The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-14
JOHN MITCHELL'S AMBITION.
1t Ia to Make Labor Unions a Ruling
Political Body.

New York Letter in Philadelphia Press.
1t has long been apparent that something
deeper, Of more than momentary interest,
of greater consequence than the terms of
any contract between employer and en-
ploye lasting for one year or five years, is
the real issue in this momentous contro-
versy. 1t is something which compels Mr.
Mitchell to refuse to consider any PROPOSE
ton that does not first of all involve the
recognition of the Miners Union, while. on
the other hand, it compels the operators to
stand firmly, or, as many think, obstinate
ly. upon this one position that, first, before
grievances are discussed, the miners must
return to work and as groups belonging to
individual collieries.
1t is a part of the news of the day that
narrates exactly what the conviction of
the operators and those they represent is,
and 1t is the knowledge of that opinion that
has caused a change in the original purpose
of those who planned for the great mass
meeting of this week.
II had John Mitchell here i'm this office,
in that chair. for nearly two hours said
a lawyer of international reputation, who
has not been identified either professional
ly or in sympathy with the operators or
with the Miners Union, although he has
been an advocate OF trades association. II
was satisfied first of all of the unimpeach-
able honesty and personal integrity OF
Mitchell, but as We chatted my understand
ing was enlightened as to the magnitude of
the ambitions of this leader. If he had a
mind that compared with that Of some of
the great captains of industry. If his execu-
tive power, his creative force were the
equal of his determination, his courage and
his daring ambition, there would be another
issue before this country to-day more pal
pably political than the issue of the coal
famine. Mr. Mitchell is persuaded that the
tine has come in the United States when in
every trade there should be complete union
izip so n sneak That & tn hat oil
those who earn wages In the mining OF
coal should be either willingly or compul-
sorily brought into the union, that ali OF
those who are carpenters, for instance
should be thus assimilated, and that
throughout the United States even in the
agricultural districts, if possible, there
should be perfection of unification into con-
centrated groups of the wage earners
When this is done then there is to be also
perfected federation through the ma
chinery of the American Federation OF
which Mr.. Gompers is chief.
This purpose does not stop there, for II
contemplates, after this unification into
groups and this amalgamation through the
American Federation has been completed
by violence, hut through the ballot box
Mr.. Mitchell contemplates the coming OF
| ment-that is to say, government by a clas.
that class being the great body of the
wage earners of the United States. Hay.
| irg perfected one comprehensive organiza
| ton, Initiating In some respects the yer,
! method of organization adopted by tn,
United States Steel Corporation, then the,
| are to approach the ballot box. they are Il
command majorities in the legislatures. in
the federal Congress, ultimately to choos,
| the executives Of State and Nation"
This seemed an amazing statement an,
| would have been little needed had it com,
| from one not as We'll known as is the mar
| who made 1t for wisdom, conservatism in
| tellectual power and honorable career Blu
! upon inquiry ii was discovered that IL is :
| conception that agrees exactly with tina
| which not only the operators have taken
| but that with which many who have mad
I careful investigation have been compelle,
| to take.