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,-and

THE NEGRO AT WORK
DURING THE WORLD WAR
AND DURING RECONSTRUCTION




STATISTICS, PROBLEMS, AND POLICIES RELATING 'FO
THE GREATER INCLUSION OF NEGRO WAGE EARNERS
IN AMERICAN INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE

IZIEORGE E. HAYNES. Ph. D.. Dicto

WASHINGTON
”GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1920

41.0.••11•111111

CONTENT3.

•

ge.
ter of transmittal
Introduction
CHAPTER 1. Migration, its causes and volume
II. Creation of office. Director of Negro Economics
III. Early results of Negro Economics Service
Problems of Negro Labor
IV. Cooperation within the department
V. Negro labor and racial relationships at Chicago
VI. White and Negro workers in basic industries
VII. Statistics on the meat-packing and steel industrie
VIII. Negro labor in the United States shipyard
IX. Report of work in Florida and Georgia
X. Report of work in Illinois
XI. Report of work in Michigan
XII. Report of work in Mississippi
XIII. Report of work in New Jersey
XIV. Report of work in New York
XV. Report of work in North Carolina
XVI. Report of work in Ohio
-XVI I. Report of workin Pennfrdvania
XVI II. Report of work in Virginia
X I X. Negro women in industry
X X. Recommendations on scope of departmental authority

.•

TABLES.
14ABLE R.
II.
IV.
V.
VI.

Unskilled white and Negro male workers in selected typical war
industries
Average hours of work and average earnings
Opinions of 38 employers of Negro labor
Meat-packing employees
Meat-packing employees (with graph)
Negro employees in eight principal shipyard districts
APPENDIXES.

APPENDIX I. "Labor and Victory"
II. Constitution, North Carolina State Committee
Constitution, Kentucky State Committee




3

LETTER OF TRANSMITTA
L.
UNITED STATES DEPART
MENT OF LAB
DIVISION OF NEGRO ECO OR,
NOM
Washington, D. C., AprilICS,
1, 1920.
SIR: I have the honor of tra
ing, in brief, some of the wor nsmitting herewith a bulletin cover-established by you on May 1,1 k of the Division of Negro Economics,
-iliate office since that time, 918,and functioning through your immethe actual experiences of together with some valuable data giving
Negroes in industrial occ
1919. The publication was
upa ns, 1918:planned, in part, by my asstio
F. Phillips, who also
istant, Karl
con
str
contained in the report and ucted the statistical and other tables
who from the beginning and
the continuation of the
throughout
work has given a most com
-efficient service to the dep
petent and highly
artment and to the public.
You'will note that
bulletin contains summarize
the policies and plansthe
ch you approved for this d statements of
31ego wageoarners, thewhi
special service "to
ir employers, and associ
ates, and that concise
statistical-reports.and data hav
e
bee
n included. The graphs
ing 0:TC of the larger tables
amplifywere prepared bv the Bur
:Statistios. II may say tha
eau of Labor
t
the
file
s of the bivisi of Neg
nomies •conSain a mass of sim
ro' Ecoilar material, but thatonowi
funds .and clerical help it was
ng to hick of
not
pra
cticable to endeavor to *1
4ny mere material tha
)&0
n tha
In transmitting this bul t which appears in the report.
.
let
in
I
des
ire to thank the public-spiri
-citizens, white aad col
ted
gave prompt and vol ored, in organizations and as individuals, who
unt
ary
ass
ist
anc
e of untold value
e work throughout the
States and localities in which it in promoting
ed. I 'desire to thank, als
was conductfor their unlimited cooper o, the Federal, State, and private agencies
ati
on and advice at all times. Wit
• department :itself I am
hin the
- various divisions and grateful to you, to the chief and heads of the
bur
eau
s, and especially to the
:Assistant Secretary and
of the Solicitor for unfailing office of the
:..assistan ce.
interest and
The office and field staff of
lion for untiring zeal and the division deserves special commendaclose application in carrying
. many delicate and difficul
forward the
t
tas
I desire again to call your ks growing out of the work almost daily.
att
ent
ion
to the recommendations cited
on pages --- of this
bulletin, which, you will recall,
in my memorandum rep
ort to you on the racial situat were included
ion in Chicago.
Respectfully,
GEORGE E. HAYNES,
Dir
ector of Negro Economies.
-HOB. W. B. WILSON,
Secretary of Labor.




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR AND
DURING RECONSTRUCTION.
INTRODUCTION.
North
The entrance of Negroes into industries, particularly in the
induslar
particu
What
ons:
questi
-*tailing the great war led to many
were they most
- tries did they enter? In what kinds of occupationslled,
or skilled?
semiski
ed,
unskill
they
igenerialy employed? Were
g hohis
workin
r
of
e
numbe
averag
the
to
up
e
measur
they
id
HowilI
What
en?
workm
white
the
with
ed
compar
as
gs
-and average earnin
How
them?
who
tried
ers
employ
was the estimate and opinion of
ts
ishmen
establ
same
the
in
en
workm
white
with
re
-did they compa
work
of
y
qualit
ver,
turn-o
eeism,
.1.and; an the same jobs as to absent
iFiroziNced,. and speed in turning out quantity?
er the beet
,Some- of the chapters of this bulletin bring togeth
ons with
questi
these
of
some
answer
t
to
attemp
an
in
data
ahlo
:avall
necesand
scope
in
limited
very
is
data
the facts. Obviously, the
and unscientific
unwise
be
re,
therefo
would,
It
ntary.
fragme
sarily
d amount of
lto make any large generalizations based upon so limite
ed and
gather
ly
careful
• data. What is presented, however, has been
ainform
and
tions
indica
e
definit
gives
some
re,
.coilated, and, therefo
r•
hatove
Vi
d.
limite
very
tion where information has been heretofore
figures
and
tables
the
upon
made
have
been
nt
• analysis and comme
themmay be readily weighed in the light of the accompanying data
„selves.
Facts and figures, however, are only bases of information supon
worker are
,which to build programs and plans Of action. Negro work in the
and
ers
employ
:employed for the most part by whiteworkers.
:.,same industries and often on the same jobs with white
ntly
freque
s
worker
other
and
ers
'Their relations with these employ
were
as
ments
adjust
assume racial as well as labor aspects. In such
as never before
required during the war, when industries were calling success
ful and
proved
4for all kinds of workers, activities which
in im-and
afners
wage-e
of
these
e
welfar
the
valuable in promoting
exceed
were
s
worker
:proving their relations to employers and other zed production.
organi
of
ery
machin
the
of
parts
kingly important
for dealing
The plans and activities of the Department of Labor -instru
ctive
and
ent
perman
of
ences
experi
are
s
.4vith ;these matter
rese
respon
ful
success
and
hearty
value, especially because of the
ies.
localit
and
States
,ceived from white and Negro citizens in many
plans and
A part of this bulletin, therefore, gives a summary of these
of the
office
the
in
activities of the Division of Negro Economics
m, the
progra
l
genera
the
shows
t
accoun
Secretary of Labor. The




r

\

THE NEGRO AT WORK DUIZIN

THE WORLD WAL

facts and principles upon wbich it Was based; and how it was carrie,d
out in the several States with the hearty indorsement and cooperation of governors and other State and local officials and of white and
colored citizens, both in organizations and as individuals.
The first table of figures of Chapter VI gives clear indications of
the distribution in 26 States of 190,091 whi' men and 62,316 Negro
men in unskilled occupations of 277 different firms engaged in various
war industries in 1918. Table II of the same chapter gives full details
of the classification of occupations as skilled, semiskilled, and unskilled, the average number of hours worked per week, and the
average earnings per week and per hour of 4,260 white men and
2,722 Negro men in 194 occupations in 23 separate establishments
-engaged in basic industrial operations of foundries (both iron and
;steel), slaughtering and meat packing, automobile manufacture,
coke ovens, manufacture of iron and steel and their products, and
In glass manufacture. This table is accompanied by some comment,
analyzing the comparison of white and Negro workmen on the points
•covered in each of the three.general occupational classes. A sup- #lementary part of this table gives similar figures for 153 white women
83 Negro women in slaughtering and meat packing. Table III
• oltthis Chapter gives in tabular form the opinions of 38 employers of
Niegro- wakers as to the attitude of their firms toward Negro labor,
the opportunities for promotion, and their opinion on the comparative behavior of White and Negro employees. The 38 firms repre-sented were employing at that time 101,458 white workers,and 6,857
Negro workers. 'these opinions, therefore, are fairly representative
of the state of mind of northern employers in 1918-19.
Slaughtering and meat packing and iron and steel were such important industries and employed such large numbers of Negroes
during the war that special reports were secured through cou0esy
-of plants carrying on these two industries. Chapter VII giveis • in
considerable detail the tables and analyses of white and Negro
workers for the first of these industries and adds additional dis4cussion to that.of Chapter VI on the iron and steel establishments.
Tables IV and V of this chapter give the number and per cent of
•-distribution of the white and Negro employees, male and female, of
two slaughtering and meat-packing plants for 30 weeks beginning
-July 13, 1918, and 159 weeks beginning January, 1916, respectively.
-On the basis of these tables two diagrams have been made and are
included in the chapter, making these figures of the total numbers
• and percentages readily perceptible to the casual reader. There was
no more important nor interesting work than that in the shipyards
••during the war. "Ships, ships and more ships" was the call from
'Europe. It has not been feasible to get all the figures for all the
shipyards where Negroes were employed during the war, but a full
record of the Negro employees at shipbuilding plants under the Jurisdiction of the United States Shipping Board, Emergency Fleet Corporation, were secured through courtesy of that board. This activity
oof.Negro wage-earners assumed such important proportions that the
, mtteerial.j.ustifies a separate chapter—Chapter \TM. Table VI of
this 'chapter gives these figures for occupations of 24,647 Negro men
during the war and 14,075 after the war and until September, 1919.
They are classified both as a whole into skilled and unskilled and by
specific occupations for each of the eight shipyard districts under the







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III. )N'11I

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0:197,1

1 III

CITAPTER I.
MIGRATION.
Shortage of labor in northern industries was the direct c.ause of
"the'increased Negro migration during the war period. This direct
• cause was, of course, augmented by other causes, among which were
the 'increased dissatisfaction with conditions in the South—the
-ravages Of the boll weevil, floods, change of crop system, low wages,
•ahld poor houses and schools.
A previous bulletin of the department summed up the causes as
follows:
Other causes assigned at the southern end are numerous: General dissatisfaction
with conditions, ravages of boll weevil, floods, change of crop system, low wages,
poorohdases on plantations, poor school facilities, unsatisfactory crop settlements,
rrougligtoatment, lynching, desire for travel, labor agents, the Negro press, letters from
friendfiviii the North, and finally advice of white friends in the South where crops had
failed.

The Department of Labor estimates the Negro migration in figures
..of from 400,000 to 500,000. Other estimates, ranging from 300,000 to
800,000, have been made by experts and by private bureaus. Such a
variation of figures goes to show the wide scope of the migration.
'Prior to the war period the Negro worker had been sparsely located in
the North, but the laws of self-preservation of the industrial and agricultural assets of our country and the law of demand and supply turned
almost overnight both into war and private industries hundreds of
t housands of Negro workers, among whom there were laborers, molde rs carpenters, blacksmiths, painters, janitors, chauffeurs, machinist
aliorers, and a mass of workers, comprising, probably, nearly every
type of skilled, semiskilled, and unskilled labor.
The most marked effects of the migration were easily determinable.
'First, the agricultural regions of the Southern States, particularly
Mississippi and Louisiana, began to suffer for want of the Negro
• worker who had so long tilled the soil of those regions. On the other
hand, the Negro workers who had been turned into the plants of the
North faced the necessity of perforthing efficient work in the minimum amount of time, of adjusting himself to northern conditions,
--and of becoming a fixture in his particular dine of employment, or
becoming a "floater."
It is interesting to review for a moment some of the wage scales
in Southern States. In 1917 about $12 a month was being paid for
.farm labor in many sections. In other sections 75 cents and $1 a
day were considered equitable wages. During the harvesting of
rice, in the "grinding season" the amount was usually increased to
-$1.25 and $1.75 per day, with a possible average of $1.50. Cotton
was always considered a cheap-mlvr crop, about which one man has
The world has gone on thinking that the farm labor in the South should work for
.75 cents or $1 a daY when all other labor is getting $1.50 and $2 per day,
10




THE WORLD WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORIrEAJRING

11

to the masses of miThe States which contributtd most largelyna,
Florida, Alabama,
Caroli
South
na,
Caroli
grants were North
see. The miTennes
and
as,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkans mented the Negro workers
supple
y
rapidl
States
grants from those
, New Jersey, Michigan,
-already sparsely employed in Pennsylvania
a.'
Virgini
Illinois, and West
Office. 1919.
Department of Labor bulletin. Government Printing
1 See Negro Migration in 1916-17,




( ITAPTER II.
'CREATION OF THE OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF NEGRO
ECONOMICS.
In view of the perplexing questions with regard to Negroes in industry and agriculture and the migration of Negroes from the South
to the North during 1916, 1917, and 1918, upon representations of
white and Negro citizens and several influential organizations dealing
particularly with Negro life and race relations, the Secretary of Labor,
Hon. William B. Wilson, after consideration and favorable recommen-dation by his Advisory Council on the war organization of the Depart-inent of Labor, decided to create the position of adviser on Negro
labor iin his ;immediate office, with the title of Director of Negro
condttiics. The function of this official was to advise the Secretary
aalttlib ditedtors and chiefs of the several bureaus and divisions of
to
!th department on mittters relating to Negro wage earners, and
wage
Negro
between
greater
on
for
cooperati
plans
promote
and
.nutline
,earners, white employers, and white workers in agriculture and
industry.
In starting this wink the Secretary stated that as Negroes constitutt :about one-tenth of the total population of the country and
•-abotit'une-seventh oftthe working population, it was reasonable and
right that they should have representation at the council table when
matters affecting them were being considered and decided. In defining the function of the office of the Director of Negro Economics
the Secretary decided that the advice of the director should be secured
ibefore any work dealing withVegro wage earners was undertaken and
that he be kept advised of the progress of such work so that the
Department might have, at all times, the benefit of his judgment in
,all matters affecting Negroes.
Accordingly, on May 1, 1918, the Secretary of Labor called to that
at
position Dr. George E. Haynes, professor of sociology and economicson
League
National
the
of
s
secretarie
Fisk University and one of the
Urban Conditions among Negroes. Dr. Haynes was strongly recommended by many individuals and organizations, among them being
—.)
.the Commercial Club of Nashville, Tenn., his home city. (See p.
Negro
of
Director
of
the
advice
the
of
with
Labor,
Secretary
The
Economics, early in May, 1918, considered and approved plans out4.1ining three types of activities for dealing with problems of Negro
"aworkem in their relations to white workers and white employers, as
• fallows:
I. The organization of cooperative committees of white and colored citizens in the
•',States and localities where problems of Negro labor arise, due to large numbers of Negro
workers.
2. The development of a publicity or educational campaign to create good feeling
between the races and to have both white and Negro citizens understand and cooperate
with the purpose and plans of the department.
12




WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD

13

in the States and localities to develop
3. The appointment of Negro staff workers
conduct this work of better racial labor relations,
'this organization of committees, toand
services of the department in mobilizing and
and to assist the several divisions
war.
astabilizing Negro labor for winning the

of this plan, the office
In undertaking to carry out the three parts
lties:
difficu
main
two
ized
recogn
ary
of the Secret

feeling of suspicion on the part of the colored
1. The difficulty of forestalling a strongnces in racial and labor matters.
experie
past
their
of
p ople, growing out
wrong impression among white people, especially
2. The difficulty of forestalling a of
the department, and of having them understand
efforts
the
about
South,
those in the
in local labor problems by means of its plans.
them
to
help
wishes
ment
depart
that the

These cardinal facts were also given due consideration:

the majority of the em1. The two races are thrown together in their daily work, s with Negro employees
ployers and a large number of the employees having relation
misunderstandings, prejudices,
'being white persons. These conditions give rise to be recognized and dealt with in
must
facts
ons.
These
suspici
:antagonisms,fears,and
a statesmanlike manner.
as they do, between local employers
2. The problems are local in character, arising,
communities, need the vision of
local
in
,
however
people,
The
and local employees.
local situations.
their
to
apply
to
ds
standar
and
'national policies, plans,
upon the desire and need of cooperation
3. Any plan or program should be based
s of Negro wage earners, and, wherever
• between white employers and representative
.
earners
wage
possible, white
AVON—CONFERENCES AND COMMITTEES.
.ITIBLDO

zation was a preliminary
"The first st'eirth setting _up the field organi strategic centers in a
to
tril, of the Ifirector of Negro Economics
were of pressing
iriumber of States where Negro workers' problemsce,
informal conponden
imnortance. Through preliminary corres
ve white and
entati
repres
with
held
iews
were
interv
ferences and
. These
visited
Stiife
each
of
Negro citizens from different parts
hetic
sympat
of
points
first
the
ished
establ
ences
confer
interviews and
condilabor
ve
impro
to
efforts
uent
contact for cooperation in subseq
tions and race relations..
for subsequent work.
These preliminary visits laid the foundationcalled by Hon. T. W.
ence,
confer
na
Caroli
North
Irtir instance, the
below, which set the
tickett, Governor of the State lend described such a preliminary
of
out
grew
,
States
rn
Southe
other
for
Model
of Virginia
The creation of the Negro workers' committees
Society of that State
zation
Organi
Negro
the
of
ation
cooper
the
and
results followed the
grew out of a similar visit on the trip. Similar
connections made in other States.
and private schools for
Upon the visit to a State, officials of State repres
entatives of the
e,
defens
Negroes, of the State councils of
yment Service,
Emplo
States
United
of
rce,
the
comme
of
cihambers
and assistance
ation
cooper
ed
promis
and of white and Negro colleges
earners by
wage
Negro
ate
stimul
to
tment
depar
the
of
in the efforts
efficiency
their
se
to
increa
as
way
a
in
such
improving their condition
for maximum production to win the war. representative white and
The first of a series of State conferences of
Hon. T. W. Bickett,
Negro citizens was called on June 19, 1918, bythe
State capitol at
in
office
his
at
Governor of North Carolina,
the most subof
17
ence
Raleigh. There were present at this confer
citizens,
white
five
and
State
the
of
parts
stantial Negroes from all



14

D WAIL
DVIIING THE-WORL
THE NEGRO AT WHIM

ference and
o presided thmughont the con
including the governor, whpro
ceedings.
the morale
took an active part in the
t of Labor for increasing Dir
men
art
Dep
ector of
the
The plans of the
by
workers were outlined
and efficiency of Negro ely discussed. At the close of the meeting
Negro Economics and fre a temporary committee which drafted a
the governor appointedfor a State Negro Workers' Advisory Coming
committees.
constitution providorg
ion of local county and city
zat
ani
the
for
s and readjustmittee and
zation, with slight modification
This plan of organias a model for other States in the development of
ments, later served
was set up in the course of the
field organization whichthe
tes, and six northern
.a voluntary
in four other sou rn Sta
ths
mon
ult of the
six
t
nex
so highly pleased with the res
States. Gov. Bickett wasa statement to the public press saying that
conference that he issued most patriotic and helpful conferences he
this meeting was one of the
held by the
had ever attended.
and colored citizens was
te
whi
of
g
tin
mee
te
July 12, 1918.
A. Sta
gress at Gulfport, Miss.,
of Negro Ecoor
ect
&Fitt:hem Sociological Con
Dir
itation to the
inv
an
ed
end
ext
ss
gre
citizens, business
The con
meeting. About 200 white
'mimics to address the about 75 Negro citizens of the State were in
of this State gathering to
men and planters,and
artment took advantageste
d in the adjustment of
attendance. The dep
ere
int
were especially
o
wh
se
ro Ecotho
er
eth
tog
l
,cal
ress of the Director of Neg
add
e
Th
ms.
ble
m both
pro
fro
or
ponse
Negro lab
ss received a hearty res
te citiwhi
the
of
l
nomics before the congre
era
and as a result sev
t,
sen
pre
s
a plan
roe
Neg
out
ked
whites and
in the conference., which wor
zens took an active partion similar to the one adopted by North
of State-wide organizat
the success
Carolina.
by Gov. Bickett and gre
set
ent
ced
pre
the
of
is
ss, Hon.
bas
Con
On the
logical
of the Southern 'SoCio ference of white and
eat the Gulfport meeting of
con
Florida, called a
er full discussion
Sidney Catts, Governornville
, on July 16, 1918. Aftgra
kso
Jac
m and formed
pro
Negro citizens at
a
d
ence adopte
fer
s
con
thi
ure
ced
representapro
of
and
ed
pos
of plans
s' Advisory Committee com
te Council
Sta
the
of
es
pic
<• 41, State Negro Worker
aus
ns under the
ize
d
cit
ore
col
vice. A
Ser
and
nt
te
me
whi
oy
tive
States Empl
ted
Uni
the
e
and
ens
the proDef
al
ect
its obj
.of Nation
ked out, having as tan
employof
g
din
program of activities was worand
ers
better und
a
s
ion
greater
dit
ter
con
bet
t
of
tha
ion
er
,mot
roes of Florida in ord
great
So
.
ult
res
.ment matters relating to the Negpli
the
be
es might
sup
war
ns of
d
and
ize
foo
of
cit
on
cti
the
odu
t
Ipr
conference tha
the
of
day
at
the
m
g,
on
ias
tin
mass mee
was the enthus
d, held a monsternom
er
oth
and
,
ics
.Jacksonville, white and colore
Negro Eco
of
or
ect
Dir
the
or,
ern
'which the gov
Organization
.officials spoke.
help of the Negro tee of that
the
h
oug
thr
me,
nti
mea
Commit
In the
ro Workers' Advisory
Society of Virginia, the Neg first supervisor of Negro economics, a
State was organized and the experience, T. C. Erwin, was appointed
Negro citizen of training and of advisory work in the State.
launched in
and undertook the direction
k and organizationeffort and on
The next step was to get the wor
ial,
init
selected for the
northern territory. Ohio waswas called by the department with the
e
enc
fer
con
Employment
August 5, 1918, a
or of the United States
ect
Dir
l
era
Fed
the
of
p
hel
y
.heart



THE .N EURO

AT WORK outoNo

13

WtiI;1.1) WM.

nce
Service and Hon. James M.Cox,governor of Ohio. This confere
met at the State Capitol at Columbus and was notable for the number in attendance, the enthusiasm and the readiness with which they
worked Out a plan of State-wide organization. There were present
and repabout 125 persons—white employers, Negro wage earners,was
closed
session
on
afterno
.
The
resentatives of white wage earners
d
adopte
nce
confere
The
or.
the
govern
by
s
addres
d
with a splendi
second
the
Hall,
E.
Charles
and
ation
the usual plan of State organiz
to develop
supervisor of Negro economics, was assigned to the State auspices of
the
under
work,
the
se
the organization and to supervi
the United States Employment Service office.
6,
One other conference, that held in Louisville, Ky., August
variation in the
need4 to be described as showing one other slight of
organization.
far-reaching significance of the cooperative plan
adopted
This conference was unique in that the plan of organization by
was tbat of a united war-work committee made up jointlyFoodthose
Adrepresenting the State Council of Defense, United States
and the
ture,
of
Agricul
ment
Depart
States
United
ation,
ministr
s being
United States Department of Labor, white and colored citizen
conference
the persons representing these various interests. The or
Kenwas noted for its enthusiasm. Hon. A.0.Stanley, govern of
a
large
and
nce
confere
the
tucky, in:Itide an 'enthusiastic address to
.
evening
the
in
d
followe
g
mass meetin
after the first
,• By.ithe time of the Kentucky conference, three monthsnces
and their
plans were outlined, the influence of the State confere
movea
State
g
of
startin
means
a
as
proved
well
feasibility were so
that other conment and creating good will and favorable sentiment the
State work.
ferences followed as a matter of course in settihg up
i, Illinois,
Missour
,
Additional conferences were held in Georgia
Jersey.
New
Michigan, and
of
A national informal conference was called by the Secretary
This
1919.
17-18,
ry
Februa
C.,
D.
gton,
Washin
in
met
Labor and
and social
conference included men and women representing welfare
Negroes and
both
of
South,
and
North
both
ations,
organiz
service
ts of all sections
white people, in order that the views and interes
e of the conferkeynot
and of both races might be ascertained. The welcoming the reprein
Labor
of
ry
Secreta
the
ence was sounded by
sentatives. He said:

Labor made no distinction
Congress in defining the duties of the Department of conditio
n of servitude. We
either as to sex or race, and, I may add, as to previous
earners, whether men or women or
were authorized to promote the welfare of wage
they were native born or alien
children, whether they were white or colored, whether
welfare of the wage workers we have
residents; and in the undertaking to promote the welfare of the wageworker at the
not assumed that it was our duty to promote the
the welfare of the wageworker,
expense of the plans of the community but to promote
our population.
having due respect to the rights of all other portions of

ing the

The Assistant Secretary of Labor, Louis F. Post,in address
conference said:

interests of all wage
It is the function of the Department of Labor to look after the
sex.
either
or
age,
any
race,
earners of any

Special subjects were discussed, as follows:
s and
Lines of work which should be undertaken for improving race relation
dktions of Negro workers.




con,

THE WORLD WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING

16

Negro
cooperation and good will between
Conduct and toleration as necessary for
and white workers.
in industry.
.
Special problems of women farm
ers and what agencies may do to help them
The Negro land tenants and rs. labor
worke
Education and Negro

rmal conference gave most of its time
On the second day the info
action in local communities to secure
of
ity
"Un
to the general topic:
of welfare agencies and methods, by
efficiency and cooperationLabo
r and other governmental agencies
which the Department of ate agencies and organizations."
can best cooperate with priv
ted and recommended to the Secretary
In a set of resolutions adop
t points are set forth:
rtan
of Labor the following impo
AT INFORMAL CONIVE ORGANIZATION ADOPTED
RESOLUTION ON PLAN OF COOPERAT LEMS, FEBRUARY 17 AND 18, 1918, AS APPROVED
FERENCE ON NEGRO LABOR PROB
BY THE SECRETARY OF LABOR.

improvement
Negro wage earners and the
Whereas the improvement of conditions ofwage
Negro wage earners are
of
and
rs
earne
white
of relations of white employers, of advancement of the welfare of all wage earners
questions of great importance for the
in America; and
ested in promoting
ons and agencies specifically inter
Whereas the several organizati
life need to work in closer
ican
Amer
to
rs
earne
wage
Negro
the better adjustment of
izations
cooperation:
of such boards, agencies and organ
Therefore, It behooves representattives
rative organization, of action,
coope
of
res
measu
adop
to
interested in such questions
ructive work along these lines. to an informal conand of policy that will foster const
of such organizations, invited
tives
senta
repre
the
We, therefore, the
of Labor, do hereby recommend and ask
tary
Secre
the
by
ngton
ference in Washi
re the organizations represented, and
gbefo
layin
in
s
office
good
his
use
Secretary to
rative organization and
may be interested, a plan of coope
any other organizations thatal
.
lines
gener
wing
follo
re
effort on the
yers of Negro workers to provide welfa
1. That local efforts to influence emplo agencies attempting to do such work in a
the
facilities be undertaken, jointly, by all
nt of Labor be used as
representatives of the Departme
methods of the sevcommunity; and that the localthrou
and
s
ience
exper
gh which the
far as practicable as a channel
efforts.
local
these
in
ange
exch
seek
shall
ative of the
eral agencies
nmental organization or irepresentthe
DepartWhere there is no such local gover
st
reque
they
that
act,
to
e
desir
agencies
on.
Department of Labor, and several
erati
,coop
of
el
al
chann
neutr
a
such
ng
ment of Labor to assist them in getti s and organizations, which undertake the organi2. That our several agencies, boarde of any funds for improving the living and neighzation of any work or the expenditur local communities seek to become informed of
or
borhood conditions of Negro workers in
organizations before deciding on plans
similar plans of other agencies, boards and
n and to
g action.
takin?j
asked to furnish such inforsmatio
the Department of Labor be
board and organiza3.
ies,
agenc
the
ng
keepi
for
sary
provide such facilities as are neces s, or proposed undertakings or steps that have been
.
tions informed Of such plans, effort
boards and organizations interestedother
agency,
undertaken by the several agencies,
or any
d,
sente
repre
here
on
izati
organ
or
board
4. That each agency,
, as soon as practicable,
shall
rned
conce
be
fter
herea
may
ties and
board or organization that
r such parts of its records. facili
make available to the Department of Labo
nt may have available the
rtme
Depa
the
that
in
sary
order
neces
are
opportunities as
ration of such agengood offices in furthering the coope
information needed for using its That
s, or organizations detail for
board
ies,
agenc
such
ons.
izati
organ
may.be needed for
cies, boards, or
personnel services of its staff as organ
ization may be
service in this connection such
y, board, or
agenc
h
said
in
whic
effort
any
of
part
carrying out the
at the time
involved.
asked to call a second conference, ed to this
5. The Department of Labor is alsothe
izations that have been invit ested or
organ
of
tives
senta
repre
of
s
that seem best,
other organizations that may be inter
Negro
conference; also representatives of such
ions involved in connection with
the
quest
of
ssion
discu
r
for
hithe
rned
ccconce
and
unity
of
plans
and
s
ience
exper
economics, in order that further exchange of
operation may be discussed.




%T14E-NA:AU:0 AT W0111: DICRING,11-1F.

WOULD WAR.

-v17

The fallowing rasolution was adopted by the conference as an addition to the report of the committee:
' 6. That it is the consensus of this body that the representatives of national
zations attending this conference request their local representatives in variousorg aniS t ates
to cooperate immediately with the representatives of the Director of Negro Econo
mica
of the United States Department of Labor in all matters affecting the
interests o f t he
Negro workers.

A program of national work was also adopted and recommended to
..the Secretary covering the following matters:
I. Survey of Negro labor conditions.
2. The getting of Negro workers into industry.
3. Holding Negro workers in industry, including the improving of living
an d
working conditions in both agriculture and industry.
4. Training the next generation of workers.
5. The general advancement of Negro wage earners in the United States.

The following is a list of organizations signing,and the names o f
'.their representatives:
f+Istne.
Dr. Jesse E, likkhlaNid (chirrnsn)
• (Miss) Nfttale ilurroughs
• MIss) Mary LS JSckasfr.
• John R. Shillady
.(Vleo) Walter F. White
`..T..S.43ettle
Eugene Kinekle Jones
Dr. Thomaslesse Jones
• C. H. Tobias
John T. Emlen
Dr. kostel W.Roundy
ioWn
Rev. Harold
Rev. E. W. Moorg.,
rs.) Etnah R. Beuttee
(Miss) Estelle Raskin
ohn J. Eagan
Dr. James II. Dillard

,r

Organization or agency represented.
International Committee, Y. M.C. A.
The National Training School.
War Work Council, Y. W.C. A.(National Board).
}National Association for the Advancement of Colored Pe opl e..
War Camp Community Service.
National League on Urban Conditions among Negroes.
Pheip-Stokes Fund.
National War Work Cod'firil, Y. M. C. A.
Armstrong Association of Philadelphia.
American Missionary Associaiten.
Tuskegee Institute.
Jeisti_Committee, War Production Committees.
Be`ptht Home Missionlety.
Circle for Negro War Rel((Inc.).
Women's Home Mission Unell—Methodist Pnblishing Bo ard.
Commission on Training Camp Activities.
Jeanes-Slater Funds.

-In carrying out the plans for a publicity gifd edtcational chnipaign
4tO 'crate a better feeling between the races and to have both white
:and colored citizens understand and cooperate with the purposes an d
'Plan s of the department, the office of the Director of Negro Econoin ics received the hearty help and cooperation of the Information
--and Education Service of the department during the war and until
that service was discontinued July 1, 1919.
A regular newspaper release was given to both the white press and
Negro press which can not be too highly commended for their co.speration. Special mention should be made of the support given
by the Negro newspapers of the country, more than 250 in number,
who gave without compensation large sections of news columns and
advertising space. As an illustration, a news release on that part of
th a Secretary's annual report relating to Negro workers was sent out
from the office of the Director of Negro Economics through the Information and Education Service. Clippings from white newspapers
showed that the release was used 1;:)y -them as far north as Maine, as
,far west as California, and as far south as bouisiana. Nearly all the
Negro newspapers, north and south,carried the release—some of them
.in full.
1989°-20--2




4

18"

THE WORLD WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING

ay celebrations were
Special addresses for use at patriotic and holid
gh the advisory
throu
ers
o
,work
Negr
t,he
4
to
out
smt
prepared and
ized. On the •
organ
were
they
where
'committees in thieAterrittViesl, 2,000 copies of an address entitled
Fourth of July, 1918, more than
y and city patriotic- celeor and Victory" were used in. count
"Lab
12 States. (For- copy,
about
and
brations iii more than 150 counties
see APpendikq.)'
of special articles in new,:
Statements were prepared for writersMinute Bulletin of the roni
Fourthe
for
papers and magazines and
ar material was sent to hunmitt& on Public Information. Simil
country. Magazine articles
the
of
parts
rent
dreds of speakers'in diffe
during the. war and recon.defiling with the problems of Negro labor
o Economics were preNegr
of
ion
of
Divis
the
work
struction and the
American Reiiew of
The
as
pared and appeared in such magazines
y.
Surve
The
and
c,
,
Publi
The
Crisis
The
'Reviews
effort to combat,
The 'United States Public Health Service in itsreach
all Negroes.
to
venereal diseases inaugurated a special effort
ng that
helpi
by
ce
Servi
h
Healt
c
Publi
the
with
This office cooperated
iorgan
field
our
gh
throu
rs
service to get in touch with Negro worke
facts
the
with
inted
acqua
me
beco
t
migh
they
-zillion in crder that
efficiency.
relative to disease as it affected health and
organized and held
ttees
commi
ory
advis
rs'
The Negro worke
and colored citizens,
white
both
many public meetings, attended by
ers were sent to
tolliscuss'the problems of labor and the war. Speak
month no less
each
that
ate
estim
We
ngs.
.hunldre'ds of other meeti
were reached
iyers
of
emplc
eds
than a Million Negro workers and hundr
way.
and influenced in this




CHAPTtR III.
EARLY RESULTS OF NEGRO ECONOMICS SERVICE.
At the end of the first six months of the work, Negro workers'
.advisory committees, by States, counties and cities, had been wholly
or partly formed in 11 States, and by'
the time the armistice was
:signed steps had been taken to establish committees in three other
St ates.
Nearly all of these committees, both State and local, had white
an d Negro members or had cooperating white members representing
or ganizations of white employers and white workers. In all, 11
St ate committees and about 225 local county and city committees,
wi th a membership numbering more than 1,000, were appointed. One
of the most remarkable facts is that out of the invitations and acceptan ces for service of all of these white and colored persons on these
• mmittees, so far as we have any record, there was only one case of
a member Of one committee whose relationship on the committee
do used friction and made necessary a request for his resignation.
T here \wits the heartiest regponse from citizens of both races everyw here. 'Many of them used large amounts of time, gave their servie es, and often spent their own money to further the departmental
p rogram. It was the expressed opinion of many citizens of wellk mown competence that the holding of these conferences and the
✓ 01 untary cooperation of hundreds of white and Negro citizens on
t h ese committees, both north and south, were in themselves sufficiant
to justify all the effort put forth by the department. E-ven more
significant were the many written statements of commendition from
itizens in all parts of the country and from organizations that
ooperated and helped in the movement. (See Appendix
SELECTION AND TRAINING OF A STAFF.

'T he selection and training of a staff for such work ordinarily would
'hard ly be considered as one of the results of a departmental or organization effort. However, it should be borne in mind that there is
usu illy serious doubt about the expert efficiency of Negroes in offioial p3sitions which call for high standards of character and ability.
Oftea criticism has bean specially lodged against Negroes in public
office. Toerafora, the successful and effective selection and organization of a staff of Negro officials and employees, with the necessary
general training, expert knowledge, and experience to carry out the
program of work and to achieve the results as shown in the succeeding
pa,
,re3, was in itself an achievement.
This work of mediation between white workers, white employers
And Negro workers called for exceptional qualities of mind and charac-,
ter in addition to technical knowledge and efficiency. The spirit of
conciliation and cooperation, the ability to see both sides of any issue,
.and the combination of initiative and self-control necessary to act



19

0

THE

Eano

AT WI-HI K

1CG TH E WOULD

WAD.

effectively when action is called for and to wait with patienc
action is not strategic required persons far above the average e when
in both
character and ability. The office of the Director of Negro Econom
may modestly claim this success as a part of the achievement of ics
the
work, as it demonstrates that such a staff can be built up in the
.public service.
The department had previously used the services of three Negro
-experts from the Department of Commerce. These men were
-tamed and their duties readjusted so that throughout the period reof
the war and for nearly eight months of reconst
they gave
effective service—Charles E. Hall as supervisor ofruction
Negro economics
for Ohio, William Jennifer as supervisor of Negro
economics for
Michigan, and H trry E. Arnold as an examiner and special
tthe United States Employment Service in Pennsylvania agent in
. As the
organization grew, the following men were added:
C. Erwin,
risupervisor of Negro economics for Virginia; Dr. A. M. T.
visor of Negro economics for North Carolina, who servedMoore, superas a dollar-ayear iman; William M. Ashby, supervisor of Negro
econom
ics for
New .Jersey; W. 0. Armwood, supervisor of Negro economics
for
'Florida; Lemuel L. Foster, supervisor of Negro economics for
Mississippi, who succeeded J. C. Olden, resigned for other work after
doing valuable service; H. A. Hunt, supervisor of Negro
economics
*Tor G3orgia; and Forrester B. Washington, supervi
sor of Negro
..eeonomies for Illinois. In atddition, the ,qualifications and recommendartions of a number of Negro examiners in the United
States
-Eni2loyment Service, as well as stenographers and clerical assista
ware investigated and passed upon by the office of the Directo nts,
r of
_Negro Ennomics.
In the offiee of the Director of Negro Economics
Washington
;headquarters, Karl F. Phillips, as assistant to the at
directo
'managed the office and closely associated with the directorr, ably
in the
full supervision of the work. A competent staff of clerical
was added as the growth of the work made it necessary. employees
These Federal officials performed their duties with enthus
iasm,
.efficiency, and success under the many trying circum
-arose during the strenuous months of the war labor stances which
program and the
.first months of reconstruction. Their services as a part
ment in the Federal. Government's relation to Negro of this experihas been a contribution to the experience with Negroe wage earners
s in important
administrative positions.
. The facts about each State supervisor of Negro econom
ics follow
in sections describing the activities and results of the
work in eich
State.
PROBLEMS OF NEGRO LABOR.

Before entering the detailed discussion of migration and
the experiences in 11 States, a summarized statement of the
Negro labor during the war and reconstruction period problems of
follows:
-I. During the war period.
1. The movement of large numbers of Negro workers
from the South to the
North.
2. The inevitable maladjustment in living conditio
ns confronting the neweomers in the North.



THE _NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD NVAII.

21

Z. The delicate questions of relations of Negro worker
s and white workers in
northern industries into which Negroes were for the
first time entering in
large numbers.
4:'The difficulties and readjustments in southern
ltural regions, due to
the sudden departure of thousands of tenantsagricu
and farm laborers, as well
as the readjustments in industrial operations in
the South, due to the same
causes.
5. The attraction to centers of war industries and
tonments, both north and south, due to theconstruction camps and canwages offered, which were
higher than those prevailing in post-war
ry and agriculture.
6. The serious labor shortage, both north and indust
south, white and colored, due to
the drafting of millions of men into the Army.
If .During the reconstruction period.
1. The thousands of Negro workers in war industries
who had to be shifted back
to post war industries along with the other worker
s called for special attention similar to the period when they were
being shifted into war
industries.
2. Probably between 400,000 and 500,000 worker
s migrated from the South to
northern industries. The difficulties of cooper
ative adjustment of white
.wage earners and Negro wage earners in the
industrial communities where
they must find community life in contact with
'1. Spezial problems connected with the entrance of each other were increased.
colored women into industry and special problems in domestic and
al service.
'4. Toe ,problerni of improving the conditions,person
increasing the efficiency, and
.oneouraging the thrift of Negro workers
were probably greater during the
Av )1. and still remain as reconstructi
-5c In the S mth the common interests ofon problems.
white employers who want to engage
Cie services which the Negro wage earner has
to offer and the desire of the
worker for wages in return make the adjus
of the Negro labor situation, one of the most far-reaching factors intment
.cable race relations. The migeation and warbringing about just and ami restlessness of the two races
'creates problems which the labor nexus
may be very effective in settling.
'66. The'Adjuitment of farm tenantry and
of the labor situation.in the South
is:very largely a problem of Negro
1')T the first 12 months folio ffing thelabor.
ice the problem of demobilization of thousands of Negro soldiersarmist
called for cooperative action, and
m 3re tact and judgment than were proba
bly needed during the period
when they ware being drafted out of produc
tion into the Army. The
return of the Negro soldier to civil life with
the obligations of the Nation
to hi n, has been Ono of the most delica
te and difficult labor questions con'
fronting, the Nation, n3rth and south.
R8.. Tho improvement of living and worki condit
ng
ions, including such questions as housing, sanitation, and recrea
tion of Negro wage earners, should
receive more attention during this period
time than they did before or during the Greatof reconstruction and peace
War period.




CHAPTER IV.
'COOPERATION WITH THE SEVERAL BUREAUS AND DIVISIONS
OF THE DEPARTMENT.
Where matters which manifestly or directly affected Negro wage
earners came under the immediate administrative guidance of the
several divisions and bureaus of the department, it was the plan of
the Secretary that the heads or chiefs of such divisions or bureaus
should call upon the Director of Negro Economics for advice.
The United States Employment Service, which was dealing with
the recruiting and placing of Negro labor in the United States,
naturally received the largest amount of such cooperation, advice, and
:planning. For instance,questions came up relating to private agencies
and their handling of Negro labor on and after August 1, 1918, when
.the Employment Service was given the responsibility of recruiting and
placing the common labor in war industries employing 100 or more
workers. The Director of Negro Economics gathered the facts and
proposed a plan and policy for.dealing with this matter. Such plan
-and policy were later adopted and put into operation by the Director
General of the United States Employment Service.
Tiremnembers of the Negro workers' advisory committees in many
- 'localities assisted as volunteers during this war-labor recruiting and
placing. Eight of the State supervisiors of Negro economics had
their offices either with the Federal directors of the Employment
:Service or in close connection with them. All of the Federal directors
in theft-States turne'd.to these State supervisors for advice and assistance on tpractically all matters relating txi the handling of Negro
'labor in itheir States. The question of location of offices to serve
Negro neighborhoods, the formation of policies and piens of the Employment Service to serve them more effectively, the selection of
competent Negro examiners, and a number of other questions were
'from time to time presented and handled for the Employment
Service. The following excerpts from statements of some of the
Federal directors of the Employment Service show their appreciation- of this service given by representatives of the Division of Negro
'Economics:
UNITED STATES EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
74 East Gay Street, Columbus. Ohio, April 9, 1919.
Mr. ETHELBERT STEWART.
Director of Investigation and Inspection Service,
Office of the Secretary, Department of Labor, Washington, D. C.
MY DEAR MR. STEWART: Mr. Charles E. Hall, who has been supervisor of Negro
economics in Ohio, handed me a copy of your letter of March 27 with reference to his
reports being made through the office of the Federal director for Ohio.
Mr. Hall has been located in the office of the Federal director for the past several
'months and we are very glad to advise that the relationship is very pleasant. We
feel that Mr. Hall is a very competent man and especially fitted for the line of work
to which he is assigned.
This letter is written as an acknowledgment of the receipt of instructions contained
An your letter of above date.
Very truly, yours,
(Signed)
C. H. MAYHUGH,
21cting Federal Director for Ohio.
_99




THE NEGRO AT WORK 'DURING THE WORLD WAR.

23

1423 NEWTON STREET, Washington, D. C., July 9, 1919.
Dr. GEORGE E. HAYNES,
Director of Negro Economics, Department of Labor, Washington, D. C.
MY DEAR Dn. HAYNES: I very much regret to learn that failure of appropriation
has made it necessary to discontinue the work which has been carried on by Mr.
-Charles E. Hall, supervisor of Negro economics for Ohio.
Mr. Hall assisted the Employment Service in every possible way in recruiting labor
-'during the war and in the readjustment of labor after the signing of the armistice.
The big task before him at this time is to assist in crystallizing the best thought and
•-carrying out the best possible plans for improving housing conditions and aiding the
Negroes to become satisfactorily adjusted to the new industrial condition which confronts them. His work, I believe, has been a real factor in preventing the development of radical unrest among the Negroes in Ohio.
My knowledge of Mr. Hall's work was gained through contact as Federal Director
- of Employment for Ohio, from which position I resigned March 15, 1919.
Very truly, yours,
(Signed)
FRED C. CROXTON.
UNITED STATES EMPLOYMENT SERVICE,
Meridian, Miss., January 29, 1919.
From: Federal director.
To: Director General.
' Subject:\Negri Economics Division.
relpling to letter from Assistant Director General, dated January 23, in ref erence to Durision,of Negro Economics.
thiEreonneCtion the. writer wishes to state that this service is _providing an
-officemn the same floor as theoffice of the Federal director for the supervisor of Negro
economics. The present supervisor. L. L. Foster, a young Negro of energy, is conferring almost daily with the Federal director in reference to his work. ,
3. The writer attended the meeting of the Negro State advisory board in Jackson.
Monday, January 27, at which meeting plans were perfected for the organization of
--the Negro boys between the'ages of 16 and 21 in Mississippi in the Boys' Working
Reserve. Cooperation has been obtained frOm the State agriculture college, and they
have agredd to supply instructors wherever necessary to instruct these Negro boys in
- a short•ounrse prepared by the Reserve. Arrangements were made for visiting and
organizing reservesin approximately twenty industrial Negro schools' in the State
for the giving of this course in connection with these schools in the'ea`rly spring. This
Service will then undertake to place these studdnts in active farm work as soon as
school is closed.
4. The Negro workers' advisory committee in the State of Mississippi is well oraanized and the work.is prospering very satisfactorily.
H. H. WEIR,
.(Signed)
Federal Director.
DErnorr, MICR, July 2, 1919.
From: Federal director.
To: Director General, United States Employment Service, Washington, D. C.
subject: Supervisor of Negro Economics for Michigan.
I. On Thursday of last week Mr. William Jennifer, who for the past nine months
has been acting as supervisor of Negro economics for Michigan, advised me that he
was in receipt of communication from Washington directing him to report there immediately. He left here on Friday morning, and at the time of his leaving stated that,
he was somewhat worried in regards to the work, which he had been carrying on here
in Michigan, being continued.
2. At the time Mr. Jennifer came to Michigan he at once proceeded to develop the
State, and within a short time after his arrival a conference was held here in Detroit,
and there was in attendance representatives from 19 different cities in Michigan. An
organization was perfected at that time, and great good has come from the results of
that meeting. The writer attended this conference and had an opportunity to meet
with these representatives, who consisted of ministers, doctors, lawyers, welfare
workers, and workingmen. These people went back to their respective localities
and proceeded to enlighten the colored people of their community regarding the efforts
being made by the Government to assist them in caring for the interests of the Negroes
who are rapidly moving here from the Southern States.

•


24

-TlfE

AT

'nuiu.ro THE WORLD WAR.

3. It would appear to the writer that there is no work of greater importance which
the Government might be interested in at this time than that or assisting the colored
people to bring about better conditions for their race.
4. Since coming to Michigan, Mr. Jennifer has worked hard and given to the duties
assigned to him all his time and efforts. He is a splendid gentleman and his heart is
in his work. He thoroughly understands the Negro problem. In the mind of the
writer, he is an exception to the average person, and we should very much like to see
him return to Michigan to carry on this good work which he has been doing, and
.desire to urge upon you the importance of this department being continued.
J. V. CUNNINGHAM,
(Signed)
. Federal Director.
'UNITED STATES Esti'LOYMENT SERVICE,
9 Franklin Street, Newark, N. J., April 2, 1919.
Prof. GEORGE E. HAYNES,
Director of Negro Economies, Washington, D. C.
MY DEAR DR. HAYNES: It is my understanding that you desire an expression of
.opinion as to the work of the Bureau of Negro Economics.
I am glad to inform you that it is our understanding that Negro advisory committees
'have been organized in the principal industrial centers throughout the State. Those
• committees hold regular meetings at which Mr. Ashby (supervisor of Negro economics
for. New Jersey) is often present and he addresses these groups on matters relative to
theaituation pertaining to Negro labor in the State and advises them as to how they
oan make the best of their opportunities. Committees of this character have been
hel•Phili in' the )offices in the matter of opportunities for colored men and women, and
co.'s°,in molding sentiment in favor of colored workers.
'fIlhe Gallic:len (N. J.) committee is doing an especially fine piece of work in the
tittereat-Of the returning colored soldiers. Mr. Ashby personally attends the meetings
Of the welfare organizations wherever it is possible in the State, giving specific atten- -tion to'the benefits that may accrue to the colored workers.
Personally, I can only speak in the'highett terms of the work which he has been
•,enabled to accomplish for the benefit of the Negro workers of New Jersey. I feel quite
-satisfied that, responsive to the energeitic work which he has-performed, various
'
,colored organizations throughout the State found,it advisable for their best interests
to send telegrams to the various Washington"representatives asking -for continuation
,of the United States EmploymenfService.
'Very truly, yours,
J. SiTrz,
(Signed)
Assistant Federal Director of Employmentfor New Jersey.

