Brissenden, Paul "The First Decade of the I.W.W." Notes., 1913-1960
Collection Number: 5440

Consists chiefly of incoming letters, newspaper and journal articles and clippings, documents, and notes of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) from its founding in 1905 to 1928. The bulk of the information derived from these sources was used by Brissenden in researching a book he was at the time engaged in writing (eventually published as THE IWW; A STUDY OF AMERICAN SYNDICALISM). General topics covered by the collection include the membership of the IWW; the structure of the union, particularly with reference to locals; theories of syndicalism and "direct action"; free speech fights in varoius cities; and the criminal syndicalism and sabotage acts passed by various states in tye years 1917-1919. Also included are numerous drafts of portions of the book.

Specifically, the collection includes letters to Brissenden from Archie Robertson, IWW organizer, criticizing the title of Brissenden's book and taking exception to Brissenden's description of the IWW as syndicalist (1922); E. Pfister (Socialist Labor Party) requesting copies of Brissenden's book to be used in an unnamed trial (1922); Vincent St. John giving estimates, by year, of IWW membership, number of local charters granted, number of locals disbanding, and distribution of membership by industry (1915); Sidney Osborne (Arizona secretary of state) informing Brissenden that a state sabotage law had been vetoed by Governer Lister (1918); and William D. Haywood from Moscow, Russia, answering in detail Brissenden's queries about the history of the Western Federation of Miners and giving locations of documents relating to that organization (1923). Also, letter of William D. Haywood to C. McCarty (US Commission on Industrial Relations) regarding free speech fights in Kansas City, Kans., Los Angeles, Calif., Aberdeen, S.D., Denver, Colo., and Minot, N.D.

Also included in the collection are numerous copies of anti-syndicalist and anti-sabotage legislation from various states. Included, as well, are numerous newspaper and article clippings on anti-syndicalist legislation.

In addition, collection includes copies of IWW convention proceedings and constitutions; essays by Brissenden on a variety of topics, including amnesty for IWW members convicted under anti-syndicalism laws, the IWW attitude toward the state, and the development of syndicalism in the IWW after 1909; and notes on many aspects of the development of the IWW and American radicalism, including comments on the formation of the United Harbor and Marine Workers of America, on the splits and differences among the left-wing parties in America, on Elizabeth Gurley Flynn's attitude toward William Haywood's leaving for Russia (1921), on the attitude of the IWW toward Soviet Russia (specifically the Red Traade Union International, 1921), on strikes conducted by the IWW, and syndicalism in Germany, France, and Italy.

Finally, copies of a notice served on behalf of the Durst Brothers to the County Boards of Directors of Yuma, Sutter, and Placer counties, declaring an imminent threat to property in those counties as a result of a proposed strike by IWW agricultural workers (1914); a copy of demands made by strikers at the Stone and Webster Construction Company in Big Creek (1913); and a questionnaire on conditions in logging camps (n.d.), among other documents.

Portions of collection in French and German.