The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-05-14

Yesterdays session of the Western
Federation of Miners was quite an i'm
portant one, from the fact that the new
nearly all day. 1t is a document call
culated to enlarge the membership of
the federation. inasmuch as it admits
to fellowship nearly every man who
has anything to do with mine, except
the fellow who pays the bills. He, of
course. is debarred-isn't in it.
The president called for report OF
the committee on bylaws before the
matter of the constitution was reached,
but the chairman of the same reported
While his committee was about ready
to make report it was deemed best
to permit the committee on constitu-
ton to make its report first and then
come in with the bylaws.
SO the chairman of that committee
reported. The name of the association
is not changed in the least. 1t will be
known as the Western Federation of
Miners
But the qualification for membership
are not as limited as they were. Men
who do tmbering in mines, men who
shove cars out OH the dump and load
ore at the chutes can come in; all min
ing mechanics are eligible; the engin-
GERS and the stokers of the engines;
the smelter employees. too, are worthy
of admission.
There was some little discussion over
this paragraph and for a time matters
looked decidedly as if no conclusion
would be reached. the members getting
into parliamentary squabble over
the condition of things; but it was
finally agreed TO.
NATIONAL GUARD BARRED.
One class of men are not eligible
Those thirteen dollar-a-month MUIR
derers, known as the national guard"
cannot come in. Although the discus
sion over this matter did not suggest
the thought be put in words, it is evil
dent when members of the federation
discover a militiaman at work in a
mine it will be their duty TO go and
cause a rock to fall on him; send him
after something after fuse has been
lghted, or else put a head on him
when opportunity offers. The vote on
refusing to admit members of the
guard TO fellowship was unanimous
and no man who wears the blue need
apply.
The clause relating to organization
was changed somewhat in order to
those outsiders who have hitherto been
deDarred from participating In this
connection the president stated that
he favored charging the scope of or
ganization right away in order that he
might have a chance to get out and do
some effective work among the men.
we want said he. Ito have a big
organization by this time next year. so
we VIII be in position to enforce
our rights when we demand them. BY
enlIsting all men engaged in the min
ing and reduction of ores We can tie
these people up as we have a mind if
they don't do right by u.s.
In order that the general meeting. or
the chief organization. may have funds
enough to carry on its business when If
meets in session. a liberal assessment
was voted on the subordinate organiza-
tons OF the federation, the amount be-
ing nXeu at 81 per year per annum per
man. If Boyce gets $4,000 men inside
his organization. he will have a picnic
for the next two years; ne and his
secretary and executive committee.
This, by the way, has been fixed at
five, with the president, secretary and
treasurer as a majority and authorized
to act in all emergencies. So it will be
seen that Boyce and his two nearest
satellites Will have some 5000 cold
plunks per year for expenses in run
ming around ascertaining if there is
any chance to find fault with existing
The matter of dues for subordinate
was left with the organ
izations themselves.
grievance committee for each or
was provided, which shall
have power to investigate all matters
brought before il.
A relief fund for the benefit of miners
who are on strike was provided for.
the same to be furnished by those who
are at work.
1t was also decided that when the /
miners struck in a certain locality all |
those connected with the workings in
any capacity should be ordered out:
the smelters should be asked TO refuse
pres from the mine where the troubles /
exist. and if the management declined /
the employees were to go out with the |
others.
These were the main points in con-
nection with the constitution and show |
Just what the objects of this federation |
are.
Nothing was done in the matter of /
rifles. Each member will be expected |
TO buy his own rifle. 1t was deemed /
best to allow them to do this without /
'ecord. as to incorporate it in the pro-
might SUBJECT the federatio |
20 more opposition and, as one member /
it. God knows, we have \
enough to contend with
The matter of bylaws occupied near
y all the afternoon. They are in the
main intended to cover points of de-
pate and parliamentary practice and
or wonder the federation raised sew
sral points of parliamentary practice
n adopting them.
Today's session Will he devoted TO re-
,eivfng the reports of several of the
among them the auditing
committee, and after they are disposed
If the committee on ritual will submit
| lot of signs. grips pass words, oaths
ceremonies, etc, etc, for
adoption. This matter. il is said will
lot be reached until Saturday and will
oe done in the most secret kind of Sc
ret session.
The federation will also suggest a
cale of wages to be paid. and it is
aid there will be some fun when that
ONES up. many of the members favor
ng 81 per day for miners, $3.50 for Ia
'orers, 81 for timbermen. and various
Gales for the other employees.
The scale for smelter men will be left
o the organizations as formed until the
text annual meeting.