Mexborough and Swinton Times, December 19, 1902
Denaby and Cadeby Strike
Developments of The Week.
Ejectment Orders Against The Miners Granted.
The Officials of the Yorkshire Miners Association Served With Writs.
Exciting Scenes at Denaby.
This is the 25th week of the struggle between masters and men that has attracted country-wide notice, and no official intimation has yet spread abroad the glad news of settlement. The second conference between masters and men, which was stated as likely to take place in Sheffield last week did not take place. It will be remembered that when the conference terminated at Sheffield, Mr. Chambers stated that he would lay the points before his directors. On Thursday, December 11, an intimation was received by the Barnsley officials stating, that the directors of the Denaby and Cadeby Colliery Company had nothing further to add to their previous offer.
The miners themselves have maintained their quiet attitude since our last issue, but the events that took place in Doncaster Police Court last Saturday have aroused a disturbing influence in their minds, and the immediate future can be no other than one of grave concern. Concerning last Saturday,
The Threatened Ejectment Blow Fell,
when Mr Gichard, on behalf of the Colliery Company, successfully obtained 750 ejectment orders, to take effect in 21 days; that is to say, on January 3rd, providing no settlement has been arrived at, 750 homes will be broken up, with what terrible consequences time alone can tell. Mr. Andrews, who again appeared for the men, appealed for the maximum time, 30 days to be allowed, but in view of the magnitude of the task before the Police, the bench declined to accede to the request. Considering the vast importance, and the far reaching results of the police court proceedings, it was rather singular that not a single miner answered to his name when called, although the attendance of miners would not in the slightest have affected the result. On the very same day
Another Important Development
took place, when the officials of the Yorkshire Miners Association were served with notices of a fresh application for an injunction by the colliery company, on the question of payment of strike pay. Writs have been served on the following officials: Mr. E. Cowey (president), Mr. B. Pickard, M.P. (general secretary), Mr. J. Wadsworth (vice-president), Mr. W. Parrot (agent), Mr. J. Frith (financial secretary), Mr. F. Hall (treasurer), and also on the three trustees, Messrs. G. Cragg, J. Smith, and E. Kaye. Permission of service was granted in the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, and the hearing was fixed for yesterday (Thursday) at 11:00 o’clock, the result of which has been specially reported to this paper, and will be found in another column.
The Motive of This New Application
was to restrain the association officials until the end of the now famous action, brought by W. Howden, one of the late workmen, and fixed for adjournment hearing on January 14th, from unlawfully paying away the funds of the defendant association, in contravention of the rules of the defendant association, and from committing several wrongful acts, as specified in the writ which gives
Plaintiffs Claim As Follows:
- Damages for the illegal paying away of the funds of the defendant association in contravention of the rules of the association, to the injury of the plaintiffs, for the purpose of and for wrongfully and maliciously procuring and inducing workmen formerly employed by the plaintiffs not to enter into contracts with the plaintiffs, and unlawfully to remain in possession of the plaintiff’s houses, and to prevent the plaintiffs from carrying on their business as colliery proprietors, and for wrongfully harbouring workmen who have broken their contracts of service with the plaintiffs;
- Damages for wrongfully and maliciously conspiring together, and with the workmen formerly employed by the plaintiffs, to do the acts aforesaid;
- An injunction to restrain the defendants from unlawfully paying away the funds of the defendant association in contravention of the rules of the defendant association, and from the commission of the acts of foresaid.
The trustees are sued as of the association, and the other defendants are sued in their personal capacities in holding respectively their official positions under the association. This
Double Action on a Single Day
illustrates pretty plainly that in the event of an adjourned conference not coming to anything definite, the Colliery Company intend bringing every available force at their disposal into the conflict; and it must be confessed that so far as it has progressed the masters have held the whip hand. The men undoubtedly made a false start, and all through have been considerably handicapped as a consequence. Saturday last was certainly an eventful day, but events were not all against the miners, for in the evening
A Conference,
was held at Barnsley by delegates of the branches affiliated with the Miners Association to discuss the subject of assisting the men out on strike, and to help them in fighting the Company. The proposed scheme is to make a levy on the men employed at neighbouring collieries for the support of the Denaby and Cadeby men, and by this means increase the amount of strike pay now being distributed by the Association. Mr. Kelly, of Manvers Main, presided, and it was decided to make an appeal for 1s. per man from every works. By this means upwards of £2,000 is expected to be raised weekly.
