The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-09-08
COAL STRIKE SITUATION.
EIGHTEENTH WEEK OF STRUG-
 GLE ENTERED UPON.

Lines Almost as Tightly Drawn Be-
 tween Operator and Miner as When
 Work Was Suspended May I2 Failure
 of Predictions That Strike Would
 End by the First Week in September.
 Philadelphia, Sept. 7.-The anthracite mine workers strike enters upon its eighteenth week with the lines between the operator and the miner drawn al- most as tightly as when the suspension was inaugurated on May 12. There were many predictions that the contest would be over by the first week in Sep tember, but if the officials of the Mine Workers union are to be believed the struggle will continue for months unless the coal companies grant concessions. Some of the operators looked for a ser- ous break in the ranks of the men weeks ago and admit they are surpris- ed at the way the strikers are holding out. Rumors are current, and in fact statements have been made by prom inent men both in and out of the coal trade, that the strike will be ended this month. President Mitchell, of the union, maintains he knows nothing of a possible early ending of the troubles, says he knows nothing of any negotia- tions on foot looking to that end. The only move now in contemplation is the suggestion that Governor Stone call an extra session of the legislature for the purpose of passing a law that would have the effect of amicably and speed fly ending the deadlock. Governor Stone has given the matter considerable thought, and has announced that if a bill can be framed that will have the desired effect he will immediately con- vene the legislature. Last week more coal left the mining region than in any previous week since the strike began. Statements have been made by mining officials that the shipment for the last six working days aggregated 100000 tons. The normal weekly output Is a littlo more than 100000 tons.
 The strikers and their officials dispute the claims of the mining superintend ent and maintain that most of the coal now going to market is washed" from the great culm piles and the remainder is the coal that had been blasted before the strike began or which fell through the breaking oS rotten tin1bers during the idleness. All the fuel that is leav- ing the coal fields is not reaching the markets. A considerable quantity is being taken by the raiirads for their own uses. 4
 The number of men at work through out the entire anthracite territory is difficult to obtain. It is safe to say. however, the number, compared with the total number of workers (estinlated at 145.000) Is small and that among those at work the certificate miners are few Coal is being cut in some of the mines but as far as can be learned much of 1t is being done by ''hosses" | who are experienced miners. The coal companies say they have long lists of names oe men who are ready to return to work. but are unwilling to take the l chance because they fear violence. With 1 the coming of cooler weather the com- panies look for a break, believing the relief now coming to the mine workers will not hold out long and that they will be compelled to return to prepare for the winter, which is usually rig orous one in the mountain regions.
 Company officials do not look for a rapid decline in the price of coal after 1 the strike is over because the demand
 will be greater than the supply. It is
 estimated that not more than 75 Der cent. of the mines will be in condition for immediate operation when the strike
 is ended.