Amador ledger., 1903-04-03
MINERS UNION MEN.
Meet in Convention in Jackson and Dis
cuss Measures.

A convention OF representatives OF
miners unions, affiliated with the
Western Federation of Miners, met in
jackson Friday and Saturday. 1t was
called for the purpose of discussing the
labor situation in Jackson from the
union standpoint, and deciding upon
some definite course of action. Mr..
Moore, from Arizona, was the repre-
sentative of the Western Federation.
There were delegates from Angels
Camp. from Tuolumne and Nevada
counties. In all, some eight or nine
from outside places met with the
members of the local organization.
Meetings were held Friday and Satur-
day evenings. OF course the proceed
lngs were secret, and we are not in a
position to give full and accurate re-
port of what transpired. From the
small driblets of information that have
leaked out, however, it seems that the
gathering was as much at sea on the
subject of what should be done, as the
local men were before the convention
was called. 1t is reported that upon a
close examination of the affairs by the
representative from headquarters, the
conclusion was reached that it would
be sheer folly to dream of a strike. He
told them, so it is said, that they had
better reOrganize; that different mater
ial was necessary in the organization;
that miners union was presumed to
be union of working men identified
with the mines, not a hOdge-podge of
every calling under the sun. It was
useless to think of making any move in
defense of union principles under pre-
vailing conditions. This man, no
doubt, has had experience in labor
troubles elsewhere. Whether he has
or not, if rumor has reported him cor
rectly, his head is unq uestionably level
on this issue.
During Saturday and Sunday the
visiting delegates mostly departed for
their homes. No demand whatever
has been made upon the mine owners.
The gathering leaves the whole sub
ject matter just where it was before. 1t
is difficult to find out just what the
union men want. Some say they do
not ask for an advance in wages; they
admit that the mines are paying all
they are able to pay; but reduction
of hours is wanted. This they claim
would not amount to the same thing as
increase of pay, because the men would
exert themselves, and do the same
amount of work in eight hours that
they now do in ten. Others say that
the recognition of the union is the one
thing wanted;, that the fact of belong
ing to the union shall not be considered
bar to employment. Others of a
more radical stripe, want increase of
pay, reduction of hours, and recogni-
tion OF the union, believing that with
the power of numbers, and the financial
backing of the Federation they can
force the mine owners to accede to
their demands.
Some are disposed to look upon the
movement as political in its nature. 1t
was noticed that the Examiner was the
first to announce beforehand that a
convention was to be held here. The
owner of the Hearst papers is self
made aspirant for the presidential nom
ination. His yellow sheets are catering
to the labor unions. The object is to
unite the labor forces with the dem
ocracy. The coalitions thus formed,
with Hearst as the nominee, it is hoped
might carry the county against the re-
publican party. In order to form such
a com mbination, it is necessary to or
ganize the labor forces all over the
county for political purposes, especially
in republican districts.