The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-05-08
Question of Strike OF No Strike
of Anthracite Miners
Rests Almost Wholly With the
National President.
CONFERENCE RESUMED.
Executive Committee Again
Goes Into Secret Session.
Much Apprehension is Felt in
Business Circles.

Scranton Pa. May 8-The executive
committees of the three districts of the
anthracite coal field, representing all Of
the members of the United Mine work
ers in that territory, resumed its secret
conferences soon after o'clock this
morning.
There is much apprehension in busi-
ness circles all over the anthracite re-
gion regarding the outcome Of the meet
ing. Strong influences are at work
among the miners to prevent a strike,
as it is realized that a tie-up at this
time means a long struggle and the
consequent paralyzing Of business in
terests. Many of the officials OF the
miners union are likewise working to
prevent the strike They say that if
a strike must come this is nos the time
of year to inaugurate it. 1t is pointed
out that the consumption of coal is at
a minimum during the summer months,
whereas if a strike is deferred until
autumn there is a better chance of Sc
curing concessions without long period
of idleness.
There is much speculation as to what
VIII be the action Of the union repre-
sentatives should they decide that dras-
tic methods are necessary.
Granted that no concessions Will be
made to the men, the miners officials
have only two moves to make unless
they declare for or against a strike.
They may call convention, fresh
from the rank and file to decide the
matter, or they may send committees
of employees to the different coal Ope-
ratOrs to ask for concessions. Some Of
the company officials are said to favor
me latter plan as way out for both
sides.
President Mitchell Yields the same
q Influence min ha
he has hitherto exercised, and it is con-
ceded that the question of strike or no
strike depends almost entirely on the
final decision of Mr.. Mitchell
A union official attending the meeting
said this morning before entering the
convention hall:
No living man can, at this hour, say
Just what decision VIII be reached.
viii say, however, that the situation at
present points to a continuation Of the
convention over today and possibly
through several days.
1T is also true that the drift gather
ing views expressed by miners repre-
sentatives who viii have a vote when
the question is finally passed upon, is
away from a strike.
THE representatives are being heard
In alphabetical order and it appears that
majority Of expressions have been
from leaders in the lower district and
the middle or Lehigh district. District
No I, comprising the Lackawanna and
w yOmlng fields has not been fully
heard yet AS is well known. the men
in the two first mentioned territories are
not so largely in favor Of radical action
as the men of district No. J. It may be
that my belief that the drift is away
from the strike is too strongly based
on the sentiment voiced by the Lehigh
and Schuylkill districts, but I think
not"
When asked to explain how the com
mlttee could recede from the uncomprO-
missing stand SO recently taken by the
SEdInOEIu convention 10 official n
question shook his head and added:
es, I know the proposition is a hard
one A great deal of diplomacy viii be
required TO get around the point Just
how il will be done without casting dis
credit on the United Mine workers or
ganlzaf1On / do not know. Still I be-
ieVe Mr- Mitchell VIII lead us out of the
WOODS. n % plan has been decided upon
as yet All reports that a test vote has
been taken are untrue. No concessions
have been received We have absolutely
nothing IN the way of an overture from
the operators"
At 1920 the executive committee took
recess until l.SO .. m. President
Mitchell issued the following statement:
The executive committees Of the an
thracite mine workers organization have
proposed that an questions at issue be-
tween themselves and the anthracite
coal mine operators be submitted to an
impartial board of arbitration such
board to be selected by the Industrial
branch Of the National Civic federation.
rms proposition has been sumitted to
the operators"
The statement was issued by Presi-
dent Mitchell after he had been in com
munication by long distance telephone
with unknown persons. He also re-
ceived numerous telegrams
During the recess Mr. Mitchell said
that the committees are awaiting re-
plies to the proposition embodied in
his statement
IT is believed here that a means of
settling the QTIa=ffDTfz
resorting to a strike has been arrived