The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-07-22
DAM MUST BREAK
DebS Tells the Miners That
SURPRISING Them
Is Like banning a Stream
Denies Being Discouraged.
END is NEAR, HE SAYS.
Denounces the Refusal to LIE .
Sovereign Speak.
Declares the United States is
No Better Than Russia.

Fairmont, w. Va, July 22.-Eugene
V. Debs spoke to several hundred min
ers at Watson last evening, many of
them reaching there from Mononk,
distance of four miles. He denounced
the reports sent to various papers by
special correspondents to the effect that
he is discouraged. The 100 men from
the New England who attended expect
to lose their jobs. Most of them were
warned by one of the superintendent
not to attend, but they would rather
lose their jobs, they say, than be the
complete slaves of the company. Debs
speech was a socia1istic one and his trip
was described to the men. Debs, when
seen, denounced the refusal of the
mayor of Pocahontas to let Sovereign
speak, as follows:
t'If it is true, we are no better in the
United States than in Russia Free
speech is denounced in West Virginia
as it is in Russia 1t shows the des-
peration on the part of the operators.
1t is like other schemes of the money
power. The end is near. It is GU
pidity, and cupidity commits suicide.
They can force us down now, but it is
like damn1ng a stream You can build
the dam higher and higher, but finally
the dam must break. Pent UP power
will some day destroy. SoVereign's fate
will strengthen the Social Democracy
The meeting at Worthington was a
very successful one. The organizers
were present and a union will be form
ed.
Columbus, O., July 22.-President
Ratchford said last night before leav-
ing for West Virginia that all state
ing favorably should be literally dis
counted, as they were inspired by West
Virginia operators or sympathizers.
Kenova, W. Va, July 22.-One hum
dred negroes who have been employed
grading the double track of the
Chesapeake & Ohio railroad left yester-
day for EIkhorn to work in the coal
are out in the Flat Top field, and they
signified their intention of returning to
work The operators would not con-
sent to this, but it is believed they will
be taken back tomorrow morning. But
two agitatOrs are working on these
fields. The miners have apparently
quit talking strike in these fields and
seem pleased with their surroundings
ST. Louis, Mo-. July 22.-About 125 of
the $50 miners who are on a strike at
Collinsville, ILL.,, held a meeting at that
place yesterday afternoon to determine
whether they should continue the strike
or accept the advance offered by the
operators and return to work. They
decided by vote of SO to As to continue
the strike.
The situation remains practically I'M
altered. The miners as a whole are
seriously divided, as shown by the meet
ing, only 125 out of total of $50 being
present. The married men wish to re-
sumo labor, but the single men favor
the strike. Under the action of the
meeting the Collinsville zinc works will
have to shut down. This will throw
200 men out of work who have been idle
for six months until the past few weeks.
Other manufacturing establishments
will be compelled to close
Fairmort, w. Va, July 22.-The most
important development of the past "a
hours was the embargo laid by the
Baltimore & Ohio railroad on all West
Virginia coal. Orders were issued to
hold all coal at Junction points as the
railroad wanted to keep a ten days
supply always ON hand. Sensa tional
publications have frightened the roads
St. Louis, Mo-, July PA special to
the Republic from Mount Olive Ill.
says: The business men of this city
are taking steps to aid the miners in
their efforts to secure better wages.
Funds have been raised and a COM
mittee appointed by Mayor Funchess
will distribute the money where most
needed. A delegation of 100 miners left
here last night for Gotten, where they
will assist other delegations in getting
the Gotten men to join the movement.