Also, in Virginia and Alabama service of.cooperation was given to ,
, the Boys' Working Reserve in assisting its representatives in those
-States to secure helpful contacts with Negro boys.
When the Women's Bureau was established in the department, it
was natural that its scope of activities should include attention to
conditions 'affecting colored women workers and that this bureau
Ashould counsel and work closely with the office of the Direttor of
rNegro Economics, which gave assistance not only in finding and
-electing Mrs. Helen B.Irvin as industrial agent for the work among
colored women, and in securing Mrs. Elizabeth Ross Haynes (as a
dollar-a-year employee) for the direction of the same work, but also
in making surveys of Negro women in industrial establishments and
in taking other steps for improvement of working conditions and
relations of Negro women in industry, carried out in joint cooperation
with that service. (For full summary of report see section of
"Negro Women in industry," pp.
•)
These experts entered upon their duties in November, 1918. They
performed important field service of a varied character, and the data
collected by them, together with their recommendations, after receiving the counsel and advice of the Director of Negro Economics,
formed the basis of concrete labor policies which the Women's Bureau




•
WORLD WAR.
THE NEURO AT WORK DURING THE

25

. Some
is now putting into effect in behalf of female Negro workersbulletin
.
-of the facts gathered are published in another section of this
(See pp. --.)
a number
The Investigation and Inspection Service not only made
departthe
in
d
involve
kinds
various
of
plants
of
-of investigations
upon
took
service
this
but
ment relating to Negro wage earners
ong,
Armstr
K.
Byron
Negro,
ent
compet
a
of
ment
employ
itself the
Negro
of
r
Directo
the
of
office
who was also associated with the
VIII
Economics. The field investigations for the data in Chaptersies in
industr
basic
seven
the
in
s
Negroe
-and X, which deal with
of
northern centers were made by him and other representativessobz
relation
and
ons
in
the
conditi
ascerta
to
effort
an
in
that service
es.
taining between Negro workmen who had entered northern industri
from
d
receive
tion
the
coopera
of
made
be
should
n
mentio
Special
m
the Council of National Defense in starting and developing a progra
,
council
the
of
office
l
nationa
The
South.
the
in
workers
Negro
'-for
our
gave
s,
council
State
the
with
dealt
at Washington, D. C., which
and
plans indorsement, together with full information and advice,
in
s
council
State
of
officials
The
ction.
of
introdu
iurnished letters
vely
extensi
ky
Kentuc
and
a,
Virginia, Florida,. Georgia, Alabam
promoted the cooperative plan of organization. In Virginia, Kenttucky, and Florida the executive secretary of the State Council of
'National Defense•arranged for an appointment of white cooperating
inetrubcrs of the Negro Workers' Advisory Committees. The Georgia
ve its advice to our State committee, the governor of
the council, having
.GeOcittark Hon. Hugh M. Dorsey, as chairman of
Alabama Council
The
.
ce..
conferen
issitA the invitation for the State
to
assist with the
ary
'auxili
Negro
a
ed
appoint
l
Defense
..of Nationa
was the main
l
Defense
Nationa
of
Avork.. The Kentucky Council
iwoggaiRization in promoting the formation of Negro Workers' Advisory
-Ootatiatees in its State.
both local
Thec000peration of private organizations and agencies, practica
lly
is
it
that
ead
widespr
and
hearty
and national, was so
coopers
such
gave
that
impossible to name.a -list of the organizations
,t ive service.




CHAPTER V.
TIONSHIPS AT CHICAGOe
N EGRO LABOR AND RACIAL RELA
ry of Labor, through the Assistr of Negro Economics to the Secreta
Ill., and other localities, following
lExtract from report of the Directo
of Negro labor situation In Chicago,
subject
the
on
ry,
Secreta
. ant
o.]
race disturbances at Chicag
.

AUGUST 27, 1919
the Secretary about
of
e
offic
the
at
ved
Reports having been recei
r places of employothe
.disturbance at the stockyards in Chicago and
following the race
ged,
enga
been
arily
ordin
have
oes
ment where Negr
I was instructed
,
rence
confe
riots in that city, after departmental
Louis, Detroit,
St.
ago,
Chic
to
eed
proc
to
y
etar
!by the Assistant Secr
first hand,
tain,
ascer
to
tory
terri
the
in
Cleveland, and near-by points
rs the
cove
rt
repo
This
the change, if any, in the labor situation. ries during a day at St.
inqui
of
ago,
Chic
of
results of a rapid survey
and Flint, Mich., and some
Louis, Mo., during brief visits to Detroit
eland on the return trip.
Clev
in
-over
stop
a
statements secured on
ts from reliable Negroes,
repor
of
e
-I have also included the substanc
s.citie
r
othe
_ITS.id.ODLtS QT several
N.
'THE CIIICAGO SITUATIO

lex

comp
in Chicago seems to have grown out • ofactor
-nre disturbance tions
s are
, mainly economic. Some of the'f

Tundamental condi

the results of!the labor
,not altogether labor factors but are largely testimony secured from
+the
From
.
tions
ian41 other economic condi
am convinced, also, that the Chicagor
localities other than Chicago, Ifar
the underlying ladtors in labo
:situatiou iis partly typical, so areas
erned.
conc
and other economic conditions
we view conditions that are
it,
to
tion
atten
g
full
givin
in
e,
Therefor
demand for labor during
The
rs.
cente
typical of many industrial
ers of Negroes from the South.
the past five years drew largo numb
the hands of three more or loss
in
y
putt
st
.They have become almo
oyers, (b) white workmen, very.
conflicting interests: (a) The empls,
the most part unscrupulous
largely organized, and (c) politician for
the early years of the stockIn
tion:
1. Taking,first, the labor situa
mainly American, German,
yards development the labor supply was
When the stockyards were
ds.
kyar
stoc
the
and Irish that lived near
far removed from the
time
moved to their present location—at thatcity—Irish and German elethe
of
icts
distr
ess
residential and busin
the coming of the Poles and
ments settled around the yailds. With strik
e of 1904, the Irish were
t
-other nationalities, following the grea
y-ninth Street. The
Thirt
nd
beyo
and
pushed across Halstead Street
r side of the yards
othe
the
on
-German element occupies neighborhoods
and out toward Englewood.
oes in the stockyards, there
With the growth of employment of Negrwhit
e workers to draw them
of
part
the
on
t
has been continuous effor
ally successful. Some
parti
into their unions. This has been only n workers charged that the
idissatisfaction has resulted, and the unio




26

THE NEGIR)

AT

Woill: Durtisu THE N1:0IZIA) WAIL

27
backers have used Negro leaders to prevent unionizing
Negroes. The
pickers have denied'any interference with
effort to unionize
Negroes.. It can not be told how much frictithe
on and feeling between
the races this has caused. Testimony goes to show, howev
er, that
there has developed some friction between Negro worke
rs
and the
Irish element at the yards. This did not seem to have
any connection with the union situation but with individual contac
ts. •
Whether this friction had any direct conneetion
the rioting
'is not fully established. All the testimony, however,with
shows
that the
. point of greatest friction was where the Negro neigh
borhood touched
the Irish neighborhood on the South Side. There was
considerable
bention in the testimony of an Irish athletic associ
ation,
known as
Itegan's Colts. This was started as a sort of
cal and athletic
association, hut now has a reputation for considpoliti
erable rowdyism.
2. The housing situation is another ee,onomic element.
those familiar with the conditions preceding the riots claim, Many of
that there is little relation between the feelin aroused however,
about the
housing and the riots. However that may b,g
it is certain that a
largo influx of Negroes(about doubling the Negro
popul
go
within five years) has created an acute housing situat ation of Chica
ion on the South
Side. This population has flowed out of the area previo
usly oecupied
by Negroes and on into the areas orcupied by whites, prossi
ng upon
the districts known as Englewood and Kenwood.
'dents have organized an assoctiaon of residents. The white resiReliable testimeny, gained confidentially from some of their
ngs, establishes
the fact that there was considerable agitation,meeti
even suggestions Of
violence,,to ,keep egroes from renting and buying in the white
district. Popularzossip connects the bombing of Negro reside
with
nces
this agitation.
3. The political %ituation is a 'third factor
importance. These
Innderlying forces Of the attraction duving of
the
large numbers of Negro workers of the unskilled last five years of .
type, the friction
over the housing congestion and the tension over politi
cal affairs were
contimuilly played upon and inflamed by agitation. Some
agitation
arose from tete persons highly active and prejudiced again
st
"Negroes.
:There were various clashes of individuals here and there. There
were
opeated attempts to frighten Negroes from residences by
bombi
ng
their houses. There was quite a bit of newspaper public
ity during
the period of months preceding the riots.
All these incidents prepared the
for the underlying labor,
lhousing, and political fires-of friction way
to burst into the flames 'of riot
and death. The occasion for the outbr
eak on Sunday, July 27, when
%White bathers stoned a Negro
youth, knocking him from a raft and
causing him to drown, was only the match which lighte
d the blaze.
4. The situation which developed at the stockyards, result
ing in a
walkout of many of the union employees, was only
ctly the
result of the race riot. Some of the leaders of the indire
Atfialgamated
Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America
say that no
strike was authorized, but that it is a code of the union
s
not to work
in any place whore police and military guards are over them.
Apparently the employers at the stockyards, fearing trouble when
the Negroes returned to work on the Thursday following
the riots,
took the precaution of having extra police guards
detail
and
s of
militia. The union workmen interpreted the presence of these guard.
s-




•

213

THE

kHono

AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

men as a move against them. Immediately many of the union workers, among them some of the Negro union men, protested by leaving
their work and by sending a committee of protest to public officials.
Colored union men were on this committee. By Monday of the
following week, however, the militia had been removed and the
resentment of the union men apparently quieted down.
Both the employees and the management of tho stockyards testimen refied that there was no friction within the yards when the
ion
cooperat
and
of
good
s
feeling
evidence
Many
work.
turned to
between white and colored workers were manifested. The occasion
was one, of course, when both the leaders of the unions and representatives of the packers were disclaiming any responsibility for the
-situation.
With this underlying condition confronting the community there
was very limited contact between the more thoughtful and liberalminded, social-minded citizens of the two races. Barring the few
deaders of the labor unions and a few representatives of philanthropic
-organizations there were few contacts through which there might be
to
• putual understanding between the races. Tao facts also seem
from
show that the large number of Negro unskilled wirkersindirectly
their needs
the South, both in their competition for work and
and exfor decent houses in good surroundinTs wara bin used commuthe
to
benefit
elms
and
them,
help
to
forces
The
ploited.
nity, were few and comparatively weak.
It was also clear that the full sentiment of the employers, the
dargast of whom are the packers, favors the retention of the Negroes
fear this
in Caicago. On the other hand, the white uhion workers,
to enter
them
induee
can
unless
they
workers
ompetition of Negro
the unions.
During the course of the riot the Association of CaranIrce called a
ropic
fronforence of the representatives of 47 business and philanth
outcome
Tue
Club.
League
at
city
Union
the
the
of
*organizations
appoint
tof this meeting was a resolution requesting the governor to economand
cal,
soeiologi
gical,
to
psycholo
the
study
ee
committ
at
riot
ical causes underlying conditions resulting in the present race
and to make such recommendation as will tend to prevent a recurrence of such conditiions.in the future."
Gov. Lowden told me he had decided to appoint a local commission forehicago only. This will be composed of six white and six
colored citizens of the highest standing * * *.
to
5. From the nation-wide point of view another factor enters
is
It
ce.
importan
of
and
ted
complica
make the Chicago situation
of special concern to this department in its relation to the whole
of their
;matter of migration of Negro workers and the adjustment
south.
relations to white workers and white employers both north andto pubbegan
ers
newspap
Chicago
riots
the
owing
Iminediatdiefoll
es 'letters, and news items from southern territory invitlish dispatches,
to return to the South for good treatment,
ing southern
_peace, and employment.
During the week of my visit representatives of three different plantthat
iing interests of Mississippi were in the city, and it was reportedComwas on its way to Chicago from the Chamber of
a deleg
n New Orleans with a colored man in the party to "pick the
merce in
right- type of Negroes." * * *.



TH

WAR.
N EOR0 AT -WORK DURINI; TH E WORLD

29.

Negroes to
It is uncertain just how far such an effort to induce has already
effort
the
but
sful,
succes
be
will
South
the
to
return
t it among Nearoused considerable opposition and discussion againsls.
Of course
channe
other
and
pers
newspa
their
in
both
groes
d of being
accuse
being
are
pers
newspa
and
ers
Immediately the minist
s in Chicago.
Negroe
the
hold
to
want
who
s,
packer
the
by
paid
such allegations, it is
VVaile there are no available facts to supportaccord
ing to testimony
lly,
true that the employers of Chicago genera •ce and other employers
Commn
of
ation
Associ
,of the chairman of the
upon efforts made
ip...touch with the situation, do not look with favor
*
*
*
o.
Chicag
of
out
to tske Negroes
to tell exactly how
The week of my visit, of course, was too soon
Negroes had been
ying
emplo
about
ers
employ
of
ude
.attit
lar the
for Negro labor at
calls
of
ation
examin
Tne
:Affected by race riots.
that beginning with August
tiff) employment offices showed, however,had
been a gradual increase
.5-, just after the close of the riots, there
, those referred, and
wanted
help
Negro
both in the number of calls for
a few cases only
for
d
secure
be
could
ation
Inform
tho3e placed.
of the riots and
days
the
during
d
droppe
where Negroes had been
d down. The facts
quiete
ion
situat
the
when
ed
replac
been
had not
employments where Negroes
so far obtainable indicate that in those
any material change
were used formerly there would probably not be
s.
worker
in the use of Negro
Louis, Mo.,
Before summarizing the impressions gained in St.point out two
to
well
be
may
it
Ohio,
and,
Clevel
Detroit, Mich., and
situation in Chicago
ether significant factors influencing the xacialfirst place, there was a
ns well as in other parts of the country. In the
among many
very widespread dissatisfaction, bordering on bitterness,the
returning
from
ed
receiv
have
s
they
report
the
to
due
s,
Negroe
and
home.
at
both
in
Army,
the
ent
treatm
harsh
soldiers about their
of
ings,
gather
public
in
and
s
in France. In many conversationrehearsed and commented upon.
are
stories
Negroes some of these
* * *
among all classes of
In the second place, there is a general feelingsomething to remedy
do
should
.Negroes that the Federal Government
ion of evils.
their condition. This takes two forms: First, the abolit
and lynchmobs
that
feeling
strong
and
There is a very widespread
in hand
taken
be
should
s
Negroe
ng
affecti
now
abuses
other
ing and
to the
g
lookin
are
s
Negroe
,
Second
.
nment
b'y the Federal Gover
.
benefit
their
for
steps
uctive
constr
Federal Government to take some
of Labor
tment
Depar
the
of
action
the
of
rity
popula
The great
giving attention to
through the Division of Negro Economics for on to white workers
'relati
their
.and
s
Negroe
of
ions
condit
working
of the Negroes that
and whitelmi_ployers is 1arg6lystlue to this feelingFederal Government.
the
something Arnold be Ilene dor them through Department is meeting
Tao Public Irulth service of the Treasury
* *
-with similar Tasponse.
on this point and
There is a frequent(comment among Negroes in
a large way is
ing
someth
why
questions are asked repeatedly
ments to
depart
l
Federa
by
efforts
Larger
time.
this
not do a° at
receive
will
s
Negroe
among
ions
condit
improve !Ex:4g and working
them.
from
se
hearty recipsz




:30

THE NEGRO Air WORK IWRING THE
WORLD WAR.

TESTIMONY AND OPINIONS FROM ST.
LOUIS, MO., DETROIT AND FLINT,
MICH., CLEVELAND, OHIO, AND OTHER
POINTS.

In St. Louis a committee of colored citizens went to the chief of
police during the days of the Washington-Chicago riots.
They
pledged him their support and made certain suggestions.
He and
the mayor immediately took steps to forestall any possible outbreaks
This, I was informed, led to special instructions to the patrolmen .
Some newspaper publicity of a helpful kind was also obtained..
Although several individual clashes were reported, the sentiment
seems to be for quiet. It was reported, however, to me on good testimony that large numbers of Negroes have firearms and ammunition
preparatory to protecting themselves and their homes in case'
disturbances.
Detroit, Mich., has had a very large influx again during the past
-'summer, the estimate being about 3,000 newcomers during
the
month of June alone. These newcomers comprise men,
women,
:And children. While there is considerable congestion in one district there has, however, been considerable distribution of this
Negro populationi in,other sections of the city.
The race friction.there has seemed to be small, probably due to the
fact that the flatland for labor is greater than the supply. Everybody is employed at high wages and so busy that there is hardly
time for the,frictimis that go with unemployment. In some of the
industrl ptlants-embloying large numbers of Negroes, the superinttenitebts dM take precaution during the days when the newspapers
s•were-reliorting the riots in Washington and Chicago to prevent any
possible friction between white and colored workers in their plants.
For instance one of the automobile accessories companies separated
the white arid colored workers in the lunch rooms as a precaution.
The testimony indicates that this tended to catise friction rather than
to prevent it, as it is reported that the colored workmen refused to
t share the lunch room with this new arrangement.
It was reported here also that Negroes have provided themselves
with considerable firearms and ammunition lest trouble arise. One
factor in the situation in Detroit making for harmony is the fact that
the largest Negro neighborhood is bordered on one side by Jews,
'largely -Russian, and on the other side by Italians. Cases of friction
tresulted only in individual clashes that had no group significance.
During the days of the Washington-Chicago riots leading colored
'citizens conferred with the mayor and other officials about precautionary steps to prevent any possible outbreak.
In Cleveland, Ohio, there was some fear during the days of the riots
elsewhere lest there might be some friction. An editorial in one of
the colored newspapers, warning Negroes to arm themselves,_ drew
forth an article from one of the white newspapers claiming that the
-chief of police had called this editor to task, threatening to arrest him
for murder if any riot occurred and any one was killed. This was
denied by the chief of police and the incident closed.
The colored editor, however, did receive some threatening letters
and there was a report of an attack upon a Negro soldier by some
white men in a high-powered automobile which ran into a Negro
neighborhood. Both of these incidents caused some excitement
.among some of the colored people. There was, however, a feeling




THE NEGRO AT WORK DU RIN
G THE WORLD WAR.
1
among some of the itniluen
tial white attd eolored citize
disturbance should take pla
ns that no race
ce in Cleveland.
Responsible citizens I- int
would welcome any coo atierviewed, said however, that the city'
ve effort to study the lab
ecoRomic conditions looper
or and other
kin
racial friction in the fnture. g toward measures that would prevent
" *From testimony of condit
Sumter, S. C., Columbia, S. ions which nearly resulted in riots in
hension expressed and tes C., Birmingham, Ala., and from appretimony as to preparations
2.f.al-td colored people in Ne
w York City, Jacksonville, madt by white
°ry,' Ala., I am led to bel
Fla and Montieve that the racial tensio.,
preaki as to be in fact a mat
n is so wideof national concern, callin
attention from the National ter
g for some
Gov
ern
men
t.
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed)
GEORGE E. IInvi,m4,
Director of Negro Econom
ics.

'fw




CHAPTER VI.
WHITE AND NEGRO WORKERS IN BASIC INDUSTRIEB.
The distribution of Negro workers in industries both as to States
and the types of industries in which they were engaged in comparison
with other workers in the same States in industries gives a good
impression of their general part in war production and of the widespread contact of the racial labor relations. The facts are set forth
in the tables of this chapter.
The first table (Table I) gives a general view of the white and Negro
-men engaged in industrial unskilled occupations in establishments
in 1918 or at the height of our drive for war production. These figures were reported from the responsible employers themselves to the
United States Employment Service when that service by Executive
order took over the work of recruiting and placement of unskilled
, labor in all industries employing 100 or more men.
The data about establishments selected for this table were taken
at random from the records of. the thousands that reported. The
.
basis of selection was those employing 25 or more Negro workers
to show the
As many States as practicable were represented, so as include
d are
wide distribution of employment of Negroes, but those estimate of
The
ng.
reporti
only a small part of the total number
the numthe percentage of war work each establishment was doing,
ber of hours per day, and the rate of wages are exactly as reported
by each firm itself.
Unfortunately for the present purpose the reports did not showg
showin
occupational distribution of these employees. The column
the firm could be
the kind of industrial operation earned on by
because of the
classified only in the very general way here given,
classifications,
The
.
reports
the
in
given
tion
brevity of descrip
or enterplant
each
of
type
the
of
notion
general
some
give
r,
howeve
were
of
firms
number
A
men.
these
ing
prise which was employ
omitted because the descriptions would not allow of even this general
, classification.
States and
Table I, which follows below, shows enterprises in 26ing
190,091
employ
1918,
in
were,
which
ia,
Columb
of
t
' the Distric
and 14
States
rn
Southe
Twelve
white men and 62,316 Negro men.
have
to
seem
vania
Pennsyl
and
If
Ohio
listed.
are
States
rn
,Ndrthe
States,
other
with
son
compari
in
listed
firms
an undue number of
entrance of
especially in the South, it may be attributed to the large tively limcompara
the
to
es,
industri
many
their
into
Negro migrants
agriculited industrial development in the South, which is largely
States
other
in
firms
many
of
on
ry
exclusi
necessa
the
tural, and to
because
or
Negroes
25
than
either because of their employment of less
of insufficient information in their reports.
ises were
The percentage of war work upon which these enterprwar.
Out
the
winning
in
had
man
these
part
large
the
d
shows
engage
23
only
point
this
on
tion
informa
of a total of 277 firms which gave




32

. R.
WA
DURING THE WORLD
THE NEGRO AT WORK
y 11 of these reported
per cent war work and onl
reported less than 50war work; 99 firms reported from 50 to 99 per
25 per cent or less151 firms reported 100 per cent war work. There
cent war work and me bias in some cases, inasmuch as those firms
'might have been so percentage of war work might have expected
having the greatest ng laborers.
some priority in securi also very interesting and show unmistakable
The wage rates are kind of industry in the different sections of the
contrasts for the sameinstance, unskilled workers in foundries were
United States. For e of $2.50 per 10-hour day in Alabama; from
our day (one firm)
;4employed at the rat
y (one firm) to $4.25 per 9-h
da
ur
-ho
10
per
50
culated from straight
$3.
10-hour day (one plant cal
in Illinois; $3.20 peiiana; $2.50 per 10-hour day in Tennessee (only
sourly rate) in Ind to $4 per 10-hour day (calculated from straight
one firm) and $3.50
hourly rate) in Virgitha.iron and steel plants were employed at the
Unskilled workers in hour day (one firm 9 to 12 hours with wages
10te
'fa of $2.50 to $3 per , one firm 10 to 12 hours) in Alabama; from
in
day
per
79
$3.
$2.25 to
om straight hourly rate) in
ur day (calculated frd
ly
ent
fer
dif
y
da
r
hou
12
t3 to $4 per 10-ho
an
$3.60 (8, 9, 10,
Illinois; -from $2.75 toin Indiana; $3 per 10-hour day in Kentucky;
y
da
er
-p
t)
an
ed from straight hourly
four pl
9-hour day (calculat
from US$;Fto $4.05 per $3.40 to 84-per 10-hour day (calculated on
ed
.rate) inNew York; fromOhio; from $3.20,-to $6 (one plant reportrly
straight hourly rate) in10-hour day (calculated from straight houlcu(ca
-60 cents per hour) per; from $2.40 to $3.20 per 8-hour day nt) per
rate) in Pennsylvaniaht hourly rate) and $2.50 to $3 (One pla
e plant) in
lated from -the straig
$2.75 per 12-hour day (ondur
d
an
;
see
nes
Ten
ing the
in
ntly that
10-hour &w
be borne in mind consta
uld
n the
sho
tha
It
ger
lon
ia.
ran
gin
Vir
ly most plants
bab
pro
n
tio
the.
duc
me,
pro
rti
r
ove
worked
-stress of wa
of their employeesovertime, and in some.
ny
ma
and
rs
hou
r
ula
for
reg
y time and a half on of the actual average
usual rule being to pa
culati
cal
no
ore
ref
The
.
(eases double time. men can be made from these rates of pay g unrk
win
wo
sho
s,
the
low
fol
iearnings of
I with details by States
The full text of Table male workers in selected typical war indusro
skilled white and Neg
Vies by States in 1918:
10R9O-20-3




THE, NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

24

war industrirs
I.-Unskilled white and Negro mole workers in selected typical
work of each enterprise,
employing 25 or more Negroes:46U* reported percentage of war
hours, and wage rate, by States, 1918.

tABLE

ALABAMA.
Number of onskilled workers,

percentage of
Number
war work I of hour.
in which 1
in
workers working
day.
were
Negro. eng
tged
at plant.

d of industry of individual
enterprise.
While.

mmuti ition
rmy o dnance
ment
hetrt ic Is
(1'031 an . iron
'ortiIizer
Found r7r
D'o.
Alto
Do.
Iron an I steel
Do.
•
Do.

fe

Uo
-Lu mber
4 Sawmill
Do.
4IS hipb ulIdIng
Do.
Do.
,
• Steel wire
Rail roa 1
Do.
lItadiat vs

46
45
102
41
14
3
50
•22
(I) 26
.
(')
2.5
1t

544
200
88
122
84
23
75
'178
110
317
25
4A
11.
1 ITII
IOW

ineo

1
150
750
..9 •
10
73
1

r...00
'17
- 100
1449
500
211
300
1,420
25

Per hour.

Per day.

6

7

5

4

3

2

Rate of wages.

10
10
12
9
10
10
10
10

22.50-3.5

5
190
• 160
100
100
(I)
100
.93
, 100
'100
'100
•l00
25
93
'
. 95
75
100
100
100
98
90
30
100
100
75

10
10
10
10
9-12
10-12
10
10
10
a
a
ft
10
10
10
9

100
100
90
100

(1) 11

$0.40
.33
.40

a
10
10
10
9
91

$0.40
.40
.40
.ao
.37-. 40
.36

$0.30
2.50-5.0
.31
.30-.33
2.50-3.0
2.5
2.5
.23
2.5
3.0
3.0
2.50-2.7
2.25-3.25
2.25-3.79
2.25-2.50
2.00-2.2
2.50
.30,40
.40 ,
.30-40
.30
.34
.34
.35

CONNI..CTICI7T.

Ammunition
Iron
Metal
'Shells

200
400
1,18))
219

50
100
45
59

10
10

*3.50-3.90

DELAWARE.

"l owdei
Do
'y rites
hells
iteel castings
Oar supplies

4.5
60
29
120
28
89

an
44
67
80
27
95

I
100
100
100
100
11X1
90

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Electric equipment
Paper

30
30

51
52

100

10

100:
100
100
90
110

10 I
10
10 i
it I
10

nrLURIDA.

Lumber
Do
Do
Do
Naval stores




?32
'#)
20
160
11

217
225
465
350
324

t No figures avails) Ie.

$0.25
$2.00
1./10-2. 25
2.00-2.50
• 2.40

InlelegegelMe.

'THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.
"TABLE I.— Unskilled white and Negro male workers in selected typical war industriee
employing 25 or more Negroes, with retorted percentage of war work of each enterprise,
hours, and wage rate, by States, 1918--Uontihued.
GEORGIA.

Number of unskilled workers.
• Kind of industry of individual
enterprise.
White.

4

3

2
134
(I)
73

Cotton.
Iron
Lumber
Turpentine

PercentNumber
age of
war work of hours
in
In which
workers working
day.
were
Negro.
engaged
at plant.

169
147
225
300

Rate of wages.

Per hour. Per day.

12

go
100
so3

7

6

5
10
10
10
8

80.30
82.00
2.00
.25-.35

ILLINOIS.
1,000
2,921
1,450
1,658
300
2614
350
175
4,110
3,714
1,300
836
250
1,151
3,250
350

Aluminum
L'anning
listings
7.ork
Foundry
Do
Iron
lainiriter
Meat:
.
kieittarakiting
Paint
Shells
Steel
Stockyards
Do
Zinc

500
410
22.5
2141
75
162
150
126
3,244
2,375
AO
417
250
604
1,087
30

go

sa
70
35
95
77
40
73
21
/30
80
100
100
23
75
100

8
10
10
9
10
9
10
10
8
8
10
10
10
8
8
8

$3.14
80.40
36
.35

4
3.5C
3.50-4.21

40
2.25-2.7.
40
.40
.35-40
3.51
.30-.3
.40
.40
3.00-3.91

INDIANA.
Foundry
Gas
Iron
Do
Do
Iron and steel
ItIcric acid
Fifties.
Stool

_ _ _ _
..

• •

73
470
(9
81
30
154
50
1,350
350

150
156
• 34
112
120
98
50
500
50

70
100
90
95
100
73
100
100
(1)

10
8
10
9
12
8
10
10
b10

'47

9

30
85

8

80.32
.35
82.75-3.18
.3.5
3.64
.30
.40
.42

IOWA.

Building
Foodstuffs
Meat

132
800
860

$4.05
SO.37-.42
40

KANSAS.

Meat packing
Do
Mining




375
2,062
125

75
746
25

No figures available.

• 90
40
50

10.37
40
.41

WAR.
VIM WORLD
K DifirtisiO'
TIE NEGlit0 AT 'WOR
s
al war industriee,
kers in selecteil'typicof
ris
wor
e
erp
mal
ent
ro
h
Neg
eac
d
d white an
tage of war work
'TAHEE I.—Unskillemore Negroes, with reported percen
employing 25 or e, by States, 1918.
•hours, and wage rat
NENTVCE:Y.

Rate of wages.

pereent.
Number
age of
war work of hours
in
in which
g
workers workin
e d ' day.
wer
age
eng
ro.
Neg
at plant.

Number of un, skilled workers,
ry of individual
*Kind of indust
enterprise.

1
White.

Per hour.

Per day.

6

7

1

s

4

3

2
.1

Boilers
Boxes
Iron
Do
(leather
Lumber
Signal corps

...
10 $0 27-0
10
0;
.30
1))
.30
!
?d

(I)
(1)

55
75

137
43.8
140
994
10
16
27

100

153

40
100
(9
100

225
50
73
56

$1.7Z
3.0(
2.5C

a

LOUISIANA.

1011111Mi1iding

12. 75-3.00
2.00-2. 50

10
10

100
100
100
100

175
2,000
150
304

45
1,000
50
00

$0.30
.30-.40

10

MARYLAND.

AmnittriltiOn
CoppPr

$3.00
3.20

8

100
100

COO
200

703
2,300

S.

MASSACHUSETT

Ineetrical work
Steel castings
...Sugar

•• 4,1 ...I

as
100

Sawmill
Do
'Wood products

100
100
100

50
50
90

1,200
130
410

$O.28-.30
.37S
.37

9
9

10

125
910
900

100

!i0
10 .....

$I. 50-2. 50
1.75
2. 75-3.25

NEBRASKA.
140
400

Meat




(I)100

45
100

$0.40
8

.
NEW JERSEY

:Shells
'Tubes
:Shrapnel loading.

—•••••••••• d-•••••-

244

200

350

32.5

40
ble.

No figures availa

100
100
100

$0.35
22-.40
40

$05.20

37

THE WORLD WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING

selected typical war iwdustries
white and Negro male workers in
War work of each enterprise,
of
tage
percen
ed
report
with
s,
employing 2.5 or more Negroe
.
inued
-Cont
19/8
,
States
'hours, and wage rate, by

• TABLE

1.-Ungkilled

NEW YORK.
_
_

Number of unskilled workers.

Rate of wages.
Percenttage of Number
war work of
hours
in which
in
workers working
were
day. Per hour. Per day.
Negro. engaged
at plant.

Kind of industry of individual
enterprise.
White.

.50
"4110"
75
30
40
98
32
50
98
57

750
2,700
1,000
470
600
851

Aluminum
'Chemicals
Elevators
• Glass
Machinery
'Valves
• Steel
Do

/46
SSO
395
600

•Sugar

6

6

5

4

2

1

8-10 $0.34-.40

,100
'100
100
90
100
100
.98
100
80
100

9
8
10

$3.30
3.23

.35
.3:,
.341

9

.32-.5.5
.37-.40
35-. 314

9
9
10

'NORTH'CAROLINA.
Alumitttra
:et n10611.4.

i
3hipbuilding
Sewerage

704

792

14
15
YJ

65
200
280

100
48
80
(I)

8
10
11
10

25

son

so

10

200
(I)

50
180

100
100

10
10

$2.3
10.15

2.00-2.7.
1.00-2.5

2.25-3.0
.441
1

2. 7.

01110.

:Automobiles
Bottles
Bronze
*Casting
'Chain
.Do
"'Chemicals
Fertilizer
:Foundry
Do
Fuses......
*Gun
Heaters
Ink
,Rolling mill
Shells

!,Steel

220
300
50

125
4.500
350

*Akiriginum

so
45

so
so

82
142
50
55
175
150
100
525
117
25
62
26
400

103
143
3
55
423
225
200
580
24

240
58
27
4,

1,300

so
15
40
70
95
100
100
100
100
85
85
98
100

ao
40
100
75
90

80.38
9
.
9
8-10 '
.10-.45
8-9
9-12
.30
10
10
.35
10
10
.4o
10
.ao
10
.35
10
.321
11
.35-.45
10

14.1
10
10
10

Meat packing
Petroleum




'476
•35

8-13
77
I

I No ffgfires available.

3.25-3. 76
3.00
3.50-3. X5

3.75

3.50-3.85
34
.371
.38-.40

ORLAHOMA.

:•

52.75-3.50

se.n

WAli:
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURIA THE WORLD

88

Negro male workers in selected typical war industries
TABLE I.-Unskilled white and"
with reported percentage of war work of each enterprise ,
,
Negroes
more
or
25
employing
1918-Continued.
Slates,
by
rate,
wage
hours, and
PENNSYLVgNIA.
Number of unskilled workers.
•

''Kind of'Industry of individual
enterprise,
White.

if

2

100
Lcids
346
Ler° engines
722
Lir brakes
1,300
Limn intim
1,500
Lmmunition
Zi
tenni- . ,
1,071
toilers
loftstiO
0
ioo
V35G
262
Ickes
50
4rie'ks
195
50
reinge
14
ilfklif,I; • ' • .
475
.01;.6'• • '
IS
'41Stitigl
70
200
•
250
Do
307
Do
430
3bnlent
60
s
3herulcal
119
Do
150
Do
113
•noel
150
Nat'l tar
240
rm
10
Construction
120
Cork
175
Dredges
503
Electric supplies
150
Electric
. ,. work
100
Engines 1,701
Explosives
235
Fertilizer
1,413
lasoline
910
.. • .
Gas engirres
''450
Ms
589
Do
3
Gypsum
54)
Houses
90
Iron
93
190
DO
425
Do
600
Do
729
Do
2,200
Trim and steel
75
Iron bars •
190
1Tb
. . .,,
Leather
114
•
Do
-53
Do
180
Lime
40
Lumber
..65
Machirre•
55
Magnesia. . .
120
Do
62
Metal
468
Molding
2,600
Munitions
80
Nuts
6,0410
a
Oik
.50
glass
lea!
Opt
2 Plus bonus.
1 No figures available.
'

83




PercentRate of wages.
tage of
war work Number
hours
in which of in
workers working
were
day. Per hour. Per day.
Negro. engaged
at plant.
4

5

45
110
67
100
'400
:13
120
30
100
3.5
29
60
35
20
86
2.5
75
45
100
80
120
40
40
95
100
159
75
33
50
27
25
152
57
25
175
109
359
29
50

100
95
95
90
100
100
100
95
0)
94
65
100
100
9.5
70
100
95
100
100
99
98
95
100
100
100
100
80

9
91
91
9-10
10
10
14
10
10
10i
10
10
10-12
10
11-15
10
91
9
10
9-10
10
10
10
91
10-12
10
10
9-10

?so

68
200
ao
92
-95
25
150
258
1,808
3.5
55
54
.436

(I)

10
100
95
71
50
75
100
(I)

100
97
ho
10
70
100
100
90

6

6

3

10
10
10
9
91
8
10
9
10
9
8
10
10
12

$0.40
.42
.42
.34-.41

44.0

.371
.38
.37i

3.50

.34/
.35-.45

3.41
3.15-5.I2

.321
.40
.34-.39
.38-.45
.38-.41
.38-.45
.40
.41-.46
.32
.40
.35
.32
.40
.38
.40

3.1 5
3.50-3.4
.• •

••

,

liiii

10

3.89-4.111
3.140
4.4)0
3.00-3.:10
3.50-4.:
3.410

3.30-3.:
3.1
2.1
4.00-4.!
4.,

.41
38
.40
.37/
11
100
35
10
70
38
10
90
.32
10
100
35-.4.5
8-10
'80
324 ..,
3.1
6/4
9 .45-.35
100
2.1
9
60
1 16.158
10
90
106
10 .28-.30
100
60
.3.5
10
8.5
90
.35
100
75
(I)
2 .29
101
90
30
.35
101
145
70
4.1
10
loo
40
.28
12
92
32
.39 .
140
1,900
01 .28-.35
19
79
40
10 .40-.45
100
250
2.80-3.6
It
75
85
4 Week.
Probab y more than one shift.

too

ig

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

39

.TADLF: I.-Unskilled white and Negro male ?corkers in selected typical war industries
employing 25 or more Negroes, with reported percentage of war work of each enterprise,
hours, and wage rate, by States, 1918-Continued.
PENNSYLVANIA-Continued.
Number of noskilled workers.
Kind of industry of individual
enterprise.
White.

k.

;

/rdilance

1 ig iron

Do
Do
Do
pipe fittings
'late glass
'owder
tailroad cars
Plate tin
Refrigerators
Rifles
Rivets andltails., - ihells......-.-...........................
.
Do. ..
Do. --•,.-,
Rheet eopprr•,
Shipbuil(Kng
Soap
5teel
Do
Do
DO
Do
Do
/1)0
Do
.
Do
Do
De
Do
Do
Do
Ole
D0
!Steel castings
•
Do
......• ....,
Steel goods
Steel hooks
Steel plates.
Do
Sugar
Tires
Tools.
Warehouses
Wire

2

PercentRate of wages.
Loge of
war work Number
hours
of
in which
in
workers
..,
working
Negro.
wer'"
day.
Per hour
Per day.
engaged
at plant.
3

3,000
29
8.5
'300
1,000
200
150
10015
44
349
497
500
107
50
200 '
950
150
319
171
7
35
35

54)

76
100
130
150
331
310
470
500
940
701
1,242
3,000

A

350
600
257
7,750
110
725
500
400
650

4

1,5in

5

.loo

40
200
18'0
30
•30
65
46
61

1100
100
100
60
95
• '331
100
100
100

1,500
58

100
95

36

ton

54)

loo

90
41)
614
74
81
26
30
30
50
114
30
75

100
97
100
100
(1)
100

54)

:12
40
425
150
77
344
543
400

32

45
31
165
206
850
220
20
25
325
25

10-72
10-11
10
10-12
10-12
10
10-11
8
In
111

to

10
105
10
111
10
9
10
12
10
10
10
8
10
10
10
101

100
100
100
100
95
100
100
85

too

so

100
98
/00
100
90
100
100
100
75
100
100
87
100
100
100
100
75

6

6

33-.50
3.97-4.21
4.54
3.11
.38
.33
3.2.
.38-.45
.371
.38

.30-.32

.35-.371
.35
.42
371
.35

3.4:
3.51

.30
3. 45-3.91
.60
.10
4.54
4.01
.35-.48
.38

4.4(

.38

101
• 40
12
.38
12
.38
10
9
10
38
91 .34-.40
9
.38
101
.38
111
10
10
.3o
8-10
10
111
)4
.35
10
•.35

4.11
3.41
;
3.11
3. 20-3.13A
3.28-3. 8(
3.54
4.54

._ . ....
RHODE ISLAND.
linters

92

SOUTH
Ifiamber
Do
1Do




r,s
•10
29

196

100

8

$41. 32

CAROLINA.
190
125
218

1 No fig;um available.

3
45
100

10
10 $0.25-.30
10

$2.00-2.50

40

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

_ TABLE l.- Unskilled white and Negro male workers in selected typical war industries
employing 25 or more Negros, with reported percentage of war arork of each enterprise
hours. and wage rate, by.Sltftes, /9/8--Coritmued.
TENNESSEE.

Number of unskilled workers.
'..Kind of industry of individual
enterprise..
.
White.

Aluminum

noxo,s

Brake ithoes
ChInent
Ilhemicals
roi'wiry
If.ni)o
1$4ty,
PlaillIkiiiii:ShelPf
.,...,,,,..
___..

---

l'ercent(age of
war work Number
in which of hours
•
in
workers
working
were
Negro.
day.
engaged
at plant.

T

3

287
i87
4
154
10
130
.375
525
900
143
550

2110
188
154
120
100
1$0
'160
375
600
69
250

4

1 No figures available.

5

Rate of wages.

Per hour.

Per day.

6

6

100
75
100
100
100

10
11
10
10
10

11
100
98
let
100

)
1 .-.38
1430
10
8
10
8

10.25
(I)

1.75
2. 40-3.00
(I)
2.5(1
2.40-3.00

.30,40
2.50
.30-. 40

With board.

TEX AS.
'Bridges
Iron
Lumber...
Do

3(10
75
40
40

30
45
70
120
80

100
100
100
100
100

10 110.30-. 40
9 .30-.331
10
111
.30
11

100
70
100
100

10
10
10
9
10

$2. 50-6.00
2.75

NIRO INIA.
Ammunition boxes.
Cement
Chains
Chemicals
Do
Commissary contractor
Creosoted material
Do
Foundry
Do
Guncotton
Houses
Land and gravel
Lime
Lumber
Do
Do
Paving
Pig iron
Pipe
Shell loading
Tobacco

25
100
250
150
10
16
30
5
12
1,158
'ND
10
57
116
200
(I)
(I)
5
70
870
475

125
50
40
75
30
150

ns
53
30

100
90

58
54
5,213
104
40
35
49

100
90
100
100
100
95
78
75
56
100
100
70
100
25

75

30
250
85
7.5
1,336
275

$3.83
3.50-5.00
$0.35
.35
4.00
2.50

10 •35-. 40
.381
10
10
35-. 40
10
.3.5
10
35-.44
8
11 .35-.40
11
10
10
.9
10
12
10
10

4.00
3.75

3.18)
2.50
3. 25-4. 25
3.00-4.00
3.00
3.85
2.75
2.00-S.00
3.84

.33

I No figures availab e.

To ascertain mere definitely and more in detail facts needed in
understand idle problems invieolvtgA in the Negro's new relation to
industry, the Inspection and Investigation Service undertook an intensive study of several basic industries employing Negroes in 191819. Mr. Byron K. Armstrong and two other investigators were sent
to visit establishments that were employing perhaps large numbers
of N4Nroes. The study had to be discontinued before completion



THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE
WORLD WAR.

41
because the service under which it was being made
after failure of appropriations. The data, therefore, was abolished
covers only a
few plants in Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania and does
ether States as originally planned. The conclusions not include
have been drawn, therefore, will necessarily be deferred that might
until further
data is available.
The facts and figures that were secured, however,
are illuminating
..and instructive. The table which folloms below
(Tabl
e II) gives the
-details as to kinds of occupations, the
average number of hours
worked per week, the average earnings per
week, and the average
'earnings per hour of 4,260 white men and 2,722
Negro men in 194
.occupations in 23 establishments, for six basic
indus
alau,,ohtering and meat packing, automobiles, coke tries—foundries,
, iron and
:steer and their products, and glass manufacturing. ovens
A
suppl
ement
to this table (Table II) gives similar figures for 153
white and 83
Negro women in slaughtering and meat packing.
The occupations shown in these two tables have
been classified as
fikilled,-sennskilled, and unskilled. This
classification, to he sure is
uncertain and open to serious question but
is the best designation
feasible under our present'lack of occupational analys
The friureau of Labdr Statistics, Department of is.
introduCtcny statement to the first •report on itsLabor, says in its
"Description of
'Occupations":
'Irherte descriptions of occupations are
on 'investigations, including
d nterviews and correspondence, extendingbased
over practically the entire United private
States.
The ormoutstanding fact coming from this invepti
gation
or generally accepted occupational iames or alltimtions.is that there are no standards

The classification in the tables given below, however,
were made
as carefully as possible, with the assistance of the emplo
erts of the plants visited, upon the basis of descri yment ex
ptions of the
actual processes the worker performed. They
are
not
presented
as 'conclusive, but only as indicative of the standards
in proficiency
required and'pay received for such work. Some
occupations, "carpenters" for instance, have been classed as unskil
or semiskilled
that on first consideration might be otherwise listedled
. This has been
done in line with the Classification of work into grade
s and placing
the work done in a particular establishment in the class
that seems
most indicative of its grade.
Two comparisons from Table II—the average hourly earni
ngs of
Negro workers and the average number of hours
'ashl for comment. There were 85 occupations worked per week—
Negro men and 5 or more white +then each werein which 5 or more
engaged in the 23
plants. Of these occupations S were classified
as
skilled, 25 were
classified as semiskilled, and 52 were classified as unskil
led.
For purposes of these comparisons on the avera
ge hours worked
per week /cud average hourly earniugs of this
table some cases of the
same occupations in which five or more Negro
workers and five or
more white workers were employed were reckoned
a different unit
of comparison of hours and of wages. The averageasnumbe
worked per week and the average weekly earnings are r of hours
figures taken from the official records of each establishm based upon
The foundries were the only plants that employed any ent.
considerable.
number of Negroes in skilled occupations. In 6 found
ries
there were:
41 units of comparison in skilled occupations on the
basis here de


42

THE N Ec,R0 AT WORK DLIIKfNG THE WORLD WAR.

teribed; meat packing and slaughtering establishments reported only
1 such unit of comparison in skilled occupations; 5 automobile establishments reported no skilled occupations in which 5 or more Negroes
were employed; coke oven (1 establishment(and glass manufacturing
ti establishment) had no skilled'occupations in which 5 or more
Negroes were employed and only 1 out of 8 iron and steel plants reported 1 skilled occupation which has a basis for such unit of com'pailson.
, .The fact-thabfoundries'have such a large representation of Negroes
In skilled occupations may be explained partly because Negroes have
_probably had longer industrial experience in this industry than the
other occupations listed, exceilt possibly coke ovens. In the table
only 1 coke oven establishment is included, so a comparison can not
be made. In the South, for more than a generation foundries have
employed Negroes as molders and in other skilled and semiskilled
work. When Negro workers migrated North, this was the line in
which many of them had good skill and long experience. Their nonappearance in skilled occupationssin iron and steel plants may be
partly because their entrance in large numbers into these plants
was to replace immigrant and foreign-born laborers who were doing
zataiiii.f, semiskilled area unskilled work, partly because of the small
preptattiibn of skilled work in the industry, partly because some
orounizea crafts in the industry were opposed to the employment of
Neilrigcs in their trade, and partly because not a great many Negroes
possessed necessary training and experience to quality for skilled work
in this field.
Taking such comparisons of skilled units in the foundries which
were studiedi Negro workers showed a higher average number of
hours worked per week than white workers in 3 units and a higher
average earnings per hour in 1 unit. In 3 units Negro workers
-.showed a lower average number of hours worked per week than white
workers and in 5 units a lower average of earnings per hour than
white workers.
In the one unit of comparison of skilled occupations in slaughtering
and meat-packing establishments Negro workers showed a higher average number of hours worked per week and a higher average of earnings
per hour than white workers. In the 1 unit of comparison of skilled
occupations in the iron and steel industry the Negro workers showed
a lower average number of houit worked pi week and lower average
earnings per hour than white workers.
Turning to units of comparison or occupations clatSed as semiskilled in 5 foundries Negro workers showed a high* average number of hours worked per week than white workers in 3 units and a
higher average earnings per hour in 3 units. Negro workers made a
lower average number of hours worked than white workers in
.2 units and a lower average earnings per hour in 2 units. In
slaughtering a,n1I meat packing, in. 1 unit of comparison of semiskilled occupations, Negro workers made a higher average number of
hours worked and a higher average earnings per hour than white
workers.
In automobile establishments in 6 units of comparison of semiskilled occupations, Negro workers showed the same average number
of hours worked as white workmen in 6 units and the same average



•

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

43

uarnings per hour in 6 units. In the coke ovens establishment,
Negro workers showed a higher average number of hours than white
workers in 1 unit and a higher average earnings per hour in 1 unit;
a lower average number of hours worked than white workers in 2
units and a'lower average earnings per hour in 2 units. In iron and
steel plants Negro workers showed a higher average number of hours
worked than white workers in 3 units of semiskilled occupations
and a higher average earnings per hour in 2 units; a lower average
number
numb. of hours than white workers in 1 unit and a lower average
.earnings per hour in 1 unit. Negro workers showed the
average number of hours worked per week as white workerssame
in 6
units and the same average earnings per week in 7 units. In
glass manufacture Negro workers showed a lower average number of
hours worked in 1 unit of semiskilled occupations and a lower average hourly earnings in 1 unit of comparison.
Taking the semiskilled group as a whole for all establishments employing 5 or more Negro workers and 5 or more white workers,there are
25 units of comparison. These show that Negro workers had a higher
average number of hours worked per week than white workers in 8
units and a higher average earnings per hour in 7 units, about
one-third in each. Negro workers showed a lower average number of
hours worked ,per week than white workers in'6 units and a lower
aver age (earnings per hour in 6 units, one-fourth in each. Negro
workers showethe same average number of hours worked per week
as white \workers in 12 units and the same average earnings per hour
in 13 writs.
The occupations classed as unskilled furnish the largest number of
units of comparison-52 in all. In the foundries Negro workers
showed a higher average number. of hours worked per week than
' white workers in six units and a higher average earnings per hour in
five units. They showed a lower average number of 'hours worked
per week ihan white workers in two units, a lower average earnings
per hour in four units, and the same average number of hours worked
per week as white workers in erre unit. In slaughtering and meat
packing Negro workers made a higher average number. of hours
worked per week than white workers in four units of unskilled occupations and a higher average earnings per hour in two units. They
showed a lower average number of hours worked than white workers
in four units and a lower average earnings per hour in six units.
In automobile establishments Negro workers showed the same
average number of hours worked as white workers and the same
average earnings per week in seven units of unskilled occupations.
At the coke ovens plant Negro workers showed a higher. average
number of hours worked per week than white workers in seven
,units and a higher average earnings per hour in five units. They
showed a lower average number of houi !. worked per week than
white workers• in four "units and lower average earnings per hour
than white workers in six units.
In the iron and steel industries Negro workers made a higher
average number of hours worked per week than white workers in
four units and a higher average earnings per hour in six units of
unskilled occupations. They showed a lower average hours worked
per week than white workers in six units and a lower average earnings per week than white workers in four units. They showed thc



14

THE NEGA0 AT WORK D'URINO THE WORLD WAR.

same average number of hours,waiced per week as white workers in
'five units and the same average earnings per week as white workers
Th five units. In the glass manufactuting establishment Negro
workers showed a higher average number of hours worked per week
than white workers and a lower average earnings per week than
white workers in two units of comparison of unskilled occupations.
Taking'the 52 units of comparison of 'anskilled occupations as a
whole, Negro workers showed a higher average number of hours
worked per week than white workers in 23 units, nearly one-half of
the total and a higher average earnings per week in 18 units, a little
more than one-third of the total number. They showed a lower
average number of hours worked per week than white workers in 16
units, or a little less than one-third of the total number, and a lower
average earnings per hour in 22 units or more than two-fifths of the
total number. Negro workers showed the same average number of
hours worked per week as white workers in 13 units, or about onefourth of the total number, and the same average earnings per week
week as white workers in 12 units of unskilled occupations, or less
than one-fourth of the total number.
To sum up the comparison of unskilled milts, Negro workers
showed A higher average number of hours than white workers in
nearly one-half of the total number of units of comparison, a lower
arerage number of'hours worked per week in a little less than onethird of the total number, and the same average number of hours
worked per week in 'about one-fourth of the total number of units.
The Negro workers showed a higher average earnings per week than
white workers in a little more than one-third of the total number of
units; ia lower average weekly earnings in More than two-fifths of the
total nomber of units, and the same average earnings per week as
white workers in less than one-fourth of the total number of units of
white and Negro workers compared in unskilled occupations.
Taking the total 85 units of comparison for the three classifications
of skilled, semiskilled, and unskilled occupations in all the establishments, the Negro workers showed a higher average number of hours
'worked per week than white workers in 35 units, or considerably
:more than one-third of the total number of units; a lower average
.number of hours worked per week in 26 units, or less than one-third,
.and the same average number of hours worked per week as white
•workers in 25 units, or less than one-third of the total units of comparison.
Negro workers showed higher average 'earnings per hour than
White workers in 28 units, or about one-third of the total number of
units of comparison in the three classes of occupations; they showed
lower average earnings per week in 34 units, or considerably more
than one-third of the total; and the same average earnings per week
in 25 units, or somewhat less than one-third of the total number of
units of comparison in all the occupations listed.
The figures in detail of Table II, showing classification of occupations, the number of white and Negro employees, and the average
.number of hours of work per week and the average earnings per week
and per hour of white and Negro workers in the specified occupations
follows:




TILE NEGRO AT WORK DI:11.1NG THE WORLD

wAn.

