Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-10-20

wilkesbarre. Oct. 2o.-President
Nichols called the United Mine Work
ers' convention to order at 1920 this
morning. There were about 700 dele
gates present. Previous to the assem-
bling OF the convention delegates whose
opinions were sought felt the conven-
lion would do whatever Mitchell adj
yised. Secretary Wilson is Of the
opinion the convention will end tomor-
row and the men return to work Thurs
day.
G.. Wilson, said the outlook for ac-
ceptance was bright, but there are
still intimations among the assembling
delegates that there are objections on
the part Of some to the calling off of
the strike until positive assurance is
had that all the men will get back
the positions they occupied before the
strike began. II the precedents of other
conventions are followed the principal
business OF this meeting will be con-
Quoted behind closed doors. President
Nichols. after calling the convention
to order had the call for the convention
read. AS is customary in the conven
fions OF mine workers, the district sec
retaries had already completed their
work and their reports showed total
OF 1886 delegates, which will propa bly,
be Increased after all the credentials
are received. Shortly after eleven the
convention adjourned until 2 this after
noon.
Before the motion to adjourn was
adopted the convention was turned into
Sa social meeting, the delegates being
entertained by songs. Give Three
Cheers for Mitchell. for the Strike We
Have Won," was sung by the dele
gates and swept the convention with
enthusiasm.
President Mitchell had prepared an
address to the convention, which was
given to the press 20 be held until de-
livered. Notwithstanding this agree
ment the address was published in an
early edition of the Buffalo afternoon
Srapers. When this fact was called to
Nitchells attention he consented to its
publication by the Associated Press,
altho he will not speak until the after
noon session Of the convention. The
address follows:
In opening this convention for the
transaction Of business take pleasure
In extending warm greeting and well
come to the accredited representatives
or 10000 men and boys whose heroic
struggle for wages and American con-
Gitions OF employment has won the
admiration of the whole civilized
world. Language is Inadequate to eX-
press the sense of pride 1 feel in you
and those you represent Your noble
defense of the principles Of unionism
endears you to every man and every
woman in our land who works for a
livelihood. When the history of the
struggles Of the toilers shall be written,
Its pages will record no event more i'm
rortant, no principle more ably de-
tended. no battle more bravely fought
than the contest which earnestly hope
is now about to be happily ended. 1t is
not my purpose to review the progress
Of the strike or even to enumerate the
important events which have now
passed into history. Imprinted indeli-
bly, upon the hearts of our people are
memories of the sufferings and hard
ships which have been and are being
endured. For five long months the
eyes Of the nation have been centered
upon your actions and it is pleasure
to say that the great heart of the
American people throbbed in sympathy
with you. 1t is, of course, a source of
deep regret that millions Of un-
paid workmen of our great cities are
said to be the most acute sufferers by
reason of this contest between our
selves and our employers. But strange
as 1t may appear, hundreds upon hum
dreds Of those who suffered most from
lack OF fuel sent words of commenda-
ton and announcement to us and in
many instances declared they would
endure any privation in order that the
miners and their families might secure
sufficient wages to enable them to en-
joy little happiness and sunshine in
stead of the gloom and sadness which
have been their lot for many years. The
Gebt of gratitude we owe our fellow
workers in this and other lands, the
debt of gratitude we owe a generous
Public and friendly press, who have
supported and sustained us during this
memorable strike, can never be ade-
quately repaid. For our opponents we
entertain no feeling of malice. While
they have maligned our characters.
impugned our motives and sought vic
tory by methods which was scorn to
us, yet on this day when we have se-
cured an avenue of redress, on this
cav when the realization of our hopes
and ambitions seems rear, when the
prospect of a brighter and happier fu-
ture seems assured, we should hold out
to them the hand of friendship and ask
them to join us in providing for such
business relations as shall for all time
establish peace and tranquility in the
coal fields. The day is past when great
organizations of capital can maintain
the false position that their employees
shall be denied the right to organize
into compact bodies and speak thru the
organization Of which they are MEM
bers. We recognize the right Of cap
ttal to consolidate, fedecate and speak
and act thru Its organization, but In ac-
cording these rights and privileges t.