The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-01-22
John Mitchell Made Eloquent
Speech as He Refused to
Accept $1,000, the Gift of
Western Miners.
MONEY WILL BE USED IN
EDUCATING HIS SONS.
President Looks Back on the
Marked Progress of Mine
Workers. Organization Dur
ing His Long Presidency.

indianapolis, Ind, January 22.-Per-
ihaps the most eloquent speech Presi-
dent John Mitchell, OF the United
Nine Workers. ever made in his life
was that when he declined to accept
personal gift OF $2,7OO rendered him by
the miners of Montana and Wyoming
as a token of their appreciation of his
efforts to make their condition better.
AS he spoke, trying to check his emo
tion. tears came to his eyes.
Thomas Gibson, President of the
Montana Miners had come TO the plat
form carrying a draft for $500. He
said the draft was backed by a smaller
amount which would bring the amount
up to S2,70O.
President Mitchell arose. AS he
spoke he seemed ready TO break down
Gentlemen of the convention" he
said land particularly the miners of
Montana and Wyoming, 1 cannot ex-
plain to you how I appreciate this ex-
preston of good will and confidence in
me- / don't know what to dol don't
want the moEgrs. If could ask you
to take II b9rit 20 the men who sent it
here and :2el ere they would know
I appreciate their confidence as much
as though they had given me as many
millions as they have hundreds, l
would feel better about it.
To Educate Our Boys.
Il prefer that you take the money
back, but If you cannot do that without
danger of giving offense to the good
people who sent it to me-then send it
TO Mrs. Mitchell and let her use it to
educate our boys"
The draft will be sent to Mrs Mitch
ell
The nineteenth annual convention of
the United Mine Workers will remain
in session probably until after January
30, on which date the miners and oper-
ators OF the central competitive field
will meet in conference to discuss the
ment. Should the operators decline to
meet with the miners the convention
will then determine upon the organiza-
TONS future course.
Union No. $50, of Belleville, H., has
presented President Mitchell with a
loving cup.
With his annual report President
Mitchell submitted series of statistic
al tables indicating the growth, prog
ress and achievements of the organiza
ton during his presidency. The aver
age paid-up membership has increased
from 9,T31 in 1897 to 263,726 in 1907
The increase last year was 35,O3J. The
organization is in better condition nu
merically than ever before.
Refuse to Consolidate.
Attention was called to mine casual
ties and laws further protecting min
ers were asked for. The adoption o.
an insurance plan similar to that o
railroad brotherhoods was advocated
with an indemnity of 500. Attention
was called to the need of child labor
laws. The proposition to consolidat,
with the Western Federation of Min
ers was not favored
In bidding farewell officially to tn,
convention and organization Presiden
Mitchell referred to his service of min,
years and seven months as presiden
during which the organization has in
creased in membership to nearly 800
600, with an accumulated fund Of $500
900. He regretted his inability t,
serve longer on account of his health
and bade the organization his officia
farewell