Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-10-18
CONVENTION OF MINERS
1t Opened Friday Morning, With a Large
Attendance Of Delegates.
ADDRESS ByPRESIDENT MITCHELL
He Compliments the Men on
Their Demeanor.
AN ADJOURNMENT UNTIL AFTERNOON

Scranton, Pa, OCT. 10 The con-
vention of striking anthracite mine
workers called by President Mitchell
of the United Mine Workers for the
purpose of considering the 10 per cent
net advance offered by the mine owners
commenced in Music Hall this morn
ing. The delegates began to arrive at
the hall long before 10 O'Clock and
stood along the sidewalks of Lscka-
wanna avenue discussing the probable
action OF the convention. The little
hall, which has capacity Of apout
700, was soon filled alter the doors we're
opened. Unlike most conventions there
was an utter lack of decorations 10 the
hall. AS each official OF the United
NJ inc Workers entered the hall he was
applauded, but the most enthusiastic
demonstration was reserved for Presi-
deEt Mitchell, who. arrived at 10. 10
a. m. f
Tho convention got down to work
very quickly. Ten minutes after the
national presidents arrival he called
the delegates to order. Mr.. Mitchell
said in part:
PRESIDENT MITcHELI's ADDRESS.
Gentlemen IL opening this con.
vention i desire to briefly outline the
purpose which prompted US to call you
here, to point out, if can, the course
you should pursue in determining the
questions which 60 vitally affect not
only yourselves and the vast CON
stituency you represent, but also tine
millions of people in the Eastern and
New England States and in the anthra.
nsf 41x1p ful
the coal industry. Before doing so,
however, permit me to congratulate you
upon the growth of your organization,
as evidenced by the large. number of
delegates assembled here. This is with
out exception the largest labor oon-
vention which has taken place in the
industrial history of our nation. The
causes which forced you to engage in
the contest which has preceded this
convention are, from years OF suffering,
80 indelibly imprinted upon your
memories that it would be a waste OF
words 10 recite them here. The stosy
of your wrongs has been truthfully de-
picted by your officers, it has been por-
trayed in all lis hideousness by the
representatives of the press, men sent
here to seek out the truth and report
the conditions as they really exist, and
with exceptional unanimity the public
has declared that your cause 10 just,
and that the responsibility for this un-
fortunate strike rests solely upon the
shoulders of those who employed you.
Your own conduct during this strike,
even under the most trying circum-
stances, has won for you and your
cause the respect and commendation of
all iustice-loving, patriotic people.
Violations of law hove been few in
number, and then only under circuin-
stances in which the miners were not
wholly at fault In fact 1t has been
shown that more overt acts have been
committed by those whose duty it is to
enforce the law than by the mine
workers. who have been 80 erroneously
pictured as men entirely devoid of
respect for law and order. For this
you deserve much credit, labor crganizH-
tions have no greater enemies than the
thoughtless strikers who violate the
lawn or Permit themselves to be pro-
voked into the commission of crime.
''In considering the proposition OF
the operators / want the delegates at
tending this convention to be calm and
dispassionate, to consider the question
in all its phases, to measure carefully
the chances of success and. the posi-
bIlities Of defeat should the strike be
continued. You must not reach con-
clusions hastily; you must not over
estimate your strength and on the other
hand you should take every preoaution
to protect yourselves against the
righteousness Of your employers, who,
l regret to say, have shown no DISPOSE
tion to treat you fairly in the past, and
who have never shown any regard for
the welfare of those who produce their
wealth.
NOW, gentlemen, permit me to ad-
mnnish you to consider seriously the
course you intend to pursue. The eyes
of the American people are centred on
the city of Scranton today, anxiously
awaiting the result of this convention.
/ do not wish you to accept one cent
less for your labor than it is possible
for you to secure, | do not wish the
great organization which has been built
up among you to he wrecked and ruined
through any mistakes Of mine or yours.
If you legislate wisely and judlciously
l can see destiny brighter and happier
for you and for those who will take
your places when you have passed
away, / can see future where the
| little boys will be in attendance at
school instead OF wasting their young
lives in the breakers, helping to earn
a livelihood for tEeii parents. | can see
a future where pleasant homes and
happy smiling faces of the wives and
mothers will be in vivid contrast with
| the conditions OF today"
President Mitchell IS address was we'll
received. The next order of business
was the appointment of the committee
| on credentials. The committee consists
| of nine members three from each OF the
| three districts.
William Davis of Pottsyile, known as
| the "Goden Miner" by reason of
being the oldest working miner in the
anthracite region, was then introduced
and read short poem.
After the credentials committee had
collected the credentials of the dele
gates, the convention, at IL o'clock,
took recess until 1.30 p. M, to allow
the committee to examine the cre'
dentials and make a report thereon.