45

TABLE H.-Comparative table of "average hours of wor,t" and "average earnings" of
,4f male white and Negro employees engaged in spitlh'ed occupations of six basic industries-1918-19.
^S, skilled; S-S,semiskilled; Un-S, unskilled.]

stabIS

Occupation,

No.

,
Number of employees.

Kind
of oceupation.

A verageMum..
her of hours
worked per
week.

Average earnlogs per week.

Average earningS per hour.

f
*bite. Negro. White. Negro. White. Negro. White. Negro.
FOUNDRY(IRON AND
STEEL).

1

2

3

5
.Z.%.

,
f

AB
,

Carpenter
Furnace men
Grinders
Laborers
Millwrights.
Molders
Core makers
Chippers
Electric welders
Grinders
Laborers
do
Molders
Core makers
Molders 1
do.'
Laborers
Molders
Carpenters
Casting chippers
Casting cleaners
Core-room helpers...
Craters
Cupola helpers
Floor molders
Foundry helpers....
Helpers
Janitor
Laborers
Oven tenders
Sweepers
Yardmen
Chippers
Cub molders..
Cupola men
Japanners
Laborers
Molders
lifolders'apprent.488s.
5110iders' helpers..,
Shake-out men

S-S...
S-13.
8-S..
Un-S
8

59.00
1
38.00
11
67.70
62.00
40.65
45.40
7
233
48.55
46.95
58.75
1
58.25
11
52.75
48.15
1
54.30 56.00
1
43.30 53.00
57.30 57.00
1
48.50
44.90
5
58.30
58.70
59
68.65.
68.20
35
47.20
51.50
38
53.60
47.70
24
49.20
24
53.30
50.8.5
8 50.80
69
48.40
43.30
35
47.90
45. 40
2 .10.40
48.10
69
38.10
48.40
32
40.30
50.60
6
35.30
40.00
1
42.50
28.50
7
3.5.5052.90
40.80
11
37.60
31.00
41.90
17
52.31)
42.70
6
44.80
5
50.00
43.5) 43.00
19
51.50
2 43.10
45.54) 55.90
10
51.00
1
51.00
3 260.25 2 65.00
8
58.30
56.80
62.60
4 65.00
1 2 58.50 258.50
7 2 56.30 263.05
3 2 50.50 2 39.65
6 262.50 '55.40
13 2 64.80 2 54.25
37. 50 2 33. 35
6'

S-S...
17n-8.

1
1
16
78
1
12
7
10
3
2
29
42
140
24
29
16
62
33
45
5
5
6
26
1
24
12
6
3
40
2
26
2
17
1
2
3
37

Un-S..
B-S...
8-8...

2
16
1

8.
S......
s.

4
3
2
1
1
1
3
1
18
2
1
4
II
5
5
2

2
1
1
6
1
3
1
2
27
5
1
1
1
1
2
14

68.20
67.50
64.50
67.50
74.00
67.50
51.20
68.50
(18.90
67.50
64.00
67.90
67.50
67.50
79.50
55.50

71.50
67.50
54.80
65.50
74.00
67.70
.59.80
68.50
70.60
62.90
67.50
69.80
68.00
(17.50
69.00
63.90

49.44
30.01
31.92
29.03
32.93
33.73
23.17
32.54
27.57
32.07
27.52
45.18
33.75
33.57
34. 19
23.87

51.84
30.04
27.10
28.18
32.93
33.88
34.06
31.85
28.24
29.88
29.03
35.93
34.00
53.67
30.95
27.48

.7241)
.44:,))
.4949
.4301
.4450
.5000
.51197
.4750
.4001
.4751
4300
.6654
.5000
.7951
.4301
.4301

.721 4
.44;
.48.5
.434 2
.441
.508
.544)
.4)11
.40
.48 17
.43
.51 8
.5)3
.79, 1
.44 5
.43 81

.2
.3
.5

1
.11
1
3

70.90
114.20
74.60
457.54)

67.50
71.50
67.50
69.50

341.85
25.144
32.08
30.72

35.10
25.59
29.03
31.63

.5197
.4(81)
.4300
.4551

.52 30
.39 pg
.43
• 45 1

S
S-S...
S
8-8...
Un-S.
Un-S.
8

s
s

8
Un-S.
S
8-8
S-8
un-s „
S-S
S-S...
8-8...

s

8-S
U n-S.
Un-£3.
Un-S.
8-8...
l'n-S.
Un-S.
8-8...
8-8...

S.......54_

823.60
28.79
15.49
17.41
26.44
30.22
28.44
22.98
38.63
27.39
24.70
23.96
25.23
31.12
28.53
28.71
24.91
28.44
20.29
14.97
15.21
12.05
17.56
13.83
25.38
11.78
17.27
18.24
17.74
20.39
14.50
16.95
2 31.85
27.19
31.181
2 32.74
2 23. 18
2 35.89
2 25.00
'29.12
2 37. 21

$15.20 SO. 000 $O. 103
26.47
.4249
.4261
17.71
.3811
.39(8
19.0$ .3585
,406:
24.76
.4500
.4251
24.88 .5728
.516'
30.3.8 .5237
.542.5
2.5.18 .5307
.4751
39.90 .6742
.70(8
24.08 .5647
.s36
24.54 .4237
.4181
23.56
.3513
.343.
22.00 .4899
.4681
29.24 .6524
.525'
30.99 .5799
.581 4
27.78 .5652
.5463
21.79 .5147
.5032
24.35 .5944
.5363
23.71
.5216
.4929
19.10 .3929
.3946
20.82 .3774
. 111
14.87 .3414
.371
9.23 .4132
.325
22.77
.31329
.430
.6221
21.54
.572
15.76
.3800
.376
30.43 .4404
.3914
15.33 .3648
.3422
18.75 .41311
.4380
20.07 .4731
.31197
19.02 .31,
.7
.340
. 442 I
12.67
.248
.730
2 47.50 .42;
28.34 . 16 p.,
.499
.4709
27.71
.4427
.4615
2 32.85 .5597
.112
'25.98 .4117
.73*)2
.7107
2 29. 19
.41811
.45.9 1
2 205. 88
.4494
.485
2 26.31
234.63
.9922
1.0313

SLAUGHTERING AND
MEAT PACKING.
'

6

Backers
Brinze trimmers
Caul pullers
Droppers(hoist)._
Fell beaters
Gutters
Headers
Knockers
Laborers
Leg Inc:times
hitchers-up
!Bumpers
'Rump sawyers
Sptitters
Switehers-on rail....
Truckers
Beef oafi0X11:
(Ott rrunifierS
1.4216.ren
Moth igen:len..
.44(1440eM




Un-S.
S.

s.

•

8
S.
Cu-8.
-8
lin-8.
s$
.. I
5
1
43
llis44,8.1
99-85...
,
'•
Un-S.
S-S...

s..

.1 L./iliorebt types of molders.

I

Compiled on a piecework basis.

46 -

WORLD \VAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE

work" and "average earnings" of
TABLE IT.-Comparative table of "average hours of
dusspecified occupations of six
male white and Negro employees engaged in
tries-.1918-19-Continued.
18,411:tiled; S-S,semiskilled; Un-S, unskilled.)

F.st ablish44=4

Occupation.

Average numAverage earn, Average earnN amber of em- ber of hours
hags per week. ings per hour.
Worked per
ployees.
Kind
week.
of occupation.
Negro. White. Negro. White. Negro. White. Negro.

SLAUGHTERING AND
MEAT PACKING -con.

Dry salt:
1
nippers
2
Graders
lin-S. . 5
Nailer
3
Un-S.
Packers
5
ttu-S .
Pliers
5
.
Un-S
Rubbers
12
LTn-S.
Truckers
heads:
Hog
1,tn-8.
3
Laborers
1
S
Skin heads
Hog killing:
24
Un-S.
Laborers
1
S
Shave sides
1
S.
Snatchers
Sausage-making;
30
Un-S.
Laborers
Beef killing:
74'
2
8.
Backers
2
5
Fell beaters
2
S
Fell cutters
3
S
Foot skinners
1
Gullet raisers....
2
S
1C:Milers.
1
S
IHeadert..
2
S
'Knockers.
.
S
20
Un..
.....
.
Laborer*:
4
S
Riagibreakers.
3
tRumip sawyers 13
1
8
:Splitters
Tigpair department:
52
S
Stemrffleters.
6 Cunning department
(bacon):
3
S-S
Butchers
100
V n-S.
Laborers
SS..41
Nailer •
Reef coolers:
14
S-S...
1143nifemen
20
V n-S.
II atlxwers
3
5
IIliceeworkers

66.30
70.90
56.30
52. 20
62.90
64.70
63.50

46.30
51.30
67.00
58.30
63.90
59.90
61.30

20.60
33.03
23.37
22. 70
27.02
241.85
211.20

19.88
22.02
28.81
25.05
27.09
24.83
24.33

.4301
.4298
.4151
.4349
. 4296
.4150
.4000

.4294
.4292
.4300
.4297
.4239
.4145
.4002

4

57. 20
61. 10

68-00
01.10

22.87
27.2*)

27. 20
27.20

.3998
.4452

.4046)
.4432

32
2
1

72.30
57.40
97.00

62.30
57. 40
97.00

24.94
26. 10
44.39

24.92
26. 10
44.72

.4003
.4547
-4597

.4000
.4347
.4610

2

47.80

69.30

19. 12

27.67

.4000

.3999

2
2
1
2
2
2
6
2
18
6
3
3

66.00
66.00
59.80
62.30
53.50
66.1)0
65.00
641.00
5G. 20
46. 40
47.30
66.00

66.00
66.00
66.00
43.00
63.80
64.50
64.20
66.00
34.84)
412.30
65.80
66.00

32.2*)
31.4114
33.48)
:10. 26
24.54
30.01)
40.18
33.4)4
24.83
24. 10
25.75
57. 24

52.2*)
31.68
37.08
20.68
31.18
35.00
39.76
33.48
23.83
32. 48
35.89
57.24

.7909
.4800
.5619
.4857
.4387
.5455
.6181
.5073
.4347
.5194
.5444
.8673

.7909
.4848)
.54111*
.4809
.4739
.5426
.6193
.5073
.4349
.5197
.5454
.8673

13

63.70

72.60

37.68

41.76

.5735

.5752

11
84
2

37.70
58.40
56.30

56.90
59. 10
51.50

25.89
25.21
24.85

25.83
25.43
22.80

.4487
.4317
.4414

.4540
.4296
.4427

13
34
4

64.80;
58.70
61.30

67.80
39.90
47.90

27.33
23.41
48.00

29.11
211.88
30.83

.4218
.3988
.7830

.4294
.3987
.6436

4

50.00
50.00

50.00
110.0))

22.:57
30.00

22.57
22.80

.4314
.6000

.4514
.4560

50.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
50.6*)
50.43)
50.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
55.00
35.00
55.00
50.00
50.00
30.00
30.00

35.73
30.00
30.00
38.75
30.00
33.00
20.79
33.55
28.410
26.40
24.20
23.10
26.44)
26.40
23.10
26.40
33.00
26.40
33.00
44.00
22.50
22.50
22.50
22.74)

24.75
30.00
30.41)
3.8. 75
30.00
33.481
20.79
33.55
214.60
26.40
24.20
23.10
26.40
26.40
23.10
26.40
3.4.01)
26.40
33.00
44.00
22.50
22.50
22.54)
22.74)

.7150
.8000
.6000
.7130
.6000
.6600
.4158
.6100
.5200
.4800
.4400
.4200
.4800
.4800
.4200
.4800
.6101
.0400
.6411)
.8000
.4500

.4250
.6000
.6000
.77.50
.6000
.6609
.41554
.61)5)
.5200
.4800
.4400
.4200
.von
.4400
.4260
.41400
.6415)

2
5
12

AUfONGBILES.

Boiler room
Con nect ing rod department.
Enamel rubbers
Lathe department
8-B...
Machine shop
Motor assembling.••
Piston depart ment
U n-S.
Sand-blast room
Un-S •
Stock tracers
S
11 Core maker •
8-8
do
Heat er •
Un-8.
+Inside laborers
Un-8.
Janitors
Un-S.
Stock handlers
Truck (kit ers.... _ i 8-8..
8-5"makers_ .....
Un-S
12 Chippers
Machine molders.. £1-8..
Un-8
C dude •
S-S.
Mold rammers
8
Molders
Li ii-S.
13 Janitor •
Un-S.
Laborers
... 1-1}44: .
Sweepers
Trucker -

10




25
16
60
30
ao
9
15
6
25
22
1214
20
73
19
24
8
'54
10
25
6
10
80
50
Ifs)

4 50.00
1 50.00
1 50.00
1 50.41)
50.00
1
2 50.00
4 50.00
2 55.00
25 55.00
45 55.00
136 55.00:
4109 :55.00
14 - 55.00
3 55.00
134 55.00
12 55.00
15 55.00
4 55.00
23 55.00
.3 55.00
20 50.00
40 50.00
65 ; .541.00
60' 30.41)

.45110
. 4500

.6000
.80011
.4518)
.45441
. 15011
.451X1

THE NEGRO
AT WORK

DOtr.NO THE WORLD
WAR. lir
47
TABLE N.-Comparative
wale white and Negro table of "average hours of work" and
average earnings" of
tries-1918-19-Conti employees engaged in specified occupa
nued.
tions of six basic indusIS, skilled; 8-5,
semiskilled; rn-S,
unskilled.]
_
Establish!tient
No.

Occupation.

Kind
of oceupotion.

Average number of hours
worked per
week.

Number of cmployees.

Average earnings per week.

Average earnine per hour.

COKE OVENS.
,
Battery-door holsters
Battery-house labor- S-S...
Un-111.
ers.
Battery laborer
Un-S.
By-product labor
17n-S.
Coal unloaders
1.7n-S.
Coke loaders
17
n-S.
Crane engineers
5
Door cleaners
UnS.
Dryermen
Un-S.
Firemen
UnS
.
Foremen
8
(1 as tend
Un-S.
Laborers
Un-S.
Larrymen
S-8...
L1dsmen
Un-1
11.
Luttermen
Un-S.
l'atchers
Un-S.
Pencilmen
LT n-S.
, Pushers
S-8...
. Salt wheelers
Un-S.
Standpipe men
Un-S.
Sulphate laborers
Un-S.
Water tenders
8-8...
IRON AND STEEL AND
.: TIIEIR PRODUCTS.

,

White. Negro. Whi
te. Negro. White.
Negro. White. Negro.
14

..,..,
cc

10
11

144.90 3 131.30
161.70 '150.00

rcc—ev..,t
-"
"on
.„—m
-"cc
-2c-cm.
_ ..

---------__

1,1
15
46
9
:3
6
20
1
2
5
149
5
5
31
12
30
12
6
5
30
3

__

15030
'50
139.60 18156
149.
50
163.20 3 163.60
142.50 '167.50
156.00 3 155.00
165.90 1 143.00
151.70 3 161.70
180.00 3 152.70
158.00 '16)4.00
158.10 3 153.20
149.80 '143.00
108.50 '155.20
160.70 '156.20
152.20 '157.60
148.00 144.00
142.50 154.90
158.30 '1(47.50
133.30 '134.00
160.70 3 144.60
140.90 '168.00
175.00 '180.00

71. 12
77:25

64. 17
70:78
68.68
73.04
65.73
70.70
80.32
75.08
68.62
85.52
96.30
92.75
78.38 (47.72
73.01
77.03
87.50
74.24
98.58 3 104.43
60.10
77.41
76.55
79.08
53.17
76.08
77.36
75.07
73.44
75.90
69.81
611.04
66.35
72.92
77.70
82.16
63.29
72.18
77.21
69.92
66.30
77.24
94.27
97.12

.4908
.4777

.46141
:471

.45442
.4708
.4y22
.4812
.6173
.4638
.4813
.4861
.6319
.5066
.5110
.490o
.44414
.4825
.4717
.4656
.49041
.4748
.4807
.4736
.5387

.4684
.4721
.461
.5101
.598'
.4734
.47(4.
.4861
.6214
.7305;3
.5.531
.4904
.4804
.4814
.472.
.4704
.4904
.5387
.44135
.4711
.53.9

-

c4

Transportation:
Switchmen
45
1 8
Plate mill:
74.35
72.10
41.54
40.47
.5590
Cindersnappers . Un.5589
5.
3
78.0
Hookers
0
60.00
Un-S .
39.
06
30.0
4
2
.5007
66.00 66.00
Laborers
.50
57
Un-S .
31.4
4
17
32.16
.4764
67.85
.472
Pusher
70.00
31.51
Un-8.
30.13
5
.4644
73.40
Scrapmen
.43
75.80
9
51.7
Un-S .
2
51.68
12
.7046
74.20
.1381
Shear helpers
74.45
51.99
Un-S .
51.33 .7007
22
Blast furnace:
.689
77.55
71.05
52.00
50.47
.44705
Cinder laborers
.710a
Un-S.
36
First helpers
72.35
64.00
35.52
13-S...
31.42 .4909
21
.491
Handymen
69.7
1
61.
5
90
34.14
Un30.31
.4895
1
.489
Keepers,furnace S... S.
78.00
73.80
4s.0.
42.25
,
.
.5775
18
.5d
A
Laborers
73.7
75.0
5
40.7
0
3
41.20
Un.5522
121
.5493
64.54)
Varrycar helper. Un- S ,
62.65
30.04
29.43
.44557
35
.46417
LArryclar opera- S-8 8 .
73.10
62.
00
35.7
30.41
5
.4890
...
.49(15
n
62.44) 63.00
tors.
34.78
33.08 .5555
.521.10
Stoekbousc la- Un-S.
3
54.00
borers.
48.85
25.91
22.85
.4798
.461
15
(las makerS
5-5...
1
67.00
Laborers
69.70
24.74
1Tn
25.5
.36
-S
9
.
93
•3 71
4
16
44.4
4)
46.5
do
18.1
0
16.3
8
8
Un-S .
.40Th
.35123
212
81.55
69.5.3
do
33.99
3.5. 57
5-5...
.41644
51
.51'14
.17
85.85
Car checkers
91.70
43.51
45.29
Un-S.
.5068
2
.4539
62.
Furnacemen
25
50.0
0
29.13
19.95
Un-S .
.4680
8
.391so
67.70
Inspectors..
62.75
33.84
31.421
S-S„..
.5001
IS
.5o:36
61.40 .61.40
Laborers
30.1
32.69 .5002
ITn-S
12
.
53'24
90.95
Machine opera- S-S...
01.50
23.412
20.8.1
.4203.
21
.4 63
55.65
48.40
tors.
3.5.35
25.40
.63
52
.52
48
Spring formers ., S-S..,
21
18
63.05
Assemblers
37.55
54.19
33.00
' 5-S.
.85
93
4444
.447
74
50.00
50.00
Laborers
22.50
22.50
.14)0
I Un10
• 45no
50.00
Machine hands..1 S S
50.00
20.00
20.00
.4000
.1000
145
50.00
Maintenance....I S-S...
50.00
35.0
35.0
0
.700
0
0
.7000
55
50.00
50.00
Ticklers an d S-S
22.5
0
22.s0
.4s00
.4500
143
50.00
50.00
sharers.
22.50
22..0
.45(8)
.4. 00
Pinrerrs
S-S..
1
95
50.00
50.00 , 2;2.50
22.50 .45410
11Averafe number of
.4500
period of 3 day:, and ithoar( and average earni igs under..this coke-oven schedule wer
e available only for 3
was impracticable, th re:ow,
to t rv to estilnateithu weekly hou
rs and earnings.
...-.-

mx,,,gcN

c

'4

cNcc...c.ic2n

-

--g-,-, a

-




- -

1

.
ING THE WORLD WAR
THE NEGRO AT WORK DUR
ings" of
work" and "average earn Industable of "average hours of
c
basi
ire
six
rat
of
mpa
ons
-Co
pati
II.
d
occu
specifie
TABDE
o employees engaged in
male tilltite and Negr
.
uecl
tries-1918-19-Contin

48

d; Un-S, unskilled.]

S, skilled; S-S,semiskille

Kstablishmein
No.

Occlipation.

Kind
of peen'pation.

Number of employees.

Average number of hours
worked per
week.

White. Negro.

White.

Average earnings per week.

Negro. White.

Average earnings per hour.

Negro. White.

Negro.

IRON AND STEEL AND
TITEIR PRODIXT4-

continued.

181

19

20
21

22

.
Blast furnace-Con
Punch press
hands.
Punch press
helpers.
Stock handlers
Ilammerm e n's
helpers.
Laborers (raw
material).
Sweepers
Truckers
Yardmen
Nutmakers
do
Packing
Trimmers
Coring
Forcing
Furnace
Molding
Slack Mom

16
Un-S.

46

Un-S.
Un-S.
Un-S.
S-S
Un-S.
S-S
Un-S.
S-S
Un-S.
S-S...
5-13
Un-S.

.57
2
5
3
1
7
29
47
77
15
28

1

ikl:bb

22.50

22.30

.4500

.4:11210

20.00

.4000

.4000

20.00
21.72

.4000
.5201

.4000
.5278

17

50.00

50.00

20.00

14

50.00
41.05

.50.00
41.15

20.00
21.55

52.60

49.25

21.33

19.93

.4055

.4047

23

16.84
17.08
19:39
25.47
18.68
.63
22.79
22.79
22.79
22.79
22.79

.3367
.3238
.3251
.4730
.4500
.4500
.3011
.4300
.4300
.4300
.4300
.4300

.3142
.341Ii
.3103
.4750
.3852
.4500
.5894
.4300
.4300
.4300
.4300
.4300

14.09
15.08
21.00
20.21

.3023
.3143
.3095
.30112

.21441
.2974
.3463
.2912

7
18
47
2
1
2
1
28
13
111

47.00
49.25
53.30
53.50
53.30
53.50
33.50
53.00
52.00
53.00
53.00
53.00

53.60
50.00
62. 45
13.50
411.30
53.50
35.00
53;00
53.00
53.00
53.00
53.00

15.112
15.95
17.98
23.47
24.011
24.011
19.32
22.79
22.7
22.79
22.79
22..79

411.140
53.20
211.70
15)10

49.60
50.70
60.60
69.40

14.73
16.72
22.65
111.52

MANUFACTURING
GLASS.
23

a




Un-S.
Keeper
S-S...
Packers
Producermen
Un-s.
Yard laborers.......

30
27
10
36

10
11
2
6

THE NEt:110 AT WORK
DURING THE WORLD WAR.
49
Comparative table of "average
and Negro employees enga hours of work" and "average earnings" offemale whip
ged in specified occupations
packing industry.
in the slaughtering and meat
-

tkeupation.

,
KInu
of
occupation.

Average
Number of
number of
employees, hours worked
per week.I

Average
earnings
Per week,

Average
earnings
per hour.

Total "regujar" hours
per week.

--

White. Negro. White. Negro
. White. Negro. White. Negro
. White. Negro.
rO.G-IfEAD PREPARATION.
Vashers and: WmMM.

,
Uti-S.

7

7

57.4

57.4

19.50

19.50 .3397 .3397

48

C

48
48

41
41

AITS‘GE M ANUF ACTURING.
timings workers
tausage-tying
workers.
;turfing -room
workers.

un-s.
un-s.
Un-S.

9
6

12
1

4S.8
47.8

49. 1
46.6

1509 14.96 .3092 .3047
14. 48 14. 22 .3019 .3052

20

13

50.5

46.7

16.87

16.04 :3341

.3436

48

41

55.1 17.69 17.41 .315
59.5 18.11 18.87 .3179
36.0 34.11 22.36 .65222
57.3 16. 78 18. 16 .3166
51.5 19.41 17.6.5 .35141
56.2 1.59 17.80 .318
0
56.5 16. 20 17.86 .3164

.3104)
.3171
.6211
.3169
.3427
.31117
.3101

48
48
48
48
48
48
48

42
41
41
42
44
44
44

ANNING • DEPARTMENT (BACON).
lacon wipers
;an oilers
:an painters
;in wipers
'caters..
;older droppers
IVrappers




Un-S.
Un-S.
U n-8.
Un-S.
Un-S.
Un-S.
Un-S.

2
9
9
36
22
6
27

8
2
2
19
4
3
12

56.0
57.1
52.3
5:'.0
55.2
50.6
51. 2

I The additional number of hours in
excess of 48 should be regar
ded as 'overtime."

D989°-20--- I

,

CHAPTER X.
itiesfor promotion, and opinthe attitude of .firins toward Negro labor, the opportun s,' 1918-19.
employee
HI.—Opinions of 38 employers of Negro workers showing
colored
6,857
and
white
s for 101,458
ion on comparative behavior of white and colored employee

What time is
Is there any What differrequired to
s there equal
I'
Does the
Is there a
in
any,
if
once,
difference
the
Does
break in ernopportunity
managein the con- the loss of ma- plovees to the Negro lamanageunskilled
for
ment reDo the Negro duct and
tennis due to
t promenoNeg
ro workshow behavior defective work- work and wtuit
Negr
mote Negro men to learn workmen for
difference, if
To what extent are Negroes cruit
,
the reskilled
•
ambition , o.
manship be- on
Negro
workmen
admitted to skilled occupa- workmen
d
semiskille
,
suits of his
advancement. an.
white tween white
• ,
the
'
to
tween
tions?
white
procskilled
or
.
advtee
locally or
and Negro
workers in
skilled
esses as white
from dieemployees?
the plant?
workers?
workmen?
twat points, ranks?
_
Equal time.... No
None
Yes 2
..
..........
No
Yes
Yes, 3; no
Locally... Yes
No record. No comparison No record
small
1 Full opportunity
yes,
Yes
record.
Yes
-.do
number.
2 Extent of ability'
No
weeks,
Two
record
No
Yes........... No
Yes
No record. Yes
equal.
:1 Small extent
No difference No difference.. No
No
No
Yes
week, No
One
Yes
Locally.
None
No
4 Serne as whites
Yes
Yes
Yes
equal.
.do
5
do
Varies, equal Yes,
No record
Not ass whole. No...
Yes
Ye9
do
time.
6 Full extent,
difference
No
No
None
No
Yes ,1
Yes
for col- No
Yes
Longer
do
..
*do
Yes'
7 Same basis as white
Yes
Yes, wo- Yes
do
ored.
S Sldlied women, 135
men.
No difference
do
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
.do
No difference About the same No
No
9 To all except office work
Yes
Yes
Yes
do
Noxecord
No
record
No
No
10 Small extent
Yes
Yes
No recruit- Yes
11 To all occupations
ing.
no
do
Yes;
do
None
Yes, a few
Yes,
Yes
record.
Locally
12 To the majority
Two
No
weeks,
None.
Yeas
Yes 111
Yes
Yes
do
equal.
13 Extent of ability
No
No record
do
No
few
a
Yes,
Ye
Yes
do
No
do
do
14 According to ability
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
do
No
do
do
15 On the same basis
Not as a rule.. No
Yes.
Yes
do
. No
No
difference
do
16 All branches
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
do
do
Less time for No
17 None
Not in all cases No
No discrim Yes
do 11
whites.
do
18
ination.
No difference. No
do
No
Not as a rule
Yes
Yes
do
19 Aemrdina tn ability




Number of persons on t
pay roll.
,

Total.

White. New.,

118
50G

51
239

45

2

16

2
10

23

2
".L

591

526

6,200
6,200

6,000
6,000

2 10
2

84

42

2

1,589

1,364

1,326

1,320

3,157
449
4,826
8,396
6,500

3,145
358
4,553
7,719
6,400

42,892

41,963

2

2
,1
2
11

stl

"z1VA. (11210m :gill

rABLE

Butchers, only
as whites
No discrimination
do
Not at all

4.• eeee

..do..
..do
..do
..do
..do

21
22
23
24

Same

25
26
27

No skilled Negroes.
No discrimination

..do
..do.
..do

As Same as any other class
29 Molders, only

..do
..do

:10
31
32

Not as mechanics ,1
All except pattern making
Only to molders

33
34

According to ability
Small extent only

35

None in skilled lines.

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes,semiskilled.
Yes
Yes
Yes, when,
efficient!
Yes
No's

..do.
...do
..do

Yes
Yes
Yes, molders.
Yes
do
None em- No
ployed.
Loeafly.
Yes

61
1,280
107
67
42

394
51

361
34

37
17

6,346

5,231

1,115

No
No
No

84
24
107

42
Ii;
70

42
8
37

No
No

7,850
277

7,510
201

No
Greater for colored.
bout the same Same time,both No
do
do

1,364

1,243

121

191
117

164
23

27
94

3,126

3,060

ec

108,315

101,458

6,837

Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes

No

No
No
Yes"

Yes
No

Yes

No

Yes
Yes 3
No

Same as whites No
No
Yes
No
Yes

Yes
No

In rare (uses.
No

No
Yes 3

Non"

Yes

Not as a rule

No

36
37

No limits
Semiskilled, only

..do
.do

Yes
Yes,semi-

Yes
Yes

35

None

None employed.

No

No

Not ass rule

............................

No record
No difference
None
do

Same time.
No record
do
No difference

No record
do
Longer for colored.
Equal time..
None
Depends upon
do
person.
No difference. About the same
No
differencq..
None
About the sate
The same

No record
None
No difference

No

do

The same
Longer for Negroes.

No record

No
No,
Nd'
No
No
No
No
No
No

No

................ ............

A pproximate number.
Negroes are more inclined to loaf.
1 Except as to molders.
Except three trades, as to which the union members make objectiop.
s Not known as such to the workers.
But not as much as might be wished for.
records.
7 Negroes are late oftenex and have poorer attendance
I From the standpoint of the company, not from the standpoint of the workmen.
To a marked degree.
to Negro workers"visit" quite a deal of the time.




38
1,920
593
740
518

Yes"...,
Yes"
Not generally: No
No
do
In some cases No
do

No
Some do
same as whites No

Total

99
3,300
' 700
807
560

Yes IS
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

11 Locally for ordinary labor: Negro skilled workmen not employed.
meat curers.

3 Butchers and

Plb Negro workers not as serious as white workers.
II

Conduct and behavior of Negro workers caused by high turnover.
Ordinary workmen.

3 Not as steady as whites.
17 Excepting Molders and carpenters.
3 Because of labor troubles.
3 Excepting pattern making.

16 Negro men will not work steadily,

ows

CHAPTER VII.
STATISTICS ON THE MEAT-PACKING AND STEEL INDUSTRIES.
One of the evidences of the growing importance of Negroes in
northern industries is shown by the increasing percentage of Negroes
employed in one or two of the large meat-packing establishments in
Chicago during 1916, 1917, and 1918, and a steel company of Indiana
Harbor for all the months of 1918.
In.the first meat-packing company, beginning July 13, 1918, and
running through to February 28, 1919, it is shown that at the beginning of this period there were 4,734 white employees, or 81.89 per
cent, and 1,047 colored employees, or 18.11 percent of the labor force.
There were 796 white women, or 87.19 per cent, and 117 Negro
women,or 12.81 per cent. At the close of the period there were 4,925
white employees, or 83.38 per cent, and 982 Negro employees, or 16.62
per cent of the total number, while there were 821 white women constituting 89.24 per cent, and 99 Negro women, or 10.76 per cent of
the total number of employees. These figures indicate the increasing
importance in numbers and percentage of Negro workers in the
slaughtering and meat-packing industry,, fon the total number of
white employees at the beginning of the period was 81.89 per cent and
at the close 83.38 per cent and the number of Negro employees at the
beginning of the period was 18.11 per cent and at the close 16.62 per
cent. This shows that there was a slight reduction in the number of
Negro employees, both male and female, during the period, but that
the reduction was very slight, being slightly more than 1.5 per cent
for Negro men and 2 per cent for Negro women, or a total reduction
of 3.5 per cent of Negro employees.
The table following shows the details of the variation by weeks:_
5fte




, distributed
Iv -Number of employees of the first meat-packing company
July 13, 1918.

Week No.

1
2
2
4
5
6.
7
8

9
1,0
(2
13.
14
19
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Zi
24
25
20
27
28
29
30-




Total
number of employees, distributed
number Total
by color.
of
employses,white
and
colored,
Percent. Colored. Percent.
male and White.
female.
5,7R1
5,792
6,802
5,840
5,995
5,937
0,036
5,981
5,916
5,919
5,826
5,852
5,844
5,753
5,445
5,570
5,787
5,803
5,785
6,115
0,045
6,319
6,300
6,5115
6,346
6,380
6,362
6,372
6,180
5,907

4,734
4,714
4,762
4,7111
4,887
4,8111
4,1043
4,873
4,810
4,964
4,824
4,826
4,865
4,775
4,490
4,623
4,779
4,771
4,744
4,994
4,916
5,134
5,166
5,369
5,7.11
5,249
5,284
5,311
5,052
4,925

81.89
81.39
8207
80-75
81.52
81.80
80.89
81.47
81- 30
82.18
82.80
82.47
83.25
143.00
82.46
143.000
/12.58
82.22
82.01
81.117
81.32
81.25
141.23
81.78
82.43
82.12
83.00
83.35
81.75
83,38

1,047
1,07S
1,040
1,124
1,108
1,077
1,153
1,108
1,106
1,055
1,002
1,026
979
978
4.
r,5
1,008
1,032
1,041
1,121
1,129
1,185
1,194
1,196
1,115
1,141
1,078
1,061
1,128
982

18.11
18.61
17.93
19.25
18.48
18.14
19.11
18.53
18.70
17.82
17.20
17.53
16.75
17.00
.
14
7:5
17
81
17.42
13.78
17.99
18.33
18.28
18.75
18.77
18.22
17.57
17.88
16.84
16.65
18.25
16.62

by rotor and ser,for a period of 30 successive weeks, beginning

Male employees,

Total.

White.

4,565
4,9W
4,832
4,553

3,938
3,953
3,906
3,883

::rg
4,874

1::92
3,922

4,907
4,820
4,800
4,765
4,743
1,880
4,721
4,471
4,548
4,1;80
4,735
4,729
4,950
4,977
5,283
5,343
5,499
5,315
5,355
5,874
5,409
5,153
4,987

3,968
3,893
3,920
3,024
3,956
3,921
3,868
3,650
3,725
3,818
3,855
3,834
3,970
3,981
4,232
4,281
4,440
4,334
4,349
4,420
4,463
4,215
4,104

Female employees.

Percent. Colored. Percent.

110.90
80.41
80.84
80.01
R0.80
R1.14
89.47
80.86
80.77
81.67
82.35
81.68
82.03
81.93
81.64
81.90
81.54
81.41
81.07
80.20
79.99
80.11
80.12
80.74
81.54
81.21
82.25
82.51
/41.80
82.29

930
963
926

19.10
19.59
19.16

.7..(3)
'a930

1::92:
1;:11
1 .. 143
1)

880
841
887
859
853
821
823
1162
880
895
980
1)96
1,051
1,063
1,059

18.33
17.65
18.32
17.97
18.07
18.36
18.19
18.42
18.59
18.93
19- 80
23.01
19.89
19.88
19.26

1,N.
954
946
938
883

17.75
17.49
18.30
17.71

l',.::;',1

Total.

913
876
970
987

1,,s,
ii01,..i
1,096
1,119
1,061

White.

Percent. Colored. percent.

7n
7
856

6:7
R7
1114. 2.5

')1',!

r4:1',1
85.20

898
5
r1)1
017

211
1::7

.,

ZI:c37,

0
FA744
907
840
8911
961
916
910
1,024
9.15
902
/0.15
929
897
890

Rr68:.F2':7i
87.89
86.24
87.87
86.81
85.77
86.17
87.90
87.55
87.07
87.02
87.15
87.00
86.83

1 000
1,064
1,032
974
1,022
1,107
1,068
1,056
1,165
1,068
1,036
1,017
1,066
1,031
1,025
988
963
1,027
920

'Z
,7:g
(F181.50
837
821

89.24

117
115
114
154
165
156
201
169
179
175
161
139
120
125
134
124
146
152
146
141
133
134
132
137
134
135
124
115
190
99

12.81
13.13
11.75
15.60
15.24
14.89
17.30
15.74
16.33
15.14
15.17
13.78
11.2/1
12.11
13.76
12.13
13.19
14.23
13.83
12.10
12.45
12.93
12.98
12.85
13.00
13.17
12.55
11.94
18.50
10.70

t".

•ITV.1\ (1-111()AN ....MI 9:

TABLE

cr4+

•

54

THE NEGRO AT WORT: DURING THE
WORLD WAR.

The figures of. the second meat-packing compa
ny give a very
much larger showing of the increasing use of Negro
emplo
yees in this
plant, one of the largest in the industry.
period, January, 1916, to February, 1919, orAt the beginning of the
the plant was employing a total of 8,361 a period of 159 weeks,
yees. Of these,
8,050, or 96.28 per cent, were white and 311, emplo
or
3.72
per cent, were
colored. The figures cover the period just
preced
the entrance of
the United States into the war, the entire perioding
during which our
cnuntry was at war, and the three months following
the signing of
the armistice. The total number of employees of this firm
increased until it reached the mark of 16,989 employees gradually
during the
last week in November, 1918, and 17,434 during the third
December, 1918. The number of colored employees, week of
increased more rapidly in proportion than the number however,
of white
employees, reaching a maximum of 24.09 per cent of
the
total in
March, 1918, and ranging from that time on
en 17 and 21 per
cent of the total. At the close of the periodbetwe
, February, 1919, the
firm was employing 13,928, or 79.03 per cent of
the total, and 2,805,
or 20.07 per cent, colored employees. This shows
a proportionititir
increase, nearly fivefold, in the number of Negro
employees.
TABLE V.-Number of employees of the second meat-pa
cking company, distributed by,
color, for a period of 1,59 successive weeks,
January, 1916, to January, 1919. (See
graphs following.)
Total number of employees,
,Total
distributed by color,
}lumber
of employees,
Week white
No. and NePer
gre, White. Per .„,,,,,„,.n.
, male
cent. Negro.
Vind female.

AlliiilgPr4n187."""2E11110:411F.5

1
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
lit
12
13
14
15
18
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

8,050
7,683
7,699
7,569
7,470
7,527
7,476
7,673
7,637
7,824
7,938
7,795
7,766
7,632
7,591
7,363
6,941
6,604
6,947
6,935
8,900
6,907
7,121
7,101
1
7,184
7,270
7,329
7,532
so
7,309
30
7,312
31
7,495
32
7,657
33
7,831
34
7,837
35
7,654
967,830




96.28
96.17
96.14
95.32
95.48
95.23
94.78
94.92
95.02
95.26
95.29
95.75
95.61
95.75
95.10
94.81
93.62
92.26
92.89
93.10
93.26
93.07
92.42
92.27
91.97
91.60
90.91
90.68
90.45
90.02
88.03
88.20
88.15
87.48
87.60
85.72

311
306
309
372
354
377
413
411
400
389
392
346
357
339
391
403
473
554
532
514
499
514
584
595
627
667
733
774
772
811
1,019
1,024
1,053
1,122
1,083
1,304

3.72
3.83
3.86
4.68
4.52
4.71
5.24
5.08
4.98
4.74
4.71
4.25
4.39
4.25
4.90
5.19
6.38
7.74
7.11
6.90
8.74
6.93
7.58
7.73
8.03
8.40
9.09
9.32
9.55
9.98
11.97
11.80
11.85
12.52
12.40
14.28

Week
No.

37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
63
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72

Total number of employee!,
Total
number
distributed by color.
of employeem,
white
and Negre,
Per Negro. Pltr
1e White
male
' cent.
cent'
and female.
9,316
9,180
9,425
9,1120
9,872
10,084
10,129
10,229
10,394
10,630
10,749
10,980
10,582
10,135
10,284
10,173
10,255
10,428
10,473
10,188
10,175
10,075
10,102
10,155
10,145
10,036
10,142
10,223
10,115
10,264
10,533
10,646
10,640
10,416
10,452
10,181

8,007
7,927
8,101
8,240
8,344
8,637
8,673
8,686
8,830
8,977
9,057
9,070
8,802
8,450
8,679
8,496
8,598
8,700
8,746
8,614
8,525
8,423
8,469
8,503
8,510
8,372
8,464
8,512
8,243
44,384
8,673
8,697
8,722
8,442
8,504
8,199

85.95
86.35
85.95
85.65
84.52
85.65
8.5.63
84.92
84.95
84.46
84.26
442.60
83.18
83.37
83.42
83.51
83.84
83.43
83.51
84.56
83.78
83.60
83.83
83.73
83.88
83.41
83.45
83.26
81.49
81.68
82.34
81.69
81.97
81.05
81.36
80.53

1,309
14.05
1,263
13.65
1,324
14.05
1,380
14.35
1,528
16.48
1,447
14.35
1,456
14.37
1,543
15.08
1,564
15.05
1,663
16.66
1,012
13.74
1,910
17.40
1,780
16.82
1,685
16.63
1.705
16.58
1,678
16.49
1,657
16.16
1,728
16.67
1,727
16.49
1,574
15.46
1,650
16.22
1,652
16.40
1,633
16.17
1,652
16.27
1,635
16.12
1,664
1.6.59
1,678
16.65
1,711
16.74
1,872
18.51
1,880
18.32
1,880
17.64
1,949
18.31
1,918
18.03
1,974
18.95
1,948
18.66_
1,983
19.87!

THE WORLD WAR.

THE N ECHO Al' WORK DC

5.5

TABLE V.-Number of employees of the second meat-packing company. distributed by
color, for a period of 159 successive weeks, January, 1916, to January, 1919. (See
graphs following)-Continued.
Total number of employes,
, Total
distributed by color.
number
of employees,
Week
white
No. and Negro,
Per
Per
White.
Negro.
male
cent.
pent. ,
and female.

73'
74
75
76
77
1)4
79
80
81
82
83
84
145
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97

ns

99
100
101
103
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112'
113
114
115
116

8,312
, 10,385
8,265
10,353
8,402
10,380
10,534
8,442
8,389
10,465
8,498
10,705
8,401
10,679
8,170
10,522
8,460
10,1353
8,535
10,653
8,436
10,648
8,549
10,821
8,491
10,748
8,387
10,745
8,825
11,375
8,961
11,462
8,902
11,633
9,280
11,842
9,409
11,856
9,384
11,869
13,303
9,794
12,638 10,117
12,846 10,338
13,019 10,611
12,889 10,380
13,30.5 10,903
13,778 11,157
13,726 11,118
14,064 11,129
13,359 10,185
13,654 10,787
14,018 11,043
13,492 10,748
13,878 10,809
13,665 10,681
13,624 10,700
13,858 11,109
13,958 11,367
13,s6.5 10,525
1 ior-i6 11,499
1,1,054 11,026
13,:53 10,924
12,9135 10,351
13,307 10,875




80.04
80.12
81.10
80.14
79.21
79.3$
78.67
77.65
79.41
80.12
79.23
78.98
79.00
78.05
77.58
78.18
76.52
78.36
79.36
79.06
80.36
80.05
80.48
81.50
80.53
81.95
80.98
81.00
79.13
76.82
79.00
78.78
79.66
77.89
78.16
78.54
80.16
81.44
75.91
81.63
78.45
79.40
80.14
81.17

2,073
2,058
1,958
2,092
2,176
2,307
2,378
3,352
2,193
2,118
2,312
2,275
2,257
2,358
2,550
2,501
2,731
2,562
2,447
2,485
2,409
3,521
2,508
2,408
2,509
2,402
3,621
2,608
2,935
3,074
2,867
2,975
2,744
3,069
2,984
2,924
2,749
3,591
3,340
2,587
3,028
2,834
2,565
2,522

19.96
19.88
18.90
19.86
20.79
20.62
21.33
22.35
20.59
19.88
20.77
21.02
21.00
21.95
22.42
21.82
23.48
31.64
20.64
20.94
19.74
19.95
19.52
18.50
19.47
18.05
19.02
19.00
20.87
23.18
21.00
21.22
20.34
22.11
21.81
21.48
19.84
18.56
34.09
18.37
21.55
20.60
19.86
18.83

Week
No.

117
118
119
120
121
132
133
134
135
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
112
143
144
145
116
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159

Totql number of employees,
Total
distributed by color.
number
of employees,
white
and Negro,
Per
Per
White.
male
Cent. Negro. cent.
and female.

