The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1900-09-21
THE GREAT COAL STRIKE.

NAVAL SOAh 1h1AE
The big anthracite coal miners strike
is on. Over one-half of the mines are
now closed, and it is reported that
from 11S, 900 of 100, 900 miners have
Joined in the strike, and total tie-up
will probably result. 1t is one of the
largest strikes that has ever taken
place, and its outcome cannot be fore
told. Both sides seem very determined
and likewise each is confident of vic
tory.
The grievances put forth by the
miners are that they are not getting
sufficient wages and they ask an adj
vance ranging from Is to 20 per cent.
They also demand that the size of the
ton at the mine be reduced to 2, $50
pounds, the miners ton now runs all
the way from 2,700 pounds to 4, 900.
This is just demand, one that ought
to be remedied. 1t fact the laws of
the state of Pennsylvania in this re-
spect ought to be rigidly enforced.
These laws make 2,400 pounds ton,
and the mine operators ought not to
be allowed to extract pound more,
as the coal is free of impurities.
Another request is that the price of
their powder be reduced. They are
now paying, or rather have been, pay
ing, So. 70 per key for grade that
sells elsewhere at about ST. 80, and
WHOLESALERS at about 81. They also OBJ
| ject to the company stores, where
they are obliged to trade, and have to
pay exorbitant prices for all that they
buy Pennsylvania laws now require
that the miners be paid in cash, if
they so desire, and allowed to trade
where they please but it seems that no
| attention is paid to it.
1t is seen from this that the miners
have some real grievances that ought
to be listened to- and adjusted. 1t is
| also stated by the miners that the
average earnings of the anthracite
miners do not exceed $3.50 per year.
Before the strike was on the miners
asked for arbitration, but the opera
tors declared they had nothing to ar
bitrate. But it would seem from the
miner statement, that there are
grievances to arbitrate, and that they
should be placed before board to pass
upon.
At present publ ic sen timent is
strongly with the miners, and they are
likely to retain it if their side of the
fight is carried on in as able a manner
as it has been so far. If President
Mitchell can restrain the miners,
| through his influence from deeds of
violence, he will retain the sympathy
of the public, and that will be the
most potent influence in aiding them
to win the fight. In the great btu
minous coal strike of three years ago
the miners retained public sympathy
! because they refrained almost entirely
from deeds of violence. 1t is to be
hoped the anthracite miners will make
as good a record.
The interests that will be affected
! by this strike, industrial and COM
mercial, are widespread and import
ant. 1t is strike that has been pro-
NOTED by greed and selfshness on the
part of the operators. That same greed
and selfshness has so far blocked
the way to arbitration, which would
have been an easy way to settlement
as we'll as the true one, and all the
misery and discomfort that will now
come from this strike, even though
it may be short lived would have
| been avoided.
1t would seem the public would
have no difficulty in placing the re-
sponsibility where it belongs.