Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-10-15
MITCHELL CALLS
ON ROOSEVELT
Proposition Of the Operators
Is Being Discussed.

NIOtI VI SOI lQttI SIQooOo 40
Arbitrators Rouses Oppo-
sition of the Miners.
President Mitchell is in Washington,
where he is holding conference with
President Roosevelt.
The subject under discussion is the
proposition advanced by the operators
for settlement OF the strike.
Up to 3 Is O'Clock this afternoon no
news concerning today's conference
had been given to the public.
Mr.. Mitchell left Wilkesbarre at 8
o'clock this morning and arrived at the
capital at II o'clock.
While en- route and upon reaching
Washington he was besieged by news
paper men for an expression Of opinion
on the operators proposition, but re-
fused to answer any questions bearing
upon the subject.
Shortly after his arrival In Washing
ton he called upon the president.
Whether he went to the White House
at the Invitation Of the nations execu-
tive or upon his own volltion could not
be learned, though 1t is believed the
conference was held at the request of
President Roosevelt.
Mr.. Mitchell and the district presI-
dents held lengthy meeting at Wilkes
barre last night. When 1t ended, after
midnight, he began his preparations for
his trip to the capital.
The three district presidents are In
Wilkesbarre today, but not an intima-
tion of any kind regarding their atti-
tude toward the settlement plan can be
obtained.
SYNOPSIS OF OPERATORS OFFER
The statement presented late Monday
night to President Roosevelt by the
represen tatives of the operators en-
bodies long array Of alleged "facts"
relating to the membership of the
United Mine Workers and the allega-
tion that the organization is controlled
by workers In the bituminous fields. 1t
Is claimed that the wages paid by the
coal companies are fair and all that can
be paid to give reasonable return for
the capital invested In the industry.
Several concerns, the statement alleges,
have become bankrupt, while many
others have never paid dividends.
The operators say they are willing to
submit all questions between them and
their workmen to any fair tribunal for
decision, but that they are not willing to
enter into arbitration with the mine
workers union, because 1t is an organi-
zation chiefly composed OF men in rival
and competitive interest.
Realizing the urgent need of an ade-
quate supply of anthracite coal for the
approaching winter, and that a practi-
cal conclusion may be reached which
will result In supplying this need, the
presidents Of the companies make the
following offer:
1--WE suggest commission to be ap-
pointed by the president OF the United
States, If he is willing to perform that
public service, to whom shall be re-
ferred all questions at issue between
the respective companies and their own
employees, whether they belong to a
union or not and the decision OF that
commission shall be accepted by US, the
commission to be constituted as follows:
"First-An officer In the engineer
corps of either the military or naval
service of the United States.
"Second-An expert mining engineer
experienced In the mining OF coal and
other minerals and not In any way
connected with coal mining properties,
either anthracite or bltuminous.
"Thrd-One of the judges of the
United States courts OF the eastern dis
trict of Pennsvlvanla.
"Fourth-A man Of prominence, emin-
ent as a sociologist
"Fifth-A man who by active partlci-
patton in mining and selling coal is fami-
liar with the physical and commercial
features of the business.
at being the understanding that
Immediately upon the constitution Of
such com mission, in order that idleness
and non production may cease instantly,
the miners will return to work and cease
all interference with and persecution Of
any non-union men who are working
or shall hereafter work. The findings
of this commission shall fix the date
when the same shall be effective and
shall govern the conditions Of employ
ment between the the respective COM
panies and their employees for term OF
at least three years"
The statement is signed by George F.
Baer, president Philadelphia and Read
ing Coal and Iron Company, Lehigh and
Wilkesbarre Coal Company, Temple