THE GREAT COAL STRIKE – C W Lee’s Diary

An important and fully representative meeting of Council of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association was held at the Miners’ Ball, Barnsley, on Saturday, when the ‘views of the miners of the county were made known’ in regard to the proposals put forward by the coal owners for a settlement of the dispute.

 

The officials submitted detailed reports of the Conference in London before the branches throughout the county. These had been considered at various meetings, and the 150 delegates who attended the Council meeting carried the views of the miners in their respective localities. The result was a refusal of the owners’ offer. On the other hand, supplies of fuel are eagerly sought after, works are at a standstill, and commercially speaking matters are in a state of paralysis.

 

The following resolutions were adopted and handed to the Press representatives, “That this meeting hereby affairs our former resolutions with regard to arbitration on the question of wages, and, therefore, declines the afar of the coal owners’ suggested terms of settlement—viz., that the men resume work at the old rates, 15 per cent of the 40 per cent. advance be banked, and that a Board of Conciliation be formed to deal with the wage question in the future.”

“That all as far as possible resume work on the old rate of wages until April 1st, 1894, and that a Board of Conciliation be formed to deal with the following questions: (a) To deal with the 30 per cent. minimum rate of wages: (b) Whether the difference in the standard rate of wages, viz., 40 per cent. on the 1888 rates, shall be dealt with on the rates ruling prior to the stoppage, or from the time work is resumed until the 1st of April 1894.”  “That this Council hereby authorises our representatives to deal with the above questions both before the Conference of the Federation and the Coal owners, in order, if possible, to secure a settlement of this deadlock.” “That this meeting is very highly satisfied with and fully endorses the action of Mr. Pickard, our officials, and the whole of the representatives of the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain at the London Conference held on the 3rd and 4th inst., and thoroughly appreciate their service throughout the lock-out, and have still full confidence is the whole of our officials and representatives`.

 

Public feeling is rapidly rising in Cannock Chase against the continuance of the strike. On Tuesday the leading inhabitants stated that for nearly four months they had responded liberally to the miners’ calls for assistance; but that the strain was now almost insupportable, and that many will have no option but to withdraw their subscriptions. In the absence of mineral traffic many of the railway employees are suspended, and the canal boatmen are still without employment. These operatives bitterly complain that while the colliers’ cause is debateable, they are starving through no fault of their own.

 

It is officially announced that the coal owners and miners, having accepted the invitation of the Government to a conference under the chairmanship of Lord Rosebery, the delegates will meet on Friday this week at the Foreign Office.  His lordship has suggested that there shall be 14 delegates from each side.

 

The great coal strike – The great coal strike – Mansfield Reporter – Friday 17 November 1893

The Western Times SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1893. The Coal Strike is settled. This is the best news that has greeted English ears for many days. For seventeen weeks has this dreadful struggle between mine owners and colliers lasted, inflicting frightful sufferings and untold losses on the whole community. A few days ago, the prospect of settlement was dark and distant. masters and men bad met repeated Conferences and had failed to agree to mutually acceptable terms.

 

Then at the darkest moment the Government intervened. proved a most happy initiative. Mr. Gladstone wrote his memorable Letter on Monday, and the whole country received the name of Lord Rosebery aa mediator with unalloyed satisfaction. The noble lord acted instantly. He convened a Conference for yesterday, and by influence over both aides he brought masters and men to a speedy understanding. The men go back work on that old rate of wages, and on Monday next mining operations will be everywhere resumed.

 

These are glad tidings indeed, for winter is upon us, and the coal famine is already sore in the land. Its continuance is happily averted, and the country will gladly acknowledge the immense value of the services Lord Rosebery, in the name of the Government, rendered to it yesterday.