molders is to assist in such e worthy purpose, as is be-
ing offered them now.
Never before have you had such an opportunity to become members of that great
organization. The International tolders Union of North America. Other nationali-
ties have cared nothing about us and only left us in obscurity, '.7e will show
that we are alive and that we always support worthy things. Only in that manner
can our present labor killing conditions be remedied. Let us take notice how
capital is united against us in the form of trusts, and governs us. We will
show by our strength that we don't need it and that we will overcome it.
- 2 -
Dennl Hlasatel. Feb. l6, 1902.
BOHHailAN
Therefore, let everyone of you oome to the meeting which is to be held V'^
Sunday, Feb. l6th at 2 P.K. in Pitry's Hall, where further explanation will
be made*
This invitation is respectfully extended by the
Committee.
I D 2 a (2 ) BOHEMIAN
in A
II A 3 a Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 5, 1901,
roOM THE OFFIGS OF THE BOHEtOAN TYP0G31APHIGAL UNION, #330,
I, T, '.?• CIIWERIIATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION).
TO THR READERS 07 BOHEMIAN-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS •
Friends: - The Bohemian Typographical Union, in this manner, seeks to obtain
your aid in Its efforts to help Bohemian-American typesetters gain a respectable
and deserved wage.
Every branch of labor is organized so as to achieve honorable compensation for
Its labor and every branch of labor can boast of -its gains, except the type-
setters, who scattered throughout Bohemian-American comnunities, must often work
for their board, and this none too good.
Perhaps the one exception to this haphazard compensation of Bohemian typesetters
is in Chicago, as the result of organization. However, if this condition is to
be retained, if it is to be improved the competition of cheap out-of-town papers,
which flood Chicago with their cheaply produced product, must be removed.
-2- BOHSMIAN
Denni Hlasatel. Dec, 5, 1901.
Bohemian organizations, ishich were of such great help to the efforts off
Bohemian typesetters in the past, will surely take their stand on. the side
of the Bohemian Typesetters* Union and, in the future, withdraw their support
from those publications which are not provided with the union label.
It depends only upon you, readers, that the tjrpesetters of these out-of-town
publications may be properly compensated for their labor. It depends upon
jrbu, in order for local typesetters to maintain and, as much as possible,
improve their present standards, ,7ork completed by capable union typesetters
is pleasing to look at, and publications set up by them are pleasing to the
eyes of the reader, because of their arrangement. In opposition to this,
the out-of-town publications are often set up by children or by poorly paid
people, and their products look accordingly.
In supporting union publications you are aiding union publications, in support-
ing non-union publications you injure the former, without materially aiding
the latter, for they are doomed in any event to a miserable existence and
final oblivion.
/
-3- BCKTKMTAN
Dennl Hlasatel . Dec, 5, 1901 •
Publications which are able to pay union wages are apparently more wide-spread,
and, as a result of their greater circulation, more perfect.
No friend of union labor should subscribe to the following out-of-town publi-
cations:
Rrety Americke, (American Blossoms) Oraahai, Neb.
Pokrok Zapadu, (Progress of the ,7est ) Onaha, Neb,
Donacno st , (Home,) Milwaukee, ^Tis,
Hlas, (Voice) St, Louis, Mo,
The above listed circulate in Chicago, mainly, and with their cheap labor
Injure imlon publications.
-4-
Dennl Illasatel, Dec, 5, 1901,
BOHEMIi:!
Let them know, that only when they have provided themselves with the union
labels will you subscribe to then, and in this manner you will help a good
cause*
In so far as concerns Chicago, the chief enemy of union labor is the '♦Order
of Bohemian Benedicts" (Had Ceskych Benediktinv), Notwithstanding the fact
that the director of its iirinting plant, the Rev. Valentine Kohlbeck, has
told the typesetters, that the Order owns more property than any Bohemigm
printing business in Chicago, it still refuses to pay the typesetters wages,
such as are customary in other printin.'^ plants, IMny years of negotiating
on the part of the imion has not produced results, and it is hardly necessary
to infonn friends of organized labor, that the following named publications;
Narod, (Nation), Katolik, (Catholic), Pritel Ditek, {Childrejtt»8 Friend), and
Hospodarsky Listy, (Agricultural News), are issued by an rssociation of
priests, which since time immonorial has been known for its unfriendliness
to all union activities.
