The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-18


have in the past year. Citizens guilty Of
no crime against society, who have in no
manner violated the laws of our country.
whose only offense is the refusal TO obey
the unconstitutional and unlawful man
dates of some federal Judge. are, without
trial by jury, cast ruthlessly into prison,
there 10 languish for indefinite periods.
HAS LITTLE EFFECT.
1.-THE past policy of wage earners passing
denunciatory resolutions against the pro-
tectors of corporate interests, while to be
commended, has been without effect If
wage earners expect justice at the hands
Of the courts. they themselves must apply
the remedy. Instead of being lulled to
sleep by the glib tongues of professional
campaign orators, and marching up like
sheep TO the shambles on election day and
voting to perpetuate this un-American
system, they should arouse themselves;
assert their right of citizenship: take part
in the primaries and conventions of the
political parties with which they affili-
ated, and demand and insist that the power
both to interpret and execute the laws
or our country shall not be placed in the
hands of men whose chief claim to office
cial combinations.
'"The injunction is not only a menace
10 the toilers OF our Nation, but is con-
trary to the traditions and precepts of
our government, and a violation of the
Constitution of the United States; and
no man who is forced to earn his bread
by the sweat of his brow afford to
remain inactive until the liberties of our
people have been safeguarded by the en-
actment of laws curtailing the despotic
powers now exercised by the federal ju-
dietary"
The president commended the miners on
the fact that they had steadfastly adhered
TO the rule to purchase only union-made
goods OF all kinds and urged them to con-
unue to insist on having only goods that
bear the union label. He urged that a
material increase in mining rates be de-
manded, declaring that, though the miners
were getting higher rate now than be-
fore the strike of 1897, the price of mining
had not increased in proportion to the price
or the necessities of life. He closed by
recommending that a fixed differential be
demanded between machine and hand min
ing.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER
The report of the secretary and treasur-
er, w. c. Pearce. showed gratifying con-
dition. both as to the membership and
growth Of the organization and financially.
In Mr.. Pearce's words:
"The year 1899 will stand out as a very
prominent in mining history, for in
that time We have not only reached the
henest point In numbers of membership
ana In hnancfaEresources, but We reached
the proud distinction of being numerically
the greatest trade organization in the
United States of America, If not in the
world, distinction that each member.
as well as all mine workers. should strive
TO maintain for all time to come. For,
rapid as the work has been done, and
nobly as thousands of our craftsmen have
responded. there are many of our fellow
mine workers outside of the haven of
safety, and as long as such is the case, our
sol1citude must be exercised In their be-
half and constant vigil will be our bur-
den until the strayed ones are safe in the
fold of organization"
The financial statement shows total in
come, including a balance on hand Jan. /,
1893, of Sill, 665.57. The expenditures
amounted to so, .33, leaving a cash bal
ance In the treasury, Jan. /, 1900 amounting
TO $393IS.32. OF the sum miscrediled as ex-
penses, $,605 was donated to aid the cause
or strikers, some of it being contributed
to striking organizations other than min
ers. During the year there were 3S7 new
local unions organized and ninety unions
reorganized. making present total of
931 local unions with total membership of
91,019