The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1913-08-23
ENDORSES STRIKE LEADERS
Believes the Miners viii Win If
Their Union Ranks Remain
Unbroken
PARADE PReCEDES GATHERING

John Mitchell, second vice presfs
dent Of the American Federation of
Labor, arrived in Calumet this morn-
ing 10 address the copper mine striks
ers at the Palestra. This afternoon hs
will talk to strikers OF the south end
Of the district at Houghton.
Asked whether financial assistance
would be extended by the American
Federation Of Labor Mr. Mitchell said:
You may state that the American
Federation of Labor is in full and
complete sympathy with the copper
miners in their strike for better labor
conditions
Despite the fact that this is Mr. Nit
chells first visit to the copper country
he possesses "A general knowledge OF
local labor conditions. He met local
strike leaders at union headquarters
this morning. When asked If he would
| endeavor To meet the operators. Mr..
Mitchell replied he has made no such
plan. From Calumet he will go 10
Washington.
! In reply TO a question as to whether
or not he would endeavor 10 secure u
senatorial investigation, he stated that
such a step would depend upon what
information he secures today.
Mr.. Mitchell Is one of the greatest
labor leaders in the world He is OF
small stature dark complexion and
has a pair of eyes that peer deeply
into everything within view. His de-
meanor implies the important position
he occupies. He was met at the Cop
per Range station by Vice President
Mahoney of the Western Federation,
and members of the executive board
and escorted to a hotel.
Addresses Mass Meeting.
Il hope to dispel the impression cir
culated TO the effect that the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor is not in SYM
pathy with the Western Federation OF
Miners in the effort it is making to
better conditions of life and labor for
the miners in this field" said Mr..
Mitchell in an address at this
mornings mass meeting of strikers in
the Palestra, Il take pleasure in an
nouncing that the American Fedora
ton is Heartily in accord and sympa-
thy with the Western Federation in
this fight" he continued. IL by
chance you should fail, your failure
: will cause sadness and disappoint-
ment among the whole working class
Of America.
Il pay tribute TO those Of your num-
Z Der VINO speak not our language. To
r the courage and steadfastness of the
I non English speaking men and wom-
en-, we owe much / was greatly
o. pleased To see that the women and
children marched with the men in the
n parade this morning ] have never
o. known a strike to fail wher the wom-
en- and children took their part by the
- sides of the husbands and fathers.
f More than half of the strikes in
9 America have been completely won,
II Twenty FIVE per cent more have been
. partly won. OF all the strikes in Amer
r lea less than ten per cent have been
4 entirely lost. So seventy-five per cent
, of the ODDS are in your favor. Stand
s with mbroken ranks and you must
win.
for FIVE and half months and each OF
= the men striking received but ten dol
II lars and "A half in strike benefits, max
N ing Tess than two per person. They
Y were willing To- face hunger that they
.a might achieve victory. | do not NEAR
n to say that you will have To endur,
N the same hardships. but | have M
* doubt that you will as bravely face
,a them il called upon TO do so l dC
b not think it will take YOU FIVE and Z
70 half months to win, but If IT is neces
,r sary. strike until you win"
m Both Radical and Conservative.
Mr. Mitchell referred 20 his position
,e in the labor world as a radical amoni
10 conservatives and a conservatis
re among radicals.
s. Il would do all in my power TO hon
re orably avert a strike, but if one can
no not be averted by honorable and con
he ciliatory methods | favor striking ant
in would never advise the men TO returl
r TO work until they secured an honor
no able adjustment of their grievances,
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