Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-10-13
RECOGNITION
DEMANDED
BY ODELL
NEW YORK GOVERNOR GROWS
WHITE WITH ANGER AT THE
INJUSTICE OF THE COAL 0P-
ORATORS.

NEW YORK. oct. 11.-'What do you
mean by politicians? 1 want you and
all the other operators to understand
that I am the governor OF New York
the chosen representative OF seven mil
lion people, and that l am here in this
matter solely in that capacity and to
relieve IL possible an intolerable situa-
ton. And what is more, I intend to use
every power at my command to do 1t.
Governor Odell made this statement
TO President Baer, of the Reading
road, in the presence Of United States
Senators Plat, Of New York, and quay
and Penrose, of Pennsylvania 1t was
the elimination of a rather heated in
terview in the office of Senator Platt
and the result of the meeting between
Governor Odeu and President Baer.
Good Humor Absent.
Mr. Baer was not in the best Of humor,
when accompanied by f. b. Thomas
chairman Of the board of directors OF the
Erie railroad, he entered Senator Platt
Office. The conference was begun by
statement made by Senator Penrose that
the situation was becoming so serious
that some solution must be found at
once. He suggested that the operators
should incline TO some concessions to-
ward a settlement.
err YOU mean by that" said President
Baer, that we are to recognize the ex-
ASlGQGG OF a ldDDL uAAAOAs NSAA ~ AN5~-~
now that the operators will consider no
such proposition"
odell Was Furious.
Governor Oder was on his feet in an
instant. Holding a half burnt cigar in
his hand and white with excitement, he
said:
Are we to understand that no kind Of
conciliatory proposition will receive con-
sideration at the hands of the opera
tors?"
II did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer. 'but do say, and 1 reiterate, that
we will not accept political advice or all
low the interference of politicians IN tnis'
our affair"
Then It was that Governor Odell made
the statement attributed to him at the
beginning of this article.
President Baer, evidently appreciating
that he had gone too far. bowed to Gov
ernor Ouell and said:
Bser 5egs Pardon.
Governor, 1 beg your pardon. No
personal affront was intended, and we
VIII listen to any suggestions you NAV
have to make: but again I repeat that
must refuse to recognize the union as rep
resented by Mr.. Mitchell"
Il believe" said the governor, that
your position, from a public view, is abb
solutely untenable. II coal operators,
railroad men and other business men can
combine for mutual profit and protection,
there is no reason why laboring men
should not"
odeIl's Proposition.
What is the proposition" said Mr..
Baer. coldly.
Just this" said Governor Odell. IT
am sure that the labor organization OF
which Mr.. Mitchell Is head desires him
to be fair with the general public. II
the operators will consent to give the
men cents ton increase 1 will per-
solaIly presen, il to the miners, and
believe they will accept it. 1t is a fair
proposition"
Does this mean. Governor Odell, that
we are to recognize the miners union2"
a.. Baer asked.
Governor Uses Lash.
cit certainly does" answered Governor
Oden quickly, land there is no reason
why you should not"
Mr. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose to go.
Mr. Thomas remarking that the matter
would be presented TO the other opera
tors and that an early answer would be
forthcoming Mr.. Baer said; I'VE are to
meet a committee of the manufacturers
association on Tuesday and we will have
an answer then
The conference broke up. Mr.. Baer and
Mr.. Thomas Withdrawing. Senators
the matter for a snort time and then
they, too. separated, the two Pennsyl-
vania cenators announcing that they
would go back TO Harrisburg and dis
cuss the SITUATION with Governor Stone.