Evening journal., 1902-06-20
SOFT coal MIN NOT
ANXIOUS TO STRIKE
Leaders Discuss Situation
With President Mitchell
BitumiOOuS Workers, However, Are
Willing 10 Aid the Strikers in
a Financial KaV

Wilkesbarre, Pa, June 20.-The ar
rival of President w. R. Russell and
Secretary treasurer w. d. Ryan, of the
Illinois miners organization, for con-
ference with National President Mitch
ell. was the only event of any import
ance around strike headquarters yes
terday. The two Illinois leaders arriv-
ed at 3 O'Clock, and Immediately went
into conference with their chief, which
lasted two hours. President Mitchell
after the meeting said they came to see
him for the purpose Of discussing
western mining matters" When he
was asked what particular matters
were talked over and whether busi-
ness connected with the coming spe-
cial national convention was consid-
cred, he replied that he would prefer
not to say anything more.
There is not the slightest doubt that
the Illinois officials brought informa
ton to Mr.. Mitchell which will be of
use to him in connection with the In
dianapolis meeting. Information has
reached here through different sources
that the soft coal miners in the west
are not unanimous for a general strike,
and some of them, It is said. are against
a partial suspension. Those men who
oppose a strike are willing to give
financial aid to the anthracite strikers,
but some of the leaders are not ready
to accept this sort of aid. In the spring
of 1900, when a strike levy of 25 cents
a month for each member of the
United Mine Workers Of America was
made there was only three state Or
ganizations that responded in full; they
were Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. There
is now a strike tax of 10 cents a month
for each member in force, but as far as
can be learned this is not being paid
in full by all the districts in the coun-
try. For this reason the leaders would
rather have the bituminous miners
either strike or partially suspend op-
erations. President Mitchell has
been in close communication with the
leaders Of the various districts, and
whatever plan they decide upon will
no doubt, be adopted by the conven-
llOns ANO AahANcAA dltAoht nuNA az q "
tai suspension of work by the entire
membership of the organization, il
looked for.
President Mitchells threat to stoI
the mining of soft coat at all points il
the country is not likely to pass un
answered by the operators. If he il
bent on waging an aggressive struggle
it will be met with the same spirit
The companies are expected to aban
don their passive policy. Just wha
form of action the operators will maxi
within the next few weeks is not Ger
tain, but reports from the Lackawanni
district state that the Delaware, Lack
awanna and Western Company has re
ceived applications from about 200 mel
since the strike began, who say the,
are ready to go to work if the com
pany is prepared to give them protec
tion. other companies report a simi
lar willingness to work on the par
of other small numbers of miners Il
other districts, but the reports are no
taken at their face value. The miner
say that the rumors of disaffection ar
set afioat to discourage men who ma
have become anxious because of tn
determined attitude Of the min
owners.