The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-11-22

almost certain that the miners will stand
out strongly for a contract with the
United Mine Workers of America in
stead Of yearly contracts and conferences
between each company and the men 1t
directly employs, as proposed by the
operators. - = ~ :. ~: =.
On two Of the other demands, increase
in wages and a shorter work day, a com
promise, it is thought, can readily be
made. -. : .: - i -
The commission adjourned to-day until
December Sd and most Of the commission.
ers and out-of town attorneys Immediately
left for their homes. Ear.
The commission was In session only
twenty minutes. Immediately upon con-.
vening at 10 o'clock, c.. s: DarTow, counsel
for the miners, rose and suggested that
the commission adjourn until either the
first or third day of December. He gave
as his reason the inability Of the miners
to present additional facts and figures at
this time and said If the suggestion was
agreed to by the attorneys for the oper-
ators and by the commission he had the
greatest confidence that it would be pro-
duc tive of much good. 80, -,
l. Judge Gray Is Pleased.
Judge Gray as chairman Of the commits
sion, in reply said that he heard with
much satisfaction the suggestion Of Mr..
Darrow and he felt the adjournment would
meantime he hoped both sides would con-
fer regarding the submission OF facts and
figures and hoped that they might be able
to consider other matters satisfactorily.
Both sides had made their submission of
their cases he said and the commission
cannot abrogate its duty to make a final
award unless the submissions are with
drawn.
Ira H. Burns of Scranton. one OF the
attorneys. for the independent operators
had a short discussion with Judge Gray
regarding the position of the independent
operators. He thought the individual con-
Germs should have been. consulted in the
matter.
Judge Gray interrupted to say that the
commission was not party to anything
that had been done by the large operators
and the miners. AL the commissions,
had done had been done in open session.
independents Claim Anarchy.
e Mr.. Burns read q statement for the In
dependent operators. It declared that
something more vital than the mere adj
vancing of wages or the recognition OF
any labor organization was involved.
1.-The Independent operators believe"
the statement goes on, that the rights Of
American citizens have been assailed, ter
rorisn1, intim idation and indeed anarchy
has prevailed throughout the anthracite
region and it is the purpose Of the opera.
tors to at least nave an expression OF tho
American people through this honorable
commission, appointed by its president,
thereby placing their seal of disapproval
upon future acts, so that anyone claiming
to be citizen and under the protection OF
American government would hesitate be-
fore he would assail the right Of another
individual American"
The independent operators declare that
under prevailing conditions they cannot
concede an advance of wages and they de-
sire the opportunity Of presenting facts and
figures which will show, they declare, that
the general average Of earnings of the
miners working for the independent oper-.
ators is over $500 year and In many in
stances from $1,000 to 81, 200 per year.
In declaring the commission adjourned
until Dec. 8, Chairman Gray announced
that committee would remain In Scran-
ton for the purpose Of taking up any need
full matters. Commissioners Watkins,
Parker and Clark were appointed to re-
main. T. -~-.r
The Attorneys Confer. -
The principal attorneys for the miners
and the operators held conference this
afternoon at which general understand
ing was reached regarding the negotia-
lions for settlement. The greatest conf
dence was expressed by the lawyers on
both sides that final agreement would
be reached within ten days.