Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 September 1905 — FORESHADOWS COAL STRIKE. [ARTICLE]

FORESHADOWS COAL STRIKE.

Mitchell Culls on Anthracite Miners to Formulate Demands. President John Mitchell of the United Mine Workers of America has announced that ths convention of mine workers of the three anthracite districts at which demands will be formulated to be presented to the anthracite coal companies next spring will be held at Shamokin, Pa., on Dec. 14. The mine workers of the three districts will shortly elect delegates to represent them at tho meeting. The decision to hold a convention to formulate demands is similar to the action taken before the great strike of 1902, when a convention was held there to draw up demands. The award of tho anthracite coal strike commission will expire March 31 next year. President Mitchell has been in the anthracite region for the last two months holding meetings every day for the purpose of strengthening the union. After the 1902 strike there was a considerable falling off in membership. As a result of the campaign the miners’ leader is waging many of those who dropped out of the organization are returning. Among the demands that the convention will probably formulate are an eighthour workday for all classes of mine workers, recognition of the union and a yearly agreement with the coal companies similar to the one existing in iom» of the bituminous coal fields of the middle West.