The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1882-03-13
LABOR TROUBLES.
A Wholesale Strike threatened In the
Cumberland Coal Regions.

Cumberland Coal Regions.
CUMBERLAND, March 1.-THE circular Of
the coal companies of the Cumberland
region, distributed among the miners on
9th instant in which they announced their
intention to reduce the price Of mining
from 65 cents per ton, to so cents, and a
propor.ionate reduction in all other classes
OF labor, and an increase OF working hours
from ten TO twelve, is admitted by many
oil the miners to have been anticipated:
while those who are not directly identified
with the application Of the notice say the
operatives had no idea that such q propo-
sition would be sprung upon them without
inst being invited to an interchange of
views from both sides. II is more gener-
ally credited that the miners knew what
was coming, which assumption is based
upon the submissive manner with which
the announcement has been received.
There has been no demonstration OF any
kind, but, on the contrary, they have
moved In the matter in quiet, discreet
and business-like way.
On Wednesday night ameeting was held
at Lonaconing, but what was done Is known
only to those who participated. Rumors
prevailed yesterday that work would stop
to-day, but 1t can be stated upon good
authority that the miners will continue
until the 18th, when, iia compromise is not
ELECTED, the mines will be vacated, and
labor against capital will begin It's reign OF
uncertainty. 1t is the opinion OF well in.
formed people that once the strike becomes
fact, it will require wiseacre to deter.
mine who will be the first to make over
lures for settlement upon basis alike ac.
ceptable to employer and employed. With
out doubtthe combined coal companies are
going to contend to the bitter end, for they
consider the present manner OF conducting
labor in their mines as dictatorial on the
part OF the labor organizations. On the
other hand, the miners maintain that they
are prepared for n six months siege, and
knowing ones hint that with their personal
means and the well filled treasures OF the
different assemblies" eighteen months
would be closer approximation to their
power Of endurance.
With this in prospective, the question
arises in a grave form as TO whether the
coal companies can withstand this forced
idleness. Itis claimed the companies are
well prepared for the issue, but on what
grounds has not yet developed.
The outlook is gloomy in business point
Of view. Merchants all along the Cumber.
land and Pennsylvania and Georges
Greek Railroads are anticipating coming
events by refusing to order goods and can.
ceiling all orders not already filled. Yes
terday business man Of Frostburg coun-
termanded an order for $500 worth OF
goods to be delivered April l, and CONNER.
cial travellers arriving here this morning
with the expectation OF meeting with their
usual success departed on the evening train
without having negotiated a sale for one
dollars worth Of goods. In Cumberland,
Homecoming and elsewhere in this section
they report the same feeling. Paralysis has
already seized trade, and future prospects
can be. .gauged from the present outlook.