Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-05-14
WAITING FOR
A DECISION
Miners Convention in Ses-
sion at Hazleton.
Advocates of Strike Order
Are Overwhelmingly in the
Majority--Mitchell Offers
the Delegates His Advice.

the DeleSdIeS HIS ADVICE.
The anthracite miners convention,
called to decide for or against strike,
Is now in session at Hazleton.
The delegates were called to order by
President Mitchell at O.3O o'clock this
morning, and after the appointment of
credental committee adjourned until
this afternoon.
At 2 o'clock they re-assembled, but as
the credential committee was not pre-
pared to report the delegates spent the
time listening to songs and addresses.
In short address to the delegates
President Mitchell stated that he would
offer his advice at tomorrow's session, II
such should be considered necessary by
the convention.
This is taken at Hazleton to indicate
that the national president has some
thing important to say to the delegates.
There is "a feeling in convention circles
this afternoon that Mitchell's advice
will be against declaration for strike.
At o'clock the committee made its
report, after which the convention went
into executive session.
STRIKE SENTIMENT PREVAILS.
From the expressions Of the delegates
there is no doubt but that the advocates
of strike order have an overwhelming
majority in the convention. The re-
ports in the metropolitan journals that
upwards of one-half the local unions
had instructed their representatives
against strike are proven false and
unfounded by the delegates themselves.
However, before any order for strike
is issued, the matter will be debated at
length in the convention.
There will be no unnecessary haste in
coming to a decision, and notwithstand-
Ing the fact that large majority of the
delegates have orders to vote for strike
it is certain that any reasonable conces-
sions fromjthe operators will be accept
ed, If offered, in order that conflict
may be avoided.
Tomorrow, and even Friday, may pass
before the convention officially decides
10 OF ril or n %
From what can be learned there is
difference of opinion at Hazleton on the
question Of calling out the engineers,
pumpmen, firemen and others who are
needed to keep the collieries In good
condition.
Some of the older delegates prefer to
permit these men to work for the pres,
ent, giving the officers power to call
them out II circumstances require such
move.
Others favor a war to the finish with
out further delay.
1t is not yet known which side has
majority If this question comes to vote.
MITCHELL IN FREELAND.
National President John Mitchell ar
rived here at 4.44 o'clock yesterday
afternoon. The local leaders of the
United Mine Workers had secured his
consent to make short stop In town,
and when the train pulled into the
station several hundred people had
gathered on South Centre street.
Mr.. Mitchell was driven to the Osborne
House, preceded by St. AIMS band, and
followed by over 1000 mine workers and
the Balaklava drum corps. He was ac-
companied by District President Duffy
and several metropolitan newspaper
correspondents.
The noted labor leader was introduced
from the hotel balcony by John f.
Shovlin and gave a ten-minute address,
in which he thanked Freeland people
for the cordial welcome rendered him.
In reference to the great question now
before the miners he said the time has
come when the worker himself must
decide for strike or work, that he would
not advise what should be done.
Ha ayprpssad hnna that