, 1901-01-19
The Confident Belief,

The Confident Belief.
There is a belief among the people
who have a clear understanding of the
situation in Trinidad that the men will
not go out. 1t is said that they are all
getting high wages and that there is a
strong sentiment against the union
among operatives. On the other hand
it is certain that an important meeting
Of miners was held here today.
J. B. Grant chairman of the operat-
ing committee Of the American Smelt-
ing and Refining company, said this
morning that as soon as it became ap-
parent that the Colorado Fuel and Iron
company was unable to supply the
smelling company with coal the smelt-
ers would be shut down, as there would
be no possibility of keeping them in op-
stock.
II the smelters suspend operations
there will be more than $4,000 men
thrown out Of employment in this
state, as well as a large number from
New Mexico.
II they close they cannot be reopened
in less than two weeks under the most
favorable circumstances.
The possibility of a general strike
has had a serious effect on the situa-
ton in the precious metal mining dis
tricts. Four important enterprises,
some Of which have already been Or
ganized. and all of which are ready to
commence work, stopped short yester-
day and will take no steps to start op-
%erations until the result of the strike is
finally determined, and a large number
of small mines which have been work
ing steadily in Gilpin and Clear Creek
counties have notified their men that
they will stop as o o as it Is definitely
settled that the Trinidad miners shall
walk out.
Incoming Supply.
Yesterday fully 100 cars of coal was
brought to Denver for commercial use,
and taday the supply will be increased
by as much more, with perhaps a slight
advance. Some Crested Butte coal is
being brought to Denver, while the
greater portion of Denver's anthracite
supply is always received from the
Smith anthracite mine near that place.
The legislative committee to investi-
gate the coal strike was today appoint
ed. 1t consists of Senators Lee A.
Tanquary of Pueblo, Frank A. Moore
of Fremont and Charles B. Ward of
Boulder; Representatives Martin Of
Pueblo, Hammond Of Delta, Raney of
Lake and Kennedy of Ouray.
II the views of Representatives
Lewis and Dunlavy of Trinidad and
Walsenburg respectively, are correct,
the coal situation is much improved to-
day. Both gave it as their opinion that
the members In Las Animas and Huer-
fano counties would not order a sympa-
thetic strike. Our miners in Huerfano
county are perfectly satisfied, well
paid, working full time and have no
reason to go out" said Mr.. Lewis this
morning. II read the statement Of
Senator Tanquary that every coal min
er in Colorado would go out within
three days, but think the gentleman Is
mistaken in that. In the first place,
many Of the miners are not organized,
although representatives of the union
are among them to effect such organ-
ization. Doubtless they will take ad-
vantage Of the opportunity to form
branches Of the union, but now that an
investigation is under way with COM
mittees from both branches appointed
to investigate the strike and report up |
on the same, 1t will not materially |
the situation for the miners Of
the southern fields to go out, and I do
not believe they will 60 out.