New-York tribune., 1901-03-17
NAY NOTAVOLD COAL STRIKE
MINE WORKERS VOTE TO STOP WORK
on APRIL l II OPERATORS
REFUSE TO CONFER.

Hazleton Penn, March 16.-By unanimous
vote the delegates TO the United Mine Workers
convention. which has been in session in this
city for nearly week to-day decided 10 sus-
pend work at all anthracite mines unless the
operators agree TO meet the miners executive
board in joint conference before April l.
A strike seems to be inevitable.
The operators have steadfastly refused TO
recognize the miners as body and there is
not the remotest indication that they will pay
any attention TO the demands made by Presi-
dent Mitchell and other members of the execu-
tive board that they meet the miners in joint
conference to adjust grievances
The resolution authorizing the national ex-
ecutive board To declare a strike is as follows:
Whereas, We have on several occasions invited
and impiored the operators TO meet with US in
lsh scale OF wages ana conditions OF employ yment
for the term Of one year: and,
vitatons and treated with contempt or silence.
scorning our invitations and demands alike: and,
Whereas. We believe that entitled to
much more consideration than receive and are
fully entitled TO meet with those who employ us
and equals under the law and constitution
OF country. and with them discuss and decide
matters OF mutual interest; Therefore. be II
Resolved. That We authorize our national presi-
cent. national executive board and officers of Dis
tricts Nos !. I and 10 negotiate II possible Tor
joint conference Of miners and operators between
failure to secure a iont conference they may by
a majority vote, decide the policy of our move
@nsion nf work 10 force the Justice due us as pro-
lucers ~ wealth fully equal with our employers.
The convention adjourned after the adoption
Of the resolutions. and President Mitchell and
the officers Of the three anthracite districts
held secret conference. at which plans were
discussed for bringing about the desired meet
ing between operators and miners. II was de-
cided that President Mitchell and the presidents
Of the three districts would hold another con-
ference ar Scranton on Monday, when their
plans will he completed President Mitchell
started for Scranton tonight, and will make
that city his headquarters for the present.
In an interview he admitted the probability
OF strike. hut said he would prefer TO make no
definite statement in that respect pending nego-
tiations. He said however that the delegates
unit in their approval Of the action
taken.
Regarding our chances for success. I prefer
not to talk said Mr.. Mitchell. The conven-
tons action shows what the mine workers be-
lieve their chances to he. Every one said last
fall that the miners would not win. yet they
Won. Words cannot express how regret be-
ing forced to consider such a step. The miners
union stands for peace. hut peace upon a firm
foundation
Mr. Mitchell could not lie induced TO make any
statement as TO his course IN attempting to ar
range a meeting between the operators and
representatives Of the Mine Workers Union. hut
It is believed that his removal TO Scranton is the
result Of "A desire 10 be in close touch with the
mine workers.
T. D. Nichols president OF District No. l.
said, tonight: 4 believe the mine workers
We're forced into their action this morning. The
operators are wholly TO blame if trouble results
Conditions which unfair still exist and a
joint conference VIII be necessary 10 adjust
them. The United Mine Workers of America
represent every mine in the anthracite coal
field, and authorized 10 speak for the min
ers. The operators should not be afraid meet
the men in joint conference. il their course
contentious on scale matters just
The most important demands which the min
ers Will make, il is said is recognition Of their
union, which was insisted upon during the
strike last year. and uniform wage scale In
order to bring about tfe latter condition d
slight advance. il is said. wifi he asked for by
the men in the Lehigh, Schuylkill and Wyoming
regions. Considerable bitterness has been en-
gendered among the delegates 10y the refusal ot
the mine owners to confer with them and many OF
them claim that last years Scranton agreement
has been violated by the employers On this ac-
count they assert their determination 10 insist
on a proper adjustment of their grievances.