Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-07-10
TO AID THE MINERS.
All Organized Labor to Be Asked
to Help the Strikers.
TO RAISE 4 NATIONAL DEFENSE FUND
The Statement Of Harry White, Mem
Der Of the National Civic Federation
The Plan Contingent on the In.
dianapolis Convention.

Wilkesbarre, Pa, July "a nation.
al defense fund to which all organ
lied labor and the public in general
will be asked to contribute is the
latest proposition placed on foot to
help the striking anthracite coal
miners II they need assistance in
their struggle for higher wages and
q shorter work day. Harry White,
Of New York, secretary Of the Ma
tional Garment Workers and men,
Der Of the Cancellation committee Of
the National Glyic federation, had a
long conference with President
Mitchell yesterday, during which the
plan was approved by the miners
chief, and Mr.. White will at once be-
gin preparations to carry out the
plan. President Mitchell wants 1t
understood, however, that the min
ers' union will accept no aid until
their own resources are exhausted.
Mr.. White came here authorized
by several labor organizations to
place the proposition before Presi-
dent Mitchell After the conference
President Mitchell had nothing to
say about the matter beyond the
brief statement that he approved the
plan. Mr.. White gave out the fol-
lowing statement:
President Mitchell will accept the
cooperation and whatever aid may
be rendered by labor organizations
Of the country and others, but with
the understanding that IT Is TO DO
only used when their own funds be-
come exhausted, which will not be
for some time. Mr.. Mitchell says
that before soliciting outside sup
port the miners at work must set
the example themselves by contribut-
ing a considerable portion Of their
earnings TO sustain their fellow
members In the hard coal fields, who
are fighting their common battle.
This will be determined upon at the
Indianapolis convention. Mr.. Mitch
ell also welcomed the aid rendered
by men Of means and influence out
side the ranks Of organized labor.
efforts will also be made to orig
mate q movement throughout the
country, 80 that the unions and 9TH
ers may be prepared to collect funds
when the time Is propitious.
Public men will also undertake an
independent movement and solicit
subscriptions from those not CON
nected with labor organizations.
This movement will be inaugurated
In New York city and the labor or
CARNATIONS and sympathizers in all
the principal cities Of the country
will be called on to appoint commit
tees to carry on similar work.
"All friendly newspapers will be
asked to cooperate. The scheme, In
brief, contemplates the concentra-
ton of the energy and resources Of
labor In behalf Of the min
ers' cause, a result which has never
before been achieved. II involves
the raising Of given amount of
money each week with which pr0vi-
,ions and other necessaries of life
will be purchased. The plan has the
Of President Samuel Com
pers and 1t will be placed before the
executive council Of the American
Federation OF Labor for Endorsement
1t its sessions, which open in San
Francisco next week.
"0f course, 1t is understood that
he entire plan Is contingent upon
he indianapolis convention Of mine
workers voting down a motion for q
general strike, as in that event the
lid which the soft coal miners will
De able 10 render would be cut off,
IS il would be out Of the question to
Try to maintsin the vast number who
would bs involved. 1
THE operstors are counting upon
he means Of the miners soon h