As before stated in these columns, the village of Denaby has been quiet, oppressively quiet, in fact, during the last few weeks, and the general air of dejection hanging over the place sufficiently indicated that an untoward state of things existed. It has been freely admitted again and again that the limited monetary resources of the men, consequent on the prolongation of the strike, have caused distress and suffering calculated in some cases to permanently injure some of the people, more particularly the women and children. Empty or partially empty stomachs are quickly responsible for aching hearts, and the load of anxiety, sleeping or waking, on the minds of the miners and their families has aroused
A Feeling Of Painful Uncertainty Of The Future,
the more acute as the news drifted round of another and yet another aggressive action by the colliery company. All through the men have remained outwardly calm, but that this calmness exists in the hundreds of affected home circles is very questionable, and we can well imagine that daily toils and cares are intensified at this particular time. Naturally, the women feel the stress of circumstances most of all, for the men, besides being stronger physically, have that dogged stubbornness under difficulties characteristic of British workers, whilst wives and mothers, with
Hungry Mouths To Fill
are daily confronted with a problem they can but partially find a solution for. It has been said: “Men must work, and women must weep,” and now that the men of Denaby and Cadeby have ceased working for what they consider their just rights, the women have certainly cause for intensest anxiety, but tears being considered a sign of weakness, if they have shed any it has not been in public and on Monday
A New Phase of The Situation
came into existence, when the wives, for the second time during the strike, thought the men had been doing all the demonstrating, and it was time for them to have a public say on that matter. Consequently, the bell-man of Mexborough was engaged, and with ring o’ bell and stentorian voice, he paraded the place, announcing that the women would hold a meeting in a field adjacent to the football ground in Denaby, and almost under the shadow of the great colliery. Naturally such an announcement created a feeling of curiosity as to what steps would be taken, for it has been said, whether justly or unjustly is another matter, that a woman’s tongue is a thing that “really can’t keep still,” and anticipations were formed of a lively time. The men, for the greater part, kept away, but many viewed the proceedings with smiles of evident amusement, “mere men” taking a back seat for the day.
It Was an Animated Picture,
the roads being crowded with hundreds of women, the majority wearing shawls over their heads, dozens of mothers carrying infants in their arms, and many in a state which should have prohibited them from scenes of undue excitement. Enthusiasm was wild, but the absence of method and organisation rendered the demonstration little else than a street parade, with a shrill medley of high pitched voices ever and anon breaking in volumes on the cold, damp air. Whatever cares the hearts held, there was no reflection on the faces, save here and there, where the anxious few controlled excitement by the exercise of their better judgement. The demonstration was fixed to start at two o’clock, and some time before and after that hour an ever-increasing human stream wended its way to a central position, and that at the entrance of the Denaby pit yards, where they awaited the outcoming of any, what they dubbed “blacklegs,” who had been engaged underground in trying to subdue the fire now raging in the pit. When little relays of these men passed through the gates they had to face
A Swarm of Shouting Women,
who hooted with such vehemence and persistency at the coal be-grimed men that it needed considerable courage to pass through such hostile ranks. Cries of “Blacklegs,” “You ought to be ashamed to show your dirty faces,” and similar expressions were flung out with angry force, and accompanied by threatening gestures, though happily no blows were struck. Some, indeed, roared with laughter at the workers, and so exasperated was one man that he retorted,
“You Can Laugh But You Don’t Feel Like It.”
