The Looming Coal Miners’ Strike
SERIOUS signs of disturbance continue to appear upon the industrial horizon instead of the hoped-for clearing of the clouds. Another great coal strike, greater perhaps than any before it, appears to be looming up. A report from Pittsburg says:— A general strike of coal miners in Pennsylvania, both in the anthracite and the bituminous fields, is being arranged for, it is said here, and will probably be declared within a month or so. This action was decided upon during the week by officials of the United Mine Workers of America, according to the report, and is being taken to forestall the action of the operators in the anthracite region in forcing a general lockout. A strike of this character would practically cut off the coal supply of the country.
Heretofore it has been impossible for the anthracite and bituminous miners to act in unison, which has been responsible for their constant failures. Vice-President Lewis stated to-day that if the men stick together, as he expects them to do, it will mean the greatest conflict between organized capital and labor that the world has ever known. As yet there is nothing in the industrial situation to indicate when the point will be reached, or that it will ever be reached, where a permanent basis of agreement between employer and employed can be established, and the country be no longer under the menace of being visited by “the greatest conflict between organized capital and labor that the world has ever known.” Truly is it written of those who are dominated by the spirit of the world—the spirit of selfishness (Rom. 3: 16, 17):— “Destruction and misery are in their ways:
And the way of peace have they not known.” But the coming of the Prince of Peace is at hand, and under his kingdom “the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”