13,885 10,395
13,359 10,628
13,498 11,002
14,134 11,200
14,672 11,765
14,688 11,719
14,420 11,717
14,519 11,706
14,657 11,719
14,905 12,064
15,040 12,376
15,201 12,155
15,045 11,951
15,533 12,668
15,711 12,936
15,336 12,513
15,249 13,215
15,326 13,416
15,606 12,895
15,347 13,312
14,695 12,042
15,063 11,920
15,481 12,666
15,628 12,842
15,554 12,768
15,181 13,194
14,494 11,652
14,598 11,601
15,530 12,352
15,910 12,765
16,346 13,145
16,730 13,568
16,989 13,779
17,148 13,740
17,222 13,851
17,434 13,813
15,297 12,3146
15,353 12,325
15,168 11,883
15,145 11,747
15,155 11,551
14,565 11,506
13,928 11,123

80.68
79.56
81.51
79.24
80.19
79.79
81.26
80.63
79.95
80.91
82.29
79.96
79.44
81.56
83.34
81.59
80.10
81.01
82.63
80.75
81.95
79.13
81.82
82.17
83.09
80.32
80.39
79.47
79.54
80.08
80.42
81.10
81.11
80.13
80.45
79.23
80.97
80.28
78.34
77.56
74.20
79.00
79.66

2,490
2,731
2,496
2,931
2,907
2,969
2,703
2,813
2,938
2,841
2,664
3,046
3,094
2,865
2,775
2,833
3,034
3,910
2,711
2,935
2,653
3,143
2,815
2,786
2,786
2,987
2,842
2,997
3,178
3,175
3,201
3,162
3,210
3,408
3,371
3,621
2,911
3,025
3,285
3,398
3,304
3,059
2,805

19.32
20.44
18.49
20.76
19.81
20.21
18.71
19.37
20.05
19.03
17.71
20.04
20.56
18.14
17.66
18.11
19. ge
18.99
17.37
19.25
18.05
20.87
18.16
17.85
17.91
19.68
19.61
20.53
20.0
19.92
19.56
18.90
18.89
19.87
19.55
20,77
19.03
19.72
21.66
22.44
21.80
31.00
20.11

56

THE NEGRO AT WORK DITRING THE WORLD WAR.

The accompanying diagrams show, graphically, the percentage of
distribution by color of the total number of employees of this company by weeks, from January, 1916, to February, 1919, and the percentage of white and colored employees by weeks during this same
period.

.

As

•

se

1

111
1.1.111

SO

SI

...
Ifi

...
..f.

OF
UPI "1;
:
..
:
A
4
'
:
7'' ;:r
e
7
/
.
tr
''' CMORCO arh*PlOrres

'
1111111.r.

..7A/t/y_

;
.7:0CT

',IAN.

7
1iLY
APIL.7.0
7

•

oa-

,7A.1

AAP_70
J
aelr

ocr

COMPARATIVE INCREASE IN PERCENTAGE AMONG WRITE AND COLORED EMPLOYEES IN ONE MEAT-PACKING PLANT DURING A PERIOD OF 159 WEEKS.

The third piece of evidence came from a steel company at Indiana
Harbor, Ind., and shows the total number and per cent of white and
colored employees from January, 1918, through December of the same
year. This shows a total, at the beginning of the period, of 2,020'
employees, of which 1,736, or 89.94 per cent, were white, and 284, or
14.06 per cent, were colored. At the close of the period the firm was
employing a total of 2,171 employees, of which 1,681, or 77.43 per
cent, were white, and 490, or 22.57 per cent, were colored. The
number of colored employees showed a steady increase over the
original number, running as high as 538 in October, 1918, to the
closing number at the end of December, which number showed a
considerable increase in total colored employees and a corresponding
increased percentage of the total nunnber of employees. Other diScussions of workers in iron and steel have been given in Chapter VI-




SD

_
— rA710 ed

dt7

A

4

3100
J000

iumui_Ai A

0

Ah _
7

000
7

00

40
Js

•A 00

200

_

a

//Joao
/1000
1.7000

.-----\

-,„..../.\"..
_

/1000
11000

/00

.

.,---7

..... .

0000

.......

.0000

11

803-0
7000

io

PO
APR

30
JWY

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APR

130
JULY

100
per

'
TIM :4'

/9 8

011.4/ameER
VARIATION, IN PERCENTAGE AND NUMBERS,
OF WRITE AND COLORED
EMPLOYERS IN ONE MEAT-PACKING PLANT
159 WEEKS.
DURING A PERIOD OF




Cs.

CHAPTER VIII.
NEGRO LABOR IN THE UNITED STATES SHIPYARDS.
The'Widespread demand for ships to "beat" the unlawful submarine
warfare-of'the Germans led the Nation to see that ships were needed
to win the war. The building of ships called for labor of all kinds,.
skilled, semiskilled, and unskilled, and those who responded to build
ships were serving the cause no less than those who responded for
service in the Army. During the war the Negroes showed their
patriotism in this particular fully as they did in others. In the shipyards under the jurisdiction of the United States Shipping Board—
Emergency Fleet Corporation—covering four shipbuilding districtson the Atlantic coast, one on the Gulf coast, two on the Pacific coast,.
and one in the Great Lakes district, there were 24,647 Negroes employed during the war and .14,095 employed up to September, 1919,.
following the signing of the armistice. In the southern district duringthe war there were 11,991 and for the period after the war 5,504; in
the middle Atlantic district there were 4,506 and 5,223, respectively;
in the Delaware River district, 5,165 and 2,230, respectively; in the
northern Atlantic district, 370 and 297, respectively; in the Gulf district, 1,830 and 309, respectively; in the southern Pacific district, 581
and 399, respectively; in the northern Pacific district, 177 and 96,.
respectively; and in the Great Lakes district, 27 and 17, respectively_
Both the numbers involved and the distribution of the numbers, both,
during the war and the months following the signing of the armistice,.
give ample evidence that Negroes played a large part in the building
of the ships. Unfortunately, it has not been feasible to secure the
figures of the white workmen under the United States Shipping
Board for these districts.
We do have, however, a full record of the occupations in which.
Negro workmen were engaged. During the war 4,962, or about 20.7
per cent, were engaged in occupations which may be classed as skilled
occupations, leaving 19,685, or about 80 per cent, in unskilled occupations, some of which could probably be classed as semiskilled occupations. After the war 3,872, or 27.47 per cent, were in skilled occupations and 10,203, or 72.53 per cent, in unskilled occupations, some
of which may be classed as semiskilled. It is significant that the
largest number of Negroes in skilled occupations both in steel and
wooden ship construction was in the southern district, both during
and after the war. The second largest during the war was in the
Delaware River district and after the war in the middle Atlantic
district.
Negroes participated in '46 Of the 55 separate shipbuilding occupations listed during the war period, and in 49 such occupations
after the war. In addition, during the war 21 occupations had less
than 10 Negroes employed and after the war 17 occupations had less
than 10 Negroes employed in them. This leaves 26 occupations
with 10 or more Negroes during the war and 28 occupations with 19,
or more Negroes employed after the war.




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

59

The details are given in full in the accompanying table, but some
illuminating comparisons may be made here. During the war there
were 1,464 Negro carpenters, 225 calkers, 21. chippers and calkers,631
fasteners, 11 blacksmiths, 10 blacksmiths' helpers, 36 riggers, 22 fore—
men, 240 reamers and drillers, 399 bolters. These are important
the
skilledor semisjilled occupations in the building of ships. After
,.
calkers
and
rs
chippe
36
,
59
ers
calkers
carpent
74
war there were only
s.
reamer
191
and
,
helpers
143 fasteners, 7 blacksmiths, 45 blacksmiths'
,.
and drillers. There were, however, 49 riveters and 1,116 bolters
these occupations showing increases.
highly
The analysis of these figures indicates that in the more
been,
has
there
tions
occupa
paid
skilled and therefore the more highly
in.
than
rds
shipya
the
in
s
Negroe
of
r
numbe
the
e
in
decreas
a greater
ancr
skilled
the
taking
but
the less skilled or semiskilled occupations,
semiskilled occupations together, Negro workers held their numbers:
and showed less decrease after the war than they did in the unskilled
occupations, altogether, after the war. The total decrease after thewar of Negroes in all skilled or semiskilled occupations was only 20.7.
s inper cent, while the total decrease after the war of Negro worker
f._
one-hal
nearly
or
cent,
per
48
about
was
tions
occupa
ed
the unskill
highly
more
the
in
e
decreas
d
decide
While these figures show a very
g for
skilled occupations, on the whole they make a favorable showinafter
and
during
both
y,
industr
lding
Negro workmen in the shipbui
the war.
Not only did Negroes enter the skilled and semiskilled occupations:
occupa—
during the war in large numbers but they remained in these
ions.
tions in larger proportions than in the unsKilled occupat
employee
The following table shows in detail the number of Negro
plants.:
lding
shipbui
at
working in skilled and unskilled occupations
—
—Emer
Board
ng
Shippi
States
United
the
of
under the jurisdiction
eight
the
in
war
the
gency Fleet Corporation—during and after
skilled ancY
principal shipyard districts, during 1918 and 1919. The
availablethe
in
ely
separat
semiskilled workers were not classified
ed in theemploy
s
Negroe
of
r
g
numbe
showin
details
full
The
record.
and
during
tions
occupa
ed
specifi
in
s
district
eight principal shipyard
after the war are given in the following table:




'TAB1,M

VI.—Negro employee

s Working at plants under the
jurisdiction of the United Stat
es Shipping Boa
after the war, in the eight prin
cipal shipyard districts. rd—Emergency Fleet 0OrpOralion—during and
(Columns 1, during the war:
columns
Southern
district,

1
Total number employed'

11,991

Skilled
Unskilled

3,578
8,413
ack•handlers
5
lacksmith •
4acksmiths'helper
11
99
.otters
130
loiters' learners..........
.......... .
arpenters
alkers
182
alkers and chippers
17
ementers
leaners
2
,ranemen
48
Mckmen
37
Milers and reamers
50
Cngineers
10
rector
13
asteners
203
•Iremen
67
•'oremen
22
urnacemen
9
leneral helpers
556
Tandymen
200
ieaters
52
Efewsers
5
Elolders•on
86
Elookers-on....................
..........
Oilmen
Passers
54
Punchers
11
Riggers
tt
23




i,iii

2

5,504
3,078
2,426

1

4,506
117
4,369

2

5,223
114
5,109

21
5
44 ..
955
136

84

Delaware
River
district. I

Northern
Atlantic
district.

1

1

5,165
5,165

2

'2,230

99
2,131

2

370

297

257
113

218
79

2, after the war.)

Gulf
Olstrict.

1

2

Southern
Pacific
district.
1

Northern
Pacific
distripl.

Great
Lakes
district.

Total.
Grand
total.

2

1

2

1

2

1,630

309

561

399

177

96

27

541
1,269

109
200

308
273

172
227

141
36

71
25

20
7

I
166

1
69

..

1

2

17

24,647

14,075

3.8,733

11
6

4,962 3,872
19,685 10,203

8,934
29,688

2
3
35
17

98

88

2

1
28

13
7
21
46
26
10
35
3 .......
29
31 ........................
3
5
7
.:.
3
36
125
4
23
43
41
140
1
1
1 .
12
..
60
5
3
10
6
1
37
316
2
2 .......
13
10
27
..
1
22
I
326
53
56
1
49
8
297
8
1
238
2
7
7
11
220
.......
15
22
4
.....................
2
134
6
8
22
0i
!tIlt 't11111 tlt
t 1.
III

V

1

.......
•
••.....
I ..
72
21

.

3

1

21
2

13
8

3

10

4

33
6

19
2

3

1

9

Witt ,...,t,

1

1

3
.......

3

8

4

2
1

.......
69

5

126
1

9

••.....

63
2

I
2
....
2

1
1
1

3
,, •,,,

1

it

8
11
102
399
1,464
225
21
2
75
48
17
240
12
13
631
116
23
9
744
204
69
5
115
33
66
II
36

21
7
45
1,116
136
74
60
36
29
57
10
36
191
1
15
143
60
11
23
536
Xi
249
11
247
13
21
147
22
20

29
16
147
1,515
136
1,538
265
57
37
137
5.
75
431
IS
28
774
17e
33
37
1,24
507
3l.
If
36
la
5(
215
33
96

THE _NEGRO AT WORK DUR
ING THE WORLD WAR
,

Kind of Occupation.'

Middle
Altantic
district.

•Cit,
0

Riveters
.I6tago builders
Steel construction
All other occupations

25

69

150

70

19

17

lit
4
17

13

23

14

9

3

1

2

1

99

414
/3
1.50

70

137
13
220

43

59

102

I This table has been reconstructed from a previous table prepared by the U. S. Sh pping Board.
I Includes both wood and steel ship occupations.
3 Includes agencies not directly in the Delaware River district, but under its jurisdiction.
• The figures against (this item include every kind of occupation in which Negroes were employed,as reported by the United States Shipping Boardiand should not be pre.
sic med to be the totals for the kinds of occupations listed In the first column, which include only such representative occupations
as are deemed of particular significance,
therefore, of practicable value for tabulation.
3 During the war Delaware River district workers weve not classified by occupations, but after the WBf"agency"workers of this district
wereMasstfled.




CrD
frio

6-2

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR:
RECORD-BREAKING NEGRO WORKERS.

How a Negro pile-driver gained the world's pile-driving record is
told, partially, in his own language, as follows:
WORLD'S PILE-DRIVING RECORD SMASHED.
Edward Burwell, the Negro pile-driving captain whose Negro:
crew of 11 men broke the world s record in driving piles on ship—
way No. 46 (Philadelphia, Pa.) was asked how he came to break the
standing record. Burwell smiled and pointed to a placard nailed on
the pile-driving machine. The placard read: "If at first you don't.
succeed, try, try, again."
piles in 90
The record prior to Burwell's wonderful drive was 165
and 5:
hours
9
in
piles
65-foot
220
drove
crew
his
hours. Burwell and
a terrificminutes, and a good part of the time the crew worked in
1918, Bur—
downpour of rain. Since coming on the job in January,
linear feet_
well's crew has driven 4,141 piles with a total of 241,573
McMullen Co.
Thecrew under Burwell is employed by the Arthur
piles. Burwell and'
This company had the contract to drive 21,434
number.
his crew drove about 20 per cent of this
years ago," Burwell said ink
"I went into the pile-driving business 15
on a job as large as this one
speaking of his new record. "I was never
n an&
before. It was due to rivalry between another Negro forema
myself that I made up my mind to go after the record of 165 piles helm
by another company.
"The sign filled our crew with enthusiasm. We decided, one night,.
it was.
that a new world's record would be made on the morrow, and
:
of
.
fretting
tead
ins
and
s,
trouble
cal
Of course, we had our little mechani
and started in with re—
sign
the
at
glanced
just
men
the
,
fuming
and
d.
newed vigor and the record was smashe
Here,if a man can,
"I am glad the record was made at Hog Island.
e time, no matter
schedul
on
out
ships
the
getting
in
goods
deliver the
and same
if he is a white man or colored man,he gets the same credit
e of how
exampl
ul
wonderf
a
is
It
rs.
employe
his
from
kind feelings
s."
German
the
defeat
to
we are all working hand in hand
of the crew on the day the
Capt. Burwell then produced the log
interesting reading and is
is
rather
It
world's record was made.
below:
puinted
Piles driven.
27
7 a. m. to 8 a. m
23
8a,m.to9a.m
hard
(Delay 41 minutes due to broken steam line; raining very
from 8.15 to 10 a. in.)
28
9a.m.tolOa.m
22
10 a. m. to l 1 a. m
(Delay 8 minutes due to pile fall breaking.)
27
11 a. m. to l2 a. m
12 noon to 12.30 p. in. (lunch).
25
12.30 p. in. to 1.30 p.m
and from
(Heavy rain with electric showers from 1.25 to 2.50 p. m.,
held
1.25 to 1.40 p. in. air pressure dropped considerably, which
up hammer.)
23
1.30 p. in. to 2.30 p. in
23
2.30 p. m. to 3.30 p.m
22
p.m
4.35
to
m.
p.
3.30
220
Total, 9 hours and 5 minutes
in VI
piles
165
record,
world's
Norz.—Total linear feet of piles, 14,260. Previous
honniand 15 minutes..




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

63

Of.no less interest is the performance of a gang of Negro riveters
working at Sparrows Point,Md.,in the plant of the Bethlehem Steel
Corporation, in breaking the world's record for driving rivets. One
of the gang, Charles Knight, drove 4,875 three-quarter-inch rivets in a
9-hour day. The previous highest record was 4,442, made by a
workman in a Scottish shipyard. Mr. Knight is a highly respectable
andindustrious citizen of Baltimore, Md., and. a native of Virginia.




CHAPTER Ir.
REPORT OF WORK IN FLORIDA AND

GEORGIA.

FLORIDA.
Oil July 16, 1918, Hon. Sidney J. Catts, governor of Florida, callec!
together representatives of Negro citizens from all parts of the State at
Jacksonville,who,with about 15 of Florida's most representative white.
employers, met for a day's conference on the labor situation in the
State. After a thorough discussion the governor authorized the conference to work out plans with the representatives of the Department of Labor for the organization of the State, county, and city
Negro workers' advisory committees. The governor, as chairman.
of the State council of defense, accepted the honorary chairmanship.
of the committee, and with the executive secretary of the council a
plan was worked out so that the colored members appointed on the
Negro workers' advisory committees had white members from thecounty councils of defense to act on the,se committees as cooperating
members. In this way, in a short time there were developed these.
cooperative relationships between white and colored representatives.
through the Negro workers' advisory committees in 26 counties in
the State, including the important city centers such as Jacksonville,.
Tampa, Miami, and Pensacola.
The following letters show the spirit and action of the council of:
defense, the governor, and other interested parties:
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY,
Washington, July 23, 1918—
Gov. SIDNEY J. CArrs,
Stale Capitol, Tallahassee, Fla.
DEAR SIR: Inclosed is a list of names of representative colored citizens who were.
nominated at the conference in Jacksonville on Tuesday to serve as !nembers of the.
State Negro workers' advisory committee. Inclosed also is the constitution adcpted
at the meeting. Both of these are submitted for your comment and approval.
I remember with great pleasure my being in your city last week and your inspiringwords to me. I wish especially to express imy.gratitude to you for the courageous:
stand you have taken on the matter of lynching in Florida. This will go a long way,
I believe, toward removing the restlessness and dissatisfaction of colored people.
If during the coming months I can at any time be of further service, please command

me.

Yours, very respectfully,
(Signed)

GEORGE E. HAYNES,
Director of Negro Economies.

STATE OF FLORIDA;
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Tallahassee, July 31, 1918.
Dr. GEO. E. IlAyNEs,
Department of Labor, Washington, D. C.
DEAR SIR: I have your letter inclosing list of colored citizens nominated at a con—
ference held in Jacksonville, and also copy of their constitution.
I thank you for the same and will give it my attention. I am willing to cooperate
with your race in every way possible.
With best wishes, I am
Yours, very truly,
SIDNEY.J. CAITS, Governor.
(Signed)
64 .




TH E NA:4 ;

)

WL,T;K DCRING THE NVORLD WAIL

65

STATE COUNCIL OF DEFENSE,
Tallahassee, Fla., October 29, 1918.
Dr. (,,Eo. E. IIAYNEs,
Director of Negro Economi‘,1, Washington, D. C.
.DEAR SIR: Yours of the 21st instant, addressed to his excellency Gov. Sidney
J.
.t'atts, relative to the work of your advisory committee, together with your request for
ithe cooperation of county councils of defense has been referred to me for reply.
.Replying, beg to advise that at the meeting of our advisory committee October 25,
;inst., this matter was brought before the committee, sod it was agreed to give your
.committee the assistance in the capacity requested.
Yours, very truly,
•
(Signed)
II. S. HOWARD,
Executive Secretary.

Following the State conference and the appointment of the Stite
Negro workers' advisory committee, upon the recommendation
of a
umber of white and colored citizens, W. A. Armwood, of Tampa,
F la., a graduate of the State college, who had been a successfu
ca rpenter and contractor and at that time was principal of thel
co bored public school at Tampa and successfully conducting a
dr ug business of his own, was chosen as supervisor of Negro economics
fo r Florida. He had known many workmen in all parts of the State
and very soon was in touch with them in various districts. It was
due to his untiring effort that many of the activities of the State
w ere developed.
One of the first steps taken following the organization of committees was to give Negro workers wholesome advice about the necessity
,of continued and systematic work during the period of the war for
the production of such commodities as were necessary to win it. Two
methods were used for such advice:. Ifirst, circular letters and bulletins were sent out to the members of the county and city committees
touching upon various points for stimulating the morale and efficiency of workers in the different localities of the State. Second,
a series of mass meetings of white and colored citizens was planned
and carried out in the early fall, following the conference. The Director of Negro Economics was present at a number of these meetings
and both white and colored citizens attended in large numbers.
There were usually white and colored speakers before the audience
on the same platform.
One significant service rendered by the State Negro worker'
advisory committee was to correct a misapprehension 'and feeling
that was growing due to the spread of rumor among employers that
Negro women' workers were receiving governmental allotments from
male relatives in the Army in large numbers and were taking advantage of this money to refuse to engage in any useful occupation.
The committee made a careful State-wide investigation of the facts
and found that the rumor was groundless. Wide publicity was
•given to the actual facts of the patriotic work being done by colored
women throughout the State, and this served to allay feeling and
friction.
Following is a summary of the other work carried out by the committee:
1. Educational campaigns were carried out in the 26 counties,
in various cities of the State, at mass meetings and at the regular
gatherings of Negro churches, lodges, and other organizations .to




19S9°-20---.5

'66 -

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAIL

inform Negro workers of the necessity of steady and reliable senile()
to keep up production for winning the war, to promote prosperity,
and to improve the relations between the races.
2. Cooperation was given to the United States Employment Service in the securing and placement of thousands of Negro workers and
in the 'placement of returning soldiers.
.8. Misunderstandings were adjusted through advisory conferences
.of employers and employees and county officials. This work was
carried on in the case of both individual workers and employers as
well as organizations, and in this way the stoppage of work was prevented.
4. By conferences with State and county officials and cooperation
-with the State council of defense, local officials were induced to use
the good offices of the Negro workers' advisory committees in persuading Negro workers to work steadily and with enthusiasm. This
method was found more effective than the application of compulsory
labor regulations advocated by many.
5. Working conditions were improved in many plants voluntarily
by employers after conferences and suggestions either from the
Supervisor of Negro Economics or from paembers of the advisots,
committees. In most cases these conferences were sought in !the
first instance by the employers.
6. The health conditions of Negro workers were improved through
the advice to both employers and workers on methods of protecting
their health. Advertising material and literature along these lines
were given out.
7. Besides the cooperation of the State council of defense and the
governor of the State, as shown by the preceding correspondence,
the following organizations and agencies gave full support to the
work in the State: State Agricultural and Mechanical College for
Negroes; State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs; local organizations of the Negro National Business League; local lodges; and
churches of the several denominations.
GEORGIA.

On August 9, 1918, a conference of about 75 representative ,colered
men met in Atlanta, Ga.,in response to an official invitation issuedby
Hon. Hugh M. Dorsey, governor of the State, that they assemble to
confer with representatives of the Department of Labor and of the
State commission of labor on matters relating to Negro labor. After
an all-day session, Judge Price Gilbert, of the Supreme Court and
of the State council of defense, met the conference representing the
governor and the council of defense. In the course of an interesting
all-day session going over the situation of the State and the plans.of
the Department of Labor, the conference recommended and adopted
an outline of an organization of the State, county, and city Negro
workers' advisory committees along lines of those set up in other
States. The report adopted by the special committee contained
the following recommendations:
We, your committee on plans and work, beg leave to render the following report:
First, we recommend that a chairman be designated for each county by this.body
and that said chairman appoint a committee of nine from different sections of void
•county to work with him in coordinating the work of his county.




THE NEGPv0 AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

67

Second,that a series of public meetings be held in prominent places,such as churches,
lodge rooms, etc., in said counties, under the supervision of said committees and 024
:said committees be requested to invite some of the leading white citizens of their
-respective conimunities to participate in said meetings.
Third, we recommend plans for labor demonstrations and parades to be made for
January 1, 1919.
Fourth, that said county committee get in touch with a 'number of open minded,
!patriotic white citizens in their respective communities to the end that through them
ithe general public may be informed about the doings of the State Negro workers,
:advisory committee.
Fifth, as a means of recruiting labor in the various communities in our State, We
mecommend (1) that laborers be guaranteed protection as citizens; (2) that bette r
A:lousing and sanitation conditions be provided;(3)ample school facilities with qoxo,pe gtent and well-paid teachers;(4) pay commensurate with services rendered for laborers ;
(5) better transportation and equal accommodations on ,the railroads; in short, mak e
!labor satisfied and labor will remain.
Respectf ully,
9. B. BU.RNEY
E. P. JOHNSON,
H. R. BUTLER,
H. A. RucKER,
J. Q. GASSET,
J. P. DAVIS,
LONDIE A.NDREWS.
E. J. TURNER,
C. E. WiLmAnte.

After the meeting of the State Conference of Georgia, Prof. H. A .
THunt, principal of the Fort Valley High and Industrial School, was
i,ppointed as supervisor of Negro economics of the State. Associated
-with him as examiner in the United States Employment Service f or
ractivity over the State was Mr. Rufus P. Bennett, who assisted th e
Federal Director of the United States Employment Service and
Prof. Hunt in many of the difficult problems relating mainly to
agricultural labor in this large State.




THAPTER X.
REPORT OF WORK IN ILLINOIS.
In the early development of the plans of the department for the
Division of Negro Economics it seemed feasible that one man should
advise on policies and plans for one district comprising Michigan and
Illinois. As the work developed this district was divided into the
two States, Michigan and Illinois.
At the beginning in June, 1918, Mr. Forrester B. Washington, of
Detroit, Mich., was appointed as supervisor of Negro economics in
-the district comprising Michigan and Illinois. It had been estimated
by the department that about 30,000 Negro migrants had moved into
Detroit and that probably 50,000 had come into the Chicago district
within the period during 1917 and 1918. Mr. Washington, trained
at Tufts College, Columbia University, and the New York School of
Philanthropy, had had three years' experience and unusual success as
executive secretary of the Detroit Urban League in cooperation with
the Employers' Association of Detroit in handling the industrial problems growing out of the influx of the thousands of Negro newcomers.
During July and August, he very successfully dealt with these
problems of his district, which centered mainly at'Detroit and Chicago. About September 1, Michigan and Illinois were made separate districts and Mr. Washington was transferred to Chicago and
began the intensive development of the work in Illinois. He began
with a study of the communities of the State where large numbers of
Negroes resided and arranged for a State conference, which was held
_Monday, September 30, 1918, at Springfield, in the old historic Sangamon County courthouse, so well known in relation to the revered
memory of Abraham Lincoln. Delegates.representing Negro workers, white employers, and white workers were present from 14 points
in the State. They spent a day in discussing general conditions and
.adopted the form of organization of a State advisory committeo with
local committes. In the weeks that followed the conference, Negro
workers' advisory committees were formed in 17 counties and 9 cities
throughout the State to deal with the many delicate and difficult
labor problems. Some of the results of the activity under the supervision of Mr. Washington are outlined in the following pages.
During sessions of the conference several committees were appointed and made reports, among them the committee on general
conditions, which gave such a concrete review of the relationships
between Negro workers and white workers and white employers that
a greater part of the report is included as follows:
We, your committee on general conditions as to labor and general war work relating
to Negroes in the State of Illinois, be leave to submit the following report:
First. We find that the city of Chicago is the greatest center of Negro influx
on
account of the conditions produced by the war of any community
in the State of
Illinois; and that the -cities of East St. Louis, Cairo, Springfield, and
Peoria follow
in their order. The city of Decatur does not have the same
condition as does the
cities above named, neither does the city of Danville, nor Quincy,
as they are gov.
.68




11

'THE -NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

69

.erned in some degree by local conditions which have to do with only their own particular vicinities.
We find that in the mining districts in southern Illinois, composing the counties of
'St. Clair, Perry, Jackson, Franklin, and Williamson and adjacent counties, the con.ditions of the colored miners as to housing and economic conditions are on par with
-those of the white miners. In fact, all mining districts of the State are guided by the
minets' union,and the purpose of the leaders of the miners, and of the mine owners as
well in those districts, seems to have been directed to the task of winning the war by
ding and giving effective service and every effort has been lent to neutralizing the
.opposing forces that both white and colored workers may understand and help each
!other and in this way work for a common purpose.
OTHER LABOR.
In Chicago, at the stockyards, we find that conditions are much improved and
lbetter relations created by organization. The colored men and workers and the
white brother in toil have been brought together.
In the other parts of Illinois we find that the Negro as a laborer is not understood.
The white men have been led to believe that the Negro was his common industrial
!enemy and as a result some very grave disturbances have taken place, such as the
.reccnt one at East St. Louis.
In many instances ill feelings have resulted in the employers suffering from short:ages of effective workers and the propagandists of German connection have, no doubt,
:seized upon this spirit of unrest to further their wicked ends and many instances of
.this spirit have fallen within the knowledge of some of the members of your committee.
Some employers have misunderstood,in that they had been led to believe that Negroes
- were not faithful nor yet effective workers, but that notion has been pushed into the
.discard and now, thanks to the work of the Department of Labor and the leaders of
the various organizations having these matters at heart, Negroes are entering all the
:avenues of endeavor.
Some of the cities above mentioned are not cursed with the bad conditions above
!complained of. We are pleased to refer to the city of Decatur as a city where the best
,if relations exist between white and colored people and in the large factories of that
rcity. They work side by side in harmony, and general helpfulness results from that
.condition.
In the capital city of Illinois (Springfield) for many years colored workers have ribt
ibeen given employment in many of the factories; but, owing to conditions brought
:about by the war, a sign of betterment is seen. Now some of the steam laundries are
finding colored workers a decided success. A watch factory has increased its quota of
.colored workers, but we find that in many of the factories the closed door stands between the colored worker and employment. Your committee is driven to the conclusion that in many instances the lack of efficiency on the part of the workers who
:apply, the lack of attention to duty, the lack of thrift and energetic effort is proving
/he undoing of the colored workers.
RKSUHR.
We recommend that steps be taken to educate both the colored and white toiler to
the fact that the interest of both the white and colored toiler and of their employers
as well is finally centralized only in the finished products of their toil when it is ready
for the markets of the world. We further recommend that an effort be made to bring
/he Negro workers of the country into a closer relationship with the employers of
labor of the State of Illinois and at the same time with the various labor organizations
of this State in order that the interests of all parties, namely, white workers, colored
workers, and employers of labor, and the trade-union as a medium of conciliation and
arbitration, may all be conserved, remembering at all times that the supreme add
.centralizing efforts of every American citizen should be, and is, winning the war.
Respectfully submitted by your committee.
GEO. W. FORD, Chairman.
HUGH SINGLETON.
J. B. 0813Y.
GEO. W. BUCKNER.
A. K. FOOTE.
OHAS. S. GIBBS.




`VP "

THE NEGRO AT WORK DIMINO THE WORLD WAR.

The situation in southwestern Illinois, particularly the East St.
Louis situation, was so vital with the whole question of Negro labor
and war production in this territory that the department soon found
it necessary to have the supervisor of Negro economics give attention
to St. Louis and to territory in the State of Missouri in further work
to adjust relations of Negro workers and white workers. Accordingly,
at the request of the Federal director for Missouri of the United States
Employment Service, the department called a conference of Negro
workers, white employers, and white workers, which was held at St.
Louis, Mo., December 18, 1918. An interesting incident in connection with this conference was that it was held in the Poro Building,
a new structure just completed by a Negro corporation of unusgal
success. The conference was attended by select delegates "from
-about 12 centers throughout the State and its significance is shown
by the program of work attached.
CONFERENCE ON PROBLEMS OF NEGRO
PROGRAM OF WORK ADOPTED BY THE MISSOURI
LABOR, DECEMBER 18, 1918.

1. Race relations.
a. This committee should take steps to get white and colored labor together,ip
order to better understand the ideals and ambitions of each.
1. Negro labor leaders shall be urged to teach their people that their
interests are common with those of white labor.
2. White labor leaders shall be urged to teach their people that their
interests are common with those of colored labor and also instruct
them regarding the high standard of living of Negroes.
2. Release of Negro labor.
a. Steps should be taken to prevent wholesale discharge of Negroes in order not
to cause race friction.
committee to
1. Visits should be made by representatives of the localwholesale.
factories where they seem to be discharging Negroes
2. Visits should be made by repres?ntatives of the committee to factories
where large numbers of Negroes are employed, urging that the latter
be discharged only in the same proportion and for the same reason that
employees of other races are discharged.
3. Housing.
soldiers.
a. This committee should make plans to house returning colored in
the various
1. By establishing a room registry for colored soldiers
communities.
2. The Government shall be urged to grant land to those returning colored
soldiers who desire to settle in the agricultural districts.
b. The local committee will urge employers that they provide their colored
employees with housing that is sanitary.
4. Make plans to create openings for Negroes.
a. By investigating every public construction program and ascertaining whether
or not Negroes are to be used.
b. By encouraging Negroes to go into business for themselves.
Z. Distribution of labor.
a. Prevent unequal distribution of Negroes through exchange of information re
shortage or surplus of colored labor by committeemen from various localities.
b. Cooperate with the nearest United States Employment Service office.
. Act as agency representing the Negro in soldiers' bureaus—about to be established
by the United States Government.
7. Cooperation of agencies.
This committee shall seek to develop cooperation in the carrying out of its program
from—
a. Labor union.
b. Philanthropic agencies.
c. Churches.
d. Lodges.
, e. Employers' organizations.




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

71

8. Education.
a. Negro.
1. Shop talks on efficiency. '
Lectures in colored churches and fraternal organizations on efficiency.
'3. Neighborhood visits on better living.
4. Special attention shall be paid to the encouragement of thrift.
.b. White employer.
1. Employers should be furnished with information re Negro's efficiency.

It may be added that local committees were set up in this State in
(only four places, as the restriction of activities developed in this
edirection commenced a few weeks after this conference. it should be
_added, however, that Missouri offers in many places one of the most
important fields where Negro labor may be more efficient and where
-there is a necessity for developing better understanding between
white workers, white employers, and Negro workers. A large part
(of the unskilled labor in the industrial districts in St. Louis and some
mining and coal districts make this matter of interest to all, both
(employees and employers in this city.
The supervisor of Negro ecomomics for Illinois, following the State
(conference at Springfield, quickly lined up his work with the private
maencies and organizations in various parts of the State. Cotise(quently each city and county Negro workers' advisory committee
was able to bring to its assistance the cooperation of many white and
(colored citizens; so that.despite subsequent racial disturbances in Chi(cago it may justly be said that much friction, both in Chicago and
(elsewhere, was removed by this cordial effort of advisory committees
:and local organizations. In fact, in three places—one of them East
;St. Louis—acute racial situations were met and adjusted through
this means. One of the first pieces of work was to ascertain the
firms employing colored workers, so as to give some substantial idea
.of the extent to which they were employed. The list included some
.of the largest firms in Illinois, the number of firms in each locality
.being as follows:
Abingdon
Alton
Aurora. .
Batavia.
iBloomington
'Cairo
**Canton

'Herrin

'Chicago.
,fChicago Heights
-Danville
Decatur
Dixon
East Moline
East St. Louis.
Freeport.
*Granite City
St. Louis
Hammond
Harvey
West Harvey.

1
2
2
1
I
6
1

Hoopston
Indiana Harbor
Nladison
Moline
Morris.

89
5
2
1
1
2
12
4
3
2
1
6
1

Peoria
Quincy
Rochelle
Rock Island
Rockford
Rockdale
Granite City
East St. Louis.
Springfield
Sycamore.
Waukegan
North Chicago

Murphysboro
Onarga
1 Paris

1
1

1

4
11

1
1
1
6
4
1
3
8
1
1
1
1
2

1

The tables and discussion found elsewhere—giving experience of
Negro workers in industrial plants, showing wages, conditions, aid
cother_pertinent facts—include some of these firms in Illinois.




•

72

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

Of particular Significance was the work in Illinois of assisting in the
placement in civilian occupations the returning Negro soldiers and
sailors. General cooperation in Illinois in the matter of caring for
these returning men was well organized. Such organizations as the
Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A. the Knights of Columbus, the Jewish
Wetfare Board, the Chicago Urban League, and many other agencies
cooperated effectively and closely with the United States Employment Service, the supervisor of Negro economics, and the State
employment office. The State employment service and the United
States Employment Service, immediately following the signing of the
armistice, adopted the plans of the Federal service for meeting needs
of the returning soldiers by the establishment of placement bureaus
with the cooperation of private organizations, some of which are
named above. In addition to the returning soldiers, many workers
had been released from war industries. This complicated the war
situation in Chicago and other points in Illinois in the months following the signing of the armistice, and required the most delicate
handling in the most sympathetic manner. With the hearty cooperation of the Washington office the plans went forward rapidly, and
the work was undertaken in the placement of the 10,000 Negro
soldiers who returned to Chicago. In addition to the central office,
a special bureau was opened on the South Side of Chicago, in the
main district containing large numbers of Negro residents in professions and profitable enterprises.
In conducting this special office, however, no restriction was made
limiting it to the use of colored soldiers. Its sole purpose was to put
the placement facilities within the easiest reach of those whom it was
designed to serve. An appeal letter signed by a central committee
representing a number of welfare agencies and the Federal Government was sent to over 5,000 employers in Chicago urgin&especially
that they give attention to employment of members of the Eighth Ilhnois Regiment just returned from service overseas. This letter was
approved by the State Advisory Board of the Employment Service,
the executive committee of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Bureau, and the
Federal director, United States Employment Service. In addition, a
sort of flying squadron of returning soldiers in uniform was sent
throughout the city to solicit opportunities for these men. TLe success of this effort as a part of the general response may be judged from
the fact that, although there was rather an acute unemployment
situation in Chicago at the time, it was not many weeks before the
situation had been cleared up and the supervisor reported that it was
possible to say that a job could be found for every man that really
wanted work. As an example of the activities in the placement of
returning Negro soldiers, the following figures for one week are given:
Attendance, 468; registrations, 198; help wanted, 152; referred, 156.;
reported placed, 114; transferred, 26.
Although the following figures were included in the report of the
United States Employment Service the following report of the South
Side office during the month of May, 1918, is given, as it had more
placements than any other office in Chicago for that month:
Men.—Attendance, 1,430; registration, 795; help wanted, 824;
referred, 637; reported placed, 570; transferred, 3.
In all this work special mention should be made of the assistance
given by private organizations, especially the Chicago Urban Leagub,




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

13

Which maintained an employment office in cooperation with the
,United States Employment Service and the State employment service
throughout the peria_ of the United States Employment Service work
in the city of Chicago.
One of the special forms of the work in Illinois was to assist in the
iimprovement of depressing housing conditions in the State. When
the plans of the United States Homes Registration Service had devel.oped to the point that a field worker was needed in this territory, the
tsupervisor of Negro economics canvassed urban localities in Illinois,
AChicago, East St. Louis, Springfield, Quincy, Alton, Cairo, Peoria,
.Bloomington, Centralia, Decatur, Danville, Jacksonville, and Monmouth were covered by the Negro workers'aadvisory committees at
'each point. Through the assistance of these committees, the field
:agent of the Homes Registration Service and the Illinois supervisor
Negro economics formulated plans for a campaign on housing.
• These plans suffered curtailment due to a change in plans of the housling bureau.
As a means of developing stability of labor and thrift among
Negro workers, a study was made of cooperative store enterprises, and the laws governing same. Thereafter plans of organization were entitled giving details as to incorporation,stock values,share
:and loan of capital, stock holders' meetings, duties of boards of directors, management,buying of goods, bookkeeping auditing of accounts,
..dividends and surplus earnings, and similar details. The results of
this study were issued in mimeographed form and put into the hands of
• Negro workers' advisory committeemen for State-wide distribution.
:So valuable does this outline seem that it is_given in full as follows:
116 NORTH DEARBORN STREET,
Chicago, Ill., June 17, 1919.
f[From the supervisor of Negro economics in Illinois to the Negro Workers Advisory Committee on the
subject of cooperative stores.]
One of the lines along which the Director of Negro Economics is laying great ern-phasis is that of the development of business enterprises among our people. Because
.of the small number of Negroes who handle any large amount of capital the most successful business enterprises among colored people must necessarily be cooperative.
lam sending you to-day a brief outline of the method of starting and carrying one
*cooperative store.
Cooperative stores have been very successful in a great many places in this country
sand enormously successful in Europe.
Already a cooperative store conducted by Negroes is on foot in Illinois. It is being
promoted by the members of Butcher Workmen's Local 651 of Chicago.
It seems to me that there are enough colored people in your community to support
'such a store.
Too much ot the money that is being earned by the colored group at present remains
in their hands only for a short time; then goes to the hands of others, usually foreign
born of short residence in this country.
A cooperative store planned and carried on by Negroes will mean that a large portion
f the money earned by Negroes will be kept within the group.
Further information can be obtained by writing to the Supervisor of Negro Economics in Illinois or to the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C., for Bulletin
-394 on cooperative stores, price 10 cents, or to Mr. Duncan McDonald, secretarytreasurer, Central States Cooperative Society, Springfield, Ill., who has issued some
xvery interesting pamphlets on this subject at a small cost of not over 5 cents.
•Very truly, yours,
FORESTER B. WASHINGTON,
Supervisor of Negro Economies in Illinois.




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

"74

HOW TO ESTABLISH AND CONDUCT A COOPERATIVE STORE.
Row to start.—A store should not be started unless at least 100 members can be
gsecunill.
11 sufficient interest is displayed, call a meeting to select a committee of five or seven
to solicit subscribers, but accept no money until you have amount pledged sufficient
to insure success.
Amount and value of stock.—According to the laws of Illinois no person can own and
control more than five shares of the capital stock of such association. The shares of
a share.
satock shall be not less than five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars
M account of the prevailing high prices, it has been found advisable to make the
:sliares•cif stock not less than $10 a share. Not less than 50 per cent of the amount subectibed should be paid in at the time the organization of the store is completed.
Details.—As soon as a sufficient amount has been subscribed (not less than $2,500)
.calla meeting of a Iltthe subscribers and have them elect a board of directors for different periods of time, so that at least some will hold over. Do not elect anyone simply
because he is a good fellow. Require whoever handles the funds to furnish a good
bond.
No member should be allowed more than one vote, no matter what his shares dr
purchases.
Share and loan capital.—If a sufficient amount of share capital is not purchased,II
store may secure loan capital from members interested in the success of the institution,
whose share capital is paid in full, or the accumulated profits or earnings, usually called
ofkividends to help finance the store after the share capital subscribed if fully paid.
Meeting of stockholders.—A meeting of stockholders should be held every three
months. Special meetings may be called by the board of directors or by petition of
the members.
Duties of board of directors.—The board of directors should meet once a week, pans
upon and pay all bills, if correct, receive the report of the manager, and transact
euch other business that comes within their scope.
Location.—A good location is essential to success. A good building, not necessarily
large, but in a good location, is much to be preferred, even at a higher rental.
Business management.—Stores should be conducted on a cash basis. Extending
credit will ruin a store and the necessity of cash business should be impressed on the
minds of all members.
an
Managers.—Next to the loyalty of the members, a good competent manager,
is not neceshonest man,is the most important asset to a store. A technical education
given a
sary, but a knowledge of business cooperation is. The manager should beturn
over
great deal of discretion in the general supervision of the store. He should
to the treasurer or other authorized officer, at the close of each day's business, the
day's receipts and a statement showing the amount of business for that day.
Employees.—So far as possible no immediate relative of the manager or a member
of the board of directors should be employed in any capacity, as it creates jealousy
and bad feeling.
work.
Managers and clerks should be paid good wages as an incentive to do goodimmense
an
Buying a stock of goods.—Do not allow anyone to load your store up with
shopworn and
stock of goods that can not be turned over readily, as they will become
turned over as often as possible,
have to be sold later on at a loss. Goods should be making
money. All bills should
as the turnover is an essentially important feature in
be cut and no manbe discounted and paid promptly. By no means should prices do
so invites trouble
ager should be allowed to undersell the surrounding stores. To
not only with your competitors, but wholesale houses as well.
Bookkeeping—Lack of a good bookkeeping system has been the rock upon which
•
• many a cooperative store has been wrecked.
Banking.—All money taken in should be banked every day except the small amount
should be
bought
goods
All
business.
that is kept on hand to take care of the cash
bank.
paid for by check. Care should be exercised not to have an overdraft at the
Incorporatoin.—All stores should incorporate as a matter of protection.
Auditing accounts.—One of the most important features of a successful cooperative
of every store should
enterprise is a correct auditing system. The books and accounts
expert
be audited very carefully every three months, and wherever possible by an
accountant.
Dividends.—Dividends in a cooperative store are paid, not on the investment as in
:
a privately owned concern, but on the amount of purchases made by the shareholder
At quarterly or semiannual periods, as may be determined on, a complete invoice
should be taken, the profits ascertained, and after setting aside a substantial amount
for a reserve fund (anywhere from 25 to 50 per cent of the profits) the balance should




WAR.
-75
DURING THE WORLD
THE NEGRO AT WORK
period, or credited to them
basis of purchases during the
.be paid in dividends on the
is merely the accumulated
on their account,
m "dividends" as herein used
ons
Surplus earnings.—The ter of each member, which the society is under obligati
ings
from dividends
d
ishe
ingu
dist
be
savings or the surplus earnat
ld
shou
a future date and
the future the cooperative
to repay to the individual
ercial transaction and in
of "dividends."
ead
inst
.sa applied in the usual comm
"
ings
earn
term "surplus
establishment and mainthe
ng
erni
imovement should use the
conc
ion
ther informat
ro
Further information.—Fures can be obtained by writing to the Supervisor of Neg
or to the Department of
ago,
Chic
et,
tenance of cooperative stor
Stre
born
Dear
116 North
erative Stores, pnce 10 cents,
Economics for Illinoison,
D. C., for Bulletin 394 on Coop
ety,
Agriculture, Washingt ld, secretary-treasurer, Central States Cooperative Socipric
e
or to Duncan McDonahas issued a very interesting pamphlet on the subject,
s
e Street, Chicago, has launched.
Springfield, Ill„ who
Stat
4300
651,
l
Loca
n's
cents Butcher Workmecolored officers. They would be glad to give you the benefit
cooperative store with all
of their experiences.
the State, the depart-

ber of activities in
ious localities
Although there were a num
as to racial feeling in var
ed
orm
inf
ment was kept fully ing the Chicago riots in July, 1919, regular
concerning
In the State. Preced
ed through official channelsattention of
information had been receiv
the
to
The riots brought sharply
had long
existing conditions. rac
ial situation, the intensity of which
te
acu
an
y
re.hatl
the
y
the countr
Jul
to
or
Pri
.
rict
g in this dist
State
the
and
Imen observed as developin
es
one or two Illinois localiti
been sporadic clashes inly reported these outbursts. The Chicago
.'supervisor had officialan outcome of this disturbance, gives strong
'Race Commission, as uctive effort for preventing such difficulties
promise of some constr
in Illinois as
an the future.
the activities and results
We may, then, summarize
exehange
and Missouri resulting in

te conferences in Illinois esentatives of Negro workers, white
1. Conferences.—Sta
rstanding between repr
unde
er
bett
e, and the adoption
and
s
fact
of
es
m a number of localities in the Stat

s fro
activiti
means of which definite
-workers and white employer
and program of work by acti
er underbett
in
lted
resu
es
viti
.of a plan of organization
ut the territory. These e three labor interests.
-were undertaken througho
thes
nt of relations between r conditions.—Surveys were made of
standing and adjustme
ion on Negro labo
oximately over 50 per
2. (a) Surveys and informat
e Negroes, showing that appr
mor
or
50
ing
remaining 50 per cent
The
.
help
:500 firms employ
ro
Neg
g
n for retainin
the period of activity
ng
duri
en
'cent reported their intentio
irm
cha
14
reports from
of jobsfor Negroes,
city
scar
ing
-were noncommittal; (b) The
grow
d
a
1, 1919, indicate
in Illinois. June, 1918, to July
ted
acute in Chicago.
counsel were given to the Uni
-with conditions most men
ts.—Constant advice and
ice, and assistance was
serv
t
men
loy
3. Board of manage
emp
e
Stat
the
ches.
ice and
States Employment Servagement of the Soldiers and Sailors' Bureau and its bran
purpose
!given to the board of maneen articles in daily newspapers of Illinois for the
articles
4. Publicity.—(a) Fift and employment of Negro workers; (b) 14 special
ussions of
disc
ne
in
azi
rest
mag
inte
ing
(d)
;
ulat
ings
stim
of
s in public meet
for Negro press; (c) 10 addresse
ng colored women. ds of placements shown in work of
unemployment situation amo
m the usual hundre red for Iiipecially qualified Negroes.
5. Placements.—Besides fro
e secu
ial opportunities wericul
ty in such instances.
offices, a number of spec
diff
l
usua
phone in
the
of
t
oun
acc
tions of firms over the tele
'These are cited on
cita
soli
thousand
ers to Chicago employlett
al
appe
6. Volunteer work.—(a) One
0
5,00
(b)
ing
colored soldiers;
tion and direction of "fly
the interest of returningChic
ago employers; (c) organiza
.
ades
comr
ers, 3 personal visits to
for
s
tion
posi
intcit
appo
soldiers to soli
d of management; (b)
squadron" of returned sold
on
iers.—(a) Formation of boar
17,000 Chicago employees
of
l
7. Returning colored
tota
a
to
s
esse
addr
p
sho
(c)
r;
cito
soli
ial
spec
ment of
lving
g soldiers.
ial investigations invo
lair play in jobs for returnin
strittl oppor(a) There were three spec
indu
ns.—
atio
of
stig
n
inve
atio
stig
ial
inve
Spec
8.
discrimination matters; (b)
unions,race relations,andStates, especially the southern Status.
r
othe
in
red
offe
ties
4uni




16

THE NEGRO AT WO
RK DURING THE WOR
LD WAR.
9. Special conferences.—(a)
President Chicago Federati
lic works in Chicago;
on of Labor; (b)
executive committee (c) State Advisory Board, United States Departmenmen of pubSold
t of Labor,
iers
' Bureau, Assistant Fed
'Employment Service,
erintendent Soldiers and eral Director United States
'board of management, sup
Sailors' Bureau, chairman
representatives of chur
of
ches
10. Cooperation.—Coo
tion was had through , lodges, women's organizations.
-and through local Negropera
the
supe
rvisor of Negro economics
work
ers'
advi
sory
committees with the foll
tions: Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C.
owing organizaA., Chicago Urban'Lea
en's Clubs, National Associat
gue, Federati
ion
for
the
Advancement of Coloredon of Colored WomFederation of Labor, Chambe
People, American
rs of Commerce, mayor
of Cairo, aldermen of
*3uperintendent of publ
ic
Chicago,
oaf Jacksonville, and manyschools, Springfield; city attorney of Cairo, Stat
other organizations and publ
e auditor
ic officials..
Miscellaneous.—(a) Addres
ses to colored workers in indu
sizing regularity, punctual
strial plants,
lege women; (c) opportun ity, and efficiency, etc.; (b) opportunities for colo emphared colitie
s
for
colo
red
women in domestic work; (d)
AT homes registration serv
establishment
ice.




