Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-10-02
TRUE TO UNION.
Not a Man Accepts the Read
ing Cos. Advance.
To the Contrary, Several Hundred
Miners Join the Strikers.
Not One Will Return 10 Work Till Mitchell
Gives the Word.

Hazelton, Pa, Oct. 1-Although the
labor leaders positively said they did
not fear a break in the ranks of the
anthracite coal strike, they were not
pleased to learn that the 10 per cent.
advance granted by the Philadelphia &
Reading Coal and Iron CO., in the
Schuylkill valley, was totally ignored
by the striking workers, today. 1t was
predicted that many Of the strikers
would return to work under the belief
that the 10 per cent. would be the limit
of the operators concessions but the
unanimity Of the men in deciding to
stand out for further advance caus-
ed many remarks Of surprise.
1t was expected in some quarters
that today would bring a turning poin-
in the strike, but nothing came to the
surface that would lead to any indica-
ton of the strike nearing the end.
Since the operators began to hold con-
ferences. President Mitchell is receiv-
ing more information than formerly
and giving out less. That he knows
more about the situation than he cares
to tell, is hardly doubted by any one.
He has practically admitted that he
receives advices from New York as TO
the doings Of the operators. There is
still lack of anything tangible on
which to base the report Of an imme-
date settlement. President Mitchell
continues to deny that ne knows any
thing about ii.
t,, N, T.Izt ff4.-~
showed q change In favor Of the men.
Several hundred men quit work at the
Calvin Pardee mines at Lattimer as the
result of persuasion on the part Of 800
marching strikers. and At Oneida and
Cranberry the coal companies lost addi
tional men. No collieries We're closed
down IN this region. today.
Shamokin. Pa, oct. Most Of the 1900
miners between here and Central City. to-
day. decided that an advance of wages,
such az the Reading co. rendered its EN-
ployes should not he accepted unless
President Mitchell Of the United Mine
Workers advised them TO 90 20. Most OF
the men have joined the organization
since the strike started and there is eV-
cry Indication that they Will support
Mitchell to the end. Numerous people
herea bouts fear the operators will not
recognize the union. al least for some
time to come. and that the strike is only
in its infancy.
Shenandoah. Pa. oct. 1.-Panther
Creek valley. in Carbon county. is now
the objective point Of the strike leaders
The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co. OBJ
crates a number Of big collieries there,
all OF which have been working undis-
turbed since the mine workers strike was
inaugurated.
Last night, branch of the United Mine
Wrkers was formed at Coaldale. Organ
izer James informed President Mitchell
that he anticipated complete suspension
of operations in the valley by the end Of
the week The increase Of 10 per cent. in
wages announced by the Philadelphia &
Reading Coal and Iron Co. had no effect
on its striking employees unless it was to
strengthen their determination to remain
firm. The advance was to have become
operative today. but not solitary strik-
er throughout the region reported for
work at any of the Reading Cos. col
lieries On the contrary the tieup was
extended to the Pottsville and Minersville
districts and. today. of the 80 collieries
onerated by the Philadelphia & Reading
Coal and Iron Co, only four worked.
The 18th Regiment with the exception
of one company left for home, today. The
remaining company will depart as soon
as the tents are dry enough to be packed
Wilkesbarre. Pa, Oct. 1.-The coal OPP
orators of the Wyoming, Lackawanna
and Lehigh Valley regions held an i'm
portant meeting in this city, this after
noon. and decided to offer the miners an
increase Of 10 per cent. in wages and also
to reduce the cost of powder to the
miners from g. 10 to $50 per keg.
The whole situation was thoroughly dis
cussed nearly all those present taking
part The powder question was the chief
subject Of debate and next came the rec
ognition of the union. So far as can be
learned none of the operators We're in
favor Of recognizing the union in any
way. This evening, W. A. Lathrop. the
chairman of the meeting. gave out the
following:
"Lehigh Valley Coal Co, Wilkesbarre,
Pa. Oct. l, 1900.
"NOtice-IhlS company makes the IOi-
lowing announcement to its mine en-
ployes:
at will adjust its rates of wages here
tofore received; and will take up with its
mine employees any grievances which they
may have.
"1signed) W. A. Lathrop. general su-
perintendent.'
Note-It is understood in the fore
going that powder will be sold to miners
for $50 per keg and that the difference
between this rate and the old rate of g. %
shall be taken into account in figuring
the net advance of 10 per cent. noted
above for the class of labor.
Similar notices to the above will be
posted by all the other companies repre-
scented at the meeting. The strikers say
that under no circumstances will they ac-
cept the offer. They claim it is not as
good an offer as the Reading Co. made to
its men. The union is ignored and the
net Increase must come out Of the price
OF powder.
f. NJ Palmer. chairman OF the press
committee at United Mine Workers head
quarters. said:
The men will rot return to work under
such conditions. 1t is not a fair offer.
The operators will make no further move
until they hear from the men.