davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1905-11-12
A SAD But Winning Face.

If a student of humanity saw John
Mitchell in a crowd, he would turn
to take a second look at the man.
The leader Of the miners has a sor.
rowful face. His brown eyes are
sad, and his mouth has a pinched
appearance, altogether in harmony
with the seriousness OF the mans
life. he is quiet, reserved. grave and
dignified at all times, although when
the occasion demands it and the
mood permits It he can be singular
y winning. If fate had thrown him
into the ministry, he would have
been an ascetic in his life and teach
ings. II he had drifted into wall
street, he would probably have out
classed Russell Sage in conservatism,
and would have adopted the prudent
methods which lead to fortune.
The impression he makes upon
a newcomer is almost invariably a
pleasant one. A Philadelphia jour
nalist who came in contact with hi1A
during the great coal strike was
amazed at his youthfulness. He
found a shy-looking aan, with
smooth-shaYen face and black nair
brushed back from the full forehead.
in absolute command Of an army
Of coal miners, half Of whom did not
speak the language and many OF
tic TO our institutions. This Jour
nalist always insisted that there was
something about John Mitchell
which was strongly suggestive OF
one OF those foreign violinists who
are the chief delight Of fashionable
The Washington times., 1905-11-12
An Industrious Worker.

Like all men who have accom-
plished much in this life. John
Mitchell is an interchangeable worker.
The way he manages to dispose Of
the vast work at his hand is the
wonder of his associates. During the
big strike.h .he had two rooms at one
of the hotels IL Scranton. The first of
these served as an Office, and the sec
ond was occupied as a bedroom. The
latch string of his Office door always
hung out, and there was no difficulty
in getting in to see him; but he was
always quick and to the point, and If
a visitor showed any disposition to
prolong his visit unduly, Mr.. Mitch
ell would quietly gather up his work
and go into the privacy Of his bed
room, where it would be continued,
leaving the visitor sitting alone in
the Office room. This always had
the desired effect, and the unwel-
come caller found that the only
thing left for him was TO retire as
gracefully as possible. He usually
rises about o'clock in the morning.
and after breakfast Immediately
takes up the work of debating let
ters to his private secretary. When
the mail is disposed of he receives
visitors and dispatches general work
pertaining TO the business of the or
der.
1t is curious fact that while John
Mitchell has spent nearly all the
years of his manhood trying to reduce
the hours OF labor for others, he has
himself been compelled TO prolong
them in his own work. In other
words, while he insists upon an
eight-hour day for the workingman
generally, he finds it necessary some
times himself to work from twelve
to fourteen hours a day. But labor
itself never seems TO fatigue this in
dustrious man. Probably his man
ner of handling work has a great
deal to do with that. He never gets
excited, never seems fiurried, and dis
poses of everything in an orderly
and methodical manner.
l asked a man who has observed
Mitchell's career very carefully If he
could tell me the secret of the mine
leaders power over the men. He
remained silent in thought for some
time, and then replied as follows:
"Mitchell's success is the result of
a combination of strong traits. First.
he has keen intelligence; second, he
has integrity of character and pur-
pose; third he has high administra-
The Washington times., 1905-11-12
A Unique FIGURE.

John Mitchell looks like anything
but labor leader. He would easily
pass for a clergyman. and might be
regarded either as a lawyer or
banker. His usual dress is a black
Prince Albert coat, with a silk fac
ing. An Elks button in one OF the
lapels gives a touch OF color to an
otherwise somber appearance. He
wears a high, plain collar and a
black cravat large enough to cover
nearly his entire shirt front The only
thing that jars on this otherwise
faultless attire is the soft black hat,
Of the Fedora type. which he is fond
of wearing. There is comfort in this
style Of headgear, but somehow or
other It does not seem to harmonic
with the frock coat. On the occasion
of the big celebration at Wilkesbarre
a few months ago, when John Mitch
ell acted as chairman of the meeting
at which President Roosevelt was the
principal speaker. he came TO the
place of meeting with high silk
hat. II was the first time in the
memory of those who had known
him for years that he had worn a
tile of that description, and the in
novation caused much talk and some
merriment. 1t is interesting to note.
in considering the personality Of this
remarkable man, that while he
smokes and drinks, he does both so
sparingly as to come almost within
the category of a total abstainer.
He is an inveterate reader, and has a
special fondness for reading history
and biography. Like most men who
have succeeded in life, he is a stu
dent Of men. and eagerly absOrbs
everything that comes to hand re-
garding the personality and habits
of the great men of the past. But
he is not a dreamer, nor quite an
idealist; and while his head is in the
air he always keeps his feet firmly
planted on the earth. 1t is not sur
prising, therefore, to know that he is
q regular and careful reader of the
newspapers; that he constantly
keeps in touch with current events
and public opinion, for which he has
profound but not slavish respect.
This bashful-appearing young
man, who is the unquestioned gen
eral of a great >@=SE Of obedient
The Washington times., 1905-11-12

