Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-15
STRIKE QUESTION Up.
Coal Miners Course to Be
Outlined at Convention.
HINGES ON WAGE SCALE
United Mine Workers Convene To-
morrow-Contracts Expire
in Spring.

there will be q strike amonR the anthra-
cite coal miners this spring will depend
largely on the action taken at the an
nual convention Of the United Mine Work
ers Of America, which will convene here
tomorrow and will continue in session
for about two weeks.
The contracts between the anthracite
miners and the operators regulating the
scale OF wages will expire this spring
and one of the chief topics OF discussion
at the convention viii be the wage: scaae.
The committee in the eastern district
had made arrangements to meet the
operators and make their demands two
weeks ago. but owing to difference Of
opinion within their ranks, it was decided
to postpone the negotiations until after
the convention.
Administration Is Wary.
When asked his opinion Of the probable
result of the conventions consideration
Of the wage scale question Secretary I'd
win Perry stated that no hint of the
changes recommended by President White
would be given until the opening Of the
big meeting. This precaution is Ia zen to
prevent foes of the present administration
attending the convention fully prepared
to defeat any legislative measures intro
duced by the executive officers. An adj
vance publication of the presidents re-
port has been the means OF frustrating
the we'll laid plans Of the executive Of
hcerS on more than one occasion in the
past.
For several months President White
has been touring the country, addressing
local unions and comforting with the va
rious leaders OF the miners organizations.
1t is supposed that. the wage scale ques-
ton was the chief subject of these con-
ferences and speeches, but this cannot be
learned definitely, as President White re-
fuses to be interviewed.
Several Amendments Projected.
All Of the twenty-eight districts COM
prising the American organisation will be
represented by delegates and the presi-
dents Of the districts, and IL the usual
custom is carried out these presidents
will constitute committee to consider
questions on the wage scale. which prom
tses to be the warmest proposition the
delegates have handled in Years. Reso-
buttons on the subject from miners from
all parts Of the country will be read and
submitted to the committee Of district
presidents to report back to the conven-
ton for final action. The suggestions to
be made by President White which have
aroused the curiosity of the entire Organi-
zation are expected to go a long way In
influencing the recommendations of the
committee.
Several constitutional amendments and
the launching Of campaign for adm IN.
istrative economy are other important
matters to be discussed by the delegates.
The amendments to be proposed are
purely technical and will cause no ma
terial change in the meaning of the
rules now governing conventions.
One recommendation that is almost GER
tain to receive the backing of major
ity Of the delegates provides for the IN
sertiOn Of provision in the constitution
for the establishment of . court In every
district of the Union for the purpose OF
trying members who are charged with
violating any policies Of the organization.
May Probe Theft Charges.
The leaders In favor Of this recon-
mendation declare the need Of such a
court will be made evident II the COM
mittee investigating the theft of votes
in the national election of 1911 files
charges against any one for being re-
sponsible for the disappearance of 1O,OOD
ballots that are supposed to have been
taken from the union vault In the State
Life building here. The missing votes
were cast by the miners Of several ILL.,
nois districts known to be strong sup
porters OF President White. Thomas L.
Lewis, the opposing candidate, who was
president at the time, has repeatedly
declared that he knows absolutely moth
ing about the theft The committee con-
Quoting the investigation Of the disap-
pearance of the ballots will make re-
port to the convention, but it Is not
known whether any one VIII be accused
of the theft Of the votes.
Recommendations also, will be made for
the purpose of securing q more specif-
cally worded constitution. The present
loose wording of the constitution, accord
| ing to Secretary Perry. has placed the
organization in embarrassing situations
in several previous conventions.
Expect 1900 Delegates.
When the convention is called to order
| it is expected that 1000 delegates will be
| in their seats. The anti-administration
men are determined to defeat the objects
of President White and his hackers. and
the sessions will undoubtedly be ex-
tremely bitter. -
John Mitchell former president 81 the
United Miners. is expected to attend the
convention for the purpose OF supporting
President White and his staff Of officers
| in the event of an attempt on the part OF
ex-President Lewis and his adherents to
| wage q fight ON the policies Endorsed by
The committees on constitutional
amendments, resolutions and. grievances
held meetings. here for the last three
days, and have now completed the reports
| that will he made when called for by the
convention.
The regular legislative sessions OF the
convention will not begin until Wednes-
| in hearing addresses by Gov. Marshall OF
Indiana MayOr Shank OF Indianapolis