Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-21

committee.
(Signed) JOHN MITCHELL,
Chairman of Convention.
W. B. WILSON, Secretary of Convention.
The Debate Resumed.
The debate on reinstatement was imme-
diately resumed. One delegate strenuously
objected to the adoptions of the resolutions
because no provision is made in them for
the men who may fail to get work. Tho
other side of the question was taken up by
a delegate from the Panther Creek valley.
He said:
Let us go back; we will all get work in
the end
There were cries for the previous ques-
ton, but President Mitchell stopped this by
announcing that every man would be given
a chance to speak, and that he would not
entertain a motion to vote so long as there
was one delegate in the hall who wanted
to be heard
National Secretary-Treasurer w. B. Will
son was recognized by the chair. He made
a strong speech for the acceptance of the
proposition He said the miners were al
ways willing to arbitrate, and now that the
coal company officials have agreed, the
miners are bound to agree. To those men
who feared that they might not get back
their positions he put the question how
they knew they would not be taken back.
He said they were only anticipating 1t. He
felt sure that no competent man need fear
the result. He closed by paying tribute
to all those who have helped the miners.
More Debate on Question.
The delegates, in brief speeches, took up
both sides of the question with great earn
estness Those opposed to the proposition
wanted specific assurances that they would
be taken care of. During the debate three
speechs were made in foreign languages
Slavonic, Polish and Lithuanian. The three
foreign-speaking delegates favored the ac-
ceptance Of the proposition. Slav del
egate wanted to know what wages the men
would receive If they go to work Thursday
which created laugh. He was Informed
that the question would be placed in the
hands of the commission.
The Italian delegates also wanted the
proposition explained to them, which was
done by an Italian speaker. When he had
completed his explanation a motion was
Immediately made to close debate. Before
the motion was put, Mr.. MITCHELL in an
swer to query, announced that he had
telegram from the President of the United
States that he would call meeting of the
commission soon as the convention took
favorable action.
This was received with cheers. President
Mitchell gave it as his opinion that the
commission would make it's report within
one month.
He then put the question on the adoption
of the report after a motion to close debate
had been adopted, and asked in snort
speech that the vote be unanimous There
was one loud roar of approval and the great
strike was officially off. The delegates arose
and cheered for fully minute. President
Mitchell came in for a share of the ap-
plause.
When order was restored resolutions were
adopted thanking all organizations and in
dividuals for the assistance they have rem
dered the mine workers in the strike.
Other Resolutions Adopted.
A resolution was also adopted recommend
ing to state legislatures that no person un-
der twenty-one years be employed in or
about the mines for more than eight hours
a day. Another important action was the
adoption of resolution that all men who
are needed to place the mines in condition
can return to work at once.
This applies more particularly to the en-
gineers. firemen and pumpmen.
The engineers made another plea that
something be done in the way of taking
care of the men who fail to find work. 1t
was decided that this question be left in
the hands of the executive boards of the
three districts.
Envelopes addressed to President Mitchell
at Wilkesbarre We're distributed among the
delegates with instructions that all pay en-
velopes. due bills, statements of wages and
anything that may help the miners in their
case before the arbitration commission be
sent to him.
Rev J. j. Curran of Wilkesbarre made
few remarks to the miners and congratu-
lated them on the outcome of the strike.
There being further business before the
convention a delegate arose and suggested
that before adiourning the delegates should
sing My Country, 'Tis of Thee, just to
show that we are law-abiding citizens"
This was done. and the mine workers con-
vention came to an end with three cheers
for John Mitchell.
Mitchell Well Pleased.
When asked for an expression Of his
views upon the action of the convention to-
day President Mitchell said:
81 am well pleased with the action Of
the anthracite mine workers on deciding to
submit the issues which eliminated in the
strike to the commission selected by the
President of the United States.
'The strike itself has demonstrated the
power and dignity of labor. Conservative
intelligent trade unionsm has received an
impetus the effect of which cannot be meas
ured. l earnestly hope and firmly believe
that both labor and capital have learned
from the miners strike lessons which will
enable them to adopt peaceful, humane
business methods of adjusting wage diff
ferenceS in the future' -