The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1895-02-15

COLUMBUS, Feb l3-Just before John
Mcbride, as late president of the United
Mine Workers. was introduced 70 report
upon the condition OF affairs during
that part of the year proceeding his res
iguarIon 20 become president OF the
American Federation of Labor, Mr.
Adams. president of the Ohio Mine
Workers. asked whether the charge he
filed recently 70 effect that the ma
uonaI officers OF the miners had settled
the strike Of last year corruptly was TO
be referred 10 the committee on grlev.
ances just appointed Mr.. Adams was
informed by the presiding officer that
the charges would be brought before
the convention in due time, but whether
they would be referred to the committee
he did not know though it had been
the custom TO refer such matters TO that
committee Mr.. Adams purpose IN
asking the question was 10 draw atten
ton TO the fact that charges affecting
the national officers were 70 go into the
hands of committee appointed by one
of those officers A discussion resulted
III the confirmation, by the convention
of the committee as appointed by TN g
chairman
Then the late President Mcbride was
introduced and received with prolonged
cheers He explained the ending of the
strike and defended the national board
against the cha IS. He dwelt upon
the present cOnuItions of hardship IN
the mines. and in conclusion said:
The situation Is critical IN the ex-
treme, and in times like the present
there is danger from too much legIsla
ton by a national convention of our
craft. because our people our too prone
to allow their wants and their desires to
bring forward experimental schemes
for relief of conditions which only bus
mess changes can effect Suffering
men scarcely ever reason with business
sagacIty. but rather jump at conclusions
and, whether right or wrong. every
thing and everyone that runs counter TO
their desires is considered unfrlendly
and hostile to their interests. and a.
often wrOngfully condemned II Is 60
this spirit of unrest born of sufferln z
and sorrow. that much of the agitation
against officials Is due.
The abuse Of your officials at this
time because of alleged sins on their
part. of omission and commission. might
be seriously considered were II not that
II Is a regular annual occurrence
IL hope that your deliberations will
be marked by that wisdom required to
eXtrlCate your craftsmen from the ne
cessity of depending upon charity to
sustain life"
The report. followed by applause. was
referred TO the proper committee. The
report of Secretary Patrick McBryde
was then made by that gentleman 1t
showed the membership TO be stronger
today than ever, notwithstanding the
hard times, discomfort and dissenslOn
and that the organization now has a
firm foOrhOld III the anthracite and
PocahOntas field The total receipts, IN.
oluding cash on hand at beginning Of
year, were S2s. .S47.O6, expenditures. S2s,
500 23; leaving a balance on hand D:
$496 So
j ) Clarkson. chairman on creden.
tials, reported admitting all delegates
60 seats The Burtonvllle, Ills, dele
gate was admitted, although his people
were behind ID dues on account OF
mining troubles resulting in loss Of
work Mr. POwderly, in a letter TO Sec.
retary- Treasurer Patrick McBryde ot
the u. NJ. w a. condems the course o!
Mr. Hayes, grand secretary of the
knights of Labor. toward Assembly No
l35 K of l.. composed largely Of miners
and advises that such miners set up
new organization under the name OF
knights of Labor TO carry on the work
of that body and ignoring the old. OF
present organization Of which Mr.. Sow.
sreign is the head.