River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1902-09-11
THE GREAT STRIKE.
Eighteenth Week of the Trouble
Opens with the Outlook by
No Means Bright.

NO Means Bright.
Philadelphia, Sept. S.-The anthra-
cite mine workers strike enters upon
It's eighteenth week to-day with the
lines between the operator and the
mine owner drawn almost as tightly
as when the suspension was inaugu-
rated on May II. There were many
predictions that the contest would be
over by the first week in September,
bur If the officials of the Mine Workers
union are to be believed the struggle
VIII 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 sur
prlSed 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
ended this month. President Mitchell,
of the union, maintains he knows moth
ing of a possible early ending of the
trouble, and says he knows nothing of
any negotiations on foot looking to
shat end.
The only move now in contemplation
is the suggestion that Gov. Stone call
an extra session of the legislature for
the purpose of passing a law that
would have the effect of amicably and
speedily ending the deadlock. Gov.
Stone has given the matter consider
4 !, ! 10
if bill can be framed that will have
the desired effect lie 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 shipment for the last six working
days aggregated 100000 tons. The
normal weekly output is a little moro
than 100000 tons.
The number of men at work
throughout the entire anthracite ter
ritory is difficult to obtain. 1t is safe
to say, however. the number, compared
with the total number of workers (es-
timated at 145,000) 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 it is being done by
"bosses," who are experienced min
ers. The coal companies say they have
long lists of names of men who are
ready to return to work, but are I'M
willing to take the chance because they
fear violence. With the coming 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.
GAINESVILLE, o., Sept. st was au-
thoritatively denied Saturday that
President Roosevelt has made any
statement regarding the settlement
of the coal strike as published Sat
urday morning. The president, it is
stated, on the same authority gave
out no interview of any kind in Phil
adelphia.
Charleston, W. Va. Sept. 8.-The coal
miners strike in the Kanawha and New
River fields, involving $4,000 miners,
which has been in existence since
June z, is practically at an end. Each
local union is instructed to go back to
work on the best possible terms with
out regard to the action of any other
local. Several of the largest operators
in the New River field have made terms
with their men and will resume on Mon
day. No concessions have been grant
ed. and from the miners standpoint,
the strike is a complete failure, the
men returning to work at the same rate
as before the strike. There is great
activity here among the operators in
getting ready to start up. Evictions
will stop now and old men will be given
employment were possible. Most of
the strikers are happy that it will soon
be over, as many went out under pro-
test at the beginning.