Omaha daily bee., 1902-09-08
COAL PRICES TO KEEP UP
Mine Operators Anticipate No Immediate
Drop at Strikes Ending.
DEMAND TO BE GREATER THAN SUPPLY
They Don't Believe that, when Peace
il Restored, More Than Three
Fourths IA Mines Can BE
Operated Immediately.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. THE mine
workers strike enters upon its eighteenth
week tomorrow, with the lines between the
miner and the operator drawn almost as
tightly as when the suspension was in
augurated on May 70. There we're many
predictions that the contest would he over
by the first week in September, but IL the
miners OF the union are to be believed the
struggle will continue for months, unless
the coal companies grant concessions.
Some Of the operators looked for a seri-
Gus break in the ranks OF the men weeks
ago and admit that they are surprised at
the way the strikers are holding out.
Rumors are current, and in fact statements
have been made by prominent men in and
out of the trade that the strike will be
ended this month. President Mitchell
maintains he knows nothing OF a possible
early ending Of the trouble and says he
knows nothing of any negotiations 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 speedily ending
the deadlock. Governor Stone has given the
matter considerable thought and has an
nounced that II a bill can be framed that
| WI hdNt lHt ucSlTtu tHeCJ ne Will lmIne-
diately convene the legislature.
Tenth of Normal Output.
Last week more coal left the mining re-
gion than in any previous week since the
strike began. Statements have been made
by mining officials that the shipments for
the last six working days aggregated 1OO,-
600 tons. The normal weekly output is a
little more than a million tons. The strik-
ers and their oflclals dispute the claims Of
the mining superintendent and maintain
that most Of the coal now going to market
Is washed" from the great culm piles and
that the remainder is coal that had been
blasted before the strike began or fell
through the breaking of rotten timbering
during the idleness. Nearly all the fuel
that is leaving the coal fields is not reach
Ing the markets. A considerable quantity
Is being taken by the railroads for their
own use.
The number OF men at work throughout
the entire anthracite territory is difhcult
to obtain. 1t is safe to say, however. the
number compared with the total number
Of workers estimated at 145, 900, is small
and that among those at work the, GER
~tihcate miners are few. Coal is being cut
in some Of the mines. but as fas as can be
learned much of 1t is being done by
pOSScb' Inc coal companies say they
have long lists Of the names Of men who
are ready to return to work, but are un-
willing to take the chance Of violence.
With the coming OF cooler weather the
companies look for a break, believing that
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 a rigorous one in
the mountain regions. Company officials
do not look for a rapid decline in the price
Of coal after the strike is over because
the demand will be greater than the SUP
ply. 1t is estimated that not more than
70 per cent Of the mines will be In condi-
ton for immediate operation when the
strike is ended.
HUNTINGTON. w. Va, Sept. 7-secre-
tary-Treasurer Wilson OF the United Mine
Workers received several hundred dollars
In contributions from labor unions here to-
day for the striking miners. He denies the
reports that the strike is settled in the
mines along the Chesapeake G. Ohio rail-
wav.