Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1902-10-16
OPERATORS DETERMINED NOT TO
RECOGNIZE THE MINERS
UNION.
GOV. ODtlL WILL FIND A REMEDY.
MAKES A PROPOSITION WHICH is
TURNED DOWN, BUT WILL
KEEP AT 1T.

tnat l am the governor OF New YORK,
the chosen representative of seven
million people, and that l am here in
this matter solely in that capacity and
to relieve if possible an intolerable
situation. And what is more, intend
to use every power at my command to
do it,"
Gov. Odell made this statement yes.
terday to President Baer of the Read
ing railroad, in the presence of Unit
ed States Senators Plat of New York
| and Quay and Penrose of Pennsyl-
vania. 1t was the elimination of a
rather heated interview in the Office
of Senator Plat and the result of the
first meeting between Gov. Odell and
President Baer.
| Mr.. Baer was not in the best of
humor when, accompanied by E. B.
Thomas, chairman of the board of di
rectors of the Erie railroad, he en-
tered Senator Platt's Office The con-
ference was begun by a statement
made by Senator Penrose that the Sit
uation was
Becoming Serious,
that some solution must be found at
once. He suggested that the opera
tors should incline to some conces-
sions toward settlement.
IF you mean by that" said Presi-
dent Baer, that we are to recognize
the existence of labor union, l tell
you right now that the operators will
consider no such proposition"
Gov. Odell was on his feet in an in
slant. Holding a half-burnt cigar in
his hand and white with excitement,
he said:
care we to understand that no kind
of conciliatory proposition will re-
ceive consideration at the hands of
the oDerators?'
Il did not say that" answered Mr..
Raer, "but do say, and reterate it,
that we will not accept political adj
vice or allow the interference of poll
ticians in this, our affair"
Then it was that Gov. Odell made
the statement attributed to him at the
beginning of this article.
Baer Makes an Apology.
President Baer, evidently appreciat-
ing that he had gone too far, bowed to
Gov. Odell and said:
Governor, 1 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"
Il believe" said the governor, chat
your position from public view is abb
solutely untenahle. If coal operators,
railroad men and other business men
can combine for mutual profit and pro-
lection, there is no reason why labor
ing men should not"
What is the proposition said Mr..
Baer, coldly.
Gust this" said Gov. Odell. 81 am
sure that the labor organization Of
which Mr.. Mitchell is head, desires
him to be fair with the general public.
1t the operators will consent to give
the men
Five Cents Ton Increase
will personally present it to the
miners, and believe they will accept
it. 1t is fair proposition"
Does this mean, Gov. Odell, that
we are to recognize the miners
union?'' Mr.. Baer asked.
1T certainly Does" answered Gov.
Odell quickly, "and there is no reason
why you shouldn't"
Mr.. Baer and Mr. Thomas rose to
go, Mr. Thomas remarking that the
matter would be presented to the 9TH
er operators and that an early answer
would be forthcoming Mr.. Baer said:
I'VE are to meet committee of the
manufacturers association on Tues.
day and we may have an answer
then"
After the conference the governor
said:
The coal operators may postpone
this matter until Tuesday, but 1 don't
propose to postpone it. They are not
acting fairly toward the people. l be.
lieye l shall
Find Some Remedy"
About o'clock John Mitchell, &C.
companied by L. M. Hammerling Of
Wilkesbarre, called and had a long
conference. While this was going on
a dispatch announcing that the oper-
rators refused to consider the terms
offered by the governor was received.
When the conference was over Gov.
Odell refused to say what had &C.
Cured, and Mr. Mitchell was equally
reticent. 1t is believed, however, that
Gov. Orell presented his proposition
for settlement to the leader of the
miners union and that Mr.. Mitchell
said that he would present it to the
district presidents in the hope it would
be accepted.
Gov. Odell said: MFR. Mitchell was
eminently fair, and showed a DISPOSE.
ton to adjust the serious situation"
End Seercs Far OFF.
Wllkesbarre, Pa, Oct 10. = Disap.
pointment followed the news received
from New York last evening that the
conference held in that city for the
purpose of settling the miners strike
had failed TO reach an agreement 1t
IS feared In business circles that The
struggle will continue for some weeks
yet. The strike leaders will make ey.
cry effort to hold their men in line.