men, has only passed his thirty
sixth year. His mother died when
he was but two years old, and his
father four years afterwards. leav-
ing him an orphan at the tender age
Of six years. He was taken in charge
by relative, but when ten years
old struck out for himself by run
ming away from home 1t was the
beginning Of that independent ca
reer, of that self-reliance and i'm
plicit confidence in his own judg-
ment and strength which has ex-
listed ever since. One of the most
important steps in his life was taken
when he was twenty-five years old
that is to say, he got married.
During his early childhood and
youth he was a breaker boy in
coal mine, a slate picker, helper
and a drudge Of every conceivable
kind. When he graduated as a min
er he was known as one of the best,
kept a clean record and usually per-
formed more work and earned great
er wages than any of his compan-
ions. It is no unimportant factor in
his present strength that he has an
intimate knowledge of every phase
of coal mining from the time the
pick first enters the earth until the
coal is put in the cellar of the con
sumner He had just attained his
majority in 1890 when he became a
member of the United Mine Work
ers of American. A natural leader
of men, he Immediately forged to
the front, and in two years became
the national vice president of the
organization. In less than a year
after that he became it's president,
an Office he has retained ever since.
Those who value the meaning OF
figures may like to know that when
he became president of the United
Mine Workers the organization had
a membership Of $4,000, and when
the last returns were compiled it
showed total of 100000 members.
Its youthful president is in the
prime Of life. He has repeatedly re-
fused alluring offers TO enter other
fields Of human endeavor. What
the coal miners would be without
him is a matter for conjecture.
The Washington times., 1905-11-12
The Two Presidents.

One of the remarkable features in
the life and career of John Mitchell
is his astounding popularity with
the miners whose interests he has at
heart. Tens of thousands Of these
men never saw him in their lives;
other thousands are unable to speak
the English language, but they all
have a faith and confidence in him
that seems more than natural At
the time Of the lamentable assassin
aticn OF the beloved Mckinley the
Poles and Hungarians belonging to
the United Mine Workers walked
about the streets in the mining
towns OF Pennsylvania wringing
their hands and crying pathetically:
Our president has been shot; our
president has been shot. They were
inconsolable. But some hours later,
when they learned through some
English-speaking colleagues that the
victim was the President of the
United States, and not the president
Of the Mine Workers Union, they
became reconciIed; and while ex-
pressing their sorrow over the event,
felt quite relieved to think that the
asassinated one was not the" presi-
dent upon whom they pinned all of
their simple faith.
The Washington times., 1905-11-12
@JOffN0 NS {
NITCHFLL NJ
0R6ES SIDEN0T ~
or =
AS SSOCIATED
NTN0E MORBEB s

Blamed nuisance and bore" NUT
ters the attendant
"One OF the invaluable units which
goes TO make up the powerful
whole" surely thinks the president.
The grimy-faced one starts for
home. and during the journey the
valleys ring with his strident cries
Of the greatness of John Mitchell.
Withal, there is no demagogy in
this. Mitchell is sincere; no one can
study the man without believing IL,
and his heart beats for the miners.
His well-discipIined nature enables
him to sacrifice rules for results. He
does the right thing at the right
time That's ALT
The Washington times., 1905-11-12

