The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1893-10-28

street. MIR. Harris has |
not changed an iota in appearance and not
withstanding his absence of several years is
readily recognized by the men who were
members of the M. & l.. A. A. in its palmy .
days. Mr.. Harris is still resident of |
Reynoldsville, Jefferson county. The object |
Of his visit here was of a purely mercantile |
character, but during his travels through the |
region he has come in contact with a large |
number of his old friends who were very
active promoters of the NJ. & L. A. A. from
15S1.s7 and they have expressed regrets that !
the Knights of Labor at that time made such
rapid inroads into the organization as to
cause its ultimate dissolution. In their con-
versations, Mr.. Harris says, these parties have
urged him to make another effort to re-
organize the "Amalgamated feeling assured
that if it is once more established through
out this region the men will be more loyal
to its principles than heretofore, as they
realize that no Association of their craft has
accomplished more than the NJ. & L. A, A.
did by its conservative course during its three
years existence here,
When asked if he intended acting upon
the suggestion Mr.. Harris said, "Yes. After
considerable hesitency 1 have consented to
make another effort providing tho men will
render the proper assistance. My intention
is first to meet all the people who took an
active interest in the organization before and
preliminary arrangements are now being
made for mass meeting of the men of
| Shenandoah and vicinity no later than the
first of November, at which time perma-
nent organization viii be effected"
"How will the working arrangements of
the organization be framed, Mr.. Harris ?" the
reporter asked.
"The same as before. Each colliery will
have branch Of its own, so many branches
will constitute district, and so many repre-
sentatives from the various districts will
constitute the county executive board"
"How about tine membership-that is who
will be eligible?"
"Moto is that the association should en-
brace all men working in and around the
minesiTespective of creed color OF nationality.
The Polish and Lithuanian people are very
important factors throughout this region and
it will be necessary to have one or more
organizers from the ranks of these people.
In fact am in favor, after the organization
is started, of having these people organize
and operate branches of their own so that
they may transact all the business in their
own language and more fully understand and
appreciate all the benefits to be derived from
such movement.
81 am confident, after mature cOnsidera-
ton" continued Mr., Harris, that with but
little effort the NJ. & L. A. A. can be made as
strong as it was seven and eight years ago.
When first came through this region in 1884
l was a stranger to almost everybody. A few
knew of me through my connection with the
NJ. & J.. A. A. in the western end of the state
My advent here in May, 1854, accomplished
little more than to SOW the seeds and / ex-
perienced considerable difficulty in getting the
mine workers interested. The companies
seemed at that time to have an advantage
over the men that in many instances it wa.
with difficulty that l could secure a chairman
for meeting However the seeds sown
during my first coming was productive ot
fruit, as shown by the results accomplished
in the spring of 1885, at the time tn,
Reading Company posted notices through
out the region announcing that a o pei
cent. reduction would take effect in
March. The men began to realize theil
l position and called upon me to make another
a effort, which was done, and by that means
mass meeting was held in Shenandoah, il
the early part Of March 1885, together will
similar mass meetings at Mahanoy City
- Ashland and other places. The organization
became established and the Reading compau,
very wisely wi hdrew the notice of reduc
ton. Immediately after that all the mine
employees took hold Of the organization Will
wonderful yigor. The people of Shenandoal
-, will remember the great demonstration il
y May, 1885, when all the branches of tn
district, numbering between 5000 and 400
0 men paraded through the streets and held
great meeting which packed Columbia Park
where the afternoon was spent in elucidat
ing the principles and objects of the organiza
ton. The NJ. & L. A, A. continued stron
and did excellent work in many respect
until the spring of 1856, when the K. of