What did President Roosevelt threaten if mine operators did not negotiate during the 1902 strike?

During the 1902 coal strike involving the United Mine Workers and the operators, President Theodore Roosevelt took an unprecedented step in labor relations by directly intervening. He threatened to send federal troops to the mines to ensure the continuation of coal production, which was critically important for heating homes and sustaining the economy during a particularly harsh winter. This direct threat aimed to pressure the mine operators into negotiating with the striking workers, marking a key moment in the evolving relationship between the federal government and labor disputes.

This situation illustrated Roosevelt's belief in the importance of balancing the interests of both labor and management, and his willingness to enforce order for the benefit of the public. His actions during this strike also paved the way for future federal involvement in labor disputes. Other options, while related to labor issues, did not reflect the specific measures Roosevelt threatened in this scenario.