The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-07-29
MOYER VICTOR
OVER ENEMIES
Indications That President Of
Federation of Miners Will
Be Re- Elected.
CONVENTION DEBATES
AMALGAMATI0N PLAN
Acrimonious Accusations and
Personal Clashes; Resolution
Finally Defeated.

BUTTE, Mont. July 2s.-The time OF
the convention Of the Western Federation
of Miners was taken up largely today
with O discussion OF the very important
question as to the adWsability at this
tt1ne OF amalgaulating with the United
Nine Workers OF America, the Western
Federation having a membership OF
about $4,000 and the United Mine Work
ers membership OF about 26o,0oo. All
Of the speakers agreed that that object
would ultimately be attained; the only
disagreement which often led TO acrf-
moutous accusations and personal
clashes, was as TO the proper means 70
reach that end. Most OF the speakers
were IN favor. OF a movement towards
On amalgamation OF mine workers and
associated crafts everywhere through q
mining department In the American
Federation OF Labor Afflliation with
accomplished and at referendum elec-
ton the membership OF the Western fed
Grafton recently voted about to ] In
favor OF eftecting a union Of workers
engaged In the mining industry through
the establishment OF mining depart
nent in connection with the American
fedora uons
Resolution Introduced
The discussion arose today on mo-
ton to adopt a resolution introduced by
Jonn yickers OF Butte Miners union.
The resolution favored the surrender OF
the charter of the Western federation
and as whole going into the United
Mine Workers organization
Delegate Nickers expressed the opin-
ion thai the anlalgamation proposed
should be brought about TO save the ex-
pense of maintaining dual organization
and do away with separate working cards
for unions engaged in the mining indus
try .,,,., s ~,
fore Il was put, President Meyer said
ne wished TO make a statement in regard
70 the purpose Of the resolution, or, 49,, as ne
esood b. 'S some OF the @ deiegates The
president declared that vote for that
resolution would be n vote 10 disband
the federation and lose Us Identity In
Attention was called by Mr.. Meyer TO the
fact that the federation Is affiliated with
and has charter In the American fed
Grafton and thereby also has an afhlia
tion with the mine workers through the
convention OF the latter body with the
American federation,
Majority Against.
The vote was then taken by roll call
and 200 delegates voted against the pro"
posal for direct amalgamation with the
coal miners organization and 95 in favor
OF It, The supporters of President Meyer
In the convention were much elated over
the result, the issue was clear cut as
between the supporters and opponents OF
the administration, and a number OF dele
gates predicted that Mr.. Moyer would be
reelected president by about the same
vote that was given In support OF the
policy OF affiliation with the American
federation, for which he and the members
OF the executive board had worked so
ardently.
President Meyer noted that Delegate
James Smell OF Lead union had refused
10 vote on the proposition. The presi-
dent said he wanted the fact noted in
the records so that the union that paid
him for his service IN attending the con-
vention could be advised of the delegates
action, Delegate Smell made the excuse
that ne did not feel well enough advised
of the matter In hand 10 vote tnteli-
gently on IL. The president remarked
that such an excuse did not help the
delegate any
Alleged Interior Motive,
Vice President Mahoney said he would
favor the arnalgamation proposed II IL
could be done without friction that would
soon mean disruption again. Ii was de-
clared that the move would be regarded
In the light OF q joke by the mine work
ers, The constitution OF that organiza-
federation. The belief expressed
that there was some Interior motive be-
hind the presentation OF the resolution
and that the advocates OF It were not
81 deny the lnsnuation that I have any
Interior motive in this matter and that
my motives are not honest, declared
Delegate c. II. Mackinnon Of Nevada. He
continued:
NO reference was made to the Indus
trial Workers of the World but ! and
other delegates In this convention know
10 whom reference was made and I will
drag them in;o this discussion. l deny
that the advocates OF industrial unionisrn
have any ultcrior or dishonest motives
or. purposes In this convention"
There were numerous heated protests