Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1900-04-07
COUNTY NEWS.
CumingtO Crisis.

~ dllcuuduCe Ol tnlucTSj estimated
5000, at Homecoming last Saturday
filled that town with excitement all
day.
After much said pro and con concern
ing the advlSablIity of demanding 60
cents Il ton, the following resolutions,
drawn at a meeting of deiegates-two
from each local branch of the organ
iZatlon-were adopted:
RcSoiycd, That we, the miners of the
Georges Creek region of Maryland, in mass
meeting assembled, hereby declare that we
are entitled to and should receive the same
tonnage rate for mining as obtains in the
central coal fields of Pennsy lvania viz, 60
cents Il ton of 2,2iO pounds.
ReSoloed, That the committees selected by
us in our various local unions, together with
the executive board of District No Is, in con-
junction with the national president of the
United Mine Workers of America be and
they are hereby empowered to conduct such
negotiations and take such action as their
Judgement shall direct for the purpose of Sc
curing tonnage rate as stated in the first res
Olution, and we hereby pledge ourselves in
divduaIly and ColleC lively to abide by what
ever decision may be rendered by them in
the turtheranCe of the purposes set forth,
even the complete suspension of mining
operations on our part.
The substance of this declaration,
including request for conference.
was later embodied i'll Il circular letter
to the employers, giving the latter I'M
til next Tuesday to respond.
1t Is understood that the miners wish
to talk with their employers over
matters other than wages, among the
former due recognition Of 1.-THE organi-
u f.,. ! l..
What the companies will do is, of
course, unknown, BIT next week will
probably develop one of two situations
all work or partial suspension.
The latter contingency is based upon
the report that there is a strong ele-
ment IN the region opposed to sus-
pension.
About 100 employees of the Con-
solldatlon learned Monday that they
had lucurred the company 5 diSpleasure
III connection with Saturdays meet
ing. OF the number IS were suspend.
ed and about 20 discharged-th for
mer for absence en- m0sse in violation
OF company rule, the latter for pre-
venting other miners from working.
Tuesday evening the organization
people held meeting in Nickel S
hall and appointed committees to have
the men re-lnstated.
Wednesday morning they called
upon superintendent Randolph, and
asked very earnestly whether those
put off could not be re instated.
Mr.. Randolph replied, in substance,
that the company could not recede,
that Its action was based upon bust
ness reasons. He went so far as to
say that the employers were ready for
either eveut-work or suspension, and
If the latter must come, the sooner the
better.
Mr.. Warner, the principal spokes-
man for the committee, turned TO one
OF his colleagues and said humorously
-"why, Mr.. Randolph seems to be
carrying a chip on his shoulder
"No,' responded Mr.. Randolph, 81
entertain no feeilng of that sort.
have a duty to perform aud think
should do it with perfect candor.n
The interview, which lasted over an
hour, was conducted with admirable
spirit on both sides, Mr.. Warner SAID
all that could be declared on his side
IN pleasant style.
In short, it was Il business talk in
volving several delicate questions, end
ing, however, in relations yet more
strained than when begun.
The foregoing paragraphs were put
in type as the week progressed and
may be taken as Il diary rather than
as the sum Of the situation.
The Creek papers Midland Press,
Homecoming Star and Reoiew-rehect
au unsettled condition of affairs down
there. The meeting at Homecoming
and the action of the Consolidation
Coal company have undoubtedly slim
ulated numerous additions to the
United Mine Workers.
AT the same time what is called by
some 1.-THE Consolidation defn Is Il
puzzle to many.
Thursday morning four drivers of
Hoffman mine were discharged, where
upon all Of the remaining IS quit work.
In consequence all operations ceased.
Hoffman remained idle Yesterday.