Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-08-08
COMING TO A CRISIS.
The Coke Strike Quite Likely to be
Settled This Morning.
OPERATORS ENDEAVOR TO MEET.
Mammoth Assemblages of Strikers in the
Heart Of the Region.
WRY CONCESSIONS ARE COUYSELED

A meeting of the coke operators of this
city was called for yesterday afternoon to
discuss the strike. The offices of the Hecla
Coke Company, corner of Liberty and Sixth
streets, was the place. The meeting was
evidently intended to be held as quietly as
possible, and none of the operators wanted
to say anything about it. From what could
be learned afterward. it appears however,
that no discussion took place. Several
operators being out of town, nothing def
mite could be determined upon. II. c.
Frick, - Mr.. Shoemaker of the j. NJ.
Schoonmaker Coke Company, and also a
representative of the Moore Coke Company
were present.
MIR. FRICK NoN-CoNIMITTAL.
When Mr.. Frick was seen at his office, and
asked as to the purpose of the meeting, he
said, very reluctantly:
''Of course under the existing circum-
stances in the region, it is quite natural that
the operators would hold a meeting to dis
cuss question so interesting to us all. We
did not hold a conference, however this
afternoon. 1t is true we intended to do so;
but we abandoned the idea because there
are so many of the operators out of town."
present."
81 am really not able to say anything
about the matter. Mr.. Lynch, our Super
intendent at Connellsville, will meet a COM
mittee of the men tonight; but what will be
the result 1 cannot foretell. 1 have not
given him any instructions in regard to the
meeting with the men,"
Mr.. Schoonmaker, who was also seen
coming from the Hecla Company's Office,
said that there had not been a meeting. Mr.
Rutledge, of the Moore Coke Company,
stated the same, but remarked, with a very
ominous smile:
''You better wait a few days longer, and
you will get some news on the coke
business"
A WONDERFUL UNANIMITY
The following special telegram from Scott
dale last night shows that the strike is
bringing things to a head rapidly:
So far as the manufacture of coke is con-
cerned the ConnellsvilIe region is dead TODAY
Never in the history of this region has there
been an agitation so uniformly successful as
the present strike. Every one of the rs coke
plants and over Il 600 ovens are idle. As the
situation appears to-day. the strike will end
soon, favorably to the men. A preliminary
conference was held to-day and il is possible
the final settlement will be reached tomorrow
The news of the success of the men in the
Gallitzin region was received with every evil
dence of satisfaction by the strikers here and
they opine that il will materially advance
their chances OF success in this section. The
superintendent of one of the coke plants near
this place, when shown the telegram from
Gallitzin. said: THAT settles the matter in this
reg1On. We must get our works started, or we
will lose our orders and we cannot afford to DO
that"
1t is possible the present week will see the
termination of the best planned and best con-
Quoted strike that ever occurred in the Con-
nellsvile region.
An immense mass meeting was held here
this afternoon. 1t is estimated that nearly
5000 strikers were in town. They were in a
good humor, and seemed to be enjoying their
holiday.
SETTLEMENT IN SIGHT.
Later and more important advices from
Connellsville last night appeared to change
the whole situation. the special that
brought them is appended:
The conference between the representatives |
OF the Prick company and strikers continued |
until late this evening, and adjourned until |
morning, when a settlement will probably be |
effected If an agreement is reached with this |
hrm, 1t is thought the Others will follow, and a
general resumption take place shortly
Between 6,OOO and 900 strikers attended the
mass meeting of miners and cokeworkers here
to-day The meeting was undoubtedly the |
largest ever held in the Connelsville region
and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed Ad-
dresses we're made by Master Workman Rae
of National Miners Assembly K. of L.; Peter
WISE, Secretary Watchorn, and Michael Disman, |
IN winch the strikers were congratulated for |
the success so far attained, and praised for the
quiet and peaceable manner In which they
were conducting the strike.
Resolutions were then adopted declaring in |
favor of establishing uniform rate at once,
and liking / cent per bushel as the minimum |
rate. The men were then formed in line and |
marched to town. where they were dismissed. |
Notwithstanding the immense crowd on the |
streets all day. not a single arrest for disorderlv
conduct was reported.