The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-06-18

understanding, and It is simply to live up to this motto that I am here this afternoon. HAS COUNSELED MODERATION During the whole time that l have been connected with the mine workers have always counseled moderation and mutual good will, and I still counsel it. It is perfectly possible and very desir- able that all the reforms that are neces- sary can come about without the loss of a single days work or the least par ticle of i'll will. The mine workers have the strongest union in the world today, and that is largely because they have fol- lowed peaceful methods. We must do nothing that will bring the least bit of odium or stigma on the union. We must keep our self-respect and the respect Of others by doing nothing that could re- dound to our discredit.
 We have seen great changes in the working conditions of men during the last few years. I can remember when long hours insanitary conditions, and unfair methods of pay were the regulation thing. Now the time has come when an eight hour day is recognized in almost every district, sanitary conditions are demand ed, and the mine run system Of pay IS in almost universal use. All these things the mine workers have brought about. We are not going to stop until these good measures are everywhere, and the very best possible conditions are obtained for the workers of the country.
 SHARE OF GOOD THINGS
 That is why are here, to help you get your share of the good things that are due you in the form of better hours, more pay and better conditions What we are demanding right now is the right that is granted to all other workmen, right that is, as old as the labor move ment itself, the right of the men in craft to meet and join their forces to get better conditions for themselves. All other trades have this right and exercise 1t freely and we intend to have the same The right of free speech and freedom Of meeting together is as old as our govern ment. 1t is ours lawfully and inherently, and we are going to get it and use It.
 "Our importance to the nation is ln- estimable It Is the man in the coal mine who makes possible the man behind the gun There are 900 boys and men in the United States working around the mines and there is no more important body of men to the government in the country Last year we got out 6os, Ooouoo tons of coal, and if cars had been fur nished and regular employment offered, this could have been increased to l,0oo,- 0OO. .OOO tons. If it is necessary in war to have this billion tons of coal, t is the men of the mine workers association who lnuSt pioboNS is N>-NN
 it willingly.
 s.But since we are so important, we must have some consideration. We are entitled to fair share of the wealth we nroduce at all times and to livable con- ditions when working, Our existence is naramount to the welfare of our coun- try. and we must be treated with the consideration that is due us because of onr importance. It is for the bringing about of these conditions that the mine workers are inviting you to unite with them.
 ..We do not want to hamper embar- rass the wheels of the government in any manner We do not want to see the busy wheels of commerce stop turning in Ala bama and we will never cause them to hv any act of our own A time of great stress is before ns. and we must all act with the good of our native country at heart
 ..'The men who work in the mines dc not fear death in any form, They are accustomed to dangers. seen and unseen. They face death in many forms every day. and if they are called on they will not hesitate to face it on the battlefield. There is no more patriotic body of men than the loyal union men of the United States. We feel that we are of more use where we are though. than we would be on~the firing line, and we will do onr utmost for our country as we work day by day
 .This is critical day for America. and we must he careful that no one can ever say that the mine workers ever caused ,,o,r conntry ar,-N tro,,i,io v-o vet i., such a manner that we will convince
 Se serious thinking ounl'e that our cause -s Inst and thcr we will he heard our. claims be recognized and our hard earned victory will he won.'