New-York tribune., 1902-05-15
1T LOOKS THREATENING.
MITCHELL SEES NO HOPE AND
LINERS FAVOR STRIKE.
HAZLETON CONVENTION TOOK NO AC-
TION YESTERDAY, BUT MAY To
DAY-OPERATORS READY
TO PAY OFF.
Try TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE

Hazleton. Penn. May 14.-The anthracite mine
workers delegates will not reach vote until to-
morrow. at the earliest, but present indications
are that they will finally decide to make the
present suspension permanent. Some change
may be effected by the speeches of the leaders
and delegates tomorrow. but it is not probable.
AT present the strike sentiment is growing rap
idly and a conservative estimate places the per-
centage of those favoring strike at eighty-five
tonight
The delegates arrived in the city about noon
and the morning session was merely for the
appointment of the three district secretaries,
Dempsey. Hartn and Gallag CHER. commit
tee on credentials Unusual taken
In the examination of these. because il re-
r--tcs thu The oE Earators intended to have some
men in the convention.
Most Of the afternoon was taken up by the re-
port Of this committee the preliminary busi-
ness and the arrangements for the discussion
which is to be made Tomorrow. President Mitch
ell made the opening address 1t was not perti-
nent 10 any phase of the situation. and merely
expressed the hope that the delegates would eX-
ercse good judgment in discussing and voting
on the important question before them and
would do their duty. Not word indicated his
belief regarding the advisabity Of strike.
Other leaders made brief addresses. but when
the convention adjourned. at 4:45, little had
general press committee of the convention. re-
ported that there was no statement to give out
and that the next session of the convention
would be at o'clock tomorrow morning
ALL DEPENDS ON MITCHELL.
The delegates themselves later in the even
Ing were less retCent. They said that the con-
vention had held no important discussion, and
that the real speeches on the existing conditions
would be made in the morning and the fight
would then develop. The delegates who are
uninstructed, as well the others who stand
definitely for strike or for no strike, will vote
according To the advice Of their leaders. one,
uniustructed. said tonight:
"If John MITCHELL d,ises TO strike IL will
he n almost unanimous vote. IL he says no
then there will be fight in convention hut
there Will he no strike
The question Of ordering out the engineers,
pump runners and fremen will be one Of the
most important questions discussed the views
of the men of each district differing regarding
this President Mitchell is understood 10 he
opposed it and eager 10 avoid it. II possible,
despite the fact that there many who are
determined upon the most radical measure pos
sibIe to make the companies grant concessions.
II is greatly feared that should these men he
ordered out the non-uniOn men whom the COM
panN would engage would he attacked. ana
bloodshed and perhaps the calling out of the
militia would follow. President Mitchell recog-
njzes the danger of this. and, it is understood.
will do what he can 10 avoid it. He would not
talk to-day about any further hope Of conces-
sions or plans for averting a strike. hut when
he was asked what the situation he shook
his head and replied.
LIT looks very threatening
District leaders, while averse to making state
ments, tonight admitted that the strike senti-
ment was increasing among the men, but re-
fused to say whether they believed a strike
would he declared.
President Mitchell received many kilograms to-
day but stated that they created no new hope.
OPERATORS READY TO PAY OFF.
Wilkesbarre, Penn May II (SpeciaD-For
three days the clerks in the offices of all the big
coal companies here have worked night and
day TO complete the payrolls, and finished the
work at noon to-day. The companies are
in a position to pay off their employees at few
hours notice. Whether they intend to do this
In the event of a strike they will say, but
the miners believe that is their plan. 1t will
benefit the companies. because they Will be
able, if they win the strike. to engage what men
they please. and 1t is probably part of plan
to break up the union and shatter its organiza-
ticn. 1t is the first step in what is expected
to prove the most severe fight between en-
ployer and employed that this coal region has
ever seen. Statements are refused by the opera
Continued fourth paEe.