Thomas F.'s Page

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Message on War Against Japan

Until the Japanese attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii the United States had managed to stay out of World War II. However, on 7 December 1941 Japanese forces struck Pearl Harbor, and the next day President Roosevelt appeared before Congress requesting a declaration of war.

Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air for… Continue

In the early hours of December 7th Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor. The forces of General Kimmel and Short were put up againsdt the forces of Nagumo and Isoroku. The United states lost 5 battleships sunk and 3 damaged, 2 destroyers sunk and 1 damaged, 1 other ship sunk and 3 cruise… Continue

Today a new bill was passed that states that we can only work for 12 hours a day. This makes me very happy because we still get paid the same. It also gives me more time to work around the house and do some things of my own. I am so happy for this new bill. The only thing is the manager of the mine doesn’t agree with it and makes us work long shift anyway. I wish somebody would come out to the mines to reinforce this bill.
Jacques LaPue

Today was a horrible day. There was a major accident where an older man fell down a shaft. It made me think about the inequality in the mines. Along with the hardships of the mine I started thinking about working at a different place such as a textile warehouse. I eventually decided against it because I had more experience in mining. I also think that there is going to be a new bill passes soon about the hours that we can work. I can wait for it to come out and make the work place more bearable… Continue

Today it rained. Most of the mine filled with water. It was very hard to work, but we still had to do it so that we would get paid. If I were not to receive my small payment I would not be eating dinner tonight. My mom has come down with the flue. She is very ill but the new medicines are supposed to help. Me and my pop are trying to save up enough money for it. I hope that we can afford it soon.
Jacques LaPue