The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-08
STRIKE OF
MINERS IS
PROBABLE
But They Look for President
Mitchell TO Lead Them 0utof
Woods as Against Operators

Scranton, May s.-The executive COM
mittse Of three districts of the anthra-
cite coal field. representing all OF the
members OF the United Mine workerse In
that territory. resumed IT'S secret con-
ference soon after o'clock this NOM
ing.
There is much Apprehension In bust
nesss circles all over the anthracite re-
gion regarding the outcome OF tbe meet
ing Strong influences are at work
among the miners to prevent a strike. as
1t is realized that ue-up at this time
means long struggle and the conse-
quent paralyzing OF business interests.
Many OF the officials Of the miners union
are likewise working to prevent the dec
laration OF a strike.
They say that IL a strike must come.
his is not the time of year to inaugurate
1t. The fact is pointed out that the con-
sumption of coal is at a minimum dur
ing the summer months, whereas IL a
strike is deferred until autumn there Is
a better chance of securing concessions
without a long period Of idleness.
There is much speculation as TO what
will be the action OF the union represen-
tatives should they decide that drastic
methods are necessary. Granted that
no concession will be made to the men.
the miners officials have only two moves
to make unesss they declare for OF
against a strike.
They may call another convention
fresh from the rank and file to decide the
matter. or they may send committees or
employees TO the different coal operators
to ask for concessions. Some OF the COM
pany officials are said TO favor the latter
plan as a way out for both sides.
President Mitchell wields the same In
fuence over the miners that he has
hitherto exercised, and IL Is conceded
that the question of strike or no strike
depends almost entirely on the final de-
cision OF Mr.. Mitchell
At 1920 the executive commmittee took
a recess until 1880 this afternoon. Presi-
dent Mitchell issued the following state
ment:
The executive committee OF the an
thracite mine workers organization have
proposed that ALL questions at issue be-
tween themselves and the anthracite coal
mine operators be submitted to an Inn
partial board of arbitration, such board
TO be selected by the Industrial branch
OF the National Civic Federation. This
proposition has been submitted to the
operators by wire"
A union official attending the meeting
said this morning before entering the
convention hall:
mo living man can, at this hour. say
Just what decision will be reached.
will say, however. that tht situation at
present points to a continuation or tho
convention over today and possibly
through several days.
'It Is also true that the drift gathered
he xytnx ond ~ a mi
representatives who will have a vote
when the question 10 finally passed upon.
Is away from a strike.
"The representatives are being heard
in alphabetical order. and II happens
that the majority of the expressiones
have been from leaders in the lower or
Schuylkill district, and the middle or Le-
high district District No. l. comprising
the Lackawanna and Wyoming fields has
not been fully heard yet. AS Is we'll
known the men in the two first men,
toned territories are not so strongly In
favor OF radical action as the men OF
district No. l. 1t may be that my belief
that the drift Is away from strike Is
too strongly based on the sentiment
voiced by the Lthigh and Schuylkill dis
tricts, but think not"
When asked TO explain how the COM
mittee could reced from the uncompro-
missing stand so recently taken by the
Shamokln convention the oHclai IN oucs-
ton shook his head and added:
Yes. know the proposition is hard
one. great deal OF diplomacy will be
required 10 get around the point. Just
how II will be done without casting dis
credit on the United Mine Workers or
ganization l don't know. Still l believe
Mr.. Mitchell will lead us out OF the
woods. No plan has been decided upon
as yet. All reports that n test vote has
been taken are unqualifledly untrue. No
concessions have been received. We
have absolutely nothing In the way OF
an overture from the operators"