The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-07-09
Harry White Of New York Has
Unique Plan Of Assistance
MITCHELL is AGREEABLE
The General Public as Well as Union
Men viii Be Invited to Assist In
the Contribution-The
Strike Discussed.


defense fund to which all organized labor
and the public in general will be asked to
contribute is the latest phase laid on
foot to help the striking anthracite coal
miners If they need assistance in their
struggle for higher wages and a shorter
work day. Harry White of New York,
secretary of the National Garment Work.
ers and member of the Cancellation COM
rnittee cf the National Civic Federation,
had a long conference with President
Mitchell today, during which the plan
was approved by the miners chief, and
Mr.. White will at once begin prepara-
lions to carry out the plan. President
Mitchell hopes, 1t is Understood however.
that the miners unicn will accept no aid
until their own resources are exhausted
Mr.. White came here authorized by sew
eral labor oreanizat to place the
proposition before Mr.. Mitchell.
After the conference MIR. Mitchell had
nothing to say about the matter beyond
the brief statement that he approved the
plan. Mr.. White gave out the following
statement:
Will Accept Aid.
President Mitchell will accept the CO.
operation and whatever aid may be rem
dered by labor organizations of the coun-
try and others. but with the understand
ing that it is to be used only when their
own funds become exhausted. which will
not be for some time. Mr.. Mitchell says
that in soliciting outside support, the
miners at work must set the example
themselves by contributing considerable
portion Of their earnings to sustain their
fellow members. This will be determined
upon at the Indianapolis convention. Mr..
Mitchell also welcomed the aid tender
ed by men of means and influence outside
the ranks of organized labor.
Efforts will also be made to originate
a movement throughout the country so
that the unions and others may be pre-
pared to collect funds when the time Is
propitious.
Public men will also undertake an
independent movement and solicit sub
scriptions from those not connected with
labor organizations. This movement will
be inaugurated in New York city and
the labor organizations and sympathiz-
ers in all the principal cities of the coun-
try will be called on to appoint commit
= tees to carry on similar work.
Concentration of Energy.
"All friendly newspapers will be asked
to cooperate. The scheme in brief con-
templates the concentration of the energy
and resources of organized labor In be-
half of the miners cause. It involves
the raising of a given amount of money
each week with which provisions and
other necessaries of life will be purchas-
ed. The plan has the approval of Presi-
dent Samuel Gompers, and 1t will be
placed before the executive council of the
American Federation of Labor for en-
dorsement at its sessions which open in
San Francisco next week.
"Of course Ii is understood that the
entire plan is contingent upon the In
dianapolis convention of mine workers
voting down a motion for a general
strike, as in that event, aid which the
soft coal miners will be able to render,
will be cut off as 1t would be out of
the question to maintain the vast num-
ber of people who would be involved"
Personally, Secretary White disap-
proves of the proposed general suspen-
sion order of mining, as well as of SYM
pathetic strikes in general. He said:
II believe should the indianapolis con-
yention order general suspension of
mining, a great disturbance will be
created without in any way benefiting
those whom it aims to help. Besides it
would make necessary a violation of
agreements which would be so conspic-
uous as to discredit the entire labor
movement. If trades unions can violate
agreements whenever they find it con-
venient to do SO, the employers would be
justified In doing the same; consequent
lv agreements would have no binding
force and no effect. If labor organizations
are to improve their standing in the
business world, they must abide by the
principles involved in an agreement"