The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1902-06-05
The Coal Strike

ity of the engineers, firemen and
pumpmen employed at anthracite COL
iieries where the S-hour workday was
not granted, have obeyed the order to
strike, but neither side can claim
q victory at this time, because the
struggle on this phase Of the anthra-
cite coal miners strike has just
= opened. The real test of whether or
not the mine pumps shall be manned
will soon begin. Although majority
of the men quit work, the companies.
generally speaking. have succeeded in
keeping their pumps in operation. The
operators feel that at present they
have the advantage. but they are not
so sanguine of the future. The exact
humber Of men who quit can not be
obtained.
The following statement was given
out by prominent coal operator:
Notwithstanding the big desertion
Of men. every colliery in the entire
region that made the effort was able
to get up steam and maintain it. We
are satisfied. under the circumstances,
with the situation as 1t exists at pres.
ent, and we do not care to boast OF
our future ability to keep the mines
from flooding. The companies have
nearly all the men they want for pres
ent needs. We look for intimidation
of our men by the strikers. but we
will go right along and protect our
employees and property as best We
can"
National President Mitchell of the
miners union gave out statement
in which he says: Reports received
from every important miaing COM
tnunity indicate that where the S-hour
day has not been conceded fully 80
per cent Of the fremen. pumpmen and
engineers have ceased work. The
number will be materially increased.
In some sections mine foremen have
positively declined to perform the
work of engineers, firemen and pump
men. In some places foremen have
manned the pumps and clerks have
also been required to perform this Ia
Dor. 4 perfect army Of irresponsible
men have been employed by the coal
companies to act as coal and iron po.
licemen. The services of these men
are unnecessary aud their presence
unwarranted."
Considering the vast number OF
men who are idle. the coal feld Is,
very quiet. Reports came in from sew.
eral sections telling Of disturbances,
but these were Of a minor nature only.
Some workmen we're stoned as they
were on their way from the mines to
their homes. The small army Of coal
and iron policemen which is in the
held are not much in evidence. The
companies have instructed these men
to avoid trouble. and that they must
not make themselves conspicuous.
The several brotherhoods Of rail.
road employees in this locality held a
meeting here. at which the general
strike situation was discussed. No
action of any kind was taken. The
failroaders are in hearty sympathy
with the striking miners and they will
give the men financial or otheI ma
terial support.
Committees Of the local unions are
busy canvassing the men who remain.
ed at work Hundreds of them, how
ever, can not be reached. as they are
quartered within the eosanes Of the
Sollieries. The companies do not care
to risk the safety of the men by let
ting them go to their boarding houses
or homes. There was quite furry
here when it was learned that party
Of negroes had arrived over the Jer-
eey Central railroad. The strikers at
lrst thought they were to take the
places of union men, which somewhat
incensed the men. 1t was learned
later that they were only engaged to
cook for the nonunion workmen tenn
porarily living at the collieries.