The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-01-16
QUESTION OF WAR OR PEACE
WILL BE Determined AT
CONVENTION.
United Organization Opened It's SEES
sions at indianapolis This Morn
ina With Large Attendance.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Jan 16.-The
question Of war or peace in the coal
regions will largely depend upon the
result of the seventeenth annual con-
vention Of the United Mine Workers of
America, which opened here this morn
ing at Tamlinson hall The conven-
ton was called to order by President
John Mitchell who delivered an ad-
dress, explaining the present situation
and gave a clear statement Of the de-
cisions of the Anthracite Miners con-
vention at Shamokin. The rest of the
morning session wos devoted to the
appointment of committees and other
routine business.
There is strong feeling of determi-
nation among the delegates to the con-
vention, based upon a full realization
of the present situation and of the
probable precipitation of a serious
crisis, in case it should be impossible
to bring about an agreement between
the miners and the operators.
All agreements as to wage scales,
ETC., between miners and operators in
the bituminous and anthracite coal
fields expire on Morch 81. While it
cannot be said that the conditions in
the bituminous fields are ideal, it must
be admitted that they are by no means
as serious as in the anthracite fields
The miners in the bituminous fields
are not confronted with as serious
problems as those in the anthracite
fields, owing to the demands recently
formulated by the anthracite miners
at the Shamokin convention. The min
ers in the bituminous coal mines will
undoubtedly make certain demands be-
yond the conditions granted by the
operators under the present agree
ment. but it is believed that an agree
ment will quickly be reached without
a great struggle 1t is different with
the anthracite miners. Their demands
are of such a radical nature that an
acceptance of their terms is scarcely
expected All that can reasonably be
hoped for is that the operators, after
mature elaboration, will consent to
submitting the matter to arbitration
Even that they will not willingly do.
The principal obstacle in the way of
4 settlement is the demand of the min
|, ers for recognition of their union
Many operators are known to be ut
terly and bitterly opposed to a recog-
milton of the union. They fear that
such recognition would seriously Grip
pie them in handling their mining
properties, as it would practically des-
troy any opportunity of dealing with
| their men individually. A compromise
is scarcely to be expected, as the min
ers fully understand the vital import
ance of the demanded recognition
| without which, they feel, no permanent
Improvement of their condition can be
expected.
The demands of the anthracite min
ers will be the first matter to be con-
sidered by the convention and there is
but little doubt that the convention
will strongly endorse these demands
President Mitchell and his trusty lieu
tenants, District Presidents Fahy, Det-
| try and Nichols VINO are conducting
| the campaign of the anthracite miners
are confident that the convention will
back up the anthracite miners. At the
smae time they will do their utmost
| 20 hold down the radical elements
among the delegates and keep them
| from committing any indiscretion, that
| would precipitate a war between the
| miners and operators without hope of
a final adjustment of the existing diff
ferences