The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-10-11
OdeII Called Baer Down at the Conference Yss-
 teIday
OPERATOR SPOKE OF
 THE POLITICIANS
Raer Forced to Apologize to the Gov ernor and Explains That He Meant Nothing Per
 sonal.

New York, October 10.-"What do you mean by politicians2 I want you ard all the other operators to understand that l am the governor of New York, the chosen representative Of seven million people, and that am here in this matter solely in that capacity and solely. if pos sible. to relieve an intolerable situation. And what is more intend to use every power at my command to do it."
 Governor Odell made this statement to- day to President Baer of the Reading road in the presence of United States Senators Platt of New York and Quay and Penrose of Pennsylvania. It was tho continuation of a rather heated interview in the office of Senator P1att, and the result of the first meeting between Gov ernor Odell and President Baer.
 Mir. Baer was not in the best of humor, when accompanied by E. B. Thomas, chairman of the board of directors of the Erie railroad, he entered Senator Platt's office. The conference was begun by a statement made by Senator Penrose that the situation was becoming so serious l that some solution must be found at once. He sugge sted that the opel ators should incline to some concessions towards a settlement.
 .'If you mean by that" said President Baer, that we are to recognize the ex- istence of a labor union, tell you right now that the operators will consider no such proposit-on."
 White With Rage.
 Governor Odell was on his feet in an 4s4Gf A. hand, and white with excitement, he said:
 Are we to understand that no kind of conciliatory proposition will receive consideration at the hands of operators ?''
 T did not say that" answered Mir Baer, but I do say, and I reiterate it. that we will not accept political advice T allow the interference Of politicians if this; this is our affair."
 Then 1t was that Governor Odell made | the statement attributed to him at the beginning of this article
 President Baer, evidently appreciatins that he had gone too far, bowed to Gov. ernor Odell and said:
 Governor, beg your pardon. No per sonal affront was intended and we will l listen to any suggestions you may have to make; but again repeat that we must refuse to recognize the union as 1 represented by MT. Mitchell.''
 T believe" said the governor, that your position from a public view is ab- solutely untenable If coal operators, railroad men and other business men can combine for mutual profit and protection, there is no reason why laboring men should not"
 What is the proposition?' said Mir. Baer coldly.
 Just this" said Governor Odell. "I am sure that the labor organization of which MT. Mitchell Is head. desires him to be fair with the general public. If the | operators will consent to give the men | five cents ton increase will personally present it to the miners, and believe they will accept 1t. It Is fair proposi- l tion."
 What 1t Means. "Does this mean, Governor OdeT, that | we are to recognize the miners union ?' MT. Baer asked
 "It certainly does" answered Governor odeI quickly, "and there is no reason why you should not
 Mr. Baer and MT. Thomas rose to go, MT Thomas remarking that the matter would be presented to the other operators | and that an early answer would be forth | coming. MT. Bear said;
 "we are to meet committee of the manufacturers association on Tuesday and we may have an answer then"
 The conference broke up. MT. Baer and | MT Thomas withdrawing. Senators Platt, Penrose and Quay talked over ths matter for a short time and then they. l too separated, the two Pennsylvanians | announcing that they would go back to Harrisburg and discuss the situation with | Governor Stone.