The Oskaloosa herald., 1910-12-29

i
entage, being the youngest child OF
Jos. and Catherine White. His
father died when he was but little
more than two years of age. He at,
tended the public schools at Coal
Valley and at Lucas, Iowa, where
the family removed, until he was IA
years of age, at which time he enter
ed the mines and remained there I'M
til he was chosen secretary-treasurer
of the Mine Workers of Iowa, on
August Is, 1899.
The organization in District Is
was but fragmentary at that time,
and today it is recognized as one of
the best district organizations under
the jurisdiction of the International
| Union.
John P. White has had a very ex-
tensive experience for a young man
and has received many honors in the
labor world, and few men have i'm
proved the opportunities presented
to them as he has done.
He filled the office of secretary
treasurer of District IS for six con-
secutive terms and at the request of
pired to its presidency, and was
elected to that position and served
continuously for four years, and was
unanimously chosen by the Mine
Workers of the country to the office
of International vice president, re-
firing at the end of the first year, at
his own volition. He returned to
District Is and at the earnest solicit
tation of the miners of Iowa again
became president of the district,
which position he now holds.
He has represented labor in the
highest counsels of the labor move
ment of this country, having been a
delegate on several occasions to the
A. F. of L. conventions, and was one
of the two delegates that were chos-
Ell to represent the International
Union in the Worlds Congress of
Mining, held in London, England, I'M
1906.
The splendid organization in. Dis
trict IS is largely due to his untiring
efforts, and the membership in Iowa
fully appreciate his worth and have
ON more than one occasion testified
to this, and in his contest for the
International Presidency, recently
closed, he had the overwhelming en-
dorsement of the Iowa miners, who
reluctantly part with him, but re-
cognizing his worth and ability be-
lieve that his leadership is needed
in the National Counsels and will dol
all in their power to assist him as
International President.
John p. White has proven himself
one of the best financiers in the or
ganizatiOn. When District 13 was
without any financial strength and
the operators refused to recognize
the union, he it was who more than
any other one individual pleaded
with the miners of Iowa for strong
financial organization. A great many
advanced the argument and opposed
his ideas that a strong financial IN
stitution would prove disastrous to-
the success of the organization, and
that its funds would be dissipated,
etc. White overcame all opposition
and early in the history of the move
ment succeeded in laying the plans
which make it possible for District
l3 TO enjoy today the proud distinc-
ton of being the best financed dis
trict organization in the United Mine
Workers. 1t has done more for its
members in this particular than has
any other district and has always
been in a position to assist those in
distress, and is an institution to-
day that is to be reckoned with in
all large business transactions.
At no time in the history of his
career, under his various administra-
tons has there been the slightest
discrepancy in it's management, and
it's power and influence has been eX-
tended for the advancement OF its
great membership.
While this has been accomplished
it would not be amiss to mention
that this splendid state of affairs
mas uOl DttH obOuh "ANhNNN
a great deal OF effort and even OPP
position, for on more than one occa'
sion John p. White has had to fight
his way against organized opposl-
ton both from within and without.
But through it all he has steadfastly
pursued a course that he believed to
be best and he has been able to
command the respect OF the opposi.
ton and has challenged the admira-
ton of all lovers OF fair play, be-
cause in his fights he is above the
small practices that characterize
some men who are ambitious and de-
sirous of leadership. .s
He has a thorough and practical
knowledge of all phases OF mining
and on more than one occasion has
demonstrated that he is a man OF
ability. In the local unions, on the
public rostrum and on the floor of
Joint conventions, he has proven
himself to be an able debater and
thoroughly conyersant with the
needs and requirements OF the min.
ers. He is a man that displays ex-
traordinary good Judgment, as can