“PINKERTON MEN”

This use of detectives by private employers, “Pinkerton Men,” strike-breakers, gun-men, thugs, “special deputies” or even the state constabulary has been a powerful cause of most violent outrages on the elementary rights of workers. These men often constitute a private army, and in some states were regarded as so serious a menace as to be forbidden by law. Generally, they are paid and housed by the employers, and this relationship is naturally reflected in their acts. Thomas Beet, formerly with Scotland Yard, London, writes thus:

The private constabulary system, by which armed forces are employed during labor troubles has worked untold damage in America. It is a condition akin to the feudal system of warfare, when private interests can employ troops of mercenaries to wage war at their command…. In no other country in the world, with the the exception of China is it possible for the individual to surround himself with a standing army to do his bidding in defiance of law and order…. The conditions I have outlined could never obtain in England. During labor troubles the government looks after the policing and under no circumstances permits the meddling of private detectives…. During a famous strike in a western city … the country rang with details of acts of extreme violence, alleged to have been committed by the strikers…. There were probably instances in which strikers were responsible, but to my knowledge, much of the lawlessness was incited by private detectives who led mobs in the destruction of property.¹¹

The coal mines, especially of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, have been centers of the armed guard system. As early as 1865, in Pennsylvania, a law was passed, permitting railroads and mine owners to appoint their own police, duly commissioned by the Governor. To the number of these, there was apparently no limit; “they could have 1,000 if they wished”. From them grew the infamous “Coal and