Waterbury Democrat., 1902-10-04

MT. President, am much impressed with what you say. am much im- pressed with the gravity of the situa- tion. We feal that we are not re- sponsible for this terrible state of af- fairs. We are willing to meet the gen tlemen representing the coal operators to try to adjust our differences among ourselves If we cannot adjust them that way, MT. President we are will | ing that you shall name tribunal who shall determine the issues that have resulted in the strike, and if the gentlemen representing the operators 1 will accept the award or decision of such tribunal the miners will willing ly accept it, even if it is against their claims.''
 The President Before considering what ought to be done think it only just to both of you-both sides-and de sirable from my standpoint that you should have time to consider what have stated as to the reasons for my getting you together, and I shall tres pass so far upon your good nature as to ask that this interview cease now and that you come back at o'clock. I should like you to think over what have stated-not to decide now, but give it careful thought and return at o'clock
 The conference then adjourned until o'clock Upon reassembling Mr. Baer spoke as follows:
 .NIr. President, do we understand you correctly that we will be expected to answer the proposition submitted by Mr. Mitchell this morning
 The Presidential will be pleasure to me to hear any answer that you are willing to make.
 PRESIDENT BAER'S ANSWER. The following is the text of the statement by MT. George F. Baer, president of the Reading railroad:
 "We understand your anxiety is forcibIy expressed in the statement you read to us this morning to bring about an immediate resumption of operations in the coal mines in some such way as will, without a days un- necessarily delay, meet the crying needs of the people, We infer that you de- sired us to consider the offer of MT. Mitchell, verbally made this morning, expressing and speaking for the United Mine Workers, to go back to work if you would appoint a commission to de- termine the questions at issue.
 ..You distinctly say that you do not: invite a discussion of your respective claims and positions But we assume that statement of what is going on in the coal regions will not be ir- relevant. We represent the owners of coal mines in Pennsylvania. There are from 15OOO to 10000 men at work mining and preparing coal. They are abused, assaulted injured and mall treated by the United Mine Workers. They can only work under the protec- tion of armed guards. Thousands of other workmen are deterred from working by the intimidation, violence and crimes inaugurated by the United Mine Workers, over whom John Mitch ell, whom you invited to meet you, is chief.
 '.The constitution of Pennsylvania guarantees protection to life and prop erty. fn3 n3e1pressa aterms it declares the right of acquiring, possessing and de lending property to be inalienable.' When riot and anarchy too great to be appeased by the civil power occur, the governor of Pennsylvania is bound to call out the state troops to suppress it. He must fearlessly use the whole power of the state to protect life and property and to establish peace, not an armed truce, but the peace of the law which protects every man at work and going to and from work. He has sent troops to the coal regions. Gradually the power of the law is asserting itself. Unless encouraged by false hopes or der will soon be restoredy and then we can mine coal to meet the public wants. If the power of Pennsylvania is insuf- fcient to re-estaklish the reign of law, the constitution of the United States requires the president when requested by the legislature and the governor to suppress violence You see, there is a lawful way to secure coal for the pub lie
 ''The duty of the hour is not to waste time negotiating with the fomenters of this anarchy and insolenta defiance of law, but to do as was done in the war of the rebellion-restore the majesty of law, the only guardian of free people, and to re-establish order and peace at any cost.
 ."The government is contemptible failure if it can only protect the lives and property and secure the comfort of the people by compromising with the violators of law and the instigators of violence and crime.
 Just now it is more important to. teach ignorant men dwelling among us, misled and used as tools by citizens of other states, that at whatever cost and inconvenience to the public Penn sylvania will use the whole power of government to protect not only the man who wants to work, but his wife and children while he is at work, and to punish every man who by instigation or by overt acts attempts to deprive any man of his liberty to work.
 Under these conditions we decline to accept Mir. Mitchell's considerate offer to let our men work on terms he names. He has no right to come from Illinois to dictate terms on the accept ance of which anarchy and crime shall cease in Pennsylvania He must stop his people from killing, maiming and abusing Pennsylvania citizens and from destroying property. He must T. s4