Omaha daily bee., 1910-01-20

nient, he said: when the Industrial condi.
items in the anthracite region and the en-
tire country at that time are carefully
considered the representatives Of the
United Mine Workers were fortunate In
being able to convince the anthracite oper-
ators to grant concessions in order to ne
gotiate and sign contract. The most
gratifying feature of the situation in the
anthracite district at present is the dispo-
sition Of the mine managers and their EN-
ployes to settle disputes locally"
President Lewis presented tables taken
from government reports showing that In
thirteen years. from 1896 TO 1905 there were
221i6 lives sacrificed In the coal mines. and
that 6.T72 men were injured in the mines in
1905 He urged the creation OF a bureau of
mines and the establishment of measures
To lessen dangers of mining.
on the wage contract feature of the
workers activity. President Lewis spoke
in favor OF the Joint conference method Of
negotiating wage contracts, which he said
has done much to establish peace In the
mining industry On the termination OF
contracts, he said: you are aware that
our wage agreements in nearly every
btumnOus district of the country termi-
' nate on March 81 Of this year. Let me
make Il clear that there will be no reduc-
tion in wages, and as many improvements
in the agreement as can be secured"
President Lewis deprecated what he
termed a growing disposition to ignore the
authority OF the international organization
and officers and recommended that the
convention declare in exact terms the au.
thority OF the international organization
and its subordinate branches. He de-
nounced as the most dangerous enemy to
the organization those within II who seek
to disrupt the institution.
Report OF Secretary.
Deploring the unprecedented loss OF life
In the mines of America in 1903 and 1902
Edwin Perry, secretaIy-treasurer, declared
in the convention today that mot until the
function of protecting life is placed where il
rightfuliy belongs. namely on the operator
or mine owner, can we reasonably expect
any material change"
1--WE have every reason to believe thai
with adequate protection through, legis
lative enactments, the danger to life would
be nlinimized at least threefold. All the
legislation unless accompanied by sever,
penalties would not bring about the desired
results. Not only should our laws pro
vide every necessary safeguard, but wha
is OF infinitely more Importance would b,
liability law wherein the mine owners
would be held financially responsible fol
injuries and loss Of life"
Mr., Perry outlined the formation OF &
permanent relief fund on the basis Of tn,
donation of one days wages annually b!
each member OF the miners organization
to be augmented by an equivalent sun
from the operators to be used In case
Of emergency in mine disasters.
Statistics OF the financial condition of tn,
organization were read by the secretary
treasurer. showing that the paid-up mem
bership for the current year is slightly Il
excess Of that of 1906 the previous banne
year, and also calling attention to tn
large decrease in surplus funds. due T.
the continuance OF strike in district q
Nova Scotia. The recapitulation of tn
financial report showed balance on ham
December l, 1908. of s5s5.7S9. The incom
through the year to December /. 1909. wa
ssS1.7S0 making a total OF $1.427.4TO. The ex
penditures were listed at $956,6S9. leaving
balance of s47O6sO.
In conclusion. Mr.. Perry said: "whll
much has been said In the past on tn
subject OF political action. and while
have nothing new 10 suggest, / want t
emphasize the necessity on the part OF ou
members for concerted political actor
at all times"
safety Appliances Needed.
There is but one excuse for the grea
slaughter OF human lives in the coal mine
OF the country-proftsf'' SO declared e !
Mccullough, vice president. In his repoi
presented TO the convention of the orgaT
iSauon today, ''ro provide" continue
the report. safety appliances for the prS
lection OF those who provide the fuel suppl
OF this country, and make profitable on
present state OF industrial. commercial an
social status, means the expenditure
money and less profits to those who ow
the mines; and TO the extent that healt
life and limb can be protected and al
not. Is national disgrace and murder
the most cruel type and. in my opino
90 long as the public can secure it's fu
supply; and profits Is the chief aim of Il
industry: no relief can be hoped for excei