Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1880-03-15
MINERS MUTTERING.
A STRIKE PROBABLE IN THE CUMBeR
LAND REGIONS.
The Agitation Cropping Out in All Dirsc-
tiOns-fears Of Hostile Demon
stration-Soldiers Held
in Readiness.

sperial to the pittsburgh Time.
CUMBERLAND, Nd, March l2.-lntel-
ligence from interior points indicates
that the Knights OF labor, whose handi-
work has been conspicuous in the strik-
ing movements in the adjacent bitumin-
Gus coal regions of Pennsylvania and
West Virginia, are making a strong ef-
fort to set the infected miners employed
in the Cumberland district, out on a
strike. The same element that created
trouble in Western Pennsylvania, is
working among the cOllisrs, and, as
The Emissaries
have adopted the same tactics as else
where, the prospect OF general and
widespread imbrolio between operatives
AMI Opertors is excellent.
The Knights of Labor have Temporal
rily lett This region and gone to West
Virginia. A number of Molly MagIires
have caused serious trouble III the Ma
nawha Valley, il is reported, and, AS 1t
is apprehended there may be a conflict
between the West Virginia authorities
and striking cOlliery operatives, 1t is
pres umed.
The Fighting knights
have gone on this pilgrimage with the
intention of lending their cooperation
and assistance to their brethren in the
event Of an enlSuts. The West Virginia
militia is under arms To move at a mo-
ment's notice, The troops will not be
called out, however, unless there Is a posi-
tive appearance OF general and extensive
disorder. Several local disturbances
have transpired in the mining districts
OF the Cumberland mountains and three
men, said to have been Knights OF La
Dor, have been killed, but no particu-
lars have reached here as to the exact
location or cause OF the outrage.
Many Evil Spirits
hide in the forest fastnesses. 1t is
thought some of these committed the
crime. Then, again, it is asserted that
fugitive Pennsylvania Molly Maguires,
that Pinkerton's detectives have been
looking for for long time, are rendez-
vousing in the mountains, and when
the coal troubles unsettle the country
the Molles, taking advantage OF the
disturbance and general excitement,
rally forth and murler, pillage and out
rage. The whole country Is filled with
thrilling stories Of the terrible acts COM
mitted at the midnight hours by alleged
Molly Maguires, but il is rather difficult
to get down to the positive fact OF their
actual occurrence. Ii is learned, how
ever, beyond contradiction that
Criminslity Prevails,
and the agents OF PinkertOn's Detective
Agency are "shadowing" certain suspi-
clOus characters, who are supposed TO be
connected with Mollie Maguirism.
The strikers in the kanawha region
maintain boldly aggressive front, and
look forward with much anxiety and in
terest to the result of the Miners Inter
State Convention, to he held at Pitts
burgh, on 1t. Patrick's Day, and the
miners think the Union will order an
immediate stoppage OF mining opera
tions in those regions under ITS lurls-
dctiOn-Pennsylvania, Maryland, the
Nirginias, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Mis-.
souri, Kansas, and other anthracite and
bituminOus coal producing districts.
The great Colliers struggle has now
become complete and entire in the Ma
hOning and Tuscarawas valleys, every
mine being idle and deserted. There IL
more possibility ot TiOtOus demOnstra-
tons there than elsewhere. The Adju-
tant General has given orders IN the
State militia 10 be ready Ia report Tor
duty upon the least indications Ot law
lessness TelegraphiC communication
has been opened with all mining CEN
ters where outbreaks are possible to oc-
eur, and
Active and Intelligent Spies
have been stationed at all threatened
points to notify the military and civil
powers Ol anv intended or warlike
movements upon the part OF the Molly
Mcguire element, that has unfortunate
ly, been allowed to mingle with the
striking boilers.
As the trouble spreads over wide
territory and penetrates to many Sc
cluded places, il is difficult To get at the
exact number Of malcontents. A per
son who appears to be we'll informed
upon the situation, computes the mum
ber of striking mine operators and their
assistants, men and boys, to be between
- OOO and 5000. This, however, may
he lar below the number as many Of
the malcontents have moved into Penn
sylvania, aud are awaiting the end of
the uprising before thev return, as they
are mixed up in certain affairs that me-
Cessitate their Keeping away from the
striking districts until the imhrOgilO is
pKSF