The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-05-29
PHILADELPHIA, May 2S.

IMl deputy for every miner and a
lWl determination to resume mining
w was the result of the meeting
here this afternoon Of the coal operat-
ors Of the bituminous regions of Clear.
field, Broad Top and Beech Creek
The meeting was held in the Office Of
the Berwind- White Coal company and
about three.fourths Of the operators of
the region were present in person or
by representatives. L. j. Berwind, Of
New York. president of the Berwind-
White Coal company, presided.
When the meeting convened the first
subject that came under discussion
was the ignoring by the miners Of the
notice that today would be the last day
they would be received back to work
The unbroken front presented by the
miners was considered by many OF the
operators to increase the gravity Of the
situation and the necessity for active
measures. There was a sentiment in
the meeting in favor Of granting some
concessions in the matter of wages. but
as this would involve the recognizing
OF the miners union, against which the
operators were as a unit in their oppos.
itiop. the subject was not discussed to
any great length.
Governor Pattisoa's visit to the
Houizdale region and his proposal to
the miners to suggest arbitration was
passed lightly over by the meeting and
the governors action was generally
attributed as being for political effect.
The meeting finally put aside the
consideration of every question except
resumption. and that was thoroughly
discussed from every point of view.
The discussion resulted in the deter
mination to resume work and IL neces.
sery to protect every miner desiring to
work with deputy. The question OF
where the labor to resume work with
was to come from presented u serious
problem.
NEGROES UNAVAILABLE.
The idea of bringing negroes into the
region WAS disposed as inpracticabl BILE as
they would not only have to bs brought
into contact with the strikers az men
taking their places in the mines. but
as laborers of different race, which.
it was alleged would add the bitterness
of race conflict to the struggle. The
importation Of labor also came up. but
was speedily dismissed, as the immi-
grafton laws stand as a barrier against
such a method.
1t was finally decided 10 advertise
for men among the thousands of nm.
employed Of the large cities. A COM
nittee Of three, whose names could
not be learned. was appointed to de-
wise ways and means for the purposed
resumption. This committee ia TO re-
port within few days. 1t, is not in.
tended to attempt a general resump.
tion at once, but to pick out localities
that seem the most favorable and
where the opposition will not be so ap-
gressive as it would in some other
places In the district.
Many of the large industrial estab-
lishments Of Philadelphia had taken
the precaution to lay in stock Of bitu.
minous coal, but are rapidly reducing
their stock, and the demand for con-
cessions from this source may still
force some sort of q compromise.
The Norfolk and Western Railroad
company is reaping a harvest In the
strike. Its road is the principal outlet
for the mines in the Pocahontas dis
trict of Virginia. and it has not cars
enough to transport the coal to the
market The company is borrowing
cars and engines extensively from other
roads, and but few DAYS ago was
loaned five freight cars by the Penn
sylvania Railroad company.
GOVERNOR PATTIsoN's POSITION,
HARRISBURG Pa, May 29 The
operators in the Clearfield coal district
will be represented before Governor
Pattison tomorrow by request. to con
slider the question of aruitrating the
differences between them and the
miners. Governor Psttison said to-
night that the miners will not be re-
presented tomorrow as their agree
ment to arbitration has already been
made public. He does not wish to in
troduce force into the settlement of
The difficulties, and he believes that
arbitration will speedily restore peace,
which means an early resumption OF
business,
The governor disclaims the charge
that politics has anything whatever to
do with his action and said he is quite
certain that politics cannot enter into
the matter as it now stands. He Is de-
termined to maintain the law, even to
the extent of force. but is decidedly of
the opinion that there will be no occa-
sion for force If both sides will agree
to arbitration. Furthermore. while he
is avers0 to acting as arbitrator, yet he
will 80 act il 1t will help to a peaceful
solution of the difficulties.