Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1902-11-24
STRAIN TELLS
ON MITCHELL
SHOWS EFFECTS OF THE LONG
SS-EXAMlNATION.
ARBlTRATORS IMPATIENT
Remind Attorneys of Value of Time
and Make Suggestions Toward Elk
pediting the Inquiry-Leader of
Strikers Maintains Reasons He
Gave in His Statement.

Scranton, Nov. '9.-President Mitch
ell, for the fourth successive day, oc-
cupied the witness stand during both
sessions of the strike commission and
was cross-examined Ey three attorneys
for as many coal companies. While
considerable amount of information
for the enlightenment Of the commits
sioners was brought out, the day was
a rather quiet one, compared with
those which preceded 1t. The arbitra-
tors are growing restless in conse-
quence of the long cross examination,
which apparently does not bring out
the facts as quickly as the commission
would like to have them presented.
Several times during yesterdays ses-
sion, Chairman Gray reminded the at
torneys of the value Of time
and suggested that the cross
examination be limited to the
new features Of those ques-
lions that have already been gone
over. The lawyers assured the COM
mission that they too were anxious to
expedite matters and would do every
thing possible to hurry matters along
without injuring their own case.
Mitchell is showing signs of weari-
ness from the strain of four days
REORGANIZATION. The commission
ers yesterday for the first time entered
into a discussion with the lawyers and
witness over the disputes which arose
from time to time. MacVeagh, who
began the cross-examination of Mitch
ell Saturday, concluded at II o'clock
yesterday. The attorney centereu
most of his energies in trying to break
down the miners reasons for asking
for a yearly agreement with the COM
panies on hours of labor,
wages and other conditions
which, if made, would be a
recognition of the union. MacVeagh's
principal aim throughout his question
ing was to show that the mine work
ers' union, because of the alleged acts
of intimidation, violence and use or
boycott, proved itself unfit to be a
party to the contract,
Mitchell would not admit, or even
assume for the sake of illustrating,
the points of the regulation reign Of
terror during the last six months.
Recognition of the union is looked up
on as the most important question be-
fore the commission and it is quite
evident from the trend of the proceed
ings thus far that the companies will
oppose it to their utmost ability.
Mr.. Gowan for the Lehigh Valley
and Mr., Ross for the Delaware, Lack
awanna and Western questioned
Mitchell principally regarding the con-
ditiOns existing at the cOlleries of the
companies they represent. These
questions were more or less technical.
MitchelPs answers, as a rule, differed
very little from the reason given in
his preliminary statement to the com
mission for the improved condition of
the mine workers.
At 4 o'clock the commission ad-
journed until today, Mitchell still be-
ing on the stand. The interest in the
proceedings is not waning. The large
crowds which have been Wedged in
the court room in the preceding days
of the hearings were in evidence,
neither is there a falling off in attend
ance Of the attorneys, Of whom there
are almost two score present at each
session.