The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-02-09
BIC UPROAR AMONG
P|TTSBURG MINERS
Dolan Refuses to Vacate the
Presidents Chair
NEW ELECTION ORDERED
Many Are Urging Dolan to Stand Firm
and If Necessary Cause Split In
the Miners Oreaniza-
ton.

Pittsburg, February notwithstanding
the fact that President John ]. Mitchell
of the United Mine Workers of America
the power in its present convention to
oust President Dolan and Vice President
Bellingham of District No B. President
Dolan still maintains that he was elected
by a referendum vote. and can be re-
moved only In the same manner. Presi-
dent Dolan still defies the delegates and
refuses to vacate his office, and a split
In the district is not beyond possibility,
according to the delegrates from whom
Dolan has received a number of kilograms
and letters advising him to fight the issue
and if defeated to start an independent
organization.
MitcheII's Decision Made Public.
President Mitchells decision was made
public in his instructions to National
Vice President Lewis who read them to
the convention today. Mr.. Lewis received
them last night but held them until late
today before making them public. He
said he was awaiting further advices from
Mr.. Mitchell. The instructions were dated
at indianapolis and said;
II understand that the question at issue
in the Pittsburg district is: Has the
present convention authority to remove
or force resignation of district officers?
Presuming this to be correct, my Judg-
ment is that this being an annual conven-
tion with full power vested in the dele
gates It has authority to- remove from
an office any official of the district, or
provide amendment to the laws deemed
advisable by the majority of delegates,
and | advise you submit this telegram
to the convention as my decision in the
matter. Advise me fully by wire or tele-
phone as to the situation"
Mr.. Lewis upon receiving these instruc-
tons last night telegraphed Mr. Mitchell
that the sentiment OF the convention was
overwhelmingly in favor of removing the
two officials for alleged betrayal of the
miners trust in Indianapolis, and also
explained Dolan's attitude 1t was a re-
ply to this message that Mr.. Lewis
awaited, while he held up Mr.. Mitchells s
decision.
Convention Thrown Into Uproar.
When the decision was read to the con-
vention there was turmoil strife and con-
fusion. Delegates rushed TO the center
of the floor demanding that Dolan in
stantly vacate the chair.
Cheers and Kisses rose from the crowd
of excited delegates and for a time it
seemed that the president would be forci
bly, removed from his seat. The storm was
calmed by Mr.. Lewis. who made himself
heard in moving a recess while the tele-
grams and decision Of President Nit
chell were given to the newspapers.
When the convention was called to or
der again a number of resolutions amend
Ing the constitution. were offered and
passed. A resolution was passed appoint
ing committee to draft rules for
new election and to fix the date. 1t Is said
Dolan will be a candidate for reelection,
that Belingham will not. While waiting
through the day for the Mitchell de-
cision the work of the convention was
at compa rative deadlock. The time was
taken up with the presentation of reso-
lutions, number of which were not
recognized by the chair. Some having for
their object the prevention of like
instance In the future, were passed.
Mitchell Answers Questions.
Indianapolis. February S.-President
Mitchell of the mine workers, when shown