100 years ago in Idaho: Adjutant General pledges to stand no foolishness in dealings with Wobblies

The state of Idaho was initiating a “major housecleaning” of Wobblies in North Idaho.

Adjutant General Charles S. Moody arrived in St. Maries in the aftermath of Wobbly riots there and was taking charge.

“We will not stand any foolishness,” said the adjutant general. “We do not propose to allow any lawlessness if it takes every dollar and every man in the state to prevent it. We do not propose to allow peace officers to be beaten up.”

The soldiers went to Fernwood, near St. Maries, and surrounded the Fernwood Hotel, apparently a “harboring place” for Wobblies. It was placed under quarantine and all of the lumberjacks in the hotel were subjected to questioning. Each man was asked to sign a statement about “how he stands.”

“If they are loyal American citizens asking for their rights as citizens, there will be no question,” said the general. “But so far as we can see, there is not.”

The town of Fernwood was reported to be partial to the Wobblies and several “contemptuous remarks” were directed at the soldiers.

The same procedure was being followed in St. Maries, where Wobblies were not allowed to leave until being questioned. Those who were aliens, or considered dangerous, were being held under military guard.