(AII rights reserved-p
- HE question of whether we
are to have another coal
strike in the spring de-
pends largely upon the at
titude of one man-and
his name is John Mitchell. When an
Individual has his photograph on
brand OF cigars, when his indorse-
ment is eagerly sought for q new
tooth powder and when he is be-
seeched to tell why he enjoys a GER
tain kind of breakfast food he can
truly be said to be on the way TO
notoriety, If not fame. But when it
Is added that the eyes Of every
householder and coal consumer in
the United States are glued on this
parsonage, to note whether he gives
a nod or a shake of the head, he
may be fairly regarded as a man
OF Importance.
This is why the personality and
the character of John Mitchell once
more assume national interest A
few years ago Spring Valley. H..
was merely a speck on the map.
Now it is grandiloquently described
as a place that has two newspapers,
a lumber mill, an elevator-and
John Mitchell There are twenty
two Spring Valleys in the United
States, but only one of them can
boast Of this distinction. A prophet
IS not always appreciated at home,
but It is refreshing to walk among
the people of this enterprising little
community and hear the afTectionate
manner in which they speak of
johnny Mitchell. They know him
as the little orphan, educated in the
school Of hard knocks and winning
prominence in spite Of unenviable
environments. Here, even were he
to live more than the years Of three
score and ten, he would always be
known as Johnny" In the mining
regions, among his fellow labor
leaders, he is Jack" with the men
themselves as "Our President" but
to the public it is the more dignf-
fed John Mitchell.
The Washington times., 1905-11-12
AmiabiIftv and Strength.

HhfAOffL4 AtffG or CH0IH.
Amiability and strength are not
always found In the same person,
but they are exceedingly well blend
ed in John Mitchell He has adroit-
ness; he has address; he possesses
what the professors of words de-
scribe as "a quick or intuitive ap-
probation of what is fit, proper or
right in any given case"
An incident has been given 10 me
which I transmit to the reader for
its face value; no more, no less. The
time was the great coal strike. The
place was Scranton, where Mitchell
was enthroned in the state of a Nj
monarchs still fresh In the public
mind. He had his attendants, his
messengers and his secretaries.
Correspondents, for the time being,
were not permitted to approach the
throne room. It was a time of con-
ferences and consultations. The
telephone rang increasingly, tele-
graph boys came with countless
propositions, warnings and ultimat-
ums; in short, it was an anxious and
highly important period
At this psychological moment
comes a grimy-faced miner from a
distant colliery. intent on seeing
the president" The dripping oil
lamp is still fastened in his thread
bare cap, and from force of habit
perhaps he carried the dinner pail
under his arm.
Il want to see the president.
What for?" inquiries the outer
guard.
Il don't see that it concerns you; -
this with rising anger.
But the president is very busy -
We'll" Significantly. "if it warn't
for me and the likes Of me he might
not be very busy"
But what do you want to see him
for?"
Il want to tell him that I'm with
him in the fight and
"Oh." cried the outer guard, un-
able to conceal his disgust. "The
president hasn't time to listen 70 any
such talk as that"
Mitchell himself. attracted by the
noise, appears at the doorway.
Whats the dif1culty?" Note the
terseness.
This man insists on seeing you.
Let him in"
The next moment the blaekened,
ealloused hand of the poor old miner
lies in the soft white palm of the
young president, filling the caller
with a certain confusion and taking
all Of the boisterousness out Of him.
He is taken aside; business, import
ant business, is suspended for a few
minutes while the president talks in
low, kindly tones to the member.
He goes away a moment later with
another pressure Of the hand.
The Washington times., 1905-11-12

tive ability, ana fourth, he enjoys 3
thorough detailed knowledge of the
coal-mining business. Now. any one
of these things il itself. If properly
cultivated. would elevate man
above his fellows; but when they ara
ell combined ia one seli-possessed
man they are bound to produce inn
portant results Mitchell is a con-
servative man. He looks at both
sides of the question. He has never
attempted to bite OF more than he
could chew. More than this, having
a philcsoPhic mind, he has reaped
the benefit Of other mems failures.
He has evidently carefully studied
labor in America and other coun-
tries, and has attempted successfully
to avoid the pitfalls which have
wrought the destruction OF other
movements. Again, he has confined
his work to one branch Of human in
dustry. and this the branch that he
thoroughly understands. While ply
sically and mentally able to cope
with the responsibilities Of his posi-
ton. he has not hesitated to trust
subordinates and to allot them their
share of the work: but through all Of
the organization, from top to bot
tom, you cannot fail to detect the
genius, the skill and the far-sighted-
ness of John Mitchell"
The Washington times., 1905-11-12

