Collinsville, Ill., 4-4-18
Proclamation to the Members of Local Union 1802, Maryville, Ill.
Dear Brothers:
In regards to affairs of last night, I am compelled to make this statement in public to you. My name is Robert P. Prager of 2081/2 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, Ill. The statements uttered by your president of your Local No. 1802, Mr. J. Fornero; and also the action taken by him to take away my daily bread in such a manner as herein stated, is not the action or will of your people as a workingman’s union. I have respect for your officials if on legal duty and will obey their commands to the letter. I have been a union man at all times and never once a scab in all my life, and for this reason I appeal to you. An honest working man as myself is entitled to a fair hearing of your committee. I ask you in the name of humanity to examine me to find out what is the reason I am kept out of work. I have kept the union informed from the very beginning of my employment at the Maryville mine. I have put in and signed up two applications, the first with Mr. Wilhelm and the second with Mr. Ben Kettle. I have also had my application signed by three of your good standing members who have worked with me at various mines. I do not claim to be a practical miner, but do claim to have worked over four years in the mines as a laborer, most of this time as a timberman. In regard to my loyalty, I will state that I am heart and soul for the good old U.S.A. I am of German birth, which accident I cannot help, and also have declared my intention of U.S. citizenship. My second papers are due to be issued very soon if I am granted same. Please give this appeal due consideration and allow me to return to work.
Yours in respect,
Robt. P. Prager
I further wish to state that I was branded as a liar in public by your president, Jim Fornero. By him I was branded a German Spy, which he cannot prove. Also this gentleman tried to have me arrested at Edwardsville, Maryville and Collinsville, Ill., and did not succeed in any of these places. Mr. Fornero tried to have an angry mob deal with me. I also was informed by him to leave my home at once and never again come to Maryville if I knew what was good for my health. Also please state to your union for what reason you have kept a brother working man that is honest, law-abiding and loyal and take his bread away.
Collinsville Advertiser, April 6, 1918
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 5, 1918