-5- BOHSMLAIT
Denni lUasatel, Dec. 5, 1901. /^"^V
v. • Vl,tf^' ■*
We call the attention of the business men who advertise in the daily Narod \^> %
to the fact, that this paper, after many years of activity, has a aaaller
circulation than any other Bohemian paper published in Chicago, and that we
consider this as sufficient reason for then to withhold their advertising
business from it.
We hope, that friends of organized labor will take the above into considera-
tion and act accordingly. The Bohemian typesetters will surely repay you
in some other- manner.
For the Bohemian Typographical Union, #330, I, T. TT,
Agitation Comaittee,
I D 2 a (2)
II Al
HI A
BOHSTvlEAlT V,
Dennl Elasatel , Llay 12, 1901.
THE OHOAIJIZATION QUESTION,
'(Then the working men of some trades organize themselves into a union, when
those beloni^ing to some branch of business or industry compose themselves
into an association it is generally recognized as reasonable and beneficial.
But in no way can our countrymen become reconciled to the idea, that Bohemian-
American newspapermen should also organize in their own interests, .'/hen even
a few editors or reporters in the employ of competitive papers meet in a public
place, and talk together in a proper and friendly manner, everyone who witnesses
it takes notice as though something improper were being done, and as though it
was to be understood, that the employees of various publications must argue and
fight among theaselves.
This is a sad phenomenon. The "Society of Bohemian Journalists of America" has
taken as its aim: The rectification of this misunderstanding, the formation of
an n^itors and reporters"organization, the gaining for the newspaper business
of public respect and the proper esteem of the einployers.
I D 3 a (2) -2- M3±EM'-WPI^,
Denni Hlasatel, May 12, 1901,
Bat, the work of the society is being destroyed by the indifference of the news-
papermen themselves, and by ttie pref^udgernent of a large following of citizens.
Only the editors of Hlasatel and Nairod , and of several weekly papers belong to
the ♦•society of joxirnalists.** The most peculiar thing about it is that people,
who call themselves the most enlightened, who preach the organization of various
workingmen, disregard the organization of their own particular following. Rural
editors apparently have an altogether indifferent attitude, as not one of them
has recognized the joining of the society as a good thing,
When we see the indifference, yes, the dislike, which a great number of news-
papermen show toward their own organization it sbktis to us that it is indeed a
truthful saying, "that every man on earth prospers according to his merit^"
newspapermen also.
IDzaiai
I D 2 a (4) Danni HlaBat^> Mar* 22, 1901*
HI A . _ - ■ --.
' ^ ^ P JSii ff iTJgK S* UNION MAKE3 NBW DEMAND^
BOHEMIAN
u»
mk
Some of our Typesetters have disregarded the agreement of a week ago, and now
come forw.rd with a new deu^nd.
We are particularly blessed by people who like to share. Eight years ago
members of a literary society, reciuested tiiut we turn our business over to them*
7/e served these impudent applicants accordinii tp their merits. Now it seepis this
is all to be repeated.
Althoug'n it is only a week since we signed an agreement with the lypographioal
Union, in which we agreed to terms such as even the Tj^pesetters of the large
English i)apers can not boast of; although we put into force the various articles of
the agreement some of our typesetters prepared a surprise for us yesterday. They
stopped v/ork at noon and in the afternoon delivered their ultimatum, which says:
"Give each of us, one like the oilier, a share in the business as large as each of
you have. If you do not divide \rith. us before 4 o'clock this afternoon, we will
step out of the job."
If the workers in an English business, or of any nationality oarue with a like request,
they woula sinip]y be laughed at, and oallod crazy. But vdth us anything is possible.
What .Would Geririger say if his typesetters suddenly arose and saidj "Wake us share
holders in your business or we will not work!" But the workers of Geringer would
- 2 - ' ■ BOHEIgANf^
o-^
W.PA
K S
not think of such an idea. In. the first place, "Jesus" is a rich capitalist
ana no one dare oppose people of that class, but everyone lias courage against
a fellov/-v/orkor , or a firn which is financially weak. In the second place Geringer
in his businoss has ruled unci still rules with an iron hand. The workers in his
|)lant are like so much rauchinery, whereas, with us the share-holder in the "business
works along side another worker; respects him as a fellow worker and allows him
all the rights and privileges wiiich he himself enjoys. For that, our typesetters
repay us by cuuing forward v/ith a proposition that they share in the business.
