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Editorial
October 26, 1902
The Worcester Spy
Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
What is this article about?
Editorial on resumption of anthracite coal mining post-strike, praising John Mitchell's restraint amid minimal violence, critiquing operators' hopes for disorder, and hoping their Standard Oil-like sales model lowers prices for consumers, potentially harming local dealers.
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Full Text
THE COAL SITUATION.
At the beginning of this week the anthracite coal mines will be in full operation, excepting in those where mining is impossible.
We presume that disorder will continue for a time in this district, as it did before the strike and as it did during the strike, but the militia will be withdrawn and the regular police will be able to take care of the situation.
Idleness always causes violence.
There are always assaults and murders in a mining district just as there are fatal accidents going on constantly. This is one of the dreadful facts that must be faced.
We believe, however, that there was not enough violence during the strike to suit the wishes of the coal operators, who expected to point to violence as an excuse for failure to get their coal mined. The authority of the militia was recognized.
There were no great riots, even after months of idleness.
Without believing that John Mitchell is an angel, one can give him credit for effectually restraining the inclinations of thousands of rough men who would prefer trouble to peace. Mitchell must have great ability to have kept up this struggle so long. He should be given credit for the good work he has accomplished. We do not believe his influence is so far reaching that he could have done as he pleased, that he could have dictated a strike or prevented a strike, regardless of conditions.
No, that is absurd.
And it is far better for everybody concerned that a conservative man should be at the head of an organization of this kind. It seems to be merely good fortune for the miners and for the general public that a man who lacked executive ability and might lose his head during the exciting period of a great struggle of this kind was not at the head instead of Mitchell.
It is to be hoped that the operators mean what they say when they promise to take effective measures to keep the price of coal down for the consumers.
The Boston Advertiser says that the coal operators intend to imitate the Standard Oil Company and establish local agencies for the sale of their coal.
This action, if taken, will seriously affect the local coal dealers all over the country. It will drive some of them out of business, probably.
On the other hand, it may mean that some of the profits now going to the coal dealers will be saved to the public.
At the beginning of this week the anthracite coal mines will be in full operation, excepting in those where mining is impossible.
We presume that disorder will continue for a time in this district, as it did before the strike and as it did during the strike, but the militia will be withdrawn and the regular police will be able to take care of the situation.
Idleness always causes violence.
There are always assaults and murders in a mining district just as there are fatal accidents going on constantly. This is one of the dreadful facts that must be faced.
We believe, however, that there was not enough violence during the strike to suit the wishes of the coal operators, who expected to point to violence as an excuse for failure to get their coal mined. The authority of the militia was recognized.
There were no great riots, even after months of idleness.
Without believing that John Mitchell is an angel, one can give him credit for effectually restraining the inclinations of thousands of rough men who would prefer trouble to peace. Mitchell must have great ability to have kept up this struggle so long. He should be given credit for the good work he has accomplished. We do not believe his influence is so far reaching that he could have done as he pleased, that he could have dictated a strike or prevented a strike, regardless of conditions.
No, that is absurd.
And it is far better for everybody concerned that a conservative man should be at the head of an organization of this kind. It seems to be merely good fortune for the miners and for the general public that a man who lacked executive ability and might lose his head during the exciting period of a great struggle of this kind was not at the head instead of Mitchell.
It is to be hoped that the operators mean what they say when they promise to take effective measures to keep the price of coal down for the consumers.
The Boston Advertiser says that the coal operators intend to imitate the Standard Oil Company and establish local agencies for the sale of their coal.
This action, if taken, will seriously affect the local coal dealers all over the country. It will drive some of them out of business, probably.
On the other hand, it may mean that some of the profits now going to the coal dealers will be saved to the public.
What sub-type of article is it?
Labor
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Anthracite Coal
Coal Strike
John Mitchell
Mining Violence
Coal Operators
Coal Prices
Standard Oil
What entities or persons were involved?
John Mitchell
Coal Operators
Miners
Militia
Standard Oil Company
Boston Advertiser
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Anthracite Coal Strike Aftermath And Operators' Pricing Plans
Stance / Tone
Supportive Of Miners' Leader John Mitchell, Critical Of Operators' Violence Expectations, Hopeful For Consumer Benefits
Key Figures
John Mitchell
Coal Operators
Miners
Militia
Standard Oil Company
Boston Advertiser
Key Arguments
Anthracite Mines Resuming Full Operation Except Where Impossible
Disorder Expected But Manageable By Police After Militia Withdrawal
Idleness Causes Violence, Common In Mining Districts
Insufficient Violence During Strike To Excuse Operators' Failure
Mitchell Credited For Restraining Rough Men And Maintaining Peace
Mitchell's Ability Key To Sustaining Long Strike
Better For Conservative Leader Like Mitchell At Helm
Operators Should Keep Coal Prices Down For Consumers
Imitating Standard Oil By Establishing Local Agencies
This May Drive Out Local Dealers But Save Profits For Public