Evening journal., 1901-03-23
THINK STRIKE
IS IMPROBABLE
Although Operators Decline
a JOint Conference
COAL MACNATES HEARD FROM
Evident That They Refuse 10 Give
Formal Recognition to Mine
Workers Union
COAL MAGNATES HEARD FROM

Scranton. March 23.--Pfcsidont Jdhn
Mitchell. of the United Mine Workers,
has received answers from a number Of
the presidents OF the coal carrying
companies to the communications sent
OF Tuesday evening after his meeting
with the three district presidents. The
nature OF the messages from the oper-
ators is not known, as all of the mine
workers officials refused TO give out
any information ON the matter
Judging from the external appear
ances the letters were received early
Thursday morning as President Mitch
ell was In secret session with the dis
trlct presidents during the greater part
of the day. Like deductions on the
terms Of the letters would cause one to
arrive at the conclusion that they were
OF an unsatisfactory nature. as Prcsi-
dent Mitchell and the district presi-
dents were all In apparently low spirits.
The reply Of one Of the presidents
has been revealed by the Official him
self, though he declines TO permit the
use of his name. IL probably indicates
the position OF all. In tho reply OF the
anthracite president referred 10 Presi-
dent Mitchell is advised that the COM
pany he represents reiterates what has
/ been stated I'm former communications,
that the company cannot and VIII not
recognize those not in its service, but
that it is willing and ready at all
times 10 hear those IN ils actual en-
ploy upon any grievance that they may
have.
II. II. siveley, secretary Of several
mining companies. said about the pos
sihility Of a strike:
"My personal opinion isi that there
will be no strike. I do not think thore
Is any likelihood of the operators
agreeing to attend a conference with
the mine workers officials. and more
over ] believe that the latter are now
only awaiting a time when they can
/. gracefully retire from their present
position"
A prominent miner. who iB also a
prominent leader of another labor or
ganization, says the miners as a whole
are decidedly opposed 10 a strike un-
less some more tangible reasons for
such an action are advanced than have
been heretofore. Said he:
"The general sentiment of the great
| mass of strikers Is decidedly against
a strike unless the grievances nre such
that Il cannot possibly be avoided. The
men are satisfied as a rule with the
wages they are receiving and person
ally / think that the mere question Of
recognition would constitute a slim
sort of grievance for which to declare
a suspension of work.
"All this talk about recognition
strikes me as mighty peculiar, any
way. AS long as the operators are
/ granting our demands and continue
TO pay the increase granted last fall
they are giving the union all the
recognition we want The sentiment
among the miners. as I said. Is goner-
ally against a strike, as they see that
the mere talk OF it arouses public ron-
timent against the union. A strike de-
clared on the grounds so fer advanced
would prove exceedingly disastrous 70
the union
I'VE have entrusted the matter 10
President Mitchell. but If he uses this
power to declare q strike I honestly be-
lieve it will he against tho wishes Of
the great majority of mcn In the an
thracite districts"
Individual operators In THIS city d0
not seem TO be LOSING nuch sleep over
the situation. and the general senti-
mcnt among them seems TO be that
the clouds Will pass away without en-
storm.