To be sure, wo know very well froru v*ii oh direction the wind blows.
More than two months ago a deputatiun of cur typesetters visited Vir, Albieri to
of far Lim the Editorship. Because they were not shareholders with us, and the
other papers evidently had not uade then their agents, it is plainly to be seen that
some of our typographers at that time were already working towards the founding of
a new paper. • In tl.is work and preparation they progressed steadily, with the expect-
tation that, penni Hlasatel , and Svornost , v/ould not sign an a'greement with the
Union as the conditions of the agreement were carried to extremes. In this event
they wanted to ooi.e out v/ith a new newspaper, raise a hue and cry and create a
whirlwind of dust and publicity for themselves. They miscalculated. Bohemian
newspapers, vdth the exception Di Narod, signed the agreement and in that manner
took the trumps away from our art)lCious typesetters. The various articles of agree-
- 3 -
BOHEI.!IAN
yui
WIJ\.
ment v/ere strictly idhered to by penni lllasatel and there remained nothing
else i'or our dear ty^jesetters to do except cast aside the Union nask behind
which thoy hid, repudiate the ugreeraent, aiake new demands which Vifere impossible
of fulfillnent, and then quit v/ork to found a newspaper for themselves.
The altinatuM handed to us \;us signed by people , who had been eniployed by us
for only a few months. It contained the name of a former shareholder wiio again
wished to becoiae a shareholder in our business; but vAio when, Denni Hlasatel was
in ios most difficult period had lilmself paid out and went to work for a rival
paper. There are nanios on this ultimatum of persons v/ith whom, should we associate
would ruin our business, for which v/e struggled so fiercely, and on vdiich we have
worked for the past ten years »
V/e are and will remain anion. If the union lives up to its agreements and laws
It will never have occasion for any action against us. V/e will not discharge any
of our enterprising typesetters, and if e-.ny one of them wishes to return to work
under union conditions he htis an open road. But we will not divide with anyone.
Even a beggar defends his bag with all his might if someone wants to take it»
Our paper is union. All work on it is done b^' union labor. The entire present
affair results from the fdct that nine typesetters quit work v/ithout giving notice,
handing us the previously ruentionud ultimatum to the amusement of ourselves and the
- 4 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel llarcL 22, I9OI,
entire publio, hoping, by tlxa-t- means to cover their decision to enter upon
the publication of a nev/ nfciv;sp';per.
When they have passed through the experiences and struggles, such as vre have
had to contend v/itL, then let some one approach them v;ith a demand such as
thfc>y iiave mude oi" us*
They will give it to theml
I D 2 a (2) BOHEMIAH
IZ A 3 a
in A T^f "?nn^ gUsatel. Jamaiy 22, 1901*
BOHEMIAN imSICIANS BARRED*
The request of the Bohemian Uusicians Uniont for the adnittance of their
delegiates to the Chicago Federation of Labor, was discussed In a meeting
held last Sunday. The request was denied at the Insistence of -^e American
Federation Uusicians Union, No* 10*
The organlsatlan comnlttee was Instructed to urge the Bohemian nusl clans
to becone members of the regular musicians union*
I D 2 ft (2) BOiSMlAN
Chicago Tribune ^ Aug« 29 t 1881.
THE WOODV/ORKERS
A largely attended gathering of Branch No. 6 (Bohemian) of the Woodworkers Machine
Hands Benevolent and Prtoective Union was held yesterday afternoon at No, 400 iTest
Eighteenth Street. Permanent organization was effected, fifteen new members were
initiated, emd forty names proposed for the consideration of the Connlttee on X?em-
hership. A committee of four was appointed to arrange for a ball to be held two
weeks hence in Anther's Hall, corner of Twentieth and Brown streets.
President Birdsall', presiding officer of the main branch of the Woodworkers, was
present, and in a lengthy speech set i'orth to tne new organization the benefits to
be derived from unity and brotherhood. He stated that the Union had for Its prime
object benevolence, and that the regulation of wa^es, though an important feature
of the TTnion, was only secondary. Theirs, ne said, was a trade at which men daily
fell victims to some accident.
