The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-18

CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE)
against pickets grew out of the Homestead
strike when a number of private detectives
he declared had been recruited from the
slums OF Philadelphia and other large
cities. Mr.. Mitchell insisted that the city,
county and state authorities were compe-
tent 10 handle the matter.
MACVEAGH THEATRIC.
Raising his voice to a pitch and speaking
with great fervor. Mr.. MacVeagh asked
the Witness: Don't you know as we'll as
you know your name Is John Mitchell. that
in spite of the authorities of the city. of
this county and of this State, this whole
region has been treated for five months to
a veritable foretaste of help
MIR. Mitchell calmly replied: II know
nothing of the kind"
well, you will, before we are through
with you.' was Mr.. Macveagh's retort.
Commissioner Watkins here took a hand
in the examination and it was brought out
that none of the pickets employed by the
companies represented by Mr.. MacVeagh
had been recruited outside of the commun-
ity.
Mr.. MacVeagh then read Governor Stones
proclamation calling out the troops, in
which the Governor said there was a reign
OF terror in the region. Mr.. Mitchell denied
the correctness of the Governors asser-
tons.
The eight-hour day question was taken
up and in reply to a query as to whether
ne had a right to limit a mans labor to
eight hours a day. Mr.. Mitchell replied:
I'VE favor a maximum of eight hours
and a moment later. in answer to a similar
question. said. 1--WE will accept whatever
award the commission makes, and that
award will have precedence over the laws
of the union"
Then Mr. Macveagh said: Abraham
Lincoln was splitting rails and he did not
limit himself to eight, hours, and you de-
mand Ii not only for the men in the mines,
but for all the men above ground as well.
He was doing infinitely harder work than
nine-tenths OF our men employed In the
mines above ground. So was Garfield when
he was a boy trudging along the path of the
canal, and so was Mckinley I'm his early
nfe- 1 only mention these because they are
the three victims of the spirit of anarchy
which Is the curse of this country to-day
and the Only serious curse affecting IT."
Mr., Mitchell took quick notice of the
word anarchy" as employed by Mr.. Mac
Neagh. and. with considerable spirit,
promptly inquired:
Trade unions are not held responsible
for IL, are they?'
mo. Certainly not" said Mr.. MacVeasb-
Trade unions are most admirable. but YOU
make a demand upon us that we shall pro-
ing more than eight hours. That strikes rs
as perfectly inadmissible."
In answer to further questions Mr..
OF the workings OF the union.
Mr.. Mitchell. upon the request of Judge
Gray. said that the officers OF the union
under pay had contributed 81 per cent ner
month of their salaries for the benefit of
the striking miners.
CONFERRED WITH HANNA.
The fact was brought out that Mr.. Mitch
eli had had telephone conferences with
Senator Hanna just previous TO the settle
ment of the strike OF 1900.
o course that was the year in which
Mr.. Bryan was again a candidate for the
presidency" said Mr.. Macveagh, land Won
were conscious of the great apprehensions
entertained by the financial interests of the
country as to the possibility of his cleo
tion?'
prehensive.' was the response.
Mr.. MacVeagh asked IL any advance Sc
cured by the miners was not due TO that
aPHHf believe; said Mr.. Mitchell. that the
fact that an election was pending had
something TO do with the early settlement
OF the strike"
ference with the coal operators at that time,
and said that during the strike Senator
Hanna had spoken 70 him over the tele-
rhone and had sent Daniel Keefe. presi-
dent OF the international LongShoremen's
Union. TO see him. He denied that IL was
through Mr.. Keefe he agreed that IL the 10
per cent. increase was granted the strike
would be called off, but said Senator Hanna
had told him the operators had decided 10
make the oner OF 10 per cent.
Mr.. MacVeagh here took up the sugges-
ton for a yearly agreement and attempted
TO show that the union could not control
It's members, and, therefore, an agreement
Is impracticable.
Mr.. Mitchell said there were many differ
ences that both sides Justly complain or.
and which ne hoped would be wiped oct by
agreements a dare say Mr.. Mitchell re.
marked. IF our union violates the contract
the people OF this country will take good
care tina we nav no union left. There
will be no question about that. and IL the
operators violate II the people OF the United
States will see that they regret H."
Mr.. Mitchell said that this was a country
- uajortties. vhcreupop Mr.. Macveagh