New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-18
MITCHELL DEFENDS BOYCOTT.
NON UNION MEN PROTEST AGAINST AGREEMENT WITH
STRIKERs-WANT TO WORK AS LONG AS THEY PLEASE
THE NON-UNION MEMS SIDE
THEY DEMAND PROTECTION FROM
VIOLENCE OF MEMBERS OF
THE UNION.
THE UNION.
lBr TELEGRAPH TO 1HE TRIBUNE !

Scranton. Penn. Nov 1.-THE statement of
the non-union workers of the anthracite region
defining their position filed tonight with
the strike commissioners. They ask for repre-
sentation by their attorneys at the hearings OF
the commission. They do not want to be re-
stricted by any eight hour agreement. but want
to work as long as they for the best prices
they can get. and they ask that the commission
make provision in the findings for their protee-
ton from insult and assault.
Their demands are:
First-An increase of 20 per cent over the
price paid during the year 1901, to employees
performing contract and piece work
Second-A like increase Of 70 per cent over
the prices paid during the year 1901. to en-
ployes paid by the hour, day or week.
These demands are explained as follows:
This request for increased wages rather than
decrease of hours of labor is earnestly Grsed pc pc
cause such increase of wages VIII apply 20 the
class of labor now receiving least pay at the
mines; and. therefore. the class which is espe.
cially in need of increase of wages instead OF
desiring a reduction in the hours Of employ
ment we insist upon right to work as many
hours as we choose and as opportunity affords.
so as to better our conditions and increase our
earning capacity, and we insist that the opera
tors shall not conduct their mines In sucn a
way as to favor certain workers in certain
chambers and places of labor. to the detriment
of others who willing to work At the same
do much work as the opportunity in the par
ticular mine affords offers. even though IL
may result in less work being done by another
emplOye, who, through Ind1Sposluon Is not
willing to work when the opportunity affords,
or by reason Of any contract with the mine
workers union restricting his own class OF
labor.
The statement then continues:
Third-We demand the adoption at each
coery of whatever methods may be necessary
and practicable to secure for the miner mini
mum rate of go cents ton of 2,24O pounds upon
all coal sold from said colliery, the differentas
now existing at the various mines to be main
tanned.
DO NOT WANT TO BE HELD BY UNION.
Fourth-We protest against the making Of
any agreement between the United Mine Work
ers of America and our employers determining
what shall be paid to us. and what shall be the
conditions of employment. or pretending to
deal in any respect whatever with our rights or
interests as mine workers
Fifth-We earnestly protest against any
agreement being made by our employers with
the United Mine Workers of America, for the
reason that any agreement. if made. will render
1t impossible for to continue to our
living by our labor in and about the mines in
which we are now employed or to which such
agreement applies. and will subject and our
families 10 ali manner of abuse violence out
rage and probably murder.
Stxth-We insist that il shall be an indispensa-
bic condition TO any dealing whatever with any
members of the Mine Workers Union of Ameri-
ca IN the anthracite coal fields that they shall
be eneCtually required TO deSSt from all man
ner or annoyance to us and to our families. and
shall permit us to exercise our right TO earn
living in any lawful manner we choose. and un-
der any conditions which are mutually salts
factory 10 our employers and ourselves.
Seventh-We protest against any rule limit
ing restricting the number of cars to be fur
ntshed TO a contractor, miner la aborer for the
purpose OF loading the same whether such rule
be made either by he operators. the United
Mine WoI kers. or by the mutual agreement of
ooth OF them provided that the furnishing of
the increased number of cars to any contractor.
miner or laborer does not in any way restrict
the number of cars to be furnished others and
we insist that rule shall be adopted and
strictly enforced compelling drivers in the mines
or those having charge of the management and
distribution of the mine cars to the miner con-
tractor or laborer not 10 favor any particular
miner. contractor or laborer in such distribution
To the detriment and exclusion of other con-
tractors. miners and labOrers-
THE RIGHT TO WORK
Eighth-we believe it to be an inalienable and
undouoted right TO work when We can obtain it,
and 10 receive as compensation for il the best
price we can obtain. And we further believe
that the laws of the land vouschafe TO us pro-
lection from insult. outrage violence molesta-
tion or interference in the performance of our
labors, and in order that we shall not be dis
turned in the free and full exercise of these
rights we most respectfully urge that the as
sertion of them be made part of the finding in
this proceeding
Ninth-In our efforts TO earn a livelihood for
| ourselves our families and those dependent upon
us we have been most OutrageOusly interfered
with. Our homes have been assaulted and the
lives OF ourselves and those dear TO us threaten
ed. On our way TO and from work we have been
stoned dubbed. beaten, insulted. jeered at and
the same course of outrageous treatment has
attended us at our places of employment In
order that we might TO some extent be pro
tected at our work, our employers have been
obliged 10 have guards constantly with us and
in many instances ii became necessary TO escort
us TO and from work to our homes. The sheriffs
have been Obliged to issue proclamation after
proclamation to preserve the public peace and
IL became necessary TO increase their deputies
and forces to large number in and about the
collieries in the anthracite mine region, with a
view to insuring the public tranquility
By reason of the destruction of life and prop
erty and the gravity of the situation In and
about the coal fields il became necessary for
the Governor of the Commonwealth of Penn
sylvania to order the State troops TO the places
of violence and disorder. And this serious and
no means confined to homes and places Of
employment. 1t followed us everywhere We
have been hung in ef1gy in public places. The
vicious and unlawful boycott has been prac-
dealing in the necessaries of life have been
forbidden to furnish with food and
clothing. In church where we worship the
service has been interrupted by members of the
union beauSe of our presence there. Our names
have been published in CONSPICUOUS places as
many instances have been obliged to stop
work on account of fear, and we have been in
constant terror. All kinds of crime even
der of our comrades and fellow workmen, have
been committed for no other reason than that
we insisted upon our right to work. and against
this course of conduct emphatiCalIy protest.
Tenth-We hereby guarantee TO abide by the
decision of the commission on all questions de-
cided by them. and agree that whatever
clusion il reaches the same shall be final and
conclusive.
ASHES OF COLUMBUS HOTED.
Seville. Spain. Nov. 1.-THE ceremony OF de-