The past history of the craft disunited had taught them to expect nothing in the way
of sympathy for material aid from employers in cafe of accident, and it now only re-
mains for them to unite in brotherly love and assist one another, and look for
nothing from the bosses but their weekly wages. The average woodworker's pay at
present is $2 per diem.
I. ATTITUDES
D, Economlo
Organization
2. Labor Organization
& Activities
a. Unions
[3) Industrial
I D g a (3) BOHEMIAN
I D 2 a (2)
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel. Dec. 14, 1915.
A NSW HAmm FOR ORGANIZED LABOR
(Bdltorial) >^
Organized labor, which has come to the realization that the only protection p I
workers have from exploitation by the capitalists is co-operation, united ^ j
action, common demands, and unity in the conduct of the bitter struggle has g [
a new enemy in the so-called Taylor System which is being generally intro-
duced now in large industrial establishments. The principle, on which the
system is based is one which, if adopted, threatens to do away with all the
adTantages orgsmized labor has so far succeeded in obtaining*
CO
In order that the system may be successful it is necessary for the employer
to deal with individual workingmen, and not with their organization. Taylor
himself admits that labor organizations are the worst enemies of his system,
and that their opposition must be overcome before the System can become fully
effective. Iberefore, in running a factory by his system, the first objective
is to destroy the solidarity of the vrorkingmen. Individual workers who do an
I D 2 a (5) - 2 - BOBEMIAN
I D 2 a (2)
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel. Dec. 14, 1915*
especially large amount of work recelTe an extra reward, while those who do
not show the Inclination to dellrer all that Is In them are simply discharged.
Thus, one worker Is made to compete with and become the foe of another, and
the conviction that all of them have the same Interest Is to be disposed of;
one man Is to be played against the other and all cure put In a race against
the weaker ones. Then the unorganized, upset, confused workers become an fS
easy prey of capital. **
It Is easy to understand that trained men, skilled artisans, are In a better <Z
position to protect themselves than common laborers. In the first place, ^
skilled men have the best organizations, while common laborers are either
unorganized or their organizations are weak. The principal aim of the Taylor
System Is, therefore, to make skilled workers unnecessary and thus destroy
their organizations. Modern manufacturing methods do not require as highly
skilled workers as were needed In former times, but even now a worker must
have a certain amount of training to do his work satisfactorily. The ex-
perience and knowledge accumulated by such training and the years of iotag
o
CO
C'J
I D 2 a.(g) - 5 - BOHBMIAN
ID 2 a (8)
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel, Dec. 14, 1915.
his work give a norkingman a certain amount of independence, which protects
him against undue requirements and unfair treatment on the part of the em-
ployer. It is therefore the purpose of the Taylor System to replace these
independent workingmen vrtio are able to defend themselTes, and all experienced
artisans, by common laborers, by men entirely dependent upon the employer* s
good will and who, therefore, will be willing to do whatever they are told.
-T3
In order to achieve this purpose, Taylor has divided the vdiole manufacturing ^
process into so many single and simple operations that the employment of o
trained men will be unnecessary, or, at any rate, not so essential, and, in a ^
short time, a common laborer will be able to do the work that a trained man 'vS
used to do formerly. This change, or adjustment, requires a large amount of ^
equipment, veurious adaptations, and reorganization, all of which again cannot
be done in a short time. And that is the reason why the Taylor System has not
yet shown a wider distribution, a more decided success. Taylor is replacing
trained workingmen by experts who, so to speak, become the brains of the factory,
while the workingmen are mere tools and have to do Just exactly what they are
I
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I
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D
2
1
a
a
2)
- 4 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel, Dec. 14, 1915,
told to do, and hoxT to do It. Men who aspire to decent wages are gradually ^^
replaced by cheap, common labor, thus making the employer's profit greater p
because his expenses are smaller. *Vhen a trained man loses a job in his own "^
field, he must start looking for new employment under exactly the same con- so
o
ditions as an untrained man, and, likely as not, he will be doing the same
work he was doing before, but for less pay.
Co
C/1
The detrimental effects of the Taylor System will not be fully apparent until
it is in quite general use. As it is now, a discharged trained man has still
a possibility of finding v;ork in another factory, though it may not always be
easy to find or obtain. Since, hov/ever, industry is being steadily concentrated
into a smaller number of very large factories, units, the ground for an efficient,
all-round introduction of the Taylor System is being prepared. Hence it is up to
workingmen to get prepared also.
