Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-11-20
Non-union Men Make Plea.

Following is a summary Of the re-
quest filed by the non-union men:
"First-For an increase of 20 per
cent upon the price paid during the
year 1901 to employees performing con-
tract and piece work.
"Second-For like increase Of 20
per cent upon the price paid during
the year 1901 to employees paid by the
hour, day, or week.
Continuing, the statement says that
instead of desiring reduction in the
hours of employment, 1--WE insist upon
q right to work as many hours as We
choose and as opportunity affords, 50
as to better our conditions and increase
our earning capacity.
1t also asks that some plan be adop-
ted assuring to all a minimum rate OF
pay of 60 cents a ton of 2,240 pounds.
Protest is made against any contract
whatsoever with the union men re-
garding wages, hours, or discrimina-
ton. and also demands protection from
lawlessness.
Resumes Examination.
Wayne M'yeagh resumed the cross
~
asked Mitchell whether or not he had
taken proper methods to prevent the
repetition OF the acts of violence said
to have been inflicted upon non-unlon
men. He said that he was trying to
show here that there was a growing
spirit of violence and disregard of law
in the miners organization and that
Mitchell's influence over them was in
sufficient to keep them law abiding
and peaceful.
Disapproved Lawlessness.
Mitchell replied, ithe fear that my in
fluence is not sufficient to deter men
from the commission of crime is a
contradiction of the claim often made
about me-" He was free to say that
some men may have been deferred
from going to work because of vic,
lence, but the strike lost more in the
public opinion by reason of that than
1t could possibly gain. He did not ap
prove of any one committing unlawful
acts.
Personal Freedom.
Macveagh read a statement regard
ing the right to strike as belonging
angmen. He took the view that in ex
ercising that freedom, those who strike
must not interfere with the liberty Of
others, who wish to work.
Don't Want Anarchy.
eve do not want anarchy" sale
Mitchell "and that is anarchy pure
and simple"
MacVeagh attributed the languars
to Bishop Ireland, Mitchell declar
; ed that if the archbishops statemen
meant that men have no right t.
picket he disagreed with him, addin,
that he did not know that the arch
bishop was regarded as supreme
court on trades and union matters
Close Examination.
After an argument between the al
lorney and the witness over the pre-
priety of criticising the acts and dc
cisions of the courts, MacVeagh cor
cluded the cross examination.
Mitchell Questioned.
Francis r.. Gowan, representing tn
Lehigh Valley Coal Co. followed Mac
Veagh, in questioning Mitchell, bu
1othing was brought out. For the hrs
time during the session the member
of the commission entered into ger
eral cross-examination.
Control Mining.
Mitchell in reply to question sal
that the operators could form coal
ton and stop the mining of coz
throughout the country, especial
fo1l TIA
the hands of a few mon. He did nj
believe that the law would prevent til
operators doing that by reason Of the
incorporation. He did not consider
justifiable for an employer or unto
In certain district to bring. abor
conditions that would paralyse indu