CHAPTER XII.
REPORT OF WORK IN MIC
HIGAN.
Detroit, of course, is the great
industrial center of Michigan, and
to this point alone it was
between 25,000 and 30,000estimated that in the two years 1916-17
further estimated that the Negro migrants came. The department
Alabama, Georgia, Florid se Detroit migrants came mainly from
and Tennessee. Reasonabl
of migrants in accordancea,
e proportion
wit
'distributed among other Mic h the calls of industry were, of course,
hig
an
industrial cities, such as
mazoo Benton Harbor, Flin
Kalat, Grand Rapids, Saginaw,
and other cities of equal or less
Port Huron,
er
imp
ortance in the indu
of Michigan. The. automobil
al fabric
e industry made Detroit, stri
the most important point of
necessarily,
dest
inat
ion
for the Negro migrants.
The United States census rec
orded 5,741 Negro inhabi
Detroit in 1910, while conservat
tants df
ive estimates at the clos
period placed the number at 35,
e of the war
000
.
Such an increase in
and correspondingly in other Mic
Detroit
higan cities created farproblems of economics and
reaching
mad
e
the
State of Michigan
one where prompt endeav
ntially
or on the part of the Departmentesse
ought to be made.
of Labor
The
Neg
ro
resi
dent
ial district of Det t had
become crowded, and as
the Negro population spread itroi
.difficult to secure houses
the various localities. Naturallybecame
there came a tendency towin
, then,
ard
ing sharp division betwee neighborhood segregatipn and a resultThese conditions called for n newcomers and the older residents.
consideration and sympathy on
of every agency, public or
the part
priv
The pressing need of Michig ate, and in the mind of every person.
an
ente
rpri
ses for laborers caused her
industrial captains to mak ther
etofore unheard-of wage cond
Aside from the Negro laboe
itions.
rer, thousands of workmen fro
parts of the country and fro
m all other
m
Eur
opean cities soon found loca
in Michigan. Therefore
tion
supervise and handle, coo the department sent a Negro expert to
per
ati
vely, the many problems growin
of the presence of an unu
g out
semiskilled, and unskilled.sual number of Negro workers—skilled,
It seems pertinent to make
a brief mention of some of the
which were functioning in eco
nomic and civic matters M agencies
cities prior to the establish
Michigan
men
t
The Michigan State labor dep of the Division of Negro Economics.
artment has always been wel
ized and had been giv
its usual attention to purely local l organThe United States Emping
loyment Service of the Department matters.
had been well established
of Labor
its power and capability to in Michigan, and was growing rapidly in
tak
promoting the welfare of wor e the proper initiative M fostering and
kers whenever such workers
the supervision of the Gov
e under
ernment, particularly in regard cam
labor program which includ
to
the
war1, 1918, the recruiting anded, in certain instances, beginning August
placing of large numbers of wor
kers.
77




78

THE NEGRO AT
WORK DURING
THE WORLD WA
R.

No arrangemen
had been made
Employment Sets
ice for handling ,thhowever, by the United States
out of the presrv
ce of 30,000 or moe unusual problems which grew
the private agenen
re Negro newc
cies which had
Detroit district th
been doing laudabomers. Among
er
e
ma
which had been succes y be mentioned the Detroi le work in the
t Urban League,
sfully active an
problems of Negro
d competent in ha
bor. In this conn
some early experienla
ec
tion it is interest ndling the
ce which the Detr
oit Urban League ing to nob('
had.
Number of male andfe
male worker
office and the Detroi s requested by employers through
the
t Urban League Ju
ly 2 to Dec. 23, 19joint employment
17

Laborers
Laborers (outsi
Truckers (automde)
obile)
Janitors
Molders
Machinists (uns
Porters (unspecipecified)
Laborers' helperfied)
s
Yardmen
Kitchen men and di
shwashers
Furnace tenders
Mechanics
Core makers
Housemen and bel
l boys
Chauffeurs and cran
kmen
Elevator men
Coal passers (laborers
)

MALE.

846
778
336
225
160
109
102
69
67
54
70
48
45
28
10
26
24

Metal carriers
Tool makers
Repair vacuum cl
eaners
Riveters
Metal (unspecifi
ed)
Cutters (unspecifi
ed)
Watchmen
Assembly men (a
Assembly men' utomobile)
Farm (unspecifis helpers
ed)
Block testers
Pipe layers
Rivet buckers
Paper hangers
Miscellaneous (unspe
cified)
Total

16
15
14
...
8
7
6
6
5
26
3
'2
2
2
2
2,431

5,542
FEMALE-.
Laundry (day)
Maids
123 Factory (cig
ar)
Factory (garment
45 Cook
18
)
Dishwashers
32 Office
15
General housewor
24
Mi
sc
ellaneous
2
Ushers (theater) k
25
14
19
Total
.Number of Negro wo
317
rkmen employed
on Apr. 27, 1917, by
firms with which
League had touch.
Det
roi
t
Ur
ba
n
Packard Motor
r Co.(May 18)...
Buhl Malleable Ca
1, 100 Detroit Pr
Ir
on
Co
es
se
d
Ste
Ford Motor Car
el Co
280 Hudson Mo
50
tor Car Co
Continental MotoCo
200 Detroit Stov
50
e
Wo
rk
Aluminum Castinr Car Co
s
20
0
Pa
ig
De
e troit Motor Ca
27
Michigan Steel gs Co
r
Co
15
0
Sa
xo
Ca
n
Mo
st
20
to
!..Iichigan Copper ings Co
170 Hupp Moto r Car Co
(3,-. Brum Co
20
r Car Co
Michigan Centra
12
5
De
l
tr
oi
Ra
20
t
Se
ilroad Co
amless Tubes Co
Mionigali Mallea
100 Monarch Fo
20
General Alu.ninuible Iron Co
100 Michigan Smundry
r..
15
at
Br
elting & Refining
ass Co
Chalmers iviotor
65
Co. 100
Car Co
62
Total
These data were
2,874
compiled

early in 1917 and
cate the increase
erefore do not indi
at the ciimax ofand pressing demand for Negrth
o
la
th
bor which existede
wa
r period. They
luemand began to
sh
ow
,
ho
gr
wever, how the
ow and how e in
in larger number
clusion of the Ne
s than ever befoth
ro
in the great indu
re
,
se
cu
red his economic stworker,
stry of Michigan.
anding

I Reprinted from
"Negro Newcomers
Rome Missio
ns Council,
New York City.of Detroit, Mich.," by George E.
Haynes, Ph. D.,




published by

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

79

Such well-organized machinery for handling economic problems
as was found in Michigan,lightened the plans of the department and
called for a slightly different program from that which was to be followed in other States.
Forrester B. Washington, who, as is observed in the Illinois report,
had been first appointed by the department as supervisor of Negro
economics for Michigan, later, in June, 1918, began work, with
headquarters at Detroit. Mr. Washington had been executive
secretary of the Detroit Urban League and had handled personally
more than 8,000 Negro workers during his earlier work in Detroit.
In the following months of July, August, and September Mr. Washington formulated the early plans for the work of the Division of
Negro Economics in Michigan. He made a number of surveys of labor
in Michigan cities and, under the immediate supervision of the
United States Employment Service, gave specific advice with regard
to, and handled personally, a great number of Negro labor problems,
particularly in the matter of recruiting. The early Michigan plans
called for Negro workers advisory committee formations in the
industrial district with a supervising State committee of white and
colored persons.
Consequently the Michigan program was well formulated when, on
October 1, 1918, Mr. Washington was transferred to Illinois, being
succeeded in Michigan by Dr. William Jennifer,formerly special agent
and examiner under the United States Employment Service with
official station at Washington, D. C. Dr. Jennifer entered upon the
work with a background of years of experience in matters relating
to Negroes in the United States Bureau of the Census, where be bad
assisted in compiling the bulletin known as Negro Population in the
United States 1790 to 1910. Dr. Jennifer took his post under the
Michigan Federal director in October, taking up the plan as started
by Mr. Washington.
Dr. Jennifer at once continued the seeking out of representatives
of the industrial ranks, professional men, educators, and churchmen
for increased cooperation in Michigan. His itinerary on this mission
included Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Jackson, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo,
Benton Harbor, Niles, Cassopolis, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Bay
City, Flint, Lansing, Port Huron, and Pontiac. Later, similar
itineraries made possible his planning of the State conference for
December 14, 1918. At that conference, which was presided over by
the Federal director of the United States Employment Service, the
committees on organization plans of work, and women's work made
their reports and an open'
discussion, in which all were invited to
take a part, was had regarding the peculiar local problems of Michigan
points. It was interesting to note that several special experiments
were being made in Michigan respecting the efficiency of Negro
women workers. This group of workers—in industry and in personal and domestic service—was of rather large proportions, hence
the committee on women's work at the Michigan conference made a
special report which follows.
EXTRACT OF REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON

WolvigN's WORK.

. Plans devised for changing industries from a war basis to a peace basis, the main
point being to bring about this change without throwing many out of employment.
1. See that the work is the proper sort of work for a woman or girl.




1

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR,

80

2. See that conditions are suitable-(a) From e•lc standpoint.
(b) From the moral standpoint.
3. Standards: Work to secure the following:
a) Eight-hour day.
b) Forty-five minutes luncla hour.
c) Ten minutes rest in th morning and 10 minutes in the afternoon.
d) No work between 10 p.•
e) No sweatshop work.
4. Sanitary conditions (ventilation, lighting, temperature, cleanliness):
(a) Such as affect WaShTOOMB, 1GLICh roonas, lockers, toilets.
mize hazards connected with eSw
5.
(a) Such as result from fumes, dust, chemicals, dampness, and lack GI
proper ventilation.
b) Good environment.
c) Lifting nt
o exceeding 25 pounds.
1•
d) Wages—a living wage.
e) .II. (Conformation to child-labor laws.) (Education-compulsory

1

further promote our plallS, we must have a list of industries in which colored
women are employed:
(a) Investigate to find out cause where only white women are employed and
strive to secure the employment also of colored women where ouch
discrimination exists.
7. Efficiency shouM be striven for in seveml different ways:
(a) Such as number of hours service given weekly.
(b) Quality of service given.
(c) Geniality of temperament, pleasing perf.ionality.
8. See if there be segregation in the r est moms,and in the yrages. If so,seek remedy:
(a) See that in the training schools the colored girl gets the same advantage
as the white girl.
(b) See if there be a chance.for promotion of colored girls in the factory or
work-place under consideration.
(c) Study the class of workers to which we make appeal.
(d) Find out the attitude of the employer and employee each to the other.
Strive for amicable adjustment of differences.
(e) Study how the employer can be best appealed to and reached.
' Sal
accepts this outline as a basis for work and will organize
undersigned
The
to put it into operation in accordance with the needs of the inddual localities.
Mrs. HELEN B. hoax, Temporary Chairman.
Mrs. E. C. HASKELL, Secretary.
MTS. MAUD HENDERSON.
MTS. E• L. JOHNSON.
MTS. MARY E. McCoy.
MTS. A. C. HAYFORD.
MTS. MATTIE O. REED.
MTS. MATTIE L. JOHNSON.
MTS. MTS. LUCY L. BERRY.
MTS. HELEN B. BROWN.
MiSS ETHEL HENSLEY.
MiSS O. L. WILLIAMS.
Mr. JOHN M. RAGLAND.

Inasmuch as there already existed in the Department of Labor a
women's bureau which was handling, on a broad basis, policies
respecting the ideals and accomplishments of women workers, the
plans of this early Negro workers' conference were shaped to include
the needs and conditions of women workers tluoughout the State.
Out of the conference there grew a State Negro Workers' Advisory
Committee, which WU the overhead organization for the following
county and city committees: Bay, Berrien, Genesee, Ingham, Jacktilt as Kent, Muskegon, Oakland, Saginaw, St. Clair,
son,
Washtenaw, Wayne, and Calhoun.




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING
THE WORLD WAR.

81
As illustative of the kind of coop
erat
ion
which the department was
able to secure in Michigan, the inte
rests represented at the conf
and oni the State Negro Worker
erence
Follows:. The Y. W. C. A., the s' Advisory Committee are cited as
Y.
M. C. A., the State Federation
Labor, the State Missionary
o'
merchants and business men Society, union and nonunion labor
,
prof
essi
onal classes, the pres privatc
and social welfare agencies
and governmental agencies. s,
units gave freely, of their infl
All these
and policies for the welfare of uence in the matter of shaping plans
a community of interest indu Negro workers. Where there was such
strial conditions and needs the mat
of racial adjustments wer
te!
e remedied with comparatiin
ve ease, foi
reaching into any plan of soli
tial forces from every unit indarity of such a nature there come potenthe community and State and the
mate successful results may
ultibe
At later dates the Michigan anticipated from the very beginning.
supe
rvisor visited practically every
important point where Negro
State and the various county andlabor was involved throughout the
city committees were given author
ity to carry forward concrete
pla
strikes were investigated. .The ns in labor matters. One or two
usua
l
effo
rts
in
seeking and securing
placements for Negro soldiers
e made.. .Groups of labo
were perhaps on the verge of stnwer
king were visited and conf rers who
and their employers, where prac
erred with,
advice. Congested housing cond ticable, were given departmental
were given such practical attentioitions in Detroit and other cities
n as were possible. Extraordi y
efforts were made in seeking pla
cements at plants for Negro womnar
A number of mass meetings
for creating better sentiment and en.
morale were held at strategic poin
high
telephone inquiries were made ts. In pressing cases of placements,
employment blanks and notices direct with Michigan factories and
were given to men for filling out
filing. On Sundays it was poss
and
ible
notices of unusual interests to colo to have read in Michigan chiirches
In Michigan, as in other Stat red labor.
es, there were found employers
who had not employed colo
red
wor
kmen. Such employers were
visited personally by the supervis
or and were impressed with a stat
ment of the efficiency, conduc
et, and work of many Negro wor
Michigan and elsewhere.
kers in
In all it would be difficul to
tabulate specifically the many
varied steps which were takt en
and
were based upon the complete in Michigan. Such steps, however,
pla
n
of
included the same policies that the Dep the Secretary of Labor and
to carry out in the interests of all artment of Labor was charged
workers of the United Stat
white and colored, male or fem
es,
ale
.
The Federal director of the Uni
ted
Stat
es
Emp
loyment
commented with great favor upo
ice
n the work of Dr. Jennifer Serv
Michigan supervisor of Negro
by
the
economics. (See letter quoted on p. --.)
1989*-20---6,




CHAPTER XII.
REPORT OF WORK IN MISSISSIPPI.
Mississippi, with its great farm land and cotton areas, its tremendously active lumber interests, its thousands of Negro workers who
were performing the greater part of labor in connection with those
industries, offered .many .complex problems for the Department of
Labor in carrying into this.State the work of the Division of Negro
Economics. From the strict standpoint of economics the output
from the above industries had been jeopardized throughout the war
period by the tremendously large migration northward by Negroes
from the agricultural districts of Mississippi. It was difficult to estimate, as has been done in the other Southern States, the exact number of Negroes leaving Mississippi points, for the reason that a great
many of them were drawn from between southern and northern Mississinpi, while many others migrated to Arkansas regions and returned
to Mississippi.
However, of the four to six hundred thousand Negroes who did in
fact come from Southern States to the North during the war it is
safe to say that Mississippi contributed a larger proportion than any
other State in the South. On the part of workers it had long been
alleged that Mississippi wages were low. Sawmill wages were quoted
in 1916 as $1.10 a day, while ordinary hand labor in the agricultural districts, it is said, was paid for at rates as low as 60 and 75 cents a day.
Four dollars a week was said to be a fair wage for domestic and personal service, and even though wages were reported to have increased
during the period 1916-1918 from 10 to 25 per cent, northern industries
drew from Mississippi thousands and thousands of its Negro workers,
male and female. Being an agricultural State, producing cotton,
foodstuffs, and the like, and Negro workers performing the bulk of
labor in connection with agriculture, Mississippi labor shortage soon
became a very serious matter to productivity of this State.
When the United States Employment Service with headquarters
at Meridian, Miss., arranged to supervise the State work of the
Division of Negro Economics, the racial consciousness of Negroes
was so strongly developed and interracial relations became so cordial
that it was possible at once to bring about an immediate cooperation
of State, private, and Federal agencies which was not surpassed by
• that of any other State or locality. The State board of education,
the Mississippi Welfare League, chambers of commerce throughout
the State, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Mississippi Association of Teachers in Colored Schools, the Negro banks,
colleges, and various other private organizations promptly pledged
their full support to the work of Negro economics.
Consequently, following a preliminary trip through Mississippi of
fhe Director of Negro Economics and following a meeting of the
Southern Sociological Congress on July 12, 1918, the service of Negro
economics was established under the immediate supervision of the
82




WORLD WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE

Rev. J. C. Olden, who was'
United States Employment Service, and
Mississippi, was appointee
of
ens
well known and respected by citiz
State. Prior to that tibia.
that
for
s
omic
econ
o
.as supervisor of Negr
es Employment Service.
Stat
ed
Unit
Mr. Olden had been assisting the
and Alabama points in further—
district superintendent in Mississippiice
and in stimulating the senti—
Serv
t
men
ing the aims of the Employ
a result, he had built up a.
As
ment and desires of Negro workers. in the churches and schools.
ly
cular
parti
strong chain of support,
Negro workers' advisoryAmong the early concrete results of the
following:
committee there may be cited the three
of Meridian.
rs
worke
shop
ad
the
railro
1. Cooperation among
Meridian
ction with the "work card" system in
in

2. Discriminatory practices conne
rities and the entire scheme abolished.
;
were brought before the proper authoned
the entire forces of our advisory committees
sitio
tor
requi
direc
al
3. The Feder
tance in the placing of.:
assis
t
direc
of
lity
nsibi
big
respo
the
them
to
and delegated
Negro soldiers.

made possible through the
It is apparent that these results were
er as to his worth as a pro—
earn
wage
o
new consciousness of the Negr ng a higher regard for his employer.
havi
ducing agent and as to his supe
rvisor formulated a publicity program
In November, 1918, the
the State in January, 1919. The
which was furthered throughout
are given below, and it may be
ram
prog
that
of
principal purposes
of Negro workers' advisory com—
-up
line
noted that through the county
h every public and private:
mittees in the State it was possible to reac
public in general:
the
as
well
as
e
school and college in the Stat
tment before
to present the work of the depar
1. Members of advisory committee
cts where no travel is necessary.

ges
all schools in their respective distri
the work before all schools and colle
2. Supervisor Negro economics to presentto
made and specific dates set at thee
be
ments
Allot
ment.
allot
this
in
not covered
.
and
meeting of State committee (December)
to join the ranks and support the work
3. Each school and college will be asked
.
touch with
give a written indorsement of the same
the schools will be kept in constant
4. From time to time (afterwards)perso
.
visits
nal
our work by means of literature andtion will be asked to indorse our program and re—
supervisors..
5. The State department of educa
superintendents and colored
lease copies of their indorsement to all white
assist in allotting
.to
asked
be
will
ls
schoo
6. Assistant State supervisor of Negro
e every
schools to committee members.
be urged to present our work befor
7. Members of the State committee will
us districts.
vario
their
in
ble
possi
ious—
relig
will be
public gathering—fraternal, business,
that believe in the uplift of the Negro
8. All white organizations of influenceevery influence toward its accomplishment.
lend
asked to indorse our program and State will be asked to prepare special sermons,.
9. If possible the ministry of the Sunday in January.
emancipation
bearing on our work, for the secondttee
will be asked to see that in all
10. Members of the State commi
nted.
prese
be
shall
work
our
1
ry
celebrations for Janua

ntal
the record for the depagrtme
As being concretely indicative of ment
typical
owin
foll
the
d
ione
work in Mississippi there may be
i firms, which said:
commendations of two large Mississipp
and make

bly can
ian as long as you possias
well as to ours
1. We trust that you will remain in Merid
employees
other
to
make
to
you
for
ble
possi
cial results of
benefi
as many talks as it is
the
to
as
icited by you
2. We wish to write this testimonial unsolWe were very much impressed with your
your inspiring talks to our employees. seemed to enjoy them and profit by them
talks and found that our white employees
as much as our numerous colored workmen.
y

committee was effectivel
The State Negro workers' advisory having representation at the
and
organized with a membership of 29
prompt steps were taken
beginning from 25 counties of the State and




-

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

for the formation in the counties of subcommittees. Prof. R. S.
Grossley, assistant supervisor of Negro schools, later field organizerfor the 'United States Employment Service, made a survey of the
northern, portion of the State and outlined the organization of the
county committees. The State committee decided, that its plan of
organization and work should be released to representatives of various
welfare organizations of the State and that, as far as possible, the
work should be outlined before local societies, such as the Red
Cross, insurance companies, and the like. Letters stating the purpose and plans of the committee of organization were released throu&..
the United States Employment Service to its subsidiary officials
throughout the State. Of interesting importance in the way of cooperation there should be mentioned the attitude of the Methodist
Episcopal Conference of the State of Mississippi, which indorsed
completely the departmental program. This conference had previously carried on a campaign in the interest of efficiency of Negro
wage earners, and was quick to recognize the facility to be gained
through official functions.
In January, 1919, the supervisor visited a number of Mississippi
counties and cities, among which were McComb,Pike, Amite, Walthall,
Lincoln,Marion,and CrystalSprings. At these points county teachers'
meetings were attended and full cooperation of the teaching forces
secured. Prof. Grossley, representing the State board of education,
was present at these meetings and his subsequent work calls for the
sincere thanks of the department to him and to the Mississippi
State educational department for their constant help, Mr. Grossley
having served throughout the work as a dollar-a-year man.
The domestic help problem mentioned previously in this report
gained particular significance.by March, 1919, and in line with the
policies of the United States Employment Service to assist in relieving this problem a survey was made by the supervisor, from which
the following facts were adduced:
I. Conditions.—(a) Unrest among domestic help; (b) constant shifting of domestic
help; (c) lack of interest in work and efficiency among domestic help; (d) absolute
refusal to work on part of domestic help.
2. Apparent causes.—(a) Low wages; (b) lack of sympathetic cooperation between
women employers and women employees.

Concerning (c) and (d) under the conditions we find the following
very human attitudes expressed in this simple manner:
What's the use of doing good work when we get poor pay? It is better to deb
nothing "for nothing" than to work "for nothing."

In the way of suggestions for relief the supervisor recommended
that a vigorous campaign of conferences with women workers be
begun, together with added assistance from the colored ministry to
the end that cooperation of the women workers and women employers
might bring forth some concession on the part of employers to the
efficient women workers in the matter of wages. These conferences
were had and, in many instances, the problem was much relieved.
The program of work of Negro workers' advisory committees varied
to some extent in accordance with the peculiar conditions of each
State. The program of work which was outlined for Mississippi is
given here below as showing the most stable means of accomplishing
the objects of the work in this State.




WORLD WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING. THE

85

RY COM-MEMBERS OF THE NEGRO WORKERS' ADVISO
SUGGESTIONS TO INDIVIDUAL
ORGANIZATION.
MITRES FOR FIRST STEPS IN LOCAL

will probably be well to call together
1. Calling together colored representotires.—It
least one of them should be a woman).
(at
citizens
colored
four or five most responsible
in detail, the plans and purpose
them
with
over
go
and
city
in your county, town, or
calling together these persons:
In
ee.
committ
y
advisor
'
workers
of the State Negro
and women called together
men
The
.
avoided
be
should
alism
all possible faction
the various occupations of theand
,tions
organizs
various
of
should be the leaders
community.
Director of the United States:
2. Get in touch with white employers.—The Federal
sor of Negro Economics will give.
Supervi
the
or
State.
your
of
Service
ment
Employ
of your community whorop
you, if you write him, the names of some white citizensknow some of the most rethese officials depend upon for local matters. You also
It will be well to go to themi
sponsible and trusted white employers of your locality.
people in your efforts on labor
for information and advice about cooperation of white not know the name and'address;
questions affecting the colored people. In case you do chairman of your State Negro.
of the State official, write for the information to the
, Director of Negro Ecoworkers' advisory committee or to Dr. George E. Haynes
nomics, Department of Labor. Washington, D. C.
committee.—The representa3. Explain to white citizens the organization of the State
Get in touch with two or
ed.
be
interest
should
ity
commun
your
in
tive white men
the organization of the.
about
tell
2,
and
them
No.
under
ed
suggest
as
three of them,
Explain to them that this committee has;
ee.
committ
y
advisor
workers
Negro
State
the plan to have a county and neighbor-cooperative white members; explain further
AN hite coopenitive members. It is well to ask
with
ee
committ
y
advisor
Negro
hood
permanent cooperating members of the county their help in securing white citizens assoon as you decide on representative colored'
and local advisory committees. As
white men who may be recommended
men for members of your local committee, and
with comments about the persons. their
for cooperating members,send those names,
n of your State advisory committee.
occupations and other connectior.s, to the chairmanumbers of colored people may be
large
he
ion.--T
4. Reaching the colored populat
personal visit made by you or somereached through the churches and the lodges. A ng each church and each lodge is;
attendi
those
to
talk
to
other responsible person
of their productive labor
necessary. They need to be informed about the relation
white citizens to talk to,
secure
to
also
help
will
It
y.
industr
and
to agriculture
ment of Labor in organizDepart
the
of
purpose
the
about
facts
The
es.
Negro audienc
be stated (see Article II of the,
should
ees
committ
y
'
advisor
workers
Negro
ing these
labor crisis and the important,
constitution of the committee). Explain the present
hundred per cent production one
getting
in
play
can
and
playing
are
Negroes
part
ctive plans before your comThe Department of Labor desires to get these constru
others on the State Committee. As;
munity very soon by your help and the help of in operation, please signify that bysoon as you are in a position to put further plans tee or to the Supervisor of Negro.
writing the chairman of your State Advisory Commit
Economics, Department of Labor, Meridian, Miss. is anything in your community5. Cooperation in adjusting conditions.—If there
the colored people and you
which is causing restlessness and dissatisfaction among
rs go to two or three.
employe
white
of
n
attentio
the
to
think these should be brought
s of your committeemember
ting
coopera
the
or
trust
can
you
white citizens whom
such dissatisfaction before the
and ask them to help you get the facts relating to
rs.
employe
or
ies
authorit
local
s
of
member
complaints, by all means to hal e
Please bear in mind, however, especially in giving
satisfy the complaints of the
some constructive plans and suggestions to correct andand it is poor policy to go forcolored people. As you will agree, it is not sufficient
plans for remedying them..
ward at any time with complaints and not have positive
be proposed to remedy
Some practical, constructive suggestions and plans which can
causes are by all means essential.
plans to remedy those conFurthermore, we should not always expect to have our
The aim of the Negro
plans.
better
have
may
ditions adopted. Other citizens
and programs to assist
plans
ctive
constru
with
help
workers' advisory committees is to
industry and at theand
ure
agricult
in
ion
product
our country in getting the largest
earners. Both
wage
Negro
among
ons
conditi
ed
improv
same time to help secure
s.
program
and
plans
ctive
constru
by
be
reached
these ends can beat
Employment Service what
6. There is being organized, now, by the United States ntatives of the employers,.
represe
of
up
made
hoards,
labor
ity
as
commun
are known
You should t.et
of the employees, and of the United States Employment Service. board. If lime
in touch with the white men who are on your local community labor




•
86

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

Is no local board, you should endeavor to obtain, through the Supervisor of Negr•
Economics, the names of white citizens with whom you should get in touch on employment matters.
In case you do not know who the local members of your community labor board
are, you should write to the Federal Director of the United States Employment
Service of your State, to your State Supervisor of Negro Economics, or to the Depart.
ment of Labor, Washington, D. C.
1. Some of the types of work which you can Segin.—(a) Holding public mass meet.
ings to inform the people about the need for systematic labor;(h) Discussions at regu.
lar church and lodge meetings and other gatherings; (c) Bringing to the attention of
the United States Employment Service any misunderstandings among the color%)
people about the use of that service by them.
Further suggestions will be furnished you upon request.
Any other things which it seems to you it would be well to, do in your community
you may take up with the chairman of your State Advisory Committee or with the
Supervisor of Negro Economics of your State, if one has been appointed.
GEORGE E. HAYNES,
Director of Negro Economics.
OCTOBER, 1918.

January, 19)19,found the work in Mississippi well under way. The
program of work had been presented at the Meridan Emancipation
celebration exercises. The introductory card made up by the supervisor and approved by the Federal director to be used in connection
with the recruiting had been sent out and a subsequent State committee meeting, as the work developed, had been planned. This
meeting was held on January 27, 1919, in the Board of Trade Building of Jackson, Miss., and the following points were discussed:
1. Organization.
2. Efficiency of Negro labor.
3. Better conditions for farm labor.
4. Boys Working Reserve.
5. Plantation life in the Delta.
The Federal Director of the United States Employment Service
was present and emphasized the need for a readjustment between
men, races, and nations, and the common basis of understanding of
right and justice. A cordial spirit of good will and hearty cooperation existed throughout the meeting and every interest was more
strongly linked up than ever before in the purpose of furthering the
plans.of the Department of Labor. The organization of the Boys.
Working Reserve, an organization of youthful members to substitute for men who were in the Army in planting and harvesting the
agricultural crops, was taken up. Later on the Boys Working Reserve Organization among Negro youth of Mississippi became efficientand helpful. At the close of January the plans as applicable
to Mississippi were well established for returning soldiers. In Fernery 1919 the Supervisor visited Yazoo City, Greenwood,.Indianola,
Greenville and Vicksburg. He reported increased thrift among
Negro men and women and full time labor in the cotton fields. He
reported, however, that in regions where conditions were particularly bad there were miles and miles of fields of unpicked cotton.
In December, 1918, Supervisor Olden, who returned to his rainistry,
was succeeded by Lemuel L. Foster, who took over the duties as
supervisor of Negro economics for Mississippi. Mr. Foster had been
trained at Fisk University, had done considerable welfare and social
work in the South, and for one month prior to his appointment, had
given voluntary assistance to the United States Employment Service
in furthering its work, Mr. Foster took up with vigor the program




THE NEORO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

87"

begun by his predecessor and supervised the work until its close, June
30, 1918. Among the surveys he made a special report on two of
the large lumber companies of Mississippi, which had realized the
need of uniformly good working conditions and recreational facilitie%
for its workers. He reported in these two instances a contented an&
efficient working force and a lack of turnover. These surveys were
considered of sufficient importance for a departmental release and
the facts were given wide publicity in order to stimulate other
employers and other employees, respectively, to establish and to.
hope to receive the same treatment.
The following letter from the Federal Director of the United Statem
Employment Service shows the valuation which he placed upon the
economics work as conducted in Mississippi:
UNITED STATES EMPLOYMENT SERVICE,
Meridian, Miss., January 29, 1919.
From: Federal Director.
To: Director General.
Subject: Negro Economics Division.
1. In reply to letter from Assistant Director General, dated January 23, in references
to Division of Negro Economics.
2. In this connection the writer wishes to state that this service is providing an office
on the same floor as the office of the Federal Director for the Supervisor of Negro Eco—
no mics. The present supervisor, L. L. Foster, a young Negro of energy, is conferring:
al most daily with the Federal director in reference to his work.
3. The writer attended the meeting of the Negro State advisory board in Jackson,.
Monday, January 27, at which meeting plans were perfected for the organizations
of the Negro boys between the ages of 16 and 21 in Mississippi in the Boys Working:
Res erve. Cooperation has been obtained from the State Agricultural College, and
they have agreed to supply instructors wherever necessary to instruct these Negro,
boys in a short course prepared by the reserve. Arrangements were made for visiting;
and organizing reserves in approximately 20 industrial Negro schools in the State for
the giving of this course in connection with these schools in the early spring. This.
service will then undertake to place these students in active farm work as soon as:
school is closed.
4. Plans are under way to utilize the Negro agricultural college for a more extensivecourse in the early summer which will put Negro boys in line with the same work.
proposed for the whites.
5. It might be added that the work of Negro economics, since it has been clearlycoordinated with that of the Employment Service in the State of Mississippi, prom—
ises to be of much use from now on. Meetings of Negro school-teachers gathered ink
district conferences, with attendance of from two to three hundred, have been addressed and informed as to the work of the Employment Service, Boys Working!
Reserve and Negro Economics. About fifty of these conferences have been held.
6. The Negro Workers Advisory Committee in the State of Mississippi is welk
organized and the work is prospering very satisfactory.
H. H. WEIR,
Federal Director.

The membership on the advisory committee of white and colored
citizens included the former mayor of Meridian, the vice president
of the Citizens' National Bank, the clerk of the chancery court,
and a prominent business man, all of whom were representative.
white citizens, shows again the type of cooperation which the depart—
ment was able to secure.




•
CHAPTER XIII.
REPORT OF WORK IN NEW JERSEY.
Prior to the war, Negro workers had been employed here and there
in industrial and agricultural pursuits in New Jersey. A fairly good
wage was paid to the Negro workers in the occupations to which they
were admitted. With the increased demands of the war, industries
in New Jersey quite naturally became attractive locations for thousands of Negroes who name north. It is estimated that at least 25,000
Negro migrants located in the cities of New Jersey during the period
of 1916-17. The probable distribution of these newcomers, on the
estimated basis, is indicated in the following table:
New York Central camp, Weehawken.
Erie camps:
Weehawken
Jersey City
Philadelphia Sr Reading, Pennsylvania R. R., etc., camps
Jersey City
Newark
Carneys Point
Trenton
Camden
Bayonne, Paterson, and Perth Amboy
Wrightstown and South Jersey
Orange, Montclair, Paterson
Total

500
300
100
1,30
3,000
7,000
3,500
3,000
2,000
4,000
3,000
3,000
30,700

Various agencies, Federal, State, and private, were keeping in touch
with conditions affecting the labor situation of New Jerselr for some
time prior to the establishment of the Division of Negro Economics.
Among the more important agencies giving special attention to Negro
affairs were the Associated Charities of Newark, the Urban League
of Newark, and the State Bureau of Negro Migrants of the State Depa,trment of Labor, under the direction of Col. Lewis Bryant. This
work caused increased attention to be given to matters pertaining
to Negro workers. Correlating the efforts of these organizations, the
United States Employment Service had carried forward the employment policies and developed the recruiting and placement facilities
in every field of labor, including Negro labor. It was quite natural,
then, that the Department of Labor, having established a special
Negro economics service, should turn to these agencies in the beginning for advice and assistance in putting into effect its special plans
for improving conditions and relations of Negro workers.
A hasty preliminary survey was undertaken in Newark, N. J., by
William M. Ashby, at that time executive secretary of the Urban
League, at Newark, N. J., and later supervisor of Negro economics
for New Jersey. The city of Newark was the largest industrial center.in the State and was a pivotal point from which departmental
activities affecting Negro workers might be well directed.
88




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

89

The Negro po_pulation in Newark in 1910 was approximately 10,000..
By 1918 there had been an addition of from 8,000 to 10000 and at
the close of 1918 this number had been increased. The mean number
of deaths for 1917 was about 550, or probably 20.23 per cent per
1,000, a rather large number, probably on account of the newcomers
from the South who were subjected to very unfavorable housing and
living; conditions under the severe New Jersey climate, and who were
not advised as to proper clothing. These figures were corroborated
by prominent insurance companies.
Unlike most cities, in Newark there had been previously no distinct
Negro quarters. With the influx of newcomers, however, Negro districts formed and from a few families large neighborhoods developed..
The general trend of living conditions indicated a merging together
of the older residents and the newer Negro population. Housing
conditions were poor and rents were high. In a number of cases 10
and 12 persons lived in two or three rooms. The high purchase
prices of properties and excessive rents, which increased in keeping
with the law of demand and supply, and the restricted area where
colored people could purchase, often keep the newcomers from securing suitable quarters.
Negroes were engaged, principally,in the unskilled work in chemical
plants, transportation, trucking, shipyard work,leather factories, iron
molding, foundries, construction, and team driving. In Newark
the Negro construction workers and iron shipbuilding workers formed
a union which did not win the recognition of the secretary of the State
Federation of Labor because he said the Negroes wanted to choose a.
name that was already in use by another union. A smeltermen's union.
was organized in Trenton among the Negroes. Their delegate sits
in the Federated Union Council of the city. A hod carriers' union,.
Local No. 1, elected a Negro as delegate. This union has about
1,200 members, about 50 per cent of whom are white. The teamsters' union of whites and Negroes has a Negro delegate.
It is estimated that 6,000 male and 1,000 female workers were employed in the several industries in Newark alone. The Negro female
workers found employment in toy factories, shirt factories, clothing
factories, and glue factories, at an average wage of about $8 a week..
In the shell-loading plants the pay was much higher. This is true
of pieceworkers in other occupations, too. Negro women were also
at work in garment factories tobacco factories, toy factories, shellloading plants, celluloid manufacturing, food production, leather-bag
making and trunk making, as well as in assorting cores in foundries..
Negro women became reluctant to take positions as domestio
servants on account of increasing demands for their services iPn industrial plants. Occasionally, a machinist, a carpenter, a millwright
found employment as a skilled worker, and hundreds of riveters were
employed in the Federal shipbuilding agencies and districts, not to
speak of private concerns. Calkers and shipfitters were also in
demand. .Anglesmiths, boiler makers, packers, molders, steel chippers, and stationary firemen found ample employment.
As a hopeful sign there may be pointed out the small amount of
friction between male workers of the two races; race relations were
scarcely ever other than harmonious. Difficulties were more frequent among females. There were difficulties, also, when Negro
skilled workers were first put on any job. Also, there were OCCa•




90

WORLD WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE

were engaged in
sional difficulties where white and colored workers
the same plant.
for dealing with
The Negro church is the most effective agencylarger
connection
a
life
church
their
h
throug
Negro workers, and
was only
it
nately,
unfortu
can be made than in any other way, but,
age
advant
ial
s
industr
Negro'
the
took
who
rs
ministe
the individual
The
.
ial
virtues
industr
the
him
to
out
seriously and tried to point
ant factor to underchurch situation, therefore, is always an import
y a Negro Bapinantl
is
predom
Newark
ity.
commun
stand in any
the South brought
from
ts
migran
cases,
some
In
ity.
commun
tist
they reestabpastors of their own denominations with them and
ment found
depart
The
home.
new
lished their congregations in the
and began
ms
proble
ial
industr
and
social
ng
handli
for
need
a great
State.
entire
the
for
cautiously to develop a program of work
te of
Accordingly, William M. Ashby, mentioned above, a graduance
in
experie
l
unusua
of
man
a
and
Lincoln and Yale Universities
ation to the
industrial and social work, was released by his organizics
for New
Department of Labor to be supervisor of Negro econom
certain
of
gation
investi
brief
Jersey.. Mr. Ashby at once made a
BayCity,
Jersey
th,
of
Elizabe
cities
the
g
visitin
firms,
New jersey
Dix,
Camp
on,
Paters
n,
Camde
g,
Landin
onne, Garwood, Mays
ic
strateg
other
and
s
Point,
Carney
City,
c
Atlanti
,
Merritt
gamp
both
ng
in
d
fulfilli
engage
cities,
these
in
firms
ent
points. Promin
and individGovernment contracts and contracts for private firms
ment of
Depart
the
of
nce
assista
the
for
desire
their
ed
uals, express
Labor.
To three large firms in Camden the supervisor suggested tliet
placement of a Negro foreman, in order to handle with the greates
was adopted
satisfaction gangs of Negro workers. This suggestionapproa
ched by
was
plant
ing
shell-load
,
a
Amatol
At
in each case.
r of
numbe
large
a
of
on
diversi
the supervisor in the matter of the
and
d
hundre
Three
City.
c
Atlanti
s
from
worker
women
colored
days.
few
a
in
eighty-five such workers were secured
rth of
A large plant at Paulsboro, which was running only one-fouby
red
assiste
was
e,
shortag
labor
of
the
t
its capacity on accoun
in making
cruiting workers from Camden. This firm was engaged receive
d a
French shells. At Camden, a shipbuilding company
the
supply of Negro workers through the employment activity of
supervisor.
for
For a firm in Garwood, which was making'steel and brass .rods
To a
Newark
from
ed
recruit
were
men
Navy,
States
United
the
meat for
Jersey City firm with a Government contract to supply 45
Negro
about
days,
five
overseas, the supervisor brought, within
per
60
about
to
only
g
runnin
plant
a
Lakes,
on
At
Pompt
s.
worker
ng
securi
in
d
assiste
was
e
shortag
cent of its capacity because of labor
n; but
about 25 colored men. This plant had feared racial frictio
under the advice of the supervisor, no racial trouble came as a result
of bringing these colored men.
ld,
In Grasseli, Newark, Edgewater, Kearney, Lakehurst, Freeho
similar
gave
sor
supervi
the
dates,
Chrome, and Bound Brook, at later
course of
assistance, placing in all over 250 Negro workers in the
about three weeks.
eth,
On another itinerary, the supervisor visited' Paterson, Elizab
Park,.
Asbury
City,
c
Atlanti
n,
Trento
e,
Bayonn
Q..range, Plainfield,




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURI
NG THE WORLD WAR.

91
Perth Amboy, Dover, and Roebling
shortages and assisting in recruiting, making observations of labor
and placing Negro workers to
supply the needs.
As samples of such observations and
lowed, there are cited below fi've brief practical action which fol—
the New Jersey supervisor in Novemberinvestigations conducted by
, 1918:
1. A female employee of the — Co., being an

operator on a night shift, was
overheard by me to complain of unjustitre
of the night from the plant of the aforesaidatment on a threat of ejection in the middle.
comp
any,
by
one of its assistant foremen..
Fearing that her story, though harmlessly
and probably thereby menace the oppor told, would create an erroneous impression.
tunit
y
of
other
opera
tives, I interrupted her
and asked her to repeat it to me.
tive of the company in this office Upon hearing it in full, I took her to the representa—
and
with
her
assis
tance
an interview with the em—
ployment manager and gener
tthis interview—at which alsoal manager was secured. The statement of her case in
ws made—was thoroughly was the assistant foreman against whom the complaint
dered and satisfactorily settled. Thus,
cions of other Negro workers consi
the suspi—
who were
2. In an attempt to produce greater sought for this plant were met and dispelled.
of the--Co., I had a lady of our efficiency among the colored women operatives:
department, along with the lady in charge
colored social settlement, interview the
of a.
of the company. The superintendent of superintendent of the women's department.
as against 12 colored women, the numberthe above-mentioned company reports that;
with which they started three mont
there are now 122 colored wome
hs ago,.
that their work is very credi
direction of a matron who is colorned.andEffic
table under the.
iency clubs will be organized
3. A female employee of the -- Co.
in this shop..
ained of discrimina
the plant for which she worked. The supercompl
received at.
visor of Negro economicstion
had the matter.
investigated and received report that this comp
any
had
cease
d
opera
tion on account,
of cancellation of contract. Case can not be carri
ed further.
4. A general circular form was sent to 55
emplo
yers
of
Negro
labor
throughout
State of New Jersey, to ascertain the
ty of the work which is being given the.
such labor. The replies are varied, thequali
bygeneral tone being very commendable.
5. The investigation at the
or ed women operatives whose work is plant revealed that there are now about 60 col—
commendable as against the unit
star ted there when the opportunity was
of 10 which we.
opened.

In keeping with the plans of the depa
rtment, the New Jersey con—
ference, drawn along the lines of prio
r conferences in other States,,
was called and held on Friday, November
22, 1918. Representative.
citizens, white and colored, from all
over the State werepresent. The.
following program was carried out:
The constitution of the Negr work
ers' advisory committee was
adopted, and shortly thereaftero the
form
ation of committees was
begun. On account of the location of
persons and problems in the
cities of New Jersey, it was more prac
formation of the city committees than ticable to begin at first the
to follow the plans of other
States and form, first, the State and coun
ty committees. Accord—
ingly Negro workers' advisory comm
ittees were soon formed in Pat—
erson, Newark, Camden, Trenton, Atlantic
City, and several other
New Jersey points. These committees function
ed under the direction
of the State supervisor of Negro econ
omic
and
s
with the United States Employment Service in close cooperation
and other public and
private organizations.
As a sample of other activities in this Stat
e, the following extracts
are given. The following concerns
peculiar condition which the
the
New Jersey supervisor found at Camp Dix, N.J.:




9'2

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

REPORT ON SITUATION AMONG COLORED SOLDIERS AT CAMP DIE, N. J., WTI° ARE
TO
BE DEMOBILIZED SOON.
On Friday, January 3, 1919, I went to Camp Dix. Immediate
thy arrival I
went to Y. M. C. A. Hut No. 7, which is used by Negro soldiers. ly onShelby
Mr.
Davidson, secretary, and Mr. C. T. Greene, assistant secretary, were interviewe
d. In the
course of interview the point of most significance was the fact that there
aversion on the part of all the men attaching their names to anything was a decided
which spelled
United States as most of them believed it meant reenlistment. This corroborate
d the
statement made by Mr. William Banks, of the Employment Service, now
in the camp.
The secretary mentioned also the fact that men from the United States Employme
nt
Service had talked to the colored•men to enlist their interest, but few had gone over.
I then went to Building 928, where I met Col. Casper H. Cole, the commandant,
and Mr. William Banks, who is in charge of the United States Employment
Service
in the camp. I inquired whether colored men came into the office in great
The answer was negative. The reason for this was, I believe, due to whatnembers.
was said
above, that men are afraid to sign their names to Governmen
t matters. I asked if
the,command that all soldiers in the camp be marched to the employmen
t office before their demobilization applied to colored as well as white men.
The answer was
affirmative.
After their supper I spoke to about 300 colored men in the Y. M. C. A. and
the situation more clearly relative to the Government's position in interestexplained
of getting
men work as soon as they are discharged.
My suggestion on the situation as applicable to all men in the camp, white and colored alike, is that in speaking of railroad opportunities men say "Pennsylvania Railroad," "Reading Railroad," or "Santa Fe,' etc., instead of saying United States Railroad Administration, and also that in speaking of shipyards they say "Submarin
e,'
"Newport News," "Bristol," "Tampa," etc., instead of United States Shipping
Board. This would eliminate from the minds of men the idea of a connection between
the idea of a job and the Government.
WILLIAM M. ASEBY,
Supervisor of Negro Economicsfor New Jersey.

