The Lamar register., 1902-10-15
NEW YORK GOVERNOR
TALKS PLAINLY TO OPERATORS.

President Baer Compelled to Back
Down and Apologize-While Opera
tors Are Considering the Matter,
Governor odell viii Seek for a
Remedy.
New York. Oct. 11.-"What do you
mean by politicians? | want you and
all the operators to understand that
am the governor of New York, tho
chosen representative of 100000 peo-
pie, and that | am here in this matter
solely in that capacity, and to relieve.
If possible, an intolerablc situation.
And what Is more. | intend to use
every power at my command to do IT,.
Governor Odell made this statement
yesterday to President Baer of the
Reading road, In the presence OF
United States Senators Plat of New
York and Quay and Penrose of Penn
sylvana 1t was the culmination OF
n heated interview in the Office OF
Senator Platt, and the result of the
meeting between Governor Odell and
President Baer.
Mr. Bacr was not in the best of hui
NOR when, accompanied by II. Is.
Thomas, chairman of the board OF di-
rectors of the Erie railroad. he en-
tered Senator Platts office, The con-
ference was begun by statement
made by Senator Pcnrose that the sit
uation was becoming so serious that
some solution must be found at once.
He suggested that the operators
should incline to some concessions to-
ward n settlement.
'If you mean by that" said Presi-
dent Baer, that we are to recognize
the existence of n labor union, | tell
ri
consider no such proposition"
Governor Odell was on his feet in an
instant. Holding half-burnt cigar
in his hand, and white with excite
ment, he said:
Are we to understand that no kind
of concilatory proposition will re-
ceive consideration at the hands of
the operators?"
81 did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer; but | do say, and | reiterate
it,. that we will not accept political
advice or allow the Interference Of
politicians in this, our AFFAIR
Then 1t was that Governor Odell
made the statement attributed to him
at the beginning of this article.
President Baer, evidently appreciat-
ing that he had gone too far, bowed
to Governor Odell and said:
Governor, | beg your pardon. No
personal affront was intended, and we
will listen to any suggestions you may
have to make; but again repeat that
we must refuse to recognize the union
as represented by Mr.. Mitchell"
81 believe" said the governor. that
your position from a public view is alb
solutely untenable. If coal operators.
railroad men and other business men
can combine for mutual profit and pro-
l.. Fl.NF hal In
boring men should not"
What is the proposition?' asked Mr.
Baer, coldly.
Just this" said Governor Odell: Il
am sure that the labor organization of
which Mr.. Mitchell is the head desires
him to be fair with the general public.
If the operators will consentto givet
| men only cents a ton increase, ] VIII
| personally present 1t to the Miners I'm
| ion, and | believe they will accept 1t.
1t is fair proposition"
Does this mean. Governor Odell.
that we are to recognize this Miners
Union?" Mr.. Baer asked.
"It certainly does" answered Gov
ernor Odell. quickly, "and there Is no
reason why you should not
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose to go,
Mr. Thomas remarking that the matter
would be presented to the other operat-
ors and that an early answer would be
forthcoming Mr. Baer said:
I'VE are to meet a committee of the
Manufacturers Association on Tuesday
and we may have an answer them
Later, to Mayor Low and others who
called on him, Governor Odell said:
"The coal operators may postpone
this matter until Tuesday, but | do not
intend to postpone. They are not act
ing fairly towards the people. | believe
shall find some remedy"
About o'clock John Mitchell, ac-
companied by l.. n. Hammerling OF
Wilkesbarre, called and had a long con-
ference. While this was going on, a
dispatch announcing that the operators
refused to consider the terms offered by
the governor was received.
Governor Odell said: "Mr. Mitchell
was eminently fair and he showed ev-
cry disposition to adjust the serious sit
uation."