The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-18

President Mitchell said: "Gentlemen-In
opening this convention I deem it my duty
TO make a few preliminary remarks and to
suggest, in a series OF recommendations
the policy which would, in my judgment
best protect the interests of the striking
anthracite mine workers and preserve un-
impaired the integrity OF our entire organ
ization.
LAS you are aware the constitution of the
United Mine Workers of America requires
the president to call a special national con-
vention upon the application OF five dis
tricts. regardless of whether or not the
judgment of the president is in accord with
the views of the districts making such ap-
plication, or with the purpose for which
the convention is called.
I'm determining the grave and important
question which now confronts you-namely,
the sdvisability Of inaugurating a national
suspension of coal mining in defense of
struggling fellow-workers in the an
thracite fields of Pennsylvania-it is i'm
perative that you should weigh with the
greatest possible care the momentous prob
lem with which you have to DEAL neither
passion nor prejudice should influence your
action I'm any particular; and l sincerely
trust that your Observation-Disclosures it may
be-shall carry hope and inspiration TO
that great army of men. women and chill
dren in the anthracite fields who are watch
tng and praying in expectation that this
assembly will devise some measure which
shall prove sufficient TO enable them to OBJ
tain living wages and humane. American
conditions of employment. Personally, 1
wish TO impress upon you a realization of
the fact that their success will be your
success, and their defeat VIII be your de-
feat; moreover. the destruction of the
United Mine Workers organization in the
anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania
would prove the greatest possible shock TO
the American trade union movement. The
eyes Of the entire Nation. are centered up
on that contest; the hearts OF all liberty
loving. patriotic citizens beat in sympathy
with IL. and feel sure that a great victory
will be achieved If the coal miners them
selves will set the example and take the
initiative by doing their full duty.
OPPOSES SUSPENSION OF WORK.
''I have been so closely associated with
the struggles OF the anthracite mine work
ers: have taken such part in their sue
cesses and failures. and have felt so keenly
their joys and SORROWS that it grieves me
more than language can express 10 say
that my views are not in accord with the
views expressed by some In favor OF a
national suspension OF coal mining; but
much as / cherish the esteem. the conf
dence and the friendship of my craftsmen
who have honored me so signally, L can
not and will not forfeit my right TO that
esteem. confidence and friendship by sub
ordinating my personal conviction or the
right and advocating a policy which would
IN the end bring disaster and dishonor up
on the organization over whose destiny IL
is my privilege 10 preside I have, during
all my life in the labor movement, de-
cIared that contracts mutually made
should, during their life. be kept inviolate;
and while at times IL may appear 10 the
superficial observer to those fmmedi-
ately concerned that advantage could be
gained by setting agreements aside. such
advantage-if gained-woud in the very
nature OF things. be temporary and would
ultimately result in disaster: because a
disregard OF The sacredness OF contracts
strikes at the very utals Of organized la
AAr The effect OF such action would be to