Miners Across the Nation Lay Down Their Tools
A massive, sweeping labor walkout arrives in the coal fields, with union leaders claiming over 130,000 workers have joined the protest against wage cuts.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
A summary of the United Mine Workers' strike shows that the leaders did not fail in their calculations as to the number of men who would obey orders to go out. From reports received, it is safe to say that over 130,000 miners are out. The miners of Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia and a part of Indiana struck at noon. President McBride of the United Mine Workers' Association stated, 'We will be ready to meet the operators with reference to the adjustment of the differences at any time. I believe that 130,000 miners struck at noon today and that by May 1 that number will be increased to 150,000.' Operators in many districts argue that they are unable to pay the wages asked for and say they are forced to let the mines remain idle. The strike promises to be the greatest in the history of the country.
“The strike promises to be the greatest in the history of the country. It will involve nearly 150,000 men.”
This 1894 strike highlights the long-standing tension between labor rights and the 'booster' mentality of early Seattle-area industry. While today's labor battles often focus on gig work or service sectors, the fundamental fight for fair wages against industry-imposed 'poverty' remains a central feature of the regional civic identity.
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