By Senator Yutzy:
Q. What grievance did the railroad men complain of when they did strike?
A. Only in regard to reduction of wages.
Q. Had no other complaint?
A. I understand that the miners themselves and the laborers in the mine didn't strike. They were forced out of the mines on account of no work the very moment that the railroad ceased operating. That morning, or the next day, at least, mining had to cease, because there was no place to put the coal that they mined; but, upon their coming out, they then assembled together, and asked for an advance of wages.
Q. Had there been any reduction of wages among the miners prior to that strike?
A. The wages had been under a reduction for some length of time.
Q. For several years past?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Do you know when the last reduction was made?