Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-09
MINERS REFUSE A
GENERAL STRIKE
Special Committee Reports Ac-
ton Would Not Be Wise
at This Time.
WILL AID COLORADO MEN
Organization to Stand at Back Of Men
In the West, No Matter How
Long They Are Ou..

Indianapolis, Ind, May 9.-"That 1t
is not the part of wisdom for the min
lers in the organized states to engage
in a general strike at this particular
time" was the report of a special COM
mittee to the international executive
board of the United Mine Workers of
America, in session here. 1t was de-
cided. however. to push the strike in
Colorado and an appeal for financial
help was issued.
After stating that the situation had
been canvassed thoroughly, the report
on the general strike subject contin-
ues:
| 1--WE believe that we can better aid
our gallant brothers in Colorado by
remaining at work, thus insuring in a
financial way our fullest support to
the men, women and children who
have been long engaged in the great
struggle in Colorado. We must be in
position to finance properly the
strike in that state indefinitely, until
the success of the miners cause is as
sured, and a general strike at this time
might jeopardize our position in this
respect without adding anything ma
terially to the success of the Colorado
strike
Appeal for Financial Aid.
The appeal for aid, which is signed
by John p. White, president; Frank ].
Hayes. vice president; and William
Green, secretary-treasurer, says:
"Will you aid the Colorado strikers
far in fhair or ms
John d. Rockefeller Jr., and the inter
ests which he represents? The re-
quest of the president of the United
States through his personal represent
alive that Mr.. Rockefeller use his in
fiuence in behalf of peace was refused.
When he denied the presidents re-
quest he assumed to be bigger than
the government itself. Shall such a
condition be tolerated by a free peo-
pie? Is Mr.. Rockefeller and the inter-
ests which he represents larger and
more powerful than the government of
the United States?
I'VE need your help. your sympathy, |
and your support. We appeal to you to !
respond promptly and literally and |
thus place yourself fairly and squarely |
on the side of all the people as against |
John d. Rockefeller Jr., whose name !
is inseparably associated with Stand |
ard OIL"
Cites Alleged Prosecutions.
The report quotes long list of per-
secutions to which 1t is alleged the min.
ers were subjected, eliminating in the
massacre of Ludlow" on April 20. 1t
says no fouler crime or more brutal
deed was ever recorded on the pages
of American history than the Ludlow
tragedy
This is an awful sacrifice" the re-
port adds, "all of which could have /
been avoided If John D. Rockefeller
Jr., who occupies such powerful pos
itfon In the financial world, would
have spoken one word favoring a set
tlement through a meeting between
the representatives of the coal COM
panfes and the representatives of the
striking employees. And how shall this
battle OF determination go on?
There can be no turning back or
turning aside. The sacrifices already
made are too great. The slaughter of
innocents demands from us our fullest
measure of devotion.
with resolute purpose and firm de-
termination the United Mine Workers
OF America hereby pledge themselves
TO support the mine workers in Colo
RADIO and aid them as long as this con-
test goes on. even If it lasts for a peri-
Cd or ten years, until their rights are
recognized and an honorable wage set. !
Element is borught about"
News PIeases at Denver.
Denver. Colo. May 9-The report :
from Indianapolis that the special 7
committee OF the United Mineworkers y
Or America had advised against calling =
nationwide strike at this particular {
time was received without comment I
by Governor Ammons and at the head | ,
quarters Of the coal companies. =
Secretary and Treasurer E. l.. DoyIe =
1t the United Mineworkers of America /
district office here, expressed gratifi. =
cation at the recommendation. He
was pleased at the assurances of SUD-
port for the Colorado strikers.
The Last Holc Indeed