An excellent illustration of the way in which the Taylor System works is in
Henry Ford's great automobile manufacturing plant in Detroit. ",'/hen Ford, some
I D 2 a (3) - 5- BOHEMIAN
I D 2 a {2)
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 14, 1915.
two years ago, loudly proclaimed to the irtxole world that every employee in his
plants will be getting at least five dollars a day, he made nothing else but
a Yelled announeem«it that he had Introduced, to some extent, the Taylor System.
It Is well known that Ford does not recognize any unions In his shops. In Ford*8
factories, the employees are divided Into classes, exactly In accordance with
their productive capacity, and paid accordingly. Every worker Is an object of
careful attention on the part of his foreman, who makes a record on separate .^
slips of the amount of work done by each man. When he sees that a man*s pro- "^
duotlvlty Is grovrlng, the man Is advanced Into the next higher class. Since ^ci.
there Is a piecework system In all Ford»s shops, a man's productivity Is re- p
fleeted exactly in his pay. In a higher class, a worker gets a better price ^
for any certain piece of work, and it Is only natural that every one of th«n g
is trying to do as much work as possible, in order to be advanced Into a ^
higher class and get better pay for v&atever he does. A man v^o Is not able
to earn five dollars a day is simply discharged. Therefore, all men who stay
in Ford*s employ are, without exception, first-class workmen.
Taylor has said that his system can be successful only where there is a great
--4
I D 2 a (3 ) - 6 - BOHEMIAN
I D 2 a (2)
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel. Dec. 14, 1915,
deal of labor arailable, and Henry Ford has made sure that this condition shall
prermil in his plant. His announcement that every worker would get at least
fire dollars a day attracted to his factories multitudes of men, from whom he
has been able to select the most able, most fit ones. When the truth about the ^
fire doll€urs a day was rerealed, the number of applicants probably diminished, ^
because, more recently, Ford announced that he would employ all prisoners re- -^
leased from the Michigan state penitentiary. By this, he again tried to secure p
the halo of a phileuithropist, cleverly keeping quiet the fact that he expects ^
to increase his profits by that move. o
That the application of the Taylor system in Ford*s plants has been most profit- .^
able is proved by the fact that during the first year his output increased with c^
the same number of men employed. Fbrd, of course, will never admit that he had
introduced exploitation of his employees according to the Taylor J^stem, and
will always maintain that he is a benefactor of his workers with whom he shares
his profits. Sven the workers do not seem to notice that they are working under
the Taylor System. And when other manufacturers follow Ford's example, he will
I D 2 a ( 3 ) - 7 - BQEEaOAN
D 2 a (3)
D 2 a (2)
. I
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel . Dec. 14, 1915.
>> i: have the advantage of being able to get'rld of all artisans, trained men he
•^ , had been employing, and replace them with unskilled labor. He will be able
i^, to stearb a still more efficient exploitation of the human material, because
the Taylor System opens an unlimited field in this respect. It is up to the
workers to recognize the danger inherent in the Taylor System and organize ^
an energetic opposition to its adoption by industry. ^^
. f—
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I D 2 a (S ) BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . June 30, 1911.
SUNDAY CLOSING
The clerks employed in paint, hardware, and furniture, stores of Bohemian
California, recently requested that they be given Sundays off. The
employers gladly agreed to this. Now it depends on the public in order
to maintain this deserved advantage to the salespeople, to buy their
needs from these stores on Saturdays, when the stores will remain open
until ten o'clock in the evening. Sunday closing of these stores will
be effective Sunday, June 9. There is no doubt that our countrymen,
who welcome every improvement offered the workingmen, will be willing
to do all in their power to see to it that Sunday closing of these
establishments will become permanent and general.
I D 8 a fg) Penal HUaatel . Apr, 30, 1904, . BOHEMIAN
I D 2 a (2) ^
/p3CAL BGBEMIAN LtJHBER WORKERS TMK mioff
A desire is being aroused among Bohemian workingmen in the local lumber
industry for the organization of a union. This is really a desirable step,
for these people are in many instances oppressed, and know not what to do
with their divided forces. If they unite and create an integral body, they
will b9 giyen consideration and they co\ild then set up their demands. The
realization of their objectives be accomplished through their allied efforts.
