The Dickinson press., 1902-07-26

Indianapolis, July 21.-The conven-
tion of United Mine Workers has voted
against q general strike and by unan-
imous vote adopted the plan suggested
by President Mitchell. The conven-
tioin then adjourned sine die after the
singing of America"
The report of the special committee,
as adopted by the convention, is as
follows:
First-That the national secretary
treasurer of the United Mine Workers
be authorized to appropriate $4,000
from the funds of the national treas
ury for the benefit of Districts 1, and
(these are the anthracite districts).
Second-That all districts and sub
districts and local unions be asked to
donate whatever they can afford for
the support of the strike.
Third-Tkat an assessment of 10 per
cent be levied on the earnings of mem.
bers of Unions 6, 8, -, 13, 10, 23 and
25, and that an assessment of l per
cent per week be made on the mem
bers of Districts 2, 5, II, IA, Is, 16, 20
and 21. This assessment is not to be
made against members of unions now
on strike but in such cases assess
ments are to commence when the
strikes are over, the manner of this be-
ing arranged by the unions.
Fourth-The assessments to be paid
direct by the local unions to Secretary
Treasurer Wilson.
Fifth-That rs per cent be deducted
from the salaries of all national dis
trict officers and organizers.
Sixth-That the assessments begin
from July 16.
Seventh-That all contributions
made by the national organization be
distributed pro rata to the anthracite
districts.
Eighth-That each local union be
requested to aid as far as possible in
securing work for men now on strike.
In this connection the good offices of
the American Federation of Labor will
be requested.
Ninth-That an address be sub
mitted to the American people.
Address to the American People.
The salient points of this address as
read by Secretary Wilson are as fol-
lows:
1.-The convention of the United Mine
Workers hereby state the line of ac
tion which its members are determined
to pursue.
THE coal miners of the county rec
ognize the marvellous industrial prog.
ress of the country during the last dec
ade, but our labor has produced the
foundation for most of this wealth by
producing the coal which has made the
progress possible. But when the min
ers examine the paltry pittance they
receive as recompense for the labors
and dangers they undergo they feel
that they are being dealt with unjust
ly In payment for so much labor and so
many sacrifices.
"The combinations of capital are so
powerful that individuals are helpless
and the experience shows that when
capital combines labor must unite.
The grievances of the miners have
forced them to organize, not to take
from the operators what belongs to
them, but to receive better treatment
and fair remuneration for their labor.
For five years the miners have lived
up to the letter and spirit of every con-
tract into which they have entered
and do not intend to violate them now.
"The miners believe that the best
interests of the country are opposed
to general strike of the coal miners
and while they feel that in the present
fight their union may be destroyed,
nothing can compel them to break
their agreements.
"The miners request the American
people to bring such pressure to bear
upon the anthracite operators and an
thracite railroads as will compel them
to submit to arbitration"
The expenses of the miners call for
contribution of $1,000,000 per month
from sources outside the union and
with this amount the miners are con.
fident that they can win the anthracite
strike,