The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1902-10-28

IA tiot cry.
Rate Of Wages.
The suggestion that both sides appoint
experts to examine the books Of the COM
panies was made by Judge Gray. Chair
man Of the Commission. He said 1t would
be a good plan for. the different interests
to agree that the tabulated statements
relative to the existing rate OF wages In
the different localities OF the mining re-
gion to be taken from the books Of the
operators by two expert accountants. one
to be named by each party. such account
ants to be employees Of the commission.
Mr.. Baer, after expressing his disincli-
nation to accept this suggestion, said that
his company would submit their pay
rolls under oath of their accountant. He
said they now had seventy clerks who
are working day and night In computing
data for the commission.
President Mitchell said that 1t would
facilitate the work of the commission II
1t would accept a general statement on
those issues that affect all the companies
and the mine workers alike. for instance,
the question of shorter hours.
Mr.. Truesdale said that his company
had a plan by which 1t was hoped to
speedily adjust the differences between
his company and the men. This plan
was for the miners to appoint commit
Tee 10 meet a COHiuitttcc III HE SOhpohJ
and discuss their grievances and If there
were any such that could not be settled,
then those issues should go before the
commission for Anal arbitration.
Matter One Of Figures.
President Wilcox, speaking for his
company, said the whole matter was one
of figures.
; DIR. weyl, for the miners. said that II
the suggestions Of the Chairman were
accepted, Mr.. Mitchell and himself would
not present the statistics they had pre-
pared because they were ready to con-
cede that these figures were not as full
and correct as they would be II taken
from the company's books
President Baer. however, thought that
these statistics would be check on the
companys pay rolls and should be pre-
scented.
Mr.. Mitchell responded that he would
not be insistent on the subject and turn
ing to Mr. Baer said "If we are able to
agree as to what rates are paid for DIFF
ferent classes Of workmen, their monthly
and annual earnings, that would form a
basis Of any agreement that might be
made on each Side
Judge Gray expressed the opinion that
it would be criminal waste of time to
dispute over facts that could be veritably
and accurately ascertained without dis
pute. i
when once ascertained,'' he said
their Interpretation Is another thing
Mr.. Mitchell again said 1t was his de-
sire to facilitate matters andsthat- there
| should be mutual agreement on the>facts
and that controversies should be e!imi-
! mated If possible.
Mitchell Desires Haste.
THAT is the only object we have in
view" said he, "in asking that the rates
Of wages as shown by the companies
books be verified in advance"
President Baer responded by saying thai
| the men would know whether the COM
| pany's rolls were right. and that no issue
| would arise on that subject.
"Whl your statement give the different
classes Of workmeu?" Inquired Mr.. Mitch.
| ell. .s- se-3f 'a
Undoubtedly" said Mr.. Baer.
| After further controversy between the
| members of the commission and the min
| ers and mine operators. Judge Gray mod
| flied his suggestion, this time presenting
| 1t in the shape of a proposition that only
| one expert accountant be appointed who
| should analyze the statement made by
| both sides of the controversy and verify
| the facts for the consideration of the
| commission.
MT. bdeT dNCVptVC bhio SuB
gestion and Mr.. Mitchell followed suit.
after a brief explanation on his part.
He said that the plan was not entirely
in accord with the wishes of the miners,
who are anxious to avoid all controversy
as to the Interpretation Of figures.
President Gray then announced that the
commission for the present would pro-
coed without appointing an expert. but
that it would require that statements
be prepared and then. he added, an &C.
countant could be secured in case 1t was
found his services were needed.
The Physical Side.
The question of the examination by the
commission into the conditions under
which the mining of anthracite coal is
conducted was then entered on. and Mr..
Watkins of the commission suggested that
a. week or ten days time would be neces-
sary in order to make an adequate exam
nation of the physical conditions of the
mines. He appealed to Mr.. Thomos for
his opinion as to the time necessary and
that gentleman replied: You will GER
tainly need that much time; 1 should
think that thirty days would be none too
little. We've grown gray in our study
of that question"
Mr.. Baer fell in with the suggestion,
SAYING 1t would be impossible to do JUS
plete physical inspection of the mines and
the methods of operating them. Mr..
Mitchell thought that not only should
there be an inspection of the mines. but
also of the homes of the miners. He
considered this investigation necessary to
a complete understanding of the sub
ject.
After consulting with members of the
commission, President Gray announced
that 1t would begin its inspection next
Thursday, commencing its work in Dis
| trict No. l. in which the city of Scran-
| ton is located. While no conclusion was
reached on the subject, the conversation
among the member of the commission in
dictated that it IS their purpose to inves-
tigate the mining operations in number
| of mines.
Baer Offers Special Train.
While the subject was up. Mr. Baer
| said that the mine operators would fur
nish all facilities at their command to
enable the commission to make its in
vestigation thorough, adding that they
would place a special train at the dis
posal of the commission. nroviding also
| for the accommodation of representa-
| tive of the miners.
The public meeting of the commission
| then came to a close, and the commits
sioners retired for the purpose of a pri-
| yate consultation. They first took up the
question which had been raised by the
proffer of a special train ~ Mr.. Baer
| and unanimously decided not to accept
the train. The exchange of views which
followed brought out. the fact that the
| llV IN Na