The following letter shows- the type of effort inaugurated during
the reconstruction period to give first-hand assistance through the
United States Employment Service to returning soldiers:
Circular letter of advice.
MARCH 27, 1919.
From: The Director of Negro Economics.
To: The Supervisors of Negro Economics.
•
Subject: Cooperation with War Camp Community Service.
1. I find that the War Camp Community Service has a number of camps for Negro
soldiers and sailors, and I am informed that it is cooperating with the United States
Employment Service. I have talked with some of the representatives about their
colored work and have also taken up the matter with the Director General, United
States Employment Service, and the National Director of the Bureau for Placing Returning Soldiers and Sailors. It is agreeable to the national director for you to take
up with the Federal director of the employment service of your State the question of
utilizing such of these war camps as seem suitable for assisting in placing Negro
soldiers
and sailors.
2. You will find inclosed a list of the communities where there are activities for
colored soldiers, together with the names of the workers. I advise that you take this
up with the Federal director and assist him in getting in touch with such of these
people as he wishes to.
Respectfully,
GEORGE E. HAYNES,
Director of Negro EconomiesApproved:
EDWARD EASTON, Jr.,
National Superintendent,
Bureaufor Returning Soldiers and Sailors.
WADE II. SKINNER,
Acting Director, Organization Division,
U.S. Employment Service




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.
'

Some sample replies to letters of the New Jerse
visor containt
statements regarding the employment of Negry Super
worke
o
rs. These
responses were in reply to a questionnaire the object
of which was to
secure the information:
With reference to the questionnaire received from
that we are using Negro workers as porters, elevator you, we are pleased to advise.
operators, matrons, dishwashers,.
and for other miscellaneous positions in the restaurant.
During the war we engaged quite a number of colored
women to act as elevator
operators. In all branches of the work, we have found Negro
workers entirely satis—
factory.
Answering your favor of recent date
with reference to the Negro workers in our
plant, I beg te state that we are well
pleased with their work and I find them to WI
good and willing workers under the superv
ision of our white foremen, whom we have+
instructed to give every colored man or woman
applying for work to this companythe mostcordial treatment, not the variety
that will antagonize and drive them away
from the job.
My personal dealings in the past as Emplo
yment and Welfare Manager, with the,
white and Negro workers have proven succes
sful, as I have found that through kind—
ness and friendly treatment, eliminating all profan
and personal insults, the major—
ity of the Negro workers will do the work assignity
ed to them thoroughly and to anyco nipany's satisfaction.
At present we have in our employ several,. hundr Negroe
s employed as genera'
factory helpers only, but in the near future I hope ed
to be successful in inducing mycompany to employ Negro mechanics. * * *
Answering your inquiry of the 4th inst.,
advise that about 40 per cent of mut
labor is Negro. We do not find them to be would
as steady workers as the whites, although„
in some instances, they have proven to be very
faithfu
We use them largely on work where muscular strengl.
th and endurance are of prime.
importance and in this they work out quite well.
In a very few instances we have them operating machin
es, and, although we con-.
eider these workers above the average, their work
is very satisfactory.
Your letter, requesting information regarding our colore
d employees, was received:.
We have, altogether, about 1,250 colored men and
6 women. Of the latter, 4 are.
in our main restaurant as dishwashers,
and
in our administration buildings, who,
keep the ladies' room in order. As a generaltwo
Almostall of them are employed on the ships.rule our Negro workers give satisfaction.
bolters-up and chippers and caulkers. ThoseThey seem to make very good riveters,.
who recently came from the South
seem to feel the cold weather, but the
others who are acclimated, are as strong and
hardy as the white men.
Among the number we have there
about 75 or 100 West Indian Negroes. There.
are no colored men doing clerical workare
here at all. There are some working as laborers,.
and as far as I know none are in the machi
ne shops.

The following statements of Mr. Ashby,
the New Jersey supervisorof Negro economics,give a very full insight
into certain of his activities..
These reports cover various periods follo
wing the signing of the,
armistice and show the complete turni
of departmental'
machinery to meet peace-time demands inngtheover
indus
trial life of the
State:
I am very pleased to report a slight change for the

better on the New Jersey conditions of Negro labor this week. At the
opening of the past week the offices found
themselves unable to make opportunitie
occurred. This was true, particularly, ofs but later in the week new developments
during the week, at least 90 per cent of Newark where about 125 men were referred
were placed. These openings were
mktde possible largely because of personal whom
solicitation upon two industries. * *




l• WAR.
DURING THE. WoliLl
THE NEGRO AT WORK
sameJersey City now. The
particularly acute in to the strike of the Marine
is
n
atio
situ
ent
oym
mpl
The une
porary, due
stevedores on both
In the former it is tem
is true of Camden. the port of New York. Many Negroes are
nsportation is-tied
tra
ut
t
abo
tha
and
t
in
fac
workers
sides and due to theever, the lack of plants-running
sey
Jer
New
and
k
Yor
how
the New
ossible. In Camden, s from Philadelphia make it difficult
tip, their work is made imp
wding in of applicant
cro
the
also
and
e
tim
on full
tp do much placing.
that of the
ned at the present, iswho distinh which I am most concer
The great problem wit y commissioned officers and also many men Jersey men.
falo regiments are New I mention
returning soldiers. Man
ed.
in the Fifteenth and Buf
guished themselves ber of these fellows are especially well preparented; a tractor
ly tal
real
,
her
etc
cil
pen
An appreciable num
and
r, near corn strator and pen
Rutgers College; an audito
two or three—an illu
the Scientific Course at of Finance. For the tractor operator, I
operator, graduate ofin
ool
Sch
k
the New Yor
mployed and it is
pletion of his course e, a position; but the remaining two are une
s we have.
tie
iev
uni
bel
ort
opp
I
t ordinary
love made,
r to such men the mos
rather criminal to offe

94




CHAPTER XIV.
REPORT OF WORK IN NEW YORK.
Owing to special complications in the New York situation no State
n&
conference was held. There was such delay in getting the situatio,.
in hand that the supervisor of Negro economics, Mr. Jesse 0. Thomas
be-did not enter upon duty until September, 1918, just two months
inued'
discont
were
s
service
his
fore the signing of the armistice, and
because of lack of funds after the end of that fiscal year. A New-York Negro Workers' Advisory Committee was proposed in coop_era
York
tion with the United States Employment Service and the New
of'
ioner
commiss
sing
supervi
the
with
and
Service
ment
City Employ
did
tee
commit
this
but
sion,
ial
Commis
the New York State Industr
finance•
not get fully to work before the readjustment came in the
the,
which
,
under
ment
Service
Employ
States
and plans of the United
States Em-activities were carried on. A branch office of the United
jointly with theployment Service was opened in the Harlem district
ion, under'
State bureau of employment of the State industrial commiss
from Oc—
this
to
given
sion
supervi
and
s,
Edward
L.
Supt. Prince
meeting:
in
done
was
work
much
and
tober, 1918, to March, 1919,
workers;
Negro
skilled
and
lled
semiski
placing
of
ms
proble
t
the difficul
. A
vicinity
and
City
York
New
in
in industrial establishments
.
The
soldiers
Negro
d
large number of these men where returne
hav-as
larly,
particu
ned,
mentio
be
may
tion
Corpora
Submarine Boat
training:
ing taken into employment a number of men of technical , both
soldiers
Negro
ng
returni
the
of
s
number
Large
nce.
and experie
special
New York residents and those from other places, called for Gov—
service from the placement agencies developed by the Federalsor of'
ernment and the State employment department. The supervi pment
Negro economics for New York gave special help in the develo
,.
of this work. A survey was made of labor conditions in Buffaloof
N. Y., in April, 1919,showing considerable unemployment because
y de-the closing down of munition plants and because of the militarNegro-.
ed
Unskill
s.
oversea
from
men
mobilization returning many
labor, however, could be placed without very much difficulty, but
places in the.
semiskilled and skilled Negro workmen here, as in other Very
few in—
State, found great difficulty in finding employment.
of the
Some
women.
colored
ed
employ
city
in
the
plants
l
dustria
colored
no
ed
,
employ
workers
of
ds
firms, although employing thousan
or only a few, and these only in the menial occupations such as maids.
porters, janitors, or unskilled laborers. Similar surveys were made
in
in Rochester, Albany, and New York City and environs. Both
servNegro
the
State
the
of
parts
other
,
and
Buffalo
New York City,
ice of the department was heartily received by both white and colored citizens, but only got well started before curtailment of appro—
priations made it necessary to discontinue its preparations.




95

96

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

Investigations were made of charges of discrimination against colored workers and steps taken, in each case where the facts warranted,,
to remove the handicap. When the housing situation began to be
acute the supervisor made a survey of important cities of the State
to ascertain the exact condition as it related to the Negro wage
earners with the view to assisting the United States Homes Registration Service in developing home-finding facilities, if thought advisable.
Among the many organizations giving active cooperation special
mention should be made of the National Association of Colored
Women and its president, Mrs. Talbert, whose particular activity was.
in the field at Buffalo, N. Y., and Mrs. Annette W.Erdmann, of the
industrial committee of the New York City Urban League, whose untiring effort and hearty zeal were largely responsible for getting such
results as were possible under the complicated difficulties and conditions..




CHAPTER XV.
- REPORT OF WORK IN NORTH CAROLINA.
North Carolina was selected as the State in which the initial effort
"oftthe Department of Labor-should be made, and its program establlished for promoting and fostering the welfare of Negro wage earners
*through the special service of Negro economics. Consequently, following an official trip of the Director of Negro Economics into imporand
..tant points in the State a conference of representative whiteNorth
of
,colored citizens was called by Hon. T. W. Bickett, governor
e,
'Carolina, on June 19, 1918. There were present at this conferenc
submost
the
of
which was held in the office of the governor, 17
stantial Negro citizens from all parts of the State and five white
.citizens, as described in Chapter II. At the close of the meeting the
tgovernor appointed a temporary committee which drafted a constiAution provided for the Negro Workers Advisory Committee, and for
nan'organization of local county and city committees. The working
plan of organization, with slight modifications and adjustments, which
:served as a model for the development of voluntary field organizations in other States, has been previously explained M the description of activities in other States.
Before discussing the subsequent steps of organization and activity
in'North Carolina, brief attention is here given to a few general and
:specific industrial and agricultural situations which obtained in North
,Carolin a.
These Situations are cited for the purpose of showina the wide
:scope of.the field of Negro work into which the policies and plans of
.the Diviiion 61 Negro,Economics were to be carried.
The chief occupations of Negro women were in the field of agriculture,'laundry work, domestic service, some work in spinning mills
(and some in hosiery and underwear), and work in tobacco factories.
'There was a scarcity of female labor and on that account a number
of silk mills had been closed. The cotton-mill season extends from
May to September, and the tobacco season from September to
In many instances the homes of workers were of a poor type; the
streets and sidewalks fronting such homes were unpaved and.poorly
lighted. Surface drainage existed and general sanitation was• made.quate in some cases. On the other hand, there were large nirmbers
of well-cared-for homes in communities of intelligent and progressive
Negroes.
In one North Cairolinaoitylit was,reported that a Negro union had
been organized to which the white workers objected. At New Bern,
lumber industries' employing large numbers of Negroes were reported as having "working Leonditions which were unpleasant."
At Wilmington Negroes were employed in'the shipyards, but only
in the unskilled occupations. At various Other points in North
Carolina Negroes found employment in tanneries, hosiery mills,
guano plants, box factories, and the like. Throughout the State




I.989°

-7

97

98

THE :NEGRO AT WORK DUIIING THE WORLD W.I.

there were found a number of physicians, dentists, druggists, and a
-more than usual ownership of store and office buildings. At Kingston
5,000 Negro women and children were reported working in tobacco
factories. At Waynesville there were found mill girls, garment workers, and a few clerks, organized and unorganized. As -a general
situation throughout the State, Negro labor was much in deamnd
and was affected by the usual factors—(a) the union, (b) low wages,
(c) housing conditions, (d) health, (e) opportunity for advancement,(f) the general competition between white and colored workers.
Following the conference the plan for cooperation and for the sub-sequent formation and activity of a State committee and subsidiaty
-county and city committees was perfected. Among the early agencies of cooperation may be mentioned the United States Public
Reserve, the State department of education, the rank and file of
'Negro colleges and universities in North Carolina, chambers of commerce and the Negro private organizations, including the church.
An initial State committee of 29 substantial Negro citizens from
various sections of the State was formed. The membership of the
State committee and its executive board represent the following
cities: Winston-Salem, Wadesboro, Winton, Oxford, Charlotte, Henderson, Raleigh, Greensboro, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Salisbury
,
:Chadbourn, New Bern, Lumberton, Bricks, Lexington, Durham,
-Method, Goldsboro, Wilmington, Wilson, and Asheville, thus bringing into play the influence and forces of the best citizens throughout
the State. This committee was supplemented by interested white
citizens, who became cooperating members.
This State committee and the subsidiary county committee, after
adopting the constitution,,started out in their activities under the
supervision of Dr. A. M. Moore, who was appointed Supervisor of
Negro Economics and special agent of the United States Employment Service. It should be stated that Dr. Moore served the department throughout the entire period of the war and the following seven
months as a dollar-a-year man.
The early formation of county and city committees included the
following counties: Guilford, Craven,Vance, Rockingham, Buncombe,
Crranville, Forsyth, Beaufort, Durham, Hertford, Alamance, and
Edgecombe, Halifax, and Nash combined. When the work was
closed on June 30, 1919, names had been submitted covering practically every county in the State.
Inasmuch as the Division of Negro Economics was in the immediate office of the Secretary of Labor, who was also chief administrative officer for the United States Employment Service as well as
all the other departmental bureaus and divisions, it was practicable
that the North Carolina Negro work, as did the work in other States,
should have a close relationship to the United States Employment
Service in that State. Consequently under the plan of organization
for the State, the Federal Director of the United States Employment
Service became an advisory member of the State Negro Workers'
Advisory Committee. Also a close relationship• with the governor,
the chairman of the State Council of Defense, and other white men
acting as advisers to other committees, was perfected and the following initial recommendation for North Carolina was gradually worked
-out and approved:
;




THE NEGRO AT WORK DT-RING THE WORLD WAR.

99

1. Workers appointed for special activities among Negro wage earners will work
'under the authority of the United States Employment Service to give them official
estanding, with cooperation and supervision of the Federal State director.
2. The work shall be undertaken with the advice of the Director of Negro Economics.
3. Matters calling for the expenditure of funds shall be submitted with theapproval
.of the Federal director and with the advice of the Director of Negro Economics.
4. All work carried on which relates to the Employment Service shall be undertaken with the approval of the Federal State director.

These plans of course were "overhead" plans, but they covered'the
znany details which became properly applicable to local committees
an the State as they were found. In order to bring the plans to the
_attention of the public the special agent succeeded in getting in close
touch with the white and Negro members throughout the State,
and in making arrangements for a publicity service which would not
conflict with the Information and Education Service of the department.
Among some of the earlier problems were found (1) that many
North Carolina laborers had been recruited through employment
agencies and in an indiscriminating way many of the "shiftless"
and "unstable" had been imported into North Carolina cities;(2) no
particular opportunity- had been offered to thrifty, dependable workmen to buy homes and to become.permanent residents of the State.
In subsequent plans of publicity and contact these two problems
were dealt with by the North Carolina special agent and the close of
the work found at each particular point but a few scattered persons
who might be designated "shiftless.'
The Supervisor of Negro Economics, having business interests of
his own, soon found it necessary to have an assistant who could
actively canvass cities throughout the State. Mt. R. McCants
Andrews was subsequently detailed for such assistance work.
Of the early problems which he faced there came report of race
friction in a city of eastern North Carolina at a point in which there
were members of the Negro workers' advisory committees. An
investigation was made as to the nature of such race friction
.and valuable advice was given both to the employing class and
to the working class, which resulted in removal of racial friction. In this connection valuable assistance in the matter of
sentiment was given by a leading North Carolina paper, to
the attention of which was called the value of mediation between
white workers, white employers and Negro workers followed by
a spirit of conciliation and cooperation and the abilty to see
both sides of any issue. It was pointed out also that the common interest of the white employer who wants to engage the service
which the Negro wage earner has to offer will make the adjustment of
the labor situation a most important one. This paper gave publicity
not only to the comment above quoted but also to subsequent
'comment and advice tending to create a better'feeling among the
employingand working classes of North Carolina.
In carrying out the plan of work of the North Carolina committee,
one of the first steps was for the supervisor to inaugurate an educational campaign wherever practical among Negro workers at the
various points in the State. Short itineraries were arranged and the
supervisor was given permission to address groups of workers at
many large plants, and specific health questions, ideals of efficiency
and recreational activities, in order to preserve the morale and com-




100

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING .THE WORLD WAR.

employers
potency of Negro workers. Although in many instancesby
to bring
there
and
ams
progr
r
foot
simila
on
put
to
slow
had been
g plants
leadin
many
were
s,
there
worker
of
group
about a contented
the need of
ized
recogn
ing,
the
beginn
from
had,
which
State
the
in
rs contented. A superinSuch an institution as would make their worke
under his sntendent of one of the large North Carolina plants had
cally made
practi
fact,
in
who,
yees,
emplo
Negro
800
about
pervision
tion of one
forma
rly
the.ea
In
State.
of
the
es
up one of the small villag
saw a splendid oppordent
inten
super
this
ttees
commi
y
count
of the
with the program of
tunity presented in being able to link up his plansst,
in this connection,
intere
ular
partic
of
is
It
ttee.
commi
the
of
work
had taken in an
plant
his
which
steps
early
to point out some of the
s. It was estiworker
the
endeavor to preserve contentment among
eight-hour day
the
in
this
plant
at
r
worke
ge
avera
mated that the
not
was
ting, physiwork
exhaus
The
.
-was earning $100 a month
s.
The plant
good
d
to
worker
allowe
was
pay
ime
overt
cally, and
ain
owls,
s,
porcel
washb
locker
steel
with
ped
equip
in question was
to the comfort and cleanshower baths, and other facilities necessary
the village row sitar
liness of its workers, white and colored. Withinhouse
s were modern
These
d.
s
erecte
had
been
row of new house
c lights.
and sanitary, with running water,.sewerage, and electri
many
and
low
price
mely
extre
an
at
rs
They were rented to worke
arhad been purchased on a ten-year plan which the company had
nent
The
nce.
perma
reside
for
desire
the
se
increa
ranged in order to
children of
company also paid for a nine-months school for the
in
business
d
enaae
were
es
Negro
tt,
itself
e
villag
the
workers. In
this
of
plant.
rs
worke
by
ized
y
patron
enterprises which were largel
hes
churc
two
and
on
erecti
of
course
the
in
was
al
hospit
n
A moder
had been planned.
ttee, under the direction
The local Negro workers' advisory commi
a
in
further educational camplant
this
ed
assist
of the supervisor,
the Negro workers.
among
thrift
paign to promote efficiency and
ed and the evensolicit
rs
were
worke
ing
espect
self-r
Intelligent and
ttee resulted in
commi
local
the
by
tual outcome of assistance given
Who has charge
r
worke
social
nent
perma
a
ing
retain
the company's
s.
worker
of
e
these
welfar
the
of
e a program inofbehaff
the supervisor of Negro economics and the Negro
As the work
and understanding,
-workers' advisory committee increased in scopeassist
ant for advice.=
his
and
isor
various firms called upon the superv
their workers.
of
status
mic
econo
the
higher
for
plans
of
tion
forma
the
director of
the
and
isor
superv
d
the
plant
invite
One exceptionally large
of welfare for its
Negro economics to outline a complete program submi
tted, and it
and
Negro employees. Such a plan was made upthe
of the firm.
ls
officia
of
ion
teceived the commendation and adopt
mics carecono
Negro
of
isor
superv
ant
assist
the
aries
itiner
In his
Durham,
cities:
ing
follow
the
into
tment
ried the program of the depar
New Bern, BurBadin, Oxford, Henderson, Bricks, Tarboro, Dover,Hicko
ry, Morganlington, Lexington, Spencer, Charlotte, Statesville,Raleigh, and High
ury,
Salisb
lem,
ton, Marion, Asheville, Winston-Sa
assistant visited
Point. At various other points the supervisor and hisdesire
of workers
the
sing
increa
and
ses
Negro schools, making addres
n of
for greater efficiency and of employers for greater consideratio
their workers.




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING
TB E WORLD WAR.

101

So pleased were the gov
or and other State officials
work of the Division of Negern
with the
1or June 14, 1919, the annualro Economics that the governor called,
committee, at which time themeeting of the Negro workers' advisory
mendations concerning the worState supervisor submitted his recomtthe universal commendation ofk. Inasmuch as that report received
persons throughout the Sta
• given in full:
te, it is
( U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Supervisor

of Negro Economics for Nort
h Carolina, Durham,
N.

C.I

ROW TO KEEP NEGRO
LABOR.

New methods.—How to keep the
Negro workers and mak
ot is the problem now presente
d to the South. It ought e them satisfied with their
ff t is not natural for the Negr
not be difficult of solu
they really do not want to go.oes to leave their old homes in this wholesale fashion,tion.
Som
and
e
plan
ters
and
industrial
emonstrating by means of bett
er pay and greater care for establishments are already
c onsiderations will do in keeping
thei
r
empl
oyee
s what such
the Negroes loyally at
an ore efficient Negro schools
in the South; and the
have for years been pointingwork
Constructive possibilities.—Th
the
way.
e improvement of race relation
:an d rests largely on the
s is a matter of time
satisfactory solution of the
;
'Sc veml noteworthy tendenci
economic problems of farm
es were, however, noticeab
N egro labor. The first Of these was
ly strengthened by the life.
loss
the
of
tend
ency of the lead
oser together. Several State-wi
de and county meetingsers of the two races to draw
TII igration and the grievanc
were held to discuss the
es of the Negro. Until more
eetings by the white leaders, and unti
interest is taken in thes
e
they
l
are
followed by
fo r better law enforcement and educ
ation they can not measconstructive programs
te ndency of the Ne.„aro to move
urab
ly
influence the
.
Holding Negro la6or
in terest, absolutely,fairon thefarat.—There is a general agreement that friendly pers
Ze rms of the contract at dealing in all business transactions, clear understanding ofonal
the outset, itemized statemen
the
an d encouragement of the
ts of indebtedness, good housing,
Negroes to raise their food
to gether, will attract and hold
stuf
fs
as
far
poss
as
ible
take
,
n
labor on farms.
Majority of Negroes are workers.
—Since the great majority
/class, their permanent interest
of
Negr
oes
are
in
the
work
ing
s are as laborers, and these
can ce of living wages and of good
interests are in the mainteThe Negro's value to North Caro working conditions.
lina.—There is no question as to
to the South; but circumst
the value of the Negro
value also and the Negro, ances are bringing other sections to an appreciation of his
too, is coming to uderstand somethin
"community. If North Caro
g of his worth to
roust give more constructivelina would keep the Negro and have him satisfied the
she
thought than has been her cust
•welfare.
om to the Negro and his
The outline of facts stated abov
e should help us to approach
'greater understanding,greater
our local problems with
satisfactory adjustment. Withsympathy, and a great willingness to cooperate in their
this
unde
rstanding and sympathy we
to appreciate the stat
are better able
esmanlik
rmaintaining the work of Negr e policy of the Department of Labor in creating and
o
econ
omic
s.
On May 1, 1918, the Secretar
y of Labor, Hon. William
Negro constitutes about
Wilson, realizing that the
one-seventh of the total workingB.popu
appointed a Negro, Dr. Geor
lation of the coun
ge
E.
Hayn
es,
as
advi
sory to the Secretary with the try
'Director of Negro Economic
title
'
s.
This
was
done
in
orde
r that the Negro might have
representative in council when
a
dered; and that more extensiv ever matters affecting his welfare were being consie plans might be developed for improvin
• and production in agricult
g
his
effi
cien
cy
ure
and industry.
There were appointed
four Southern States and five Northern
'of Negro economics whoin
States supervisors
have established cooperative comm
white and colored citi
es of representative
to work out together the local itte
Negro workers' advisoryzens
labo
r
prob
lems. These
committees, as they are called, have
is carried on by the colored
members, the whites serving as a program of work which
successful has the work of the
cooperating members. So
committees proved that the Division
have been continued for
of Negro Economics
separate from the other the important work of reconstruction. This work is not
work
of
the
depa
rtme
nt, but is carried on as an integral
part. The supervisors are
.United States Employment under the authority of the Federal directors of the
Service.




102

North Carolina led the way.—On June 19, 1918, Gov. T. W. Bitkett, called a con ference in his office which was attended by 17 of the most substantial Negro citizens
from all parts of the State and 5 white citizens. Out of this meeting came the plan
of Negro workers' advisory committees, which is now operating in nine States. A
State Negro workers' committee of leading Negro men and women of North Caroline
was appointed and plans were formed for the creation of county and city committees.
There were on April 1 of the present year 35 of these committees actively at work tu
,our State.
The supervisor's report.—The supervisor of Negro Economics for North Carolina and
the assistant supervisor have visited 23 counties since their organization, holding
onferences with leading white and colored citizens which have been most helpful.
On the basis of this personal investigation throughout the State, the supervisor wishce
Ito present under separate headings, r summary of conditions as found:
White employers and liberal white citizens.—There is the greatest cordiality and will.
ingness to cooperate upon the part of these persons. In many instances they rivaled
the colored citizens in spirit and enthusiasm. They spoke freely as well as the Ne-groes, and are asking on every hand to be called upon for cooperation. Some of them
came from the rural districts and from near-by towns to attend the conferences.
Many employers are already offering special inducements to their Negro workers.
For example, a cotton oil company is giving free life insurance for $500 to all who
remain in its employ for six months; many older employees have.been given free
-insurance for $1,000. Knitting mill companies are carefully selecting colored girls
for their plants and aregiving employment at good wages throughout the year. Lumber companies are giving bonuses to men who go to the lumber camps.
The labor sitwnion in North Carolina.—Broadly speaking there is a scarcity of Negro
'labor in the State. All the industries are feeling this at present. But a greater
muttering will be felt in the fall when it is time for crop gathering. The farmers
are
:suffering moat. Cotton is standing in the fields in all parts of the State from
last year.
It is highly desirable that leaders of white workmen cooperate with our committees.
SPECIAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING NEGRO LABOR.

1. Tobacco, guano, and cotton-oil industries. Tobacco work is seasonal; the wages
:are high and no great intelligence is required for much of the work. When the great
warehouses open, crowds of workers leave year-round industries, often demoralizing
the latter. The work of the industries here mentioned is dirty and does not invite
workers of any particular skill. It is hard to promote cleaniness. efficiency, and thrift
.among workers whose lives are haphazard, who come and go through the streets in
ttheir working clothes and who are not generally considered as advanced workers.
2. Many of the seasonal plants run 12-hour shifts, often doubling the work day of
Ithe most faithful employees. This leads to the workers "laying off' on Saturdays
and Mondays. In one 12-hour plant visited the colored workers had "struck" for
'Saturdays off.
3. Lumber camps: In some instances the quarters provided for logging and mill
'camps have not attracted respectable workers and their families. "Floaters" and
.crap-shooters were mainly the classes who were willing to go to such camps. Their
work has, of course, not been satisfactory. On the other hand, one concern visited
Thad made its location a real community and stimulated local pride in it. The manager
'of this concern spoke of his success in getting and holding labor of a splendid class in
Ilia little town.
4. Hosiery mills: The plants visited are clean.and sanitary, well-lighted, and safe
'They pay good wages and run all the year. The owners are trying to select their
workers carefully and to encourage the development of character. But very few of
them have been highly successful in getting an adequate force; and most of the girls
leave as soon as the tobacco work opens. Some of these plants have never been able
to increase their output; and one of them is still compelled to close on Saturdays
beeatise of a general shortage of girls.
HOW OUR NEGRO WORKERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEES CAN MEET THESE PROBLEMS.

In line with our official program of work our committees should—
(1) Promote the efficiency of colored workers in order to overcome the loss from
shortage of labor.
(2) Encourage the use of farm machinery to increase farm production and to create
a surplus of farm labor for use in the harvest time.
(3) Prevail upon white leaders as well as white employers to cooperate with our
'committees.




•

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

- 'THE ZiLtatO 41 WOltli LULING THE NV OitLD WA.11.

103

"(4) Encourage white employers in the tobacco, guano, and cotton oil industries to
make the work as clean and as pleasing as possible. The instAlaSion of clothee lockers
and washrooms will impress the workers with the advantage of coming and going from
work in clean clothes.
(5) Advise with employers whose plants are running long hours as to whether
shorter hours will not mean greater efficiency and greater regularity. Many workers
-are now averaging only four days a week; the proportion of "laying off" on Saturdays and Mondays is distressingly large.
(6).Pay close attention to seasonal plants, following especially shortage and surplus,
-and endeavoring to assist in transfer of workers to new jobs as these plants close. The
United States Employment Service should be aided in recruiting Negro workers so
-as not to draw away workers from "year-round" industries. Reports as to shortage
nand surplus should be made regularly by the committeemen to the office of the supervisor so that colored workers may secure jobs without going great distances.
(7) Suggest to employers of lumber concerns the development of community life
In their camps, with better housing and family settlements.
(8) Call to the attention of steady and capable young women in the community
who are not employed the excellent sanitary condition of the knitting mills and
-opportunity for steady employment in them.
It is urgently hoped that all public spirited citizens of both races who have at heart
rthe agricultural and industrial expansion of our State, and who realize that such expansion and development can only come through the improvement of Negro labor
will sustain this far-sighted effort of the Department of Laboi and will give active
:support to the program of work of the Division of Negro Economics, and to the under.
L-signed,
A. M. MOORE, M. D.,
Special Agent and Superrisor
of Aegro Economicsfor North Carolina,
Durham, N. C.
JUNE, ]919.

It is deemed to be in place to quote commendations from Hon. T. W
.-1lickett, governor of North Carolina, regarding the Negro economics'
work in his State:
There is the greatest cordiality and willingness on the part of the white employers
7-.and liberal white citizens to cooperate with the Negroes. In many instances they
rival the colored citizens in spirit and enthusiasm. They speak freely and are asking
•on every hand to be called into cooperation. * * *
This report sets out that in many industries and on the farms intelligent efforts are
tbeing made to improve living conditions of the Negro and to afford him every incentive
.to put forth his very best efforts. In one plant the committee devised a plan to publish an honor roll containing the names of all Negroes who worked steadily six days
cent and there
lin the week. Under this system the loafing fist was decreased 57 per
* *
.was a corresponding increase in the number of steady workers. *

The North Carolina Farmers' Conference on Labor Problems, held
.at Bricks, N. C., April 21, 1919, brought to the attention of the
'department its report and recommendations made to the State Negro
workers' advisory committee concerning farm labor questions as they
.affected Negroes in the State. This report and its recommendations
are deemed to be of sufficient importance to justify its inclusion in
this report, and attention is therefore called to the specific conditions
-and recommendations of the farmers' conference:
I. Greater use of farm machinery:
(a) This committee should encourage greater use of farm machinery as a means
of creating a surplus of farm labor.
1. The State and Federal governments should be urged to aid the farmers
in securing farm tractors, ditchers, tobacco setters, potato planters.
and other needed implements.
_2. The owners of adjoining farms should be encouraged to purchase MAxhineu.jointly.




104

THE NE61t0 AT WORE DUR/NG THE WOULD WA11.

2. Cooperative undertakings:
(n) Progressive farmers are running cooperative cotton gins, sawmills, and
warehouses and are purchasing guano and fertilizer together. Such
efforts are not only meritorious as business enterprises; they often help
the farmer to market his products quickly, obtain a money surplus, and
improve his farm.
(b) Cooperative harvesting should be encouraged in order to save the crops.
This practice already exists in some communities.
3. Improvement of farm life:
ent of farm
(a) Every possible encouragement should be given to the improvem
life.
g "after1. This committee shall cooperate with organizations forwardin
.
the-war" programs to render rural life more pleasant and profitable
2. Plantation owners and farmers who employ Negro tenants should be
urged to provide them with good homes.
3. Full information concerning Government Farm Loans should be
secured and given to the farmers.
4. Athletics and outdoor sports and all forms of regulated amusements
should be encouraged, as well as indoor entertainments at schools
and churches for winter evenings.
4. Student farm labor:
labor from the
(a) It should be the aim of this committee to divert such student
cities, teethe summer vacations, as can be more profitably employed
on the farms.
acres of
1. Many students are now realizing from $300 to $500 on two (21also.
tobacco, having sufficient time left to do general farm work
own account should
2. Children of farm owners or tenants farming on their and
employers who
be encouraged to remain at home, and parents
ts with
receive the services of students should make such settlemen
.
schooling
them as will adequately provide for the next year's
labor:
of
ion
Distribut
5.
when seasonal indus(a) Efforts should be made to recruit workers for the farms
tries close in the cities.
office.
(b) Cooperate with the nearest United States Employment Service
n:
Educatio
6.
(a) White farmer and employer:
to
1. White farmers and employers of Negro farm labor should be urged of
cooperate with Negro farmers in promoting the common interests
the rural communities.
(b) Negro farmer and farm laborer:
with
1. Negro farmers and farm laborers should be urged to cooperate
white farmers and employers in promoting the common interests df
the rural communities.
use
2. Lectures in colored churches and lodges on modern farm methods,
of farm machinery, improvement of farm life, race pride, industry
and thrift, etc.
3. Farmers' conferences.
4. "Buy-a-farm" movement.
7. Farm demonstrators:
(a) City and county officials should be urged to provide funds for the appointment of Negro farm demonstrators.
the direction
(b) The breeding of registered live stock should be extended under
of the county farm demonstrators.
before planting
(c) Surveys should be made as to shortage and surplus of laboror extended and
and harvesting crops so that acreage might be reduced
crops saved.
-and digest this
If every man, black and white, in the United States, could Tead
keep and use
shall
I
questions.
our
all
solving
toward
way
great
a
go
would
report, it
* * *
work.
future
my
for
basis
a
as
report
this

United
The Chief Justice,of the State, the Federal Director of the
ed
express
all
rs
employe
of
number
a
and
Service
ment
-States employ
er
charact
and
scope
the
with
themselves as profoundly impressed
ee.
committ
the
by
done
•of the work




CHAPTER XXVI.
REPORT OF WORK IN
OHIO.
The number of Negro
migrants who set d in
trial centers of Ohio
the principal induse large. Estimatestle
-centers by investigawer
tors of the Departmentsecured upon visits to those
of Labor in 1917 give so
.4efinite notion of these
me
are largely general estimanumbers. The following figures, of cou
tes
rse,
and probably should
in some cases, increased to
be double, and
a large extent as of
September 1, 1919. ,
IC leveland

1C incinnati
•C olumbus
Dayton
'Toledo
'Canton
Akron
:Middletown
"Camp Sherman, Chillicot
he
Portsmouth
Baltimore & Ohio cam
'Pennsylvania Railroadps
camps
Contraetors
'Traction companies

10,000
6,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
1,000
2,000
300
400
800
1,000
1,000

Total

1 37,500

Negro Migration
*Office, Washington. in 1916-1917, Appendix to report of
Francis E. Tyson. Gov
ernment Printing

It will be noticed that All
iance, Bellaire, Hamilton,
Springfield, Steubenville
Ironton,
included in this survey , Youngstown, and Zanesville wereLima,
not
.
The
se points, as well as
'contained a large nu
other cities,
mb
er
of
iro
n,
ste
el, coal, coke, and oth
industries which called
er
for the kind of labor whi
readily able to supply
ch Negroes were
.
As
the
fig
ure
s indicate, large number
sof Negroes migrated int
Therefore, this State reco Ohio and were distributed over it generallys.
eiv
the Department of Labor. ed early consideration in the program of
Organszation—Su visor
of Negro economirs.—The
State supervisor ofper
departmental
Neg
ro
eco
nomics, Charles E. Hall, wa
-with the view of general
s
ointed
eff
ici
enc
y
to the department and to app
"of Ohio. For more than
the State
18
years Mr. Hall had been an
the Bureau of the Cen
employee of
merce, and had had consus in the United States Department of Comsid
era
ble
experience in field work. He
iipervised the gathering
had
and preparation of sta
ing to the manufacturin
tistical material relatg
int
ere
sts
an
d to the Negro population
United States. He
in the
d received special comm
Department of Commha
endation from the
er
ce
for
thi
s
wor
k.
period of Negro mig
ing 1916, the early
ion to the North, Mr.Dur
to the Department rat
Hall had been detailed
of
La
work in a report of mo bor for field investigations. His valuable
re than ordinary worth,
first steps by the Depa
served as a basis for
rtment of Labor.




105

106

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

Being a native of the Middle West, Mr. Hall enjoyed a wide contact with public officials and representative citizen, through whom
it was believed the fullest cooperation could be obtained. He took
the field in Ohio on June 17, 1918,just preceding the State conference.
The later success of his work gave substantial indorsement to the
judgment of the department in assigning him to Ohio.
Conference on Negro labor.—Following the assignment of Super.
-visor Hall to the State, under the auspices of the United States
Employment Service, plans for the Ohio conference on Negro labor
were started with the hearty cooperation of both State and Federal
officials, the State Council of Yational Defense and a number of
private citizens and agencies. Special mention should be made of the
personal interest and attention of Gov.James M.Cox and Mr. Fred D.
Croxton, chairman of the State Council of National Defense.
The conference was called by the Department of Labor to get
ac tion upon those things that needed to be done in Ohio to prom ote the welfare of wage erners and to stimulate the production for
w inning the war. Dr. F. L. Hagerty, professor of sociology, Ohio
S tate University, presided. After considerable discussion and a numb er of addresses the body of the work of the conference was done,
through committees, reports from which were adopted for the further
guidance of the department's work in the State.
Some of the committees' recommendations were as follows;
1. Investigation into the difficulties arising from discrimination against Negroes
:by local labor unions.
2. Efforts to stabilize labor by giving new opportunities for promotion,by standardizing wages, by reclassifying work by the employment of colored foremen, and by
fedu cational work among the working classes with the view of making them satisfied
with their occupations.
3. An endeavor to employ the Negro worker in full accordance with his fitness.
4. The opening of new places of employment in keeping with the fitness of Negro
wage-earners.
5. The conducting of welfare work in plants and factories.
43. The setting up of facilities for community recreation.
7. Increased attention to rooms, lockers, ventilation, and adequate space for employ ees.
8. Special attention to health problems.

The committee on industrial conditions reported to the conference
that -there was sufficient-work to be secured in the State for Negro
Laborers in industry doing Government and other work and that the
'Negro laborers were generally reliable. It also reported that in some
industries there was discrimination as to the kinds of work and conditions under which the work was done with reference to Negro
laborers. The committee stated that the demand for labor was more
than the supply and in order that the Government might get the
greatest return out of the amount of the actual and potential energy
.of the Negro workmen it was recommended that where skilled Negro
laborers were doing unskilled work because of their inability to secure
work at the skilled trades on account of color that the Government
adopt rules for governmental contracts and make a special effort to
see that every such man be given the opportunity to do that for
which he was best fitted. The final recommendation of this committee closed with the averment that "race or color should be no bar
to advancement."




THE NEGRO AT WORK D

HE WoRLD -WAR.

107

The committee on organization adopted with modifications to meet
'local conditions for use in Ohio the form of constitution for the Negro
workers' advisory committee which the department had approved.
The _committee on Negro women in industry submitted a report on
this subject of such special importance for future procedure that it
is reproduced here in full:
1. We, as a committee, recommend that a Negro woman be placed on the State
committee of women in industry, recently named by the Ohio Branch, Council of
National Defense.
2. We, as a committee, recommend that the 'United States Employment Service
place Negro placement secretaries in any employment office where numbers of colored
-women seek employment, to be determined by the State director.
3. We,as a committee, recommend that we indorse the standard which the women's
committee, Ohio Branch, Council of National Defense, have drawn up through the
committee on women in industry.
4. We recommend that this committee bring to the attention of the national committee on housing any housing conditions as they affect Negro women.
5. We recommend that a pamphlet be drawn up stating the necessity of loyalty to
duty and efficiency on the part of the worker, and the financial loss entailed through
the neglect of such, upon the part of the employer and community, be given each
-worker through the employment office.
6. We, as a committee, recommend that a woman be placed on the committee of
!hygiene and sanitation, if the committee appointed this morning is a standing coraimi ttee.
7. We recommend that no worker shall be permitteil to leave her present employment without giving a week or more notice before being accepted by another employer.
6. We recommend and urge that a Negro welfare worker be placed in industries
.over Negro women as a solution to the employers' problem of adjustment.
9. We recommend the encouragement of an adequate system of training within
'plants which recognizes the difference between showing and teaching for all ntw
employees.
Respectfully submitted.
Miss JENNIE D. PORTER,
Chairman, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Miss ELME MOUNTAIN,
Secretary, Columbus, Ohio.

Hon. James M. Cox, governor of Ohio, was present at the conferfence and made the closing address, which included the following
remarks:
I have no disposition to interfere with your deliberations, but upon the statement
'of Dr. Haynes, with whom I have had a brief but delightful conference with reference
to the earnestness of this meeting and the fact that it seems to be the most serious, if
-not the most successful, meeting that has been held in any of the States, I felt that we
would be derelict in our responsibility to the duties that come and go each day, as
?governor of this State, if I did not come here and express my appreciation of your
coming.
First, we need your people and need them badly in the war. We, likewise, need
your people and need them badly in the industrial life of this country.
Last winter I had the privilege of visiting Tuskegee Institute. I had a long visit
-with that splendid type of your race, Dr. Moton. The opportunity was mine of making
a survey of what was being done at this institute. I took pains to make considerable
tinquiry with reference to national and industrial conditions in the State of Alabama,
luid I am prepared to say, in the candor of my own judgment, at least, that you, as
-representatives of the race, are just now coming into your own. Even in the Southern
States, when the great flow started northward, the southern people found they could
not get along without the colored people.
The war gives you a great opportunity. I can say with pride, now, and reiterate
it all through the corridor of time, that not a single member of your race is following
the standard of the Kaiser. I have had the opportunity of reviewing colored troops,
.and I hope you will not feel that I am speaking flippantly when I recall the circum.8
'
stances of reviewing the troops at Camp Sherman. Capt. Talbott, with Gen. Glenn
staff, came over to the reviewing stand and said: "I have just left the colored regiment, and they are so full of pep that if they do not dance the cakewalk when they
come by, I will be surprised." They presented the best line of the day—it was




108

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

generally conceded to be the best line of the day by the general, the persons in the
reviewing stand, and the thousands of white people who were assembled there. I
hope that when the war is over we can then join together members of our race and
yours in helping to work out in Ohio what they have in Alabama.
The colored man is here, and here to stay, and since that is true we not only want
also want to give
to improve the educational opportunities that come to him butIwe
ask you, as colored
.
attention to vocational training. A plan is being incubated
as we can to the Tuskegee
people, to help us in making in Ohio as close an approach
you
represent the assurance
those
to
home
carry
to
you
want
I
Alabama.
Institute in
in your State or to the
the
people
to
either
render,
can
State
this
help
that whatever
desire.
your
of
evidence
an
but
needs
front,
the
at
soldiers

The Department of Labor takes this special opportunity to thank
every agency and every individual who helped to make successful the
Ohio conference August 5, 1919.
Negroes workers' advisory committees.—Immediately after the confer.
ence, Supervisor Hall, with the assistance of public-spirited citizens
of Ohio, recommended to the department a number of the strongest
' adpersons for appointment to service on the State Negro workers
of
25
ees
committ
city
and
county,
local,
to
and
ee,
visory committ
able
in
consider
workers
Negro
where
important centers of the State
numbers resided. The complete personnel of the State committee
follows:
Edward Berry, Athens; Leroy W. Bobbins and Chas. C. Cowgill,
Mletown; Chas. L. Johnson and Chas. P. Dunn Springfield; Robert K. Hodges, D. R. Williams, Alexander H. Martin, and (Miss)
Hazel Mountain, Cleveland; Chas. W. Bryant, Harry B. Alexander,
J. H. Hendrick, and (Mrs.) E. W. Moore, Columbus; J. E. Ormes,
Wilberforce; R. E. Holmes, Xenia; F. D. Patterson, Greenfield;
Laws,
"Joseph L. Jones, H.S. Dunbar,Fred. A. Geier, and (Miss) Anna Scott,
Cincinnati; B. M. Ward, B. H. Fisher, and (Mrs.) Minnie
H. T.
Toledo; Rev. W.0. Harper, and T. E. Milliken, Youngstown;Bates,
Elliott, Dayton; Rev. A. M.Thomas,Zanesville;(Mrs.)Stephen
Chillicothe; James French, Sandusky; T. E. Greene, Akron.
Persons serving on these committees did so at the special request
s, where
of the Secretary of Labor, and, in but one or two instance
,
of
business
pressure
extreme
with
ted
were
confron
the appointees
sm
were the invitations declined. Thrcrtighout the work the patrioti
and spirit of service of the citizenship of Ohio made possible the successful carrying out of virtually- every plan which the department
launched, and the Ohio committee, like similar committees in 10
other States, assisted in the handling of industrial problems with -a
maximum degree of satisfaction.
ns in
Surveys of labor conditions.—The general industrial conditio
the
by
or
directly
or
supervis
Ohio were investigated either by the
of
form
a
on
or
supervis
to
the
d
reporte
who
s,
member
ee
committ
copy:
a
is
g
blank, of which the followin
NEGRO WAGE EARNERS IN OHIO.

-

Informationfor supervisor of Negro economics.

To members ofcounty and city committees of Negro workers' advisory
Please fill out blank and return.
1. Are there many out of work in your city or county?
2. Have many been released during the past 30 days?
3. If so, were they absorbed by other occupations?
4. Have any new avenues of employment been opened?
4. If So, state the kind of work.




committee.

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING 'THE WORLD WAR.

109

Remarks.
(Under "Remarks" please furnish the supervisor with any other information which
you think should be brought to his attention.)
Information furnished by
Address.
'Date:

The first general survey developed the following facts:
The Negro workers had not been greatly disturbed because of the
,many industrial readjustments and temporary suspensions of the
manufacturing enterprises not essential to winning the war, during
the war and preceding the signing of the armistice.
The counties of Hamilton, Lucas, and Montgomery, whose principal
cities are Cincinnati, Toledo, and Dayton, respectively, were largely
engaged on war contracts. In Toledo the opportunities for employment were steadily improving. Local industries in Cleveland, Columbus, Youngstown, Akron, Canton, Lima, Delaware, Greenville,
'Steubenville, Zanesville, Chillicothe, Sandusky, Portsmouth, Marietta, and other centers were employing large numbers of Negro workers. In Butler County, the American Rolling Mills were giving emp1 oyment to hundreds of workers. In Lima,the Swift Packing Co.was
giving employment to Negro men and women, who were making good.
In Youngstown, Mahoning County, an increasing number of elevato r
rls and male truck drivers were given employment.
In Dayton a large firm was making calls for considerable numbers
of Negro laborers. This company was able to guarantee prospective
workers housing facilities of the better type. Columbus reported a
garment manufacturer who was unable to get a sufficient number of
N egro women who could operate power machines. Youngstown rep orted insufficient wages($9 and $10a week)for girls. Dayton reported
an industry using from 15 to 30 colored women,sorting rags on a piecework basis, at $15 per week.
Job selling.—Among the special conditions found in Ohio was one
w hich related to job selling in industrial establishments; and there is
in corporated herein a full report of the Ohio supervisor respecting
this condition, evidences of which were very apparent. This report
was approved by the Director of Negro Economics and sent to advisory committeemen in all parts of the State.
JOB SELLING IN INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO NEGROES.

To prevent job selling by foremen, assistant foremen, "straw bosses" and "go'betweens" a very comprehensive bill was enacted by the last General Assembly
upon the recommendation of the Industrial Commission of Ohio, the penalty being
as follows:
"SacTiorr 2. Whoever violates any provision of this act stall be fined for the first
offense not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundted dollars and the
vans of prosecution; and for the second or any subsequent offensO not less than two
'hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and the costs of prosedtition.".
"Sacnor; 6. The Industrial Commission of Ohio shall have full power, jurisdiction, and authority to administer the provisions of this act."
Before the migration of Negroes from the South had reached a considerable vol.
time, the foreign-born wage earners were the ones who were the victims of this pernicious system and the Department of Investigation and Statistics secured definite
information that the collection of fees for jobs, or assessments of various kinds by
foremen was a well-established custom in many of the industrial establishments
'through the State. It was found at the time the investigation was made that the
price paid to foremen was generally $15, $20, or $25 for a job paying approximately 25
.pents per hour, and that the custom appeared to have become so well established that




1.1.1)

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

no demand for payment needed to be made as the applicant understood that he must
make a payment of money before he got the work.
Definite information was secured by the department to the effect that the
foreman seldom received the money directly from the applicant, but usuallyshrewd
had a
number of men who acted as "go-betweens" and who were generally "straw bosses"
or workmen.
This system of petty graft became so pronounced and the demands of the grafters
became so insistent that the investigators experienced no great difficulty in securing
the evidence upon which a number.of indictments were made under the old law
relating to private employment agencies which was not broad enough in scope, however, to fit the entire situation.
The new law includes the acceptance of fees, gifts or gratuities, or promises to pay
a fee or to make a gift under the agreement or with the understanding that the grafter
will undertake to secure or assist in securing work for the applicant, or with the understanding that he will advance or undertake to secure or assist in securing an advance
in pay or prevent or undertake to prevent or assist in preventing the discharge or
reduction in pay or position of the worker in the employ of the company. The law
which was enacted by the eighty-second general assembly covers all of these points
and carries with it the penalty indicated above.
There are indication that there has been a revival of the practice of job selling, but
that instead of working on the foreigners, the grafters have turned their attention to
the helpless, ignorant, and destitute Negroes who are coming from the South to seek
opportunities to better their condition, and it is not unlikely that the system of job
selling in industrial establishments in Ohio will again be investigated as the practice
is not only unlawful and highly dishonorable but has a tendency to destroy the morale
of the workers and thereby seriously affect production. All such cases should be
reported.
CHARLES E. HALL,
Supervisor of Negro Economics.

