The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-03-25
ONLY MEDIATION CAN PREVENT
THOUSANDS OF ANTHRACITE
WORKERS FROM GOING OUT
APPEAL rs MADE TO HANNA
President Mitchell Despairs of Pre-
venting Great WaIkOut, as OPP
orators VIII Not Recognize
Union Committees.
DEMAND A SHORTER WoRKDAY

SHAMOKIN, Pa, March A.-Unless the
efforts of the Civic Federation are eff
fective with the coal operators, it is more
than likely that a repetition of the strug-
gle of 1900 will occur in the anthracite re-
gion. In that year 10000 employees of the
anthracite mines were on strike for six
weeks,
The convention today of districts Nos.
!, Z, and 8, United Mine Workers Of
America, which districts comprise the en-
tire anthracite field, made a provisional
strike declaration, leaving the date to be
decided by the executive boards of the
three districts. This was practically the
last official act of the delegates and the
convention adjourned at o'clock this
afternoon.
The adoption of the resolution contain
ing the ultimatum of the mine workers
was followed by a scene of wild enthusi
asm and the opera house rang with the
acclamations of the delegates, who, with
lusty cheers, approved the work OF the
special resolution committee and ex-
pressed their confidence in President
Mitchell.
The convention from the first session
showed a disposition to insist on an ad-
justment of the mine workers grievances,
but the delegates were willing to relin-
quish the question of recognition of the
concessions were granted. This fact is
evidenced in the resolution adopted today.
which states as the chief demands a
shorter work day, a minimum day wage
scale, uniform increase in wages, and
the weighing of coal wherever practic-
able.
Civic Federation Last Hope.
The Civic Federation is regarded by the
delegates ass the last hope Of the mine
workers in their demands for improved
conditions and the gravity of the situa-
ton is manifested in the WORDS of Pres-
dent Mitchell:
Il am free to say that to me strike
seems imminent
Resolutions had been presented to the
convention from all districts, but none OF
them was satisfactory to the entire body
Of delegates. 1t was then decided to place
the matter in the hands of President
Mitchell anl the district presidents and
vice presidents. Before completing the
draft Of the resolution, President Mitchell
telegraphed the presidents of the coal
carrying roads making a last appeal for
a conference.
The telegram was as follows:
By direction Of miners convention
wire to ascertain if your company will
join other anthracite coal companies in
conference with committee representing
aHInrdclte mime workers Tor purpose OF
discussing and adjusting grievances which
affect all companies and all employees
alike. Please answer
He received several replies, one Of which
was from President Baer of the Philadel-
phia & Reading Coal and Iron company,
and all Of which refused to meet the rep
resentatives of the union. Others made
no response. The text of, the replies were
not made public.
1his resulted in the formation of the
resolution presented today and accord
ing to President Mitchell it was adopted
without a dissenting vote. The resolu-
ton provides for the appointment Of a
committee by the three district executive
boards who will carry the mine workers.
demands to the conciliation committee of
the Civic Federation with an appeal to
that organization for assistance.
The purpose of the convention in sus-
pending work at the mines three days in
each week after April l, If negotiations
are then pending, is to prevent the stor-
age Of coal by the companies by produc-
Continued ON Third Page.