This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Comet
Location
Johnson City, Tennessee, United States of America
Date
Apr 26, 1894
Page
8
Thousands of miners heeded a midday order to strike, a movement likely to involve up to 1,500,000 workers. The action began at high noon yesterday, signaling a widespread labor confrontation with uncertain immediate outcomes.
In Jellico and Coal Creek districts miners quit work at noon and drew wages in ra tions after a 15 percent salary cut. Three thousand wagon miners and others in Jellico Mingo mountain districts followed President McBride's strike order, while Coal Creek miners refused. No violence anticipated. workers remain orderly amid the unprecedented stoppage.
At Helenwood Tennessee and surrounding districts about 600 miners in the southern coal region joined a general strike in sympathy with the national movement. Up to 1.5 million men are expected to strike, with 200 million tons of coal produced last year. The aim is to restore interstate wage agreements and halt operations in mines, railroads, and dependent trades if the strike persists. Leaders report widespread support, including in the Pittsburg district where wage disputes hinge.
April 22 report from Corona and Walker County shows about 500 miners parading and 1 000 more to join. strikes affect Birmingham area with potential demonstrations near North Birmingham. Merchants appoint committee to meet with the Commercial Club to seek an end and guards are increased at Blue Creek amid fears of clashes.
The report notes that as of noon yesterday the 6,000 workers in the district are benefiting from a strike action described as successful. The piece confirms a continued effort and outlines the local response to the industrial action.
In Blair county all coal mines at Bennington and near Kittaning Point closed after wage reductions from 45 to 40 cents per ton and a further cut of 83 cents. About 500 men quit, joining a wider strike across Cambria and neighboring districts, as smaller operators concede prices are too low but say pressure from larger firms forced the cuts.
Reports from national union headquarters indicate a looming general suspension across coal fields in Ohio and neighboring regions. About 4,000 miners in Jackson county and 700 from New Bristolville join the stoppage as operators edge toward paying the scale, with Pittsburg districts delaying. Local miners face scarce funds and possible home-loss, while Ohio operators expect harmony as stored coal buffers depletion.
The report notes that Isis generally admitted the strike may succeed if they can hold out a month. No disorder has yet been reported in this district.
Reported drunken altercation among Pratt mine strikers ends with Steve Ford killed by a stabbing. Jim Romney is arrested and jailed for the murder. Messages from Adger claim no local trouble. reports of two negro miners killed are unverified.
April 21 report notes the miners strike inauguration faces challenges as McBride receives requests from local assemblies to be released from the order to strike due to operators offering wage terms. The piece highlights pressure on managers to sustain the strike.
President McBride reports about 1000 miners have walked out across states including Pennsylvania West Virginia Illinois Indiana and Tennessee. He notes the union has about 2000 in reserve and will rely on individual earnings as no strike benefits will be paid. Coal is offloaded only for repair and essential work with wages tied to convention demands.
Miners strike tension rises as deputies arm, and Gov. Jones arrives to confer with mine operators and authorities. Strikers from nearby areas gather at Patton tonight with plans to prevent mining tomorrow. Armories activated and troops ready. a preliminary clash could trigger a statewide deployment. One hundred fifty strikers left Blue Creek tonight by train.
The report details threats and armed guards around Coalburg and nearby mills. Officials and steel makers stockpile arms while expect possible prison incident and mine strikes. A striker from Bing Creek faces jail for threatening a mine boss. Blue Creek workers vow to strike without beer supply. tensions described as a powder keg ready to ignite.
Ksoxyita April 22. It is rumored here that about 4,000 Coal Creek miners may strike within a week. They supposedly agreed to wait a few days to determine if a general strike is unfolding before following the central order.
Reports from Coke Reghndi and ConNeweville indicate a general strike will be observed by coke region workers. Leaders claim 5,000 men will line up by tomorrow evening as delegates announce approval at the Scottdale convention. Messages were sent to notify all coke works to abstain from tomorrow’s shift.
Journal reports a tense Jellico area as miners expect trouble within two weeks while operators and northern districts anticipate suspensions. Coal from stock and disrupted shipments prompt reductions in labor and rail crews across Jellico and related lines.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.