The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-26
When the Delegates Gather To-day
i'm Tomlinson Hall They Will
Have Little to Do.
BANQUET ON THURSDAY NIGHT
CENTRAL LABOR UNION WILL BE
HOST OF THE OCCASION.
The Committee Already Has It's Ar
arrangements Under Way-The
Wage Conference.


tically little or nothing before the body for
consideration. All miners conventions are
not over until the final adjournment, how
ever, and something may arise which will
make the last three days of the session
more interesting than those which preceded
them. That the convention has so far been
so quiet is a matter of much speculation
among the miners. The appeals and grew
ance committee, which heretofore has had
work before it every day, and whose re-
ports have caused most of the discussions,
had absolutely nothing to settle within the
convention. Harmony has pervaded the en-
tire organization and the deliberations of
the body have been practically nothing
more than a ratification of the opinions of
the committeeman.
President Mitchells selections Of commit
tee members were considered by the dele
gates to be the best available. The men Sc
lected were miners who knew the organiza-
ton. had its interests at heart and recon-
mended nothing at which offense could be
taken. Resolutions and legislation deemed
for the best interests of the miners union
were reported favorably and the committee
members prepared to fight for them in the
convention Their determination resulted
in the routing at every encounter of their
adversaries and their opinions were re-
spected by the majority.
EXPENSES OF DELEGATES.
The transportation committees work was
OF a more routine character than anything
else and had no trouble In working yester-
day afternoon on the claims of the many
delegates. Transportation is the one item
of expense borne by the national organiza-
ton for each representative Of the locals
The per diem of the delegate and his ex-
penses while absent from home are pro-
vided by the local which he represents, but
his mileage is allowed by the national or
ganization.
The report of the delegates to the Amer
lean Federation of Labor may yet prove TO
be the most interesting feature Of the con-
vention. If the delegates touch on the So
cialistic question there is certain to be a re-
vival of the socialistic sentiment which has
been choked of during the past week. Some
more resolutions calculated to pledge the
convention to a policy leaning toward gov
eminent ownership Of mines and railroads
may be introduced, but the leaders OF the
mine workers anticipate little difficulty in
sidetracking them as easily as other SINH
larly intended were got rid Of.
In the miscellaneous business to occupy
the time of the convention during its last
three days work there may arise several
questions that will occupy time and excite
some discord The raising of the defense
fund planned may be fought by some. The
fact that a defense fund of sufficiently large
amount to wage strike without an appear
or assessment from the miners is needed 1T
is believed, will not influence all OF the
delegates to favor its creation. The spon-
taneity with WHICH the appeal P Tor AID was ~as
strikers was called for has Influenced a
number of delegates who believe In not
preparing to cross the river until they
reach II. They think that II the fund can
be raised when needed there is little use In
maintaining 1t beforehand. The more than
a million dollar balance left from the relief
amount of money to keep within the or
ganization. This balance also has excited
some talk Some Of the miners are wonder
ing why 1T was not distributed for the re-
lief of the strikers when they really needed
It. They do not believe that sinking fund
was necessary, because the contributions
derived from the assessment were coming
in rapidly enough to keep the anthracite
strikers partially supplied with the neces-
stiles.
HOW THE DAY WAS SPENT.
Yesterday the miners spent the day in
writing letters home and in enjoying the
sights of the city. Parties of miners rode
over the car lines and many went to
churches. The Catholic churches of the
city, more especially ST. Johns. were at
tended by some of the Catholic miners.
Some of the coal operators will arrive in
| the city Wednesday, and a few possibly
before that time. The operators do not
come in such numbers as the miners. but
there are enough of them to add to the
| crowd. The conference will begin Thurs
| day, and only the delegates from the CEN
trail competitive district remain in the city
for it, but majority Of the other delegates
stay for the first days session. although ii
has nothing to do with their districts. The
delegates wish to learn If they can the sem
| timent of the operators and the manner in
which they receive the demand for more
pay.
The 20 per cent. increase to be demanded
| is certain to be disapproved by the OPP
orators. While their profits during the
year might have theoretically furnished
reason for such a demand, they hardly
| think IL fair to the mine owners to sign
| such a scale. as the signing of 1t binds them
| to an agreement for a year that might be-
| come emha rrassing. In addition, the scale
adopted furnishes a precedent for succeed
| ing years which they could not maintain,
| they say, IL the price Of coal should 60
| back to a normal rate soon.
~