Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-05-03
TOday's Telegraphic News
The Impending Strike.

Scranton, Pa, May S.-The tri-dis-
trict convention of anthracite miners
met here this morning for their first ses-
sion, and while today was given over to
nothing more than the mere formalities
of organization, the public will know by
the end of the week whether there is TO
be peace or war in the hard coal fields
The convention will probably be in ses-
sion three days 10 order that the six hum
dred delegates may have full opportunity
to express themselves on the issues.
President Mitchell opened the con-
vention without an address and he said
today that it was doubtful if be would
make an extended speech at the time
during the deliberations. Adjournment
was then taken until 80 O'Clock this
afternoon in order that the credentials
committee might go over the credentials
presented.
The present fight of the miners for
better conditions is to be carried into
politics. Mitchell has given his sane
ton to the plan whereby influential
union leaders will become candidates for
representatives aud Senators 10 the State
legislature. 1t is not planned that the
union form distinct political organiza-
ton, but to seek the nomination of one
of the big parties and in the legislature
fight the battles for better working con-
ditions AZ the mines. National board
members Myles Dougherty of District
No 9, has come out as candidate for
Representative of Northumberland cpun-
ty on the democratic ticket. John Fal.
low. of Wilkes Barre, another national
board member, has political aspirations,
AMI President Mitchell has told him to
20 ahead. Other leaders, it is expected,
will soon announce themselves as candi-
dates for seats in the State legislature.
Au operator, whose name is withheld,
within the week had talk with f b.
Thomas, President OF the Lehigh Valley,
and outlined to him in frank language
what might be expected in the event OF
strike The operator expressed the
same opinion given this morning: "There
is no use denying it ihst the miners, If
strike is called, will make such deter
mined and strong fight that the great
American public will step in aud force
both sides to get together. Our side
seems to lsil To realize the present social
istic trend Of public opinion. 1t will be
a bloody strike and long one. Talk OF
running the mines during the strike is
Out of the question We cannot get men
enough under general conditions, much
less than during strike time. Fears of
violence will keep many weak men in
the union at homo, while many men nov
working under the suspension order will
quit when the strike order comes. II is
all very well for us TO t,lk OF protecting
the miner In a sense that is true, when
he lives behind the stOckade al the col
liery, but how are we 10 protect his wife
and family at home from social boycott
and ostracism. If there is to be war,
it will be long one. and when the put =
lie finds, as it did in the last strike. that
it is being pinchrd, it will step in anil
force a settlement that may not be to the
liking OF either SIDE. Somehow feel
that Mitchell won't permit a strike >
Mr. Mitchell gives no indication
whether he is for peace or war, simply
saying it is aquestion for the delegates to
determine