Middletown transcript., 1908-10-31
MITCHELL WAS MIsREpRRsENTrD
Former President of United Mine Workers
DenOunces use Of His Name
by Bryanites

PO5eCt COutniHiuk Oil ChA0t BON "AS~S -
myself, below which is printed what pur-
ports to be an interview with me bearing
upon the present political situation.
Some of these letters are written in a
spirit of criticism, while others are com.
mandatory and request that additional
posters be mailed for distribution.
1t is obvious that these posters have
been received by many, if not all OF the
secretaries Of our local unions; it is appar-
ent that at least some of our members be-
lieve that they were sent out by me; and
the assumption is that am attempting to
dictate or at least to influence the manner
in which our members should vote.
To those who know me best it should
be unnecessary to cay that would not be
so lacking in modesty as to mail to the
local unions of the United Mine Workers
of America pictures of myself. even
though desired to convey to them an
expression of my political opinions.
In order to remove any misunderstand-
ing that may exist, l take this means of
informing our members that have not
mailed or authorized anyone else to mail
to any member or officer OF our union or
to anyone else any poster containing my
Likeness or giving expression to my po-
Iiticai We've, except so far as these views
are expressed in the political circulars
authorized by the Executive Council of
the American Federation of Labor.
Only short time ago weekly paper
published in the city of Buffalo printed
what purported to be telegram signed
by me, declaring unequivocaIly for one of
the Presidential candidates and with
equal emphasis voicing opposition to
another. That ttelegram-Which has been
given large circulation-was not written
by me or by my authority. 1 never saw
it or heard of it until it appeared in the
columns Of the publication referred to.
1 have borne patiently with this mis-
representation and have hesitated to say
anything by way of correction because l
feared that to do so would be to furnish
another opportunity for garbling what /
said and thus place me in an even more
embarrassing position; and might thus con-
vey the impression that was not in full
sympathy with the efforts of the working
people To- secure remedial legislation for
the wrongs Of which they complain. But
matters have gone so far that l can
not, in justice to my own conscience
remain silent while others use my
name in this unauthorized manner.
am abuudantIy able to speak for myself
and object to these unwarranted lIber-
ties being taken with my name. There
fore l avail myself of this means of COM
municating to all who may be interested
this explanation and expression of my
views.
As I understand the policy of the
American labor movement and the action
OF the United Mine Workers OF America,
it is that the organization of labor
are not committed to any political party;
the workingmen of America are endeavor-
ing SO far as lies within their power and
without regard to political affiliations, to
elect to public office rONA FIFE mem,
bers of trade unions Or other candidates
who are known to be in sympathy with
the political and industrial interests of
the wage earners.
To this end have written letters of
recommendation and shall write others
urging our fellow workers to support trade
unionists, and friends of the trade union
who have been nominated for
official position. To be specific, l have
written or shall write letters endorsing
the candidacy for Congress of such men
as W. B. Wilson, former Secretary of the
United Mine Workers OF America; T. D.
President of District No. ]; W.
D. Mahon, President Amalgamated Asso
citation of Street & Electric Railway Em-
ployees; Jas. P. Maher, Treasurer United
Hatters OF North America; John q. Nc
Henry, OF Benton, Penna., etc.
1t seems to me that inasmuch az the
manufacturing, the mercantile, the pro-
and to lesser extent the aeri-
and even the leisure classes are
20 we'll and SO numerously represented in
Dur state and national legislatures, the
wage earners should alsoberepresented by
4 group of strong men from the ranks of
abor, whose training and experience are
'uch as to enable them to be present in an
intelligent and forceful manner the needs
md requirements of that great division
If society which is least able to protect
tself. When all ia ctors are thus re-
presented, we can expect ercL Iegisla.
ion as is essential TO the welfare of the
whole Nation and such special laws
IS are necessary to protect the interests
# each separate division.
am sure that l shall not be charged
With partisanship when I advise each cit |
zen to examine carefully the principles
nd political organizations; to investigate
he character and standing OF the candi-
ates; to consider seriously the effect of
be election upon the Nation as a whole
nd upon that division of society in par.
icular to which he belongs; and having
one this, it is his duty to cast his ballot
q accordance With bis best judgment and
18th the dictates of his conscience.
Over and above all, trade uniopists
hould ever keep in mind the necessity
preserving inviolate the strength and
itegrity OF the unions. When the elec-
on is over and the excitement and EN-.
lusiasm incident to it have passed away
Of which party has been VIC
of who is elected to
le Presidency - the organization of
abor, as heretofore and as never before.
i'll be to the workingmen the buIwark
their liberties.
Signed
JOHN MITCHELL,
CURRENT PRICES