The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1903-11-28

"POl1t1cS ana CfdQeS ulllOulSu VIII
not MIX" declared John Mitchell yes
terday, in his most emphatic tone,
saws the New York Herald. He has
been answering in this belief and has
kept absolutely free from political en-
tanglements since he became a labor
leader. AS a young man he took an
interest in the municipal politics of
the little Western town where he lives,
and he held Office as president Of the
local board Of education, but even in
the cause of education he would not
accept political Office while he re-
mains at the head of the United Mine
Workers of America, unquestionably
the greatest labor organization in the
United States, if not in the entire
world.
John Mitchell stands foremost
among the labor leaders of the genera
ton. To his energy and ability is due
the building up Of the mine workers
organization. He has led some of the
greatest strikes in history and in each
instance he has obtained substantial
benefits for his followers, who fairly
worship him. With wonderful oppor-
tunities, he has remained untainted by
any suspicion of graft and he has
won the respect of the men who have
been pitted aaginst him in the war
fare between labor and capital.
Few men in the world have
stronger personal following than he.
The foreigner in the anthracite region
prides himself on being a Johnny
Mitchell man." Tie bituminous min
er everywhere believes that "Johnny'
Mitchell is responsible for the i'm
proved conditions Of labor.
Mitchell's residence is in Spring
Valley, ILL.,, but he has few chances to
enjoy home life, as his official duties
keep him almost constantly on the go.
His organization headquarters is in
indianapolis, but he spends the great
er portion of his time in the coal min
ing centres.
He has just spent a few days in
New York, recuperating his health af-
ter painful accident. He started last
evening on a Fall River boat on his
way to Boston to take part in the an
nual convention of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor.
In personal appearance Mitchell sug-
gests Roman Catholic priest, and his
mildness of manner smacks Of the pull
pit rather than the labor platform.
Within the last two or three years he
has increased somewhat in weight,
and his clean shaven face Is now
rounded. He wears his black hair a
little longer than the average man.
There is merry twinkle in his brown
eyes, which are usually shielded by
gold trimmed spectacles. He invari-
ably wears long frock coat, little
black necktie and wide brimmed
black felt hat.
His command of English is excel
lent, showing how hard. he has worked
to remedy his early disadvantages in
the line of education.
He was born thirty-three years ago,
in February, 1870, at Braidwood, ILL.,,
coal mining town. He attended
school from the time he was six years
old until he was ten, when he went to
work on farm. At thirteen he began
his experience in bituminous mine,
starting as trapper and becoming in
turn mule driver, car pusher and
then a regular laborer During this
time he was attending night school
that the miners had started for their
boys who had to work in the daytime.
At sixteen he Joined the knights of
Labor and became an enthusiast in
the labor cause. His first office was as
guard, but he soon became president
of his local union of 1875 men. He was
delegate to local conventions, land
when twenty-siX he was elected mem
Der Of the executive board for his dis
trict Two years later he was made
rational organizer and vice president
Of the Mine Workers. He became pres
ident in the fall of 1898.