Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1902-03-27
HANNA IS HOPEFUL OF PEACE
Chairman Of Civic Federation Does Not
Anticipate Miners Strike,
SENATOR WORKS TO AMlcABLE TERMS
Actively Engaged in Negotiating Set
Element Between Mine Workers
and Operators and Trib-
utary Labor Bodies.

NEW YORK. March 26.-The Industrial
department OF the National Civic fedora
tion, met here today to hear the plea Of
the United Mine Workers for assistance
in adjusting their differences with the mine
operators. Senator NJ. A. Hanna, Oscar
Strauss. Bishop Henry Potter, Franklin
MacVeagh. Louis Nixon, Charles A. Moore,
Marcus NJ. Marks, William N. Pfahler,
Ralph NJ. Easley. Frank P. Sargent and
James Duncan acted for the Civic fedora
tion and the mine workers were repre-
sented by John Mitchell, president Of the
national organization; Thomas Nichols,
John Fahy and Thomas Duffy, district
presidents Of the Mine Workers, and par
ticipants in the Shamokin convention which
formulated the demands of the men.
The meeting was held at the Church Mis-
sion house and was behind closed doors.
II began at 1890 o'clock and It was an
nounced that after John Mitchell and his
assistants had stated their request the in
dustTial committee would hold another ex-
ecutive session to decide upon its course.
Some Of the members of the Industrial
commission expressed doubt as to the pro-
priety Of Intervention by their organiza
tion at this time. They seemed to think
that there was still opportunity for direct
negotiation between the miners and mine
operators. They were disposed, however. to
hear the request of the mine workers and
to offer any assistance that was possible.
Mitchell IL Reserved.
Before the conference began John
Mitchell said that there we're 140, 600 miners
who wanted better pay and a yearly con-
tract covering the terms of their work with
the mine owners. He said that the grant
ing OF their demand for a contract would
mean their recognition as organized labor.
He would not say that the United Mine
workers intended to demand an eighth hour
day. Neither he nor any OF his assistants
cared to discuss either the general situation
throughout the coal regions or this particu-
lar conference, with the peacemakers of
the National Civic federation.
Senator Hanna expressed the hope that
there would be peace. He said that he
saw nothing in the situation that could not
be adjusted. He said that he could not
tell what the Industrial committee would
do until after it had heard the statements
OF Mr.. Mitchell and his fellow leaders of
the United Mine Workers association.
The members OF the Industrial commits
sion began gathering shortly after 10
o'clock. The coal miners representatives
reached the building at 1920 o'clock and
were greeted by the committeeman. The
| conference began few moments later.
The conference adjourned at 1 p. m. and
Senator Hanna made the following state
ment.
Hanna Predicts Peace.
We have talked with the representa- tives
! of the miners and got at merely what their
desires are. We don't anticipate trouble
| and the best of spirit was manifested to-
| day. So as to get further information and
/ II possible, get into communication with
! the other side-the operators-a subcom-
mitee of three was appointed, which will
| report back to the Industrial department
| of the National Civic federation tomor-
row. The committee is composed of my
| self, Former Minister Straus and Mr.. Dun
| can. the general secretary of the Granite
| Cutters National union.
| Mr.. Hanna spent some time this after
noon at the ONCE of Mr. Morgan, where he
conferred with Mr.. Morgan, the latter's
partner George W. Perkins, and Messrs.
Widener and Grissom Of Philadelphia. On
leaving he declined to say whether or not
he had discussed the labor situation in the
/ Ill