The sun., 1903-06-03
MINERS THREATEN TO STRIKE.
ANTHRACITE MEN SAY GRIEV-
ANCES MUST BE SETTLED.
Hope to Bring About the Organization Of
the Board or Cancellation In This Way
President Mitchell IL Supposed to
Have suggest ed This Drastic Action.


WILKES BARRE, June 1.-The mine work.
ers Of the anthracite region, represented
by the Executive Board Of each of three
districts, tonight threaten a general sus-
pension Of work unless the operators agree
to adjust their grievances speedily. This
was decided after a session Of the executive
boards lasting several hours, and was en-
bodied in a statement given out tonight
by District Presto Nichols. Fahey and
Dettry threatening a te-up of the region.
This Is the statement given out
At the joint meeting of the executive
boards of the anthracite region this morning.
the members selected to represent the mine
workers Of each district on the Cancellation
board reported that the representatives. of
the operators refused to recognize their,
the mine workers credentials, or accept them
as members of the Cancellation board.
They reported that the operators objected
on the ground that the mine workers repre-
sentatives were appointed by their organiza-
ton as it exists in each district. The award
of the commission relative to the manner OF
selecting the members of the conciliation
board provides as follows:
That Is to say, if there shall be division
of the whole region into three districts. in
each Of which there shall exist an organiza-
ton representing a majority of the min"
workers in such district, one of said board
Of conciation shall be appointed by each
of said organizations. and three other per-
sons shall be- appointed by the operators.
the operators in each Of said districts ap-
pointing one person.
The district boards are still of the opinion
that they appointed their representatives
AS provided for by this section of the award.
and voted unanimously to affirm their for
Il, tnt Ia utTA
exceedingly anxious to have the cancellation
board formed and meet for the purpose of
ad using many grievances which have ac-
cunuated and to this end have been bending
their energies.
The officers have advised. when grievances
arise. that the men would not strike. and
where strikes occurred ordered them back
to work pending a decision by the conciia-
ton board, which they hoped would soon be
formed, in accordance with the commis-
sion's award.
Two questions are under consideration.
One is to make application to the national
president to issue an order for general
suspension of work throughout the whole
anthracite region. to continue until the oper-
ators agree to adjust existing grievances,
and live up to tine award Of the anthracite
commission. The second is that delegates
convention be called to consider the ndvisa-
bility of taking the above action.
This threat is understood to be the means
suggested by President Mitchell. when in
conference with the district pres idents
at Buffalo on Sunday. with the hope that it
will force the operators to meet their men,
bers of the Cancellation Board.
While this is taken merely as a threat,
there is every indication tonight that the
mine workers are determined to take the
vigorous action stated unless Messrs.
Luther, Warriner and Connel agree to
recede from the position they have taken
of maintaining that the three district presi-
dents we're not selected in strict accord
ance with the directions Of the strike com-
mission. The plan of the mine workers
now is to wait all day tomorrow, in the hope
Of hearing from the operators, and then,
if they do not hear from them, to issue an
order calling for the suspension Of work
after a certain dat unless the operators
agree to meet the district presidents and
agree to adjust the grievances Of which
the mine workers now complain.
The district presidents and board mem
beIs will not supplement the statement
by any further declaration of the position
Of the board They say tho statement
speaks for itself. They believe that if
the quest ion is referred to conventions of
the mine workers there will be no hesi-
fancy on the part of the men in concurring
with their officers and that the suspension
will be ordered President Mitchell is
not here. but if he is needed he will come
at ono, and take charge of the situat ion,
Supt Warriner of the Lehigh Valley
Coal Company. the member of the Conclia-
ton Board residing in this city, was ast on
shed tonight when he heard of the ac-
ton of the district board He said, how
ever, that he could make no statement Of
what the ion of Surts Luther and Connell
and himself might be until he had consulted
the others.