Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-09-14

In order to place before the public
the conditions existing in the anthra-
cite fields of Pennsylvania, President
Mitchell and Secretary Wilson issued
to-day to the public statement giving
in detail the causes that have led up
to the strike
After the statement had been given
out for publication, President Mitchell
said:
AT this time l don't believe anything
will transpire between now and Mon
day that will prevent the strike. All
information to-day indicates that the
struggle is practically on.
4 have been receiving messages all
day from the anthracite region which
indicate clearly that the endorsement
of the strike and the issuance OF the
order has met with the approval OF the
miners. There are a few details to be
arranged, but the men are prepared
for the fight. l have not received To-
day any information, direct or indi-
rect, to show that The operators have
receded from their position
The Mine Workers statement is as
follows:
INDIANAPOLIS. Ind, September 13
The members of the national exeeu-
tive board OF the United Mine Work
ers' OF America, realizing that the ma
terial welfare of a large number of the
American people Will be injuriously at
fected by a prolonged suspension Of
work in the coal fields Of Pennsylvania,
knowing the irresistible power Of con-
centrated public opinion, and having
a profound respect for the opinions OF
their fellowmen, have decided to make
a general statement for the informa-
ton of the public.
The average wages Of the anthracite
miner for many years mas been less
than $3.50 annually. During that period
OF time the cost of many of the neces-
saries OF life has been increased OYER
20 per cent. An increase of the cost of
living without corresponding increase
OF wages is equivalent 10 reduction
in wages.
The laws of the State of Pennsylvania
make ?, 400 pounds a ton of coal yet am
thcacite coal miners are compelled to mine
from, Tn9 n, 1 nnl ,,.,,,,ls. fev % tc,, II,
addition to that are locked exorbitant
amounts, often reaching L per cent. Of
their daily earnings. for any impurities
which may be sent out with their coal
Where they are paid by the car, instead
Of being required to furnish a well round
ed heap on the car al the breakers, as was
originally agreed to. they have been com
PEELED to increase the amount OF coal in
each car by building the same perpendie-
ulariy from six 70 eighteen inches above
the edge.
They are compelled to purchase the
powder used in mining from their employ
ers, paying g. 70 per leg for a grade Of
powder that sean be purchased elsewhere
for $50 per keg, and which WHOLESALERS
for about 81 per lles.
They are required by many of the com
panies to deal in pluck me" stores or
leave their employment. They must pay
to the company 81 per month for doctor
whether they need him or not, and have
no voice in saying who the doctor shall
be
The smallness Of their earnings togeth-
err with the great cost of living, has COM
PEELED them to take their children from
school before they have reached the age
prescribed by law and place them at work
In the breakers in order to keep the fam
lily from starvation.
When any miner, feeling the burden of
these conditions, has gone to the manage
ment and asked to have them removed. he
has been told that if he does not like it
he can quit
When they have organized at any col
ltery and have sent committees to the
management, asking to have their griev-
ances remedied. the committee has either
been discharged or they have been told
the evils could not be remedied on account
of the competition from other companies
When the business men, clergymen and
other outside influences have appealed to
the coal companies to correct some of the
evils their requests have been denied
ard when as last resort, the officers of
our organization have wired the presi-
1e'.s of the great railway companies who
COZ roi the anthracite coal fields Offering
10 submit the whole question to arbitra-