Omaha daily bee., 1889-05-17
STRIKERS IN DISTRESS.
Appealing for Funds for the German
Coal Miners.

BERLIN, May 16-lSpecla Cablegram to
The BEE. distress is beginning to be felt
in the coal districts in consequence of tho
strike OF the miners. committee has ap-
pealed for funds, and a number of West
phaian newspapers have opened subscrp-
tion lists. The number of strikers and their
dependents is estimated at 160, 900. Hundreds
of miners have resumed work under the pro-
lection of troops, and many other strikers
are wavering. The employers in the Wilten
district have offered to increase the wages
without altering the hours of labor, and the
offer may possibly be accepted.
The strikers committee has issued plac-
ards urging the strikers to maintain peace.
Placards have been posted in many places
warning peaceful citizens TO remain indoors
after sunset. A number of plucards have
also been posted urging the strikers to COM
init violence. These latter are attributed by
some to the masters, by others to the social
lists, and by still others to women opposed to
the strike.
BERLIN, May 16. The emperor to-day re-
ceiveu a deputation of Westphala mine
owners, who presented their side of the
troubles between themselves and the miners.
The members of the committee, having in
charge the distribution of the money SUBJ
scribed for the relief of the striking miners,
became involved in n dispute concerning
proper division of the funds, and during the
quarrel one of the members of the committee
was stabbed
A Compromise With the Miners.
BERLIN, May 16.-[Special Cablegram to
THE BEE. lin receiving the Westphalia mine
owners to-day Emperor William made long
speech in the course of which he said:
After hearing both sides, it would seem
that the main point in view of the wide3
spread injury done to the whole population,
and having regard especially to a probable
outbreak of u second series of strikes in Sii
lesia, is to end, as as possible, the
strikes in Westphala l conveyed my views
on this subject to the workmen with severe
panness. The workmen have made good
impression upon me, having held
aoof from all touch with socialists.
kilograms from Westphalia announce that
my words have found favorable hearing.
The healthy, patriotic feelings shown by the
Workmens delegates inspire me with con-
fidence that they will do all in their power TO
bring their comrades back TO work as soon
| as possible. ! urgently advise the mining
companies to maintain henceforth as close
touch possible with the workmcn. l
would ask that care be taken to give the
Workmen chances to formulate their wishes.
j D;uch desire 10 bring the dispute to favor
| able ISSUE 1t must ever be borne in mind
that companies employing great numbers or
| workmcn have u duty to perform to the state.
| They must use every effort TO provide for
| the welfare OF the men. What, above all,
| must be avoided is the placing Of the popula-
tion OF whole province III such dinicultleS as
have attended the present strike.n The
| delegates of the miners met Herr HANNA
cher, member of the reichstag, who acted as
| the representative of the mine owners. A
| prolonged conference was held, which re-
suited in the acceptance of basis of setJle-
ment. The working day is to be fixed at
j eight hours, inclusive of the time occupied
in descending and ascending the PITS: com
| pulsory over time is TO be abolished, except
| in cases OF extreme urgency, previously ar
| ranged for between masters and men, and,
| finally, the wages are to be increased in ac-
cordance with the local circumstances. The
directors of the Wiener colieries have
called a meeting for Saturday to consider
the compromise Hundreds of striking
miners at Essen have been sworn in as
special officers at their own request. At
Dortmund hundreds of strikers resumed
| work tO-dnY without any opposition.