Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-11-27
THE MINING TROUBLE
Independent Operators to Confer
with Coal.Csrrying Roads
Mitchell CALLED TO MEET MACyEsCH
The Miners' Representatives Believe the
Companies Have someth ng to Offer IN
the Way of Compromise -"Concilia-
tion" Committee at Headquarters.


OF the strike settlement negotiations
have been suddenly shifted from this
city 10 Washington and New York.
To-day the committee Of nine of the
independent operators expect to hold
"a conference with the presidents of
the coal-carrying roads regarding the
position of the individual companies
and at the same time a meeting be-
tween Wayne MacVeagh and possibly
other attorneys representing the coal
roads and President Mitchell and his
attorneys will be held in the ma
tional capital. The independents
have gone to New York to find out
what the large companies can do for
them in the way of freight rates in
case an increase in wages is decided
upon. The mine workers. repre-
sentatives went to Washington to
find out what the large companies
had to offer. Both ardently wish
for success, but 1t was not within
their power to say what will be the
outcome.
Although the miners representa-
tives did not know why they. were
summoned to Washington, they be-
lieve the companies have something
to offer. Wayne MacVeagh was in
Geographic communication at noon
with Clarence S. barrow, Mr.. Mitch
ellis leading attorney, and later Mr..
MacVeagh called him up on the long
distance telephone from Philadelphia.
Mr.. MacVeagh said he wished to have
conference with Mr.. Mitchell and
himself, but as he was not feeling
well he desired that they all meet
in Washington to-day instead Of his
making the journey to Scranton.
Mr.. barrow said that Mr.. MacVeagh
did not tell him what he wanted the
conference for, but he felt that Mr..
MacVeagh would not summon them
to the national capital if he were not
qualified or clothed with authority
to carry on negotiations. Mr.. Mitch
ellis party left here yesterday even
ing. Those who went along besides
Mr.. Mitchell and Mr.. barrow were
Henry d. Lloyds, of Chicago, an adj
wiser, and Miss L. c. Morris, Mr..
Mitchell's private secretary. From
Washington it is expected the party
will go to New York. returning here
Friday. Before leaving Mr.. Mitchell
had conference with his district
presidents, Messrs. Nichols, Duffy
and Fahy.
The larger part of the committee
OF independent operators left for
New York yesterday afternoon.
Their mission to New York is best
expressed in a statement made to the
Associated press by one OF the repre-
sentatives of the small companies,
who said:
"The independent operator has no
income beyond the profits derived
from mining coal When the mining
of coal and the breaker is stopped
his revenues also cease, but the en-
pense in maintaining the property
goes on. The large companies,
owned by the railroads, depend on
their freight rates to maintain their
Galleries while in idleness. The in
dependent companies are paying the
miners as much now as they can af-
ford, and if an increase in wages is
granted by the large companies, the
large companies must give the indie
oendents a lower freight rate to
meet the increase in wages. This Is
he mission of the committee. If
hey refuse to make a concession in
'reight rates or its equivalent. then
t is probable the independent COM
oanies will insist upon the whole
natter being threshed out before the
Mr.. Mitchell, in his
testimony before the commission last
week, said that S6OO'a year would be
/ fair American standard of living
wages. Some of the independent
companies are paying an average Of
,ver $500 a year, while the large COM
,anies are paying under these fig
Tres. Therefore, If ten per cent. in
rease is agreed upon, the amount Of
money to be paid to the men by the
would be greater than
hat of the large companies"
Several of the resident attorneys
II the large companies also went to
Jew York for the purpose of con-
erring with the head officials of the
operations they represent. They
Headed ignorance as to any devel-
pments in the situation
The Cancellation" or sub-commit-
co of the commission-Messrs. Park
r, Watkins and Clark-was at head
uarters all day, but was not called
pom to offer its conciliatory assist
nee to either side.