The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-10-17
M|TCHELL'S LETTER
TO The PRESIDENT
He Reviews the Strike and Congratu-
Iat0S Mr.. Roosevelt defends the
Miners Organization.

Washington. Oct. fT.--The following tel
egraphic correspondence between Presi-
dent Roosevelt and John Mitchell, prssi-
dent or the United Mine Workers was
made public at the White House todayi
White House
Washington, Oot a. 1902
Mn John Mitchell, president United Mine
Workers OF America, WLkesbarre, Pa :
have appointed as commissioners.
Brig. Gen John II. Wilson. Mr. Il. w.
Parker. Judge George Gray. Mr.. E. u.
Clark, Mr. Thomas IL Watkins and Bish-
op John l.. Spaulding with Hon. Carroll
ID. Wright as recorder. There names are
accepted by the operators and / now
most earnestly ask and urge that the mi
ners likewise accept this commission. 1t
is a matter OF vital concern TO all our
people and especially TO those In our great
cities who are least well of, that the mi
ming OF coal should be resumed without
q days unnecessary delay.
Csigned) THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
MITCHEILSs REPLY.
wiikesbarre, Pa. Oct 49, 1902
Hon. Theodore Roosevelt President or
the United States. Washington. d. CT
Dear Sir--I am In receipt OF your tee-
gram of Oct 16, which names the gentle
mcn you have appointed as commission
ers Replying thereto. / beg TO inform
you that your recommendations were
submitted TO the members OF the execu- |
tive board OF districts /. 7 and Q, United |
Mine Workers of America, and they have |
unanimously agreed To call delegate |
convention 20 be held next Monday and |
Will recommend TO the convention that |
all men now on strike return to the po-
sitions and working places formerly oc-
cupied by them and submit 20 the COM
mission appointed by you all questions
at Issue between the operators and mine
xUrS.r rlr.axe sef4 ~ eAra .4e II ~
AN UNTENABLE POSITION.
In connection with this subject we are
glad TO know that the managers OF the
coal companies have decided to recede
from the untenable position which they
so long occupied and 20 accept modified
proposition for the arbitration OF the coal
strike and TO give you fun latitude in the
selection OF commission.
IL Will be remembered that we pro-
posed on Oct. 3. to place the whole mat
ter In your hands and TO accept the YER
dict Of tribunal of your own selection
II will also be remembered that the COM
pany managers at that time refused to ac-
cept the arbitrament OF the president OF
the United States and preferred that OF
the local common pleas judges. We pro-
posed 70 leave everything 70 you without
condition or reservation, having the ut
most faith In your impartiality and good
judgement.
In their refusal TO accept your arbi-
trament The operators sought 20 hold
you partly accountable for to very con-
ditions which you were trying TO remedy
and instruct you as to your duties con-
cernfng them
EIGHT DAYS LATER.
Eight days later they agnin appeared
before you. dropping the common pleas
Judge and proposing TO abide by the YER
dict OF tribunal appointed by you. but
attempting TO prescribe within fixed and
narrow limits the character and voca-
uon OF the men VOC were to name
To this proposition. as the Operators
made IL. We were unalterably opposed.
First. beceuse our respect for you as