Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-03-13
STRUGGLE ON
Miners Meet Operators to
Consider Scale.
THE UNI. WA. MEET ENDS
Resolution Adopted by Convention
Asks that Kendall Bill Be Enacted
Report on Manner in Which Lost
Creek Funds Were Handled.

Creek Funds Were Handled.
Des Moines, March 1.-THE annual
convention of the United Mine Work
ers of the thirteenth district came to a
close this morning and at L
O'Clock this afternoon its delegates met
the operators in a joint assembly,
which will probably continue several
days. AT a brief meeting yesterday
they disposed of the unfinished bust
ness and went into executive session
to consider the scale. At this eXecu-
tive session the policy to be pursued
by the mine workers in the joint con
v%ention vas mapped out. Substantial
ly the same demands will be made as
were presented by the executive board
at the joint conference in this city a
few days ago. A very lively contest
may result. The operators on the
former occasion were firm in their de-
termination to grant no changes that
would increase the cost of coal produc-
ton in the smallest degree, and the
miners were equally firm in their de-
mand for an adjustment of inequalities
in the scale. President Reese stated
some days ago that unless the opera
tors withdrew from their proposition
it was not likely that a scale could be
established. They have as yet shown
no sign of weakening, n the miners
certainly will not. a rumor was cur
rent among delegates last evening that
the convention might be reassembled
at the close of the conference, and it
was stated positively that 1t had not
been adjourned sine die. This would
seem to indicate that the miners are
expecting a prolonged contest with to-
tai disagreement as a possible out
come.
Reports on Lost Creek Funds.
Yesterday the following report of
the special committee appointed to de-
wise ways and means for distributing
the Lost Creek subscription fund was
unanimously adopted by the conven-
ton:
Whereas. The method adopted by
the Lost Creek local union has given
good satisfaction, and we believe said
system should be continued, as it
would best serve the interests of all
concerned, be it
Resolved, That when the local eX-
plosion fund is exhausted the state
secretary-treasurer shall semi-monthly
forward to each widow the sum OF So
per week and $1aper week for each
child not self-sustaining until such
widow by marriage or other means is
able to support herself and family, or
until the funds subscribed for this pur-
pose be exhausted.
And, whereas. there is a mortgage
on the homes of two of the said
widows, be it
Resolved, That the state secretary
; treasurer be empowered to pay same
from the funds and deduct the amount
from their semi-monthly allowance in
payment equal to the amount of the
sum spent to raise said mortgage"
> And We further recommend that, as
the fund will only cover a period o
about forty weeks, an appeal go fortf
from this convention for more relief
S the amount to be left to the option o
the givers and the local unions.
Eight Hour Day.
A report of the special committee Oh
Legislation was adopted. The repor
follows:
We, your special committee on leg
v islation, beg leave to submit the fol
lowing and recommend that the sam
be adopted:
Senate File No. SO, by Porter
y Whereas, The eight-hour day has bee,
and will continue to be more benef
u cial to wage earners who have secul
\ ed it than any other industrial reforr
II that has been brought about in til
last quarter of a century; and,
e NVhnraoc Mo hollow. rhot .nvtr,IiD
the system to other classes of labo
would greatly improve their cond
lions, therefore, be it
y Resolved, That this convention az
i prove Senate File No. SO, and respec
n fully request this general assembly t
pass the said bin.
o Senate File No. 240, by Porter.-Il
e asmuch as there are a number of Cyl
'f sum mines in the narthern part of on
r state to which the laws providing fc
N the inspection and ventilation of co;
u mines are not applicable, be it
ed Resolved, That this convention r
specially request the general assen
u bly, to protect the health and tt
lie lives of the gypsum miners by passin
$; Senate File No. 240.
o.. Favor Kendall Bill.
m A bill by Kendall, to amend sectic
ur 24S9 of the mining laws.-Wherea
IS, Numerous explosions have occurred
he recent years in the blasting coal fielc
* of our state, in which some of OF
brothers have been seriously injure
and many more have persisted; be it
Resolved, That we approve the b
prepared by Representative Kendall
Monroe county, to amend section "a
of the code, and respectfully reque
m the general assembly to enact sa
H. measure into law.
a House File No. IA, by Kendall.
W Whereas, We believe House File n
eft IA, by Kendall, for changing the a
10 of boys privileged to work in the min
M from IL to IA years would be of gre
ee benefit to all mine workers, we recol
Of mend its adoption and request tn
h this general assembly enact the sar
he into Law. John F. Reem,
30 Chairman,
Samuel Cooper.
Secretary,
n IT Reese