Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-09-11
COLUMBUS CONVENTION.
The Pittsburg District Delegates
Go Uninstructed.
SECESSION IS NOT IMPROBABLE.

Prestdout Dolan. Ofthe Pittsburg Dis
trict, Believes Hts Followers Have
Been Disseminated Against, and
VIM Fight For the Comropmise Rate
Pittsburg, Sept. s.-The convention of
mine workers yesterday to select dele
gates to the Columbus convention.
which opens at noon today, was one OF
the largest ever held. and probably has
not been before equalled in excitement
and Importance Although the rank
and Tile of the delegates seemed Inn
bued With the idea that the operators
were ready TO throw up their hands
anc pay the so cent rate demanded by
the strikers President DoIan kept them
so well within bounds that the dele
gates from this district will go to Co
lumbus to use their discretion in the
settlement Of the difficulty
II has been learned that Dolan will
make big fight 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
trict had been Disseminated against,
and a night viii be made for justice
dAAu AdALnCAS w neither or not the en-
tire battle viii be fought out is an open
question. but II Is known that the
basis Of a permanent settlement IN the
Pittsburg district next December will
be well defined and thoroughly under
stood before the Columbus convention
adJourns- II the issues are too finely
| drawn IL is intimated that there will
be secession from the national or
ganization by the Pittsburg district.
By many this move seems probable.
Dolan will use every endeavor to
bring the convention in line for the ac-
ceptance OF the compromise rate. Many
delegates from other states, notably
Illinois and Ohio. will go into the con-
vention with a determination to hang
out for the 90 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 succeeded
in choking off a resolution embodying
the rate question by one of the most
| eloquent speeches ever heard in City
Hall, and gained the victory he fought
for
The following delegates at large were
elected: Thomas Kenny. Thomas
Chatway, Paul Trimmer. Jacob Afolder
and Frank McKenna.
District delegates were elected as fol-
lows: Patrick Dolan, William Doolis,
William Miller, Henry Walker, J. W.
Hindmarsh. Charles Laird, jeremiah
Lavanche, Joseph Rae. William George,
William Warner. John Onal. Cameron
Miller. John Driscoll. Peter Sample and
d. c. Blue.
The delegates left last night over the
Pan Handle for Columbus in the best
frame OF mind.
The strflkfnQ miners who were en-
camped at Irwin left for their homes
yesterday and abandoned their camps.
The strikers said they were satisfied
to take 65 cents, and will go to work.
All the men OF the Westmoreland and
Pennsylvania Gas Coal company were
at work yesterday.
At Herminie the miners are actually
on the point OF starvation. They were
receiving 81 cents, and voted to remain
at work, but the strikers from the
river marched to Herminie and per-
suaded the men to go out. The Ber-
wind-White company last night closed
down their mines, fenced in the pits
and shipped their mules to Clearfield.
The miners are now out of work and
out OF money. and the condition is
serious. They have begged the COM
pany 20 open the mine and let them
return to work at the old price. but
the company has not yet signihed its
intention OF granting the request.
About the same condition exists al
shaft No. 4. at Sewicklev. The men
there were receiving 65 cents and were
satisfied. They were forced out by the
river miners. and the Penn company
closed the mines and turned the mules
out TO pasture. Now the men are IL
want, and wish to return to work