The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-19
THE CASE OF THE NONUNION
MINERS.

MINERS.
II looks as IL the nonunion men might get
something like a judicial definition OF their
status and rights by the anthracite coal
commission. They were not represented
in the conferences that led to the appoint
ment Of the commission. During the strike
they appeared at frequent intervals as the
victims of dynamite outrages and other at
tacks, but their interests were lost sight
of in the larger struggle between the union
men and the operators. In submitting the
case for arbitration the operators stipulated
that under no circumstances would they
''go back on the nonunion men whom they
had employed by removing them merely to
make places for union men who had thrown
up their jobs by striking. On the first day
OF the meeting of the commission an at
torney appeared who said he represented
the nonunion men who worked during the
strike. and he wished to know what their
status would be before the commission.
The commission took the matter under
advisement and the next day informed the
attorney that he might submit statement
thority, what points other than those al
ready at issue between the main parties
to the controversy he wished to introduce,
and a pledge that his clients would submit
| to the award of the commission. Thus the
nonunion men were allowed, through their
attorney, to intervene in a proceeding TO
which they were not an original party. On
III. ttoIr
statement defining their position and en-
bodying their demands 1t Is Of consider
able interest because 1t is the first formal
expression from a class of men who have
endured much. and who, thus far, have had
no hearing. Their demands are:
First-For an increase of 20 per cent upon
/ the price paid during the year 1901 to en-
/ ployeS performing contract 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 in
| stead of desiring a reduction in the hours of
| employment, I'VE insist upon a right to
| work as many hours as we choose and as
/ opportunity affords so as TO better our con.
dltion and increase our earpins capacity"
| The statement then says:
| Third-We demand the adoption at each
| colliery of whatever methods may be neces-
| sary and practicable to secure for the miner
| a minimum rate of 60 cents per ton of ,240
pounds upon all coal sold frora said colliery,
| the differentials now existing at the various
mines TO be maintained.
Fourth-We protest against the making of
any agreement between the United Mine
| Workers of America and our employers de-
| termining what wages shall be paid TO us,
and what shall be the conditions of our en-
| ployment. or pretending to deal in any re-
| spect whatever with our rights or interests
| as mine workers.
Fifth-we earnestly protest against any
agreement being made by our employers
with the United Mine Workers of America
| for the reason that any agreement, If made.
will render 1t impossible for us TO continue
to earn our living by. our labors In and
about the mines In which we are now EN-
ployed or to which such agreement applies,
and will subject us and our families TO all
manner of abuse. violence, outrage and
| probably murder.
The nonunion men Insist that ii shall be
IAN indispensable condition to any dealing
whatever with any members of the mine
| TO desist from all manner of annoyance TO
| US and our families and shall permit us TO
exercise our right to earn our living in any
lawful manner we choose"
The nonunion miners now employed are
said to number about 1000 This is small
number compared with that of the union
men, but IT. is not an insignificant body of
men and every one Of them has individual
rights. They stand with the union men in
wages and a like reduction in working
hours and payment by the ton for all coal
mined. On these important points of COM
mon interest they agree with the United
Mine Workers. but at this point they di-
verge The rest of their demands are for
individual liberty and protection in their
personal rights. Mr.. Mitchell. speaking for
the United Mine Workers, demands recog-
milton Of the union with the implied right
of prosecuting and boycotting those who
are not members of Ii. The nonunon
men demand the recognition of individual
manhood and the protection of the laws
In the exercise of inalenable rights formu.
lated by the Declaration of independence
and guaranteed by the Constitution of the
United States. The issue which they have
thus raised is not only the most important
one before the commission. but 1t is sc
much the most important that all other!
dwindle into insignihcance beside it.