The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-08
Few UniOnists Have Returned to
Work, but Bosses and Others Are
Getting Out Coal.
SHIPMENTS ARE INCREASING
NORMAL WEEKLY OUTPUT is ABOUT
ONE MILLION TONS.
Last Week One-Tenth of that Amount,
According to Statements of Opera
tors, Was Loaded on Cars.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. THE anthra-
cite 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 sus-
pension was inaugurated, on May II.
There were many predictions that the con-
test would be over by the first week in
September, but If the officials of the mine
workers union are to be believed the strug-
gle will continue for months unless the
coal companies grant concessions. Some
of the operators looked for a serious break
in the ranks of the men weeks ago, and
admit they are surprised at the way the
strikers are holding out.
Rumors are current, and, in fact state
ments have been made by prominent men
both in and out of the coal trade. that the
strike will be ended this month. President
Mitchell, of the union, maintains he knows
nothing of possible early ending of the
trouble and says he knows nothing of any
negotiations on foot looking to that end.
The only movement 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 to amcably and speedily end
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 Legislature.
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
he acf eli do tod
tons. The normal weekly output is little
more than a million tons. The strikers and
their officials dispute the claims of the
mining superintendents and maintain that
most of the coal now going to market is
washed from the great culm piles. and
the remainder is coal that had been blasted
before the strike began, or which fel,
bs the of rotten tmberns
leaving the coal fields Is not reaching the
markets A considerable quantity is being
taken by the railroads for their own uses.
The number of men at work throughout
the entire anthracite territory is difficult
to obtain. 1t is safe to say. however the
number, compared with the total number of
workers ESTIMATED at A5,OOO), is small, and
that among those at work the certificate
miners are few. Coal is being cut in some
of the mines, but as far as can be learned
much of 1t is being done by bosses" The
coal companies say they have long lists of
names of men who are ready to return to
work, but are unwilling to take the chance
because they fear violence. With the COM
ing 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 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 supply. 1t is estimated that not
more than rs per cent. of the mines will be
in condition for immediate operation when
| the strike is ended.