The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1902-10-11
STORMY SCENE
AT CONFERENCE
-ss-u~-p--sr--
Odell Scores Baer for His Refer.
ence 10 Political Interfer.
ence In Strike.
GOVERNOR SUBMITS OFFER
Asks Operators 10 Pay Him Five
Cents Per Ton More for
Miners, but Proposal
In Spurned.

NEW YORK, Oct. l0--"what do you
mean by 'poltic'ans7' want you and
all operators TO understand that | an
governor OF New York. the chosen rep.
resentatiye OF seven million people. and
that am here In this matter solely In
that capacity and TO relieve, II possible,
the lntolerabe situation. And, what
Is more. Intend to use every power
az my command TO do It."
Governor 0dell made this statement
1 today 10 President Bner. of the Read
ing road IN the presence Of United
| States Senators Platt. OF New York.
and Quay and Penrose. Of Pennsyl-
yanla. II was the cuimination Of o
heated interview In the office Of SEN
ator plntt and result OF the meeting
between Governor Odell and President
Baer.
Baer was not In the best OF humor
when. accompanied by r. B.Thomas,
chairman OF the board of directors Of
the Erie railroad he entered Senator
Platt's Office. The conference began
by statement made by Senator PEN
rose that the situation was becoming
NO serious that some solution must be
found at once He suggested that the
operators should incline TO some con-
cessions toward a settlement.
III YOU mean that" said President
Baer, I'VE are 10 recognize the exist
ence VI the labor union, tell you right
now that the operators viii consider
no such proposition"
Governor odell was on his feet In an
instant, White with excitement, he
said;
Are we 20 understand that no kind
OF IL concill'atory proposition would re-
ceive attention at the hands OF the
operatora2"
II did not say that" answered Baer,
but I do say that we will not accept
any political advice or allow any in
reference of any politicians in this,
our affair.
Then Il was that Governor Odel
made the statement attributed to him
ut the beginning OF this article.
President Baer, evidently appreciate
ing that he had gone too FAR, bowed
TO the governor and said:
Governor, | beg your pardon. No
personal aftront was intended, and we
s;Ill will listen to any suggestion you
may have TO make; but again. re-
peat that VIZ must refuse to recognize
the union represented by Mr., Mitch
ell"
Il believe said Governor odell, |
that your position from a public view
Is absolutely untenable. II coal oper-
ators, railroad men and other business
men can combine for mutual profit and
protection, there is no reason why the
aboring men should not
What is the proposition" asked
saer, coldly..
Just this" said Governor odell. "a
I'm sure that the labor organization OF
which Mr.. Mitchell is the head, desires
o be fair with the general pubic. II
he operators will consent to give me
cents a ton increase, I will personally
resent 1t TO the miners, and | be.
Ieve that they will accept IL. 1t Is
air proposition"
Does this mean, Governor Odell,
hat we are to recognize the miners
nion?" said Baer.
TT certainly does" answered Gov
rnor odell quickly, "and there is no
eason why you should not"
Baer and Thomas rose to so, Thomas
that the matter would be
resented to the other operators and ,
nat an early answer would be forth
omlng, Baer said;
1--WE are to meet the committee of {
he Manufacturers Association on |
uesday aud we may have an answer
len." I,
After the conference the governor
lid:
The coal operators may postpone 2
lis matter until Tuesday. but | don't .
ropose to postpone. They are not
sting fairly toward the people. IL
elleve I shall find some remedy"
About o'clock John Mitchell called
the governor and had a long con.
renee. While this was going on a G
spaIch announcing that the operators o
I'd refused to consider the terms OF, $
red by Governor odell was received II,
Governor odell said; :
''Mr. Mitchell was eminently fair and n