The evening times., 1900-09-13
circulation Statement.
The Great Coal Strike.

What the country has been expecting,
but still hoping against, for two weeks,
has happened. The strike order has been
issued and one hundred and forty odd
thousand miners, the entire working fierce
Of the Pennsylvania anthracite region, have
been called out. the order 10 take effect
on Monday next.
Every possible effort in the way of out
side influence commercial, political, and
pli,.,. thropic, has been exerted in at
tempts 10 soften the hearts of the coal
rust magnGtes but they have shown them
selves utterly calIous and cynical in re-
gard to the grievances and sufferings of
their men, and bitterly Tesentful Of ap-
peals in behalf of them 1t is known
that pressure has been exerted upon lead
ing members of the trust by the Repub-
lican campaign managers, VINO have repre-
sented truly enough, that labor war in
augurated seven weeks before the Pr5si-
Dental election would almost certainly cost
Mr. Mckinley the labor vote Of the coun-
Try, if it was not already lost to him.
Overtures of this kind have been received
in an ugly spirit by the trust operators.
Their general sentiment is expressed in the
reported remark of one Of their leading
spirits in Philadelphia yesterday He de-
clared that it was the sublimity of impu-
dence for Chairman Hanna and his asso-
ciates 10 expect the coal companies to make
concessions to their miners which would
cost millions to the former Immediately
after holding them up and squeezing them
dry for the expansion of the Republican
campaign fund. This ma2nate IS said 10
have declared that ii would be hard
enough, over and above ordinary profits. to
get back what the trust had contributed
by The first of January, on the present ba-
SIS of wages, truck and powder profits. and
coal prices, working full time. He added
5hat this was the last kind OF an occasion
upon which to ask the trust 10 make further
sacrifices to keep Hanna and his man in
political power
The evil temper in which the Operators
have awaited the present crisis. and tila
quiet but careful and extensive prepara-
tions they have made to meet it, jus:.fy
thc fear that the struggle may be long
and perhaps accompanied with violence
The miners are peaceabIy disposed. ana
have thus far shown a degree OF self-con-
troll which cannot be too much admired.
They are entering the fight apparently
with every desire and intention to con
duet their side of it within and wi,h full
respect for the law, and as good and or
derly citizens.
Whether circumstances may NOT chang.
the sentiment of the intending strikers.
and exhaust their patience is something
a
It IS presumable that the trust will en-
deayor 10 operate the mines of the region
with Imported Labor With this end in
view it is generally understood that pro-
vision has been made for an ample body
Of armed guards in addition to the IeglI-
lar Coal and Iron Police.
Should the attempt be made 10 resume
work with a fresh force of miners. Under
'he protection of a Pinkerton army o. its
equivalent, it would be foolish to look for
anything but trouble. Perhaps the worst .
that might happen may be avoided if the
operators are sincere in their expressed
Eelief that the labor organizations affected
are not in financial condition TO maintain
4 long strike. In that event, the trust
may decide to keep the mines shut for
Inv S'44Nt tcIAiI dltOl tit SlElhSfS SeCOl}i-
ing soon discouraged and willing to return
to work at starvation wages rather than
none at all
View it how we may, the outlook in the |
anthracite region is gloomy one EasiIy |
a million people viii be Immediately and !
severely affected by the strike. Business |
of all kinds viii come to a standstilI, and, |
should the contest last into the winter. it !
Is depressing TO think of the widespread |
misery, destitution, and perhaps. starva- /!
ton that must ensue. The history Of the |
strike bids fair to become a ghastIy OBJ |
ject lesson, teaching the cruel lengths TO /
which trust greed and inhumanity will |
80 in order to I'LL its Golfers with fresh |
millions wrung from the sweat and blood I
OF honest toll.