The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-07-17
not LIKELY {.
: TO STRIKE
The Soft Coal Miners Were
in Session at Indianap-
oils To-day. r.
About 600 Delegates Were
Present at This Import
ant Meetine. -

Indianapolis, Ind, July 17.-WiIh all
the delegates who ere to take part in The
convention Of the United Mine Workers
on the ground, there seems 10 be no gen
eral sentiment this morning IN favor of
a strike Of the soft coal miners. The
opinion is steadily gaining ground among
the delegates that a strike would lessen
the chances of the anthracite miners Of
winning their strike for the reason that
it would take fl ON them all the support
that the soft coal men would otherwise
be able 20 extend. Then, too, the soft
coal men have a genuine dislike Of &C
'tion that would violate their contracts
with the mine owners.
An Attendance of 900.
While it is impossible to predict what
any body of men, will do with given
question when there is a chance that
the gathering may be swept from its
feet by few imprisoned speakers, the
aspect Of the convention when it opened
this morning was adverse to a strike.
tt convention began in Tomlinsor's
hall with an attendance of about 900 del
egates. Nearly every man on the floor
was the possesscr of several proxies,
some holding as high as five and others
| from four to two. The first session was
not of an executive character, and there
| were many spectators pr esq Mt anxious to
| witness the proceedings Of what has
been heralded as one Ct he most import
| ant gatherings laboring men held In re-
! cent years. -. ..', -
| The hour for calling the convention to
| order was 10 o'clock. At ten minutes be-
upon the platform and was greeted with
cheers. Secretary Wilson following close
| after, shared the applause.
| Prompt to the second Presid ent Mitch
ell brought down his gavel, calling the
convention TO order. Secretary Wilson
| President Mitchell called for the report
| of the committee on credentials. The
reading Of this by Michael MeTaggart
| Of the committee Consumed much time,
as the report contained the names of
all the delegates, with the statement OF
the number Of votes possessed by each
man. ,. ......-.. .... IL .r
Delegate Campbell, a colorcd man from
Kentucky, rsoved the, acceptance of the
report. and the continuation Of the com
lnittee.z This was done and the conyen-
ton adjourned until 1880 p. m. = =
1t is expected that at the afternoon ses
sion Of the convention President Mitchell
will deliver his speech, which it is under
stood, will oppose the declaration OF q
strike. -''''''
| ...:..f ..:....
| Mr.. Mitchelps Advice.
At the meeting of the United Mine
Workers to-day President John ].
Mitchell strongly opposed the ordering Of
a sympathetic strike and advocated in its
place the following policy:
First-That the. treasurer of the order be
directed to appropriate $4,000 for the relief of
the anthracite. miners ..-.-'
Second-That the unions appropriate for the
same purpose as large a sum as they can
| afford. ..''
Third-That an assessment of 81 per week be
levied on all members of unions.
Fourth-That all officers of the national
districts drawing a salary of $50 month or
over contribute 25 per cent Of their salary.
Fifth-That an appeal be made to all trade
unions and citizens generally to aid the cause
of the miners. b.
Sixth-That an address to the American
people be issued appealing to the American
people to bring such pressure to bear as will
compel the operators to submit to arbitration.
At the conclusion of the presidents
address a motion was made by w. D.
Ryan Of Illinois that the suggestions Of
Mr.. Mitchell be adopted. A long and ami
mated discussion followed. - r.