Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-10-06

stroke that Is well calculated 10 carry
confusion into the ranks of his enemies,
the coal presidents, and, at the same
time, to extend to the public measur-
able relief from the pangs Of winter
fuel famine. This is nothing more nor
less than resumption OF work on the
part OF the striking coal miners at the
independent collieries, whose owners
are willing to accede to the demands OF
the United Mine Workers Of America.
These independent operators, prob
ably not more than twenty in number,
all told, have notified Mr.. Mitchell Of
their willingness to accede to all the de-
mands made by the miners, including
increased wages and reduced hours, and
have asked that the union authorize
the miners to return to work.
SIT has heretofore been the expressed
policy of the executive officers OF the
United Mine Workers that none Of the
miners should return to work until all
did so, In order that the force OF the
strikers might not be weakened. John
Mitchell is said to have expressed him
self as being personally favorable to per-
mitting the miners to work at these
collleries where their demands will be
granted and to have given assurances
that he will submit the matter to his
executive board for action.
The president of the miners has
more than once shown himself to be a
diplomat of no small calibre. Aside
from the humane instincts chat natur-
ally impel him to take any action within
his power to extend relief to the public,
suffering the pangs OF winter coal
famine, is the feeling that display OF
magnanimty will do the miners no harm
In the estimation Of the people.
aside from that consideration is the
fact that a considerable number Of
miners thus returned to work would
relieve the union OF financial demands
to that extent and at the same time
afford 1t reliable source OF revenue
from regulated contributions from the
wages of the men at work"
LARGE MEETING OF STRIKERS.
The strikers OF Freeland and vicinity
held mass meeting at the Grand opera
house yesterday afternoon and listened
to addresses delivered by District Presi-
dent Thomas Duffy, National Board
Members p. g. Gallagher and John Fal-
Ion, District Board Member w. Fl. Det-
trey and an Italian and Slavonian
speaker. G. F. Haganey, Of Local 1889,
of town, was chairman. The several
the large audience and were generously
applauded.
The address OF Mr.. Dettrey was very
strong and he paid his respects to the
Drfton company and some Of their Off
cals in words which left no doubt Of
| their meaning, and was enthusiastically
cheered when he concluded.
Mr.. FaIlon paid particular attention
to the charge circulated by the oper-
ators that the employees OF Markle g.
Co. broke their agreement to submit
disputed questions to arbitration. The
speaker gave history Of the alleged
| agreement, OF which so much has re-
Gently been heard, and gave abundant
proof that the contract was one in
which the worker had no voice in max
Ing. Mr.. Fallon's remarks cleared
away much misunderstanding regarding
the Markle agreement and every fair
minded man present was convinced
that the contract was a sham and un-
worthy of the respect Of the misled
employees who signed it.
SITUATION AT DRIFToN.
Mine foremen of COKE Bros. G. Co.
| visited the homes OF Drifton mine work
ers on Saturday and asked the following
questions:
"Will you 60 to work?"
why don't you 60 to work?'
"Are you afraid to go to work."
"Why are you afraid to 60 to work."
II the mine worker answered "no" to
the third question, the fourth was not
asked. Each mans name and his re-
plies were recorded by clerk from the
mining office. The result Of the inter-
views cannot be ascertained.
A committee from Drifton union fol-
lowed the mine foremen and also asked
the men II they wanted to return to
work. The committee reports that the
answers were unanimous for continuing
the strike until all are ordered by the
union to resume.
Drifton whistle blew for work on Sat
urday evening for the first time In many
months. Three young men of town
were added to the small force this morn
ing and operations are being conducted
on q small scale at the colllery.
Four coal and iron officers guard each