The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1922-05-16
MINE WORKERS
IN HOT SESSION
wilkinson Fails to Head
Off Motion to Call
for Harrington
NETTING AT MUSK0GEE
Head of District II Ready 10
Debate Illinois-Kansas
Situation

MrsKOGEE. May 15.--An invita-.
yon TO address the convention of
5lstrict Il. United Mine Workers of
,nerlca, in sessions here, was sent
late today TO Frank Harrington,
nresident OF the Illinois district of
The union and recognized opponent
NJ John wilkinson. head OF district
9i The invitation was wired to
Harrington after a motion to have
Mn address the convention had
yzssed 81 TO 54 at the conclusion of
stormy debate in which Wilkinson
look leading part.
The motion was made by Tony
Koch of Nilburton. II Immediately
transformed the tranquility that had
marked the afternoon session that
FAR into q scene of confusion I'm
which delegates IN all parts of the
hail sought the right to express their
views. President Wilkinson re-
sorted 10 the use of the gavel fire.
quently to preserve order.
ut is immaterial to me II the con-
yention wants to stay in session un-
Nh harrington comes" Wilkinson de-
clared from the chair during the de-
bate on the motion. II am willing to
debate with Harrington. Ameringer
(editor of the Oklahoma Leader. a
socialist newspaper published in
Oklahoma City) or any of them"
Debate Is Limited.
The district president then made
I MIN that he would debate with the
nnnois chief only on the Kansas
and Illinois situation. but would not
20 into the matter of separate agree
ments made in this district.
Il am not TO be ruled by Frank
farrngton in making separate
agreements" Wilkinson declared. II
am responsible to district 81 and to
the International uniun-not to
those who are trying to act for me
International. Kansas and Illinois.
Farringtou Is looking for an excuse
to break away from the internation-
al union"
President Wilkinson was Interrupt
led by John Smms, Bryant, Okla.
who read letter which he said was
from harrington in which the writer
declared he would come to the con-
yention if invited.
The chair instructed Simms to turn
the letter over to the secretary as
a matter OF record, but Simms re-
fused.
President Wilkinson resumed his
statement but was again interrupted
by Hugh Johnson of Dewar. Okla,
who demanded to know "who was
elected president in District II at
the last election" referring to the
election of Alexander Howat, another
opponent OF Wilkinson who is now
In Jail at Columbus. Kan, for al
legged contempt of court.
Who was elected president Of IRE
ahdI President Wilkinson asked
him in reply.
Lloyd George, suppose" John
ihl0 laugh for the first time.
Motion Not Qualified.
Wilkinson then sought to have
hoch make plain in his motion what
Sse wanted harrington to address the
convention on, but the latter merely
repeated that his motion designated
only that Harrington address the
convention"
several delegates then argued the
uouoh and President Wilkinson
Closed the discussion with the state
meht that no would positively not
discuss the separate agreement mat
wf with Harrington here"
you want him to sit in judg-
nea' on me 1t must be In the inter-
national policy committee meeting"
ne asserted.
Wilkinson charged that the Okla
lma Leader had printed only
NgWats and Farrington's side of the
Ssghuoversy between them and that
,5 1 statements had not appeared in
roSslellity that John L. Lewis, in
w,maHonal yo1a5al president of the union,
, "oalu De at the convention ap-
peaieG remote tonight when 1t be-
St known that he is indisposed at
Saa hone IN indianapolis and had
ss.o s" ADVISED by Wilkinson In n tel
a, ssn thdt ne would not be needed
a. the convention.
Inc convention consumed tho an.
ure morning in perfecting its Or
sshlzation, objection To the adoption
~ ue convention call being made
l., number of delegates as soon as
49,. oeen read by l.. +. Ross. dis
,Ion secretary-treasurer. Opposi-
thn 70 lis ratification centered i'm
sS 70 seu Vagueness of its wording
snvo,ther whether 1t would permit the
Lm1ioh s',ti TO take action In regard
fciaio iof receivership filed by Of
oklsbool ol the district against the
STrsshoma ma Leader.
beiorrea eau was finally adopted lust
chair the noon recess after the
tSS mad ruled that, according 10
Sn I' O. constitution, it must be Voted
Tho uown without amendment"
eomnS re report of the credentials
Of tb''ee tba occupied the first part
sdon,ea afternoon session. 1t was
conyee coea after a mild debate, and the
Rates Hton voted to seat those dele
iOcai IN ~ attendance who represented
ihsi, Unions Unions who were in arrears in
ia ytos uues' This action was taken
hcnsW ol the difficulties which are
FoR the district financially
Gales eSSwlng Sg the seating OF the dele
ihs a. aecretary-Treasurer Ross read
the, rnsSihCial wsilial statement OF the dis.
iJts Thhlch showed that on AnriI I
Is tres sne district had balance in
dtcIseassury OF s77.4O9. The renort
! "a tbs thu that on March l there wns
Nj district a membership Of Is Ia
4 ktobe, compared with li4I2 in
''er OF last year. :"
| Thar ---------