The coal strikes in Pennsylvania are greatly disturbing the United
States, and their effect is even felt in this country. They have now lasted for months, and they have driven up the price of coal, as sold by the pound to the poor of New York, to nearly 25 a ton. The national Government cannot interfere, even for the protection of men desirous of working, until the Government of Pennsylvania asks for assistance, and this it has hitherto not done. So angry are the New Yorkers that the Democrat party in that State has decided to include the nationalisation of all coal-mines in its political platform. President Roosevelt has therefore invited the coal-owners and the representatives of the men to confer with him with a view to a settlement, and the invita- tion has been accepted. If the strike continues, there will be a demand for English coal, which will send up prices here ; but we are inclined to believe that the strikers have newly reached the end of their tether. Their violence and the great proportion of foreigners among them have alienated American sympathy, which, again, is rarely given to any movement that restrains or impedes trade. Note, for it is important, how little relief is afforded to a great city during a coal famine by the consumption of wood.
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