It would also be well that the men should realize
that the preparations which have been made by the railways, gas coin- panics, and others to meet the strike have been of a very ample description. One of the dangers of the situation is that many of the men are convinced that the inconveniences caused by a coal strike to the richer classes and the capitalists generally will be so great that as soon as it begins those classes will put such pressure upon the mine owners that they will be forced to yield. This is a pure delusion. No doubt the inconveniences will be very great, but public opinion is now quite prepared to face a train service impeded or even stopped altogether, darkened towns, partial famine, and dis- order and riot. The hope that the threat of a strike will cause a panic and a stampede must be abandoned. If the industrial war begins it will have to be fought out to the bitter end. That end will be disastrous for the mining industry. Many lives will be sacrificed and a vast amount of capital destroyed, but as a final result there will be fewer miners at work and at worse wages than before. The outlook is very grave, but a settlement is not, as the men imagine, going to be brought about through any panic on the part of the well-to-do. They must suffer like the rest.
