The age-herald., 1902-05-15
JOHN MITCHELL
 SILENT AS TOMB One Word from Him Would Settle Strike Question WILL LET DfLEGl7E, Al. There Is Undoubtedly a Strong Sentl- ment for a Strike, But Opinion
 of Leaders Would Sway
 the Convention.

l Hazleton, Pa. May 14.-The convention 1 of the anthracite mine workers held two sessions today and without taking any action on the question of inaugurating a permanent strike adjourned until tomor- row morning. The two sessions were de- voted entirely to the organization of the meeting and the report of the committee on credentials.
 There is probably a score of persons here representing railroads. stock brok- CTS and others, who are making an effort to get first information.
 While there Is an absolute lack of off. cial information by reason of the decision of mine workers not to talk. there is ev- cry indication that the delegations in con- vention will decide to strike. There is a strong sentiment, however. against per- manent suspension of work at this time and 1t promises to make decided stand against a strike order.
 Leaders Keep Hands of.
 President Mitchell and the district lead- CTS say they are keeping hands off and will insist that the delegates decide the issue themselves. Hundreds of delegates who have been instructed to follow their own or MT. Mitchelrs judgment have sought the national leader for advice, but he has remained as silent as Sphinx. There is not the slightest doubt that one word from President Mitchell could sway the convention either way, and 1t is not at all improbable that after all that has been said to the delegates that he will be | asked by the convention to step in the l breach and decide which is the better course to pursue. There has been a lin- gering hope, which has now entirely dis appeared, that the mine owners would make some slight concession before the | convention adjourned. If the convention decides to continue the strike it Is be- lieved the struggle will be long and bit | ter ono
 1 In an interview with a correspondent of the Associated Press upon entering the convention President Mitchell plain l ly indicated that he had a definite plan 1 in view, but he refused to say what 1t was. In reply to question he said that l he had finally decided that he would. l if necessary, advise the men what should | be done.
 Sentiment Is for a Strike. He was asked if 1t was true that can-
  of them were in favor of a strike, he re- piled: There is no doubt that the senti- ment of the men is for a strike"
 will you advise the men what to do?"
 J will advise them, if necessary, when the proper time comes"
 "Will you advise them against their sentiment?"
 To the last question he hesitated for a moment and finally reDlied.
 "I would rather not answer that ques- ton"
 In view of the fact that MT. Mitchell is adverse to strikes, this refusal to definitely answer the last question would indicate that he may advise against rad ical measures.
 In answer to other questions, MT Mitch- ell said that all hope of any concessions from the operators was gone. He has had no communication, he said with the mine owners, Senator Hanna or any other members of the National Federal uon.
 Opening of Meeting.
 The delegates were called to order shortly after 10 o'clock by President Duff fy of District No. '. the middle district Mir. Mitchell was immediately elected chairman of the convention. He made a brief speech in which he said the dele | gates have a great responsibility, and | said they should act wisely in whatever they did. They will be called upon, he said to decide one of the greatest ques- tions that ever came before any labor convention. He admonished them to stand together whatever their decision may be.
 M. B. Wilson, national secretary and treasurer of the United Mine Workers, was elected secretary Deputy Secretary | Dempsey. Gallagher and Hartlein were l appointed a committee on credentials. af- 1 ter which the convention took recess until 1 20 o'clock this afternoon. The convention will last at least two days.