The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-02-21
What President John Mitchell Say His Great Organization the
United Mine Workers of America
in REGARD TO THE BRANCH IN THE STATE OF WFST vpcmuA
o oupouing this City Montgomery Mahe Cbamon Of
Hed laborakes Eloquent legislation Justice and for Women
and Child Tolers Of State Nadon-Good Advice to Men,

MondaySwas Mitchell day in
Charleston and hundreds of visitors
were in the city to see and hear the
great leader of the United Mine
Workers of America. Mr.. Mitchell
arrived over the G. & o., at 4
O'Clock Monday morning and was
met by a committee and escorted
to Hotel Kanawa where he received
hundreds of visitors during the
day and evening.
At 1 O'Clock, the honr set for the
speaking, the Opera House was
packed with an eager audience,
and hundreds of people were un-
able to gain admission.
President John Nugent, of Dis
trict No. II, in few appropriate re-
marks, introduced Judge 8. G. Bur-
dett as chairman of the meeting
Judge Burdett, who is always elo-
quent,. paid high tribute to the
worth and ability of the distin.
Fgulshed labor leader, and said he
felt highly honored at being called
upon to preside at such a meeting,
and that, in fact, he had committed
a sort of petit larceny to be there
for he had taken a part of the
states time. In conclusion, he in
troduced Mr.. Adam 3. LittIepage,
who addressed the assembly prior
to Mr.. Mitchell.
Mr.. Littlepage was received with
great applause and stated that he
had not known Lat he would be
called upon to speak. He said, in
part::: !:
lit gives me great pleasure to
speak to this magnificent assemblage,
composed, as it is, mainly of the
| sons of toll. 1t makes my heart glad
to see you united for so noble a pur-
pose. In this state, SO richly endowed
by God Almighty, with natural
wealth, there should be no conflict
between labor and capital, and it
has been my constant aim to bring
them together. each doing his duty
in a.. honest, manly way before God.
L shall still fight for that end, and
| for the good OF this order, that you
may have better protection and bet
ter wages to feed and clothe your
wives and little ones" He was
warmly applauded.
Judge BCrdette, in few graceful
remarks introduced Mr.. Mitchell
of applause that he had to pause a
moment before proceeding. Mr.
Mitchell said: IF 1 were possessed
of the language and eloquence OF
appreciation of this mag,
nifcent reception. But 1 beg to re
mind you all that l am, first, ar
American: second, a coal digger.
am a graduate of coal mine anc
therefore do not feel qualified tc
equal them"
West Virginia. continued the
speaker, was born as profess
against injustice and I am here to-
day 20 protest against injustice.
trust 1 may say something that may
help you correct that injustice.
believe in fair conditions and an
here ask only fair conditions. but
before tits possible to get these con
!, ditions. it is necessary to pass some
laws.
Il believe West Virginia is last
of all the great coal producing state:
to recognize that worst of all crime:
against labor, the black list Thi:
cowardIy. cruel menace that prevent:
man expressing an honest differ
: ence without exposing his wife ant
littleN ones to the threat of starva
ton For by the operation of the
black list, If an honest workman
should offend an operator he MAJ
lbez placed on this list, and then hs