The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1902-10-17
:, ODELL'S IRE AROUSED.
Resents Vigorously sIur Cast Upon
Him by Mr.. Baer.

III" ny WIZ 0aer.
New York, Oct. 13.-"What do you
mean by politicians? I want you and
all the other operators to understand
that l am the governor Of New York,
the chosen representative of 1000, 900
people, and that I am here in this sole
ly In that capacity, and to relieve, If
possible, an intolerable situation. And
what is more, I intend to use every pow
er at my command to do it."
Governor Odell made this statement
yesterday afternoon to President Baer,
of the Reading road, in the presence of
United States Senators Platt of New
York, n Quay n Penrose of Penn
sylvania. 1t was the elimination of a
rather heated interview in the office of
Senator Plat, and the result of the
first meeting between Governor Odeu
and President Baer. ~
Mr.. Baer was not in the best of hui
NOR when, accompanied by e. 3.
Thomas, chairman of the board of d.
r%ectors Of the Erie road. he entered
Senator Platt's office. The conference
was begun by a statement made by
senator Penrose that the situation was
becoming so serious that some solution
must be found as once. He suggested
that the operators should incline to
some concessions toward a settlement.
No Recognition of Union.
IF you mean by that" said President
Baer, that we are to recognize the ex-
istence of a labor union, / tell you right
now that the operators will consider no
such proposition"
Governor Odell was on his feet in an
Instant. White with excitement, he
said:
Are we to understand that no kind
of a conciliat7ry proposition will re-
ceive consideration at the hands of the
operators?"
Il did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer, but I do say, and reiterate it,
that we will not accept political advice
or allow the interference of politicians
in this,our affair.""
Then it was thai Governor Odell
made. the statement attributed to him
at the beginning Of this article.
President Baer, evidently appreciat-
ing that he had M too far, bowed to
Governor Odell and said:
Governor, I beg your pardon. No
personal affront was intended, and we
will listen to any suggestions you may
have to make; but again I repeat that
we must refuse to recognize the union
as represented by Mr.. Mitchell"
Operators Position untenable.
Il believe" said the governor, that
your position from a public view Is alb
solutely ~untenable. If coal operators,
railroad men and other business men
can combine for mutual profit and pro-
lection, there is no. reason why the
laboring men should not"
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 the head de-
sires him to be fair with the general
public. If the operators will consent
to give the men 5 cents a ton increase
T will personally present it to the
miners, and 7 believe the..' will accept
it. 1t is a fair proposition"
docs this mean, Governor Odell,
that we are to recognize the miners
union?" MI. Baer asked.
TT certainly does" answered Gov
ernor Odell quickly, ""and there is no
reason why you should not
/ Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose to
go, Mr.. Thomas remarking that the
operators, and thai an early answer
would be forthcoming.
MI. Baer said:
I'VE are to meet a committee of the
Manufacturers association on Tues
then." 49,. -.,E.
odeli Talks Vigorously. ~
Governor Odell was not in a talking
mood when he left the conference. He
went directly to the Fifth Avenue ho-
tel, and during most of the afternoon
received many callers. To one of these
the governor said: 2u, ~ J..
THE coal operators may postpone
this matter until Tuesday, but I don't
propose to postpone 1t. They are not
acting fairly toward the people. I be-
Level shall; find some remedy" =
About 5 o'clock John Mitchell, ac-
companied by l.. N. Hammerling, Of
! Wilkesbarre, called and had a long con-
ference. While this was going on a dis
patch announcing that the operators
refused to consider the terms offered
by the governor was received.
When the conference was over Gov
ernor Odell refused to a what had ac-
Cured, and Mr.. Mitchell was equally
reticent. 1t is believed, however, that
Governor Odell presented his PROPOSE
ton for settlement to the leader of the
miners union, and that Mr.. Mitchell
said he would present it to h eSdistrict
presidents In h hope that it would be
accepted.
Governor Odell said:
"Mr. Mitchell was eminently fair, and
showed4every disposition to adjust the
serious situation,
lEtb@HgGE sFt3IEe EIE#E2 F.L2H&