Denver labor bulletin., 1918-01-19

Whole-hearted support of the gov
ernment in the war and criticism of
the federal courts for decisions ad-
verse to the union, expressed in the
reports Of officers, received the Wig
orous approval Of the 800 delegates
attending the biennial convention Of
the United Mine Workers Of America.
which opened al Indianapolis Tuesday
Tor what promises 10 be three weeks
session.
There must be no halfway ale
glance on the part Of the coal miners
in giving the best that is in them for
the preservation Of the ideals and
principles Of a democratic people" e1-
claimed President Frank ]. Hayes, in
addressing the men.
Let US in this convention firmly
resolve that every atom Of energy we
can contribute TO the winning OF the
war will be given gladly, freely, and
IN the same loyal spirit as those who
go out 10 give their lives.
, 10000 Miners in Service.
1T is matter of particular pride
that approximately 10000 members of
our organization have enlisted in the
military forces of our nation. Our
hearts 90 with them across the sea
g.
who have faced the perils Of the mines
year in and year out, risking. their
lives in the production of coal. will
not be found wanting when they face
the foreign foe"
The convention is expected TO adopt
strong resolutions backing up the gov
ernmcnt in the present crisis.
Both President Hayes and Secre-
tary-Treasurer Green devoted consid-
cradle space in their reports to the
legal fights against the union. In one
won a 100000 verdict against the
union in the federal court at Fort
Smith. Ark, for alleged violation of
the antitrust law. it being charged
the union had conspircd to prevent
the production of non-union mined
coal.
Officers Cited for Contempt
In the other case the miners were
enjoined in West Virginia from solic-
iting men TO join the union. In the
latter contest the Supreme court Mon
day cited officers to appear March
TO show cause why they should not be
declared in contempt of court for vio-
lating an injunction order. President
Hayes said that the union was conf
dent il could show that it is not guilty
of contempt
The miners president said that while
the government is setting aside the
antitrust laws to permit the forma-
tion of exporting trusts and pools. lit
seems to be declared an open season
by the federal judiciary for hunting
labor unions"
Applause greeted him when he char
acterized the court decisions as "revo-
lutionary" and approval was Indicated
by the delegates when he suggested
congressional legislation against the
repetition of such decisions.
Federal Courts Assailed.
Secretary Green brought much ap-
plause when he declared the Justices
of the United States Supreme court
had not caught the spirit of the times.
"They cannot hear the voices of
progress. of democracy and of human
rights" he said.
It was explained by Mr.. Green that
the 100000 verdict would be ap-
pealed. An $500 900 bond is required
to take such action, he said, and added
that he was opposed to paying one
penny of either Judgment or costs in
the case. II the court orders judg-
ment be executed and the attachment
of the funds and property of the
union is begun, so be it. said he. This
will bring the situation home directly
to the membership and to the atten-
ton of governmental authorities and
the public as we'll"
The reading of letter of cordial
greeting from President Wilson, in
which he said he had no doubt the
miners would rise to the occasion in
the present crisis, was vigorously ap-
plauded.
Satisfied With Wages.
While the delegates will not ask for
higher wages. they are expected to
take action looking to the mainte-
nance Of the present standard Mt least,
after the war is over. To this end
large defense fund is suggested by
some OF the leaders for use in the
event any attempt is made to read
Just wages downward Among the
plans on foot is one to increase the
per capita tax from 25 cents to so