The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-07-08
DENOUNCED By RATCHFoRD.
Action of the Federal Court Con-
dcmned in Bitter Terms

COLUMBUS, o., July Regarding the
action of Judge Taft at Cincinnati yester
day, President Ratchford, of the United
Mine Workers. said this morning: II notice
in the press that steps are being taken to
operate certain mining properties in Ohio
which are now in the hands Of receivers
and under the protection of United States
marshas. This is a sad commentary on the
freedom of American citizens who are striv-
ing for bread for themselves and their lit
tie ones. Independence day is hardly over
until cruel laws by which working people
are ground down are put in force When
the former black slave refused to obey he
was whipped; when the white slave of to-
day refuses to obey, under the protection
of the law he is shot. 1t is learned here
that state officials closely identified with
the mining industry in West Virginia are
giving themselves undue concern by the
publication of reports intended to operate
against the miners. / would suggest to
them, or their superiors, that if they at
tempt to enlighten the public, they report
the situation as they find it rather than
give out vanished statements which seen
to be prompted by favors promised or re-
ceved.
In another interview President Ratchford
said: There is no longer any doubt that an
ultimate victory for the miners is assured"
MIR. Ratchford said he would not give fig
ures to-day, but the reports We're favor
able. THE Cincinnati Central Labor Coun-
Gill; he said has taken up the matter of
relief and submitted their proposition to the
president of the American Federation of
Labor. recommending that the entire men,
bership of that organization be assessed 10
cents per man per week, which will amount
TO $50 600. Assurance of support from Mr.
GOmpers. of the American Federation of
Labor, of sympathy heretofore iustifies us
in the belief that he will be GLAD to carry
out their wishes. To carry out this move
ment and insure its success the presidents
OF the various national organizations will
in Few days meet in conference TO deal
with this and other phases of the subject.
Indications also point to the fact that the
railroad employees are taking a deep interest
in the mining troubles, which interest may
lead 10 their refusal to handle nOnunion coal
ment OF coal from West Virginia to
the lake market has never exceeded 6 per
cent. cf the whole stock in any one season.
We recognized. however, that it is diff
consumers become accustomed. The remedy
FOR this evil. If il be evil, Hes in the
hands of some of those who complain most
bitterly.
1T is a deplorable spectacle to witness
coal from West Virginia finding it's way to
the lake front over coal roads of Ohio while
the mining properties of such roads have
been standing IN idleneSs and the managers
both OF the mines and the roads are giving
rate to West Virginia shippers which en-
ables them to enter the market al less
price than themselves. Months ago we re-
celved timely warning from the operators
Of the Ptttsburg district that the West Vir-
ginia coal would enter the markets in
greater quantities this season than at any
previous time unless they ceased TO fight.
They preferred to continue 1t. making 1t
necessary for US 10 spend our time and
money on the Pittsburg district rather
than turn our forces into the West Vir-