New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-09-17
PLAN TO CONTINUE FIGHT.
GOMPERS CONFERS WITH NINE WORK
Frs LEADERS

Wilkesbarre. Penn. Sept 16-Instead of sur
rendering to the operators. the union to-day laid
plans for continuing the strike for an indefinite
period. More money is 10 be raised and cam
paign planned that will, the officers of the union
believe. keep the men firm and end in victory.
All day long President Gompers of the Ameri-
can Federation of Lab Dor. President Mitchell
National Treasurer Wilson and District Presi-
dents Nichols, Fahey and Duffy of the United
Mine Workers were in conference here
thorough report of the prevailing conditions was
prepared. Estimates were made Of the number
Of men who had returned to work. the progress
being made hy the operators. the amount Of coal
they were turning out. the number of strikers
work had been provided for the number de-
pendent on the union. the amount Of the strike
fund raised, the manner of its collection and
distribution and the possibilities of the future.
1t pointed that with the coming of
cold weather there would be need of more aid.
and that every week more applications for aid
were being made as the strikers exhausted their
own resources. 1t was arranged to raise more
strike relief money. not by assessment Of the
Federation members, but by asking for more
voluntary contributions These are expected
from all the labor unions of the country soon
as there is need Of them.
When he was asked if the million and half
members of the Federation would be assessed
to aid the miners, President Gompers said:
They will be when we find such step neces-
sary. hut the miners are still amply able to
fight their battle. and, besides. the trades
unions comprising the Federation now MAX
ing voluntary contributions to help the miners
cause which total nearly much might be
raised by levying an assessment. Our annual
convention Will be held at New Orleans on No
vember Il. and there is no necessity of calling
convention any earlier. At present the strike
situation looks very encourag ing for the miners.
I find their organization in excellent condition,
and everything working smoothly and harmont-
ously-
Secretary Wilson said OF the conference: 1T
was just general discussion of the situation
and the perfecting Of our plans for bringing the
strike TO a successful end
Have you asked the Federation for financial
aid?' was asked.
NO: there is no need for us to do that, he re-
piled. Everything is progressing satisfactorily
to us. I find the men in the anthracite region
remarkably firm. and the situation is hopeful
and encouraging"
DO you know OF any plans for a setuement?'
No, do not.
4 ruTnor came out Of PottsvilIe to-day that
Governor Stone at the conference in Harrisburg
last SATURDAY offered Mr.. Mitchell = per cent
increase for all the strikers if they would re-
turn 10 work until April l. This Is vigorously
denied by President Mitchell, who says that no
such offer was made. and that Governor stone
did not ma Ike a proposition q any kind
Al a meeting Of the tEenty-seven locals repre-
seu+iDs the WilkeSbaTre Sub-dlStrlct to-day a
resolution was adopted that 1t was the sentiment
of the members to remain on strike one year
longer. # necessary.