The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-09-08
Eighteenth Week of the Great
 Goal Strike Began
OPERATORS EXPECT BREAK
Say the Men Are Not Prepared to Stand the Winter, and Many of Them Will Return
 to Work.

Philadelphia, September 7-The An thracite mine workers strike enters upon its eighteenth week tomorrow with the lines between the operator and the mine owner drawn almost as tightly as when the suspension was inaugurated on May 12 There were many predictions that the contest would be over by the first week in September, but If the officials of the mine workers union are to be be- lleved the struggle will continue for months unless the coal companies grant concessions. Some of the operators look ed for aserious break in the ranks of the men weeks ago and admit they are sur prised at the way the strikers are holding out Rumors are current and, in fact, statements have been made by prominent men. both in and out of the coal trade, President Mitchell of the union maintains he knows nothing of possible early end ing of the trouble and says he knows nothing of any negotiations on foot look ing 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 law that would have the effect of amicably and speedily ending the deadlock. Governor Stone has given the matter considerable thought and has announced that if a bill can be framed that will have the desired effect he will immediately convene the legisla- ture.
 Some Coal Mined.
 Last week more coal left the mining region than in any previous week since the strike began. Statements have been made by mining officials that the ship ments for the last six working days az. gregated 10000 tons. The normal week ly output is little more than a million tons The strikers and their officials dis pute the claims of the mining superinten- dents and maintain that most of the coal now going to market Is washed" from the great culn piles and the remainder is coal that had been blastei bsfore the strike began or which fell through the breaking of rotten timber during idle ness All fuel that is leaving the coal fields is not reaching the markets. A cen siderable quantity Is being taken by ths railroads for their own uses.
 The number of men at work through out the entire anthracite territory is dpf- ffcult to obtain. It is safe to say, How ever, the number. compared with the total number of workers (estfmated az 1+5oOO is small and that among those at work the certificate miners are few. Coal is being cut in some of the mines, put av far as can be learned much of 1t is being done by +bosses."
 Men Ready to Return.
 The coal companies say they have long lists of names of men ready to return to work. but are unwilling to take the chance because they fear violence. With the coming of cooler weather the com panies look for a break, believing that the relief now coming to the mine work CTS will not hold out long and that they will be compelled to return to prepare for the wirter which usually is a rigor- ous 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 supply It is estimated that not more than 75 per cent of the mines will be in condition for im- mediate operation when the strike is ended