The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1902-11-25
THE MINING TROUBLES
Effort to Settle Differences Out.
side Strike Commission.
The Rough Proposition Is a Ten Per
Cent. Increase in Wages, a Nine
Hour Day and Trade
Agreements.

Scranton, Pa, Nov. 22.-The mine
workers, through their representatives,
have agreed with the mine owners to
attempt to adjust the differences exist
ing between them outside the anthra-
cite coal strike commission. The
proposition was made on a comprom-
Use basis, and negotiations, it is ex-
pected, will be at once entered upon,
with a reasonable hope of settlement
with the aid of the arbitrator. The
rough proposition, which is to form
the basis of negotiations, is ten per
cent. increase in wages, a nine hour
day, and trade agreements between
the miners and the company by which
they are employed. The only one Of
the four demands not touched upon is
that of weighing of coal by the legal
ton. While both sides have expressed
a willingness to settle their differ
ences among themselves. it is not to
be construed that it carries with it
the acceptance of the terms proposed.
They are mentioned only as basis,
it is understood, from which settle
ment is to be effected 1t is possible
that the foundation already laid can
be wrecked by either party holding out
too strongly against some question and
leave the whole matter in the hands
of the commissioners, who, in the
meantime, will act as sort Of board
of Cancellation rather than as board
of arbitration
Few persons were aware that an
attempt would be made at an outside
settlement until it was practically so
intimated by Judge Gray, the chair
man of the commission, who read a
carefully prepared announcement
from the bench The move, one Of
the most important in the whole his
tory of the coal strike, created a mild
sensation when it became known. The
surprise was all the greater when it
was remembered that numerous per-
Fons from the president of the United
States down, and many organizations
from the National Civic Federation to
the small boards of trade of the min
ing towns failed to bring the two par
ties together. 1t is said it was all
brought about by both sides seeing
that the proceedings before the COM
mission would be interminable and
that in the intermingling of the law
yers for both sides the outside agree
ment proposition was broacned and
taken up.
1t can not be officially stated which
party made the proposition first The
attorneys for both sides are averse
TO talking, but those who were inclin-
ed to say something differed in their
statements. An attorney for one of
the railroads said it came from the
miners side. while one lawyer for tina
miners said it was a spontaneous"
proposition. 1t is generally believed,
however, that the operators were the
first to make the proposition. Wayne
MacVeagh, who carried on such bril-
liant cross examination of President
Mitchell, is given credit for bringing
about the present situation He went
to New York after he finished with
ar. Mitchell and had a conference
with certain persons connected with
the coal industry, among them, it is
reported, ]. P. Morgan. He was in
New York Friday in connection with
the matter
The commissioners were informed
of the new turn of affairs Thursday
night, and acquiesced in the proposed
arrangement
1t was agreed Friday night by the
miners repre- . natives and the attor-
neys for the coal companies to ask the
commission to adjourn Saturday until
Wednesday, December 8. 1t is likely
the request will be granted.
HAVANA CIGAR MAKERS STRIKE.