The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-05-05
TEN PAGES.
For governor Of Pennsylvania, on the
issue of an open field and fair play,
JOHN P. ELKIN, of Indiana,
subject to the will of the Republican
masses.
For Sober Consideration.

reSentativeS of the miners
4 y. face to face in the discussion
of demands. and expressed
their willingness to repeat the confer
ence whenever desired, the fact is now
resentatives of the anthracite mining
ard carrying interests declined to
yield.
On Wednesday morning. the execu-
tive committee of the mine workers
union in the anthracite districts will
meet in this city, on the call of Presi-
dent Mitchell. to consider how the
miners shall act under the circum-
stances This will undoubtedly be q
significant and eventful meeting, and
upon it's decision very weighty inter-
ests will depend. If strike shall be
ordered, it can hardly fail to be bat
tie to the finish. This means four
months, may be six months, possibly
even eight months of idleness for the
men, anxiety for the community and
loss for the companies. If the men win
they will get little more than they are
what intangible thing known as re
cOgniton.' The union has not been
recognized officially, although it has
been recognized in effect by the meet
ins of the operators with it's officials.
1t can hardly be expected that in the
event of Il victory by the union wages
can be raised enough to offset strike
themselves hardly sufficient to warrant
the hazard of a strike. But if Il strike
comes and the companies win. the his
tory Of the past teaches that the
miners union will not long survive it's
defeat.
These, frankly but conservatively
stated, are the alternatives so far as
the possible combatants are concerned.
Fut there is another and Il larger in
terest to be considered: the welfare of
the community. This has suffered a
great deal III the industrial turmoil of
the past few months. 1t is just be-
ginning to see sunshine again. strike
in the mines fought to !; desperate end
ing would cut into it deeply and wound
it for years. The community cannot
be weakened without weakening all its
component parts: therefore the cons
munity's loss in case Il strike should be
called would have TO be settled for
event ually, in part at least, by the
losing side.
The miners fought one battle and won
substantial victory. They have en-
joyed their best year since; the best,
certainly, in Il number of years. No
doubt they feel that they ought to
have more pay and that the operators
ought to be more liberal With them. If
it were question of wages solely we
should be the first to applaud their
getting more pay. That would help not
only them but also the community by
making business better; and it would
not greatly hurt the companies, which
are rich, prosperous and, if report be
true, we'll able if necessary, to charge
back their pay rolls increase upon the
consumer.
But Rome was not built in a day
nor can any man or group of men get
Nh things just when and as desired
Ihe miners, comparatively speaking,
are well off. That is. to say, they are
btfter off than they We're. Can they
sefford to leopard their present circum-
st!ances for the uncertain issue of
fight? Would it be. good Judgment?
Would it be wise? We trust that they
asiN canvass this situation soberly, as
a. business proposition, Weighing all
Sides. We trust that they will listen
axtentively to the men of conservatism
aBq ripe experience among their num-
bet and not be guided by prejudice or
feeling. They have Il tried leader in
Jehn Mitchell 1t is pretty plain that
lis .does not want a strike. The leader
WHIP seeks to avoid the horrors of a
graat labor battle and who is willing
vhen disappointed to bde his time,
ygHsting in education of public senti-
nleht more than in force, is generally
stife leader to follow.
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