Living conditions of Negro workers.—It was the experience of the
department that unfavorable living conditions, more than anything
else, made difficult the advancement of the Negro worker in efficiency and increased contentment. At times the housing conditions
were due to lack of employment; at times the conditions were due to
lack of pride on the part of the worker; and at times the boardinghouse keeper of the low type set up conditions which necessity forced
the working men to accept.
As to the latter class, in one instance Supervisor Hall reported as
follows:
OCTOBER 11, 1918.
Dr. GEORGE E. HAYNES,
Negro
Virector of
Economics, Department of Labor, Washington, D. C.
DEAR SIR: On the evening of October 9, 1918, I visited the boarding and lodging
Louse conducted by
,a colored man, for the
,Ohio.
Co.,
This very dilapidated two-story frame building is located at
Street, and
is known as
. It is the most filthy boarding and lodging house that has
come under .my observation. A foul-smelling closet adjoins the unclean dining
room. I noticed broken windows upstairs in the sleeping quarters, and in the
south wing even the skylights were without glass or other protection from the
elements.
There is no shower or bathroom for the 42 men who occupy this house, and it has
been found necessary to borrow a washtub from the neighbors to accommodate the
imen who wish to take a bath. The place is heated by small stoves and natural gas
heaters and the building is lighted by electricity. The kitchen was fairly clean but
the range had no hot-water boiler, which greatly inconveniences the cooks and other
kitchen help asI well as the boarders.
A number of the dirty sunken floors need jacking up and the rooms would not be
less attractive if they were painted or whitewashed. Although there are a few new
bed mattresses, I found most of them alarmingly filthy with bed coverings in the same
condition. Although the reare plenty of rooms in the house, many of them are unfurnished. Upon inquiry I was informed that the men coming off the night shift are
obliged to occupy the rooms just vacated by the men going on the day shift. In
some instances four of five men sleep in a room about 10 by 12 at the same time. Some




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING- THE WORLD WAR.

111

of the bed springs are worn out, necessitating the sleeper to lie in most uncomfortable
positions, regardless of the fact that he has been working hard and that the efficiency
of his work depends largely upon comfortable repose. There is no assembly room,
music (except nickel-in-the-slot piano), pool, billiards, or books.
For these most inferior accommodations the men are charged $7.25 per week for
room and board as compared with $4.55 per week charged by the
Co.;
located in the same city and within a few blocks. The
Co. maintains a large
boarding and lodging house, known as "The -,"which is now being pap
painted, and generally overhauled.
is extremly insanitary and a disease breeder, a condition
In my opinion, the
which could not have escaped the attention of the local officials of the company, one
of whom visits the house daily for the purpose of checking up.
These conditions are doubtless the causes of the large turnover and inefficiency of
the colored workers of this company.
Respectfully,
CHARLES E. HALL,
Supervisor of Negro Economies, Ohio.

This report was approved by the Director of Negro Economics for
submission to the general manager of the — Company. Subsequent action by the company in the renovation of this place and
change of these conditions followed the receipt of this report by him.
Critical housing conditions in Cleveland together with other
economic problems,gave to that city a special need which the department planned to give attention to through a local representative
member of the Negro workers' advisory committee. This plan, however, was delayed and finally given up because of necessary changes
in the policy of the department.
Acute housing conditions were found also at Akron, Cleveland,
Dayton, Lima, Portsmouth, Toledo, and Youngstown; and, subsequently, the Department of Labor,through the United States Housing
Corporation, had surveys made in several of these cities, but the sudden termination of the war, accompanied by a readjustment of the
industries to a peace-time basis, threw a great many persons out of
work and the housing condition was somewhat relieved through the
general exodus of Negro and white wage earners to other localities
within and without the State where there was a shortage of labor and
where adequate housing facilities obtained. One permanent result
in stimulating building and loan associations is fully described below.
The failure of congressional appropriations for the furtherance of
the Negro economics work unfavorably affected the industrial progress
of this class of wage earners who had watched with increasing interest
the development of this new agency which was established to better
their industrial welfare and to act as a clearing house for industrial
opportunities. Men were no longer obliged to live in idleness, because
they were able at all times to 1 earn through the supervisor where
work could be obtained, the rate of wages, the hours of labor, and the
attitude of the residents of any community. toward Negro labor.
Negro professional men, skilled and unskilled workers, and others,
freely communicated with the Director of Negro Economics and with
the State supervisor for the purpose of securing a location or an
opportunity in a community where conditions were favorable to their
prosperity, and the failure of appropriations to provide for the
continuance of this field work was keenly felt.
Discrimination in occupations on account of color was one of the
conditions which, in some instances, confronted the Negro worker.
The Ohio Conference on Negro Labor made recommendations on this
point. Whether such discrinlinations were approved by private or




112

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

public employers made a differenee in the zeticn which the department could take. The privatz einr
:loyer f__:.,.;ht hire whomsoever he
chose. Aside from an appeal for justice and fair play on his part,
the department was unable to tal-.3 any specific action in such cases.
Where such discriminati6us, however, were all'6ged to exist within
the ranks of employers who beemise of war contracts or other relations came under the Jurisdiction of the Federal Government, investigations were made and definite steps taken to remove such discriminations.
Complaine;.—CoL4laints, other than those noted above, were
generally of three types:
1. Discrimination in the matter of opportunities for the Negro
worker.
2. Unfair treatment of the Negro worker by employers.
3. Inefficiency of the Negro workers.
On the uhole, there was a minimum amount of complaint in Ohio
either by employer or employee. Thc sta ap of efficiency Was often
placed upon the Negro 7:orker, and the Negro workur often recognized the effort on the part of employers assuring to hit, equal pays
equal hours, recreation facilities, pleasant rektiuns with 7.iiite
workers, and decent living conditions.
Results.—Under the supervision of the United States .uployment
Service, the State supervisor of Negrc economics .1a,cle direct reports
of placement of Negro workers to the Federal director. He assisted
the employment offices throughout the State with their_probloms
placing Negro workers. Reports of the United States ii 1 yment
Service give him the recognition for this help. Placemento were
many and varied. Services were frequently rendered to filns .rhich
had not formerly employed Negro workers. Following
sigKing
of the armistice and the resulting nonemployment situation the efforts
for the returning Negro soldiers and sailors were carried along side by
side with the efforts of the Federal and State machinery for the
employment of all persons.
An outstanding.feature of the Ohio work was the projtct cf furthering the organization of building and loan associations arlong
Negroes of the State as one concrete means of remedying the housing
situation. In a letter dated May 8, 1919, which was given Statewide publicity, Supervisor Hall made the following points:
1. Industrial opportunities in Ohio are ever opening.
2. The housing facilities offered to Negro workers are inadequate:
3. Negro people themselves should make some of the financial
arrangements for meeting the housing situation.
4. Overcrowded and insanitary housing conditions destroy the
efficiency of the worker.
5. The home owner is ever a permanent working factor, contributing to the growth of the State and to its civic and
commercial progress.
Thereafter Supervisor Hall compiled, from the Laws of Ohio, a
skeleton outline of the statutes regulating the organizing and conducting of building and loan associations. He also formed a plan
and model constitution for such associations among colored people
of the several localities. This outline of laws and plans was placed
in the hands of members of the Negro workers' advisory committees and of special groups in the cities and counties throughout the




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING
THE WORLD WAR.

State having a considerable Negro popu
by talks made by the supervisor to lation. This was supplanted
interested groups in various
places. Wilberforce University gave speci
building and loan matters in three centers al courses of lectures on
of the State. So numerous
became the requests for additional info
rmat
found it necessary to prepare a model form of ion that the supervisoi
for distribution. In rapid succession buil constitution and by-laws
ding and loan associations
were organized in several Ohio cities
wher
e
they are greatly needed.
Requests for the "Ohio plan" were
made by persons living in
Colorado, District of Columbia, Georalso
Maryland, Michigan, and
New York, and several associations ingia,
these States have since been
organized. All are reported to be doin
and.are helping to alleviate the housingg good business financially
conditions. Companies in
other places are proposed and will doubtles
s be launched. As this
bulletin goes to press report has come in from
another Ohio city in
which Negro citizens have incorporated another
building and loan
association capitalized at $300,000.
In carrying out the purpose with which it
was charged by Congress,
the Department of Labor has steadfastl
y
trator regarding union and nonunion work been a neutral adminisers, and has endeavored
to promote alike the interests of all work
white and colored, male
and female, union and nonunion. With ers,
has sought to keep fully informed of thethis in view, the department
tions toward Negroes in territories wher attitude of labor organizae the question is a vital one
f)1 amicable relations of the two
races in industry..
Consequently, statement of the chan
ge in the attitude of organized
labor in Ohio during this period
of special note. The copy of a
letter of Mr. Thomas J. Donnelly,issecr
tion of Labor, outlining the attitudeetary-treasurer, Ohio Federaof that organization in the
matter of unionizing Negro wage earn
ers covers this important point:
coLusieus, Oino, January 22, 1919,
Mr. CHAs. E. HALL,
Supervisor of Negro Economies,
Department of Labor, Columbus, Ohio.
DEAR Mr. HALL: Supplementing our
Negro labor and the unionizing of color conversation recently upon the subject of
writing you that at this time best result ed men in this section of the country, I am
s would be obtained, in my opinion, if effort
should be made to bring into the
s
cated in the North, where through union those colored men who were born and educonta
associ
ct
and
ation
with
the whites they have
famed the same viewpoint on
effort, have the same "pep," industrial affairs, see the same necessity for a sustained
and
the
same
deter
minat
prote
ion to
ct their rights as
WAge earners and as citizens. These
men can be taken in by the organizations representing both the skilled and unskilled
branc
hes
of
the
union
labor
s, and I believe
that no great objection would be
found, especially if in communities where there
large numbers of both white
are
colored, distinct locals were organized; but where
there are only a few whites or and
a few colored men following the same trade
it
would be
advisable for them to belong to the
same local. A possible objection to a mixed local
in communities where there
are large numbers of both races employed
line .of work is that both eleme
in
the
same
nts
organization and policies. This might vote along the color line upon questions of
of
cours
e would have a tendency to destroy the
solidarity of the organization
and to discount its work. I believe that once these
colored workers were fairly well
organ
ized
they would be a valued aid in organizing
the illiterate ones who have
migrated from the South and give them a cleare view
northern ideals and the respon
r
of
sibilities accompanying citizenship.
While it has been my experience
that
color
ed
men
as
a rule make good union men,
P do not think that the color
to skilled industry and membeed agricultural illiterates from the South are adaptable
rship in unions of the skilled white workers.
1989°-20
S




114

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

Negroes reared in Ohio, having the advantage of the public schools in the State,
should be adaptable to skilled industry and no doubt could secure membership in the
unions of the skilled white workers or have separate organizations chartered by the
international trades-unions. Places could possibly be
found for a number of southern
colored agricultural illiterates at common labor and in semiskilled trades. They
would then be eligible to membership in the unions of the workers in these lines of
industry.
Improved machinery has greatly lessened the demand for muscle,
time has increased the demand for men who are trained to use their but at the same
heads as well as
their hands.
A great number of accidents in the Ohio factories and mills during the past few
years has largely been due to the employment of illiterate foreigners from
Europe, who formerly followed agricultural pursuits, and the employmentsouthern
of
numbers of Negroes of the same class from the South would result, no doubt, in alarge
like
number of accidents. Until they become factory broken, more punctual and dependable in attendance, more intelligent, and more accustomed to the northern method
of living they will not really constitute an asset of large value to skilled industry.
Yours, very truly,
THOS. J. DONNELLY,
Secretary-Treasurer, Ohio State Federation of Labor.

Iii closing the work in Ohio, after the failure of appropriations,
Supervisor Hall gave the following statement of concrete results of
his efforts:
1. The growth and stimulation of the opinion among colored workers that the Government has recognized them industrially, that they now have a medium through
which to voice their complaints, and that because of the moral effect of such recognition they will be less subject to exploitation.
2'. A more helpful attitude on the 'part of employers and a less hostile one on
part of white wage earners brought about through contact with colored membersthe
of
commit tees.
3. The gradual elimination of racial objection at "the gate" or point of hiring,
through the cultivation of superintendents, managers, and directors of employment.
4. The announcement of the official attitude of the Ohio State Federation of Labor
concerning skilled and unskilled Negro labor.
5. The increase in efficiency and decrease in labor turnover brought about through
the knowledge or belief that they would be given a "square deal" industrially.
6. The awakening of Negroes, through the circulation of frequent State-wide reports, to the industrial opportunities open to them. •
7. The location, through questionnaires sent to county committees, of points where
a surplus or shortage of Negro labor obtained, and the adjustment of these conditions,
when possible. through the Clearance Division of the United States Employment
Service.
8. The placing of movable wooden racks on cold cement floors of shower baths in
several industrial plants in order to encourage a more frequent use of the bath.
9. The closing of several dilapidated, filthy, disease-breeding Negro boarding and
lodging houses maintained by large manufacturing companies. The personal inspection of other lodging houses, camps, etc.
10. The creation of a better understanding of the functions of the Department of
Labor, and a greater appreciation of governmental agencies brought about through
the efforts of the State and county Negro worker's advisory committees.
11. The development of cooperative groups through the encouragement and intormation given to committees in communities where the organization of a building
and loan association would be both practicable and advisable.
12. The appointment of several colored "labor scouts" whose efficient work in
congested industrial centers was of great value to the service and to the Negro wage
earners.

The opinions and attitude of white and colored citizens of Ohio
on the work of Negro economics in that State show something of its effect. A few excerpts from the communications to the
department are given below:
You have done a great work over this whole State and we all appreciate your worth.
That is why we are willing to give our time gratis.




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

115

of DecemberYour circular with reference to Negro.economics.in Ohio under date
further communication,
14th was received by us and read with lively interest. Anybe
appreciated. We areor publication you may have on this subject I am sure will
as it ifs
interested in this problem as you are, and desire to help in its solution so far
possible for us to do so.
I sincerely hopeI am glad to know that your work is progressing satisfactorily. Governme
nt with
that we will continue to hold our own industrially, and thatinthe
the Department of.
continue to cooperate with as and allow us representation
Labor.
I shall be glad to cooperate with you to the extent of my ability in trying,to bring•
about the conditions we both desire during readjustment.
coming. Words are in
I received your circular, and most heartily welcome its thing
continue to come
to express my appreciation. Please let the good
this way.
I believe that you,
The work you are in calls for a first-class race man's efforts, and I am pleased to.
should be retained with the Government in thetosame capacity.
brought in touch with
have met you, to have learned of your work, and have been
it, and I believe you will be successful.
I am glad you have completed your organization, and I assure you you have my.
full support.
United States EmployIn returning your information blank, I would state that theand that your methods.
ment Service is filling a long-felt need among our people,Let
me hear from you at.
meet my approval and will receive my earnest support.
any time.
simply the information is it
Congratulations on your report. Keep it up. Just
means ultimate solidarity and.
tremendous factor in cementing the race, and that
sucoess.
and labor conditions:
Your very concise and yet informative letter relative to labor You are to
be eondocument.
splendid
a
is
It
hand.
to
came
Negroes
the
among
beet and most
the
tips
finger
your
at
have
you
it
in
for
,
production
its
Fautlated upon
Negro in this iminformation it has been my good fortune to receive relative to thein all your efforts._
you
success
continued
wish
I
Ohio.
in
endeavor
of
field
portant
thank you for the circular letter concerning the readjustment of Negro labor.
Keep me posted, and if I can serve you, call on me.
Employment. Service, and
We have also got good service from the United States
Mr. Hall, State supervisor, is doing a great work.
doing in Ohio for the
I wish to congratulate you upon the excellent work you are opportunity to coopindustrial advancement of our people. We all appreciate the
erate with you and the Department of Labor.
not for publicatiop't
Your letter with the inclosed statement marked "Personal,in
sending this inforkindness
for
your
ou
to
grateful
are
We
received.
been
has
mation.
Cincinnati to organize a
I wish to advise you that as a result of your efforts here inhave the Industrial
Savbuilding and loan association managed by colored men, we d
doing business January
ings & Loan Co., incorporated for $300,000, which commencenext week
or 10 days andt
the
31. We will be prepared to make our first loan within
opt prospects are very bright for a large and growing company.




CHAPTER XIX..
REPORT OF WORK IN PEN
NSYLVANIA.
10).e war Conditions.—Negro labor can not
any abnormal inclusion in Pennsylvania be said to have enjoyed
industries. The historical
and political development of Pennsylv
ania has not been such as to
attract a large Negro population.
Pennsylvania labor was pTobab
formed, largely, by fore
ly
laborer in the unskilledigners comprised of the so-called "Hunkie"
and
class was probably made up semiskilled occupations. The skilled
Pennsylvania along with theof American labor which developed in
was supplemented, under the development of industry and which
of demand and supp
artisans and mechanics who law
by skilled
came into Pennsylvanialy,
from other
winters. Even the Negro mining
class had been employed, previous
to the war, in fairly large proporti
ons in Pennsylvania mining districts of the southwestern
sect
ion.
In the Pittsburgh district,.
more than in any other section,
the Negro worker, before the war,
probably enjoyed a greater incl
n into all branches of labor tha
he did at any other point in the usio
p
State.
The Pittsburgh Negro had long
sinc
e become a very desirable
citizen, a competent worker, and
mills at Pittsburgh, "rollers" anda thrifty individual. In the steel
ployed at salaries sometimes as other types of workers were emlarge as $250 per month. These
persons maintained good homes
and contributed to a high typ
civic life in Pittsburgh. Now and
e of
then a technical worker fron
some of the best American universities
was a supervisory in positionx
in a steel mill.
Industrial advances during the
great industries of Pennsylvania uar.—With the stress of war the
through sheer necessity, became
objective centers of a tremendou,sly
never-failing law of demand and supp large mass of workers. The
ly was exercising great influence in drawing laborers. To the
from locations within the State of Negro worker, whether he came
States, or from the South, which Pennsylvania or other Northern
was pouring into northern industries its thousands of Negro migr
demand and supply was very effeants, the influence of the law of
ctive. Consequently Negro lab
of every type was drawn
or
Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.into employment in Pennsylvania, from
When the Division of Negro Eco
nomics was established, the plans
of the Secretary of Labor call
ed for the development of this wor
the Negro, choosing first the poin
k of
sections of the country. For ts of the greatest needs in different
this
reas
on
the work of the division
was somewhat delayed in its
The machinery of the Unit beginning in Pennsylvania.
ed States Employment Service had been
well established in Pennsylvania
.
work were perfected and a wor and as soon as plans for the Negro
tablish a cooperating office, firstker available, it was decided to esofficial, Harry E. Arnold, of the , at Erie, Pa. A competent Negro
Was accordingly detailed to thatUnited States Employment Service,
city.




THE

RI NG
N EGRt) AT WORK DC

THE

WORLD WAR.

117

affecting
some .very critical problems
It that time Erie presentedro workers. At the outset of the war
e. But ori
the relations of white and Neg
ut 300 Negroes residing in Eri
00 persons,
2,0
there was said to be abopop
to
ulation had increased
November 18, 1918, this comers, practically all of whom had come
the majority of them new g conditions most seriously affected the
from the South. Housin Negro economics activities first looked
wded bunk
Negroes in Erie. When the
ro laborers were living in ncro
of Negro fetio
in upon the situation, 200 dNeg
por
ger
lar
The
ps.
ice. Conhouses and hastily erecte edcam
in domestic and personal serv
loy
emp
e
wer
s
ker
wor
ed against
e
ect
mal
t of employees was dir sin
g condisiderable complaint on the paraus
hou
the
and
e of this
female..
and
"irregularity of service." Bec
e
nover of labor in Erie, mal e rapid and
tions, there was a large tur
mad
es
viti
acti
department's
The changes brought by the situation as the following paragraphs
the
in
s
nge
cha
far-reaching
Harry E
show:
Negro special agent, of
Labor,
Organization of committees.—The
ary
ret
Sec
the
of
n
ve-described pla
comong
str
Arnold,following the aboNeg
a
hed
nomics, establis
ro
purThe
through the Director of peratiEco
e.
ng white members in Eri
exy
usl
vio
mittee of colored and coo
n
pre
bee
e
hav
tee
h a commit
poses and functions of suc
eafter, as soon as
ther
and
ed
low
fol
e
Eri
of
plained. A labor survey n well g'ot in hand, similar plans were outthe local situation had bee , Pittsburgh, Washington, Connellsyille,
, Wilkinsburg,
lined for Meadville, Sharon
Beaver Falls, Sewickley
nstowa, SteelHarrisburg, New Castle, ong
Joh
,
ahela, Uniontown
Braddock, Homestead, Mon , Yor
k, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Lan
ton, Carlisle, Chambersburg
ers.
cent
al
stri
indu
and other
ry a greatercaster, Coatesville, Scranton,
, of course, made unnecessa, but during
ice
ist
arm
the
of
g
nin
nia
The sig
lva
nsy
Pen
ro labor in
development of plans for Neg y, February, and March, 1919, the
uar
Jan
and
8,
191
order to meet
December,
ried forward such plans in reconstructiore
Negro special agent had car
in
would naturally be foundplus of 100 unemthe readjustments which
April, 1919, found a sur a few weeks had
of
ing
inn
beg
times. The
special agent within
The
rt it was necesployed Negroes in Erie.
plus to 48. In this effo
m a number.of
fro
assisted in reducing this suruni
e
anc
s and assist
tie
ort
opp
k
see
to
him
for
e representative
sary
Negro workers. Thirty-on
e ready attenplants in the placement ofiro
gav
es,
stri
n and steel indu
s are
low
plants, principally in the of Neg
ro labor, and the fol ing fact
tion to the employment with its greater inclusion in Pennsylvania
significant in connectiond colored men, of which 50 per cent were
industries: Four hundre loyed in one of the railroad shops. Six of
skilled workers, were emp ed as "first-class mechanics" and were
these employees were rat cient in the shops. The officials of a metal
ranked among the most effi pany, both of which employed foundry
loyees are as
company and of a boiler com
that their "Negro emp
men and skilled workers, stated
efficient as the whites." ary for these plants to reduce their forces
ence was given, in
When it became necess
of contracts, preferide
nts of the localon account of the cancellat,ion
res
the permanent
to
ion
uat
tin
con
of
ter
result was that
mat
the
s had their plants, Thet city. This, of
ities wherein these industrieare
tha
of
old residents
the permanent employees ng the continuance of home ownership
ati
mul
sti
in
sts
oourse, assi




.11711

1
.

118

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAIL

Negroes
and solidarity of civic life. The special agent reported 200
to the
Prior
1918.
7,
May
on
Co.
in the employ of the Carnegie Steel
800.
to
600
from
bly
proba
was
r
numbe
the
ice
armist
sighing of the
of
ion
inclus
the
ed
retard
again
ng
In this instance, inadequate housi
ions
condit
ry
sfacto
unsati
other
s
and
house
Bunk
s.
skilled worker
be discontented with estoppect
which the better type of laborer wouldThe
American Steel & Wire Co.
r.
worke
Negro
d
skille
the
of
supply
rs, practically all of whom.
worke
Negro
75
of
force
r
reported a regula
were skilled employees.
colored workers on
The Savage Arms Corporation reported 60 included in this.
were
ists
Government contracts. Two machin
number.
work
The above facts show to a small degree some of the practical time..
of
period
short
a
very
within
on
divisi
this
by
lished
accomp
tmental
The adjustments which followed the appointment of a depar
uation
contin
the
of
need
the
te
indica
ia
ylvan
Penns
in
ve
entati
repres
Negro.
the
which
in
ts,
distric
ia
ylvan
Penns
in
e
of such a special servic
It.
life.
rial
indust
the
in
workeris striving for a permanent place
will
State
great
this
in
s
unitie
opport
great
the
that
may well be said
to the com—
at least, in some small degree, be more readily available
.
future
the
of
r
petent Negro worke
mics is particularly
Cooperation.—The Division of Negro Econo
s in Pennsylvania,.
zation
organi
and
duals
indivi
e
privat
grateful to the
who cooperated
city,
and
State,
l,
Federa
ls,
as well as public officia
Of particular men—
city.
that
in
up
set
work
the
in
ly
earted
wholeh
Interstate Industrial'
tion are the Pittsburgh Urban League, theation of Philadelphia_
Associ
Arts Association, and the Armstrong
al knowledge regard—
These organizations, with their wealth of materi
of the department
ance
assist
the
to
come
ing Negro life, were quick to
ory
Committee of
Advis
rs'
Worke
Negro
The
effort.
in this special
ns of that.
citize
d
colore
and
white
strong
of
Philadelphia, comprised
of the two.
help
and
ies
activit
the
gh
throu
le
possib
made
city, was
at Philadelphia4.
last-named organizations. This committee, seatedwould
have done.
tant,
impor
very
is
life
Negro
which
a point in
allowed
the
future
had
tment
the
depar
for
value
inestimable work of
Economics;
Negro
the
of
ete
work
field
compl
the
of
uance
contin
a
Service.
has come from Erie,.
As this report goes to the press, a statement
ry. committee or
adviso
rs'
worke
Negro
the
that
effect
Pa., to the
ry capacity,.
adviso
an
in
gs,
meetin
that city is still holding regular
ty. This is
that
vicini
of
ems
probl
t
'labor
the
presen
to
with regard
has elasped
year
a
nearly
that
fact
the
of
of special significance in view
tment at Erie,.
depar
the
by
cted
condu
work
nent
perma
the
since
a cordial
ceased to function. The statement referred to emphatsizes
part of
the
on
respec
high
a
racial relationship at Erie and bespeaks
—
accom
s
result
the
for
d,
colore
and
white
yees,
emplo
egaployers and
plished by the committee.




CHAPTER XVIII.
GINIA.
PORT OF WORK IN VIR

RE

y easily launched
ion in this State was ver
The work of organizat executive committee of the Negro Organizaafter conference with the eady had branch organizations in many
tion Society, which alr rural and city. The executive secretary
localities of the State, both l of Defense, who very readily approved
of the State National Counci chairmen of the county councils throughservice air
of our plans and directed the
te representatives forisory comwhi
ee
thr
t
oin
app
to
te
Sta
adv
out the
our local Negro workers'
cooperating members for
ablished in about,
est
s
tee
mit
,
com
ore
ref
,
the
ablished at Richmittees. We soon had
es of the State and an office est
ary of the Negro.
ret
60 counties and 5 citiErw
sec
ive
cut
in,formerly exe
C.
T.
Mr.
h
wit
nd
mo
y, in charge.
loyers and Negre
Organization Societcon
ferences between whitet emp
al
understandings.
mis
of
A. series of loc
men
ns and adjust
pla
out
ing
mak
k, Petersburg,
for
fol
s
Nor
worker
Alexandria, Roanoke,
were held in Richmond, cial note may be given of the cooprative
and Portsmouth. A spe l of National Defense in dealing successfully
action of the State Counci ion of friction between white and colored
with a very critical situat
.
ences was the handcarpenters at Camp Lee
ng results of these confer
The following is a
k.
One of the outstandi
fol
Nor
shortage at
or
lab
nt
are
app
an
ce discovered that.
ling of
The chamber of commer
projects depended
tal
brief statement of facts:
men
ern
which Gov
on
y
cit
the
of
s
tie
ivi
act
re seemed to be
ny
the
ma
At the same time
was suffering from lack of labor.men in the city. The labor shortage
odied
t there
large numbers of able-bted
announcement made thato go to
an
and
oin
app
n
committee was
to compel me
of officers of the law wor
kers very largely, Mr.
would be a campaign As
ro
Neg
ed
ect
aff
s
thi
or to go to jail.
advisory committee
s'
ker
wor
ro
an of the Neg
tee, pointin„g out
mit
com
P. B. Young, chairmwit
ge
rta
labor sho
the
h
on
sti
que
kers but to drive
the
wor
up
took
would not serve to get
to them that such a plansubstitute plan was offered by the advisory.
them from the city. A an educational campaign, laying before the
mcommittee to carry on
ge confronting the co
gs the labor shortathe
h an
wit
t
men
ern
Gov
workers at mass meetin
city and to
a series of street
munity and its meaning to the
n was agreed to, and
pla
his
''T
s.
eer
eet corners in
str
r
ula
appeal for volunt
pop
t
ht on the mos
nig
at
de
ma
campaign of
e
s'
wer
day
ses
res
add
After a ten
s.
roe
Neg
by
d
nte
que
fre
unt
h vol eer workers
the districts
ces were overrun wit
jobs.
this kind employment offi
the
than were needed on reports from over the
and there were more men iso
r
ula
reg
ed
receiv
The office of the superv sitruation and gave special assistance as a
or
lab
ro
Neg
the
possible. Special
of
te
Sta
labor shortage wherever
result in meeting the farm e carried on throughout the State by
119
educational campaigns wer




120

THE NEGRO AT WORN DURING THE WORLD WAR.

means of bulletins giving information to the local committees ore
war .labor needs and furnishing material on employment, health,
inusing, and recreation that might be passed to the congregations
within the territory of each committee.
The supervisor of Negro economics was also associated with thedirector of the Boys' Working Reserve for the State of Virginia, ana
directed the beginning of that work among colored boys of the StateV) assist in supplying the farm labor shortage during the farming
season of 1918 and the spring season of 1919.
When the Housing Bureau proposed the establishment of a model
opmmunity at Truxtun, the supervisor of Negro economics very early
was in touch with some of the strong colored citizens of Portsmouth,
.by. A _Negro workers' advisory committee, with Mr. W. H..
near,
Jennings as chairman, was formed. Through them there was developed contact with the officers of the navy yards, and the Housing
Corporation was assisted in getting suitable residents for the houses
of the project when opened.
A few weeks after the first blocks of houses were occupied there.
appeared need for continued assistance in getting these residents
adjusted to the new community and in securing cooperation among
the families. The supervisor of Negro economics for Virginia therefore gave considerable attention to this in cooperation with the local'
advisory committee of Portsmouth for help in stimulating the prideof the new residents in their community and in efforts to makeTruxtun a model in every respect by keeping the buildings in the
model condition they were when first occupied, and the lawns and
surrounding grounds in first-class condition.
After a few weeks it became evident that it was desirable to have,
a Negro operating representative put in charge of the project..
The United States Housing Corporation appointed Mr. 14 red D..
McCracken, who had been with the Housing Bureau for more thank
a year, first as assistant to the chief of the United States Homes:
Registration and Placement Service, in Washington, and later as a.
traveling representative of the United States Housing Corporation..
Mr. McCracken took charge as operating representative of Truxtun
in July, 1919.
This Truxtun project consists of 254 family houses with modern
improvements, including electricity, hot and cold water, with garden
and lawn space for each house, all being either detached or semidetached residences. There are four stores and a modern brick
school with 10 rooms all on one floor.
Not only did the operating representative get the support of the
Negro Workers' Advisory Committee of Portsmouth, but he soon
formed an association of the householders of the community, dividing the town into districts, with a captain over each district. These
captains formed a sort of town council for advice and help to the
manager in directing the affairs of the town.
The project, under his management, has continued with marked,
success, including the conduct of the public school as soon as the
fine school building was completed. When the time came for selling
the homes to the householders the volunteer organization of captains
and householders was very helpful in inducing those who were then
renting_ the properties to become the purchasers. All of the houses.




THE NEGRO AT' WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

121
have•been taken on an easy-payment purchase plan. The Housi
ng
Corporation no longer furnishes the funds for taking
of the
publie utilities, these now being supported out of taxescare
which the.
householders have levied upon themselves.
There was inaugurated a system of messages to be deliver
edi by
representatives of the local advisory committees to Negro
audiences
gathered on various occasions in different localities.
sages acquainted the people with the labor needs, opportThese mes-unities and
conditions. At the time the service was discon
economic surveys with special intensive survey tinued a series of
of Norfolk, Va.,
were being planned for several cities in cooperation
with local officials and citizens. These surveys were to includ
e
living
conditions.
of Negro workers, such as housing surveys,
sanitation, etc.
The constitution of the Negro Workers' Advisory Commi
ttee of
Virginia is somewhat different from that of the other
shows so concretely how effectively cooperative connecStates, and
made with the State and local private organization tions were
s in existence,
that it is incorporated herewith the account of the
work
of Virginia.
instead of in an appendix:
CONSTITUTION OF THE NEGRO WORKERS' ADVISO
RY COMMITTEE OF
VIRGINIA.

ARTICLE I. Name.—The name of this committee shall be
thel
Negro Workers' Advisory Committee of Virginia.
ART. II. Purpose.—The purpose of this committee shall be to.
study, plan, and advise in a cooperative spirit and manne with
r
employers of Negro labor, with Negro workers and
States Department of Labor in securing from Negro with the United
laborers greaterproduction in industry and agriculture for winning the
war through
increasing regularity, application and efficiency, throug
h increasing
the morale of Negro workers, and through improving their
general
condition.
ART. III. Membership.—The membership of this commit
tee shall'
be composed of not more than thirty persons—colored men
and
women of Virginia. At least five members shall be
. Seven
members of this committee shall be chosen from the women
executive committee of the Negro Organization Society (Inc.)$ who shall
be subject
to reelection on the same terms of election as other member
s. The
chairman of the Virginia Council of Defense, the Federal Direct
or
of the United States Employment Service, the chairman of the War
lobbor Board, and such other white citizens as may be appointed by
the United States Department of Labor shall be cooperating members.
Governor Westmoreland Davis shall be Honorary Chairman.
ART. IV. Executive board.—There shall be an executive board of
Aline chosen from the general committee. At least two members.
of the executive board shall be women, and three members shall
c,hosen from the central committee of the Negro Organization Societbe
y
(Inc.), subject to the same terms of election as othermembers.
ART. V. Appointments.—The members of the committee and
of
the executive board shall upon recommendati
appointed by
on
be‘
the Secretary of Labor, who shall also designate the chairman
and the.
pecretary. These officers shall serve for both the advisory commit
teea,,tid the executive hoard.




12*

.
EHE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR

s of both the
the, first appointment, one-third of the member
appointed to
be
l
shal
d
boar
e
alvisory committe and its executiv
1, 1919;
June
d to serve until
wrve until January 1, 1919; one-thir1,
third
oneer,
eaft
Ther
.
1920
ary
sad one-third to serve until Janu e and its executive board shall be
itte
0! the membership of the comm
for a term of six months. The
slpointed every six months to serveefor
periods of six months each,
serv
l
shal
y
etar
secr
and
euurman
be a treasurer appointed by
l
shal
e
Ther
t.
subject to reappointmen
r bond for the faithful perunde
shall be
the executive board. He
board may designate.
e
utiv
exec
the
as
formance of such duties
advisory committee shall
The
ART. VI. Meetings.—Section 1. and at such other times as the
hs
mont
six
meet at least once every
een members shall constitute a
executive board may decide. Fift
r
qu or urn.
d shall meet at least once every othe
Sec. 2. The executive boar
y shall
etar
secr
and
rman
chai
the
as
s
time
r
month and at such othe ordered by the board. Six members shall
e
decide, unless otherwisThe
chairman shall be required to call a meetconstitute a quorum.
upon a written request of five members
d
ing of the executive boar of
board, or of both.
.of the advisory committee, the the advisory committee and the
of
e
Sec. 3. The meeting plac
e Capitol unless otherwise ordered
executive board shall be the Statoved
by the Department of Labor.
appr
by the executive board and
e
utiv board shall make such byART. VII. By-laws.—The execof
business as seem best, subject to
uct
cond
laws and rules for the
committee and the Department of
the approval of the advisory
d
Labor.
executive board.—The executive boar
and
ART. VIII. Powers of themak
ts,
emen
agre
into
r
e plans, ente
shall transact all business,may be necessary for carrying out the puras
acts
r
othe
such
perform
All such transactions, plans, agreements,
pose of this committee. to revision by the advisory committee and
zed
or acts shall be subject
nt of Labor, through its duly-authori
the United States Departme
representatives.
The executive board shall nominate
ART. IX. County committees.—
ng in their judgment a sufficient
havi
e
of
for each county of the Stat
Negro workers' advisory committeeen.
Negro population a county
be wom
must
m
who
of
t
two
leas
at
ons,
pers
not more than eleven consist of one member from each magisterial
This committee shall and three members from the county at large,
district in the county
sory committee shall consist
provided, however, that no county advi
bers so nominated are to
more than eleven members. Five memr upon recommendation of
Labo
of
nt
be appointed by.the Departme
ittee. A.
Society, (Inc.), or its central commsuch
other
the Negro Organizationve
and
nse
defe
of
cils
coun
ty
coun
member of the respecti
his
or
,
inia
Virg
of
rnor
Gove
white citizens as may be selected byl the
bers of the
mem
ing
erat
coop
be
shal
ve,
tati
duly authorized represen
county advisory committee.
e board shall nominate for
ART. X. City committee.—The executivjudg
ment a sufficient Negro
r
each city of the State having in thei
committee of not more
population a city Negro workers' advisory
whom shall be women.
of
h
-fift
than twenty-five members, at least one e shall constitute a quorum
A majority of the city advisory committe
nominated for this committee
for the transaction of business. Those
Upon

a




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

123

shall be appointed by the Department of Labor upon recommend—
ation of the Negro Organization Society (Inc.), or its central com—
mittee.
ART. XI. Neighborhood committees.—Each district member of
the county Negro workers' advisory committee shall appoint in his.
district a neighborhood committee consisting of one member for every
five to fifteen families in the district.. The district member of the
county committee shall be chairman of this neighborhood commit-.
tee and shall be held responsible for the work of the committee.
ART. XII. Finances.—Iqeither this organization, its executive
board, nor the county or neighborhood committees, nor any
of their
executive boards shall have power or authority to incur expenses
or
make any financial agreements or contracts, which shall in any way
obligate the State of Virginia, the United States Department of
Labor, or the Negro Organization Society (Inc.) No debts shall be
incurred by this committee or its executive board or by any county
or neighborhood committees or their respective executive boards.
unlesspreviously provided for. The treasurer of this committee
shall keep account of receipts and expenditures and he shall keep.
any funds intrusted to him deposited in such banks or trust companiem
ss the executive board shall decide.
ART. XIII. Amendments.—Amendments may be made to this;
constitution by two-thirds vote at a regular and duly called meeting
of this committee, provided such amendment shall have been pre—
viously approved by the governor of Virginia, or his duly authorized
representative, and the United States Department of Loor and the
14.gro Organization Society (Inc),
•




CHAPTER XIX.
NEGRO WOMEN IN INDUSTRY.
HELEN B. IRVIN, SPECIAL
SUMMARY OF REPORTS MADE BY MRS.
AU IN. 1918-19.
BURE
N'S
AGENT OF THE WOME

ions affecting women
Desiring to give recognition to all major quest
se of the United'
purpo
red
decla
the
mind
in
ng
keepi
in industry and
develop the
and
ote,
prom
r,
foste
States Department of Labor "to
Bureau,
n's
Wome
the
s,"
State
ed
Unit
the
of
rs
welfare of wage earne
pro—
made
ce,
Servi
try
Indus
in
early in its career as the Woman
of Negro
lems
prob
the
of
y
stud
a
ram
prog
its
vision to include in
here given was secured
women in industry. The summary of data
conditions were known
al
typic
e
wher
rs
cente
trial
from several indus
months beginningseven
the
n
withi
made
to prevail during visits
1919.
30,
December 1, 1918, and endingsJune
sive. One hundred and seventy
This summary is by no mean extenNegr
o workers, were visited, and
0
plants, employing more than 21,00
cover recent phases and
nted
prese
here
ments
the figures and state
tion.
situa
developments in this industrial
were located in Illinois, Ohio,
The plants and industries visitedNew
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and
of
ons
porti
and Missouri, and in
dations were made formmen
reco
Virginia. In a number of cases Wherever subsequent information
.
tions
condi
.the improvement of
had followed these recom—
could be obtained showing that action ience resulted a statement,
mendations and some instructive exper
has been included in this summary.
ITIES FOR NEGRO WOMEN.
INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUN

age and over who were
The total number of Negroes 10 years of the Thirteenth Census
by
ted
as
repor
1910
in
gainfully employed
male workers and 2,013,981
was 5,192,535; of these, 3,178,554 were
rs, 1,051,137 were included
worke
e
femal
the
Of
were female workers.
ndry. Only 8,313 were
husba
al
ih agriculture, forestry, and anim
s,. and.67,967 in manu—
ation
occup
tion
porta
trans
listed in trade and
its.'
facturing and mechanical pursu
de women in all scallions of the country,
While these figures inclu
of all ages above 10 years, it is reported
and
of wide range of training,
in industry are between 16 and
that, on an average, Negro women labor
shortage during the war,
great
the
With
30 years of age.
n had the opportunity
wome
ed
color
especially in northern industries,
before. For thethem
to
to en ter industrial pursuits never opened
figures to show
able
avail
no
nt
prese
at
country as a whole there are
tunities. The
oppor
the
the full extent to which they embracedtypical as to give a good
so
are
ver,
,
howe
figures included below
a result of recent migration
indication for the territory covered. As
new to urban life and to
ently
frequ
n
were
wome
these
,
in the North
therefore, largely in
were,
They
the factory type of community.
, climatic, social,.
tions
condi
process of adjustment to unaccustomed
occupational, and economic.
Tables Nos.
Negro Population 1790-1915. General
Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census,
17 and 19.




1 2i

125

WAR.
THE N EURO Al' WORK DURING THE WORLD

The great need for workers to replace men drafted for Army service
brought women into occupations not heretofore considered within
the range of their possible activities. Negro women shared to someextent these new fields: In response to the industrial demand,
large numbers dropped their accustomed tasks in the home and in
domestic service to take up the newer, more attractive work or
.
supplying the need of the fighting world for the products of industry
was:
it
Negro
women
g
employin
plants
typical
170
to
visits
In
found that they were working at many different processes and under
very different working conditions. Table VII which follows, gives
an outline of the kind of work done by the women and the industries;
in which they were employed:
(approximately)
TABLE VII.—Industrial occupations of 21,808 Negro women in
specific processes, at 170 plants, during the period Dee. I, 1918, to June 30, 1919.
ktimber
of
plants inspected.

Product.

Processes at which women were
employed.

Number of
women em-ployed,each.
specified
process.

Assembling, miscellaneous
Machine operating
Grading broom corn, binding bristles
Pitting, packing, crystallizing, and
canning fruits and vegetables.
Cutting
26 Clothing (men's and women's)
Draping
Hand finishing
Machine sewing
4 Cotton mills(cordage, waste, mops)..... Feeding and tending machines
Sorting cotton
Elevator operators
31 Department and other store
Saleswomen
Stock girls, maids •
Wrappers
Operating lathes
4 Furniture
Polishing desks, pianos
Making blown glass
Glassware
Matron, timekeeper
Miscellaneous machine operating
7 Hardware
punch and drill presses soldering,
welding.
Finishing knitted garments;operating
4 Hosiery and knit goads
Knitting machines
Steam and dry cleaning
6 Laundries
Washing and ironing by power machinery.
Grading,cleaning and curing,tanning
3 Leather goods
hides.
Meats and meat products (stockyards, Cleaning and curing offal
curing, and canning meats
Preparing,
abattoirs).
Testing hides
Time keeping
Trimming and cleaning viscera
Loading shells
2 Munitions
h
10 Office work (Government work, mail- Billing machines and addiessograp
operators.
order houses).
Card filing,clerking
Expert investigating
l'acking and shipping goods
Skilled field work (lectures, etc.)
Switchboard operating
Typists,stenographers, bookkeepers
Making and vulcanizing motor tires,
4. Rubber goods
tubes,rubber toys,etc.
Making cigars
16 Tobacco
Prepanngsnuff and chewing tobacco
Stemming
Weighing and inspecting
Cleaning and repairing automobiles
12 Transportation.
Flagging trains
Salvagingfrom railroad wreckage
3 War apparatus (gas masks, aeroplane Power-machine stitching
sails, balloons).
Total
1

Bed springs

2
5

Brooms, brushe •
Canned foods

Total ut mbar of planrs inspected, 170.




75.

16.
1901
311 1

2
s..
11
632190.
100,
110.
228:
3723.
10Z.
,
2
360

692
11
146.
130).
2,9£0•
117
37
136
499
331
2,706,
7182
8

a

2,303
114
48
2,373
5,965.
2215
18
84
57
21,80&

411111

i26;

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAIL

It wiillbe seen from a study of this table that the two industries
employing the greatest number of Negro women were the meatpacking industry, where 3,282 were employed in the stockyards and,
abattoirs, and the tobacco industry, where 5,965 were employed at
stemming tobacco, and 2,375 in the preparation of chewing tobacc&
and of snuff.
Another very large group were doing office work, 5,538 being,
employed in ]6 offices. The other occupations ranged from the
simple work of sorting and packing to the operation of various.
machines requiring skill and dexterity. Some of these occupations,.
such as loading shells, operating lathes, cleaning and repairing auto—
mobiles, flagging trains, and salvaging from railroad wreckage, were
new to all women. On the greater number of processes, however,.
white women had been employed many years before Negro women,
were taken on.
During the war the employment of large numbers of women at.
new tasks in munitions plants and other war industries led to tr.
shortage of labor in the textile and garment factories, which had'
long been great employers of women. As a result many textile,
and garment manufacturers, being quite unable to secure the requi—
site number of white workers for their plants, accepted and evetr
appealed to Negro girls and women to relieve the situation. The
work of 1,653 girls and women in textile and garment trades was.
carefully observed. Several thousand others were known to be,
Similarly employed.
In several arsenals and munition plants groups of Negro women
were found mixing chemicals, loading shells, making gas masks,.
stitching wings for aeroplanes, and engaging in similar processex
requiring great care, skillful fingers, patriotism, and courage. Most.
were housed in modern fireproof buildings, well
i
of these industries
off the poisonous fumes, asbestos partitioned to.
carry
to
ventilated
prevent the spread of flames, and well equipped with hose, fire
escapes, and first-aid appara tus for use in the occasional accidentx
that appear to be unavoidable in such places.
The 556 munition makers were found to be giving satisfaction as a:.
whole, and in some instances were reported to respond more readilythan others for doing the heavy and dangerous portions of the work_
Theywere proud of their unusual tasks and of their uniforms, and
seem to have appreciated the working day shorter than household
hours in domestic and personal service.
In abattoirs, stockyards, and tanneries Negro women were en—
gaged at different times in all processes except the actual butthering
and inspecting of meats. They trimmed,sorted, and graded different,
portions of the carcasses; separated and cleaned the viscera; prepared„
cured;and canned the meats; and graded, cleaned, cured, and tanned.
the hides for making articles of leather.
In Government clothing factories and in private establishments out
Government contracts they made overalls, army shirts, anddungarees:
in large numbers. In other factories they made bolts, nuts, rivets,.
screws, motor accessories, and metal buckets. In rubber plants they
made automobile tires, tubes, parts of rubber boots, shoe heels,.toys,
and hospital necessities, such as rubber gloves, pads, and hot-waten
bottles. lii transportation service they cleaned cars, acted as switch-




1

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

127-

men and flagmen, mended roadbeds, salvaged small parts of engines
and coaches from wreckage, painted and made simple repairs on,
automobiles, and occasionally acted as chauffeurs.
Power-laundry work has furnished the opportunity, for manyNegro girls and women to earn a livelihood. In considerable numbers
they have followed into the factory their former occupation of launder—
ing clothing. Under good factory conditions this permits of escape
from the more undesirable conditions of the .household laundry
service. Because of the difficulties and dangers of the work, and
because of the traditional linking of Negro women to such tasks, there
has been in most places little objection to them or color discrimim in laundries. They have learned, consequently,
nation against
to operate all kinds of power-laundry machinery; to wash, iron,_
steam or dry clean garments of all sorts, as well as to do the hand'
finishing that is still in considerable demand.
Many of these industries being essential in peace times, it is probable that large numbers of the Negro women who were drawn into.
them during the war emergency, and have made good, will find permanent occupations at more desirable work than heretofore.
I n these industries Negro women usually fell heir to the less desirabl e occupations or processes. As a whole, however, they stuck to
these jobs and many won advancement to higher places in that way.
Many are still to be found spinning coarse yarn; knitting gloves,
stockings, and underwear of cheap grades; making lingerie, fine
waists, silk and woolen dresses, coats, caps, overalls, and men's
shirts.
The 8,387 tobacco workers observed in the factories visited were
found chiefly in southern or border-line States, and, with the exception of two groups, are working under most objectionable, insanitary
conditions. Nearly 6,000 of these young, unskilled girls, work in
stemmeries, where they prepare the stemmed tobacco for chewing,
cigar making, snuff, and cigarettes. Very few Negro girls are found
at the more skilled processes, such as making cigars. For this work
of
one employment manager insisted upon hiring only pretty types,by,
regarded
be
may
they
that
order
e,
"in
appearanc
foreign
rather
patrons .as Cuban, South American, or Spanish." Two women who
were employed as weighers or inspectors were found to be both
quick and accurate in their judgment, and are paving the way for
others.
In hotels many Negro women performed the services of cooks,
dishwashers, waitresses, maids, elevator operators, and even bell
boys
girls. These latter were afterward quite generally replaced by
patof
luggage
the
of
most
handle
to
and men, the girls being unable
trons. The wages of maids and waitresses were usually low, the
workers being largely dependent upon "tips."
Elevator girls were operating both in hotels and in department,
stores as well as in many office buildings. They .worked on altercarried
nate long and short "shifts," with brief rest periods, and usually
not
were
they
However,
required.
as
freight
or
passengers
have
compelled to lift packages into or out of their cars. Not onlymalds„
have these girls succeeded as elevator operators, but also as
stock girls, bundle wrappers, and even, where given the opportunity,,
fig, saleswomen. Several employers expressed a marked preference




128

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING
THE WORLD WAR.

for Negro stock girls, for reason that a greater variety
might be demanded of them. For instance, in some stores of services
they came
to work 15 minutes before schedule time in order to
polish
mirrors
and display cases:
Careful observation showed that bundle wrappe
sight of customers of stores were often of types whosers working inwas doubtful, while those behind the screens, as in racial identityshipping departments, were more distinctly negroid in packing and
complexion.
Three saleswomen of discernible Negro blood were of good
ance and showed keen intelligence about their work. Three appearor fourquick and clever stock girls were found acting as sales assista
nts.
Excepting Government appointees, of whom varying
number
s:
have held positions under civil-service regulations since the
period:
of reconstruction following the Civil War, comparatively few
Negro.
women were employed at office work until 1917. The
general spurto industry consequent upon America's participation
in the war, theshifting of workers from -home and farm to office, factory
, and battlefield made opportunities for greater numbers at
tasks:
than ever before. In this emergency several thousand clerical
Negro
women
.
found Opportunities to play their part. The total of
5,380 found
doing office work qualified in the offices of shops,
mail-order and'
other business houses, as typists, stenographers, of
and
pers,.
2,303 were observed at this work. There were 2,705 bookkee
filing
clerks,
.
531 billing and addressograph operators, and 182 packing and
ping clerks. These included, of course, forewomen and super6ship—
of the various groups of workers. Clerical work was being donesors:
forthe Government under civil-service and special classification. Also,
there were 15 special investigators and lecturers and 2 telephone,
switchboard operators.
A majority of these clerical workers, both in general
ciall
and industrial plants and in Government service, were commer
given temt
'wary appointments under the war emergency. Many of thern.
were being released after the armistice to make way
soldiers or because need for their services no longer for discharged
were frankly told that such positions as remainedexisted. Others:
intended for white workers, and that they had beenavailable werebecause no others could at that time be obtained. In aused merely
few known.
instances, however, Negro girls and women acquitted themse
lves in
so -satisfactory a manner that they have been retained, these having
made permanent places for themselves. Also, a number instances::
of individual success and achievement are known to of
rewarded by promotion and by assurance of contin have been
uance during,
satisfactory service.
The signing of the armistice, bringing about a gradua
cessationof war industries or a change in factory processes andl product
s,
probably meant the permanent dismissal of many
of
Negro.
these
women industrial workers. Some have been provid
ed for in the
new plans of their employers and others have returne
to their
prewar occupations. Subsequent study is in progres d ascerta
in
s to
to what extent these Negro women have found a permanent foothold.
in these industrial occupations.




