Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 February 1903 — MAKE WAR ON FOREIGNISM [ARTICLE]

MAKE WAR ON FOREIGNISM

Miners Abolish Local Unions Composed Exclusively of Aliens. The convention of the United Mine Workers went on record at their session in Springfield, 111., as being against "foreignism.” This was done by the adoption of an amendment to the constitution abolishing local unions composed exelulively of -foreigners. In various districts throughout the State there are locals composed exclusively of Italians, Lithuanians, Poles, Germans and other nationalities. It is stated that violations of the laws of the miners’ union occur alin these unions, and men of other nationalities are not allowed to Join. A resolution to the effect that these unions be dropped was introduced and reported favorably by the constitutional committee and was passed by the delegates. A provision that a fine of SSOO be fixed as a penalty for the abuse of an officer, check weighntnn or committee in the discharge of duty, by any member of the union or the abuse of any member by a check weighman, officer or committeeman, was introduced and adopted. The convention has gone on record as being firmly opposed to the organization going Into politics to any extent. There have been several resolutions offered favoring government ownership of railroads, and all have been voted down.