Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 January 1904 — UNION MINNER MAY STRIKE [ARTICLE]

UNION MINNER MAY STRIKE

Man See Plot to Modnco Wage* and Convention Will Decide on tho /' Policy To Bo Punned. Indianapolis, Jan. 10.—Reductions In wages In the past two months, resulting apparently from a preconcerted move on the part of the operators, may result in a general strike of the 325,000 union miners of the country. In three states operators are making efforts for a further reduction, and the convention of the United Mine Workers of America, which is bolding its session, is expected to take action. The cut in wages on which the delegates will base their action. Is regarded as the work of the association of operators. If this reduction is permitted, It is argued, further reductions will follow. Prompt and energetic action is held the only manner In which the union can protect its interests. Although the situation is considered serious, none of the national officers will forecast the probable outcome. The convention will be In session probably ten days, when the members will enter Into joint convention with the operators of the central competitive field, embracing western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The joint convention will fix the wage scale for the miners of that district, and the declaration of war, If one Is made, likely will come then. There are in the United States 450,000 miners, of whom 825,000 are union men. Of this number 14,000 now are on strike, 10,000 In the west, 3,000 In the Myersdale district and 1,000 In West Virginia.