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 tho Convention Will Reject the
Operators Orfer Seems Certain-secret
Conferences Held-Decision May BE
Reached To-day.

Scranton, Pa, Oct, 15.-That the
miners now in convention here will
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
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 a 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
cials. 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
Tying roads may be tied up by
strike. The railway men are expected
60 HoatIa Nf aptinn 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 adj
vance unless 1t is based on gross ton
mage earnings. They will demand the
abolition of the sliding scale as
basis of payment. A decided inclina-
tlon to demand recognition OF their
union also was shown by the dele
gates.
Committee May Visit Employers.
President Mitchell declared that
the opposition to the 10 per cent offer,
as 1t now stands. was unanimous. He
said also that the convention would
probably complete its 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 1t
probably will be necessary to call an
other convention.
-a-. 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 bltuminous 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
1t is reported they were 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.