New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-10-12
STRIKE MAY CONTINUE.
MINERS LIKELY TO REJECT COAL oP-
TRAITORS OFFER.
ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED FOR THE
CONVENTION WHICH OPENS IN
TO-DAV
SCRANTON TO-DAY.
fpY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

iBY TELEGRAPH THE TRTBUNE1
Scranton. Penn, Oct. 11.-President Mitchell
was busy all day arranging the final details for
to-morrow's convention. and would say nothing
further regarding the offer OF the operators.
It is the opinion throughout this region that the
miners will reject the offer. The mine leaders
remarks at yesterdays meeting manifested the
same spirit. Organizer Dicher advised the men
to lay in a stock Of literature, to remain at
home and to be peaceful in the future as
they have been in the past. President Fancy OF
District No. . told the men that they would
have to get redress for their wrongs eventually
and might as we'll secure it now, especially as
strike is on All these statements were en-
Enthusiastically approved by the strikers and II
the men here express the sentiments of those in
the other districts, the convention will probably
reject the offer President Mitchell issued this
statement to-day regarding the convention;
The miners convention tomorrow will be one
of the most remarkable labor meetings held IN
the history OF coal mining. FOR the nIst LINZ Iilne
in over thirty years representatives OF All Conner
les will meet in convention to discuss matters Oh
vital interest to them. The proposition SUP
mitted by the operators to advance their wages
10 per cent will of course be the paramount
question The calm, conservative conduct OF
the men during this strike VIII cnaI i ize
their actions tomorrow. The anthracite miners
as a result of their long years OF hardsnips nave
become thoughtful and studious. and nave a
all its phases It will undoubtedly be their de-
sire to legislate in the interest of the miners OF
every section Of the region. The convention VIII
be free from passion or eXcitement, ana ., tle
miners will demonstrate to the public that they
are capable OF doing business as prudent busl-
ness men.
The delegates to the convention who began
arriving to-day, have all sorts of instructions
from their local unions on the proposition Of the
operators 1t was learned that most of those
now on the ground will vote to reject the 10 per
cent increase unless the operators make further
concessions. Many of the miners will not favor
the advance unless the operators give guaran-
tee that the increase will be kept in force for
a fixed length of time; others want the union
recognized before they will accept the PROPOSE
ton, while not few insist on concessions IN
regard to the other grievances.
The belief is general that in the absence OF any
uniform instructions among the delegates. the
chances of a settlement by this convention are
slight 1t is the impression Of several labor
leaders that at least a second convention Will
have to be held before any definite action Will be
taken looking toward an early ending OF the
contest.
PRESIDENT MITCHELL's ATTITUDE.
President MitcheIs remarks at yesterdays
mass meeting in which he told the mine workers
that the 10 per cent increase was not satisfac-
tory and that they ought to secure further con-
cessions were taken by many persons as hint
to the miners to reject the mine owners offer
Mr. Mitchell. however, denied this to-day, and
said he had no intention of influencing the men
one way or another. He said ne was merely
voicng the sentiment of himself. his colleagues
and the many strikers with whom he has come
in contact in the last week.
The convention, as near as the United Mine
Workers officials figure. will consist OF
about seven hundred delegates. About half of
this number are now here most of them coming
from the Schuylkill Valley and the Hazleton
region. The district headquarters was crowded
all day.
President Mitchell spent a busy day at his
headquarters in disposing of his mail and max
ing arrangements for the convention. TINS
afternoon he prepared the address which he will
! deliver at he opening of the first session. In
all likelihood the convention will be secret, but
a press committee will be appointed to give in
formation to the public. President Mitchell Will
probably preside. and the secretaries Will be
| elected by the delegates. Organization will be
! the only business at tomorrow mornings ses-
| sion.
W. D. Ryan secretary treasurer of the United
Mine Workers of Illinois arrived here to-day.
/ He said the miners of his State have at least
$500 600 in their treasury. and added that if the
| anthracite miners needed help fully $25O.OOO
! would he sent in few hours. Mr.. Ryan said he
| was not here official business. He may,
| however. consult Mr. Mitchell the question
| of financial aid, although the National president
| says such assistance is not needed ar present.