Milford chronicle., 1902-07-11
MINERS DEFENSE FUND
Labor Unions and the Public Will
be Asked to Contribute.
MITCHELL APPROVES THE PLAN
Effort to Be Made to Concentrate Re-
sources of Organized Labor In Be-
half Of Miners, who Will Only Accept
Aid When Their Funds Are Gone.

sources of Organized Labor In Be-
half of Miners, who Will Only Accept
Aid When Their Funds Are Gone.
Wilkesbarre, Pa, July "a national
defense fund, to which all organized
labor and the public in general will be
asked to contribute, is the latest prop
ositiOn placed on foot TO help the strik-
ing anthracite coal miners If they need
assistance in their struggle for higher
wages and a shorter work day. Harry
White, of New York, secretary OF the
National Garment Workers, and a
member of the Cancellation committee
OF the Civic Federation, held a long
conference with President Mitchell yes
terday, during which the plan was ap-
proved by the miners chief, and Mr..
White will at once begin preparations
to carry out the plan President
Mitchell wants it understood, however,
that the Miners Union will accept no
aid until their own resources are ex-
hausted. Mr.. White came here au-
thorized by several labor organizations
to place the proposition before Presi-
dent Mitchell. After the conference
President Mitchell had nothing to say
about the matter beyond the brief
statement that he approved the plan.
Mr.. White gave out the following
statement: President Mitchell will ac-
cept the cooperation and whatever aid
may be rendered by labor organizations
of the country and others. but with the
understanding that it is to De only used
when their own funds become ex-
hausted which will not be for some
time. Mr.. Mitchell says that before So
Letting outside support the miners at
work must set the example themselves
by contributing a considerable portion
of their earnings to sustain their fell
low members in the hard coal fields.
who are fighting their common battle.
This will be determined upon at the
Indianapolis convention Mr.. Mitchell
also welcomed the aid rendered by men
Of means and influence outside the
ranks of organized labor.
INN - Will cAoO BC Lldub u OTlRl-
nate movement throughout the coun-
try, so that the unions and others may
be prepared to collect funds when the
time is prOpitiOus. Public men will
also undertake an Independent move
ment and solicit subscriptions from
those not connected with labor organi-
cations. This movement will be inau-
gurated in New York city, and the la
Dor organizations and sympathizers in
all the principal cities of the country
will be called on to appoint committees
to carry on similar work.
"All friendly newspapers will be
asked to cooperate. The scheme, in
brief, contemplates the concentration
of the energy and resources of organ
lied labor in behalf of the miners
cause, a result which has never before
been achieved. 1t involves the raising
of given amount of money each week
for which provisions and other neces-
saries of life will be purchased. The
plan has the approval of President
Samuel Gompers, and lC will be placed
before the executive council of the
American Federation of Labor for en-
dorsement at its sessions, which open
in San Francisco next week