The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-28
STRIKE Seems IMMINENT
Decisive Action by Mine Workers
Union Expected Today.
President Mitchell Authority for the
Statement Tint Delegates Are in
Favor of Taking Drastic Measures
-Genernl Cessation of Work
Looked for Thursday Morning.

HAzLETON, Pa. Aug. 27.-Contrary to
general expectation strike was not de-
clared today by the Mine Workers Union
Convention, although there is still ieason
to believe that such action will be taken
at tomorrow's session, which will likely
be the concluding one. At this morning S
session, which was a public one, few
delegates were present as not all had ar
rived in town. AS had been expected, no
operators came to meet the men in joint
conference, and their absence is regarded by
the men as conclusive that none OF their
demands will be granted.
During the noon hour several hundred
delegates arrived, and the afternoon ses-
sion, which was behind closed doors. was
attended by them all. All sections OF the
anthracite regions were represented by
delegates. All expressed themselves as
strongly in favor of a strike, declaring tnat
the conditions had become unbearable. ana
that they might as well starye at home as
while working.
The price charged by the companies for
powder and the prevailing dockage sys-
TENS seemingly were the chief grounds for
complaint. 1t is understood that a, this
afternoons meeting the delegates from tha
different sections were called up one BY
one by the presiding officer, President
Mitchell. of the National Mine Workers.
and expressed themselves as being In favor
of a strike.
Just prior TO the convention going into
executive session, Organizer Benjamin
James said:
f THE meeting today means strike. This
you can quote me as saying. The operators
were given every chance to prevent such
action. They have failed. The conse-
quences rest with them. Notwithstand-
ing the protests of priests. minis
ters. and the press, the strike will
take place, and in short time every
worker in the anthracite coal fields Will
lay down his tools. The soft coal oper-
a.ors will not come to the rescue of the
anthracite mine owners this time as was
the case before We have taken all neces-
sary precautions in that direction. A hard
and desperate struggle 1t will be II the
operators so wish to make it,
After the conclusion Of the afternoon
session President Mitchell gave out this
statement;
There were present, at this afternoons S
session 25f delegates, representing 155 To-
calls. We have not arrived at any definite
conclusions as yet as to the course to
pursue. mainly on account Of the oper-
ators not being present
There is unquestionably strong senti-
rent extant among the delegates in favor
of taking drastic measures. We feel that
If a strike were engaged in it would ex
tend over the entire anthracite region.
THE scale committee made a partial
report today, but some changes were
thought necessary, and a final report viii
be made by them at tomorrows session.
The committee will probably ask for q
change of those conditions which are most
abusive. To sum up, We are still unde-
cided how to proceed. At tomorrow's
meeting, however, a decision will be ar
rived at
The drastic measures referred to Ey
Mr.. Mitchell leaves no doust in the minds
Of those conversant with the situation that
the declaration OF a strike within a few
days is contemplated. AS a matter Of
fact, several delegates have said there
would be a cessation Of work at all col
leTies in the region on Thursday morning.
On the street the talk is all strike and
everyone is convinced that such course
has been determined upon. If general
strike does result it is believed long and
bitter struggle VIII result and six months
Is fixed for the time that it will last.