family, and the other half is rented
to a tenant. An abundance Of shrub
berry almost coneeals the front Of the
house from view in the summer
time; but it stands on q slight eleva-
ton, and during the heated term the
wind sweeps cooIingly over the
broad porches. A neat wooden fence,
always kept in good condition, indi-
Gates the thrift and carefulness OF
the owner The interior Of the
house shows modest refinement, but
it could be duplicated easily in the
homes of millions of wage-earners in
any part Of the United States. The
modest ingram carpet, the crayon
pictures of the members of the fam
lily. the plainly but cozily furnished
dining room, the bicycle belonging
to the boys, and the dollies, treas
ured possession Of the little daugh-
ter of the house. appeal strongly to
all lovers of the fireside. and yet
present a scene which is familiar in
the homes of thrift in every State
in the Union.
Mr.. Mitchell's wife, who was Cath
crime O'Rourke, the daughter of a
prosperous miner in her home town,
is a woman of bright intelligence
who has not been overcome by her
husbands meteoric success, and
whose naturally lovable disposition
is not likely to be spoiled by any
future prosperity. She has bright
eyes, dark hair and the Quickness of
movement which is usually associat-
ed with industry and thOroughness.
For seven years after their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell lived the ideaI
domestic life. His employment and
interests were all within hailing dis
tance of the home. After that time,
especially since his election to high
Office and new responsibilities, busi-
ness has called him from his home
almost constantly, and in recent
years he has been a fortunate man
when he found it possible to spend
from one to two months in the year
at home. He is devoted to his fam
kly, however, and there are certain
occasions when he makes it a special
point to be with them. 1t need
hardly be said that the most import
ant Of these occasions is at Christ
mas, wnen his four children, Rich
ard, James, Robert and Marie, crowd
about him TO wish him the cOmpli-
ments OF the season. Marie, being
the only girl in the family, Is the
especial fayorite of her parents, and
when the labor leader comes home
at holiday times there is always
one special package set apart for
Sweetheart - which is the pet name
that he has given to the little daugh-
ter Of the Mitchell household. One
son, John Mitchell, jr., died in in
fancy. and, in spite of the possession
of four other bright children, this
has always been a great sorrow to
both husband and wife. Richard,
the eldest son of the family, serves
as an altar boy for his fathers life
time friend, Rev. John F. Power. of
Spring Valley. Father Power is the
typical parish priest. He married
Mr.. and Mrs. Mitchell. and has never
The Washington times., 1905-11-12
The Eyes Of Every Householder and Coal
Consumer in the United States Are Glued
on John Mitchell. President of the An
thracite Coal Miners Association, Who
Gould, at a Nod Of His Head, Bring on
Another Disastrous Strike j j +

musicales. This impression" he
says, ''is often accentuated by the
dreamy expression of the eyes ana
the gentleness which characterizes
his well-modulated voice while he
is quietly conyersing with his
friends. "
But above everything else. this
gentlemanly leader knows the value
of silence. He never eheapens him
self BY garrulity, either in public ad-
dresses or in private conversation.
He thinks before he speaks. AS a
consequence his remarks have the
directness that tells, the laconic
crispness that attracts and the posi-
tiveness which convinces. You never
have to guess what this man means.
His statements are models of brevity
and clearness.
The Washington times., 1905-11-12
4 Simple Home.

The home of John Mitchell, at
Spring Valley, H., is typical of the
man, combining simplicity and
strength. Being a prudent man, he
is the owner of his own dwelling
place. 1t is a commodious double
two-story-and-a-half house. One
half Of 1t is occupied by the miners
The Washington times., 1905-11-12

lost interest in them from that day
until the present. He regards them
as one Of the happiest couples with
in his knowledge, and it is no secret
that many of the books which
prompted and inspired the young
miner in his upward progress came
from the library of the whole-soul-
ed and broad-minded Clergyman who
united him and his wife in the bonds
Of matrimony.
The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1905-08-31
\ Progressive Institution

