The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-07-16
COAL MINERS THREATENING.

A General Demand for Increa sed Wages
The Coal Compsnies Likely to Refuse
and Strike In Pennsylvania Tx
pected.
WILKBsBARRE, Pa, July IA, 1879.
1t seems more than probable that we are to have
o renewal of the trouble between capital and labor
IN the coal regions before the Summer is over.
For some weeks past there has been spirit OF
uneasiness manifested among the miners, and
the mutterings OF discomfort are by no means
few and far between. 1t Is well UNDER
stood that this undesirable state Of things has
been in great measure produced by the combina-
ton between the great coal-producIng companies
to bring about increase in the price Of coal dur
ing the coming Winter, and 1t has been intensified
and made more and more bitter BY the fact that
the corporations have completed their arrange
ments to increase their revenues without allowing
their workmen any show for share In the pros
pecttve benefits. The plan adopted BY the CON-
panies to enhance the value Of coal Is to
reduce the production just now, and with this
view the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western
Railroad Company and the Delaware and Hud.
son Canal Company have within Q week or so
put their men on three-quarter time. These com.
panies have q fair stock Of coal on hand and just
In proportion as they reduce production now will
their profits be increased during the Winter
months The men see how the scheme Is to be
worked and pro pose to meet the combination Of
capital by o direct demand for an increase Of
Mages. -
The issue was opened on Friday last week by tho
miners In the employ OF the Delaware
Lackawanna and Western Company wait
ing upon Mr.. Storrs, superintendent OF
the mines OF the company, and making q
peremptory. demand for 81 the diamond car,
the rate which they stood out for during the long
strike about two years ago. Mr.. Storrs informed
them that 1t do not rest with him to make the In
directly to the company. the committee Of miners
were courteous IN the manner of making their re-
quests, and 1t Is minated that the company does
not anticipate any trouble with the men: Or
wages asked for Is granted, but II the company
assumes the same position 1t held preceding the
.1ong strike,"itis By no means hard hard m, matter
face OF the interview with Mr.. Storrs, which seemed
so peaceful and placid, lies this iear-the men are
determined to make struggle to reap some bene-
nt when the anticipated rise In coal takes place,
and the demand for an increase OF wages Is but
simply the preliminary step toward the contest,
which will be hard and prolonged one. A week
or ten days will undoubtedly see the strike In
augurated.
ing uneasiness. and those employed at the Empire
vance In wages. The NINE Is run by the Wilkes
barre Coal and Iron Company, an offshoot OF the
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, and the de-
mand will be strongly resisted.
In the middle coal field. embracing Carbon
county and the southern portion OF Luzerne
county the men are very much dissatisfied with
acquiesced grumblingly, and should the upheaval
which now threatens the coal trade take place,
they will enter upon the struggle with their brother
miners.
The miners in Schuylkill are also waiting for a
chance to measure strength with the Reading road,
and win be hurried by events Transporting elsewhere.