Hard rock ore and coal mining were important industries in Colorado during the bonanza years of the late 1870s through the early years of the 20th century. Mining was dangerous and meant long hours underground for workers. While the miners continued to demand safer working conditions very little was done for them until after the turn of the century. When issues concerning recognition of the labor unions, passage of an eight-hour day law and better working conditions failed to be negotiated, many Colorado miners struck in the early 1900s. Labor strikes were often viewed as insurrections by businesses, government and others and numerous conflicts arose with violence occurring on both sides. Governor James Peabody ordered the state militia out to various areas of labor resistance during his term including to Cripple Creek in 1903 which was the most violent and bitter strike at the time. Labor strife such as this was a hot issue in the contentious 1904 election for governor. The document below is the Executive Order by Governor Peabody to send troops to Cripple Creek. We have also attached part of Governor Peabody's State of the State Address on January 5, 1905 in front of the Joint Session of the Colorado General Assembly.