The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-06-19

meeting is held with closed doors, and it
is probable that nothing OF its transactions
will be learned for the present. There are
various surmises as to possible compro-
mise OF the strike.
In my correspondence thus far have
made no attempt to go into a discussion
OF the questions at issue between the OPP
orators and strikers, for it is virtually i'm
possible to get a fair statement of the
case by questioning the partisans, first
one side and then the other. With the
main question at issue the public is in
formed, and has been since the strike was
inaugurated. The operators announced
that they would have TO reduce the scale
OF prices paid the miners from 20 to %
cents per ton, alleging what they claim to
be good and sufficient reasons, but what
the miners refuse TO accept. Let
the decision OF this question be
what it may in the minds of the
public, the fact remains that the
strike has entailed much poverty. and
there would have been suffering but for
the urgent methods taken to relieve the
needy. A number OF exaggerated reports
about thousands OF starving people were
sent out from here by unreliable CORES
pondents few days ago, and prominent
state newspapers whose sympathy is
wholly with the operators have taken
these reports as basis for condemning
all statements of suffering in Clay county.
The simple fact remains that there are
hundreds of people who have absolutely
nothing except the pittance OF meal, and
occasionally of bacon, that is melted out
to them by the relief committee. And as
long as the strike continues and the
miners remain inactive, the list OF de-
pendents must increase. If the cOntribu-
tions should cease, or should decline, the
strikers would be driven back to work in
order to prevent their families from starry
ing.
The operators adjourned at noon and a
committee OF them took a | o'clock train
for indianapolis. The object of their
visit is undoubtedly to see Gov. Hovey
and persuade him, if possible, not to issue
any proclamation in the miners behalf.
The distribution by the relief commit
tee occurred to-day in the various locali-
ties where there is suffering | was at the
distribution in Knightsville and saw and
heard the committee quarreling with men
and women who applied for provisions.
Out Of 255 families whom the secretary
had on his roll only eighty-nine were sup
lied with corn meal and bacon. the re-
manner being compelled 10 DO with lew
beans. In consequence there was great
grumbling and complaint. Over 100 men
stood outside the locked door while the
distribution was going on, and as their
names were called they went in and got
their allotment of provisions, whioA was
at the rate of - cents for each member of
the family. Ten cents worth of meal
would be given and two cents worth
either of bacon or coffee, as the applicant
should choose. One woman eluded the
doorkeeper at the back of the 70 ON and
obtained admission. She began 70 berate
the committee because, as she alleged, it
was allowing herself and her two boys to
go without rations. After great deal of
trouble she was led out of the room. A
colore1 miner on the outside said: 81 was
promised rations last Saturday, but didn't
get any, and now / am waiting to hear my
name called. If it amt called this time
I'll call it tomorrow myself" He meant
he would return to work, and his name
was not called. There are others OF the
same notion, for a notice was posted on
the postofice window calling a meeting
OF miners on the ball grounds tomorrow
at . a. m. An effort will probably be
made by some of the more desperate ones
to return TO work, but it will hardly be
successful, as it will be determinedly re-
sisted. L. :. SHERIDAN.