The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-10-22

them on that ground now as we could
have afforded to meet them on that
ground five months ago; in fact, We can
afford to meet them on that ground now
great deal better than we could then.
Should Accept the Victory.
Now. Mr.. Chairman, in view of that
situation; in view OF the fact that even
If some of the men are left out, and
In view of the additional assurance
given by the president of the United
Mine Workers of America yesterday, and
reiterated on various occasions in prl-
vate conversations by and with him
since then, that If any men were left
out Of employment, the United Mine
Workers of America would take care of
for them, believe 1t would be folly to
risk the chance you now have, or risk
the chance of ultimate defeat rather
than accept the complete victory that
Is now before you.
IF you turn down proposition made
In good faith by the President Of the
United States looking to a settlement
of the difficulties now existing, can ycu
expect TO retain that confidence. that
admiration, end that respect Of the
American people that you have had in
the past? And If you do not retain it
can you expect that they will go down
into their pockets and pull out the dol
lars and the cents that are necessary
come to an end such as you desire at
this time?
Oil on Troubled Waters.
you have won that which you were
contending for. Now the proper course
is to accept your own proposition made
when the strike began"
II anything was needed to queIl oppo-
sition 1t was this. The delegates sat
back and calls of CLOSE the debate"
came.
delegate asked when the board OF
arbitration would go to work. and Presi-
dent Mitchell announced that he had re-
ceived telegram from President Roose-
velt that he would call meeting of the
commission Immediately on the accept
ance OF the miners of the arbitration
plan.
Mr.. Mitchell also stated that he
thought the board of arbitration would
consider these questions
Mr.. Mitchell then took the convention
in hand. 1t was time for the final stroke. |
He walked to the front of the stage and |
the audience, impressed with his ap- |
pearance. waited silently He spoke as
II all doubts We're removed. and the end |
in sight
Now. gentlemen" he said, "the chair
s going TO ask to be permitted to speak
without being in order. 1t Is quite ap-
parent to everyone here what the action
,f the convention Is going TO be. | do
not think anyone here has any doubt
low as to the way this convention will
'ote. II 1t were otherwise possible it
might not be quite in place for me TO
peak to you just before you vote.
But ! want to remind you of this:
that when the arbitration proposition
vas accepted labor all over the land
,reathed a sigh of relief. That this
trike has given labor new dignity no
ne can deny. Labor occupies a posi-
ion now that it never occupied before.
THE fruits of your victory may not be
s apparent to you as they are to those
Tho have studied the labor question
,ore thoroughly than you: and | don't
ant TO have our achievement, your
dampened by even one dis
enting vote. trust this convention will
ote as our people struck; I hope you
II will vote one way as you all struck
ne way"
who will represent us before the
oard?" a delegate inquired. t
President Roosevelt has assured me S
nat if the plan is adopted your presi- l
ent will represent the mine workers '
efore the board" said Mr. Mitchell.