Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-14

GO 1O,fOO.
five elements to compose the commission,
it is pointed out this afternoon that the
miners might make mistake should tney
object to the proposed fifth member. Ina. Ina.
description" said well-posted man, Just
suits Senator Hanna. and 1 bel1eve Mr:
Morgan incorporated the provision SO that
Mr.. Hanna might be appointed on IL: ne
has been both miner and seller or coal
and he has always been friend OF laDoflng
men,"
Definitions Not Fundamental.
From a semi-authentic source this after
noon it is stated that Mr.. Morgan last
night gave the President to understand
that the definitions of the classes of men to
compose the commission were not funda-
mental with the coal operators, as they
would sumbit to the President naming the
commission. 1t is further pointed out that
under the five definitions it would be with
in the power of the President, II so dis
posed to appoint commission that would
be prejudiced in any direction. Therefore,
the composition of the commission rested
entirely with the President, after all, no
matter if he followed literally the deh-
nitions laid down by the operators.
AS Mr. Morgan created the idea of the
commission and forced the operators to
accept it, the declaration is that he worded
the definition of the composition OF the
commission so as to admit of wide lati-
tude in selection. Many of the dehnltlons
are believed to have been made to suit Ger
tain men that were contemplated at the
time Mr. Morgan thought over the prop
oSition.
Composition of the Commission.
In this connection Senator Hanna Is
spoken of as just fitting definition nVe'
Carroll D. Wright is undoubtedly man
of prominence eminent as socioogist'
vxyit 10
settlement of the strike for some Time
might preclude his being appointed,
Prof. David T. Day, chief of the division
of mining and mineralogy In the geological
survey especially fits the description OF
number 2, while for number are many ON
GERS of prominence. Gen. John NJ. WILSON,
retired, is prominently mentioned In TINS
connection. AS retired officer he is ell
gble to this work, and it would not con-
fict with active duty for the war depart
ment. These are among the names men
toned during the day, but the president is
understood to be Withholding consideration
of a commission, pending an answer from
Mr. Mitchell Momentarily he may have
the names of a few men In mind, but ne
NAV not begin serious consideration OF the
makeup of the commission until he is
aware that both sides are agreed upon a
commission The President was not en-
ga ged all Gay in strike conferences and had
some time to think the question of ap-
pointmentS over.
There is no known appropriation from
which the members of the commission can
be paid, and so they will have to defray
their expenses. depending upon Congress to
make an appropriation repaying all ex-
penses at its next session. The coal opera
tors would probably not stand for the ex-
penses neither would the miners, so the
government will have to be responsible.
There is no law which provides for the ap-
pointment of such q commission, but the
circumstances are admitted to justify action
of this kind.
News Received With Joy.
The news that there was possibility of
the coal strike being ended soon was re-
ceved this morning with joy by every one.
The fact that Mr.. ]. Perpont Morgan had
deemed it expedient to lend his best offices
on behalf of the operators, who have here
tofore been obdurate, was looked upon by
almost everybody as presaging an early
cessation of hostilities between the anthra-
cite operators and the striking miners. In
hotels, in business houses, in the streets, II
was the one topic of conversation 1t is a
question that appeals to every person,
whether he be the owner of house or
merely an occupant paying rent.
Business men a rule looked upon the
latest move In the strike meaning that
something definite would result, although
they were loath to express themselves La
boring men and those affiliated with unions
who were seen by representatives OF The
Evening Star expressed the hope that 1t
was the beginning of the end, although
there were those who were inclined to the
belief that the proposition made by Mr..
Morgan on behalf of the operators practi-
cally suggested the personnel OF the pro-
posed commission of arbitration.
Coal dealers were perhaps more interested
than any one other than those who are
compelled to patroniZe them. Many Of the
dealers of the city have been for months
unable to supply their regular customers
and have been embarrassed. Dealers VINO
dealt out their limited supply as long as
possible in homeopathic doses and at the
price that obtained before the strike began
were more than pleased at the thought that
there was possibility of the strike being
declared off.
Consensus of Opinion.
The consensus of opinion is that If the
strike is called off now, the price of an
thracte will go back to the old price, plus
what may have to be paid by the dealers
in the fight for being first served The
local dealers, as rule, admit that the cit
les and towns north of Washington will be
probably served first. OF course, If there
is a great demand in Washington, 1t may
be necessary to pay a higher rate to get
quick delivery. The consumer will have to
pay this.
One dealer said this afternoon that the
price of hard coal, in the event that opera
tions of the mines are resumed at once,
would go down at least to one-haf the
price now asked by the few dealers who
have limited supply.
AS on yesterday, the demand for sub
stitutes for coal was great. In the down.
town stores where oil devices and other ap-
pliances that will take the place of coal are
sold the number of persons who watched
the demonstrations was greater than on
any previous day. Many orders were
placed. but at every store those who paid
in full or made a deposit We're told that so
many orders were ahead that it would be
impossible to fill immediate purchases un-
del two weeks and that it might be longer.