The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-07-20

Indianapolis. July 19.-The Coal Miners
National Convention adjourned this after
noon. after adopting the roprt OF the
special committee appointed TO consider
President MltcheIrs recommendations for
aiding the striking anthracite miners in
Pennsylvania Sentiment was practically
unanimous against a general strike.
The report as adopted recommends:
Ffrst-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
benefit OF the districts l. Z and 9 (these are
the anthracite dIstricts).
s~econd-That all districts and subdis-
tricts and local unions be asked to donate
whatever they can afford for the support
OF the strike.
Assessment on Working Miners.
~Third-That an assessment OF 10 per cent
be levied on the earnings OF members OF
unions 6. s. Il. Is. 70. % and .. and that
an assessment OF l per cent per week be
made on the members OF districts 2. 5. II.
Il. Il. IS. % and q. This assessment Is not
to be made against members Of the unions
now on strike. but in such cases the assess
ments are to commence. when the strikes
are over. the manner OF this being ar
ranged by the unions.
Fourth-The assessments to be paid direct
by the local unions to secretary-Treasurer
Wilson
Flfth-That IS per cent be deducted from
the salaries Of all national district organiza-
tons and organizers.
~Sixth-That the assessments begin from
July 16.
s~eventh-That all contributions made by
the national organization be distributed PRO
rata to the anthracite districts in the ratio
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 connection he
good Offices Of the American Federation OF
Labor will be requested.
Address to the American People.
Ninth-That an address be submitted to
the American people. The salient points
OF this addresse. as read by Secretary VIII
son. are as follows:
The conference OF the United Mine
Workers hereby state the line OF action
which its msmbers are determined to pur-
sue:
This coal miners recognize the marvellous
industrial progress Of the country during
the last decade, but our labor has produced
the foundation for more OF this wealth by
producing the coal which has made the
progress possible. But when the miners
examine the paltry pittancs they receive
as ompen for the labor and dangers
they undergo they feel that they are being
dealt with unjustly in payment for so much
labor and so many sacrifices.
"The combinations OF capital are so pow
erful that individuals are helpless and ex-
p~erience shows tina capital. combined
with labor, must unite. The grievances OF
the miners have forced them to organize.
not TO take from the operators what belongs
to them. but 10 receive better treatment and
IGir remuneration for their labor.
ssEs1r I'VE Years the minarR haVA 1tyad M
to the letter and spirit Of their contract
into which they have entered, and do not
intend to violate them now. !
'"The miners bellsve that the best interests
OF the country are opposed to a general
strike OF coal miners. and while they feel
that in the present fight their union may /,
be destro' ed. nothing can compel them to a,
break their agreements. ,
TIN miners request the American people
to bring mucn pressure to bear upon the Z
anthracite operators and anthracite rail- !
roads as will compel them 20 submit to >
arbitration.
Outside Aid Is Desired. g..
The expenses Of the miners call for n =;
contribution Of Slc00.OOO per month, outside
OF the union. and with this miners are con-
ndent that they can win the anthracite q
strike"
Several amendments were offered to the
wording OF several OF the motions, but they =
President Russels Of the Illinois miners
announced that the unions OF that state 7
would contribute 5000 in cash for the an !
thracite strike. Ohio contributed $1,000, and
Iowa and Indiana promised substantial con-
President Mitchell made a short speech. :
declaring that there were in the treasures q
OF the local unions throughout the country y
approximately N.00OO0. and that his opinion
OF what the unions could anord to con- Q
tribute to the cause OF the anthracite strike 2
was Oue-laIG of this money. 4