The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-17

ployed by that company would be ordered
ont on strike, as the organization would
consider it a breech of faith.
The cores spondent of the Associated
Press made an effort to-day to learn what
steps, if any, had been taken in the direc-
tion of sympathy strike tf other trades
unions. 1t was learned that some of the
labor leaders of the country had informally
discussed such a movement some time be-
fore the present strike was inaugurated,
but that no definite plan presented itself.
Such a strike, it was thought, probably
would not be inaugurated for four or five
possibly more months, and only in the
event that the union was in danger of go
ing. to pieces.
Secretary Wilson left here to-day for ma
tional headquarters at Indianapolis, where
he will look after the West Virginia and
Central Pennsylvania bituminous troubles.
II a call for special convention is made it
will be issued by President Mitchell from
strike headquarters in this region, the loca-
tion of which has not yet been selected.
The matter of calling out the engineers,
firemen and pump runners from the anthra-
cite mines to allow the workings to become
flooded and damaged was left by the con-
vention to the discretion of the national and
district officers. What they will do cannot
be definitely learned. but it seems probable
they will be permitted to remain at work
for the present at least. 1t was said at
strike headquarters to-day by an official
that the United Mine Workers organization
has all along followed policy Of protecting
mine property on the ground that the de-
struction of accumulated wealth as a rule
ultimately affects the workmen seriously.
QUIET REIGNS.
Notwithstanding that $4,000 men have
been idle for the last five days, no disturb
ances of any kind have been reported here.
The region is extremely quiet. All the dele
gates left for their homes to-day and
Hazleton tonight presents deserted ap-
pearance. All of the local unions through
out the coal fields held meetings this after
noon or tonight and received reports from
their convention delegates Steps were
taken by most of the locals to give relief
to the members if needed. They expect a
long strike.
President Mitchell had no news to give
out beyond his statement. He said he has
had no communication with any bear
ing on a settlement of the strike. He spent
the afternoon and evening in consultation
with district and local leaders and in dis
posing of a large amount of accumulated
mail.
The coal companies continue their prepa-
rations for a long struggle. Mine mules are
being brought to the surface and placed at
pasture. clerks and other employees are be-
ing laid off and other steps have been
taken to keep down expenses. The coal
carrying railroad companies are laying OF
coal train crews every day, and the local
| electric railway company, which has lines
| to all the surrounding towns, has reduced
its service so per cent. and placed its en-
| ployes on half time.
Business generally is stagnant and coal
/ in this section is becoming scarce Many
foreign mine laborers, in anticipation of a
/ prolonged struggle. have left the region
and others are preparing TO follow. A car
load of these workmen from the Schuylkil
| region passed through here to-day. some
en- route to other coal fields and number
| bound for their native land, where they
propose remaining until the strike ends.