The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-09-08
STATUS OF STRIKE
CLAIMS AND COUNTER CLAIMS OF
STRIKERS AND OPERATORS.
IN ITS EIGHTEENTH WEEK.
But ANTHRACITE STRIKE SHOWS
LITTLE CHANCE OF ENDING.

Predictions That the Strike Would
BE over by the First Week In This
Month Not VerIficd-Omcials of the
Union Say 1t VIII Continue for
Months Unless the Coal Companies
Make COncesslOns-MOreC Coal Now
ed Last Week Than Any Week
Since the Strike Bcgan-Strikers
Say 1t Wasn't All Mined.
Philadelphia. Sept THE anthra-
cite mine workers strike enters upon
its eighteenth week tomorrow with
the lines between the operators and
the miners drawn almost as tightly as
when the suspension was inaugurated
on May II. There We're many pradic-
tions that the contest would be over
by the first week in September, but the
officials of the Mine Workers Union
say the strike will continue for months
unless the coal companies grant con-
cessioEs
Some of the operators looked for SER
ious breaks in the ranks of the men
weeks ego, 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. that the strike will be end
ed this month. President Mitchell OF
the union maintains that he knows
nothing of a possible early ending of
the trouble, and says he knows noth-
inc Of
ing to that end.
move now in contemplation is the
suggestion that Gov. Stone call an ex-
ira session of the Legislature for the
purpose of passing a law that would
have the effect of amicably and speed
lily ending the deadlock Gov. Stone
has given the matter considerable
thought and has announced that, IL a
bill can be framed that will have the
desired effect, he will Immediately con-
vene the Legislature.
Moving Considerable Coal.
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
shipments for the last six working
days aggregated 1000. The normal
weekly output Is a. little more than L.
100000 tons. The strikers and their
officials dispute the claims OF the
mining superntendents and say that
most OF the coal now going to market
is washed" from the great culm piles,
and the remainder is the coal that
had been blasted before the strike be-
gan, or which fell through the break
ing of rotten timbering during the idle
ness.
All the fuel that is leaving the coal
fields is not reaching 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 diff
ficult to obtain. 1t is safe to say, how
ever, the number, compared with the
total number OF workers ESTIMATED at
145,000) is small, and that among those
at work the certificate miners are few.
Many Ready to work.
The coal companies say they have
long lists of men who are ready to
return to work. but are unwilling TO
take the chance because they fear vio-
lence. With the coming of cooler
weather the companies look for a
breake, believing that the relief now
coming to the mine workers will not
Holu OUT, anu lney VIII De compelled TO
return and prepare for the winter.
which Is usually a rigorous one in the
mountain regions.
Company officials do not look for
rapid decline in the price of coal after
the strike is over, because the demand
will be greater than the supply. 1t
is estimated that not more than rs
per cent. of the mines will be In con-
dition for immediate operation when
the strike is ended.