Sistersville daily oil review. [volume] (Sistersville, W. Va.) 1902-1905, 1902-10-06
Were Reticent.

Washington, Oct. 6.-ln an earnest
effort to expedite the adjustment OF
the coal strike problem another con-
ference over the situation was held
at the White House yesterday, and ad-
journed after three hours deliberation.
No statement was given out as to the
conclusions reached and every par
ticipant absolutely refused to discuss
what had taken place during the
meeting. The conference was called
for yesterday, although it was Sun
day, in view CT the extraordinary i'm
portance to the American people Of a
speedy solution of the question. Be-
sides the president there were pres
ent at the cnference Secretary Of War
Root. Secretary of the Navy Moody,
Attorney General Knox, Postmaster
General Payne and Colonel Carroll D..
Wright, United States commissioner
of labor. The last named was sum
moned to attend the conference on ac-
count Cf his expert knowledge Of the
situation in the anthracite coal fields,
and because CT his personal investi-
cation CT the conditions there which
he made some months ago at the in
stance CT the president.
Called For Lawyers Determination.
1t was notable that only four Of the
members of the cabinet were present.
This, however, was significant only Of
the fact that three Of these four were
lawyers and that the issue involved
was one which called for the delib-
Grafton Of trained legal minds. The
fourth cabinet officer, Postmaster Gen
eral Payne, has taken prominent part
in the preliminary conferences over
the coal situation which led up to the
conference with the railroad presi-
dents and the miners representatives
Friday, and, besides, has had a life
long Identification with corporate in
terests which are involved in the pres
ent question. The fact that Mr..
Payne also has been one Of the clos
est advisers for many years in the
national councils Of his party, like
wise is important in connection with
the personnel of the conference. It
began shortly after 10 o'clock yester-
day morning, the time fixed by the
president. When those who were to
participate arrived at the White
House in a drizZling rain, they found
Surgeon General Rixey, Of the navy,
and DR.. Lung, the presidents physi-
clan, already there, making the morn
ing call on the distinguished patient.
This caused a delay Of few minutes.
When the two physicians left it was
reported that the presidents condi-
ton was progressing satisfactorily
and that there were no outward de-
velopments.
President Under Much Excitement.
The president, in expressing his
views at the outset Of the conference,
talked earnestly and showed a deep
feeling. His. voice at times became
heard downstairs. Several times dur
ing the conference Secretary Cortel-
you was summoned into the room and
directed to prepare certain matters
for the consideration Of the president
and his advisers. This was taken TO
indicate tha: some action Of one ma
ture or another WAS about to be con-
summated.
When the conference adjourned a
few minutes before l o'clock all those
who had joined in it declined to talk.
Every member of the cabinet and
Colonel Wright, the only. outsider who
was present, was pledged to the presi-
dent TO absolute secrecy as to what
had occurred within the conference
room. The utmost efforts were made
to guard against publicity. just as the
presidential summons which called
the conference had been made in a
very quiet and carefully guarded way.
Not since the Spanish war has there
been such reticence shown at a con-
ference Of such character as was