The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-13
There Is Little Surplus Coal on the
Market and General Strike
Would ParaIyze Industries.
VIEWS GATHERED IN THE FIELD
MINE OFFICIALS ARE OPPOSED TO
A GENERAL STRIKE.
Realization that n Mistake Was Made
in the Time of the Anthracite Tie
Up-GOOd Fighting Ability.

The special convention of the United
Mine Workers of America, which meets in
Indianapolis next Thursday, may turn out
to be the most memorable gathering of
laboring men ever held. The great ques-
ton of a general suspension of work in all
the bituminous mining regions of the coun-
try rests with the delegates. 1t is for them
to say whether not the greatest strike
augurated or suppressed. If the decision is
in favor of a general strike the results can
not be foretold. There is no surplus of
coal on the market at present, and shut
down of all mines would soon bring nearly
all the great industries of the country to a
standstin The mine workers have it in
their power to throw into idleness half
million laboIers at one command The
factories and manufacturing establish
ments which would necessarily soon be
closed because of a shortage of fuel and
the large number OF laboring men likely
10 quit work in sympathy with the miners
would have the figures running into the
millions in a short time. The miners have
the sympathy of all the labor unions of
the country, as evidenced by their willing
ness to contribute funds to support the an
thracite strikers. A general suspension of
work would intensity this feeling and Sc
cure more than financial cooperation.
The national officers of the United Mine
Workers are doing all they can to discour-
age a general strike, but there is a radical
element in the organization that will be
hard to suppress. Other labor leaders NAV
attend the convention to use their influence
In behalf of peace. There is a growing SEN
tment in labor circles against general
strike, and, a compromise, moral and
financial assistance will be offered to carry
on the strike in the anthracite field of
Pennsylvania and the bituminous in West
Virginia and other districts where strikes
exist.
WILL EXHAUST THEIR OWN FUNDS.
The mine workers, however, are opposed
to some of the elaborate offerings, and no
funds will be accepted until the resources
of the organization are exhausted The
present condition of the treasury is such
that it would be long time before outside
assistance would be needed A 10 per cent
tax month has been levied on each mem
ber of the organization since the 1st of
March. and this assessment alone brings
into the national treasury between $50 900
and $4,000 moEthly. Other dues and local
assessments make an enormous income
that has been piling up in the national
district and local treasures and which has
not yet been touched. 1t is known that
the miners can now count their available
cash in the million-dollar column, which
represents the greatest strike fund ever i'm
the hands OF any labor organization.
The anthracite strikers have not an
pealed TO the national treasury for assist
ance as vet and they will be able to hold
out several weeks longer. In West Vir-
ginia where about 5000 miners are on
strike the national has had to give as
sstance. commissary was established
some time ago with headquarters in Gin
cinnati, in charge of CHS Evans. Just how
well the miners can take care of their mem
bers may be seen from the supplies sent to
West Virginia. Evans is shipping three
carloads of provisions a day into that
State. drawing on funds from the national
treasury and Secretary Wilson says the
treasury has mot been touched" II the
support of this body of strikers has not
touched" the treasury ii appears that the
national organization will oe able TO hold
out a long time in the anthracite and other
regions, without assistance from outside
sources.