The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-10-23
STATE ORGANIZATION
Miners win Join the United
Mine Workers.
DECIDING VOTE So TO %
Two Organizers Appointed, and Work Will
Begin at 0nce-10,000 Miners Are Ex.
pected to Ioin-State Convention.

The miners of Alabama will officiate
with the United Mine Workers of
feet the organization.
A convention of this mihers of this dis
trict was held yesterday in Bricklayers'
hall in Twentieth street for the purpose
of considering the question of afIiliating
with the United Mine Workers of Ameri-
ca or of maintaining a distinct state
Organization
The following camps were represented:
Pratt, West Pratt, Blocton, Woodward,
Hillman Belle Ellen, America, Hargrove,
Brazil, Blossburg, Blue Creek, Maylene,
and Aldrich.
A. H. Gentry, of Blocton, was elected
chairman and John H. Kelly, of Blocton,
secretary. NN
A committee on credentials was APP
pointed and the convention adjourned
until 1890 O'Clock. After reassembling
the question of affiliating with the ma
tional association or maintaining state
organization was formally brought be-
fore the sconw and was thoroughly
discussed the Pratt and West Pratt dele
cations championing the plan of sepa-
rate state organization. A vote was
taken which resulted in a complete vic
tory for the national organization by
majority Of thirty-three votes out of a
total of n cast. r.
The following is result of the ballot:
For national organization: Blocton, Is;
Brazil, 8; Blue Creek, 8; Woodward, Z;
Hillman, 5; Belle Ellen, 3; Aldrich, 2;
America, 2; Hargrove, q Maylene, 1;
total, So.
For state organization: Pratt, IS; West
Pratt, 4. Total, %.
After the announcement Of the vote
the Pratt delegation moved to make it
unanimous which was carried.
IA number of camps in sympathy with
the movement were not represented at
the meeting.
A. H. Gentry, of BIocton, representing
the white miners, and G. M. Cocker, of
Sumpter representing the colored miners
were elected as organizers and will at
once be put in the field to organize every
mining camp in Alabama.
When the required number of camps
have been organized state convention
will be called to perfect a district or
ganization under charter granted by
the United Mine Workers of America, at
which time officers viii be elected. This
work will not be delayed and the con-
vention will probably be called in the
next thirty days.
J. l.. Gains of the Jellico district who
Is representing the striking miners of
that section and who Is soliciting aid
from the Alabama miners appeared be-
fore the convention and said that num-
Der of camps had already voted ton
and half per man per month to assist
the Jellico miners This action was en-
dorsed by the convention. The meeting
was enthusiastic and harmonious.
The question of 21a cent advance in
wages which is claimed on a contract
held by the miners of the Tennessee
Coal, Iron and Railroad company based
on the price of No. 1 foundry iron Is
in the hands of a committee who have
been unable to see President Baxter OF
the Tennes see company, he being at
present in New York.
1t Is estima ted that when the action of
Yesterdays convention is perfected fully
10. 900 men will be found in the organiza-
ton.