The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-03-18
MANY GRIEVANCES.
Recognition of the Union Not
the Sole Issue With Miners.

Shamokin, Pa, March 1S.-A special
train from the upper anthracite coal
region today brought here majority
of the delegates to the convention of the
United Mine Workers of districts 1, Z
and which begins at noon. Many of
the delegates from the lower section
came in yesterday. Neither National
President Mitchell nor National Secre-
tary Wilson have as, yet arrived, but
it is expected they will reach here dur
ing the afternoon. 1t is next to impossi-
Bile to obtain a clear idea of the dele
gates District No. l, comprising the
Lackawanna and Wyoming regions,
where there is said to be much dissatis-
faction practically controls the southern
and should the delegates from that
region declare for a strike, the remain
ing districts would be compelled to ac-
cept the inevitable.
According to Secretary Hartlein of
district No. the Shamokin district
there are 144,000 mine workers in the
anthracite region, and 9S per cent of
these are members of the United Mine
Workers of America. District No. 1,
comprising Lackawanna, Upper Luzerne
and Wyoming counties, contains 176
local branches with representation of
about $50 delegates in the convention.
There are 81 locals in district No. z
which includes lower Luzerne and por-
tions of Schuykill and Carbon counties.
This district sends 100 delegates. Dis
trict No. 9. comprising lower Schuyl-
kill Dauphin and Columbia counties is
entitled to something sover 200 dele
gates.
Although official statements concern
ing the probable action of the conven-
ton are difficult to obtain. 1t is intima-
ted by some of the officials that recogni-
tion of the union will not be the chief
issue. There are many grievances to be
considered of more Importance, it is said
than recognition of the union as a ma
tional body The credentials committee
has N al inc a mr.
report will be ready when the conven-
tion is called to order this afternoon.
Todays session will be the only public
meeting of the delegates. The important
business will be transacted behind
closed doors and the proceedings an
nounced through the medium of press
committee. The delegates are to repre-
sent the various locals in the anthra-
cite region and each delegate will have
one vote for each 100 members he repre-
sents but no delegate can have more
than five votes
When notices were sent to the locals
the members were urged to furnish only
intelligent and careful men to act as
delegates.
This is expected to result in a better
deliberative body than ever before, but
it is felt that at no time have the QueS-
tiOns pending been more momentouS 60
the miners. or to the country.
Among the matters to be brought to
the attention of the convention are the
reports of President Mitchell and his
sistants in their efforts to settle exist
ing differences with the operators and
the replies they received The eight
hour day, recognition of the union.
grievances of firemen and many other
questions of vital Importance will also
be considered.
1t is stated that the combined treas
uries of the three districts now contain
100000
EAsLEY IS PRESENT.
Ralph NJ. Easley, of New York, sec
retary of the Civic Federation, arrived
here today. He said his visit had no
connection with the miners convention.
His object, he said, was to meet Presi-
dent Mitchell, who is a member of the
conciliation committee of the Civic Fed
Grafton. There are some matters before
the committee, said Mr.. Easley, that re-
quired attention. and he desired to see
Mr.. Mitchell before the latter left for
the west.
President John Mitchell, of the United
Mine Workers, arrived here this fore
noon. Secretary Wilson was not with
him, having gone to West Virginia to
coal miners. Mr.. Mitchell said he was
not in touch with the situation in the
anthracite region and could make no
official statement until he had conferred
with the district officers.
Concerning the refusal of the oper
ators to meet the miners, Mr.. Mitchell
said the letters he had received would
be presented to the convention, but he
could not say whether they would be
made public. '"The letters,'' said Mr.
Mitchell, contained the usual reasons
given by operators when they object to
meeting labor organiza tions.
Soon after his arrival Mr.. Mitchell
held a consultation with the district
officers.
District President Fahey, of the ninth
district, called the convention to order
at 1915 o'clock. President Mitchell was
unanimously selected as permanent
chairman.
President Mitchell made a brief ad-
dress in which he said he hoped the
miners would be able to secure redress
for their wrongs without recourse TO
the methods of 1900. Mr.. Mitchelrs ap-
pearance on the stage was the signal
for ovation, and when he concluded
his remarks he was vigorously ap-
plauded.