The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-12-23
TROUBLE AMONG MINERS.


Great distress is prevailing among coal
miners in the bituminous regions in West.
ern Pennsylvania owing to over'produc-
duction, and disagreement between them
md their employers in regard to wages.
All along the Monongahela river the last
two weeks have exerted a dispiriting influ-
ence over all in any n interested in
coal mining, whether as merchants, farmers,
mechanics, employees or employers. Riots
and rumors OF riots have added much to
the dependency prevailing. The oper-
ators themselves are in constant dread,
lest the rioters burn or otherwise destroy
their property and all those sympathizing
with, or who are in any way connected with,
the operators fear that their lives are in
danger. St0rekeepers and others who have
trusted miners, some for more than half a
year, are seriously embarrassed. In fact
many are insolvent nov The strikers are
desperate. because in many instances star
walton stares them in the face. For twenty
five weeks many Of them have not earned a
dollar. The strike was ordered at the very
worst time that could have been selected,
because the labor unions had no money in
their treasures. They have struggled to
conceal their distress, but to no purpose,
because grim hunger now stares them in the
face. This all creates a %quandary from
which employer and workmen will alike
find it difficult to extricate themselves.
The difficulty as regards pay between em-
ployers and employees has finally been ad-
justed, but that cannot cure or heal up the
troubles and distress growing out OF the
prolonged strike. Which party OF the two
was successful the telegraph has not yet
advised us. No matter which, 80 far us
the distress prevailing among the miners
and their families is concerned, for it will
take steady work and good pay for months
to come to enable them to meet the obli-
cations contracted during idleness, and sup
port themselves. Nevertheless it is a source
of congratulation to know that the strike is
at an end and that life and property are
once more secure. The Knights OF Labor
deny that they are in any way responsible
for the riots which occurred and caused so
much terror to the surrounding country.
-. ~ DldChDuIu, d. COdI Operator, "iOSc
miners were WORKING at a reduction, called
at the office OF the Miners Association last
week and held 81 long conversation with
President Costello and Secretary Flannery.
Mr.. Blackburn offered the miners officials
free inspection of his books and correspon-
dence in order to convince them that the
operators were not justified in paying the
price asked. Mr.. Blackburn said the oper-
would not confer with the Knights of
Labor rs a body, but if Grand Master
Workman Powderly came he would
be treated as a gentleman. The miners
originally almost to a man belonged to the
Miners Association, but since the strike
began great numbers joined the Knights OF
Meetings of Knights of Labor
were held all along the valley, show
ing a strong sentiment in favor OF arbitra-
ton, ana it was decided to notify the Exc
cutive Committee that it would be expedi-
ent to max an immediate in that
direction. This proposition was finally
agreed upon and work has been resumed
all along the valley. Arbitration is the
only means by which these difficulties can
be removed or prevented; therefore when
ever a strike is apprehended, it is advisable
that both sides should come together. and
by reason settle their difficulties.