The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-10-20
HITCH BETWEEN
OPERATORS And
The STRIKERS.
LATTER Demand That In Addition to
10 Per Cent Advance the Cost Of Z
Powder Must be Reduced.
PROLONGED TlE.Up EXPECTED.
Labor Lenders Believe the Coal Men
VIII BIO Obliged to Give in-Pro-
duction Of Coal Going Down.

HAZLETON. Pa, Oct. 1s.--As far rs
the United Mine Workers officials arc
concerned matters are at q standstlll In
the anthracite miners contest with the
operators. There was nothing new In
the situation to-day and President Nit
chell still refused to talk.
Much disappointment was expressed
in this region to-day because an early
ending OF the strike was prevented by
reason OF the powder grievance. What
will be done with this question Is dlm-
cult to forecast and it is believed the
United Mine Workers officials have
not definitely decided wnat they Will
do.
Some OF the strike leaders say the
union. officials are not authorized by the
Scranton convention to decide the pow.
der grievance and that another conven-
tion Of miners will be necessary 20
dispose Of the question.
Want Flat 10 Per Cent Raise.
A prominent official OF the United
Mine Workers said tonight that the
men throughout the anthracite coal
field are lnslstcnt on a fiat 10 per cent
increase without the powder reduction
being considered in figuring out the
percentage Of advance. When he was
asked what the United Mine Workers
would do II the presidents refused to
recede from their stand. he said the
contest would continue until they were
forced to make the concession. IS
This official further said that he felt
confident that the men could afford to
stand Idle longer than the mining COM
panics could. He said that in certain
parts Of the region several mines are
showing signs Of cavIng In because
there arc not men on hand to keep them
properly timbered. 81
Tendecy to Influence Operators.
He added that the cost OF maintain
Ing the properties while In idleness end
other monetary losses incurred during
the strike would have n tendency to
Influence operators in favor OF making
concessions.
When It was suggested to him that
there might be n break In the ranks of
the strikers before the operators would
weaken, he. expressed the utmost con-
fidence in the loyalty OF the men in the
entire region. &
Notwithstanding the confidence OF the
labor leaders IN this ability to hold the
men together there is belief
prevalent here that a break will come
sooner or later. Strikers seeking relief
from the United Mine Workers are be-
coming restless with each succeeding
day.
Production Growing Smaller.
The production OF coal judged by the
shipments made from this region, Is
growing smaller. Yesterday the Ha-
zleton division OF the Lehigh Valley
coal company, which taps nearly all the
collleries In this region. hauled ninety
six cars OF coal. against an average
daily shipment Of about 500 cars before
the strike. This is the lowest shipment
made In my one day since the strike
began. a labor demonstration will be
held In Pottsvi.lc next Tuesday, in
which President Mitchell will particle
pate.
The ten col!lerles of the Lehigh coal
and navigation company situated in
the Panther creek valley are still in op.
Grafton. The state troops are located
there and matters remain quiet.