Evening journal., 1902-09-08
EXPECTED BREAK
LONG BBFORR THIS
Operators Surprised al
Length Of Coal Strike
There Are RumOrS That 1t May End
This Month, But Mitchell
IOnieS Them


Scranton. IA, -pi. 8. ~ The an
thracite mine workers strike entered
upon it's eighteenth week today with
the lines between the operators and
the miners drawn almost as tightly as
they were when the suspension was
inaugurated on May IL. Many were the
predictions that the contest would be
over by the first week in September;
but, If the officials OF the Mine Work
ers' Union are to be believed, the
struggle will continue for months to
come 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 that
they are surprised at the way the strlk-
ers are holding out. Rumors are cur
rent and, in fact, statements 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 that
he knows nothing of a possible early
ending of the trouble, and also says
he knows nothing Of any negotiations
on foot looking towards that end. The
only move now in contemplation is the
suggestion that Governor Stone call an
extra session of the legislature at which
some law should be passed that would
have the effect of amicably and speed
lily ending the deadlock Governor
Stone has given the matter consider
able thought, and has announced that
/ II bill can be framed that will have
the desired effect he viii Immediately
call the Legislators together.
Last week more coal left the mining
region than in any previous week since
the strike started. Statements have
been made by mining officials that the
shipment for the last six working days
4 aggregated 100000 tons. The normal
weekly output is a little more than l.
100000 tons. The strikers and theil
officials dispute the claims of the min
II ing superintendents, and maintain thai
most of the coal now going to market
is washed" from the great culm pile:
and the remainder is the coal that haC
, been blasted before the strike began o.
which fell through the breaking of rot
ten timbering during the idleness. Al
the fuel that is leaving the coal fields
Z is not reaching the markets, consid
erable quantity being taken by the rail
P roads for their own uses.
The number of men at work through
out the entire anthracite territory Il
difficult to obtain. It is safe to say
however, that the number. compare,
p with the total number of workers les
I timated at 145OOO) is small. and tha
among those at, work the certificate,
{ miners are few. Coal is being cut II
9 some Of the mines, but as far as can b
learned much of it is being done b,
bosses" of various classes who are ex
perienced miners.
! Company officials do not look for
rapid decline in the price Of coal afte
4 the strike is over because the deman
1 will be greater than the supply. It
= estimated that not more than Is pc
. cent. of the mines will be in conditio
for immediate operation when tn
strike is ended. One state mine in
spector is authority for the statemen
that in his district It will take fror
one month to four months to put som
Of the collieries in condition. Thi
, would mean a further idleness for man
mine workers and a greatly curtaile
= production If the strike were to en-
/, tomorrow a full resumption of har
, coal mining in Pennsylvania would nc
!, be possible until next year.