The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-09-24
LEWIS RULES
OUT MOTION
OF VIOLENCE
Nine Convention, However,
Votes Unanimously to Use
Every Lawful Means to Re
sist Injunction.
|D|SCOURACES STRIKE.
(Rx Associated Pressl


President Lewis had ruled out pro-
posal that the convention of the
United Mine Workers adjourn and
go home and prepare our fighting
lines" the delegates voted unanimous
| ly to instruct the international Off
GERS to use every lawful means to re-
sist the issuance of an Injunction
against the union sought in a suit
filed in federal court here yesterday
Another proposal that the miners
go on strike and remain idle until the
suit was Withdrawn from the court
was also ruled out of order by Presi-
dent Lewis before the vote was taken
TO instruct the union officials to resist
the injunction by every lawful means
President Samuel Gompers, presi-
dent of the American Federation of
Labor. who addressed the convention,
said the injunction, if granted would
enjoin all activities of the miners un-
ion. and, turning to President Lewis,
said: John, in defense of that prin-
ciple. l would like to visit you in
Jail"
4 The delegates shouted their approx
al. and Mr. Lewis arose. declaring. Il
have every expectation that Mr
Gompers will be accorded that privi-
lege."
Set Aside Business
The Borderland Coal corporation
which brought the suit in behalf of
more than so other operators, served
notice today that it would make appli-
cation on Oct. 13 for a preliminary
restraining order against the union,
and business before the biennial con-
vention of the miners was set aside
|, while International Secretary -Treasur-
er Green told the delegates that The
very heart and soul" of the union is
at stake in the suit
Mr.. Green, who interjected COM
ments on the various charges read a
condensed statement on the suit,
. which beside the union and its Off
Gals, names several Indiana coal COM
panies having contracts with the
union as defendants, the apparent pur-
pose being to strike down the wage
contract and the "check-off' system,
by which operators withhold dues
+ from the wages of miners
Says Matter Grave
1T is matter of grave import.
ance, said Mr.. Green, referring TO the
suit 1T strikes at the very heart and
. soul of our union. 1t is the most dan
) gerous charge ever made against our
t organization, and if the Injunction is
granted, it will be the most far-reach.
ing in It's scope ever granted against
the United Mine Workers" Mr..
Green's first interruption of his read
ing of the suit, was to emphasize the
allegation Of the suit that the miners
organization has become unlawful
per Sc" and is violating the Sherman
. and Clayton laws of the federal con-
!, stitution.
This says we are unlawful, without
the pale of the law" commented Mr.
j.. Green.
: Rotten" shouted a delegate. who
v was silenced by President Lewis rap
h ping for order.
;. Reads Attack
+ Then, reading the suits attack on
# the 'check-off" system Mr.. Green de-
|, clared, This is as broad as the uni
!, verse and as comprehensive as
eternity"
o He completed his reading OF the
:. charges and remarked that "a most
:, sweeping injunction" was sought
: against the union" We have COM
planned against government by in
. junction" he continued, and we have
= thought that the courts have gone
farther than we dreamed they would
= go, farther even than the law and the
: constitution
= Mr.. Green said that it was signifc-
ant that the new suit had been filed
before Judge Anderson. of the United
States District Court, for Indiana. {
- don't know what will take place." con-
a tinued Mr.. Green, but | am fearful.
feel this matter overshadows most
g everything that has happened re-
u Gently"
Delays Convention.
J. The consideration of the suit and a
speech by Samuel Gompers, occupied
J. all the morning session This DELAYED
II the convention renewing debate on the
two Kansas strike cases
d In his speech Mr. Gompers referred
u to the injunction suit. saying it was
: predicated principally on the rights OF
n the West Virginia miners He added
u that employers generally were seeking
q to establish the open shop.
~ How come this, that the employers
le are spending millions in efforts to help
sr the workers." continued Gompers
u Whence comes this new solicitude9- ~
AZ The whole labor movement, Comp
y ers said, is confronted with the open
ol shop drive, which he asserted was "in.
IL auSurated by the vested interests
~ greedy employees, and profteers."
Coal operators, Gompers, said
wished to spar with the union miners
so as to vancouver strike with a
bonus placed on the union He added
= that he had advised labor to resist
II wa Qe