The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-06
Its Members Announce n Disagree
ment ON Each Of the PROPOSE
tions Submitted to Them.
DEMAND FOR UNIFORMITY
ILLINOIS OPERATORS WANT ON A
FOOTING WITH OTHER STATES.
Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania
Mine Owners Unwilling to Ac-
cept the Proposition.

COLUMBUS, O., Feb. 5.-The Illinois op-
orators forced an issue in the joint con-
ference this afternoon when they intro
duced resolution to instruct the scale
committee to draft an agreement covering
the prices and conditions of both machine
and pick mining based on lines of uni
formity The Illinois operators believe they
were placed at disadvantage with their
competitors by the joint agreement adopted
at Chicago. and they have come here with
a determination to secure an adjustment of
prices and conditions that will put them on
an even footing with the operators of other
States. Their aim is either to compel the
adoption of Illinois prices and conditions
throughout the competitive district or to
force prices and conditions in Illinois to the
level of other States. Illinois has run of
mine standard and a machine differential
of Z to 10 cents. In the other States the price
OF mining is based on screened coal, and
the machine differential is much greater
Ohio, Indiana and western Pennsylvania
operators say positively they will not ac-
cept a run of mine standard or reduction
in the machine differential AS the Illinois
miners say they will not consent to any
change Of prices or conditions in that State.
the complexity of the situation can well
be understood. Both miners and opera tors
are still hopeful Of an agreement. Presi-
dent Mitchell, of the United Mine Workers
in his address to the conference this after
noon, stated the miners would insist upon
the adoption Of a single run of mine stand
ard, fixed differential of cents between
machine and pick mining and a uniforIa
scale for outside day work, and intimated
that failure of the joint conference to agree
Upon a scale would mean a great strike
1t was o'clock this afternoon when the
joint conference met and the scale COM
mittee reported that it had been unable To
agree upon any Of the propositions pre-
sented either by the miners or operators
The report of the committee, read by Sec
retary Scroggs, simply recited the fact of
disagreement on each Of the various propo-
s.tions. F. l.. Robbins then followed with
statement for the Pennsylvania opera
tors. He spoke In favor of his proposition
for reduction of 10 cents in the price of
mining, saying that ii was impossible for
the Pittsburg operators to hold their trade
at the present prices in competition with
West Virginia coal. He said that West
Virginia coal was now being sold even i'm
Pittsburg. Mr.. Robbins declared that the
run OF mine standard could aud had been
tried in that district. but had proven a
failure. The machine differentiaI could not
be reduced. because at the present prices
machines could be used prontably only by
practicing the greatest economies. ]. s.
Morton spoke in behalf of the Ohio OBJ
orators. corroborating many OF the asser-
tions made by Mr.. Robbins. John Mitchell
spoke for the miners. He said they would
insist on a single run OF mine standard. a
fixed machine differential and a uniform
scale for outside day work. He said he
hoped the conference would agree. The
miners and operators were face to face
with a great crisis The failure OF the
conference would precipitate perhaps a
great struggle that would not only close all
the mines. but paralyze the industries OF
the country.
The hour for adjournment had arrived.
but A. j. Moorehead. OF st. Louis, one OF
the Illinois operators. said he had resolu-
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