Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-10-16
SECRET CONFERENCE.
Senators and Operators Discuss the
Coal Strike.
COyFEREES WITHHOLD INFORMATION
Rumors Of Settlement Of Strike Flew Thick
and Fast In New York-Prosidsnt
Mitchell Refuses to Call the
strike on.

strike on.
New York, Oct. 1O.-Numerous con.
ferences looking to the settlement
Of the anthracite coal miners strike
were held in this city yesterday, but
at night there was no evidence given
to the public that any results had
been reached. Rumors of settlement
flew thick and fast, but when any
one of the conferees was approached
he almost invariably answered ques-
tons concerning the consultation:
II have nothing to say" The story
Of the day really centers about the
meeting held in the afternoon at
Senator Platt's office. Present at
this meeting were Gov. Odell, Sena-
tors Quay and Penrose, Of Pennsyl-
vania; Senator Platt, President
Oliphant, of the Delaware & Hudson;
President Fowler, Of the Ontario &
Western; President Truesdale, of the
Lackawanna; Chairman Thomas, of
the Erie; John Markle, representing
the Independent operators; David
Wilcox, vice president and general
counsel of the Delaware & Hudson;
David Lamar and Edward Lauter-
bach. At the conclusion of the meet
ing none present would say what
had taken place or whether any solu-
ton to the strike trouble had been
reached.
Mr.. Lauterbach went back and
forth from the office and made trip
to j. P. Morgan's Office. He did not
see Mr.. Morgan. Mr.. Lauterbach re-
piled to questions by saying that ap-
pearances looked very hopeful for a
speedy settlement Of the strike. He
said he seen President John Mitchell
Wednesday night and that he seemed
disposed to act with spirit of fair
ness. The coal road presidents re-
ferred all inquiries to the senators
and Gov. Odell. 81 have nothing to
say; there is nothing to be said,"
was Gov. 0dell's answer to a ques-
ton. Senator Quay likewise had
nothing to say. Senator Platt was
the last to leave bis office. II don't
think can say anything" he said,
II am too tired, There will be fur
ther meetings tomorrow. That Is
all can say at present"
Although President Mitchell appar-
emily had no part in the conference
between the senator's and the oper-
ators, his actions were anxiously |
awaited. Early in the day he was
Joined at the Ashland house by ex-
State Senator Moses W. Solomon, of
Chicago. The Chicagoan has so far
refused to disclose his mission, say
ing he was merely messenger.
During the morning Mr.. Mitchell had
a long conference with his three dis
trict presidents. Afterward District
President Nichols had this to say:
Unless the demands of the strikers
are granted in full | do not see how
President Mitchell can settle the
strike without calling convention.
II only part Of the demands are
granted that would render it neces-
iary to call a convention and that
would take two weeks at least"
Late in the afternoon President
ditchell and the district presidents
will personally present 1t to the
miners and | believe they will &C.
ept it. 1t is fair proposition"
Does this mean, Gov. ,Odell, that I
We are to recognize the miners
nion?' Mr.. Baer asked.
ut certainly does" answered Gov.
dell quickly, land there is no rea-
on why you should not" r
Mr. Baer and Mr. Thomas rose to !
o, Mr.. Thomas remarking that the :
latter would be presented to the /,
ther operators and that an early
nswer would be forthcoming. Mr.. y
aer said: "We are to meet COM ;,
littee Of the Manufacturers associa- !,
on on Tuesday and we may have
n answer then" The conference
len broke up.
About five o'clock John Mitchell, )
,companied by Chief L. N. Hammer q
ng, of Wilkesbarre, called and had Ii
long conference. While this was e
ping on dispatch announcing that f
lie operators refused to consider the Il
rms offered by the governor was d
'ceived.
When the conference was over Gov. .
dell refused to say what had oc- "a
lrred and Mr.. Mitchell was equally =
ticent, IL is believed, however, that
DIV. 0dell presented his proposition
r settlement to the leader Of the A
iners' union and that Mr.. Mitchell
Id he would present It to the dis
let presidents in the hope IT would
accepted.
Gov. Odell said: "Mr. Mitchell 50
rs eminently fair and showed every en-
sposition to adjust the serious sit Ia
ltion."
Fears that Struggle May Continue.
Wilkesbarre, Pa, Oct. 11.--Disap- y
ointment followed the news received
ON New York yesterday evening III
af n confarapca hal1 in that city Ia