Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1902-10-21
Bees No Ground for Perpetual Hostility
Between Two Organizations.
MEN AND MASTERS ARE INTeRDEPEND1NT
Believes Roos,velts Commission Will
Recognise that Principle
CONVENTION soUABsLES OVER DETAILS
Makes Many Motions 10 Exclude Nom
Authorized Persons and Finally
AdJourns with Little or
No Business Done.

lCusly awaited mlneTE convention met TO-
day but did not reach a vote on the pro-
posed plan Of settlement. although it is ex-
pected to do so tomorrow.
There were 662 delegates present In the
Nesbit theater. where the convention
opened who were empowered by their local
unions to cast s67 votes for or against
President Roosevelts proposed plan Of
arbitration. The great majority Of dele
gates were uninstructed but a few engi-
neers. nremen and pumpmen, who fear that
the 5000 strikers of those classes may not
get back their old places, have orders to
hght for additional concessions. This ques-
tion proved the only stumbling block in
the way of an almost immediate adoption Of
the presidents plan and the consequent
formal end Of the strike.
At one time 1t seemed that the conven-
tion was about to adopt the recommenda-
tion OF President Mitchell to end the strike,
but the steam mems plea was too earnest,
and the vote went over until tomorrow,
when II is next to certain the strike will
be declared OF by big majority
The leaders of the strikers, except Mr..
Mitchell. we're hardly heard at all, the
anxious engineers being allowed to give
full expression to their feelings. But to-
morrow. it is predicted the leaders will
be heard, and one Of them, a high district
of1cer, said today that there would not be
more than fifteen votes recorded against
the arbitration plan.
There were two sessions, forenoon and
afternoon, today, and the net result was
a permanent organization, with Mr.. Mitchell
in the chair. his speech laying the presi-
dents plan before the delegates, his elo-
quent impromptu speech advocating its
adoption and the appointment of a commit
tee on resolutions. This committee, as
Mr.. Mitchell said to the delegates, would
prepare formal statement to the public,
telling fully and carefully why the conven-
tion decided to continue the strike, II It
should so decide, and why the strike was
declared Off a. that was the outcome Of
the deliberations.
The question before the convention when
It adjourned for the day was on the adop-
tion OF the resolution embodied in Presi-
dent Mitchers opening speech to call of
the strike and leave all questions to the
presidents commission.
The surprise OF the convention was the
decision to admit newspaper men to all
the sessions, open or executive, when even
union miners eagerly waiting by the hun
dreds could not get into the theater.
The pleas which won were that the re-
porters represented the people, that public
opinion had helped the strikers and that
the best way to get an accurate report Of
this convention was to let the press repre-
sentatives stay Even the suggestion OF
the press committee to give the news to
the correspondents was turned down by
the convention.
Convention Called to order.
District President t. D. Nichols of scran-
ton called the convention to order at 1920.
On account Of pressure OF business at strike
headquarters President Mitchell was unable
to be present until the afternoon session.
The routine proceedings were followed by
singing the suggestion having been made
that the convention be entertained for a
while by some OF the Sweet Welsh Sing
ers'' of the organization.
A delegate from the Wyoming valley
caused a storm Of enthusiasm by singing
q song entitled, "Give Three Cheers for
Mitchell for the Strike that We Have
Won" Songs and short speeches by other
delegates followed and the striking mine
workers for the time seemed to have for
gotten their troubles.
At IL as adjournment was taken until O.
The afternoon session began at 2:1O
with only the accredited delegates and a
small army OF newspaper men present.
without any speechmaking Mr.. Mitchell
was elected permanent chairman and Ma
tional Secretary Treasurer w. B. Wilson
was selected permanent secretary.
Just as the cheering for the election OF
the two ofhcals was ended President
Mitchell walked on the stage. The instant
the delegates saw him they rose enmassC
and cheered for Several minutes.
When the enthusiasm had subsided an
outburst Of another character was precipl-
tated by the newspaper correspondents. A
motion wss made to 60 into executive ses-
siGn. but before a vote could be taken a
petition was presented, signed by all the
correspondents. requesting permission tc
remain. The petition pointed out the fact
that the entire country was interested
After some debate for and against the re-
quest, the reporters won, but no sooner
had the convention proceeded with the reg
ular business than a delegate arose and
objected to the presence OF the newspaper
Representatives unless the strikers who
were standing on the street we're admitted
A desultory debate followed, and suddenly
rush was heard IN the upper gallery
Some one had burst open the door and
the theater was soon filled with almost al
many union men who were not delegates al
there we're delegates.
Confusion reigned for a time and Presi,
dent Mitchell, after he had restored order
came 10 the rescue and suggested that tn,
public be permitted to remain until tn,
convention reached such business as would
warrant the strikers In closing the doors
This proposal was accepted and Mr.
Mitchell began reading his carefully pre-.
pared opening address.
President Mitchell Speaks.
He spoke as follows;
Gentlemen-In opening this convention 10
the transaction OF business, take pleasure
In extending warm greeting and welcomi
TO the accredited representatives OF the $50.
00o men and boys whose heroic struggi,
Tor living wages and American condition.
OF employment has won the admiration o
the whole civilized world. Language Is In
adequate 20 express the sense OF pride
feel In you and those you represent. You
noble defense OF the principles OF unionisu
endears you to every man and every womal
CONTINUED on Second PAgs.)