Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1902-03-28
DECLARE FOR A STRIKE.
Miners Adopt Resolution for Exc
treme Action in Event of Oper-
ntors Failing to Yield.

ShamolSin, Pa, March 25.-Unless
the efforts of the Civic Federation
are effective with the coal operators
it is more than likely that a repeti-
tion of the struggle of 1900 will occur
in the anthracite region. In that
year 100000 employees of the anthra
cite mines were on strike for six
weeks. The convention Monday of
districts Nos. 1, and 0, United Mine
workers of America, which districts
comprise the entire anthracite field,
made provisional strike declaration,
leaving the date to be decided by the
executive boards of the three dis
tricts. This was practically the last
official act of the delegates, and the
convention adjourned sine die at four
o'clock Monday afternoon.
The adoption of the resolution con-
tanning the ultjmatum of the mine
workers was followed by scene of
wild enthusiasm, and the opera house
rang with the acclamations of the
delegates who, with lusty cheers, ap-
proved the work of the special reso-
luton committee and expressed their
The convention from the first session
showed a disposition to insist on an
adjustment of the mine workers
grievances, but the delegates were
willing to relinquish the question of
recognition providing other more i'm
portant concessions were granted.
This fact is evidenced in the resolp'
tion adopted Monday, which states,
as the chief demands, a shorter work
day, minimum day wage scale, a
uniform increase in wages and the
weighing of coal wherever practi-
cable.
The Civic Federation is regarded by
the delegates as the last hope of the
mine workers in their demands for
improved conditions, and the gravity
of the situation is manifested in the
words of President Mitchell: Il am
free to say that to me strike seems
imminent"
The resolution adopted Monday was
the result of difference of opinion
among the delegates as to the meth
ods to be pursued in enforcing the
mine workers demands. Resolutions
had been presented to the convention
from all districts, but none of them
were satisfactory to the entire body
of delegates. 1t was then decided to
place the matter in the hands of
President Mitchell and the district
presidents and vice presidents. Be-
fore completing the draft of the res
olution. President Mitchell tele-
graphed the presidents of the coal
carrying roads, making last appeal
for a conference. He received several
replies, one of which was from Pres
ident Baer, of the Philadelphia &
Reading Coal & Iron company, and
all of which refused to meet the rep
made no response. The text of the
replies were not made public.
This resulted in the formulation of
the resolution presented Monday, and
according to President Mitchell it was
adopted without dissenting vote
| The resolution provides for the ap'
| pointment of a committee by the
! three district executive boards, who
will carry the mine workers demands
4
Civic Federation with an appeal to
that organization for assistance
This committee, which consists of II
members, was appointed Monday
night.
During the day President Mitchell
was in communication by telephone
with Secretary Ralph NJ. Easley, OF
the Civic Federation, to whom he
had announced the decision of the
convention. This orgaazation is EN-
powered by its constitution to use its
good Offices to prevent strikes when
appealed to by one of the parties to
the proposed rupture. In the event
of their failure to secure satisfactory
concessions, the committee will re
port to the district executive boards
which were authorized by the conven
ton to declare a strike.
The purpose of the convention in
suspending work at the mines three
days in each week after April /, if ne
gotiations are then pending, is tc
prevent the storage of coal by the
companies by producing an amount
sufficient only to supply the existing
needs of the market.
President Mitchell said there hat
been misapprehension concerning
the sentiment of the convention. AL
of the delegates favored conserv
atism, he said, but they were unani
nous in their demands for an adjust
ment of their grievances.
Suicides Horrible Death.