The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-12
MINE : WORKERS MEETING.
The Miners Convention Issues an Adj
dress Concerning Their Wrongs.
The Necessity for Organized Resistance to
Oppressive Measures-Additiona Mem
bers Of the Executive Board Chosen.

The coal miners in national convention yester-
day had their business very well in hand, and
although the discussions several topics were
lengthy, the formation of the national federation
of miners and mine laborers has so far pro-
crossed that little remains to be done in the
session this morning. The committee on reso-
lutions instructed to consider the merits of the
Cassat Iowa bill, reported in favor of a law that
will secure the weighing of coal mined before it
is screened and prevent operators and miners
from interfering with or escaping from the pro-
visions of the act This was adopted after little
debate, when the rest of the morning hour was
consumed in considering matters that were re-
ferred to the several committees, reports on
which were submitted at the afternoon session
In the afternoon the committee resolutions
submitted a recommendation that on all general
questions arising within the jurisdiction of the
association ten days notice be given their crafts
men, provided the operators grant the same
courtesy to the association. In addition the
committee offered resolutions favoring a total
abolition of the system of contracting for convict
labor when such is brought into contact with
free labor; the abolition of two weeks pay and
the abolition Of the truck system in all it's
FORMS and to secure to members
of the federation justice and equality in every
legitimate way. 1t was also proposed that a
general suspension for one week of mining in
the coal mines of the United States and terri
tories be declared by the executive board at a
date as early as practicable. 1t was recon-
mended that an exchange of presidents of State
organizations from one State to another be left
to the executive board, provided such exchange
shall be agreeable to said presidents The COM
mlttee also recommended instructions to the
secretary to inform A. III. Love, president of
the Universal Peace Union, that his letter
in reference to arbitration had been considered.
and that the convention favored the principles of
arbitration. resolution favoring the abolition
of the free-turn system in all the States and
Territories was also submitted. The resolutions
were taken up seriatim and adopted.
The committee on finance reported WAYS and
means OF raising revenue for the organization,
and also the salaries to be paid certain officers.
Each resolution caused considerable discussion,
after which the report as it came from the COM
mittee, being slightly amended, was adopted as a
whole A per capita tax of one cent per month
on each member Of the national federation is to
be levied. The executive secretary is to receive
sixty dollars per month and actual expenses
the latter to be approved by the executive
board; the treasurer is to be paid per cent. on
all receipts; each member of the executive board,
when engaged in behalf of the association, is to
receive s.. 90 per day for wages, and ST. so per
day for board and travelling expenses to and
from his place of residence. The matter of
bonds and security for officers referred to the
executive board with full power to act on the
same, and 70 cents per month to be collected
from each member for a defense fund, was
authorized.
The committee on address reported the follow
ing which was adopted:
AS miners and mine laborers our troubles are every
where of similar character. The memorable law of
interests unite. The increased shipping facilities of
the last few years have made all coalproducing dis
trlcts competitors In the markets of this country
This has led to indiscrimnate cutting of market
prices, and unnecessary reductions in our
wages which for some time have been
are no longer regulated by our skill workmen nor
by the value of the products of our labor. but by
competition with cheaper labor. Oar standard Of
workmanship is fast being lowered by the present
method of receiving coal before weighing and the
practice, on part of our employers, of importing
many localities free fuel has been
efectually suppressed. That monstrous
swindling machine the truck SYSTEM" which was
banished from England by legislation, has been trans
planted and is fourishng in our midst Our ills
many, and our privileges few. All can be attrib-
uted to the lack of organized effort part Our
failures to act in concert when cOntesting for
principles and right has brought about the
Generalization and degradation of our craft Local
district and State organizations have done much
towards ameoratng the condition of our craft in the
past but to-day neither district State unions can
regulate the markets to which their coal is shipped.
We know this to our sorrow; hence, while
approving of local organizations whether
| they be secret or open in character
we are convinced that by decorating under one gen.
eral head our powers for good would be increased
and speedy betterment of our common condition
follow. On federation of all lodges and branches of
miners unions lies our only hope. Single-handod
is no power OF wrong that we may
not openly defy. Federation will act as a stimuant
and infuse new life into all of the different local. dis.
trct and State organizations. 1t should do So The
cry of distress which comes from members of our
craft in all sections of the country demands us to act
and act at once Then let organize and agate for
liberty and living mining rates for justice to craft
number of resolutions relating to the duties
of officers were reported and adopted. The
secretary in addition to usual care of records
and correspondence is to act as president or
executive officer of the association according to
| instructions from the executive board of which
he is member. He will have power to call
special meetings OF the board at the request of
a majority of members at large The executive
board is prohibited from countenancing local or
district strikes until q thorough inyes.
tigation of their cause and purposes is
made, but 1t Will have power to inaugurate
any movement by which betterment of the
condition of members can be had Delegates in
the federation are to come from various local
district and State unions which have paid the
per capita assessment levied for the maintenance
of the federation. One delegate is to be allowed
for every hundred members or fractional
part thereof Regular sessions of the fedora
ton are to be held annually, commencing the
hrst Tuesday in September, and special sessions
whenever the executive board may think neces
sary. All unions in the federation are to be
held responsible for the payment Of tax and
assessments.
Members at large of the executive board were
chosen as follows: Chris Evans, of Ohio who
was also elected as executive secretary; Daniel
Mclaughlin, of Illinois, executive treasurer: J.
j. Sullivan, of Iowa; John H. Davis. of Penn
sxtvania; ]. B, FlegSng of West Virginia The
Following are to be the State representatives in
the board: Illinois, David Ross Ohio, John
McBride Indiana, Pat McAdams; West Vir-
ginia, T. P. Gray; Iowa, David Reed Kansas,
James Smith; Pennsylvania. George Harris
The convention ADJOURNED until this morning,
when the business of the session will be com.