Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-09-11
COLUMBUS CONVENTION.
Differing Opinions Regarding the
= Pittsburg Compromise.
THEILLIEOIs DELEGATES OBJECT

President Carson, of That State, De-
clarcs tho Miners In His state Are
Practically Ignored by the Proposed
Compromise Agreement.
Columbus, O.. Sept. 9.--The inter-
state miners convention adjourned last
evening until today without having
taken vote ON the question of accept
ing or rejecting the proposed settle
inent of the strike.
The prospects for the acceptance of
the settlement are somewhat doubtful
In fact, a canvass of the situation
shows that majority of the votes, un-
less some change should be brought
about, win be cast against it. The
greater part of the afternoon session
was secret, the delegates listening to
speeches from National President
Ratchford and State Presidents Farms
of Ohio, Knight of Indiana, Carson of
Illinois and Doian OF Pittsburg. All of
these officials, with the exception of
Mr.. Carson, argued in favor of the ac-
ceptance Of the Pittsburg operators
proposition. They told the delegates
very plainly that If the proposition was
rejected the strike would fail utterly;
that the contest could not be continued,
as all resources had been exhausted.
They advised that, inasmuch as the
strike had been precipitated in the
Pittsburg district it was very proper
that 1t should be settled there.
President Carson, of Illinois, told the
delegates just as plainly why he could
not support the proposition for a set
Element. He said the Illinois miners
were practically ignored by it. The
operators Of his state had notified him
that they would not abide by any set
Element made with the Pittsburg oper-
ators. In many of the Illinois districts,
moreover, the miners had signed IRON
Gland contracts which ran until next
May. Should the Pittsburg and Ohio
and Indiana miners resume operations
the Illinois operators would be COM
PEELED to open their mines also, and the
only recourse the miners of the state
would have would be a local strike, for
which they are unprepared. The best
they could do would be to accept the
operators terms, and that would
eventually force a reduction again in
the other states.
The Illinois vote. which will be cast
against the acceptance OF the Oper-
ators' proposition, viii about offset the
vote of western Pennsylvania pitts
burg district. The vote of Ohio is
about equally divided on the propo
sition, and also the West Virginia vote,
This practically leaves the balance of
power in the hands of the Indiana
delegates. Should they vote with Illi-
nois, which some delegates say they
have instruction to do, by inference, if
not by direct language, the proposed
settlement will undoubtedly be defeat
ed. The Indiana delegates say they
are instructed not to vote in favor of
the operators proposition until a gem
eral settlement will be effected by it.
In view of the position of the Illinois
miners they do not see their way clear
to vote to accept the proposition. 1t
develops that the vote of the Pittsburg
district will not be unanimous in favor
of accepting the settlement, as some
of the delegates have stated openly
they would not vote for it.
The convention is one of the largest
delegate gatherings the miners have
ever had, there being $50 delegates on
the ground, and more are expected.