Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-10-25
COAL STRIKE
| DECLARED OFF
Miners Convention Accepts Ar.
bitration Proposition.
CHEERS GREETED DECISION
Mitchell Chosen to Present Mems
I Case to Arbitrators.
REJOICING IN THE COAL REGIONS

REJOICING IN THE COAL REGIONS
After Several Hours' Debate, In Which
speeches Wore Made In -Four Differ
snt Languages, Mine Workers De-
eldsd to Submit Ali Grievances to
President Roosevelts Commission.
Wilkesbarre, Pa. Oct 22.-with a
shout that fairly shook the convention
building, the representatives of the
$4,000 mine workers. who have been
on strike since last May, officially de-
csared on at noon yesterday the great
est contest ever waged between capt.
tai and labor, and placed all the Ques-
lions involved In the struggle into the
hands OF the arbitration commission
appointed by the president Of the Unit,
ed States. When the news was fash
ed to the towns and villages down In
the valleys and on the mountains OF
the coal regions the strike affected In
habitants heaved a sigh of relief Many
days have gone by since more well
come news was received. Everywhere
there was rejoicing, and In many
places the end OF the strike was the
signal for impromptu town celebra.
lions. The anthracite coal regions
from it's largest city-Scranton-down
to the lowliest coal patch, has suffer.
ed by the conflict, and every one now
looks for better times. While the
large army OF mine workers and their
families, numbering approximately
SOC, 900 persons, are grateful that work
is TO be resumed tomorrow, the strik-
ers have still to learn what their re-
ward will be. President Roosevelt
having taken prompt action in calling
the arbitrators together for their first
meeting on Friday, the miners hope
they will know by Thanksgiving Day
what practical gain they have made.
The vote To resume coal mining was
unanimous one and was reached only
warm debate. During the de-
zee speeches were made In for
guages-Slavonic, Polish and
10. The three foreign,speak-
ties favored the acceptance
opposition.
cement the Principal objection
the arbitration proposition was that no
provision was contained IN the scheme
TO take care OF those men who would
fail to get back their old positions or
would be unable to get any work ut all.
The engineers and pump men get bet
ter pay than other classes of mine
workers, and they did not wish to run
the risk OF losing altogether their old
places and be compelled to dig coal
for a living. This question came up
yesterday, and was argued right up to
the time the vote was taken. No one
had definite plan to offer to over
come the objection. and the report OF
the committee on resolutions recon-
mending that the strike be declared
on, and that all issuss be placed In
the hands OF the arbitration commits
sion for decision. was adopted with
out the question being settled. A few
minutes before adjournment, however,
q partial solution was reached, when
. delegates In the farthest corner OF
the hall moved that the problem be
placed IN the hands OF the three execu-
tive boards for solution, and his sug-
Eestion was adopted. The principal
speech OF the day was made by Ma.
uonal Secretary-treasurer w. 3. Will
son. who practically spoke for Presi-
dent Mitchell and the national organi-
Zation. In a strong argument he
counseled the men to accept arbitra-
ton. the very plan the strikers them
selves had offered, return to work and
trust to the presidents tribunal to do
them justice.
Great enthusiasm was manifested
when the vote on the resolutions was
taken. President Mitchell came in for a
share Of the applause. When order was
restored resolutions were adopted
thanking ell organizations and indi-
viduals for the assistance they have
rendered the mine workers In the
strike.
A resolution was also adopted
recommending to state legislatures
that no person under Fl years or age
be employed in or about the mines for
more than eight hours a day. Envel-
SOpes addressed to President Mitchell, at
Wtlkesbarre, were distributed among
the delegates, with instructions that
all pay envelopes. due bills. statements
OF wages, and anything that may help
the miners in their case before the ar
filtration commission be sent to him.
Hundreds Will Be Unable TO Get Work
The question OF taking care of all
the men who will fail to get work I'm
mediately will be serious one for the
union. There is no doubt the execu-
tive boards will take care of the engf.
naQrs 6rAman and voar A-1