The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-03-22

ready producing an effect upon local
business and has caused an atmos-
phere of discretion which has resulted
III numerous large orders for coal be-
ing sent In To company headquarters.
F. L. Godfrey. of the Jermyn. stored
away two cars full OF black diamonds
Wednesday, and many other large sup
plies have been ordered by local busi-
ness men.
Among the citizens yesterday spoken
to by Tribune men. regarding the sit
uation was O. ;. Lutz, business agent
OF the striking Carpenters union. lie
spoke in an optimistic strain and
briefly said: Il do not think there will
be strike, and think IL may he said
that is the general opinion among city
union men. While cannot say that
| anticipate II meeting of the operators
and strikers still believe that sat
isfactory adjustment of matters will
he arrived at and all trouble avoided"
Il. p. Connolly, senior member of the
firm of Connolly e. Wallace. said: I'm
less the miners have grievances
amounting to much more than the
mere question of recognition, think
they viii commit great blundcr in
going on strike. II faith has been kept
and the concessions granted last fall
continued | fail to see any motives
for suspension of labor.
WERE JUSTIFIED THEN.
Last year the miners had sriev-
ances. and We're justified in demanding
an adjustment. This year. however,
the circumstances seem entirely diff
ferent.
"A strike will prove most unfor-
tunatc thing to the miners themselves,
10 all business men and the city in
general. Every local business enter
prise will be affected by IL. and any To-
cal paper advocating "A suspension OF
labor is guilty of a great injustice to
the community"
Luther Keller. eX-presidont Of the
board of trade. and one of the citys
leading business men said: II sincerely
hope and trust that there will be no
strike and | cannot bring myself to
believe that there will be one The
leaders of the United Mine Workers
should give this question serious con-
sideration before daring ia declare a
strike which would mean disaster to
the business interests OF this whole
valley The ground on which there is
talk of declaring such "A strike namely
the recognition by the operators Of the
Mine Workers organization is not at
all a sufficient ground.
The union has been recognized. The
men have received a guarantee of a
10 jer cent. increase for another year,
the powder question has been settled
"a 1i-n on la iG or a..
uaily coming to be observed.
PRACTICAL RECOGNITION.
The granting of these things was "a
practical recognition of the union. The
comforting of the operators and the Of
iicers of the organization might be a
good thing and might be productive
of good results. but it is not of sufli-
cient Importance in itself to warrant
the throwing of this entire region into
a slough of business depression to OBJ
tain it,"
Alderman John r. Howe. Of the Sew
cnteenth ward, had the following To
say to a Tribune reporter regarding
the threatened strike:
II dislike very much to see another
coal strike at this time. so soon fol-
lowing the strike of last fall. | under
stand that the only grievance of the
men this time is the recognition of
their organization, and If this is so the
more conservative of the miners should
ponder over this question, discuss it
freely, and then take action. 1t is a
grave question and requires careful
consideration.
"Public sympathy is a powerful fac
tor in any strike. but If the men plunge
blindly into this, fear that they will
not have the sanction Of the public. as
during the last unpleasantness. A sus-
pension of work at the mines now will
have telling effect on the business
and commercial interests of the val
ley"