New-York tribune., 1902-10-21
NEARTNG THE END.

The delegates 70 the miners convention met
al Wilkesbarre yesterday in a cheerful mood,
being apparently quite ready 10 adopt the ad-
vice Of the executive officers of the union that
the plan Of arbitration should be accepted and
work resumed at once Mr.. Mitchelfs address
was in marked and gratifying contrast 10 the
wild harangue which he inflicted on the country
last week in the form OF q letter 10 President
Roosevelt II has been suggested that he
thought it polite at that time. in view of pos
sbe opposition 20 the proposed agreement TO
hatter the worst element among his followers
by railing at the operators. describing them as
reduced to a helpless and ridiculous plight and
proclaiming great and glorious victory II
that was his purpose his choice of such an ex-
pedient. nevertheless. revealed lack of moral
qualities with which II has at times seemed just
and been agreeable to credit him. Moreover.
the indications are that there was not the
slightest need of appealing to vanity and preJu-
dice, but that he demeaned himself for nothing
We should be glad to think that Mitchell. per-
haps under reprOof from sober minded dele
gates. became ashamed OF that performance
and anxious TO resume a more respectable atti
tude. At all events. his address TO the con-
yention was a great improvement on his letter
TO the President while not free from eKtrava-
gance, or. indeed. from Misrepresentation.
Where. for instance. does he find warrant
for the virtual promise that, If the strike is de-
clared off, "all men are then 10 return 10 work
"in the positions and working places occupied
"by them prior TO the Inauguration Of the
strike? BY reason Of the enormous demand
for coal and the departure of many strikers
from the field there viii probably be room in
the mines. temporarily at least, for all who are
left, without displacing single one OF the brave
and faithful men who have risked and suffered
much I'm defence Of their right 10 work If so.
the strikers will be extremely fortunate II not.
we hope II is impossible that any man who has
refused 10 take orders from the union will lose
his Job
A fOrcble reminder Of what not merely the
operators but all free citizens owe 10 such men
is contained in speech made in Boston last
week by Mr.. James II Torrey representing the
Scranton Board of Trade. He said:
Whatever may be the opinion Of Individual. or
the public with reference TO the character and
motives OF either the operators or the strike
leaders, or Of the rank and file Of the miners
there can be no possible difference of opinion
among intelligent men az 70 the estimate which
should be put upon the thousands Of non-unon
workers who have throughout this strike vindi-
Gated. at the risk of their own lives and the
peace and security of their families their Cod
given right 20 perform honest labor for the sup
port OF themselves and those dear 10 them
These men have exhibited heroism as admira-
be as any that has ever been DISPLAYED upon a
held or battle. and to those no have been closely
associated with the contest II is the mystery of
mysteries that the sympathy OF the great
American public. which has been so liberally ex-
tended to the supposed downtrodden and on
pressed mine workers. has passed unnoticed this
heroic band Of quiet and unassuming Amer
leans.
We cannot agree with the speaker that these
men have passed unnOticed. Certainly The
Tribune is not guilty Of that default, for II has
repeatedly recognized with respect and admira-
tion the real service they We're performing and
asserted their claim to be Loyalty sustained in
any settlement which might be made. But II
is true, we fear, that they have received less
general sympathy and approval than they de.
serve, as they unquestonably received far less
protection during months Of assault and perse-
cutiOn than the State of PENNSYLVANIA was
bound 10 give them.