Democratic Messenger

MITCHELL QUITS
CIVIC FEDERATION

Obeys Mandate of United Mine Workers.

PRAISED
BY
SETH
LOW

President of Federation Highly Compliments Labor Leader and Expresses Regret at His Forced Action.

John Mitchell has obeyed the mandate of the United Mine Workers and resigned from the National Civic Federation in New York.
President Seth Low accepted his resignation in a highly complimentary letter. to take effect March 31. In his letter to Mr. Low, offering his resignation. Mr. Mitchell said:

"My Dear Mr. Low-At the recent International convention of the United Mine Workers of America an amendment to the constitution of that organization was adopted, providing that any member of the United Mine Workers of America accepting a position as representative of the National Civic Federation shall forfeit membership in the union

"The amended constitution of the United Mine Workers of America becomes effective on the first day of April. 1911. and as I am a member of that organization, as well as a representative of the National Civic Federation. it is necessary for me to decide whether I shall retain my membership in the miners' union or my membership and position with the National Civic Federation.

"It is needless to say that I regret the action of the miners' convention. not so much because it requires me to choose between the two organizations as because of the unjust and gratuitous attack upon the National Civic Federation. which, in addition to its many other useful, public activities has stood consistently as an advocate of righteous industrial peace.

"Under these circumstances I respectfully request that you release me from my contract to serve as chairman of the trade agreement department of the National Civic Federation and accept my resignation as a member of the executive council and as a member of the federation itself. the same to become effective at any time prior to April 1 that is agreeable to you."

In his reply President Low dwells upon Mitchell's valuable services in promoting industrial peace and says:

"I greatly regret that action taken at the international convention of the United Mine Workers of America. which has constrained you to make this decision. Under the circumstances, however. I think the course you have taken is both natural and proper. On behalf of the National Civic Federation. I therefore accept your resignation from the executive council and from the organization itself and release you from your contract as chairman of the trade agreement department of the federation.
All to take effect on March 31. 1911. It should be known. however. that you have offered your resignation from the National Civic Federation in the face of a specific proposal on the part of the federation to renew its contract with you for another term of three years.

"My regret for the necessity of our separation is personal as well as official. You will carry with you into whatever field you enter the best wishes and cordial regards of all your colleagues in the National Civic Federation."