Such scenes occurred from time to time, and through it all the miners on strike present were asking themselves what the women really intended doing; and indeed wondered whether they were going to pass resolutions telling them to “play on,” or frame one for the special edification of Mr. Chambers. Nothing definite however, gave them the answer, and the women kept shouting and screaming in startling and piercing tones, the shrill whistle of passing train-engines swelling the discordant din that prevailed. At length, evidently weary of this, a general move was made to the field where the supposed meeting was to take place, and a number of women congregated together in a ring
Pulsating With Human Excitement.
Crowds stood on the bridge, but no strict order was maintained, and save for the gesticulations of one or two active women in the centre of the ring, no outsider could have told a speech was being made, the words never piercing beyond the nearest listeners. A few minutes, however, seemed to “do the trick,” and the bulk returned on the high road, and were met with sarcastic male inquiries, “What have you decided?” the reply, in laughing tones, generally being, “Play on, play on.” With a lively crossfire of questions and answers all went back to the original starting point – the entrance to the colliery yard – for the evident purpose of giving a “warm greeting” to the fire-fighters, and from this point the “demonstration” reached its height, and the fever of ever-increasing excitement led to an almost acute stage, so much so, in fact, that the police, who were present in force, under Supt. Blake, of Doncaster, were continually on the alert in case vocal demonstration was succeeded by practical and aggressive action. As the employees came out, generally about half a dozen at a time, the women fairly let themselves go, and the bitter
Cries Of Execration Were Screamed With Biting Emphasis,
the objects of these attacks walking through the village trying to look unconcerned, the while the women followed in their wake, shouting, running, and pushing in a mad rush that continually surged right up to the men, and at times seemed almost to obliterate them from sight. A slight shower of rain came on, but this was unheeded, and when one woman was told to take her infant home, she shouted, “Hurrah, we’ve got twins; no matter, we’ll show ‘em we can fight.” Undoubtedly at this time
Denaby Had Undergone a Complete Transformation,
and instead of the normal quiet that has prevailed during the strike, the streets literally rang with the almost hysterical cries of the women. Still, beyond this, there was nothing of serious import, but an incident occurred which might have had ugly consequences, and for a few minutes the dividing line of law and order was strained to the uttermost. How it exactly happened was not apparent to the great majority of the people, but a cry strongly gained currency that one of the returning pit workers had assaulted a woman, who, with others, was following him, as an unwelcome and aggressively-toned escort to his home. In a second something like
A General Panic Prevailed,
and a determined rush was made at the man’s house, which he had only just reached. Himself mad with rage at the unwelcome attentions showered upon him, he was foolish enough to open the door and stand on the threshold, and in an instant he was knocked down and, with a double crash, stones went flying through the house windows. Fortunately, the police were at hand, and the man was rescued from his awkward position, but the event only served to stir up the women to boiling point. The rain was now pouring in torrents, and the ranks of the demonstrators gradually thinned, but another man, also homeward bound, was singled out, the police escorting him safely indoors. Well-nigh spent by this time, the remainder gradually melted away, and
Peace and Quietness Fell on the Place,
after a time, striking in contrast to long weeks of quiet monotony, which, no doubt, in a great measure, was responsible for a demonstration, as spontaneous as it was regrettable. The men, as before said, have wisely restrained from violence of both speech and action, and it is probable Monday’s unusual feature was caused by the “cruel chain of circumstance” linking the women to a life of worry and sadness.
