The Cooperstown courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., N.D.) 1902-1913, 1902-07-24
Mother Jones Speaks.


which was enthusiastically applauded
by the delegates. She declared that
before coming to Indianapolis she had
favored general strike, but since COM
ing to the convention she had reached
the opinion that the conclusion
reached by the delegates to avoid such
movement was the wisest course. She
urged the delegates to~oppose at con-
gressional elections this fall every man
who was favorable to government by
Injunction
Report Not Ready.
President Mitchell called for the re-
port of the special committee. The
committee was not ready to report
and a number of addresses were made
by the delegates. A motion was made
by Delegate Ryan, of Illinois, that-the
convention endorse the meeting of
employers and employees to be held in
Minneapolis, September %, for the pur-
pose of discussing the practicability of
an universal eight-hour working day.
At 1O:45 the convention took re-
cess of 80 minutes to await the report
of the special committee.
Committee Recommendation.
At 1855 the special committee
was prepared to report-its recon-
mendations were as follows: q
First, that the national secretary-treas-
urer of the United Mine Workers be au-
thorized to appropriate $4,000 from the
funds of the national treasury for the
hem 90 ho fstr nd
are the anthracite districts.)
Second, that all districts and sub-dis-
tricts and local unions be asked to donate
whatever they can afford for the support
of the strike.
Third, that an assessment Of ten per
cent. be levied on the earnings of MEM
bers of the unions 6. s, u, Is, 10, q and Is,
ana that an assessment of one per cent.
per week be made on the members Of dis
tricts 2, g. II, IA, Is, 16, 20 and 21 This as
sessment Is not to be made against men,
bers of unions now on strike, but in such
cases the assessments are to commence
when the strikes are over, the manner Of
this being arranged by the unions.
Fourth, the assessments to be paid d.
rect by the local unions to Secretary Treas.
urer Wilson.
Fifth. that Is per cent be deducted from
the salaries of all national district officers
and organizers.
Sixth. that the assessments begin from
July 16. -
Seventh, that all contributions be made
by the national organization be distributed
pro rata to the anthracite district pro
rata, as shown by the last Coal Reports.
Eighth. that each local union be request
ed to aid as far as possible In securing
work for men now on strike. In this con-
Federation of Labor will be requested.
Ninth. that an address be submitted
to the American people. The salient points
Of this address as read by Secretary Will
son are as follows:
1.-THE convention of the United. Mine
Workers hereby states the line of action
which its members are determined to pur-
sue.
1.-The coal miners of the country recog-
nize the marvellous Industrial progress Of
the country during the last decade, but
our labor has produced the foundation for
most of this wealth by producing the coal
which has made the progress possible.
But when the miners examine the paltry
pittance they receive as recompense for
the labors and dangers they undergo they
feel that they are being dealt with un-
Justly in payment for so much labor and sd
many sacrifices.
The combinations Of capital are SO pow
erful that individuals are helpless and the
experience shows that when capital COM
of the miners have forced them to organ
lie. not to take from the operators what
belongs to them, but to receive better treat
ment and fair remuneration for their
labor
'For five years the miners have lived
up to the letter and spirit of every contract
into which they have entered, and do not
intend to violate them now.
THE miners believe that the best inter-
ests Of the country are opposed to gem
eral strike Of the coal miners, and while
they feel that in the present fight their
union may be destroyed, nothing can COM
pei them to break their agreements. The
bring such pressure to bear upon the an
thracite operators and anthracite railroads
as will compel them to submit to arbitra-
ton.
'"The expenses of the miners call for a
contribution Of 100000 per month from
amount the miners are confident that they
can win the anthracite strike.''
Adopted by Rising Vote,
A number of amendments were Of
fered to the wording of several of
the sections, but they were all voted
down. The report Of the committee
was then adopted by a unanimous
rising vote.
President Russell, Of the Illinois
miners, announced that the unions
of that state would contribute $780,
600 in cash for the anthracite strike.
Ohio contributed $4,000 and Iowa
and Illinois promised substantial
contributions later.
Convention Adjourns.
President Mitchell made short
speech declaring that there was in
the treasures OF. the local unions
throughout the country approximate
~ 100000, and that his opinion Of