Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-04-17
ANGRY NINE OWNERS
coal OPERATORS m KANAwf,A VAL
LEY peNouNcE TWO LAWS.
Eksy Declare Them Unconstitutional and
Order Test--This Action May Cause
General Miners strike.
Especial telegram 20 The Dispatch.l

CHARLESTON, W. Va. April ie.--Ever
since the passage by the Legislature at It's
recent session of the enti-scrip" law TO
prevent the payment Of laborers wages in
MERCHANDISE checks, Yedeemsble In cash,
and the law 10 provide for the measure
ment Of coal before screening, there have
been meetings and rumors OF rebellion
among the coal-oporators Of this valley.
They claim, although the question was
fully discussed in the Legislature before
the massage of the laws. end though the
best constitutional lawyers in the Legisla-
ture voted for them, that they are uncon-
rtitutional. Jt was reported that the opera
tors would ell shut down their works and
refuse 10 continue under the new laws, but
this idea was abandoned.
TO TEST THE LAWS.
The operators have. however, resolved
fo test the constitutionality Of the laws IN
question, and largely-attendcd meeting
OF the coal-operators of the kanawha val
lev was held here TO-DAY. Nearly every
company in the valley was represented,
knd the following resolutions were
adopted;
Whereas, The Legislature Of West. Viz.
ginia ut its last session passed two laws
materially and injurlously affecting The
coal industry of the Kanawha Valley, as
well as other sections OF the State, one OF
said laws being known as House bill 49,
taking effect juno B. 1891. in relation tc
the payment of laborers' wages; ana tht
other known as House bill 40, providlns
for the weighing and measurineoi coal Oe
lore the same is screened; DO IT
THE LEGISLATURE CONDEMNED.
Resolced. bgg.s undersigned operators Of coal
1880. Z. ~ Koon,sJn I0lpU That con
denim the hasty and inconsiderate actor
OF the Legislature in passing such laws, the
operafion of which will seriously retard the
development of the State, and being 40
yised that the same are in violation OF tht
Constitution OF the State, we pledge our,
selves 10 resist their enforcement by al
legal means.
Resoiped That each operator Will CON
tinue his business as heretofore.
ISignsdl. Cedar Grove Mining Company
Marmet Mining Company, crown Hlll
Snlint Coal Company, Marmet Carbon
Coal Company, Peel Splint Coal Com
pany. Peerless Coal Company, Great
kanawha Colliery COMPANY, Wyant Goa
and Coke Company, I. DAVIS and Com
papy. Marmet-Morris Coal Company
Consolidated Coal Company, Winfred'
Coal Company, Pioneer Coal Company
Belmont Coal Company. Carver Goa
COMPANY. Carver Brothers, Union Goa
Company, Standard Coal and Coke Com
pany, Black Band Mining and Manutac
turing Company, Coal-Naliey 8linlnf
Company. w. II. johnson, stevens Goa
Company, East Bank.
WHAT TIE MINERS MAY DO.
The laws were demanded by the miners
a protection against alleged ill-treatmeni
at the hands OF their employers, and at the
State convention of the United Mine
Workers of America held here yesterday
resolutions were passed demanding the en-
forcement of the laws. just what actor
the miners will now resort 70 When tney
find tho operators deiyipg the law IS mo-
known. but il is not at oil improbable that
a general strike may be ordered through
the entire valley.