The Portland daily press., 1897-07-07
PRESIDENT RATHFORD PLEASED.
Regards Outlook of Coal Strike AS Very
Bright,

Columbus, Ohio, July 6.-President
Rathford of the United Mine Workers is
greatly pleased with the progress of the
present strike and regards the outlook as
exceedingly bright. An encouraging re-
port was received from the Hillsburg dis
trict this morning which stated that with
the exception of the mine of the New
York and Cleveland Gas Coal Company,
and one or two mines where the miners
are under contract, all were out.
1t Is stated that District President Do
Ian OF the Pittsburg district, expects the
miners employed by the New York and
Cleveland Gas Coal company to join the
suspension in day or two.
1t is thought that when the miners of
the above mentioned company quit work
it will have the effect of bringing the
out of contracts which they may be un-
der. This will make the suspension COM
plete in the Pittsburg district.
Speaking OF the situation today, Presi-
don't Rathford said: "In some disorga-
nized districts the miners are holding
back to satisfy themselves that the move
ment will be general before taking part in
"On this point" said President Rath-
ford, "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 in
sure success. 1t is sincerely hoped that
this spirit will not long continue to exist
Men never free themselves by inviting
the other fellow to go foremost to the
fight. %
Speaking of the magnitude Of the strike
and the interest being taken in it, Presi-
dent Rathford said: "The enorlnity of
this 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.
"In summing up the whole situation
| am well pleased and feel really conf
dent of the outcome. Our miners have an
opportunity at this time which they never
have had before. They must take advan-
tage Of it. They may never have it again.
The press, the pulpit and the people
are almost united in their support.
Offers Of assistance have come from state
of Pennsylvania, which is strong and
powerful one, at a meeting held in Pitts
burg on Sunday last, resolved to sustain
the matter with the miners and give
them material aid if aid be required
with all of those influences and many
others that might be enumerated, the fu-
ture of the mining industry will occupy
higher plane and at last the necessaries
of life will be ensued to those dependent
of that branch of industry"
Government Will Protect Miners at Work.
Cincinnati, July GA very important
step was taken here today in connection
with the coal miners strike, which puts
the power of the United States against
violence or unlawful acts in at least a
portion of Ohio. An order of the United
States Circuit court, was made by Judge
Taft, upon showing made by Myron I.
Herrick and Robert Blickensderfer, re-
ceivers of the Wheeling and Lake Erie
Railway company, and of the Wheeling,
Lake Erie and Pittsburg Coal company,
whereby the United States marshal is
directed to protect their miners at work
and to prevent unlawful interference with
the operation of their railway.