However, if such an organization is to have a good foundation, it must
originate with workers, must spring from their own desire to form a co-
hesive body among themselves.
Unions based upon forced membership, do not have solidarity and they fall
apart at the slightest tremor. Therefore, those who sire interested in
seeing a solid organization established should talk it over frequently with
their fellow-workers and spread the idea from oae factory to another. When
sufficient interest in this direction is evidenced, a public meeting can be
called and the final work of organizing accomplished. We hope that our
workingmen will soon achieve their aims and appear before us as a powerful
organization in welfare activities.
ZBl b
III A
Svornost., May 10, 1881
A PROCLAiYAl'ION TO ALL BOHEMIAN OWNERS OF BAKEHY SHOPS
Bohemian "bakery shop employees, at a meeting held Satiirday afternoon, in the
Hall of "Tel. Jed. Sokol" (Gymnastic Union Sokol), for the purpose of decid-
ing the "best method to secure the "betterment of working conditions, accepted
the following resolutions TonaJiimously:
(1) Publicly by means of the newspapers to notify ell proprietors of "bakery
shops to install a twelve hour day and give a wage increase of ten per cent,
(2) For every hour of work performed after 12 o'clock midnight, the worker
is to "be paid fifteen cents,
(3) Those employees who are "borrded "by the employer, ere to enjoy such food
and quarters as are "befitting a working man. *
(U) All those who work without "board and room ere to receive three dollars
more weekly pay.
(5) All proprietors of bakery. shops are called upon to decide these points
before Saturday, May ik and announce their decisions to the Chairman of the
Bohemian Bakers Union under the address of Hynek Kopp, I6I Bur^gr_St,
I D 2 a (5) BOBginAN
ftllU)
III A Svomoet , Vol* Ilia No* 224, Chleago, June 29, 1878.
LOCAL NSRS
.The strike at Cooper's was ended after nine days. Hereafter, they are to re-
ceiTe 40 cents instead of 25 cents for making lard barrels*
It would be well for all Bohenian coopers to Join the union*
I D 2 a
I D 2 a
(4)
Tt)
BCEMJM
Denni EDLaaatel. May 13, 1917*
/AN i^FPSAL TO THE C^CE G:ARBIENT WOBKSRS OF CBICAGO/
(Ccmnnmioatlon frcn the Czech Gemnent Workers)
Attention is called to the strike of the garment workers in the English
Woolen Hills in Milwaukee* The workers are lifting for a just eauser-
the eight-hour day and higher wages* The Czech garment workers of Chicago
ott£^t to support their fellow-workers in Milwaukee* In the event that
they should learn that some of the work being done in Qiicago is intended
for the English Woolen Mills, they are requested to inform inmediately
the Czech Gaxment Workers* Tbiion No* 253, 3335 W* 26th Street, Chicago*
(Signed) nrank HubSSek
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I D 2 a (4) BOHEaglAN
I D 2 a (3)
III A Dennl Hlasatel , Oct. 9, 1915.
I C
17 ABOUT THE TAILORING STRIKB
The Bohemian tailors will exert every effort to bring the present struggle
to an early victory* The tailors from large shops downtown, as well as
the strikers from the Northwest Side of the city, point continually to the ^
fact that Bohemian tailors in contractors* shops, particularly in Bohemian ^
California, are still working and thereby prolonging the fight of the tailor- ^
ing men for a better existence* Deputations from various parts of the city p
are arriving at the headquarters on 22nd and Troy Streets dally, emd request- ^
ing that the work in contractors* shops be discontinued* The strikers are g
determined to do all that is in their power to stop work in contractors* ^
shops wo Iking for large firms whose men are on strike* ^
CT"
Organizer Silveman of New Toik has arrived in Chicago aind has been detailed
to help Organizer Skala in directing the strike in Bohemisui Pilsen and
California* Polish and Italian strikers have offered to picket the shops
in these two districts* Briefly, the strikers will do all they can to
I D E a (4) - 2 - BOHEaOAN
{±1
I D 2 a
III A Dennl Hlasatel , Oct. 9, 1915,
I C
17 bring about an early Tictory. This morning, at 9:30 A.M., a meeting of
the tailoring workingmen will be held in Mr. Cernoch*s Hall on 22nd
and Troy Streets. Organizer SilTerman and others will speak at this meeting.
