The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-15
MINE WORKERS ARE
 HOLDING SESSION
Delegates from Anthracite Coal
 Fields Holding Meeting
MITCHELL MAKES SPEECH
Conference With Operators Will Be Asked and Demands for an Eight Hour Day Will Be
 Made.

Shamolxin, Pa, December 14-The tri- district convention of the United Mine workers of the anthracite coal fields open ed here today with 695 delegates in attend ance, representing 10s, 800 union men. Chief Burgess David Shuster delivered a vel coming address, after which President Mitchell being unanimously elected chair man. was greeted with applause as he stepped forward to address the conven- tion.
 He said:
 Tn declaring this convention formally opened, it is not my purpose to make an extended address, neither is it my in- tention at this time to discuss the merits of the question that you bring here. I cannot refrain, however, from giving expression to the pleasure I fell upon seeing so many of those who have during the past three years kept alive this great movement of labor. 1 have watched dur ing the time I have been associated with you the evolution of the miner, the development of his manhood, the gradual uplifting of the great mass of people who for generations have been oppressed and crushed. I do not know whether you fully realize what a wonderful transfor- nation has taken place among the anthra cite miners Everywhere are evidences of increased intelligence; of better man.
 hood; of nober womanhood; of bet
 ter and more cheerful childhood After the committee on resolutions and a wage scale were appointed the conven- tion adjourned until tomorrow. Immediately after the adjournment, the wage scale committee assembled in Presi- dent Mitchelrs rooms at Windsor hotel and held prolonged session. Delegates feel little doubt but that demand for an eght-hour day and recognition of the
 union will be incorporated in the report
 of this committee with an increase of wages from 10 to 12 per cent. The report of the committee is expected will be made tomorrow.
 This convention Is regarded as more important than any held since Mitchell came into the hard coal field in 1900 with the avowed purpose of duplicating the or ganizaton in Western Pennsylvania of
 the western states which held contracts with the bituminous coal operators. The mine leaders plan through the con vention to request conference of the op-
 orators. This will be made in the form of a resolution, and the following de-
 mands, it is said, will be made in confer ence is granted.
 "A party agreement better known as
 recognition of the union An eght-hour work day.
 An increase in pay to all classes of | employees of at least 10 per cent and pos | sibly 20 per cent, based on the wages in | effect April 1, 1902"
 | This would mean that the miners would l receive about the same as under the | present award.
 | For some unskilled employees 1t would mean a slight increase
 | Should the operators 4. be disposed to grant the miners a co@eerence their in- | tention will be known tomorrow to MT. | Mitchell. In the event of favorable | reply coming from the operators the con l vention will be in a position to make up | it's list of demands and grievances and to | vote to the executive board or to MT. | Mitchell and the three district presidents | the power not only to enter into negotia- | tions but to make terms for the miners | for a short term.