New-York tribune., 1900-10-01
INSIST ON RECOGNITION,
STRIKERS SAY OWNERS MUST ADMIT
EXISTENCE OF THE UNION.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE.


wiIkesbarre, Penn. Sept 30.-"we WANT
recognition or nothing" said Henry Thomas of
the Press Committee of the United Mine Work
ers General Council here to-day, when asked If
the men of this region would accept settle
ment which did not include a recognition of
the union. His views were indorsed by several
other leaders. and they roundly denounced the
stories that President Mitchell would not resent
the operators ignoring the union If offer OF
settlement made They represent the $4,000
striking miners of the Wyoming district. and
they say that the 2S,000 in the Lackawanna
district feel as they do. They do not believe
the strike viii be settled anticipated.
because the men of the upper coal field are
not willing to accept any 10 per cent increase.
The tie up in this field is complete, with the
exception of the West End mine and the strik-
ers feel that if the operators are eager to
settle the strike they to be the union
get more than 10 per cent
The miners ask what the union is for If its
officers not to represent them and work for
them. II they Go not obtain recognition their
power is gone, for they can never be sure that
the actions of all the WIFI be for the good
of the organization, and they declare that with
out organization the companies do they
like with the employees The strikers place no
faith in the promises of the operators each TO
ances. for. although the might be allowed
TO discuss their complaints, the operators would
not, unless they desired. grant anything. Then
the miners would be helpless; whereas by or
ganizstion they could enforce their demands,
they are doing now The men say it would be
the worst policy to allow the union to be ig
aored, and they do not intend to permit it.
The strikers are much ncensed to-day by a
report that the strike is to be declared off at
he hsc ha el5 hnre
day. and say there is no truth in it. They de-
clare that President Mitchell has power TO
settle the strike alone and that the question
must come up before a convention of delegates,
who will pass upon the proposals. No call has
been issued for any such convention, and If one
Is called II will take two or three days 10 get
the delegates together.
Whatever the feeling OF the lower region men
may be. the men OF this district are unanimously
in favor Of holding out for recognition Of the
union and a greater increase than 10 per cent
The strike is only two weeks old. they have
not got over the novelty of it, nor have they
been called upon TO give aid TO any or their
members. Their strike fund is large and they
remain strike, they say, all the winter
without experiencing any great suffering
The individual operators will get the worst END
OF the deal If the strike should be declared off
ard the men accept a 10 per cent increase
big companies. which are closely affIiated with
the coal carrying roads. These big companies
can reduce their price of hauling, which would
cause them lose little, and they could also
increase the price Of coal. while the individual
operator would have TO be satisfied with what
he could get which might not he in
crease in his selling price to the big operators
and railroad companies.
The demonstration on Tuesday will be the
largest ever held in this city. Twenty thousand
miners are expected in the line OF march, and
the whole district. from Scranton to Shick-
shiny win be represented. President Mitchell
zwill be here with his fstaff Of speakers Mother
is
invited. The parade will be in six divisions. and
viii be followed by addresses at West Side Park.
The town will be decorated, and several bands
will be in line.