People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 September 1895 — BIG STRIKE THREATENED. [ARTICLE]

BIG STRIKE THREATENED.

Coal Miners of Illinois and lowa May Quit Work Oct. 1. Springfield, 111., Sept. 12.—The coal miners of the Springfield district will hold a meeting this afternoon and also Saturday and perfect an organization. A demand will be made upon the operators for an advance of 5 cents a ton. The men are now making 35 cents a ton for mining. They may call on the State Board of Arbitration and if the board decides against them their intention is to go out on a strike Oct. 1. Des Moines, la., Sept. 12.—The miners employed by the Vanginkel Mining Company here went out a few days ago, demanding higher wages. It develops there is a probability the strike will spread all over Southern lowa. The operators this summer have made a combination to prevent price cutting, and miners declare they can afford to pay better prices for work. If a strike is decided on it will go into effect Oct. 1. The miners’ leaders say it will probably be ordered.