The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-19

on a special train bearing number Of imported negro men for employment in this mine, who were escorted from Bir- mingham to this point by half dozen deputy sheriffs and a detachment of sol- diers These officers of the law came to protect these men in their movement for work. l thought how deplorable 1t is that In this state, which boasts of civil ization and enlightenment 1t Is deemed necessary to employ an armed force to protect men who are seeking honest em- ployment for the support of themselves and families.
 The special car for the laborers came from Knoxville over the Alabama Great Southern railroad and at Sloss furnace, where your correspondent and the depu- ties boarded 1t, the car was attached to Birmingham Southern engine and car ried through the heart of the great and growing city of Birmingham and nowhere en route disappearing from the industrial view of Greater Birmingham with its homes, its schools and Its church spires. And, yet, civil and military officers were required to guarantee safe passage Of these men seeking work. All on account of the coal miners strike.
 Output Increasing.
 When your correspondent last visited this mine 15 days ago the output here was about 33 1-3 per cent of the normal run. I am informed by officials that to- day it is about 75 per cent, and with In, a c tOdaV- if Is confidently expected that within short time Mine No. will resume its normal production.
 Outlook Encouraging.
 In fact, I am persuaded that before the ides of November every important coal mine in the district will be in full com mission and that the demand for fuel will be fully supplied. My belief thus expressed is that great numbers of the present striking miners will soon discover that there is no hope for success In an effort to induce the operators to recog- nize the union and will then turn their backs upon those who are misleading them and re-enter the field of honorable employment; and that thousands of new men will be brought here to fill the places of those who may still refuse to work.
 Union Miner Talks.
 I have today had conversation with prominent union striking miner, whose last place of employment is now shut down for repairs and general improve ment. He told me that he had no hope of the final success to the union of this strike, but said he, ''this Is the big gest, the most stupendous, the most ex- pensive strike that has ever occurred in this section. There is money behind it, there are men and brains behind it; and those who imagine that 1t is only sum- mer picnic are going to find themselves terribly mistaken" In answer to the question why he remained out of the mines and a member of the union, if he did not believe the strike would be suc- cessful, he said:
 q am a member of the union simply because my neighbors are; men with whom have lived and 1abored for years; men whom I dare not offend. As a nom union miner in an open shop I can make more money than I could working under union rules and individually, much pre- fer to work that way. I have absolutely no grievance against the operators with whom I have worked"
 Asked as to the matter of provisions and support afforded strikers by the union he stated: We were never promised $5 per week In money and rations besides, at my place, but $5 worth of rations. We lz0lx q, per capita Men with families get a ra- tion for each head, so that the married men cost the union much more than sin gle men. Soon we will have to vacate the houses owned by the operators; then we must go to tents which are now being provided by the union. Purchases of these amount to about 1900 this week. and more are to come. So you see, the union is preparing to flee to its tents for a long siege"
 My prediction is that the miner who thus spoke, and many like unto him. will return to work before the biting cold of winter comes.
 A Prime Reason.
 In my letter this morning l presented somer reasons for ny belief that there could be no arbitration between the union and the operators. The prime reason the all-important reason, the vital reason is that the operators will stand firm in their resolution not to recognize the union and that the union leaders whose very official and profitable existence rests upon this point, will listen to nothing short of a full recognition. Upon this proposition rests the whole matter. Therefore, the operators will not listen to any appeal any petition spoken by or for the miners union
 It cannot be question of pay, because miners have walked out of many mines where there was not 1 cent of reduction It cannot be a matter of fair and Just weights and measures, because the laws of this state require that these shall be given the laborer in the coal mines as elsewhere, and if the coal operator de- clines to be just in this respect there is way to force him to do so by the criminal courts of the state, and this should be done
 Arbitrary Demands.
 It is the arbitrary demands of the coal miners union that cause the operators of this district to eschew its mandates and its government of their own property. The operators feel that in these demands the union has always, when in control, gone beyond the limits of endurance.
 In the report of the commission on the anthracite coal strike of 1902 that commis- sion adjudged and awarded as follows: '"That no person shall be refused employ ment or in anyway discriminated against on account of membership or non-mem- bership In any labor organization, and that there shall be no discrimination against or interference with any employe uho ia not A member of any labor crRani-