Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-10
ARMED FOR PROTECTION.
MINERS GO TO WORK WITH LOADED
 MUSKETS.

Ehey Carry Them as Safeguard Against
 Assaults by the Strikers, While They
 Have Hursewhips Also on Hand for the
 Ubiquitous Small Boy.
 READING, Feb. 10.-A coal agent who has just returned from tour of the Schuylkill regions says: ''It is a strange sight to see mi ners going to and returning from work with muskets and guns on their shoulders. About Donaldson, Fremont and Middle Greek this is the rule, and not the exception. Miners to shom further credit has been refused at the torres, to save their families from starving going to work. To protect themselves ley carry not only guns but horsewhips, the ormer for masked men and the latter for breaker boys, who follow the 'scabs' with .nuffied drums, shouting out all sorts of in- iulting remarks. Hundreds of school chil- dren join the rabble; old and young women assist in the shouting. Tie manner in which these men are insulted and abused is turning public sentiment against the strikers. Capt. Lomberson dispersed three bands of serenaders with torchlishts, untitled drums, horns, tin
 ans, old coal scuttles, etc. These bands fol- lowed five men for three miles, shouting out scab,' etc, until they reached home. The constables, who are candidates for election, refuse to interfear. At Middle Creek an in- iuriated crowd of POO men attacked Superin- tendent Mcguire and his boys on their way home, and threw them into the freezing waters of the creek close to the depot. Ar rests will follow. If this terrorizing continues it is probable that Middle Creek colliery will nave to be abandoned. Whenever a small Srain of coal cars pass up and down the road,
 hundreds will stone the train and yell at the hands,"
 SHENANDOAH, Pa., Feb. 10.-The Draper colliery at Gilberton resumed operation yester- day on the same terms as William Penn col liery. Preparations are being made for the resumption of work at Kehley Run colliery on Monday. Superintendent Williams has noti- fled the employees of Shenandoah City coliiery that if sufficient number of them desire to begin work again the company will guarantee them all the protection necessary against evil disposed persons.
 PHILADELPHIA, Feb 1O.-It is learned from a trustworthy source that the note sent by the general executive board to President Corbin yesterday, asking if there was any way by which the existing troubles between the company and its men could be satisfactorily settled, had been received and answered by that official. Although the members of the board disclaim any knowledge of a reply having been sent to them, and the Reading officials positively refuse to talk on the sub ject, It Is Salo thaG the reply, While courteous in its nature, contained an absolute refusal to consider the strike of the rairoaders, but said that if the miners were willing to return to work any grievances they had would re- ceive fair and impartial consideration at the company's hands, and if there was anything to arbitrate such a course would be adopted after the resumption of work.
 WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.-The house special committee appointed to investigate the exist ing labor troubles in Pennsylvania yesterday instructed the sergeant-at-arms to notify by telegraph two of the prominent railroad strik- CTS and two of the striking miners to appear before the committee here next Saturday. President Corbin, of the Reading road, and some twelve others, representing the railroad interests, will be summoned to appear, prob- ably on Monday. Early in next week the committee will go to Philadelphia and Read ing to continue the investigation.
 READING, Pa., Feb. 1O.-The impression that has gone out that the recent action of the general executive board of the Knights of Labor will tend to prolong the strike is hav- ing a serious effect upon business, which is now flatter than ever.- The wholesale houses ill this city report very few sales in the coal regions. Travelling salesmen are greeted with the remark: "We don't want anything until after the strike is over." It is also very diff cult to make collections.