Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-10-30
SPECIAL TRAIN
OFFER DECLINED
COAL STRIKE COMMISSION WILL
PAY ITS WAY.
WOULD BAR OUT MITCHELL
Recognition of Union-AIso Do not
Want Their Books Examined-ln-
vestigation of Mines to be Begun at
Once.

Washington, D. c., Oct. 2S.-The
commission that is to decide the ques-
lions at issue between the anthracite
miners and their employers began it's
real work yesterday. All the members
of the commission are in the city and
most of the operators or their repre-
sentatives are here. Five of the mine
operators or their representatives ar
rived Sunday night and President
Mitchell arrived yesterday morning.
The operators party included Presi-
dent George F. Baer, E. B. Thomas,
James B. Kerr, David Wilcox and AL
fred Walter. The operators will hear
the ideas the commission has to make
for undertaking the work in hand.
The commission met at o'clock in
the rooms of the interstate commerce
commission. Judge Gray read the or
der of the president creating the COM
mission and in general way outlined
the procedure to be followed in the
presentation of the issues.
President Baer objected to the ap-
pearance of Mr.. Mitchell as a repre-
sentative of the mine workers of
America, but said he had no objection
to offer against Mr.. Mitchel1's appear
ance as a representative of the anthra-
cite coal miners generally. Mr.. Baer's
object was to avoid the recognition of
the mine workers union order.
IF Xyoc Mr. oil
should file with the commission next
Monday a detailed statement of the
claims of the miners.
1t was suggested that each side to
the controversy appoint an expert to
go through the books of the coal COM
data upon which to work, but Presi-
dent Baer and other representatives
of the companies objected and suggest
ed that they would furnish whatever
information is needed.
The commission decided to begin it's
work next Thursday morning, the first
days of the investigation to be devot-
ed to a physical examination of the
mines and homes of miners, starting
in the vicinity Of Scranton. The en-
tire anthracite field will be covered.
During the discussion yesterday
President Baer made a point of saying
the case of each coal company would
be dealt with separately. He would
contend for the sliding scale in regu-
lation of wages.
Il shall urge the adoption of that
protit-sharing PLAN" he said, (which
gave us peace formerly in our relation
to our employees"
While the commission was in SEES
sion the mine operators proposed to
place a special train at the disposal
of the commission if it was decided to
visit the mines. The commission in
executive session decided to reject
this offer.
Getting Under Way.
Scranton, Pa, Oct. 2S.-Of los col
lieries operated by the five big COM
panies having headquarters here only
thirteen are idle. About so per cent.
OF the old employees are back at work
By Wednesday the companies expect
to be getting out 20 per cent. of their
normal output.
Many Must Wait.
Shamokin, Pa, Oct 2S-Four thou
sand men and boys reported for duty
yesterday, but only one-third were
given employment, as there was room
for no more because Of the gangways
being blocked by roof falls and water.