The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-01-24

Idliou- IlC sSlIu IItit dIc lIp ll'iI'i
and fast rules for labor organiza-
tons that can be laid down success
fully under all circumstances
He said that if he had believed
that Il general strike would have
stopped the non-union mines, no one
would have favored national strike
more than he, but he added that he
did not believe then it would have
such effect and that he does not be-
live it now
"If had favored national
strike" he continued, Il should
have refused to modify the original
demands one cent He said that
he would explain the results of ma
tional strike. but that he would not
commit himself to any set policy as
to the future. ''lf ! am convinced
that national strike is the best pol
icy then | shall favor national
strike We should meet conditions
as they arise
He referred to the strikes Of 1891
and 1897 in support Of the policy Of
last year. and showed. among other
things, the falling OF in member
ship following the 81 strike. He
pronounced the strike Of 1897 as she
ccssful, though all of the demands
of the organization had not been
granted. He attributed this fail
urc to gain all demands as due to
the fact that only about onc-half Of
the miners of the country went on
strike. He referred TO the growth
by leaps and bounds of the coal out
put from West Virginia.
81 have no hcsitancy in saying
that the policy adopted one year ago
was the best that could be adopted
under the then existing circum-
stances" he continued. ''All things
in consideration, my opportunities
to gain information are as great as
the opportunities of any one in the
organization lie said that he
would not make himself ridiculous
by saying the organization had got
all demanded in the Perry rcsoIu-
ton. and then he referred to the
:arious things that had been obtain
al. He said that the present check
plf system in Pennsylvania is more
advantageous than formerly, cspc-
| rially in regard to collecting the
money due the organization. He
said that if the members of the or
ganization had surrendered any adj
vantage gained in 1901 and 1905. it
| had not been without the knowl-
edge Of the general executive board.
as he had determined that the min
crs themselves must accept the re-
sponSibility OF every settlement
| made.
Rcvcrting TO the conduct of the
strike, he said: 1.-The mon here ami
the men at home know whether or
not the best course was pursued. An
election was held since the strike
Of last wear. AS large per cent of
unions nominated me during the
| last election as ever before. | do
not regard myself rs perfect, and
confess that | am likely to make
mistakes. but | think that | can
safely say that the progress and
achievements of the organization
during the time | have helped to
shape its policy has been such IL to
meet the reasonable expectations of
all our members. As to what will
take place in the future. | do not
know. | have submitted suggestions
to You and you have seen tit to in
dorSc them. | hope we Will rchahil-
| itatc the interstate movement"
He said the apparent loss in mem
bcrShip would not he Il permanent
| loss.
"Somc who are my friends and
some who are not my friends" ne
continued. SAY am too cnnScrvA-
tive. l am not too conservative. l
am restless Tor advancement. ana
no man III this organization worrir-
more and spends more slcepIc-~
nights than | do Il * true that 7
| do not think that The best intrro~-,
OF the working men VIII he promor-
ed by calling every employer Il thirt
and Il rogue. My effort. to promor.
friendly business relations do not Gc-
tract from my desire 10 ~cc the
United Mine Workers OF America
the best paid and the most humane
ly employed worllmcn in the world
The floor WAS then given NJ
Lewis. and he said: Il desire To-
say that | agree with Mr.. Nitchc'l'-
statement when he saws we never
have had any unpleasant words
! Men may be friendly and intimate