Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-14
CASE OF THE STRIKERS
Presented by Statement From
the President of the
Miners Union.
WAGES OF LESS THAN $3.50 YEARLY
That the Average Worker Worked
For-Impositions on the Men
Stated in Detail.

ShamOkin, Pa Sept. lit is an.
ncunced this afternoon that President
Samuel Gomper will address a mas:
meeting of miners Sunday. This i:
interpreted that the American Fedora.
tion Of Labor will assist the miners
in their struggle.
Scranton. Sept. 14-Nearly all the
mines in the Lackawana region shut
down or are working with a small
force TODAY. Tonight will see the
practical closing of every mine. Over
53. 900 men and boys will be idle.
indianapolis. Sept lin order to
place before the public tie conditions
existing i'll the anthracite fields of
Pennsylvania, President John Mitchell
and Secretary Treasurer W. L. Wilson,
Of the United Mine Workers, yester-
day issued to the public Il statement
giving i'll detail the causes that have led
mp TO the strike. After the statement
had been given out for publication
President Mitchell said: "At this time
i do not believe anything will trans
pire between now and Monday that
will prevent the strike. All informa-
dicates that the struggle is practically
on. l 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 q few details 10 be
arranged, but the men are prepared for
the fight. | have not received today
any informatio direct or Indirect to
show that the operators have receded
from their position"
why the Strike Was Ordered.
Ia presenting the reasons for order
ing a strike with such far-reaching
consequences as the one just ordered
will have the statement says: The
average wages OF the anthracite miner
for many years has been less than
S250.0O annually. During that period
OF time the cost Of many of the neceS-
saries Of life have been increased over
20 per cent An increase in the cost
of living, without corresponding In
crease OF wages is equivalent to IL re-
duction III wages. The laws OF the
state OF Pennsylvania make 2,400
pounds a ton of anthracite coal, vet
coal miners are compelled
To mine from 200 to 1000 pounds for
a ton. and in addition TO that are
docked eXorbitant amountS-0ften
reaching u per cent. of their daily
any impurities which
may be sent out with their coal.
Required to Give Heaped Measure.
Where they are paid by the car. in
stead OF being required to furnish Il
we'll rounded heap on the car at the
was originally agreed TO
they have gradually been compelled
70 increase the amount of coal III each
car by building the same perpendicu-
larly from six to eighteen inches above
The edge. They are compelled 10 pur-
chase the powder used in mining from
their employers, paying $50 per keg
for grade OF powder that can be
purchased elsewhere for $50 per keg.
and which WHOLESALERS for about 81 per
keg. They are required by many or
the companies TO deal in pluck-me
stores or leave their employment They
must pay to the company 81 per month
for a doctor, whether they need him
~ not and have no voice in saying
who the doctor shall be.