The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-19
First Time i'm History Of the Anthra-
cite Field that Such n Condition
Has Prevailed.
NO DISTURBANCES REPORTED
PRIESTS IMPRESSIVE EFFORTS TO
KEEP HIS MEN SOBER.
Mr.. Mitchell Has n Busy Day-No Ac-
ton Yet Taken Regarding Ma
tionaI Miners Convention.

HAzLEToN. Pa. May 1s.-The visit OF
Ralph NJ. Easley. secretary OF the National
Civic Federation. TO strike headquarters,
and his conference with President Mitchell.
OF the United Mine Workers, late last
night. the only incident OF any i'm
portance that claimed the attention to-
day of the labor leaders and others around
the Valley Hotel. AS neither Mr.. Easley
Mr.. Mitchell would say anything re-
garding their meeting. there was much
speculation as TO the object Of the visit
of the secretary OF the Civic Federation.
Mr.. Easley laughed at the stir which his
arrival caused. and said there was not the
slightest significance attached TO his trip
here. He reiterated that he came here mere
ly to look over the ground and TO keep
himself informed OF the general situation.
He denied that he brought any plan for
a settlement of the strike or message from
Senator Hanna or any other member OF
the Civic Federation. Mr.. Easley also said
he carried no message back with him from
Mr.. Mitchell. He would not discuss his
visit to the Ohio senator at Washington
on Friday. His talk with the miners ma
tionaI leader last night lasted two hours.
He again saw Mr. Mitchell for a few
York at a. m.
Despite the denials of the labor leaders,
the members Of the Civic Federation and
the coal operators all of whom have thus
far rigidly adhered to the policy Of absolute
ly refusing to anticipate any move in con-
nection with the strike. it is believed here
that the federation is quietly preparing 10
receive any proposition that might possibly
no hxr 9Th afI hoIf q
strengthened by the fact that only twenty
four hours had elapsed from the time the
conference was held at Washington be-
tween Senator Hanna. President Gompers.
of the American Federation of Labor who
is also a member OF the Civic Federation.
and Mr.. Easley. and the latter's arrival
here.
Absolute quiet reigned at headquarters
and throughout the Lehigh Valley Al
though this was Sunday. there was little
rest for President Mitchell and his two
secretaries. Excepting Mr. Easley. he had
no visitors. and he gave his uninterrupted
attention to a large batch OF mail pertain
ing TO the strike in the anthracite field
and to miners business in bituminous To-
calities
Clergymen of nearly all denominations IN
I
on the strike. The trend of remarks wss
that of forbearance, frugality and temper
ance. The great struggle was generally de-
plored and the hope was held out that,
though the strike may cause much suffer-
ing for time. it may in the end result in
great good for both capital and labor.
There was impressive scene at each OF
the masses at St. GabrieTs Roman Catholic
]
which the late Rev +. S. Phillips, the
miners champion in the strike Of 1900. was
the rector Following out President Mitch
ellis request that all mine workers abstain
from visiting saloons the Rev. James V
Hussie asked all the members OF the parish
to take an oath abstaining from the use OF
intoxicating liquors during the period OF
the strike. Few, II any. refused At the
principal service, at 1880 a. m, every per-
son in the church, which was crowded
stood up and took the oath. At vcspers the
oath was administered 20 those who were
not present at the morning services. Father
Hussie delivered a strong sermon TO the
mine workers. He told them that, now
/ that they have struck, they must stand to-
gether for the cause.
The strike now enters upon its second
week. The week just ended was the first
| IL is said. i'm the history Of the hard coal
trade that no coal was mined In any part
sequence has been reported anywhere.
President Mitchell will esta ablish head
/ quarters at the Hotel Hart at Wilkesbarre
! tomorrow afternoon or evening where he
| probably will remain until the strike is
4 ended In about week President Mitchell
l will pay brief visit 20 his home In Spring
/ Valley III. and will stop at national head
1 quarters at indianapolis on his return 70
the anthracite region
| President Mitchell said to-day that he
could not yet say when the special national
convention TO be called for the purpose OF
considering the advisability OF involving
/ the bituninous miners I'm the anthra cite
strike will be held. He has not yet received
/ the consent OF the two districts still needed
1 10 make up the five that are necessary un-
/ der the rules TO call a special convention.
/ All the local trades unions I'm this region
met to-day and decided TO stand by the
I miners in their struggle