The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-21
Document is VoIumiinOuS But
 Very Interesting OPPOSES INJUNCTION LAW
Does Not Comment Upon the Coal Strike Commission Except to Say
 That He Has Confidence In the Members.

Indianapolis, Ind, January 20.-The first thing on today's programme at the miners national convention was the reading of John Mltchell's annual report. The convention met promptly at o'clock with 900 delegates in their seats. Mr. Mitchell received the closest attention. His report, which was voluminous, was in part ss follows:
 President Mitchell began his address by impressing upon the delegates the in- terests committed to their care.
 aOf the many important events affect ing the interests and welfare of the toll CTS of the country he said, the anthra- cite coal strike stood pre-eminent.
 "Vital principles were at stake which, if defeated, would have given to the American labor movement shock from which it would have required years to rally from
 After giving a brief history of the great strike, including the effort Of the Civic Federation to settle the controversy be- tween the miners and operators, the ap- pointment of a strike commission by President Roosevelt, of which George J. Gray is the head, and the White House conferences. MT, Mitchell said:
 Does, Not Discuss Commission.
 "It would, of course be improper at this time for me to comment upon the h. vestigaton now being conducted by the anthracite coal strike commission more than to say that It's members are eminent men In whose impartiality and judgment I have full confidence
 Firm in my opinion of our ability to demonstrate the justice of our claims, I have no fear for the outcome.
 Local and general strikes, he said, oc- cured more often In districts where the oLbrators refused to recognize the or ganization or treat with It's accredited of ficers, MT. Mitchell continued:
 With each succeeding year the rela- tons become more cordial between the operators and miners in those districts where trade agreements exist, and the bonds of mutual confidence and respect have perceptibly increased. That the business relationship now existing will continue and grow as the time goes on Is my earnest hope and confident expec- tation.
 As to Incorporation.
 Concerning the incorporation of trade unions, MT. Mitchell, submitted an opin- lon by Clarence s. Darrow of Chicago, attorney for the miners before the strike commission, In which the following sen- tences occur: ''The demand for the in- corporation of trade unions is the last trench of those who oppose organized labor. It Is impudent and presumptious No friend of trade unionsm ever believed in it or ever advocated 1t, or called for 1t. It Is demanded today by those interests and those enemies who have used every means In their command to oppose trade unionism, to counteract its influence and to destroy it.
 How the labor organizations shall manage their own affairs is not the busi- ness of the corporations or the employ CTS This new demand for the incor- poration of labor unions Is not only un- Just and unreasonable, but 1t Is impudent and insulting to the last degree"
 Referring to injunctions, MT. Mitchell said: "Government by injunction Is one of the most insidious harassing and dan- gerous methods resorted to by the ene- mics of the working men to destroy labor organization and to circumvent the con- stitutlonal right of trial by jury. The whole system of government by injunction sSows from the distruct of ultra-capital- ists for democratic institutions.
 The afternon session lasted an hour. While the convention was waiting for committee reports President Mitchell iHdie d SnoIl duuItSs, icbaibiHS tho Coh- ditions in West Virginia, saying:
 q have never despaired of organizing West Virginia. Judges Jackson, Me Dowell and Kellar may contribute their efforts to prevent the organization from gaining a foothod in the state, but as long as the United Mine Workers exist We will strive to gain a foothold there"
 At the conclusion of MT. Mitchell's ad- dress he was invited to address the In- diana legislature now in session.
 MT. Mitchell accepted the invitation.
 The convention adjourned until o'clock tomorrow morning.