The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-09-08

PITTSBURGH, Pa, Sept. 1.-THE
convention of mine workers to-day to
select delegates to the Columbus con-
yentlon tomorrow was one of the lar
Gest ever held and probably has not
been before equalled In excitement and
Importance. The future of thousands
of miners, their wives and children, de-
pended on the action Of the gathering.
Although the rank and file OF the dele
gates seemed imbued with the idea that
the operators were ready to throw up
thel. hands and pay the slxty-nine cent
rate demanded by the strikers, President
Patrick Dolan, by excellent diplomacy.
tact and perseverance, kept them so
well within bounds, that the delegates
from this district will 60 to Columbus
with instructions to use their discretion
in the settlement OF the difficulty. Pres
ident Dolan was well aware of the fact
that II the delegates went to the Col
umbus convention instructed to hold
out for the 60 cent rate, another strug-
gle more bitter than ever, with hunger
and starvation for many. was imml-
nent. To him, almost alone, belongs the
credit OF having the delegates so un-
hampered by resolutions and free to act
as they think best for the good OF the
miners OF the Pittsburgh district Do
ian's idea was to have the delegates go
90 Columbus untrammeled, where they
could consult with delegates from other
states and with the national officials.
He lntlmated that there would be many
questions and facts TO be considered
that have as yet not appeared on the
surface.
From another source It has been
learned that Dolan will make a big
fight tomorrow on behalf OF the min
ing industry OF western Pennsylvania.
II Is stated that at the conference with
the operators at Columbus last week,
he was apprised OF certain facts which
led him to believe that not only the
operators, but the miners OF this dis
trlct have been Disseminated against.
and a fight will be made for Justice and
fairness Whether or not the entire
battle will be fought out, Is an open
question but II is known that the basis
for permanent settlement in the
Pittsburgh district. next December, viii
be well defined and thoroughly under
stood tomorrow.
II the issues are too finely drawn, II Is
intended that there will be q secession
from the national organization by the
Pittsburgh district. BY many this move
seems probable.
Dolan has the sympathy and support
OF the majority of the operators here,
and II he succeeds in rallylng the min
ers OF other states to his cause as well
as he has succeeded at home, he will
have won great battle.
Dolan will use every endeavor to
bring the convention into line for the
acceptance of the compromise rate and
knows he has task confronting him
Many delegates from other states, not
ably Illinois and Ohio. will go into the
convention tomorrow with q determl-
nation to hang out for the sixty-nlne
cent rate In spite OF the wish OF the
national officers. Dolan knows this and
In order to have his own district with
him, he to-day succeeded in choking on
resolution. embodylng the rate ques-
tion by one of the most eloquent speech
es ever heard in city hall and gained
the victory he fought for.
The following delegates at large were
elected: Thomas Kenny. Thomas Chat
way, Paul Trimmer, Jacob Afolder,
Frank McRenna,
District delegates were elected as fol-
lows:
Patrick Dolan, Henry Walker, Will
lam Doods, J. w. Hlndmarsh. William
Miller, Charles Laird. jeremiah La
Vanche, Joseph Rae, William George,
William Warner, John O'Neal, Cameron
Miller, John Driscoll, Peter Sample, and
d. G. Blue.
The delegates left tonight over the
Pan Handle for Columbus In the best
frame OF mind.