The evening Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1902-1902, 1902-06-03
WORCESTERSHIRE
Mine Engineers, Firemen and
Pumpmen Go Out.
ORDER OBEYED BY 4 MAJORITY.

President Mitchell Claims Eighty Per
Cent Of the Hands Have struck.
Operators Confident Of Ability
to Protect Their Property.
WILKESBARRE, Pa, June 3.-'The
order Of the United Mine Workers Of
America calling out on strike all ell
gineers, fisemen and pumpmen en-
ployed at collieries where the eight
hour wOrkday with present wages was
not granted went into effect yesterday,
and as had been predicted majority
Of the men Obeyed the order. Neither
side can claim victory at this time
because the struggle on this phase of
the anthracite coal miners strike has
just opened. There was only a par.
tial showing Of strength.
Although majority of the men quit
work, the cOnlpa MES, generally speak
ing, 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 number of men who
quit cannot be obtained. Each side re-
fuses to make public their figures, but
gave out information that roughly es-
Inmates the number of men affected.
These estimates are far apart.
National President Mitchell of the
miners union gave out a statement in
which lie says:
Reports received from every impOr-
tant mining community indicate that
where the eight hour day has not been
conceded fully 50 per cent Of the fire.
men, pumpmen and engineers have
ceased work. The number will be ma
terially increased. In some sections
mine foremen have positively declined
to perform the work of engineers, fire.
men and pumpmen. In some places
foremcn have manned the pumps, and
clerks have also been required to per-
form this labor.
"a perfect army of irresponsible men
have been employed by the coal COM
panies to act as coal and iron police
men. The services of these men are
unnecessary and their presence unwar-
ranted. There have been no violations
by the mine workers, and I am san
guine there will be no overt acts on the
part Of the strikers
On the other hand, a mining official
OF one of the largest coal companies
who received accurate information
from the entire coal belt makes this
statement:
"prcsident Mitchcll's estimate is too
high. We have received figures from
all our collcrics and the general super
intcndcnts of all other coal companies,
but they are not to be given out, as it
would not Inc policy to reveal our weak
spots or to bctray our slrongholds as
far Us they relate to the colIicries ndi-
Vidualy.
notwithstanding the big desertion
Of men every coIlic,y in the entire re-
Sion that made the effort was able to
get up steam and maintain it. We are
satisfied under the circumstances with
the situation as it exists at present,
and we do not care to boast of our fu-
tnrc ability to keep the mines from
tlOUdins. The companies have nearly
all the men they want for present
needs. We look for intimidation of our
men by the strikers, but we will go
right along and protect our employees
and property rs best we cam
Considering the vast number Of men
who are idle, the coaliield is very quiet.
Reports have come in from several Sec
tons telling of disturbances, but these
are of a minor nature only.