The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-10-22
The Convention by Unani-
nous Vote Declares the
Strike Off.
A ROOF-LIFTlNG SHOUT
The Coal Region Scene Of Rejoicing. The
Strikers Vote to Return 10 Work Thurs
day. The Arbitration Commis'
sion Called to Meet in Wash
ingtOn Friday.
(By the Associated Press.)


(By the Associated Press.)
Wilkesbarre, Pa. Oct. 21.-With a shout
that fairly shook the convention building.
the representatives of the 147 900 mine
workers who have been on strike since
last May. officially declared off at noon
today the greatest contest ever waged
between capital and labor, and placed all
the questions in the struggle into the
hands of the arbitration commission, ap-
pointed by the President of the United
States.
towns and villages down in the valleys
and on the mountains of the coal regions,
the strike affected inhabitants heaved a
sigh of relief. Many days have gone by
since more welcome news was received.
Everywhere there was rejoicing, and in
many places the end of the strike was
the signal for imprumptu town celebra-
tions. The anthracite coal region. from
its large city-Scranton-down to the
lowliest coal patch has suffered by the
conflict, and everyone now looks for bet
ter times.
"AAAAS tAAC ld4 sc al Va +4uiAS WI .
and their families numbering approx
mately half million persons, are CRATE
full that work is to be resumed on Thurs
day. the strikers still have to learn what
their reward will be. President Roose-
Welt having taken prompt action in calling
the arbitrators together for their first
meeting on Friday, the miners hope they
will know by Thanksgiving Day what
practical gain thew have made
The vote to resume coal mining was a
unanimous one and was reached only
after warm debate.
The principal objection to accepting the
arbitration proposition was that no
proposition was contained in the scheme
TO take care of those men who would fail
to get back their old positions or would
be unable to get ar work at all. The
engineers and pu;Gbmen get better pay
than other classes of mine workers, and
they did not care to run the risk of
losing altogether their old places and be
compelled to dig coal for a living This
question came up yesterday and was
argued right up to the time the vote
was taken. No one had a definite plan
to offer to overcome the objection, and
the report of the Committee on Resolu-
tiOns recommending that the strike be
declared off. and that all issues be placed
in the hands of the arbitration commits
sion for decision was adopted without
the question being settled.
A few moments before adjournment,
however, a partial solution was reached
when a delegate in the farthest corner
of the hall moved that the problem of
the case be placed in the hands of the
three executive boards for solution, and
his suggestion was adopted.
The principal speech of the day was
made by National Secretary Treasurer
w. b. Wilson, who practically spoke for
President Mitchell and the national or
ganlzation. In a strong argument he
counseled the men to accept arbitration,
the very plan the strikers themselves had
offered, return to work. and trust that
the Presidents tribunal would do them
justice.
The question of taking care of all who
VIII fail to get work Immediately, will
De serious one for the union. There is
no doubt the executive boards will take
care OF the engineers, fremen and pump
men, opt there are thousands of others
"no VIII nave to be looked after. In
some places hundreds will not he able to
get work for weeks ,and in other locau-
'HN AhiHeS are IN very BAD
condition, there will be no emplovment
for many workman for some months
Hundreds of men. needed to repair the
MINES and otherwise place them in con-
dition fer operation will be at work To-
morrow morning. the convention having
decided that this was imperative in order
to get the men at work quickly and
satisfy the country's demand for coal
All the locals will hold meetings to
morrow at which instructions will be
kiven the members regarding their ap
plication Cor work
President Mitchell received many con-
gratulatory kilograms from all over the
country after the news spread that the
strike. was ended. On his return to
headquarters. he was asked for an ex-
preston of his views on the action of
the convention. and in reply he said:
i am we'll pleased with the action OF
the anthracite mine workers in deciding
10 submit the issues which eliminated
In the strike to the commission selected
by the President OF the United States
Ihe strike itself has demonstrated the
power and dignity of labor. Conserva-
tive, intelligent trade unionism has re-
ceived an impetus, the effect of which
cannot be measured. 1 earnestly hope
and firmly believe that both labor and
capital have learned lessons from the