Regarding the deportation of I.W.W.’s for belonging to an organization which advocates such things, Secretary of Labor Wilson had stated a short time previously:  “An exhaustive study into the by-laws and practices of the I.W.W. has thus far failed to disclose anything that brings it within the class of organizations referred to.”

Other of the loggers were buoyed up with the many victories won in the courts on “criminal syndicalism” charges and felt that the raid would be too “raw” a thing for the lumber interests even to consider.  All were secure in the knowledge and assurance that they were violating no law in keeping open their hall.  And they wanted that hall kept open.

Of course the question of what was to be done was discussed at their business meetings.  When news reached them on November 4th of the contemplated “parade” they decided to publish a leaflet telling the Citizens of Centralia about the justice and legality of their position, the aims of their organization and the real reason for the intense hatred which the lumber trust harbored against them.  Such leaflet was drawn up by Secretary Britt Smith and approved by the membership.  It was an honest, outspoken appeal for public sympathy and support.  This leaflet—­word for word as it was printed and circulated in Centralia—­is reprinted below: 

To the Citizens of Centralia We Must Appeal

[Illustration:  The Chief Fink

Frank P. Christensen, who was the “fixer” for the prosecution.  As Assistant Attorney General he used his office to intimidate witnesses and in the effort to cover up actions of the mob.  He is reported to have been responsible for the recovery and burial of Everest’s body, saying:  “We’ve got to bring in that body and bury it.  If the wobs ever find out what was done and get it they’ll raise hell and make capital of it.”]

“To the law abiding citizens of Centralia and to the working class in general:  We beg of you to read and carefully consider the following: 

“The profiteering class of Centralia have of late been waving the flag of our country in an endeavor to incite the lawless element of our city to raid our hall and club us out of town.  For this purpose they have inspired editorials in the Hub, falsely and viciously attacking the I.W.W., hoping to gain public approval for such revolting criminality.  These profiteers are holding numerous secret meetings to that end, and covertly inviting returned service men to do their bidding.  In this work they are ably assisted by the bankrupt lumber barons of southwest Washington who led the mob that looted and burned the I.W.W. hall a year ago.