The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-06
MINERS GIVE TESTIMONY
TELL OF ALLEGED BLACkLISTING
METHODS OF OPERATORS.
Blind Men introduced as Evidence of
the Dangers of Mining-MOre
RumOrs of settlement.

SCRANTON, Pa, Dec. 5.-The lawyers of
the mine workers continued to call wit
nesses to-day before the strike commission
to testify TO the alleged blacklisting meth
DDS pursued by several coal companies in
refusing to re-employ strikers who took a
more or less prominent part in the affairs
of the miner workers union during the re-
cent suspension. All of them said they
had been employed before the strike. but
refused their old places after the strike
was ended. In most cases, according to
the testimony, satisfactory reason was
given why they were not taken back. Two
blind men who were also otherwise badly
injured by underground explosions were
presented living evidence of the dangers
in the mines. When the commission ad-
journed for the day the Rev j. ]. Curran,
the Roman Catholic clergyman of Wilkes
barre who took prominent part in the
miners cause during the recent strike. was
on the witness stand. Only one session will
be held tomorrow, adjournment to be
taken at p. m.
Nothing could be learned here to-day with
reference to the reported efforts at a set
Element outside the commission. None of
the dltOTntyS lOT tllDtT Sue pTOIeSSeu 10
know anything about any contemplated
move in that direction. Wayne MacVeagh,
who is representing the Erie Railroad coal
properties, was the only attorney in po-
sition to know who would talk about the
matter He left here. accompanied by
the Lackawanna railroad for New York.
the testimony now being presented to
the commission does not concern Mr.. Nc
Veagh's clients to an extent which makes
81
Mr.. MacVeagh before leaving, said that a
majority of the operators thought it better
to adjourn all efforts to reach by amicable
conference q basis for the award of the
commission until both sides had presented
all the testimony they wished to offer
Whether the efforts to reach such a basis
will be then resumed can be decided only
after the testimony is closed. Mr. Mac
Veagh added that he personally thought,
in view of the extraordinary conditions ex-
listing in the anthracite region, that this
was a mistaken attitude for the operators
to assume, as he feared each days testi-
money would tend to Increase the bitter
ness OF feeling: but 1t was not only the
right, but the duty of the operators to act
on their own judgment of the situation
and he sincerely hoped the result would
fully justify the conclusion they reached.
From this expression, it is taken that Mr.
MacFeagh was opposed to the calling off
the negotiations last week. 1t is his sincere
hope that an agreement will be effected
and 1t is known that the commissioners still
hope for an agreement on many, if not all,
the chief points at issue.
The departure of Mr.. MacVeagh and Mr..
Parker for New York gave rise to a rumor
that the distinguished attorney was GO
ing there to consult with the operators on
the settlement scheme, but when he was
seen just before he left the city he said
he did not know whom he would see there
He denied all knowledge of any efforts be-
ing made by the large coal companies to
absorb the Independent concerns Indi-
vidual operators, who were approached on
the subject, also said they knew nothing
of such move.