The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-11-22
ANOTHER EFFORT
FOR SETTLEMENT
Mine Lords and Men Seek to
Get Together.
WEARlED BY THE DELAY
A Proposition by Which the Diff rerces Be-
tween III m May be Adj listed 0u.-
side Of the Strike Commission
M ,ets With Favor.
N ,ets With Favor,
tBy the Associated Press

10y TIE ASoOCldteQ HreSS.
Scranton, Pa. Nov 21-The mine work
ers, through their representatives, have
agreed with the mine owners to attempt
to adjust the differences existing be-
tween them outside the Anthracite Coal
Strike Commission. The proposition was
made on a compromise basis, and nego
tiations, it is expected, will be at once
entered upon, with reasonable hope of
settlement with the aid of the arbitra-
tors.
The rough proposition, which is to form
the basis of negotiations, is ten per
cont f1ccreasc.in wages, a-nine-hour day,
and trade agreements between the miners
and the company by whom they are en-
rloyed. Tue only one of the four de-
mands not touched upon is that of the
weighing of coal by the legal ton.
While both sides haxe expressed the
Willingness 10 settle their differences
among themselves. it is not to be con-
strued that it carries with it the ac-
ceptance of the terms proposed. They
are mentioned only as basis, it is
understood from which a settlement is
to be effected. 1t is possible that the
foundation already laid can be wrecked
by either party holding out too strongly
against some question and thus leave
the whole matter in the hands of the
commissioners, who, in the meantime.
will act as sort of a board of con-
Citation, rather than as a board of arbi-
tration.
Few persons were aware that an at
tempt would be made at an outside set
Element until it was practically intimated
by Judge Gray, the chairman of the COM
mission, who read carefully prepared
announcement from the ''be8Gh.", The
move, one of the most important in the
whole history of the coal strike created
a mild sensation when it became known.
The surprise was all the greater when
it Will be remembered that numerous per-
sons from the President of the United
States down and that many organizations
from the National Civic Federation to
the small boards of trade of the mining
towns failed to bring the tive parties to-
gether. 1t is said it was all brought
about by both sides seeing that the
proceedings before the commission would
be interminable, AND that in the inter-
mingling of the lawyers for both sides
the outside agreement proposition was
preached and taken up.
1t cannot be officially stated which par
ty made the proposition first. The at
torneys Cor both sides are averse to talk
ing, but those who were inclined to say
something differ in their statements. One
attorney for one of the railroads said
it came from the miners side, while one
lawyer from the miners said it came from
- ,4a,Ss
of the operators said it was a ''spontan-
eous' proposition 1t is generally be-
lieved however. that the operators were
the first to make the proposition. Wayne
MacVeagh, who carried on such a bril-
liant cross examination of President
Mitchell is given credit for bringing
.ahnut the present situation. He went
to New York after he finished with Mr.
Mitchell and had a conference with Ger
tain persons connected with the coal in
dustry. among them. it is reported, j.
Pierpont Morgan. He was in New York
today in connection with the matter
The commissioners were informed OF
the new turn of affairs last night and
acquiesced in the proposed arrangement
The subject did not directly come up in
the public hearing today and the adj
journment proposition was made osten-
sibly to permit both sides to complete
their work of preparing documentary
evidence. Clarence S. Darrow. of Chi
cage, one of Mr.. Mitchell's attorneys,
brought the matter out when, near the
close of todavs session, he suggested
that the miners be given a little more
time to prepare their evdnce. The miners
wanted to present the due bills or wage
statements of thousands of miners run
ming back for several years. and they
found that the task of presenting them
in proper manner was stupendous
one They also wanted carefully &c
examine the company books, and this
too. would take considerable time.
While Mr. Darrow was saying this
the commissioners were all attentive,
and no one outside of them and few
representatives on each side of the case
knew what was coming. Judge Gray, in
reply to Mr.. barrow, said that the com
mission would be very glad TO cooperate
in bringing about the accomplishment
of that end. 1--WE have been aware fol
some time he said, that while Tho
testimony that has been adduced has
been very interesting, and | will not say
that it has not been of value, still it has
not yet borne directly upon the points
at issue between the parties to this con
troVersy.
read the announcement which had beer