The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1906-05-10
THE COAL STRIKE AVERTED

Sunday was q day Of thanksgiving
throughout the anthracite region over
the decision to call off the mining strike.
At Wilkesbarre ministers of different
denominations called upon their congre-
cations to join in celebrating the event,
and doubtless similar scenes took place
in other localities. In those thanksgiv-
ings the general public will heartily join.
The people of the anthracite region
know by bitter experience that strug-
gle between miners and operators
means reign of terror. The last great
strike produced much riot and violence,
in which fiendish outrages were perpe-
trated and many persons were killed or
manned. During the five weeks sus-
pension of work which has already tax
en- place there have been riots in which
a number Of lives have been lost and
communities have been terrified by mob
violence. Conditions in this respect
have not been quite so bad as before, as
the authority of government has been
strengthened by the establishment Of a
force Of State constabulary. In the
previous strike public authority was al
most completely submerged for months.
The disturbances were so general that
local peace authorities, with only sher-
ifs deputies at their service, were IN
able to cope with the situation. In fact,
in some places the influence and au-
thority of local magistrates seemed to
be controlled by active partisanship in
the conflict. At any rate, there was no
embodiment Of authority strong enough
to make any impression upon the situa-
ton until the troops were called out and
the region put under military control.
1t is different now. The State cOnstab-
ulary is permanent force of mounted
men, uniformed and equipped for active
service at moment S notice. It is I'M
der military discipline, and is composed
mostly Of men who have seen military
service. The force in character and
methods resembles the Canadian Mount
ed Police, and, like that famous body.
it is trained to act with decision. energy
and fearlessness in every emergency.
Its activity has had marked effect in
depressing disorder and quelling riot.
Although no strike had been formally
declared, the suspension Of work order
ed by President J Ohm Mitrhell was EQUIV
alent to one, except that the situation
was kept in hand. During the five
weeks that have elapsed since the sus-
pension order took effect, a strong SEN
timent aVerse so a settled strike has de-
veloped, and President MitchelPs own
efforts have been in favor of peace
He appears to have managed the situa
ton adroitly, so that, while averting
further conflict, he has carried the
miners organization with him, and his
policy meets with general support.
The decision to resume work is condi-
toned upon the reinstatement of the
miners who went out, but it is not be-
lieved that there will be any serious
difficulty over this point, as there will
be work for all. The probability is that
the strike has been averted and that a
three-year term of industrial peace is
assured in the coal region. Before an
other crisis occurs in the relations be-
tween the operators and miners. the
State of Pennsylvania should take
measures to bring the whole matter into
subordination to public authority. The
public interest in coal supply is far more
important than the private interests in
volved, and should no longer be left at
the mercy of those private interests.
Whatever may be thought of the ex-
pediency of compulsory arbitration as a
general principle, few will doubt that
something of that sort is necessary as
regards wage disputes in the coal
field.