Issaquah Coal Strike Looms as Management Issues Ultimatum

Issaquah, June 29.—'Any men not reporting for work today we will consider as having left our employ, and unless they remove their tools immediately, same will be brought to the top.' The above notice was posted by the management of the Issaquah Coal company yesterday. Miners take it as an indication that the company will refuse to arbitrate and that a long fight will be the result. While all is quiet here today and the men state that everything possible will be done to avoid violence, some of the older men, who have been through many other strikes, shake their heads doubtfully when the possible alternative of importing men is suggested. 'We will do everything in our power by means of persuasion to keep such men from working,' said one old and experienced miner, 'but if that fails and the mine runs, I am a little afraid. Our men are among the quietest in the world, but this thing has touched them in a sore spot and they might, and unintentionally, do things that they would afterwards regret. I hope that the company will be reasonable and meet our demands.' The town is as quiet as on a Sunday. Knots of the miners gather at every corner and talk over the situation. The whole town has taken sides with either the operators or the miners, for the closing or non-closing of the big mine affects almost every man, woman or child in Issaquah.