Keeping pace with business develop
ment in Minneapolis we find that edu-
catiOnal matters have not been neglect
ed. One Of the largest institutions,
the Eclectic Business College, after
years of prosperity has, by reason OF
its increased patronage, been pushed
into larger quarters.
The College is located in its new
home at the corner of Third Avenue
South and Fifth Street. The location
is the best the city affords, being a
quiet corner in a refined section.
The best faculty Of business educa-
tors to be procured will be in charge
of the various departments, which in
cludes Bookkeeping, Shorthand, Type
writing, Penmanship, Telegraphy,
Preparatory, Electrical Engineering,
Civil Service, Teachers and Physical
Culture.
An attractive feature will be a thor
oughly equipped gymnasium for both
ladies and gentleman.
The large number of graduates hold
ing responsible positions is a standing
tribute to the thoroughness Of the
work. An inspection of the new quar-
tiers discloses the fact that the Eclec-
tic will be the best and most thor
oughly equipped commercial school
in the Northwest.
The fall term opens September 4th.
Any young person interested in COM
mercial work should write the Eclectic
Business College for terms and cata-
logue. 12-w3
The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1905-08-31
GA, II. ~Encampment.

On account of the 39th annual en-
campment of the National Grand
Army Of the Republic, at Denver,
Colorado, the Chicago & Northwest
ern R'y. will run both Tourist and
Standard Pullman sleeping cars from
Huron, s. D., leaving Huron Sep
TENDER 1st, going via Omaha and the
Union Pacific R'y. A rate of $17.3 80
for the round trip has been made from
Brookings to Denver, Colorado
Springs and Pueblo. The rate per
double berth Capable of accommo-
dating two people il desired) is $500
for tourist car and $3.50 for Standard
sleeping car, Huron to Denver.
For further information address, B.
F. Farrell. Travelling Agent, Huron,
s. D., or w. H. Leighty, Agent,
Brookings, s. d. 1878
The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1905-08-31

Mesdames F. \. Pond and DeLap
gave a ''hobO" breakfast at sunrise)
TO sixteen ladies, at the home of Mrs.
DeLap, Tuesday morning. The invi-
tations were on brown paper fastened
with a toothpick. Appropriate eat
ables furnished the ''scoff," punk"
being the staple article. \ link of
"kiyi' was given as a prize to Mes
DANES --- and - who took the
prize, being costumed as bride and
groom. The burning question is, who
wore the-overalls?
The local basket ball girls played at
Elkton last Friday. They tied Elkton
and for some reason gave that team
the game. Gary and Elkton tied FRI
day evening and on Saturday beat
Elkton, making them winners Of the
tournament. Misses Ida Nicholson,
Grace Matson, Ruby Williams, Blanche
Clark and Mabel Erickson, with Mrs.
A. W. Dressed as chaperOn, made up
the party that went from here Thurs
day night.
Mrs. j. w. Holiday gave an sat
home" Tuesday afternoon, from 5 toe,
in honor of Miss Edna Bright of
Minneapolis, who is visiting Mrs. A.
c. Taylor. Fifty-eight invitations
were issued and refreshments were
served to the guests in three courses.
The rooms were appropriately deco
rated with goldenrod, wild daisies and
sweet peas, and the occasion was a
very happy one.
DR.. Chalmers, wife and baby re-
turned yesterday morning from a three
days. visit in Pierre. They also
stopped off Tuesday in Huron on the
way home. The doctor reports the
golf tournament at Huron as being
under way with a good attendance.
The contest for the state championship
had narrowed down to four, with Jack
Wilson of VI team one of them. Yes
terday the teams from the different
towns played for the Spaulding trophy.
The members of the Baptist congre-
cation gave a reception at the home of
G. A. Skinner Tuesday evening, in
honor of Rev. Geo. E. and Mrs. Nor
ply. Sweet peas were used to taste
fully decorate the rooms and about a
hundred persons enjoyed the hos
pitality and made the acquaintance of
the new pastor and his wife. Chris
tensen's Orchestra rendered several
selections, Mrs. o. H. Runyan sang a
delightful solo, accompanied by Miss
Cecil WEIGH, Prof. Crosier and o. H.
Runyan gave a flute and ~clarionet duet,
and Miss Jessie Mailer presided at
the piano. Sherbet and waters and
frappe were served as refreshments,
and those present enjoyed a very
pleasant evening.