The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1906-02-08
PREPARING FOR
A GREAT STRIKE
Miners and Operators Preparing For a
StrnggI'.
DOLAN'S RESIGNATION DEMANDED?
Al Parties Concerned Are Makisg Ready for
the Greatest Labor War IN History Of the
CouHtry-Equipment Of the State coustsbu..
airy Ia Being Rushed-A Stormy Meeting
Expected.

Pittsburg, Pa (SpcciaD Operators,
miners and State authorities are pre-
pairing for the greatest strike in the
history OF the country when the United
Mineworkers of America lay down their
tools April l.
While the miners are preparing for
the struggle by gathering together
couple OF million dollars Of a strike fund
and the operators are pushing their
mines TO the utmost capacity to get
stock ahead, the state authorities are
rushing the equipment of the new state
constabulary, which was organized in
anticipation of this strike. There are
tour troops of this organization, and
their arms and uniforms are now being
sent out from the state arsenal. at Har-
risburg. The authorities look for serious
trouble, and are preparing to meet it with
such force as may be necessary.
The meeting of the mineworkers sched-
uied for Monday morning was called
immediately upon receipt of the news
that President Dolan had disobeycd the
instructions given him to stand for an
increase and had voted with the opera
tors In the conference in favor OF the
present wage scale
The state Constabulary recently sworn
IN, numbering 40 men, divided into four
companies, every man of whom is a for
mer member of the United States Army.
United States Navy or the National
Guard, will Immediately be armed and
VIII by April be ready to patrol the
danger points. 1t is expected that with
this body, having more authority than
any police force of the State. il will be
unnecessary to call out the National
Guard to protect property. as has been
the case IN the coal strikes of the past
two decades.
Pittsburg coal operators counted ON
the support of John Mitchell to aid them
against the anthracite coal operators in
forcing them into shutdown.
John Mitchell is believed to have been
carried away by the radical element.
headed by Tom L. Lewis. of Ohio. and
II. Ryan, of Illinois, and that these men
will be the. real leaders in the strike
lhe fund which the coal miners hone
to raise for the pending strike cannot
amount to over S2.oooooo According
to an authority here, il is doubtful II
100000 can be raised through the assist
ance OF other unions, and il is doubtful
II the public will subscribe to aid the
fight.
The anthracite coal operators have
stored millions of tons Of coal in the
numerous coal pockets in Eastern Penn
sylvania. This coal will be taken out so
that the strike can be carried on for
year If necessary. 1t is said that II is
the intention of the operators of the
East to maintain prices equally dur
ing the strike period so as to keep
the public satisfied, as il is the intention
to break up the miners union rather
than make any money out of the fight
The bituminous coal operators started
last tall TO store some coal. They were
suddenly confronted with a demand for
coal and the consumed surplus that had
been stored away. BY the first of April
IT is doubtful If there will be two weeks
supply of coal stored.