The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-07-07

President of the United Mine Workers
Thinlks the OufInnk Is RriChf


COLUMBUS, o., July 6.-President Ratch-
ford, of the United Mine Workers, is great
ly pleased with the prospects of the pres
ent strike and regards the outlook as ex-
ceedingiy bright. Speaking of the situa-
ton, President Ratchford said: In some
disorganized districts the miners are hold
ing back TO satisfy themselves that the
movement will be general before taking
any part in it. On this point they need
have no doubt. Nor should they manifest
any weakness by urging others to take the
initiative. The movement is for the benefit
OF the whole, and will require the efforts of
all to insure success. 1t is sincerely hoped
that this spirit will not long continue to
exist. Men never free themselves by in
Vlting the other fellow to the foremost of
the fight"
Speaking of the magnitude of the strike
ana the interest being taken in it, Presi-
dent Ratchford said. The enormty of
TINS movement is attracting the attention
OF the country. Our national legislators
and members of the national Cabinet eX-
press some alarm at the outcome of the
present conflict. This is the first time in
the history of the mining trade that the
regulation of our wages or our trade at
fairs have given high circles any particu-
lar concern. We are pleased to know that
even now interest is being expressed in the
peaceful solution CT this and future diff
cultieS."
In regard to legislation for the benefit of
the miners and workingmen, President
Ratchford said: National legislation look
ing to the establishment of an eight-hour
work day and the enactment of a minimum
wage law, as well as national arbitration
for the settlement of future difficulties,
may be expected. This. however, will de-
pend on ourselves; if our miners content
themselves with their lot, if they are sat-
1St1ed to live in slavery, our national Con-
gress will offer but little objection. 1t is
to be hoped every man in this country will
lay down his pick and thereby do his part
to bring about better system for himself
and his pOsterity. In summing up, the
whole situation, 1 am well pleased and feel
confident of the outcome. Our miners have
an opportunity at this time which they
have never had before They must take
advantage of it. They may never have 1T
again. The press, the pulpit and the peo-
pie are almost united in their support
Offers of assistance have come from State
and national unions. The Labor League OF
Pennsylvania, which is q strong and pow
erful organization, at a meeting held in
Pittsburg on Sunday last, resolved to sus-
tain the miners and give them material
aid If aid be required. With all OF these
enumerated the future of the mining in
dustry will occupy higher plane, and at
least the necessarieS of life will be insured
to those dependent on that branch of in
dustry'
There are quite a number of mining dis
tricts from which President Ratchford had
not heard tonight, yet he was as confident
as ever of the ultimate success OF the
strike If any unfavorable reports have
been received by him, they nave not al
fected his demeanor in the least. He states
that he has received no reports from West
Virginia. Should the miners there not join
the strike now he thinks they can be in
duced to suspend work in a short time. A
telegram from w. D. Ryan. secretary of
the Illinois miners. stated that 10000 men
were idle in that State. j. H. kennedy,
secretary of the Indiana miners, wired that
so per cent. of the miners in that State
were idle and more would. quit work to-
morrow A mass meeting OF Jackson coun-
ty miners in Ohio voted unanimously to
stand by the strike.
President Garland, of the Amalgamated
Association of Iron and Steel Workers. tel
egraphed his sympathy and assurance of
support on behalf of that organization.
Samuel Gompers, president of the Amer
lean Federation of Labor, wired: Il sim
cerely hope that the miners smay be sue
cessful in their demand forkliving wages
and that no compromise will be accepted
which does not involve the establishment of
that principle" President Gompers offers
his assistance whenever 1t may be needed.