Omaha daily bee., 1902-07-09
NATIONAL DEFENSE FUND
Public in General Will Be Asked to Assist
the Striking Miners,
PRESIDENT MITCHELL APPROVES PLAN
Union Will Accept No Aid, However,
Until After Their Present Funds
Are Completely Exhausted
In Supplies.

wILKESBARRE, Pa, July s.-A national
defense fund, to which all organized labor
and the public in general will be asked to
contribute, is the latest proposition placed
on foot to help the striking anthracite coal
miners II they need assistance in their
struggle for higher wages and a shorter
workday. Harry White of New York, Sec
Rotary of the National Garment workers
and a member Of the Cancellation commit
tee of the National Civic Federation, had
a long conference with President Mitchell,
during which the plan was approved by the
miners chief, and MIR. White will at once
begin preparations to carry out the plan.
Mr.. Mitchell wants II understood, how
ever, that the miners union will accept
no aid until their own resources are ex-
hausted. Mr.. White came here authorized
by several labor organizations TO place the
proposition before President Mitchell. After
the conference President Mitchell had moth
ing to say about the matter beyond the
brief statement that he approved the plan.
Mr.. White gave out the following state
ment:
President Mitchell will accept the CO.
operation and whatever aid may be rem
dered by labor organizations of the coun-
try and others, but with the understanding
that 1t is to be only used when their "
anu bNNOlllG tAiduSNtut WIG Will nON
pc for some time. Mr.. Mitchell says that
Detore soliciting outside support the min
ers at work must set the example. them
selves by contributing a considerable por-
ton of their earnings to sustain their fell
lows who are fighting their common bat
tie; 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
Efforts will also be made to organize a
movement throughout the country so that
/ 1hn nnlOnG a nd nfhnra VNnNr ha Wal 80
collect funds when the time is propitious.
Public men will also undertake an in
lions from those not connected with labor
organizations. This movement was organ
lied in New York and the labor organiza-
cities of the country will be called on to
appoint committees to carry on similar
work.
All friendly newspapers will be asked to
cooperate. TIL scheme in brief contem-
plated the concentration of the energy and
resources of organized labor in behalf OF
the miners cause, a result which has
never before been achieved. 1t involves
each week with which provisions and other
necessaries of life will be purchased.
g The plan an has the approval of President
fore the executive committee of the Amer
lean Federation OF Labor for endorsement
at Its sessions, which open in San Fran
cisco next week.
GOmpers Approves Plan.
MT HompeTs, III MS letter OF approval,
said: .
1 beg to say that your action meets with
my hearty approval and you can say so to
President. Mitchell. Anything which l car
do toward bringing about the end desired
VIII be cordially done.
OF course, II is understood tina the en-
tire plan is contingent upon the Indianap-
Oils convention OF mine workers voting
that event the aid which the soft coal min.
ers Will be able to render would be cut off
/ nc ~ nINI fn AraN ~ The YVAaNNA a. 49,
to maintain the vast number that would
be involved.
means of the miners soon becoming ex-
hausted and whens it, Is demonstrated &c
them that the funds will be forthcoming, e
the situation will be changed materially.
Personally Secretary White disapprove.
Of the proposed general suspension order Of
mining as well as Of sympathetic strikes
in general. He expressed his views on the
subject as follows:
1 believe thar should the indianapolis
convention order a general suspension OF
mining a great disturbance will be created
without in any way beneftinR those whom
1t aims to help: Besides, it would make
necessary a violation of agreements which
would be so conspicuous as to discredi'
the entire labor movement. Such a mis-
take would be all the greater because there
would be no apparent advantage by 1t.
II trades union can violate agreement
whenever IL is convenient to do so, ther
the employers will be justified in doing
the same; consequently agreements would
have no binding force and no effect. i
labor organizations are to improve theil
standings in the business world they mus
abide by the principles involved in al
agreement.
The Lehigh Valley Coal company sue
ceeded today In starting up its Henri!
washery at Plains. The coal thus takeI
from the culm banks is not sent to market
Ihut Is used under the COMMANDS hoiler's.