The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-05-14
COAL MEMS
CONVENTION
Miners Meet at Hazleton to
Decide the Question of
a Strike.
Mr.. Mitchell Says There Is
No Hope of Concessions
from Operators.

Hazelton, Pa, May 1.-THE general
convention of the United Mine Workers of
America of the anthracite coal territory
of Pennsylvania began here this morning
and before it adjourns sine die it will
have reached a definite conclusion on the
question of whether the temporary strike
for higher wages or short er hours, which
was inaugurated on Monday, Shall be
made permanent or whether the men shall
return to work and await a more oppOr
tune time.
A word from President Mitchell would
be likely to sway the convention and it is
not at all improbable that after all has
been said by the delegates he will be
asked by the convention to step into the
breach and decide which is the better
course to pursue.
In an interview with a correspondent of
the Associated Press just before he en-
tered the convention. President Mitchell
was asked if it were true that canvass Of
the delegates showed that most of them
were in favor of strike and he replied:
There is no doubt that the sentiment
OF the men is for strike
tWill you advise the men what to do?'
81 will advise them if necessary when
the proper time comes
will you advise them against their
sentiment"
To the last question he hesitated for a
moment and finally replied:
Il would rather not answer that ques-
ton
In view OF that fact Mr.. Mitchell is ad-
verse to Strikes this refusal to definitely
answer the last question would indica tie
that he may advise against radical
measures.
In answer to other questions Mr..
Mitchell said that all hope of any conces-
oil 10
has had no communication he said, with
the mine owners. Senator Hanna or any
other members Of the National Civic Fed
The Morning Session.
The delegates were called to order
shortly after 10 o'clock by President Duffy
of District No, 7. Mr.. Mitchell was i'm
mediately elected chairman of the con
vention. He made brief speech, ii
which he said the delegates had a great
responsibility and should act wisely. They
will be called upon. he said. to decide one
of the greatest questions that ever cams
before any labor convention. He admon-
ished them to stand together whatever
their decision. -
w B. Wilson, national secretary an6
treasurer Of the United Mine Workers
was elected secretary. -. +.
Deputy Secretaries Dempsy. Gallaghe
and Hartlein were appointed a committee
on CreQeQLldlS, dllel Wulcu LIE
ton took recess until 100 this after
noon. The convention will last at leas
two days. Most Of to-day's session viii
be consumed in organization AS Their
are approximately 700 delegates the ere
dentials committee will consume most o
the time.
At this afternoons session Presiden
Mitchell will make a. full report of Ri
negotiations with the operators since tn
Shamokin convention. He Will give il
detail all tie particulars of the meeting
with the Civic Federation and will repor
everything that was said and done at tn
series Of conferences between the min
workers representatives and the Goa
presidents held in New York.
This vii. also include the reading of al
letters and teleerams that have passe
between the la Dor leaders and the Civil
Federation and coal operators. Mr.. Mitch
ell said his report would be confine
strictly to facts and will contain no rec
concentrations or suggestions. He wi
give his advice at a later period of tn
convention.
Not Ready to Report.
The convention was called to order q
100 o'clock The credentials committe
was not yet ready to report.
The credentials committee may not fir
ish it's business until late this Afternoon