Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-10-18
WILL CONTINUE The FIGHT.
Strikers Will Not Work Without
More Concessions.
CONVENTION is IN SESSION..
That the Convention Will Reject the
Operators Offer Seems Certain-Secret
Conferences Held-Decision May BE
Reached Today.

Scranton, Pa. Oct, 15.-That the
reject the operators offer and vote to
continue the strike now seems certain.
The sentiment apparently is unani-
nous against accepting the PROPOSE
ton of the employers as it now stands
and greater concessions will be de-
manded. The delegates, almost to a
man, are opposed to a resumption OF
work pending a full settlement. I'm
less the mine officials in New York
city decide to grant more than the
present offer of 10 per cent increase
in wages, which the operators here
and the representatives of the big
companies declare impossible, long
struggle is assured A decision by the
convention is expected this afternoon.
Two secret conferences were held at
labor headquarters here, involving the
spreading of the anthracite strike to
the coal-carrying railways. A decis-
ion may be reached at any time. The
men at the conferences were President
Mitchell and NJ. W. Gurnsey of Har-
risburg, and railway trainmen's Off
Gals. What the result of the meet
ing was Mr.. Mitchell refused to dis
close, but the labor men here are pre-
dieting that unless the West Virginia
operators cut off the supply of soft
coal coming into this region the car
rying roads may be tied up by
strike. The railway men are expected
to decide on a course of action. The
present is the greatest meeting of la
Dor delegates ever held in America,
and these men, S57 in number, are
to pass on the greatest strike ever de-
Clared in this country. No business
of Importance was transacted, al
though the deliberations were held
behind closed doors. The practical re-
suit of the deliberations thus far is
that the miners will decide to have
nothing to do with the proffered ad-
vance unless it is based on gross ton
abolition of the sliding scale as
basis of payment. A decided inclina-
ton to demand recognition of their
union also was shown by the dele
gates.
Committee May Visit Employers.
President Mitchell declared that
che opposition to the 10 per cent offer,
as it now stands, was unanimous. He
said also that the convention would
probably complete it's work this
evening. 1t is the prevailing opinion
that the demands of the miners will
be left in the hands of a committee
for presentation to the operators. To
pass upon the employers reply It
probably will be necessary to call an
other convention.
Expect Help from Illinois.
On the platform with President
Mitchell were nearly all the national
and local officials of the United Mine
Workers, including w. D. Ryan. of the
Illinois bituminous fields. Ryan is
counted on by many to offer the
strikers funds with which to cary
on their struggle, if they so desire.
He took no part in the days proceed
ings. The majority of the delegates
who spoke were first district men, and
it is reported they We're unanimous in
opposing a resumption of work. To-
day the other districts are being heard
from. and then must be decided the
vital question of work or strike.