Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-02-07
A Strike is Not Probable, But May
be Stiff Discussions.
VIEWS OF SOME OF THE MINERS
Mine Run Basis is Cause for Trouble
Result of Eastern Meetings May
Determine Action of This-Inspec.
tors May be Discussed.

The coming miners convention in
this city promises to be the most i'm
portant that has ever been held in the
history of the U. M. W. A. and Dis
trict IS. While there will probably
be no trouble, and the convention end
tremendously, there is every lndica-
ton that there will be some interest
ing questions brought to its attention.
The Courier has asked the opinions
of number of the leading workers
among the miners, and their answers
all indicate very contented frame of
mind, in nearly all sub-districts of
District 10.
Mine Run Cause for Contention.
1t may be that there will be an ad-
vance asked, in the convention, but
again the price that was decided upon
last year, seems fairly satisfactory,
with the exception of the mine run
busis.
There is said to be dissatisfaction
over the district over the pay for mine
run. and it is not confined to this dis
trict either. That is one of the weight
lest questions that is before the Co.
lumbus conference.
Has Decided Views.
Every miner has decided views on
the matter of pay for mine run; they
say they should be paid for all the
coal they take out instead of only two
thirds. which they claim is the case
now. and the operator making clear
profit on one-third of the output of the
mine.
May Depend ON Other Conventions
However, the result of the actions
| at the conventions of the four differ
ent competitive states, Illinois, In
diana, Ohio, and West irginia, which
will have all held their conventions
before Iowa does. will largely deter
mine the action to be taken here. Ii
these states agree upon an advance
in price, and change in the pay for
mine run, it is more than probable the
same things will be demanded here
II not, the only thing that will come
before the convention will be minor
matters, that will cause but little
trouble
The Mine inspection.
One thing that may cause trouble is
the action to be taken in reference to
| the mine inspectors. 1t is claimed by
the miners of some of the sub-districts
that certain inspectors think too much
Of the operators, and do not do their
duty. This question, it is said, will
| be discussed at the convention, and
| some decided resolutions passed upon
| it.
Complaint on X. C.
There is some complaint from the
mines along the lines of the c. B. &
x. c. over the price paid, but it is not
thought this will cause dissention.
The minor demands that will be made,
1t is said, are all technical, and while
they are not of general outside inter-
est, they mean a great deal to the
mine worker
Woodward.
Editor Courier: Yours of the
tWenty-ninth is at hand. We have
Just lately organized a local at this
place, and we hope to send a delegate
to the convention, but the matter of
what his instructions will be has not
as yet been considered The coal is
only two foot vein, and is mined by
| machines. The district price is be-
ing paid for loading. which is SOC for
ton. This being below the average
height of coal, | think we should be
paid more for loading, then too, |
think the roads should be kept brush
| ed up, which is very important in such
low coal. These are the two most inn
| portant demands, and our delegate
will likely make them in my judg.
ment. Yours truly,
j. N. Miller, Secretary.