WAIL
INO T HE WORLD
THE NEGRO AT WORK DIM

129

T.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMEN

least
e found to vary from thestri
al
indu
In individual plants conditions wer
ern
mod
by
ed
tory, as judg
be
to
desirable to the most satisfacmpl
are
ces
es of these differen
d as
standards. Outstanding exa
factory work usually denote
of
s
type
in
arly
icul
es.
stri
found part
indu
cco
toba
clothing, and
e
wer
"women's trades," such as textile,
en
wom
ro
Neg
re
whe
ns
itio
On the whole, the working conden the conditions appeared to be
employed along with white wom
strate the situation.
e
similar. A few typical cases will illu
ro
women no provision was mades
Neg
ing
loy
emp
mill
In a hoisery
liti
faci
er
Oth
.
uent
freq
are
s
dent
ht
acci
for first aid, although slig
e at a minimum. The plant had
for the comfort of the workers wer
were but two toilets and two
re
The
no lunchroom or lockers.
a tin cup attached supplied the
sinks, and one separate faucet withp. There was neither soap nor
were
drinking water for the entire grou
s, although the workers They
warm water for washing the -hand
ing.
soil
any
quite free of
r.
expected to keep the white hosiery ed
spot found by the inspecto
soil
each
for
a
cnt
few
a
d
taxe
e
's
wer
men
g
rin
ctu
ufa
man
t,
blishmen
On the other hand, another esta
te
qua
ade
king conditions with
shirts, offered thoroughly desirable wor
of
ng
isti
cons
,
h
unit
Eac
s.
oyee
facilities for the comfort of its empl
t
tha
s
esse
proc
for
or
an instiuct
140 to 200 girls, was furnished With nd or by power machine.- The
-ha
were new, whether carried on by
with modern
hftted and were fitted operators proFicrs were well lighted and
the
to
s
give
and
e
m, with a
rrachinety that runs with littlel Nis
dispensary and first-aid roowith food
tection from accident. A smalwas
m,
an excellent lunch rcc
nuiFe, were available. There e lockets, cicon and adequate toilets,
wer
re
The
.
cost
at
furnished
towels. All workers started with
and sinks with soap and sanitary to more highly paid piecework as
eases
the st ire basic wage, with incrd.
stries heretr.pidly as their skill permittewer
e found also among indu
Good and had conditions men. For instance, a plant manufactofore carried on entirely bysheet-metal products was very poorly
turirg buckets and other ed. Its uneven cement floor held pooh
heated, lighted, and ventilat from the cooling tanks. Generously
of water that had overflowed on unceitain footing in the dim aisles.
ed
er and
spilled paint and solder causfeet
, with a single toilet in the corn
12
by
9
ut
abo
only
m,
the
roc
d
One
ishe
furn
s,
wall
the
g
ches alon
with hooks above two ben to change street clothing and working
arrangements for women of coats and skirts of changed gat ments.
apparel and for the storage ts of workers were frequently repotted
There being no lockers, garmensinks just outside the dcor of this room
as lost from the hooks. Twocold water, and only roller towels were
were supple merely with
en each
furnished.
groups of 35 Negro wom
from
ked
wor
Under these conditions two
up
gro
t shifts. One
ause
Bec
h.
lunc
worked on alternate day and nigh
hour at midnight for inconvenience
p.in. until 5 a.in., with a half
the
and
t
plan
tion of this
of the extreme suburban loca obliged to walk about half mile across
e
wer
ees
loy
emp
e
thes
to cars
ch was unpleasant
ted, wind-swept area whiinclement weather..
an unpaved, poorly lighmid
n
day, not" to mentio
(Wen on a clear winter




1-30

WAR.
THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD

by the local
A group of young Negro women, selected and sent
nt appeal
urge
an
to
in
response
United States Employment Bureau
r first
thei
on
y
a
bod
in
ory
this
fact
left
or,
riet
prop
from the woman
their
to
onse
resp
in
man
a
fore
of
day because of the abusive language which they were expected to
r
ns
unde
itio
cond
the
protest against
work.
itions were those found in an
In marked contrast to these cond
s, nuts, small parts of motors,
bolt
ing
mak
immense plant which was products. The several hundred women
and other machine-shop
white, Negro, and foreign-born of
employees were native-bornworkrooms of this factory were light
several nationalities. The
y nor overcrowded. The punch and
of
and clean, neither unduly nois
with guards to reduce the number
er;11 presses were provided en
and were
alls
over
and
caps
wore
wom
ro
accidents. The Neg
man. The plant was adequately equippedn
directed by a Negro forewo
lockers. There was a plain but clea
with toilets, washrooms, and
first-aid and visiting-nurse service
with
lunchroom a dispensary, also a company store where employees
' ge. There was
without char
ssary
r plain clothing, and a few nece
ain
cert
could purchase uniforms, othe
red
offe
ol
scho
ning
trai
A
k.
wee
foodstuffs at wholesale rates.
ing
work
each
ted number of hours
of race,
instruction during a limispec
use
beca
e
mad
ents
ngem
arra
ial
There was apparently nowomen worked in a group to themselves and
except that the colored
a Negro forewoman.
seriously
were superintended .byopin
ion of 'their employers would was
the
Realizing that
made
mpt
atte
an
en in industry,
ing
deal
affect the future of Negro wom
ials
offic
r
othe
or
nts
of superintende
to secure the opinionsthese plants. Of 34 employers who expressed
with Negro women inthis subject, 14 said that they found the work
3
a definite opinion on
satisfactory as other women workers, and
of Negro women as er than that of the white women they were
found their work bett laced. Of the 17 employers who felt that
working with or had disp
not compare satisfactorily with that of
the work of Negro women did that irregularity- of attendance was the
rted
output of
the white women, 7 repofact
ion, and 7 others felt that the
atis
diss
for
e
main caus
ers.
work
er
slow
they were
Negro women was less because
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.

the
strial training is presented by
n
The chief of the problems of indu
atio
educ
of
plan
out
ghtcarefully thou
very obvious need for a morecomp
and who
stry
indu
to
new
y
ivel
arat
for Negro women, who are s upon which to base their estimate of
have no adequate standardirements of their occupations.
their own worth or the requities were to be generally opened to Negro
If private and public facil
d not fail to be a very general
women for their education there woul
en in industry. This is not
wom
increase in the efficiency of Negrosense, though an impartial enforceeducation in the usually accepted will improve economic conditions
ment of the school attendance law is training for efficiency, with its
ng
for future groups of workers. It
ene, industrial sense, increasi
ent
contributing factors of personal hygi
lopm
deve
the
is
It
on.
gati
obli
eveskill, and realization of contractual
ugh the fostering of pride in achi
thro
s
snes
ciou
cons
al
stri
indu
ugh,
thro
of
and
t
thrif
ly
fami
and
ment, through increasing personal




RLD WAR.
DURING THE WO
THE NEGRO AT WWII:,

1:3-1

k or locality..
stancy toward a given tas
ker on the
wor
encouraging an attitude of con
the
ential in "training
ess
is
ion
cat
edu
of
e
This typ
men on
job."
new to a situation, Negroinwoall procup
gro
y
an
h
wit
e
cas
the
ng
ini
As is
need of patient, careful tra
entering industry have and in the use of all machinery employed in
esses required of them ed to them. Such training plus the opporir increasing skill
the specific work assign
dually or in groups, as the of the employers
ivi
ind
e
anc
adv
to
most
tunity
n found profitable by ro
women as workers..
may warrant, has bee
Neg
of
s
tie
ili
sib
pos
the
to
e
ak
aw
o had given a trial
are
who
the employers interviewed wh
Eighty per cent ofus-opportunity method reported little or no diffised a preference for
to the training-pl
s, while 30 per cent expres
gness, and loyalty
lin
,
culty with these worker
wil
ess
uln
erf
che
of their
Negro women becauseatment.
in response to fair tre had instituted these courses said: "We aree,
the girls wer
One employer who
more." In this plantspecial training
and
for
ed
hop
we
s'
all
g
ee day
gettin
irEach girl was given thr
doing clerical work. wor
e of the visit (1919) the
tim
the
to
Up
k.
e
Th
to
ed.
put
loy
ng
emp
bei
e
ore
bef
large number wer
a
t
tha
ory
d
act
goo
isf
as
sat
t
so
girls did jus
work was
t it had found that Negro bre
ng
ini
tra
"
-in
ng
aki
management said thate
girls as soon as the
clerical work as whi
e" was dehad been given.
''superintendent of servic
another plant, where a individual training for work on small
and
betailed to superintend grosupreported that there was no difference an
d
wa
it
ro,
Neg
ts,
duc
te,
pro
whi
e
machin
the native-born
of
e
anc
of
end
d
att
kin
or
rk
th3
wo
in
tween the
n workers. This plant showed
and foreign-born womethe atmosphere of the workroom the exc:sllent
kers. In other
women employed and
al chance given to all wor
the forewoman
by
en
results of the absolutely equ
giv
ard, being
haz
hap
re
mo
was
ng
h
ini
plants tra
from suc esta,blishmnits
low workers. It was inefficiency and slowness.
and sometimes by fel
er of complaints of
that the greater numb
employer within
same.
training supplied by the
In addition to courses of ited to the actual processes in use in his
lim
Negro women in the
his plant and which are so
me opportunities for
ht schools.
nig
or
plant, there were found
tinuation classes
ension work beext
h
public schools, through ncon
suc
for
on
cooperati
and a privately
s
ool
In one locality a pla of
sch
of the public school in question had
eau
bur
l
ona
ati
voc
the
tween
was feasible. The erest the young workcontrolled industrial schlool
rses designed to int s quite willing to excou
era
already launched sev
. The principal wa making such course
ing girls of that community
ro women workers, ld permit. At the
Neg
to
ty
tend the opportuni
school facilities wou
the
as practically attractive as ng courses of interest to housemaids, cafehanics, and various
time this school was offeri
e makers, motor mecoveralls, shirts, and
cor
rs,
che
but
s,
ker
wor
ia
ber
luding, makers of
sorts of garment workers, inc
the average
women's clothing.
healthful recreation for
e,
san
,
ent
dec
for
ities diss
tie
mun
ili
com
Possib
man being in manyactivity is very esNegro working girl and swo
al
ion
se of educat
arouse interest
tressingly inadequate, thi pha
ed wise to attempt toly to warrant IL
ear
app
It
y.
enc
ici
ent
sential to eff
urg
med
the situation see
in this matter wherever
I.




THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD. WAR.

4

As an instance of what can be done, a community center organization
which had previously taken no heed of the 300 to 400 colored girls
at work in a local factory was persuaded to provide for them a weekly
. of
and athletics. The principal
meeting place and a leader
s'
to the school authorities
d
to
.appeal
was
induce
school
Negro
a
of
for a joint.
to include in their plan for anew building some provision
assembly room and gymnasium. Much to the principal's surprise
people of the little
the appeal met a favorable reception, and the
community are now watching the erection of their building with this
addition.
Several recreational clubs of different sorts have been organized
in churches, and a certain war service has given excellent and valuable assistance in this respect, following most willingly any lead or
suggestion that might be given.
A very important part of the work which was done by the Women's
ional talks
Bureau in connection with Negro women was the educat
the
t
standards
subjec
this
in
ted
interes
groups
s
variou
explaining to
ing women
and policies that should attain in establishments employ
and girls.
availIn addition to the coursea,of training which could be made
able for Negro workers in the private or public schools, there could
be a most valuable educational stimulus and training given in the
various leagues and clubs of industrial women workers which are,
organized in different communities.
METHODS OF SUPERVISION.

industrial
If the Negro woman is to keep and increase her hold in
for
activities of the country, in addition to special tfaining to fit her
tand!
unders
wh13
ers
of
itibn
employ
cooperf
the
need
the work,she will
who will make
the special problems attending her employment, and
s methods.
Variou
s
ihgly.
policie
accord
sh
establi
adjustments and
white workers
of shop management in plants emplo5ing Negro and
of successful
together were noted during this survey, and on the basis made
for the
were
ions
experiments that were observed reconunebdat
ies.
localit
other
in
ions
of
t
condit
vemen
impro
ted to
In one northern community which had recently been subjec
y put into
alread
had
firm
nowh
well-k
one
s
of
Negroe
influx
large
a
ions as
operation a plan of work for them on equal pay and condit
were
but
ctory
satisfa
only
other workers. The results were not
s
were
worker
The
pment.
develo
r
le
furthe
desirab
most
of
ing
promis
rs naturally
making good in every department. The largest numbe
were required..
ions
operat
l
manua
mainly
where
ns
sectio
in
found
were
there were
Besides the many operators on punch and drill presses
messengers,
two
clerks,
three
or
two
,
typists
five
men,
forewo
l
severa
oman, and a.
two elevator operators, a first-aid assistant, aapostw
sful example
succes
as
woman chauffeur. With this particular firm
s similar
worker
Negro
their
give
to
ded
were
persua
three others
opportunity.
their own kind
Negro women supervisors of units of workers of
of such superce
instan
ful
success
were giving results. One very
accomplished
be
might
vision can be used as an example of what
of approxunit
This
plan.
the
of
on
l
adopti
through the more genera
about a
for
worked
had
yin a large mail-order house
200 &iris
imatel




TH.11/ WORLD
WORK DURING
THE NEGRO AT

WAR.

• 133

o woman. The
of an intelligent Negr
n
io
is
rv
pe
e
su
th
ch as bookkeepr
su
de
s,
year un
office processe
all
of
.
d
te
is
ns
co
ls
gir
ing office appliances
work of these
pewriting; and operatment.
ty
,
rk
wo
ic
ph
ra
og
en
for ship
ing, st
d preparing goods ed but were also trained and.
as well as packing an
is
rv
pe
su
ly
on
t
ake
no
These workers were rewomen. The unit had a slogan, "M
oup.
gr
fo
is
o
th
gr
of
Ne
rk
the wo
instructed by
So successful had beenunsympathetic superin."
nt
ce
r
pe
0
10
w,
good
because
their dismissal by a ne
that shortly after reinstated and their number augmented,
of the
rk
tendent, they were satisfactory in relation to the larger wo
so
s
wa
their work
a carefully
entire plant. ere was a number of examples found of
there were
n,
me
th
o
wo
gr
gh
Ne
ou
Alth
oyment of
pl
em
e
th
rious and'
in
se
o
cy
to
li
n
po
these wome
by
thought out
de
ma
on
ti
na
believes.
ly
mi
nt
ri
te
complaints of discnored. If a group of women persis
rk, the
le
wo
ab
ee
gr
ig
sa
di
be
the most
frequent to
s,
ge
wa
st
ether
,
we
wh
off
lo
e
id
th
n
la
to be
that they are give
they will be the firstey will hardlyput theirat
th
d
an
,
al
ri
te
ma
s, th
poorest
lly warrant their belief
eir work.
or not the facts fu
th
of
t
en
em
ov
pr
im
e
best efforts into th
NCLUSION.
SUMMARY AND CO

e Negro women
it would seem that th
t
un
co
ac
g
ial activities,.
in
tr
go
us
re
e in nd
From the fo
ngly important placthe war. They increased'
si
ea
cr
in
an
n
ke
ng
htave ta
and powerlabor shortage duri
tobacco industry
e
largel57 as a result of
th
in
g,
in
factories,.
ck
t
pa
en
garm
meat
in numbers in en
y into textile and
el
rg
la
d
re
te
d
laundries, an ts, and into clerical positions.
llent to very
munitions plan ns of the places of work varied from exgcewhite women
in
io
nd
it
ou
nd
rr
ose su
The co
to be similar to th
men workers.
poor, appearing re working together. The Negroanwo
d opportunities.
where the two wention to their industrial training ve tried to do this
ha
need special atte justment. Where employers cially by persons or
for community aditable. Special supervision, espe
they found it prof s proven effective.
esents no unusual
their own race, ha as a worker, the Negro woman pr ice for her in the
It appears thatin the matter of securing full just
problems except
re and hold work.
ar to the Negro.
opportunity to sesicutuation may be regarded as peculi
the main, as an
in
,
e
been accepted
So far as th
s
ha
e
sh
at
th
id
plant has been
sa
woman it may beadmittance to a given occupation orand her continue,
r
bl
he
g availa
experiment;
other workers bein. She was usually Oven the
me
sa
conditioned uponhino
e
th
on
up
new to Indust/7
nged
ance frequently . The N.3gro woman worker beineg attitude both of
bs
th
less desirable jo ssons of routine and regularity; men.workers was,
rd Negro wo
has to learn its le
of other workers towa
the employer andy.
one of uncertaint




CHAPTER XX.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON SCOPE
OF DEPARTMENTAL
AUTHORITY.
Flomlitne to time the office of
Director of Negro Economics
submitted reports and memorandathe
to
the
Secretary of Labor showing the propaganda of a radical
was attempted to establish amongand bolshevistic character which it
Negr
orandum, with supporting document o wage earners. Such a mems and newpaper clippings and
exhibits, were submitted to the Secr
etar
y about a month before the
series of riots in Chicago, Ill., Oma
ha, Nebr., Washington, D. C., and
other places in the summer of
. In this memorandu
were analyzed the three schools1919
of opinion and activities minthere
the
adjustment of Negro life, namely, the very
radical and revolutionary
socialistic and I. W. W. group, the aggressive
abolitionist group, and'
the conciliatory group. In the course of
July 8, 1919, there occurred the followin this memorandum, dated
g statements:

This state of opinion in the Negro world
is especially important with refer
to the labor conditions in the
ence
and points in New Jersey, IndiaStates of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan,
na,
Nebra
ska, Iowa. and Kansas. To this territory thousands of Negroes have
migrated and are still moving. They
into employments very much
are coming:
mole highly paid than those they left
They are badly housed in
in the South..
most
cases
,
rathe
cooll
r
y received by the white workers.
and populace, segregated
little adjusted to the highlinto "ghettos" in the larger industrial centers. They are.
y
organ
ized
north
ern
life
into which they have come from
more.backward communitie
in this territory have looke s in the South. The white workers in many localities
time there being considerabd with apprehension upon their settlement, at the present
le friction in points like Toledo, Ohio,
Omaha, Nebr. The occurrence
Chica
s at Philadelphia. East St. Louis. and go, Ill., and
within the last two years
are only indications of what may easily take Chester, Pa...
places. The returning Negro soldie
place
rs are also going in large numbers to these in other
* *
centersTheir discontent, growing
in their new surroundings. out of previous conditions and present maladjustment
their
unjust discrimination and other desire for American rights, their resentment against
for critical developments of unrespractices against them make them a very ripe field
the peace of labor conditions but t, friction, and disturbances—dangers not only to.
and the Nation. Suspicions of also to the welfare of themselves, the community,.
make outbreaks easily possible. white workers at the present time in several places
* * *
In all this territory there is very
little, if any, well-organized and well-directe
machinery for assisting Negroes in getti
ng into touch with the employment officed'
and in getting located and adjusted in their
s
are coming to places like Chicago and Detronew environment. Thousands of them,
it
with
no
direction whatever. They
will listen to counsel and guidance from Feder
It has been clearly demonstrated that our al agents as from no others.
super
visor
s,
working under the United'
States Employment Service, with the
development of Negro workers' advisory committees in these places, can have
the most far-reaching effect upon these workers.

During the trying days of
Chicago riots the Director of Negro.
Economics went to Chicago the
and investigated the situation on the
ground and on August 27, 1919, he made
a full report of the Chicago.
situation to the Secretary of Labor, outl
ining the underlying laborcauses in relation to white employers,
men, housing, political, and other cond white workmen, Negro workitions. This report was sup:-




THE NEt.R0 AT WORK DURIANo THE WORLD WAR.

135
ported with a mass of testimony, newspaper clipping
s, and other data..
The director also visited and reported upon the feeling
between white.
and colored workers in St. Louis, Mo., Detroit
and
Cleveland, Ohio, and several other places. Testimony Flint, Mich.,,
and evidence.
were also gathered front Sumter and Columbia, S.
C., Birmingham,.
Ma., New York, N. Y., Jacksonville, Fla., and Montgo
mery-, Ala.,,
and from this testimony the director said,as a preface
to
the
following:
recommendations:
Tam led to believe that the racial tension is so widespread
as to be, in fact, a matter
of national concern calling for some attention from the National
Government.

He therefore. made the following recommendations which weretransmitted by the Assistant Secretary of Labor and approv
ed by the
Secretary of Labor September 29, 1919:
This report of racial friction, together with my previous
memorandum on raciall
unrest, submitted July 8, 1919, shows imperative need of some
forward steps. When,
the Secretary of Labor, furthering the effectiveness of his office,
created the position,
of Director of Negro Economics there was latently establish
ed
a
information and of cooperation between this department and means of exchange ohi
other
departments of:
government, both State and Federal, through which
program for bettering the living and working conditioa large, National constructive ns
of
Negro
workers
and im—
proving their relations with white workers
white employers may be outlined and'.
put into operation. The authority of thband
Secretary to establish such cooperation,
between this department and other departments is given in the
organic
"Said Secretary [of Labor)shall also have authority to call upon otheract as follows::
departments:
of the Government for statistical data and the results obtained by
them; and saidt
Secretary of Labor may collate, arrange, and publish such statistical
ion,
obtained in such manner as to him may seem wise." (Sec. 4 of the orgainc informat
act creatingthe Department of Labor.)
Section 10 of the organic act directed the Secretary
report to Congress a plan for
coordination of the activities, duties, and powers of his to
office
those of other offices:
so far as they relate to labor. January 0, 1917, the Secretarwith
y
a plan to Congress with a bill to establish such cooperation andof Labor reported such.
coordinat
ties, powers, and duties. (See H. Doc. No. 1906, 64th Cong. 2d seas.) ion of activi—
Apparently
this bill was never enacted into law.
However, the Director of Negro Economics has been acting under the authority
the Secretary given in section 4 of the organic act suoted above so far as cooperati of
could be obtained with other departments in obtaining and furnishin informations
g
on
fer,the advice of the department. In addition to effective cooperat
ion of an advisory
nature which has been established with the several
bureaus and divisions of the
Department of Labor, special steps for cooperation
with other branches of the Federati
Government and with some of the State governments
have been successfully undertaken. Special mention may be made of such cooperative
effort
the StateCouncils of National Defense during the war, with the United Stateswith
Public Health,
Service, and the War Risk Insurance Bureau of the Treasury Departme
nt, and with.
Col. Woods's office (Special Assistant to the Secretary of War), and with some
of thedemonstration agents of the Department of Agriculture.
Based upon this past experience and the authority and powers of the Secretary
of
Labor for calling upon other branches of the Government for information affecting
wage earners, I respectfully recommend:
1. That the office of the Secretary of Labor, by virtue of the aforesaid authority
,
either through the Division of Negro Economics, or otherwise
, as seems best, take steps through the executive of each department, or chiefs of bureaus
or comminsion&
or boards. (a) to develop cooperation for securing statistical
on labor matters from
other departments, such data to be collated, arranged, anddata
published with reference •
to. Negro workers and their relations to white workers and white employer
s; (b) to
work out plans for practical cooperation of the office of the Secretary
such other branches of the executive department of the Governmentof Labor with
as deals with
questions of labor, such plans to be similar to those already started
Health Service, the Bureau of War Risk Insurance of the Treasury with the Public.,
Department, and
the office of Col. Woods, of the War Department.
2. That the Negro Workers' Advisory Committees already
established be utilized.
for such cooperative service with other departments of the Governm
ent for such aleph,
aetmey be effective is removing the conditions now causing racial„unrest
and frietfuir,.




It6

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING
THE WORLD WA1.

as it seems to me that some of the cause
s can be effectively removed
cooperative
efforts of the agencies of the Feder
al Governme along the following by
lines: (a) Publicity and educational campaigns on the trainingnt
of
Negro
workers, both shop training
and unskilled training; (19) impro
vement of the housing of Negro worke
of encouraging thrift; (d)improvem
rs;(c) methods
ent
of
farm
labor
condi
tions and methods of labor
management; (f) educational efficiency campa
igns
on
promp
tness
time work, etc., utilizing Negro
, regularity, fullnewspapers, associations, agencies, and
speakers; and (g) enlistment of activ
public
e
help
of
white
emplo
yers
and
organizations of
white workers.
3. That through the cooperatio
some plan for the investigation of n of the other agencies of the Federal Government
as possible be undertaken as a Negro affairs and race relations in as many localities
means of having information and advice
to improve
conditions and race relations.
4. That steps be taken with appropriat
e departments of State governments simil
ar
te ;those already established in North Carolina, Ohio,
and Illinois..




APPENDIX 1.
LABOR AND VICTORY.
An address prepare(' and sent out for use in Fourth of July celebrations, 1915. About 2,19.5) copies were'
distributed and it is estimated that it was hmrd by more than 1,000,000 Negroes.)

This is a world struggle for democracy, and win it we must.
How can we win it? There is but one way. Everyone—man,.
woman, and child, be he a millionaire or a day laborer—must do his:
level best at his work, wherever he may be, whether on the farm, at
the docks, in the machine shop, in the mill, at the White House ins
Washington, in the kitchen, in the home, or in the trenches. Event
wealthy society women in our own country are giving up their luxu—
ries, children are giving up their candy, that the children of Europert
may have bread.
To win this war our soldiers must go to France and fight; but they;
can not fight unless they have guns and ammunition. They can not,
fight unless they have clothing and shoes, and tents, and plenty of.
food. They can not have these things unless there are ships to carry,
them to France. We must have ships and more ships. We must.;
build steel ships; we must build wooden ships; we must build con—
crete ships, to hurry our men and war supplies to the front. Thought-ful men and women, how can our soldiers have clothing and shoes;
and food? How can we have ships to carry our boys to France?:
There is but one way. Every man, and every child and wotnan, must,
work and save, to furnish food, to make clothing and shoes, to make
guns and ammunition, and to build ships. And do not forget that
any person, black or white, who does not work hard, who lags in anyway, who fails to buy a Liberty bond, or a War Savings stamp if he;
can, is against his country and is, therefore, our bitter enemy.
Lain happy to say that the majority of our men and women are.
working like all other good Americans to make their labor win the'
war. Only a few weeks ago the world's record for driving rivets int
building steel ships was broken by Charles Knight, a Negro workman,
at Sparrows Point, Md. In one nine-hour day he drove 4,875 three—
quarter inch rivets in the hull of a steel ship. The newspapers of the'
country have lauded him for his work. The British Government sent.
him a prize of $125. Again, many of our men and women are making:
records as workers in the steel mills, in the coal mines, on the rail—
roads, and on the farms. Our thoughtful, interested cooks and other'
helpers in the kitchen are really doing service at the front, by saving:
all the food they can. The newspapers and journals of the country,.
managed and edited by thoughtful men and women, are.creating
sentiment that will do much toward winning the war. For instance,,
the Albany (Ga.) Herald, a newspaper edited. by Southern white men,
advised and suggested to ladies of the city who offered to make andP
present to the city a service flag, that a service flag for Albany would
not be complete unless there were placed in its field a star not only
for every widte soldier. or sailor who has enlisted from Albany but a
137
•




1

138

RLD WAR..
DURING THE WO
THE NEGRO AT WORK

is
e first employee of thar
white or black. ThNe
st
,
st
an
e
fir
ni
th
ba
d
Al
an
y
o,
er
r
gr
ev
fo
a
stan
my was
the National Ar
r..
newspaper to join rv
sta
s
hi
is
ag
fl
e
ic
district to.
op the Herald's se asked in every city, town, and rural s,
are hav—
g
lk
r
in
fo
he
be
e
ot
Negroes ar
r. We,like
wa
is
th
g
in
nn
ery one
wi
ev
t
Le
join in this work of ce to work and save our country.
y. Let
it
un
an
rt
po
ch
l
op
is
ua
th
ing an unus
e most of
th
ke
ma
helps
d
an
he
b,
e,
jo
s
ak
of -us be wide aw at every time he makes good on hi every time
th
at
nd
th
mi
er
in
mb
reme
him Wear
y and the.
e race. Let him also
his country and th on his job, he pulls down his countr
wn
.
le
do
ib
ls
ss
fal
po
ss
o
e war le
a Negr
thus makeswinning th
the Negro
entire race, andhs
inted a card to helping like this:
pr
nd
ie
fr
a
o
ag
th
nt
me
mo
so
ad
w
re
fe
rd
A
ies and shops. The ca
w.orkmen in factor
.
WRY HE FAILED

time;
He did not report onck;
clo
the
d
he
tc
wa
He
s was not looking;
He loafed when the bos boys all night;
He stayed out with the
He said, "1 forgot;"on Monday, and
He did not show upy every Saturday;
He wanted a holida for the truth.
He lied when asked

e to
think about, if we ar
thing we ought to ving our country. These
r
he
ot
an
ll
sti
is
for sa
There
these opportunities
ges are high.
make the most oft demands and great prosperity. Wao are working
ea
t work. Many wh
are times of gro
will work can ge
. Many of our
Everybody wh more money than they ever madefr
om Uncle Sani
now are makingve men in the Army are now getting before. What
ha
me
o
ti
e
wh
at any on
families
an they ever hadw? In the words of the proverbs
no
more cash money th
do
to
us
r
her ways and
ing fo
then is the wise th to the ant, thou sluggard; consider
the time to
is
w
o
of Solomon: "G yeth up her store in summer." No
y hour we
er
ev
rk
la
wo
e
to
Sh
me
be wise.
w is the ti
No
n.
n. Now
ca
ca
we
we
ar
y
ll
work every da e time to make and save every do ery War Savings
can. Now is th y every Liberty bond we can, and yevhave that liberty
Is the time to bucan, in order that our country ma like a man in the
stamp that we is fighting. The Negro has fought
died to keep the
for which she nker Hill toSan Juan Hill. He hasdu
ty like soldiers,
Bu
r
battles fromlors flying. Those left behind did theithe front in France
American cothere are hundreds of black boys at r you and for me.
and to-day their very lives for their country, fo in every week, or
laying down cause of your refusal to work six days u can, or because
Will you, beyour failure to save as much food as yo to answer to our
part, have
because of
who never
rest whatever on your
of any lack of inte rn, maimed in battle or even to men
on duty,
rs
ie
tu
ld
re
r
e
so
ei
ar
we, too,
boys on th
s;
er
ep
ke
'
rs
he
ow men
ot
ll
br
fe
r
r
return? We are ousts the destiny of our country and ou ty.
du
s
re
s
nd
hi
ha
do
r
n to
and in ou
s, and asks every ma
America needs, expect




APPENDIX- II.
CONSTITUTION OF THE NEGRO WORK
ERS' ADVISORY COM—
MITTEE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
ARTICLE I. Name.—The name of this
committee shall be the:
Negro Workers' Advisory Committee of North
Carolina.
ART. II. Purpose.—The purpose of this
committee shall be to,
study, plan, and advise in a cooperative spirit
employees of Negro labor, with Negro workers, andand manner with
States Department of Labor in securing from Negro with the United
laborers greaterproduction in industry and agricu
for winning the war throughincreasing regularity, application,lture
and efficiency, through increasing:
the morale of Negro workers, and throu
gh improving their general
conditions.
Arrr. III. Membership—The membership of this
committee shall'
be composed of not more than 30 persons, colored men
and women of
North Carolina. At least five members shall
be women. Thechairman of the North Carolina Council of Defense,
the Federal,
director of the United States Employment Service, and
the State.,
agent of rural schools shall be cooperating members.
The go;7ernorshall be honorary chairman.
ART. IV. Executive board.—There shall
an executive board of
nine chosen from the general committee. be
At least two members of'
the executive board shall be women.
ART. V. Appointments.—The members of the
ttee and or
the executive board shall, upon recommendation,commi
be appointed by
the Secretary of Labor, who shall also designate the chairman
andAl
the secretary. These Officers shall serve for both the advisory com—
mittee and the executive board.
Upon the first appointment one-third of the members of both
advisory committee and its executive board shall be appointedthe,
to.
serve until January 1, 1919; one-third to serve until June 1, 1919;,
and one-third to serve until January 1, 1920. Thereafter one-third.
orthe membership of the committee and its executive board shall be
appointed every six months to serve for a term of six months. The
chairman and secretary shall serve for periods of six months each,.
subject to reappointment.
ART. VI. Meetings.--Section 1. The advisory committee shall
meet at least once every six months and at such other times as the
executive board may decide. Fifteen members shall constitute a
Sec. 2. The exkutive board shall meet at least once every other
month and at such other times as the chairman and secretary shalli
decide, unless otherwise ordered by the board. Six members
constitute a quorum. The chairman shall be required to callshall
the
meeting of the executive board uppa the written request of five

DUIrilbers.




,

TIM NEGRO AT WORK DUR
ING THE WORLD WAR.
Sec. 3. The meeting plac
of the advisory committee
executive board shall be the eStat
the
e Capitol, unless otherwise and
by the executive board and
orde
red
roved by the Department
ART. VII. By-laws.—The app
of Labor.
exec
utiv
e
board shall make such bylaws...and rules for the conduct
the approval of the advisory of business as seem best, subject to
committee, and the Departmen
Labor.
t of
ART. VIII. Powers of the executive
boa
rd.—The executive board
shall transact all business, mak
form such other acts as may be.ne plans, enter into agreements, and
of this committee. All such tranecessary for carrying out the purpose
sactions, plans, agreemen
shall be subject to revision
by the advisory committee and ts, or acts.
States Department of
the United
Labor, through its duly authoriz
sentatives.
ed repreAim IX. County commit
tee
s.—
The executive board shall nom
for each county of the Stat
te
having in their judgment a suffina
icient
Negro population a county eNeg
ro
work
ers' advisory committee of
not more than 11 persons. These
ons so nominated are to be
appointed by the Department of Labpers
county council of defense of their or upon recommendation of the
men of the respective county counrespective counties. The chaircils of defense and such other
white citizens as may be selected
by
be cooperating members of the countythe Department of Labor shall
ART. X. District committees.—The advisory committee.
county advisory. committee
may be authorized by the State
mittee to form district advisory
committees for localities in their com
respective counties where the Negro
population and local labor proble
ms justify such district advisory
committees.
ART. XI. Finances.—Neither this organiza
tion, its executive board,
or the county and district advisory commit
tive boards shall have power or authority tees, or any of their execuany financial agreements or contracts Whito incur expenses or make
gate the State of North Carolina or the ch shall in any way obliof Labor. No debts shall be incurred by United States bepartment.
tive board or by any county or district this cominittee or its execuexecutive•boards unless previously provcommittees or their respective
for.
ART. XII. Aniendments.—Amendmenided
ts
may
be made to this
constitution by two-thirds vote at a regu
lar and duly called meeting
of this committee, provided such amendm
viously approved by the governor of Nor ent shall have been preth Carolina and the United
States Department of Labor.
r40




4

APPENDIX - III.
CONSTITUTION OF THE NEGRO
WORKERS' ADVISORY COM—
MITTEE OF OHIO.
ARTICLE I. Name.—The name of
this organization shall be
Negro Workers' Advisory Committe
the'
e
of
Ohio.
ART. II. Purpose.—The purpose
of
this
committee shall be to
study, plan, and advise in a
employers of labor,.with Negro cooperative spirit and manner withworkers, and with the United States
Department of Labor for the secu
ring of additional opportunity foremployment to Negro labor and grea
agriculture for winning the war thro ter production in industry and
ugh increasing regularity, appli—
cation, and efficiency, through impr
ovin
ers, and through improving their,generalg the morale of Negro work—
ART. III. Membership.—The member condition.
ship of this organization shall!
be composed of not more than 30 persons,
men and women, of Ohio..
At least 5 members shall be women.
The chairmen of the council
of defense, the Federal director
of the United States Employment,
Service, the Federal director
ex officio members. The goveof the Public Service Reserve shall be'
rnor of Ohio shall be honorary chair-n.
ART.IV. Executive board.—There shall be an
executive board or
nine chosen from the general committe
the executive board shall be women. e. At least two members of'
ART. V. Appoiutments.—The members of
the committee and or
the executive board shall, upon the reco
mmendation of the exceutive.
board and the indorsement of the
ral State director of the'
United States Employment Service Fede
of Ohio, be appointed by theSbcretary of Labor, who shall also
designate the chairim.un and the.
secretary. These officers shal
l serve for both the advisory committee and the executive board.
Thereafter, one-third of the mem—bership of the committee and its exec
e board shall be appointed'
ever six months to serve for a term utiv
of
18
months. Upon the first.
apppintment one-third of the member
mittee and its executive board shal s of both the advisory com—
January 1, 1919. The chairman and l be appointed to serve unfit
etary shall serve for periods:
of six months each, subject to reap secrtmen
t. Membership on the.
committee may be vacated on recopoin
mmen
dati
on by a vote of two—
thirds of the committee.
ART. VI. Meetings.—Section 1. The
meet at least once every six months State advisory committee shalr
executive board may decide. Fift and at such other times as the
een members shall constitute
quorum.
Sec. 2. The executive board
l meet at least once in every two
months, and at such other timeshal
s as the chairman and secretary shall
decide, unless otherwise ordered by
the board. Five members shalt
'
141,




142

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

the
constitute a quorum. The chairman shall he required tosttall
of
five
reque
en
writt
the
upon
board
meetings of the exec utive
members of the board.
the execSec. 3. The meeting place of the advisory committee and
ed by
order
wise
s
other
unles
ol,
capit
utive board shall be the State
.
of
Labor
nt
rtme
the
Depa
by
ved
appro
and
hoard
the'executive
ws
by-la
such
make
shall
board
tive
execu
—The
Alin': VII. By-laws.
best, not -inconseem
as
ess
busin
its
of
ct
condu
the
f6r
s
and 'rule
sistent with this constitution.
tive board
ART. VIII. Powers of the executive board.—The execu
ments, and
agree
into
enter
,
plans
make
ess,
busin
shall transact all
the purout
ing
carry
for
y
perform such other acts as may bene-cessar
ments,
,
agree
plans
ns,
actio
trans
such
All
ttee.
pose of this commi
and
ttee
ory
commi
advis
the
by
ion
comets shall be subject to revis
authorized
duly
its
gh
throu
,
Labor
of
nt
rtme
Depa
s
the United State
representatives.
tive board shall nominate
ART.IX. rowdy committees.—The execu
g in their judgment a
havin
,
State
the
in
ies
count
for each of the
rs' advisory corn.
worke
o
Negr
y
sufficient Negro population, a count
ns so nominated
perso
These
ns.
perso
11
than
more
mittee of not
recommendar
upon
Labo
of
nt
rtme
Depa
are to be appointed by the
s
Employment
State
d
Unite
the
tion of Federal State Director of
Service for Ohio.
State advisory committee
ART. X. Community committees.—Thettees for localities in their
commi
ory,
advis
y
unit
may form comm
o population and local labor
respective communities where the Negr
ory committees. The ccmadvis
y
unit
comm
such
fy
Rroblems justi
rate in every practical and
coope
shill
munity advisory committees labor boards.
honorable way with the county this oroganization nor its executive.
er
ART. XI. Finances.—Neith
unity advisory committee, nor any
comm
nor
y
count
any
board,or
power or authority to incur exhave
shall
s
their executive board
or contracts which shall in.
ments
penses or make any financial agree or the United States Department
Ohio
of
State
the
any way obligate
by this committee or its execuof Labor. No debts shall be incurredcomm
unity committee or their
tive board or by any county or previously authorized.
s
s
unles
respective executive board
Amendments may be made to this conAny. XII. Amendments.—
at a regular and duly called meeting of
vote
hirds
two-t
stitution by a
such amendment shall .have been
ded
the general committee, provi
and the Muted States
previously approved by the executive board
Department of Labor.




or

*".

'416

APPENDIX IV.
TEE'
NEGRO WAR WORK COMMIT
CONSTITUTION FOR THE KEN
TUCKY.
OF
roe of this committee shall be the Neg
ARTICLE I. Name.—The nam
ky.
tuc
Ken
to
War Work Committee of
e of this organization shall be
h
ART. II. Purpose.—The purpos
wit
ner
man
and
cooperative spirit
study, plan, and advise in ah Negro workers, and with the United
employers of Negro labor, witin securing from Negro laborers greater
States Department of Laboragri
culture for winning the war through
production in industry and for work, through increasing the morale
efficiency
securing wide opportunity
ough improving their general of
food in
of Negro workers, and thr
tion
erva
cons
and
on
ucti
prod
art—
Dep
and condition; to promotes the
and
on
rati
nist
the Food Admi
conformity with the planproof
Cross, Liberty
Red
the
of
k
wor
the
e
mot
ment of Agriculture; to vities.
acti
mittee shall
loans, and other warshi
p.—The membership of this com
women of
ART. III. Member
and
men
red
colo
ons,
pers
than 30
mittee
The
be composed of not more mem
com
en.
wom
bers shall be
nse, the,
Kentucky. At least six
of
Defe
cil
Coun
ky
tuc
Ken
on Negro organization of the States Employment Service, theted
food
Federal director of the Unilic
Service Reserve, the Federal
Pub
the
of
.
ctor
Ken
in
n
Federal dire
nsio
exte
m
far
of
the director
eutiv
exec
administrator of Kentucky,
the
s,
Cros
of the American Red
tatives.
esen
and
tucky, the chairmanCam
repr
ice,
Serv
ity
mun
Com
p
secretary of the War tions shall be cooperating members. Theof other war organiza l be honorary chairman.
e board of
governor of Kentucky shal
ere shall be an executiv
bers of
ART. IV. Executive board.—Th
mem
e
thre
committee. At least
nine, chosen from the general
l be women.
tee and of'
the executive board shal
.—The members of this committhir
nts
tme
oin
App
V.
.
d of the.
ART
Oneows:
foll
as
appointed
shall be,
d
e
boar
the executive board shall be ee
utiv
exec
of the
members of general conunittt ofand
by the Extensiond
thir
oneor;
Lab
by the Food
appointed by the Departmen
Agriculture; and one-thirded also as theBureau, Department of mem
gnat
bers shall be desi
the war work
Administration. These
Council of Defense forcha
ky
tuc
Ken
the
irman and a
oommittee of
a
be
l
officers shal
The
le.
peop
red
colo
They shall
the
d.
ng
boar
amo
by the executive utive board.
secretary, who will be elected
exec
the
mittee and
s of both the.
serve for both the general com
one-third of the memberappo
nt
tme
oin
app
t
firs
inted tothe
Under
be
l
shal
rd
boa
utive
1, 1919;
July
advisory committee and its exec
l
unti
one-third to serve eafter, one-third
9;
191
1,
y
uar
Jan
l
unti
e
serv
uary 1, 1920. Ther board shall be
and one-third to serve until Jan
tee and its executive months. The
mit
the
com
of
p
of the membershi
18
serve for a term of six
months each,
appointed every 6 months to
of
ods
peri
e for
appointed bychairman and secretary shall serv
r
sure
shall be a trea
faithful persubject to reappointment. Thelre
the
for
d
bon
er
und
be
gnate.
the executive board. He shal exec
desi
may
rd
utive boa
k:trim:we of such duties as the
143




1

144

THE NEGRO AT WORK DURING THE WORLD WAR.

ART. VI. Meetings.—Section 1. The general committee shall meet
at least once every six months and at such other times as the executive
board may decide. Fifteen members shall constitute a quorum.
Sec. 2. The executive board shall meet at least once every other
month and at such other times as the chairman and secretary shall'
decide, unless otherwise ordered by the board. Five members shall
constitute a quorum. The chairman shall be required to call themeeting of the executive board upon the written request of fivemembers of the advisory committee of the board or of both. The
calling of the meetings of both the general committee and of the exec—
utive board shall first have the approval of the Negro organization
committee of the council of defense.
Sec. 3. The meeting place of the general committee and the executive board shall be Louisville unless otherwise ordered by the executive board and approved by the council of defense.
Akr. VII. By-laws.—The executive board shall make such by—
laws and rules for the conduct of business as may seem best and in
conformity with this constitution.
ART. VIII. Powers of the executive board.—The executive board
shall transact all business, make plans, enter into agreements, and
perform such other acts as may be necessary for carrying out thepurpose of this committee. All such transactions, plans, agreements,.
or acts shall be subject to revision by .the general committee, the.
departments of the 14 ederal Government involved, and the Kentucky
Council of Defense.
ART. IX. Cou.nty committees.—The executive board shall nominate
for each county of the State having in their judgment a sufficient
Negro population a county Negro war-work committee of not more
than nine persons. The persons so nominated shall be appointed by
the Departments of Labor and Agriculture, the Food Administration,.
and the council of defense in the same manner as the State committee.
and its executive board.
ART. X. Community committees.—The county war-work committee
may be authorized by the State committee to form community war—
work committees for localities in their respective counties where the
Negro population and local war-work problems justify such community
committees. This committee and its executive board and the.county.
and community committees shall cooperate with the community
labor boards of.the Department of Labor.
ART. XI. Finances.—Neither this organization, its executive
board, nor the county or community war-work committees, nor any
of'their executive boards shall have power or authority to incur
expenses or make any financial agreements or contracts which shall
in any way obligate the State of Kentucky or the United States
Government. No debts shall be incurred by this committee or its
executive board or any county or community committees or their
respective executive boards unless previously provided for.
ART. XII. Amendments.—Amendments may be made to this
constitution by two-thirds vote at a regular and duly called meeting
of this committee, provided each amendment shall have been previously approved. by the executive board and the United States
departments herein named and by the Kentucky Council of Defense:.




0

•-

Signed

PRINTER: This illustration to face

page




MZIMMDM1




===m=mgmnicssaftm
MACHINE OPERATORS MAKING BEDSPR I NI

WEBBING.




1100D.)
BLISIIMENT. (NOTE THE VENTILATING
NEGRO WOMEN IRONER S IN LAUNDRY EST.,