The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-23
Discussion About Seating Delegates
Representing Locals Behind
in Assessments.
SAMUEL GoMPERs is HEARD
REMARKS OF PRESIDENT OF THE
FEDERATION OF LABOR.


The convention of the United Mine
Workers was not properly organized un-
I'll late yesterday afternoon, although Ii
was the second day of the session. The
convention was delayed on account Of the
report of the credentials committee. The
credentials representing LOO local unions
had to be examined. The reading of the
report began at 10 o'clock in the morn
ing and was not finished until 3:15 in
the afternoon. A discussion that followed
the report on the motion for adoption was
the first spirited debate that has marked
the session. The committee recommended
that delegates in the convention whose
locals were in arrears for assessments
should be allowed to vote providing those
delegates would take the privilege as an
acknowledgment that their locals would
pay what Is due the national treasury.
This recommendation did not meet with
the approval of some who were paid up.
After considerable discussion the recon-
mendation was adopted, but the executive
board will have the right to deny locals
recognition in the next convention If the
dues are not paid
The election of officers was postponed
until this morning, when, by a special
order. IL will be the first thing on the pro-
gramme. President Mitchell, Secretary
treasurer Wilson and Vice President 7.
L. Lewis will be reelected as there are
no other candidates for their offices, but
there will be contests for the membership
of the executive board and auditing COM
mittee.
MR.. COMPRESS ADDRESS.
Samuel Gompers, president of the Amer
lean Federation Of Labor, was in the con-
vention, having come from Cincinnati.
where he was called TO adjust differences
between the Brewery Workers Union and
the Transfers Association. The team
sters resisted the jurisdiction of the brew
cry workers over the beer drivers, and
President Gompers decided in favor Of the
brewery workers. Mr.. Gompers was called
To- the stage and delivered an address OH
organized labor. He dealt especially with
miners. In part he said: az don't know
how or why, but as my life has been so
near this organization all my labor has
been thrown more closely in striving for
the miners than with any other ORGANIZE
ton. While 1 not miner, yet 1 did
use pick once long enough to make an
affidavit that l did mine coal. Although
Il
not be member Of your organization, yet
am a member in heart and mind"
Mr.. Gompers spoke of the anthracite
spired the men to strive for better con-
dition of affairs in that region. The agree
ment with the anthracite operators expires
April !, and continuing, Mr.. Gompers said
THE ending of that contract will bring
before you another question, and 1t will
present itself when that agreement termi-
mates. do not know what 1t will come
H. lrr.nx hat fh0 GFTlf la.a
when April / comes around. This will
say, I do hope the mine operators OF the
anthracite region will meet with the United
Mine Workers in conference, as do the
operators and miners of other States in the
agreement"
The labor leader then said organized labor
will soon make it possible for men to treat
with their employers in the business Of
fee instead Of bargaining at the mouth Of
the shaft or door of the workshop. Pro-
longed applause followed the address Of
President Gompers.
COMMITTEES NAMED.
The following committees were appointed
by President Mitchell:
Committee on Officers Reports-J l..
Clend, District 20; Charles Duncan, District
II; John T.. Dempsey, District i; ID. White,
District 10: William Richards, District H.
Committee Constitution-W. ID. Van
Horn, District u; j. IL. Kennedy. District
IL; Richard Gilbert, District 2; Joe Vasey.
District; Henry Stephenson.
Committee Appeals and Grievances
John Fahy, District 3; III. G. Perry District
| II; Edward Flynn, District 20; Hugh Nc
Mannis, District il.
Committee on NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
James, District z; t. j. Smith, District 10;
William Cochran. District 10; Patrick Gill
| day, District 2; w. j. Campbell, District %.
Committee on Resolutions-T. ID. Nichols,
District /: George Hargrave, District IL;
William Fennell, District 6; Daniel Young,
District 10; Edward Mckay, District 5.
| Tellers = Thomas Cairns. District g.;
| Thomas Richards. District .; Thomas Nc
Garry, District 1.
| Scale Committee-W. ID. Van Horn, Dis
| trict IL; William Hefti, District u; w. H.
/ Haskins, District 6; Patrick Dolan, District
s; William Wilson. District s; Bernard Rice,
/ District 2; John p. Reese, District 13; w.
/ F. Williams, District "a.
The morning session was lief, as nothing
| was before the convention except the report
| of the credentials committee. A motion
| was adopted imposing a fine of 80 cents for
| smoking or chewing In tie hall. John r.
| Reese, OF Iowa, became facetitious and
| moved that the fines be collected and do
/ mated 10 the Standard Oil Company.
1 A group picture of all OF the delegates
| was taken at the monument at noon.