The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-10-01
CABINET TAXES UP GOAL STRIKE
  President and His Advisers GO Over the Situation Though Roosevelt Is Exceedingly Anx- lous to Effect Settlement There Is No Legal Course for
 Him to Pursue.

Washington, September 30. = The coal strike and the situation that has resulted from 1t was the subject of conference held at the temporary white house today in which the President Attorney Gen. eral Knox, Secretary Moody, the post master general and Governor Crane of Massachusetts participated. Every one connected with the conference was very reticent, but 1t is learned that the Presi- dent Is much concerned over the situa- tion, the near approach of winter and the great scarcity of fuel. Just what ac- ton can be taken Is not known.
 The fact that a move has been made in the Massachusetts court to have receivers cussed, but the legal view was that this was entirely inadequate and would not be likely to relieve the situation. The impression prevails that one reason for the hurried visit of Secretary Root to New York was for the purpose of dis cussing with the leading business men of that city the situation, with a view of bringing the strike to an end.
 Hold Second Session.
 The conferees met again at o'clock and are now in session in the President s room. Dr. Lung called shortly after the second conference began but did not see the President.
 The second conference lasted less than an hour The coal situation was further discussed but the participants refused to make any statement when they came From the Presidents room.
 Has any line of action been taken that the administration confidently ex- pecAs will settle the striker" Postmaster Gen,ral Payne was asked.
 T cannot answer that question" he said.
 Is 1t not true?'
 ITO say so now would be premature, !" he replied. as he entered his carriage.
 The principal subject under discussion at both conferences was the power of the President to interfere in any way with the coal strike aud the result of the conference thus fat IS that no matter how much interested the administration may be in ending the strike, 1t does not seem to have any power to act in the premises.
 No Warrant for Interference.
 The legal advisers of the President told
  constitution for federal interference. There had been no interference with the mails or deputy marshals or other fed eral authorities. The only way, 1t was pointed out. by which there could be fed eral interference, would be at the request of Governor Stone of Pennsylvania, and it was stated that he is not likely to ask for federal troops, because he has not yet called out the entire militia force in his state. The matter of federal inter ference by the appointment of receivers for the coal companies also was discuss ed, but the President was informed that there was nothing in the constitution or any law to warrant such action.
 Operators Divided.
 New York. September 30.-The Commer- cial-Advertiser says:
 It was rumored in Wall street today on pretty good authority that President Roosevelt had asked certain presidents of the coal roads to go to Washington to discuss with him a plan to end the strike. It is true, this report had 1t, as guessed in Washington, that this was Secretary Roots mission to New York.