The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-10-08
IN THE COAL FIELDS.
Miners Praise Roosevelt, But De-
 mand Concessions.

Wilkesbarre, Pa., Oct. 1.-The two prin- cipal features of the anthracite coal strike which claimed public attention in theNcoal fields today were: Will the min CTS yield to the desire of the Presidnt Of the United States for them to return to work and investigate afterwards. and will the mine operators be able to carry out their promise to produce enough coal to relieve the situation if given the pro- tection of the full military power of the Slater
 After a most careful inquiry among district officers and the rank and file of mine workers 1t was found that senti- ment is strongly against accepting the Presidents proposition in its present form. As to the other feature of the situation as it exists tonight, opinion is divided.
 The Presidents message to MT. Mitch ell became known here this afternoon and 1t was earnestly discussed by the striking miners and citizens generally. It is positively known to those who are close to the officers of the union that President Mitchell and his district pres idents have all along been opposed to the men returning to work without some concessions, but whether they are still so inclined with the President appealing to them cannot be officially stated. It Is reasonably certain, however, that they are still opposed to such action
 President is Praised.
 An officer of the union now in this city said to the correspondent of the Asso- ciated Press today:
 "The anthracite mine workers of Penn sylvania appreciate the efforts being made by President Roosevelt to end the strike in the interest of the entire coun- try and they have only words of praise for him. However, they feel that after sacrificing everything for the last five months. they consider 1t unfair for any one to ask them to return to work with out a single concession. especially when the miners see victory almost at hand. The meetings throughout the entire coal region tomorrow when action will be taken on President Mitchells address will bear me out,
 This is the tenor of the remarks Of most of the mine workers in this region mine workers of the Prospect, Oakdale and Midvale collieries of the Lehlgh val ley Coal Company met in this city to- day and unanimously decided to remain on strike until they get some concessions
 The calling out of the entire military force of the State did not cause sen sation in the Wyoming Valley. Wilkes barre and the surrounding country were about as quiet today as on any preVlo"s day since the suspension was inaugurat- ed.
 Tremendous int crest is manifested in the effect the presence of the entire division of the National Guard will have on the strike There is wide difference Of opin- ion as to the probable effect. Coal com pany officials welcome the soldiers and say that prospects are bright for the re- sumption of mining under the protection of the military.
 The strikers received the news in a matter of fact way an1 in line with the comment of their national and district officials, say the presence Of the soldiers will have no effect on the strike. There is one noticeable thing and that is that the strikers show a firmer stand than they did before Governor Stone acted last night.
 National Board Member John Fallon. who was the highest in authority at strike headquarters today, said the men will remain as they are-frm to the end.
 Interest in Soldiers.
 The general comment is that 1t is now up to the operators to mine coal now that they have the entire State military protection, which they have been asking for is now shared by all officials of the companies. It is claimed that the State has yet to show what it proposes to do. .
 An official of one of the largest coal companies in the territory is authority for the statement that an early resump-
 CContinued on Page Two.)