Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1906-05-12
MINERS RATIFY
AGREEMENT
Convention Decides to Enter Politics
and Denounces Constabulary.
MITCHELL WILDLY CHEERED


out the anthracite field Thursday
morning. The repairmen and any 9TH
ers necessary to prepare the collieries
for general operations reported for
work today Wednesday,. Those
things were decided upon at the clos
ing session OF the convention. The
agreement entered into on Monday be-
tween the operators and the sub-scale
committee was formally ratified.
The convention was called TO order
by District President 7. ID. Nichols.
and the first matter brought up were
two resolutions coondemning the state
constabulary.
One of them referred TO the con-
stabulary as cossacks. and also COM
pared them to the evicting Irish con-
stabulary." The other characterized
them as "a rowing band of armed
men," Both resolutions pledged the
miners to work for the repeal OF the
constabulary law. The resolutions were
adopted unanimously.
A resolution providing for the hold
INK OI IIl-uiStIiCl
ally was offered. but promptly tabled.
The following resolution favoring the
taking of political action by the or
ganization was offered and adopted:
Whereas, The represen .atives OF all
political parties to the state legisla-
ture have done nothing for the mine
workers of this state; be II.
Resolved. That the mine workers In
convention assembled at Scranton go
on record as advising all local unions
to take action in getting representa-
tives placed in the field to represent
all crafts OF labor in the state OF Penn
sylvania."
President Mitchell came in and he
was loudly applauded. He was called
upon before adjournment for a speech.
He said:
This will probably be the last time
that shall address you. and II might
be we'll for me to say one or two
things. Some are inclined to believe
that because we have not secured an
advance in wages or any Improvement
in the conditions OF employment. that
we have not accomplished anything.
want to say that believe you have
taken the most advanced step in the
history of this movement.
You have secured what you have
never before secured-a signed agree
ment with the operators. 1t is an
agreement which is not entered into
with the United Mine Workers. but
with the officers of that organization,
but they have signed an agreement
with your national president and with
your district officers.
II am convinced that II the United
Mine Workers maintain the strength
and solidarity OF their organization,
that three years hence the railroad
presidents will ask you TO make an
agreement with them. rather than that
you should be forced to ask them to
make an agreement with you.
Last summer ] made tour through
this region. urged the mine work.
ers TO come back into the organiza-
ton. AT that time there were only
$4,000 members. At the close of that
tour there were $4,000 members in the
organization. Had that tour not been
made. there would have been a re-
duction in wages. according to relia-
Bile information that have in my pos
session. My information is that the
railroads were ready To increase the
working day from 3 to 10 hours: to re-
"a hn In Frs.ix 1u.r lsa
the week. and to require the fremen
to work IL hours instead of s. II this
is true then We have won victory.
I'm conclusion. let me express the
hope that when you return to your
homes you will be as loyal to this
union as you have been in the past.
AS said before. this may be the last
time that | will have the privilege OF
addressing you. Whether II Is or not,
you owe II to yourselves. TO your fam
lilies. to your class and to your craft
TO be loyal and true to this organiza-
ton. which has done so much for you.
II can and IL will do more for you II
you will stand by II and remain true
TO yourselves"
There was a tremendous outburst of
applause when Mr.. Mitchell sat down.
The convention adjourned sine die
Immediately after. As the delegates
filed out. some one proposed three
cheers for Mitchell. and they were
given with vehemence that was
fairly startling In its righteousness.