“In the presence of the recipient of the honor, coal operators and organized coal miners of western Pennsylvania formally proposed Francis L. Robbins, president of the Pittsburg Coal Company, for the United States senate at a banquet last night at the Henry Hotel. The banquet was in honor of John Mitchell, president of the United Mine Workers, and District Secretary William Dodds to wish the two godspeed on a European tour they are about to make in the interest of their organization. Even Mitchell joined in the tribute to Robbins, which was taken up by others.”
“Although hailed as the next senator from Pennsylvania, Mr. Robbins confined his remarks to an eulogy of Mitchell and Dodds.”
“Mitchell and Dodds were presented with diamond mementoes of the esteem of the operators and miners.”
“Secretary Dodds started the Robbins movement. Dodds is secretary of a district of 37,000 organized miners. He formally proposed Mr. Robbins for United States senator. The coal president was cheered for several minutes. He said he attended the banquet to do honor to two friends.”
“The presence of operators and miners,” said Mr. Robbins, “defines the proper relation between capital and labor, employer and employed. One thing has led up to the present state of affairs: Miners recognize that conservative men must be placed at the head of their organization.” * * *
“If the future shows a change it will be because labor does not continue to put conservative men at the head of their organization.”
“THE ONLY MENACE TO ORGANIZED LABOR NOW IS SOCIALISM, AND SOCIALISM MUST BE RELEGATED TO THE REAR.”
“Mr. Mitchell then spoke and among other things is reported as saying that:
“He believes harmonious relations between organized capital and organized labor can be obtained without labor surrendering any of its rights or capitalism surrendering its rights.”