The evening times., 1897-07-05
SPOKE IN pRosPERITY,s WHEEL
Senator Hanna Regards the Strike
at This Time Most Unfortunate.


at This Time Most Unfortunate.
Republican leaders here view the strike
81; uation with alarm. Tie general opinion
among leading Republican congressman rs
that the strike VIII materially interfere
with The return of prosperity on the passage
of the taslif Lli, ana CistC every lneilis
possible should be used 10 settle the DIS
pu ed question by arbitration, as tie strike
coming at his TINE viii practically dnni-
hla'e all the evidences OF returning pros
perity and plunge the country into greater
financial distress.
Tne oniy Senator who is personally inter
es,ed in the strike is Senator Mark Hanna,
WHO owns a niine near Pi;tsburg. Sena-
tor Hanna claims that he is paying a higher
rate OF wages to his miners than is paid by
any OF the other mines in the vicinity Of
Piitsburg Senator Hanna feels that II
some Of the other operators had been as
consdcrate of their miners as was the mice
with which he - connected the strike would
have been averted
He gave the following signed statement
to a Times representative today:
"I deprecate that these coal mining
troubles should have come at this time. when
lUt COnultous oi 61e suCi W
it seem Impossible TO secure favorable
consideration OF the demands made. The
rates of wages are unequal among the sew
eral mines in certain districts, which Is
not fair to the men.
This is the first point to be adjusted,
and lis matter which should be arbitrated
at once and fairly settled. As soon as
business rcvives, and an Increased demand
fol coal will justify, the miners should
have their full share OF its benefits, and
believe they will secure them without
strike. / am always in favor OF arbitia'
ton in the settlement OF difficulties be-
tween operators and their men. L h"pe
that such a course will be pursued In ms
instance which willbring results satisfactory
to both Sides
While Senator Hanna dictated the above,
Senator Fairbanks, OF Indiana, wrote
the following
81 regret, as all good people do, that
any differences should have arisen be
tween the coal operators and the miners.
It. is to be hoped that wise counsels may
prevail, and that early settlement OF the
disputed questions may be made upon fair
and honorable terms. A strike will un-
the time being There are evidences on
all sides of returning prosperity, and
anything that arises which may tend 10
delay the early return of normal com.
ncrcial conditions is to be deplored. II
would seem that there is wisdom and
patriotism enough among all parties con-
cerned To enable them to unite upon some
method of arbitration whereby speedy
settlement may be reached, and suffering
and distress thereby averted."
Other Senators also have expressed their
views.
Senator Qua yof Pennsylvania says: THE
seriousness of the situation now developing
is not fully apparent at this time, but in
the near future turks a hideous possibility
of evil ths. should give cause for the gTavest
apprchensions. Unfortunately, ii is to
be feared that the evil of the present sit
uatioE is so deeply rooted as to be beyond
remedy by ordinary means. Concisely
stated, there are too many mines, too many
miners, Joomany tOnsof ( coal produced. Add
to this the growing use OF machinery in
the mines, and the gradually decreasing
price OF coal and the remedy for the
evil complained of is further TO seek and
harder ~ find"
Senator Turpie of Indiana says: II think
that arbitration will be the solution OF
al labor troubles some time. bit it must
be conducted under Federal authority
Some OF the States have laws providing
for the appointment of arbitration boards
TO settle strikes and lockouts, but as many
of these troubles extend through more than
one State. one board could not deal with
the matter outside of it's own jurisdiction.
which is limited. The only method to
secure q national arbitration board is by
act OF Congress 1t would take a long time
to prepare ID satisfactory law and longer
time fer its consideration Since | have
been herc six or eight such bills have been
introduced hut none has been passed
I DON think we can take up the sub iect
this session, beca use it is so near its close,
and we haven't time to prepare bill
If such bill were presented, / would
vote for 1t, provided the details suited
me-
Senator Elkins Of West Virginia says:
THE proposition to arbitrate the strike
G: the coal miners is public spirited and
most en.inently proper one. i am in IA
yor OF arbitration, and would do all !
could 10 bring it about. ] am not prepared
to say Just now that President Mckinley
should he asked TO take any steps looking
to the settlement OF the stlike by aibitra-
tion. As a proIositiun fiom Mr.. Mckinley
as an individual it would he all light.
Willie am not willing to bind myself in
advance. think proper resolution urging
arbitration might be passed by Congress.
1t would be perfectly proper for the legis-
lative branch of the Govern ment To take
snch action. IT would lie wise move all
around