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Show COAL MINERS HOLDING CONVENTION; MAY CALL BIG STRIKE AS RESULT e SHAMOKIN, Pa., Dec. 14. The anthracite an-thracite coal miners' convention began its sessions here today. About 700 delegates dele-gates were present when John Mitchell, president of the United Mine Workers J of America, called the convention to order. This convention is regarded as more Important than any held. since Mitchell came into the .hard coal field In 1900 with the avowed purpose of duplicating du-plicating the organisation ' In western Pennsylvania and the Western States which held contracts with the bituminous bitumi-nous coal operators. ' - . Bequest " Conference. . The miners' leaders plan through the convention to request a conference of the operatots. This will be made in the form of a resolution, and the following demands. It is said, will be made. If the conference Is granted, as a substitute for the strike commission's award, ' r . which will expire with the month' pf I March: - 1 A party agreement, better known as f recognition of the union. ? An eight-hour work day. ' J An Increase fh pay to all classes- of . 5 employees of at least 10 per- cent, and 1 possibly 20 per cent, based on. the I wages In effect April 1. 1902. 1 This would mean that the miners J j would receive about the same as under ' i the present award. For some unskilled ( employees It would mean a slight m In- crease. , - Should' the operators be disposed to gTant the miners a conference, their In- " , tentlon will be mode knnw .. to Mr. MltchelL In the event of fm- - ?: vorable reply- coming -ni c - - - i ators, the convention will be in a posi- --j tion to make up its Ust of demands and ; grievances and to vote to the executive . ( j board or to. Mr. Mitchell and the three ; district presidents the power not only to enter into negotiations, but to make . i terms for the miners for a short term. ' ' : . r |