The Bohemian members of the old union (United Gaiment Workers of America) do
not share Lawyer ^ohn J^Sonsteby's opinion, and will, under no circumstances, ^
hazm the present strike, which is directed by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers ^
of America. News has reached a shop where members of the old union are em- ci
ployed that their shop had accepted work for a f im whose employees are on F
strike. The members of the old union stopped working immediately, came to "^
the meeting, and declared that \inder no circumstances will they do scah work. o
Many of them had taken part in the 1910 strike and know how it would feel ^
if somebody should break the strike and counteract the efforts of the strik-
ers.
"As soon as you learn that our shop has accepted scab work, let us know, and
we shall stop woxk immediately and Join you,** they said.
CD
I D 8 a (4) - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I D 2 a (3)
III A Dennl Hlasatel , Oct, 9, 1915,
I C
17 The large shops are still idle and strikers consider the situation
very fayorable, on the whole. Also the cutters have struck in many
>fiims, and it is expected that the tailors will be Joined by the cutters
in the rest of them* The fact that the cutters go with the striking tailors
proves that they have confidence in the victory of this Just fight*
Elaborate preparations are being made for a huge parade to be held next ^
Tuesday* At first it was planned for Monday, but it was impossible to re- '^
ceive a permit for that day* The strikers expect to manifest their power by r;
that parade* It is expected that it will be Joined by twelve thousand marchers* ^
o
In view of the fact that preparations will be in progress for the parade, no la
meeting vrill be held in pilsen today* Announcements concerning future meet- ^
ings will be found in the newspapers* "*
I D 2 a (4) BOHEMIAN
I D 2 a (3)
I D 1 b Dennl Hlasatel, Oct. 7, 1915.
THE TAILORING STRIKE
Several contractors* shops in Bohemian California and Pilsen districts have
stopped work, and the workingmen hope to stop it in all others also
• Hie workers of B. Kuppenheimer, Edeheimer, Stein & Company, Hirsch //ickwire
(contractors brothers Tlapa), Granerd & Rothchild, and other shops in Bohemian
California hold their meetings in Mr. Cemoch*s Hall
A strike committee has been appointed for Bohemian Pilsen which will have its
offices in the Hall of ISr, Sokolovsky on 18th and Laflin Strsets.....
The headquarters in Bohemian California is at Mr. Cernoch*s Hall on 22nd and
Troy Streets
CD
V
I D 2 a
I D 2
I D 1
I D 1
a
a
b
If
BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel, Oct, 6, 1915,
THE SDRDZENI C3E5KYCH KREJCOVSKYCH
KONTRAKTOHJ GOES WITH THE TTORKERS
The news that the Sdruzeni Ceskyoh KrejcoTskych Kontraktoiu (Bohemian
Tailoring Contractors* Association) has agreed to stop work in their shops
and thus help in ending the strike in the near future has been received
with a great deal of enthusiasm by the striking workers. jU-though some
contractors were against this agreement and declared they would continue
working for fizns affected by the strike, the men on strike are confident
that these contractors also will be made to stop woricing if the majority
of other contractors will follow that policy. The men believe that con-
tractors who refuse to stop working will provoke a strong feeling against
themselves on the part of the public, which is overwhelmingly in sympathy
with the workers. There are very few contractors who would want to bear
the anger and loathing of their neighbors by helping the manufacturers
to subdue the workingmen. The majority of contractors sympathize with
i
CO
I D 2 a (4) - 2 - BOIGMIAN
I D 2 a (3)
I D 1 a Denni Hlasatel . Oct. 6, 1915.
I D 1 b
the workers and not many of them will want to continue work-
ing under police protection in the neighborhood of honest and peace-
loving people,,,..
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I D 2 a (4) BOHEMIAN
<1 D 2 a (2)
Dennl KLasatel , Sept. 28, 1915.
