New-York tribune., 1902-05-05
THE "LAST WORD" SPOKEN
SITUATION THREATENING, ACCORDING
TO PRESIDENT NITCHELL-WEDNES-
DAY THE CRUCIAL DAY.
Timothy L. Woodruff.
Photograph by Rockwood)

There seemed to be still faint hope among
the representatives of the anthracite miners
who were in this city yesterday that there
a possibility Of averting a strike; yet they were
all somewhat depressed. 1t was learned that on
Saturday night, after Mr.. Mitchell had given
out his statement at the Ashland House, in
which he said that all negotiations were off and
that a vote the strike would be taken to-
morrow. Ralph NJ. Easley, secretary of the Ma
tional Civic Federation. had hurried to the Ash
land House and gone out with Mr.. Mitchell.
taking copy of the latter's statement with him.
Mr. Easley had a talk over the long distance
telephone with Senator Hanna in Philadelphia,
putting him in possession of the developments,
and it was reported that Mitchell had also
talk with Senator Hanna. Mitchell would not
say yesterday tina lie talked with the Senator,
but admitted that he was with Mr.. Easley when
the latter talked with Senator Hanna.
The mine workers. it is said. think that Sena-
tor Hanna may yet do something TO avert the
strike. though no4e of them would talk about 1t.
President Mitchell when seen yesterday at the
Ashland House. asked If the miners would
make any more attempts in the interests Of
peace.
we have spoken our last word" he said, and
the time for action has arrived. AS l said in
my statement on Saturday night the situation
is very threatening When the twenty eight
members of our executive committee for the
three anthracite districts meet in Scranton on
Wednesday il will be for them to decide on
strike l did not hear from Senator Hanna to-
day and l do not expect to hear from him. l do
not know when he will call the meeting of the
conciliation committee if he does call it,
Mitchell said that two of the presidents Of the
three anthracite districts who still mere will
start for Scranton to-day. and he will leave here
tomorrow for Scranton He would look after
some matters of local interest only in some of
the bituminous regions to-day, but tney were
not important He declined to talk on the sub
ject OF the quantity Of anthracite mined during
the truce of thirty days.
us ii a fact that coal was stored up he was
asked.
Il don't care to say anything about that at
this time ne replied.
Are you in a position to know if the com
panies have a large quantity of anthracite IN
stOrage?"
Il know the whole situation" he said, but
cannot talk on IL now"
E. b. Thomas. of the Erie Railroad one of the
committee of seven representing the coal COM
panies sent word that he had nothing 10 say
Yesterday when a reporter sought his views
President Truesdale OF the Delaware, Lacka-
wanna and Western Railroad was also seen.
Are you preparing for a striker he was
asked. r
are still mining coal"
DO YOU think there will be strike?"
II won't talk on the question" he replied.
In reply to another question, ne SAID the oper-
ators would probably have attended II senator
Hanna had called another meeting OF the con-
ciliation committee.
apparently does not intend to have the meet
Mr.. Fasley was seen last evening. but would
saw nothing regarding Senator Hanna's state
n1ent made in Philadelphia