The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-12-25
THE MINERS WILL GET TOGETHER.
Call Issued For n Meeting OF knights and
Progressive Unionists.

Progressive Unionists.
COLUMBUS, o., Dec. pa joint meeting
Of the representatives Of the national
progressive union of miners and mine la
borers and national district assembly,
No. 135, X. of L.. was held this morning to con-
slider the plans for the amalgamation OF the
two organizations. As to the result OF this
meeting the following joint address was to-day
issued to the members of the national district
assembly X. of L. and the progressive union OF
miners and mine laborers:
For many years, by reason Of a conflict originating
in the existence OF two rival miners organizations,
much valuable energy has been unprOhtably EN-
ployed in an unnecessary struggle or supremacy
and in the contest the miners connected with bOtn
bodies OF organized miners have been the principal
sufferers. No sadder commentary upon the Efforts
OF miners TO improve their condition as craft could
be presented than the spectacle OF the iew-and we
use the term few only 20 intimate that quite a
per centage OF calling stand outside the pale OF
any Orm OF OTganiZatiOn-at war with each other 70
the infinite pleasure Of INSCRIPTIONS employers who
have learned often the strength born OF unity. and
the injury of all who find employment in the business
Of mining coal. The condition OF our craft to-day
has been reduced 10 the present low level ) by rea-
of absence of a proper interest in min ng
affairs aud or because of the failure up this date
OF the two organizations 20 unite their powers and
agree upon policy that would at once be acceptable
to both classes of officials and satisfactory %
the rank and file of the respective miners unions
OuT luhDlllly, G buOhH ul lut NualhNtcA Va pass
efforts, 20 thoroughly unite our powers by har-
nizng forces, has led to reduction in wages,
and in different parts of the competitive district
rendered our miners and officials pOWerlesS 70 resist
inn ositon and assert the rights of their members
wage-workers, with ther prospect before Us but
of suffering stl for the notifications of already
too low standard Of mining rates
While efforts nave In the past few years been made
to consummate the object that not only we but the
body of organized miners whether belonging TO the
one or the other OF the present oTms OF organization
have In view, they have not had the desired effect
and painful lessons of the necessity of harmony OF
action shown in the series OF defeats which our
miners have been compelled 10 submit 10, 80 re-
quired. sarely late experiences not fail "a
persuade even the most enthusiastic advocates OF
numerous organizations, ofheered by different sets
OF ofhcals who's positions as the oncIal
representatives of the different organizations IN
Owed, and made possible the existence OF the con-
ditiOns from which we. a craft suffer to-day. The
results growing out Of division OF our forces has
created an almost general demand 10 be made from
the rank and file of both organizations for con-
sodatiOn OF our pO ers under one official head and,
in keeping with their expressed desires the writers
OF this met and agreed upon the following plan'
which We believe if adopted, would unite our forces
upon basis satisfactory TO the members OF ooth
organizations, and bring about the beneheent results
that all demand.
l. To unite the two organizations under one
head TO govern and protect the interests of miners
and mine aborers this union to bo effected without
sacrificing the essential features Of either organiza
tiOn.
2 The organization 10 be divided into national,
district and local divisions, the meetings Of which
TO be either secret or Open a the members may
determine or the exigences OF the case may require
That is to say the meaning of the terms "Open OF
secret" shall be construed as applying TO theSneet
ngs of the national progressive union or the h. OF L.
as the case may Be.
3. Equal taxation upon affiliated members.
4. The statf officers for the national, and each dis
trict and local organization In which due provision
shall be made for visiting and directing the business
OF both branches of the organization.
The necessity for a unIhcation of our forces
demands that all the members OF both existing
unions, and even those miners not connected
with either. give these propositions their care
full thought and study, that they may be better
prepared 10 intelligently consider the adoption
or modification OF the policy here outlined.
JOHN B. RAE w. NJ, l35.
ROBERT WATCHoRN, Secy. Treas, 135.
JOHN MCBRIDE, Prest, \. p. q.
PATRICK MCBRYDE Secy.-Treas., n. p. q.
DAVID Ross, for n. P. U.
President j John Mcbride also issued the call
for the regular annual convention OF the Ma
tional progressive union, to be held in Colum.
bus, Tuesday, Jan. %, 1890. He refers to the
fact that the K. of L. have issued a call for q
convention OF all miners, organized and un'
organized to be held in this city on the same
date 'and it is intended TO hold joint meet.
I ing with them to make final effort to unite
our forces and inaugurate a decisive movement
10 increase mining prices and better the con-
dition of mine workers We extend an invita-
ton to miners not organized to send delegates
to our convention, and we ask our members to
urge upon them doing so. Do not let past diff
ferences nor present prejudices prevent oul
making strong and an honest effort TO ameli
crate the condition of our craftsmen