Such Demonstrations Can Do No Good to A Cause,
and it is reasonable to suppose they are not, for a moment countenance by their husbands, who are only two well aware that such actions tend in no way to a solution of the difficulties, and, being of a fire-brand character, may easily have an opposite effect, and add to the anxiety of the existing conditions. It was said in answer to inquiries that the
“Women’s Meeting” Was Adjourned
until the following day, and a repetition of Mondays scenes was feared, but this, happily did not take place, although the police were present, in case of any unlooked-for emergency. There were again a few cases of hooting at the men still working at subduing the colliery fire, but it was evident some influence – probably the husbands and the presence of police – had deterred most of the women from again “demonstrating,” and on Tuesday nothing much occurred a slight tendency for the same conduct showing itself on Wednesday. Certainly, it is a matter for regret that the women should have taken up such an attitude, but the general public must not be too hard in their judgement on them, for during long weeks of limited resources they have had much to try them. In the early part of the week, and pending the legal judgement, the application of the colliery owners against the Miners Association for the stopping of strike pay, gave cause
For Serious Thought,
and this turn of events showed that, in spite of the recent conference between Mr. Chambers and the delegates of the men, there was to be no abatement of tactics as far as things generally were concerned, and this second attempt to obtain a legal judgement necessarily of grave import to the miners, drove home with relentless force the eventualities that might have to be faced. Saturday will undoubtedly be writ large in the annals of the struggle, for great influences were moving in opposite directions. In this fight of capital versus labour, the former has generally had the legal aspect of the question on its side, whilst the latter has had to strike out boldly for what is, from the men’s standpoint, common justice. Law, there can be no question, is a powerful ally to have on a fighting side, and though the colliery company have been thus reinforced, on the other hand, the strikers have obtained the sympathy of practically all their fellow working men in Yorkshire. There is no “ploughing a lonely furrow” in this matter, and reports from the various mining districts have poured in,
Assuring the Miners Of Increased Help On Every Hand.
It was stated that even if the colliery company were successful in their claim, increased voluntary help would probably rise, sufficiently to enable the men to receive the same amount of strike pay as had hitherto been given. The struggle has been long, and even now, after 25 weeks, has in no way diminished in earnestness. Which side will come out on top, only the future can prove, but this we do say, at the risk of a charge of constant reiteration, that if a speedy settlement is to be arrived at then both masters and men must show a more conciliatory spirit towards each other, and endeavour, by hook or crook, to settle
This Lamentable Industrial Dispute
once and for all. Despite the disadvantages under which the men are remaining “firm,” and the poverty and worry that is ever growing, they still maintain as determined an attitude as ever, and on Wednesday, after nearly a fortnight’s interval, held yet another mass meeting at Conisbrough when the
Fighting Spirit
was again most marked, and the general trend of the speeches was to encourage all to “stick up” manfully for their principles, and never give in. Reports were given of the great effort that was being made by the miners of other Yorkshire collieries, who, it was stated, were watching the great fight with interest, and with hope that the men would prove victorious. Another intimation of distinct encouragement was the announcement that a fund was being started to try and shoe all the miners’ children of Denaby and Cadeby, and hopes were expressed that this would be accomplished before Christmas, a hope that everyone, whatever his individual views on the rights and wrongs on the question, will cordially join in.
It is indeed sad to think that Christmas is almost upon us, and no sign, as yet, has appeared of the greatly desired close of this civil war. “Peace on earth, goodwill towards men” should prevail, and we trust, even now, before the bells ring out this sweet annual message, it may even be so, and that the glad news of settlement may make Christmas a real Christmas for the affected families. If it does not happen, then the very sound of Christmas, and the idea of festival must jar on the nerves of those who can but think “This is the last under the old home,” and the shadow of the approaching ejectments must banish away any idea of true and real happiness and enjoyment. At all costs it is imperative that the struggle should be discontinued; things are bad enough now, but if it should go on, then the new year will be memorable for the enactment of a law that will render 750 families
Homeless.
There is a world of meaning in that pathetic word, and though industrial conflict has witnessed such things locally, two decades ago, it was then summer time, and now should the staggering blow fall, the full rigour of mid-winter will have to be faced, and that under meagre temporary protection in tents, the consequences of which it is impossible and too painful to contemplate. We say “God forbid,” and a conciliatory and amicable end to it all. What the struggle has already cost is tremendous, but if it continues, mere money and home comforts will not be all; the cost will probably be the
Sacrifice of Human Lives,
for such can only be expected when privation, and hardship wear away the victims. “The spirit is willing” to endure anything for principals sake, but when nature demands her claims, and they are not forthcoming, the flesh weakens, and must fall.