Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-08-14
HOW WEST VIRGINIA LOOKS.


HOW WEST VIRGINIA LOOKS.
As Viewed by a Leader of the Marching
Strikers in That State.
Cincinnati, Aug. 1.-THE following
special to The Commercial-Tribunef from
Montgomery. w. Va, was written by
Fred Dilcher, the leader of the march,
ing strikers in that region. 1.-THE pro-
gress of the present strike in this field
is wonderful. Every mine in this and
the kanawha valley is closed with the
exception of Acme and one mine in
Lens Creek. Our army marched last
night to Mount Carbon and closed the
mine Of the Great Kanawha colliery,
one Of the largest mines on the river. 1t
was intimated by the operators that
this mine would absolutely refuse to
suspend operations and would fight our
army to a finish, but we are proud to
say that all are with us. This we con-
slider one Of our greatest victories. The
Winifred mine voted last night to join
the great army of strikers and this is
another great victory for organized la
bor''
This valley, which has been loading
$50 cars per day, has been reduced to
twenty-five cars. Our army has been
increased by new forces, and we ex-
pect to go to New River with 5000
miners in line. Our army is jolly and
In the best of condition, composed, not
OF toughS and thugs as has been re-
ported, but of honest working men who
are fighting for their rights. A meet
ing held this afternoon at this place
was addressed by Joseph H Vitchestain.
of the AlIeDhanv
Robinson, state president; w. H.
Thompson and myself"
STRIKE OF SCHOOLGIRLS HANDS.
Union Labor at Chicago Demands the Pro-
scription of Non-Union.
Chicago, Aug. 14.-In an attempt to
force the city school board to prescribe
non-union labor the Building and
Trades Council Of this city has ordered
strike on all the school buildings upon
which men are making repairs, etc The
number of men involved is $500. If the
strike continues for any length of time
and non-union men are not put to work
many of the schools will not be ready for
occupancy when the winter term begins
in September. Instead Of meeting this
question one way or another, the school
board has practically lodged it.
Architect Patton, Of the board, is Of
the opinion that the question is one Of
grave importance. He said: 1.-THE ques-
ton of inserting the clause demanded by
the unions is serious one. Can the
board rightly say that none but union
men shall work on the buildings? Can
the board deprive Of the right to work
hundreds Of honest. Woodworking tax
nc -ta a,,e ~
the union men. but do not belong to any
organization" Patton has notified the
contractors that they must continue at
work, whether they employ union or
non union labor.
Outlook Encouraging for Uniformity.
Pittsburg, Aug. A.-The true uni
formity" committee reports that a
number Of signatures have been Sc
cured to the agreement and that tine
outlook is very encouraging. The names
of the Signers were not given out, but it
was intimated that the number was
quite large and that it included some
Of the larger firms. From this time
forward a regular and systematic can
vass for signatures to the agreement
will be made. ]. B. Johnston, a local
newspaper man, has been appointed Sec
rotary Of the committee on revision,
| with instructions to visit every operator
in the district. elucidate the terms of
the article. and. If possible. secure his
signature. Inasmuch as many of the
operators are away from the city, it is
expected that hecanvass for signatures
| will last many weeks, possibly until
Sept. Is.
Perhaps 1t Did Not Apply,
Fairmont, w. Va, Aug 14.-The op-
orators of the Fairmont region made a
mistake by not serving Judge Jack
| sons injunction on the labor leaders
| who addressed 600 strikers at Bogg's
Grove, near Monongah yesterday. The
meeting was an enthusiastic one Last
night the same speakers addressed a
large meeting at this place. Yester-