New-York tribune., 1902-07-19
TALK OF AN ASSESSMENT.
ILLINOIS WILL CONTRIBUTE $4,000 TO
AID ANTHRACITE STRIKERS.

indianapolis. July 1S-The question of wheth-
er the assessment recommended by PRESIDENT
Mitchell for the relief of the anthracite miners
be used also for the benefit of striking bitumi-
nous miners in different parts of the country
was the only thing before The mine workers TO-
day. The debate grew so energetic that 1t was
determined to hold an executive session in the
afternoon.
At the conclusion of secret session, which
lasted the entire afternoon. the recommenda-
tions of President Mitchell for the management
of the anthracite strike were referred to special
committee, which is to report back TO the con-
vention tomorrow morning. This committee
consists of President Mitchell. Vice-President
Lewis, Secretary Wilson. and the president OF
each district that is taking part in the conven-
tion. There is little doubt that the committee
viii urge the adoption of the recommendations
and fix the rate of assessment at 10 per cent, or
higher.
Mr.. Mitchell spoke for the adoption of the rec
concentrations made in his speech of yesterday
He told the convention that the strikes in west
Virginia and elsewhere were being protected
by the general organization, under the regular
assessments of the union. but that the assess
ment under discussion was necessary for the
support of the anthracite strike alone. and
should not be diverted from its purpose He
said:
4. In the anthracite regions the country is
1hickly settled. There are mills and FACTORIES
and it is possible for the men on strike to
obtain employment. They are, then. no burden
on the general organization, but are even able
10 help il. In West Virginia, for instance, there
are only two Vocations for the miner-mlnlng
and farming. The latter is out of the question
for the greater part OF the men, if not for all
of them and they then have no chance for en-
lployment when on a strike. 1t costs much more
per capita 10 keep up a strike in West virginia
than in the anthracite regions. The anthracite
strike is, in fact, the cheapest strike 1hat we
can have. 1t is easier to maintain than any
other. and should not allow it TO go down
10 defeat by diverting the funds necessary for H.
Mr. Mitchell again urged the men TO dismiss
from their minds all thought of a general strike.
His remarks were greeted with enthusiastic
cheers.
Secretary Wilson offered an amendment that
the matter be referred 10 a committee consist
ing of the three highest officers Of the national
organization, and the presidents of the districts
represented in the convention. This prevailed
and an adjournment was taken until tomorrow
snorning at 10 o'clock.
At the conclusion of the session Secretary
Wilson said:
1t will cost S5o0oo0 weekly to support all the
e. men now on strike in the various districts. An
assessment of 81 per week VIII bring IN
$4,000 a week. This will leave s25O,oco 70
faise each week from outside sources, and from
the promises and offers that have been made We
are confident that will be able TO do TINS.
The convention will be informed by the Illi-
pois delegation tomorrow morning that the
miners of that State have voted donation or
$50 900 TO the cause of the anthracite strike.
The money will be available at once