The professional world. (Columbia, Mo.) 1901-192?, 1902-03-28
STRIKE IN COAL FIELD
MINE WORKERS ARE READY TO
WALK OUT.
Anthracite Golfers Adopt Resolu-
ton Making Provisional Declara-
ton to Strike and Leaving the
Date to be Selected by Executive
Board-Sole Hope for Peace Now
Rests With Civic Federation.

Shamokin, Pa, March 25.-Unless
the efforts of the civic federation are
effective with the coal operators, it is
more than likely that a repetition of
the struggle of 1900 will occur in the
anthracite region. That year 140,0 900
employees were on a strike for six
weeks. The convention today Of the
United Mine Workers of America, COM
prising the entire anthracite field,
made a provisional strike declaration,
leaving the date to be decided by the
executive boards. This was practical
ly the last Official act Of the delegates,
and the convention adjourned sine die
this afternoon.
The adoption of the resolution ON
tanning the ultimatum of the mine
workers was followed by a scene of
wild enthusiasm. and the opera house
rang with the reclamation of the dele
gates who, with lusty cheers, APPROX
ed the work of the special resolution
committee and expressed confidence
in President Mitchell.
The convention from the first session
showed a disposition to insist on the
adjustment of the Mine workers
grievances, but the delegates were will
ing to relinquish the question of recog-
milton providing other important conces-
sions were granted. This fact was evil
denced in the resolution adopted today,
which states as the chief demands, a
shorter workday, a minimum day wage
| scale, uniform increase of wages and
weighing of coal wherever practicable.
The Civic Federation is regarded by
| 1a1nnatnc oG t1n 1act bona nf thn Minp
Workers in their demands for improv-
ed conditions, and the gravity of the
situation is manifested in these words
| of President Mitchell:
81 am free to say that to me a strike
seems imminent"
The resolution adopted today was the
result of difference of opinion among
the delegates as to the methods to be
pursued in enforcing the Mine Work
ers' demands. The resolutions had
been presented to the convention from
all districts. but lone of them were sat
i~sfactory to the enter body of the del
egates. 1t was then decided to place
the matter in the hands of President
Mitchell and the district presidents and
vice-presidents. Before completing 6
draft of the resolution, President
Mitchell telegraphed the presidents o.
the coal carrying roads, making a las
appeal for a conference. He received
several replies. one of which was from
President Baer of the Philadelphia &
Reading Coal ana Iron company, ant
all of which refused to meet representa-.
tives of the union. The others made
no response. The text of the reptile:
have not been made public.
This resulted in the formulation o
the resolution presented today, and, &C
cording to President Mitchell it was
adopted without a dissenting vote. Thu
resolution provides boards who will
carry the Mine Workers demands to
Cancellation committee of the Civil
federation. The committee was ap
pointed tonight. The appeal was made
today to Secretary EASILY of the Civic
Federation, and he made the facts
known to Senator Hanna, chairman o
the Federation.