Omaha daily bee., 1902-10-02
MINERS AND BARONS
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meetings and perhaps to refer open issues
between them to third parties.
1t is stated positively that the president
has no assurance from either side which
formed the basis Of his call for this meet
Ing, but when Secretary Root was in New
York, and the night preceding, he saw
one, at least, Of the coal presidents whose
name appears in today's list Of invitations.
IT -Bas stated that the meeting was a cas-
ual one, but no statement could be ex-
tFacted touching the personality OF the other
great forces that are operating in this
strike who might have been seen by the
war secretary in his peace mission. other
great financial forces than Mr.. Morgan,
competent to exercise a tremendously pow
erful but secret pressure upon corporations,
exist In New York, and It is surmised
that with some Of these the secretary, who
is acquainted in a business way in that
circle, may have had an interview during
his visit.
Notified of Acceptance.
During the afternoon and evening the
president received replies to his invitations
from President John Mitchell of the United
Mine Workers, President George F. Baer
Of the Reading railway system. and one or
two others. Mr.. Baer's prompt reply to the
presidents suggestion was particularly
gratifying to Mr.. Roosevelt, as 1t was be-
lieved that In all probability his accept
ance will insure favorable replies from
other officials who were invited. Mr.. Baer
has acted as spokesman for the operators
In the various statements hat have been
put forth from time to time in reply to the
miners representations, and 1t is realized
| fhafihIu fnauapna v,iII ba a noNarN foata, a..
any conferences that may take place. The
president is expressing the keenest interest
in the coming gathering, and expresses the
sincere hope that 1t will result in steps
that will bring about the cessation of the
strike. President A. ]. Cassatt, Of the
Pennsylvania railroad, is among those
asked to Join in Fridays conference. The
president has the greatest respect for Mr..
CassAtt's we'll known business ability and
good Judgment, and is anxious that he
should give the conference the benefit Of
his opinions. No, reply. had been received,
from hi mtonight, though it is not doubted
he will attend.
Mitchell Smiles Broadly.
wILKEsBARRE, Pa, Oct. 1.-If the
broad smile which President Mitchell wore
when he opened President RooseYelt's inYi-
tation to a conference at the White House
was any indication ne was highly delighted
with the presidents message. He said;
"0f course l shall accept President Roose-
yelt's Invitation. / have just sent a reply
TO his telegram. / shall leave tomorrow
afternoon and be in Washington early Fri
day morning"
The presidents message was a great re-
lief at President Mitchells headquarters.
The funeral Of Joseph ellis, the striker
who was killed at Nanticoke by
Coal and Iron Policeman Sweeney,
took place today. All the exec
utiye Of the United Mine Workers attended.
Four thousand mine workers, all members
OF the union, followed the remains to the
grave. The eoroner's jury returned a YER
diet this afternoon that ellis came to his
death from a bullet wound inflicted by
James Sweeney.
HOW Bner Views IL.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. I-President
George y. BAer of the Reading company
will attend the coal conference at Wash
ington on Friday. In reply to a query be
said: 81 consider the presidents request a
command"
Hewitt Defends Himself.
NEW YORK, Oct. 1.-Abram s. Hewitt
has written an open letter to President
Mitchell OF the mine workers, in which he
discusses the coal strike generally and re-
plies to that portion of Mr., Mitchells re-
cent statement concerning him personally
Mr., Hewitt denies the assertion that he
is a champion OF the operators and an OPP
ponsnt OF the mine workers. He asserts
that his intention was to demonstrate that
Mr.. Mltchell's policy In the strike was con-
! tFary to the spirit Of American institutions
and that the operators could not treat with
the mine workers without violating theiI
obligations as trustees OF the owners Of
the coal property. He points out that IL
this view he is sustained by the view o.
Bishop Talbot. Mr.. Hewitt says thai
whatever may have been originally involves
in the strike he Is now satisfied that "thi
time is passed when the public will pay
any attention to statements from you OF
President Baer OF from me. They wan
coal and no discussion and recrimination.
More Than Twenty Dollars a Ton.
NEW YORK, Oct. 1.-The coal situation
in New York is no better today. The sup
ply OF hard coal In the tenement districts
is at such a low ebb that dealers are chars,
ing their customers a trihe over 1 cent
/. pound for this article. A number Of own
!. ers OF fats and once buildings said TO-DAY
= that they were unable to get more than
3 ton Of coal at q time and in one case 81
was asked. The gas companies are begin
I ming to refuse more contracts owing to tn
7 crest demand for gas as q fuel, and II 1
asserted thai, the supply Of oil stoves can
not begin to all the orders received within
the last two months.
- "GarIand" stoves and Ranges
r