The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1900-10-24
NOT YET SETTLED.
Differences Between Miners and
Operators in Anthracite Re-
gion Still Exist.

Hazleton, Pa, Oct. 20.-President
Mitchell of the United Mineworkers
practically admitted to a representative
of the Associated press today that if ev-
cry operator in the region were to post
notices similar to those that are now
being tackled up by some of the mine
owners this action would in itself prob
ably not end the strike. He was asked
IT all the companies were to post such
notices what his next step would be. AT
hrst he hesltated and then replied: I'm.
der the conditions laid down by the
Scranton miners convention there could
be nc partial resumption of work.
When it was suggested that his reply
DID not answer the question, he said:
well, all [ will say is that if all of
the companies post notices it would clear
! up matters considerably. 1t would re-
move some of the obstacles that now pre-
sent Themselves
This is the first public statement that
Mr.. Mitchell has made bearing on a set
Element of the contest since the opera
tors at Scranton took their decided stand
that the reduction Of the powder price
must be considered in figuring out the
advance in wages.
Action by individual Operators.
Notices similar to those already posted
by individual operators in this region
were issued today by three more com
panies. They were j. S. Wentz & Co.
Il Co., owners of mines at Morea and
Beaver Brook, and the Mill Greek Coal
company, which operates collieries at
Buck Mountain and New Boston in
Schuylkill county. Tyler & McTurk,
who operate a washery al Audenreld,
employing about fifty men, have posted
notice giving employees an increase in
of n
dividual operators in this region who
have not posted what is known as the
second notice, are Coke Bros. u Co., q.
B. Markle & Co. and the Lehgh &
Wilkesbarre Coal company. There is
much interest manifested here as to what
steps, if any, the Markle firm VIII take.
This firm is the only one in this region
which has not consented to give its EN-
poyes an increase of any sort. Ihe
members of the firm maintain a strict 81
lence
Cemetery Desecrated.
An event in the strike situation oc-
Cured here last night which has aroused
considerable feeling, both upon the part
of the miners and the operators and their
friends. 1t was the dissertation of
number of graves and the destruction Of
headstones and monuments last night IN
the Vine street cemetery. Those who are
opposing the cause of the strikers allege
that this vandalism was the work of for
eignerS who chose this method of venting
their spleen because they are out OF work.
There is nothing, however to warrant this
contention except the fact that the grave
of Ralph Mills seems to have especially
excited the fury of the vandals. Mills
was the deputy shot and killed In con-
fict with strikers few days ago, and 1t
is alleged by some that the foreigners de-
clared at the time they would dance on
his grave. The miners. upon the other
hand, say that such revolving acts as this
are being committed at the nstigation of
persons interested in prejudicing the
cause of the strikers in the eyes of the
public.
Means a General Strike.
1t develops that the reason the anthra
cite miners want their agreement to eX-
pire April / is that that is the date of
the expiration of the bituminous miners
contract: 1t means that the bituminous
men will refuse to work in the event of
a strike of the anthracite miners, and
likewise that the latter will refuse TO
supply coal to a field where the bitumin-
Gus men are out. A refusal of the opera
tors to meet the representatives of either
field would mean a general strike of the
men in all the fields.
Will Not Crafty Mitchell.
Scranton. Pa, Oct. 2O.-It is practi-
cal certainty that the miners Will not be
back to work next Monday, as was ex-
pected. Some of the biggest of the local
companies are baking at the agreement
to continue the 10 per cent: offer in force
untu April, 1901. They were all willing
enough to amend their notices to con-
form with the demand, but they seem to
have undergone a change of heart. They
say it would be humiliating for them to
come with an amendment to their no.
tees. AS one prominent operator put it:
1.-The modification would serve but one
purpose and that to crafty a whim of
John Mitchell. We don't propose to
waste any energy bowling and scraping
to Mr. MITCHELL