In 1902, a coal strike broke out in Pennsylvania when the workers went on strike, demanding a 20 percent increase in pay and a nine hour work day. A coal shortage plagued the nation when the mine owners refused to negotiate with the workers. Roosevelt took the side of the workers and threatened to take over the mine with federal troops. In the end the workers were given a 10 percent pay increase and a nine hour work day. The cartoon represents this event, showing Roosevelt in the center of a parade on a train being celebrated. The crowd cheering him on represents the coal mine workers, grateful that Roosevelt had taken their side.