The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1908-01-21

UNITED MINE WORKERS MAY TRY
TO CAUSE FUEL
FAMINE
lnr s. W. Press Association

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Jan. 2l.-A
gigantic strike Of coal miners, which
would in two months exhaust the en-,
tire coal supply of the country and re-
suit in the greatest fuel famine ever
known in the United States, is one
of the possible results of the conren.
ton here OF the United Mine Work.
ers of America.
That the convention will be the
most important in the history of the
United Mine Workers. not only to the
miners and the operators. but to the
public at large, is certain. 1t will
mark the retirement of John Mitchell.
admittedly the worlds most infuen-
tiaI labor leader. from the presidency
of the organization, and this alone is
sufficient to make the meeting mem.
orable one.
At this convention the question of
renewing the Interstate agreement
will be taken up, and 1t is the posi-
BILE failure Of a settlement of this
problem that may bring about the
greatest tie-up of the coal mining in.
dustry ever known in the United
States. For many years the miners
have been attemnt'ng 70 secure the
adoption OF sat day for all agree
ments between the mine workers and
operators to expire. BY this means.
the union, when seeking for increased
| pay or improved conditions and failing
to get the desired results. might be
in position to act as unit and cut
off the entire coal supply simultane-
ously all over the country. thus fore.
ing the mine owners to meet their de-
mands. With universal agreement
day, the power of the United Mine
Workers would be doubled. The ope-
rators realize this and will fight any
attempt to secure its adoption.
While both the miners aud the ope-
rators declare that they desire peace
both sides are actively engaged in pre-
pairing for war, and the significance
of these preparations is not to be mis-.
taken.
John MitcheII's retirement at this
thine renders the situation all the
more precarious. With his firm hand
removed from the helm. there may be
breakers ahead for the United Mine
Workers. The candidates for the sue
censorship to Mitchell are w. B. Will
son, the present secretary-treasurer
and Thomas Lewis, the vice president
While both are familiar with the work
ings of the organization and are able
men, neither is likely to come up to
the standard set by President Mitch
ell who combined conservatism with
Gearlessness and ability in his man
agenent of the affairs of the organiza-
ton. That the United Mine Workers
of America has membership of near
~ half-million and has become one
Of the strongest labor unions in the
world is largely due to the efforts of
John Mitchell. who built up the great
army of underground toilers with only
weak and inefficient organized body
of men rs a nucleus
All over the country the miners are
eagerly discussing the outcome OF the
convention. They have needed the ad-
vice OF Joha Mitchell and have been
boarding their money for the strus,
gle. The treasury of the national or
Sanization is also reported to be in n
sound condition, and the Golfers of the
various districts are also well sup
piled with coin.
The operators, too, have been pre-
pairing for trouble and have quietly
perfected a strong organization. Rail.
road officials have been storing coal
for months past and will be well sup,
piled when the test of strength be-
tween the miners and the operators
comes to head.
Another vital matter OF general
public interest which will be fully con-
sidered in the convention is that OF
the terrible disasters that have re-
Gently occurred in the coal mines OF
! the country. especially in West vir.
gInia and Pennsylvania. The opera,
tors will probably receive demand
TO adopt measures for more effective.
ly safeguarding the life and limb of
miners. The last year has been one
of many fatalities for the mine work.
| ers, nearly 1000 men having lost their
lives in the recent mine horrors at
the Darr mine in Connellsville, Penn.
the Consolidated mines at Monongah,
w. Va, and minor disasters at Belle
Vernon, Penn, YoIando. Ala. and 9th.
er places. In West Virginia alone.
nearly 500 men we're killed in mine
disasters during 1907. Members of
the United Mine Workers declare that
a large proportion of these fatalities
could have been prevented II the mine