TAILORS » FIGHT FOR BETTER EXISTENCE
Bohemian Workers Join Others
The order to strike v;as issued to thousands of men and women working in tailor ^
shops throughout Chicago yesterday. They assenbled in many parts of the city, ^
men and women of all ages, welcoming the summons to the fight which, they are ^
convinced, will bring them better working conditions, higher wages, and recog- C
nition of their organization..... ^g
o
Two meetings were held in the Bohemian neighborhood last night; one, attended ^
by the employees of the Kuppenheimer factory at 22nd Street and Western Avenue,
met in the hall of the Ladimir Kacel School at 19th and Leavitt Streets, and
the other, consisting of workers employed by the firm of Edelheimer and Stein,
met in the hall of the Chicago Sokol.
The Kuppenheimer employees will meet /agiBiin/ today at 9 A. M. in Mr. Cemoch*s
hall at 22nd and Troy Streets, and the attendance of all workers is confidently
rsj
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I D 2 a (4) - 2 - BOHSMIM
I P 2 a (2)
Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 28, 1915. ^
expected. The strike headquarters for the Bohenian neighborhood are Mr. -^
Zapotocky's hall at 25th Street and Iloman Avenue, where the strike com- p
^nittee will be active throughout the day ^
w*
I D 2 a (4) BOHEf.rTAN
I D 1 a
II E 3 Dennl Hlasatel , June 18, 1915.
II E 2
STRIKESHEAKEfiS
(Editorial)
5
Within the last few days Chicago was to have been flooded with strike- -o
breakers who were to take the places of the striking employees of the o
Chicago streetcar and elevated railway systems. The kind of men who co
were being brought here from other cities may be judged by the fact ^3
that the police have found among the arrivals twenty-five known crimi- ^
nals, and a more thorough investigation would, no doubt, discover many
more of them. It is generally well known that only the lowest type
of men can be hired for breaking a strike. That there would be many
thieves and other criminals among them is obvious. Such men, of course,
are edways in favor of making an excursion to Chicago from New York or
Eastern cities. That is something that cnnnot be changed, but the worst
of it is that these morons like to stay in Chicago, and thus they in-
crease our army of criminals, which is large enough as it is. Many of
I D 2 a (4) - 2 - BOHKMTAN
I D 1 a
II E 3 Dennl Hlasatel, June 18, 1915. ^
II E 2 5
them will have to leave Chicago very soon, but those who are '^
the least desirable will try the hardest to settle here. That means that ^
our police will have still more to do than they have now, and this will ^
be a condition brought about by the streetcar and elevated lines that had o
hired these strikebreakers. co
a
I D 2 a (4) BOHEMIAN
M
I D 2 a
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel , June 17, 1915.
THE STRIKE ENDS
(Editorial)
The whole city was paralyzed by the strike of streetcar and elevated railway ^
employees, and if a settlement had not been reached, each additional day of the ^
strike would have caused losses going into millions of dollars* These losses ^
would have had to be borne not only by businessmen, but also, and to the greatest^
extent, by the workin^en, who were put to all kinds of inconvenience by the 30
strike* The stopping of all transportation in a city such as Chicago, having ^-
two million people, is an event which concerns, not merely one certain business o
or industry, but the whole population that depends on transportation to the ^
centers of business and industry in the city* Any strike of long duration is
bound to cause much inconvenience and financial loss, not only to the strikers
and the ovmers of the companies, but through the stopping of streetcar trans-
portation, loss of comfort and money for everybody* Thousands of people were
deprived of the means of transportation Monday morning* Ttiey had to start out
I D 8 > (4) - 2 - BOHEMIAN
I D 2 a (3)
I D 1 a Dennl Hlasatel , Jane 17, 1915*
walking, take a railway train, hire or use an automobile or some other vehicle;
and these emergency expedients cost more money, and did not offer any assurance ^
that the riders would arrive in time at their places of business, to say nothing^
of the discomfort which our people were bound to feel, in spite of the fact that^
they are accustomed to poor transportation and that the average Chlcagoan is ^
used to, and can stand, a lot of abuse. ^
o
Railway companies running suburban trains had promised that they would take ^
care of the transportation needs of hundreds of thousands of people, but it was ^
evident during the strike that they were not in a x>osition to handle such large ~^
multitudes, even if they really made an honest effort to satisfy the needs of
the public. The transportation on suburban railways was beneath criticism
during rush hours, and there appeared to be little hope that any substantial
Improvement could take place in case the strike should be a longer one. It
seems absolutely impossible for the railways to replace the enormous net of
streetcar and elevated lines, no matter how many trains ar 
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