Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1894 — LEADS THE MINERS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

LEADS THE MINERS.

Orest Power end Influence Wielded bp President Mcßride. President John Mcßride, of the United Mine Workers of America, at whose order 200,000 coal miners quit work with one accord, is the executive head of one of the most powerful labor unions in the United States. No better evidence of the strength and widespread distribution of >ta influence need be adduced than is furnished by a few cf the figures showing the number of men who went out in the principal centers of the coal industry. In Pennsylvania there were 50,000; in Illinois, .8,000; in Ohio, 26,000; in Alabama, B,OCO, and in Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, lowa and Indian Territory enough to swell the number somewhat beyond the grand total of 200.000. President Mcßride has the confidence of these men because he is one of them, and he is their leader because of the confidence they have' in his ability and judgment. He began to work in the Ohio coal mines when he was only 9 years of age and at 16 was admitted to membership in the Miners’ Union. He had been a member of the union for 13 years when in 1883 he was unanimously elected its President, which position he filled for four successive years. Mr. Mcßride was temporary chairman of the convention which met in Indianapolis in 1885 and formed the National Federation of Miners and

Mine Laborers of the United States and Territories, and was active and influential in that organization so long as it lasted. When the present organization, the United Mine Workers of America, was formed in 1890 by uniting the National Protective Union and National Trades Assembly, No. 135, of the Knights of Labor, both of which organizations were composed of coal miners, Mr. Mcßride was elected chief executive and has ever since held the dual position of President and National Master Workman. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Wayne County, July 25, 1854.

JOHN M’BRIDE.