The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-12-25
ADJOURNED In HARMONY.
THE MINERS FIX a SCALE OF PRICES,
Which viii Go Into Effect on the First OF
Maya Committee Appointed 90 Ef-
feet the Proposed Union-Silent
Contempt For Hovey.


ulating them on the unity OF purpose ex-
pressed by the call for and the responseto
this convention, and giving assurance OF
his sympathy and hearty cooperation in
any or all legitimate movements toward
the amelioration of the craft. For this
letter a vote of thanks was returned.
Resolved, That we are IN favor OF restric.
ton In the output of coal in this competitive
neld and leave to the Columbus convention 10
determine the best method OF restriction and
the time il shall take effect.
Whereas, The almost total defeat OF the
miners OF northern Illinois and IN the block
coal fields OF Indiana has caused them 10 lose
by cessation of work for six months and by
reduced wages for the next six months, al least
half million dollars and TO this may be added
the amount of money contributed by those not
engaged in the strike; and,
Whereas The miners in other parts Of the
competitive field are now in danger OF having
prices and conditions similar 10 Indiana and
Illinois forced upon them, 10 prevent
such calamity, mine workers OF the entire
district must decide and decide quickly,
TO cease complaining about their inability live
upon their meager earnings, and purpose to
make a mutual and determined fight along the
line by contributions of q few dollars each 10
fund that Will be large enough % guarantee
the success of a strike inaugurated 70 restore,
not alone the old rates in Illinois and Indiana.
but an increased price throughout the entire
field. This must be done, or all 90 down TO q
lower level. Therefore, be il
Resolved, That we favor the creation OF a
fund large enough for both offensive and de-
fensive purposes, and with this end in view
recommend that mine-wOrkeTs throughout the
entire competitive district be assessed 81 per
month for the months Of February, March and
April, the sum to be paid into the general
treasury; and
Resolved, That we advise our mine-workers
of this district 10 consider that If an amount
equal to one-half the money lost through the
failures Of the late strikes was centered in a
general fund it would prevent defeat in future
contests Tor wage adjustment BE 10 further
Resolved, That the mine-workers OF this dis.
trict instruct their delegates 10 the national
convention. to be held in Columbus, O., at an
early date 10 vote for or against the creation OF
such a general fund by the method herein ad-
vised, and TO also provide for the election Of
board of trustees aud proper safeguards 10 pre-
vent the misuse OF any part OF the funds for
purposes other than those for which il is asked
TO he created.
A letter from L. H. Mcclellan, NJ W. of
d. A No. l06 was handed TO the secretary
and read. He greeted the convention and
assured it of the strongest possible coop
Grafton OF the organized labor OF Indian
apolis The committee then introduced
the following resolution which was read
and adopted:
whereas, Inc reports OF the QeleGdltd snow
that the miners represented are almost unani-
nous in their desire TO have the eght-hoUr day
imposed in the competitive district either on
May /, 1890 or as soon thereafter as practi-
cable, therefore be it
Resolved, That we ask the miners and nine
workers in this competitive field to prepare 70
put the eight-hour day in force on May l. 1890
and that our delegates 10 the Columbus conven-
ton urge the cooperation of miners.
Some discussion sprang up on the SUBJ
iect of the twO-weeks pay system in Hi
nois, and finally Mr.. Monaghan introduced
this resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That this convention urge the
miners of Illinois state to use every available
means 70 establish a shorter interval between
pay-days.
The subject of consolidation was taken
up for the purpose of choosing commit
tee to confer with the officials of 7. d. A.
135, X. of L. After considerable discus
sion John Mcbride, Patrick Mcbride and
David Ross were appointed and armed
with discretionary powers TO effect such
consolidation. The committee then in
troduced card of prices to take effect
May for the ensuing ten months, but as
il was nearly noon discussion was with
held and the convention adjourned till
1870.
On being called to order in the after
noon, a resolution was passed thanking
Messrs. Lenler, LLOYD, Foley and others,
together with several Chicago papers, for
the help extended the miners during their
struggle IL northern Illinois The question
of organization then came up, and the
officers were instructed TO send as many
organizers as possible into the fields where
the miners were the most demoralized.
Quite a number of the delegates were very
outspoken in their views on this subject.
This question, however, was also referred
to the Columbus convention and the
subject of prices taken up. The delegates
from the Hooking, Sunday Creek and
Shawnie valleys were plain in declaring
that the instructions, under which they
had left home, were Tor an advance IN
price, and a marked one at that.
The prices paid were for Hooking, Sun
day Creek and Shawnee Valleys, 50 cents
per ton, increase, l29 cents; western Penn
sylvania, 80 cents, increase 10 cents; Indi-
ana block coal, % cents, bituminous. So;
Wilmington district OF Illinois, Sl.05, for
mer price, S7@ cents; Streeter, 80 cents,
former price 724; Lasalle and Spring VAL
lev. 81; Springfield, 723; Stanton and Mt.
Olive, 65: Peoria. S5; Fairmount and
Moundsville Va, 50 cents. The follow
ing resolutions were then read, and after
some discussion, adopted:
Whereas, The enforcement Of scale-rates
agreed upon at this convention depends en-
tirely upon the united support Of our miners,
organized or uncTganized; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we ask the unOrganized
miners TO unite with us in making use OF the
greatest organization ever known in the United
States for the purpose OF enforcing the scale
rates and protecting our interests generally.
Resolved, That the delegates from all other
competitive fields represented at the Columbus
convention meet in their districts and take
similar action regarding the unanimity of in
creasing prices and the first of May be the
date when all viii take decisive action toward
carrying out the scale rates in the different
districts.
Whereas, An effort viii be made at Colum-
bus. O., in January next 10 consolidate our or
ganized forces under one head, and this fact
prevents us from acting definitely upon many
important matters relating 70 interests of mine
workers Of this competitive held; therefore,
be il
Resolved, That if the two national organiza-
tions do not agree to unite and take decided
action upon all questions referred 10 them by
this convention, the delegates 10 those conven-
tions from this district shall meet Immediately
after the national convention adjourns and
determine 10 take decided action as a CON-
petitive district.
The machine question was then brought
up, and as the convention lacked some
data this motion was brought before the
house and carried: THAT this convention
request that the representatives to the
national convention to be held in Colum-
bus have committee of FIVE appointed to
draft a scale of prices for machine miners