The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1907-07-26

The mass meeting Wednesday even
ing at the city hall clearly and posi-
lively demonstrated the fact that the
laboring and business men of Ely de-
sire no strike. Long before the ap-
pointed time set for the meeting the
street in front of the city hall was
crowded with men anxious to
show their displeasnre over the actions
of certain Western Federation of
Miners agitators who had taken it
upon themselves to call strike here
and on the Mesabas range.
The strike orderswent into effect in
Ely Tuesday morning, and a careful.
inquiry at the mines shows that about
70 men needed the call. The larger
part of these were young men. known
members of the Federation, who have
become members during the past two
weeks. Up to that time, few weeks
ago, when agitators of all kinds were
here and harrangued a few men at
Labor Temple, the Western Fedora
tion of Miners in Ely was composed
principally of tailors and shoemakers,
and as near as could be ascertained of
about Is people, Is having been the
number of those paying their dues at
that time. Since then the agltators
have secured several more, and the
total membership can about be judged
by the figures representing those who
needed the strike order.
Much bitterness has been mani
tested since the order to strike went
into effect. Agitators have been work
ing in secret. but evidently without
much success. rs Vermilion range
is not in favor If a strike, Word from
Soudan shows that about dozen have
quit their work there, and that the
200 men employed are determined to
sit down any demonstration to strike.
The Vermilion range miners are loyal
and the only interference comes from
the outside. This outside interfer
ence is the thorn that rankles.
When the laborers on the ore docks
went out the Yermilion mines did not
close, but at once put up their trestles
to the stock piles and began stocking
ore. The mines here have stock pile
room enough to mine and stock until
next April, providing not pound of
ore was shipped.
The actions of the mass meeting in
passing the drastic resolution author
izing the authorities to keep the town
clear of outside agitators, and also
that the local bunch does not become
too boiSterous, will have wholesome
effect, The provisions already made
prove that the resolution will he car
ried out to the letter.
The meeting was called to order by
Mayor Weinzierl, who introduced as
the first speaker M. E. Gleason.
Mr. Gleason called the attention of
the citizens to the serious nature of
the meeting, and said he was of the
opinion that every law abiding citizen
would be willing to do everything in
his power to uphold the law and order
in this community. Mr.. Gleason also
made an earnest plea that all agitators
be driven from the city. calling atten-
tion to the bad effects they would
have on the labOring people if left to
do as they pleased, and the inevitable
results that were sure to follow. He
spoke of the effects on the business
men of Ely should the men decide tc
lay down their tools and quit work.
The prosperity of Ely depends on the
amount of work to be had at the
mines, and as long as there was a
chance everyone should help out and
do all possible to divert trouble. He
also stated that one thing that would
not be tolerated for an instant by the
law abiding citizens of Ely, would be
the displaying of any red flags of
anarchy.
A. j. Thomas was the next speaker.
and he stated that he was in fuu SYM
pathy with the sentiments of Mr..
Gleason. Mr.. Thomas stated that
while in Duluth. the previous day, he
had called on Mr.. Bates, the sheriff,
and he Mr.. Bates) stated that he had
not sent any deputies to Ely, for the
reason that he thought most of the
citizens of Ely were law abiding, and
would be amply able able to care for
the welfare of their city without any
aid from the outside. He stated that
he thought if every man would do