Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-10-16
GOVERNOR ODELL
REbUKEs bAER'.
Reading President Reminded
That Public Has Some
Interests.
THE MEETING WAS FRUITLESS
Operators Persist In Their Refusal to
Recognize the Union--Odeli Says They
should and Suggests an Increase Of
Cents Ton Wages

New York, Oct. 11.-"what do you
mean by politicians? / want you and
all the other operators to know that
/ am the governor of New York, the
chosen representative Of seven mil
lion people. and that ! am here in
this matter solely in that capacity and
to relieve Al possible an intolerable
situation. And what is more, I intend
to use every power at my command
to do it."
Governor Odell made this statement
yesterday to President Baer of the
Reading road, In the presence of Uni
ted States Senators Plat Of New York,
and Quay and Penrose of Pennsyl-
vania. 1t was the elimination of q
rather heated interview in the office Of
Senator Plat and the result of the
first meeting between Governor Odell
and President Baer.
Mr.. Baer was not in the best OF hu.
NOR when, accompanied by e. Il.
Thomas, chairman of the board of d.
rectors of the Erie railroad, he en-.
tered Senator Platts office. The con-
ference was begun by statement
made by Senator Penrose that the sit.
uation was becoming so serious that
some solution must be found at once.
He suggested that the operators
should incline to some concessions to-
ward settlement.
If you mean by that" said Presi-
dent Baer. that we are to recognize
the existence of labor union, tell
you right now that the operators will
consider no such proposition"
Governor Odell was on his feet In an
instant. White with excitement, he
said:
Are we to understand that no kind
OF a conciliatory proposition win re-
ceiye consideration at the hands of the
operators?"
Il do not say that" answered Mr.
Baer, "but | do say, and reiterate it,
that We will not accept political ad-
vice or allow the interference of poll.
ticians in this. our affair"
Then 1t was that Governor Odell
made the statement attributed to him
at the beginning of this article.
President Baer, evidently appreciat.
ing that he had gone too far, bowed
to Governor Odell and said
Governor, | beg your pardon. No
personal affront was intended. and we
Will iiStSn " any buSStotfOub JOu udt0
to make, but | repeat that we must
refuse 10 recognize the union as repre-
scented by Mr.. Mitchell"
Il believe" said the governor, "that
your position from public view is alb.
solutely untenable. II 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.
Just this" said Governor das,l Il
am sure that the labor organiz. Ne\ot
which Mr.. Mitchell is the hea q DO
sires him to be fair with the general
public II the operators will consens
to give the men cents a ton increase
l will personally present it to the
miners, and I believe they vs. accept
1t. It is fair proposition"
Does this mean. Governor Cdell,
that we are to recognize the miners
union" Mr.. Baer asked.
ut certainly does" answered Gov.
ernor Odell quickly. land there is no
reason why you should not"
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose to 20.
Mr.. Thomas remarking that the mat.
ter would be presented to the other
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"
The conference broke up. Mr.. Baer
and Mr.. Thomas withdrawing. Sen.
ators Plat. Penrose and Quay talked
over the matter short time. and then
they. too. separated. the two Pennsyl.
yanians announcing that they would
go back to Harrisburg and discuss the
situation with Governor Stone.