THE CENTURY THAT DEFINED US 1902

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about

1902

Jan 10  In New Zealand the Nurses Registration Act of 1901 comes into effect, making New Zealand the first country that requires state registration of nurses.

Feb 18  President Roosevelt prosecutes the Northern Securities Company, a railroad trust, for violation of the Sherman Act of 1890. The company controls the Northern Pacific Railway, Great Northern Railway, Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad and other associated lines.

Apr 5  In the land of his birth, Georgia, on the Black Sea coast at Batumi, Stalin (real name, Jughashvili), 23, is an impoverished but bright young man devoted to anti-establishment politics. He has been organizing oil workers into action, made easier by horrible working conditions while foreign oil company executives are living in mansions and sailing their yachts. There are clashes between workers and police. Blood flows. Stalin on this day is arrested and to be put in prison.

May 31  Britain has crushed Boer resistance. With the four Boer states Britain signs the Treaty of Vereeniging, officially ending Boer War.

Oct 23  For five months coal miners have been on their biggest strike ever. They want higher wages, an eight-hour day and recognition of their union. Mine owners have refused to negotiate. One of the owners, George Baer, cites Darwinistic struggle as his reason for refusing, and in a letter leaked to the press he claims that the "rights and interests of the laboring man will be protected and cared for not by the labor agitators but by the Christian men to whom God in His infinite wisdom has given the control of the property interests of the country." President Roosevelt has ordered a commission to solve the conflict. Speaking before the commission, Baer closes his argument saying, "These men don't suffer. Why, hell, half of them don't even speak English." On this day, October 23, the strike ends. Owners don't have to recognize the United Mine Workers' union but they accept an arbitration board and the miners have won a nine-hour day and a 10 percent wage increase.

Dec 9  British, German and Italian governments want Venezuelans to pay debts owed Europeans. Their warships arrive in Venezuelan waters to impose a naval blockade.

and as always have a chilled day from the Viking.