The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-09
MANY AGENCIES WILL ASSIST
LABOR UNIONS, PUBLIC MEN AND
NEWSPAPERS TO HELP.
Plans for the Settlement of the Strike
Other Phases of the Great An
thracite Field Conflict.

WILKESBARRE, July S.-A national
defense fund. to which all organized labor
and the public in general will be asked TO
contribute, is the latest proposition placed
on foot TO help the striking miners if they
need assistance in their struggle for higher
wages and a shorter work day. Harry
White, of New York, secretary of the
National Garment Workers and a member
of the concliation committee of the Ma
tional Civic Federation. had long con-
ference with President Mitchell to-day,
during which the plan was approved by the
miners chief, and Mr.. White will at once
begin preparations to carry out the plan.
President Mitchell wants il understood,
however, that the miners union will accept
no aid until it's own resources are exhaust
ed. Mr.. White came here authorized by
several labor organizations to place the
proposition before President Mitchell At
ter the conference President Mitchell had
nothing to say about the matter beyond
the brief statement that he approved the
plan. Mr. White gave out the following
statement:
President Mitchell will accept the coop
Grafton and whatever aid may be rendered
by labor organizations of the country and
others, but with the understanding that it
is to be used only when the miners own
funds have become exhausted. which will
not be for some time Mr. Mitchell says
that before soliciting outside support the
miners at work must set the example
themselves by contributing a considerable
portion of their earnings TO sustain their
fellow-members in the hard coal fields who
are lighting their common battle. This will
be determined upon at the Indianapolis
convention. Mr.. Mitchell also welcomed
the aid rendered by men of means and in
1uence outside the ranks of organized Ia
Dor.
Efforts will also be made to originate a
movement throughout the country so that
the unions and others may be prepared to
collect funds when the time is propitious
Public men will also undertake an inde-
pendent movement and solicit subscriptions
from those not connected with labor or
ganizations. This movement will be inau-
gurated in New York city. and the labor
organizations and sympathizers in all the
principal cities of the country will be called
on TO appoint committees to carry on SINH
lar work.
cooperate. The scheme, in brief. contem-
plates the concentration of the energy and
resources OF organized labor in behalf q
the miners cause, a result which has never
before been achieved. Ii involves the rails
ing of a given amount of money each week
with which provisions and other neces-
saries of life will be purchased. The plan
has the approval of President Samuel Com
pers, and il will be placed before the execu-
tive council OF the American Federation of
Labor for Endorsement at its session in
San Francisco next week.
Mr.. Gompers in his letter OF approval
said: Il beg TO say that your action meets
with my hearty approval. and you can say
so 10 President Mitchell. Anything | can
do toward bringing about the end desired
will be cordially done. OF course. il is un-
derstood that the entire plan is contingent
on the Indianapolis convention of Mine
Workers voting down n motion for a gen
eral strike. in that event. the aid which
the soft coal miners Will be able TO render
would be cut Off as IL would be out of the
question TO try TO maintain the vast num-
Der of people who would be involved The
operators are counting on the means of the
miners soon becoming exhausted. and when
IL is demonstrated 10 them that the funds
will be forthcoming 10 prolong the contest
indefinitely, If need be. the situation will be
changed materially"
Personally Secretary White disapproves
the proposed general suspension order of
mining, as well of sympathetic strikes
In general He expressed his views on the
subject as follows: Il believe that should
the Indianapolis convention order gem
eral suspension of mining a great disturb
ancs will be created without in any way