Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-08-28
MITCHELL NOT A FACTOR
Nothing That He Can do Will
Change Position.
MORGAN KEEPS HIS HANDS OFF
VIII Not Take Any Part in the Dis
pute-Meeting Held in New York at
I Which Time the Situation Was
E&%Talked Over. ga, i.,.. ..ils.lA.

l.-ualkeo oVer' saA.y -.il1iAh
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New York, Aug. 27.-No new plans
for arpitrating the coal strike, no mat
ter by whom they are inspired, will
be considered by the operators, and no
influence that President Mitchell OF
the United Mine Workers can bring
to bear on them will change their posi-
ton one iota.
Such was the conclusion reached late
yesterday by the presidents of the an
thracite coal carrying companies in
conference. 1t was also stated Off
cially that j. Pierpont Morgan will not
take any hand in the dispute.
Discuss Strike at Luncheon.
The meeting of the coal presidents
was held in a private room in the Del
monico building, where President
Fowler of the New York, Ontario and
Western railroad gave a luncheon to
the other presidents. The conference
took place during luncheon, and while
1t was not largely attended it was in
many respects the most important
held by the representatives of the coal
roads since the strike began Presi
dent Baer, President Underwood of
/. the Erie railroad, and President Trues-
dale of the Lackawanna railroad.
The situation at the mining districts
was. discussed for two hours, during
which time reports from the mines
were considered. The reports showed
that men were applying for work in
increasing numbers, but that a break
in the strike had not occurred yet. No
time it was stated was fixed for open
ing the collieries, but the question as
to the preparing the mines for reopen
ing was considered fully.
Will Recognize No Interference.
President Baer was seen when the
conference was over and made the fol
lowing statement:
THE operators are a unit in stand
ing by their original position. The
situation at the mines is improving
daily. A few more men are apply
Ing to be taken back every day, but
when the work will be actively re-
sumed l will not undertake to say.
will say, however, that no interference
by any outside parties, no matter how
highly We may esteem the parties
themselves, will have any effect. The
matter at issue can only be settled be-
tween the operators and the miners.
"Defendng American Liberty"
"The statement of Mr.. Hewitt that
the operators are defending American
liberty exactly covers the ground. 1t
is calm, logical, and ought to be con-
yincing. 1t exactly represents the po-
sillon Of both sides in the controversy.
/ believe it will aid in bringing about
al. end of the strike. l could not add
one word to it that will help to offset
the we'll meant attempt of people of
high standing In the commounity, but
who are not business men, to bring up
the question of arbitration again.
Mr.. Boer added that this hope of ar
bitration which was held out, but
which had no foundation, had good
deal to do in prolonging the strike.
He said. in answer to a question, that
President Mitchell of the united mine
workers could gain nothing by coming
here in the hope of bringing up the
question of arbitration All the argl-
ments which Mitchell could use were
discussed before the strike was de.
clareG.
Morgan's Attitude toward Strike.
A general statement regarding Mr..
Morgan's attitude was made on behalf
of the operators, to the following eff
rect
"Mr. Morgan knew the exact situa.
iion while he was in Europe just as if
he had been here. He was in touch
with everything that TRANSFERRED. and
could have interfered in the dispute
while he was abroad just as easily as
when he returned. His return does
not change the situation. There is nc
reason why he should interfere now
any more than at any time during the
s'.ike, and he does not mean to inter
fere.'
Before Mr. Baer left town he called
at Mr.. Morgan's Office again and, il
was believed. gave him an outline OF
what took place during the conference
OF the coal presidents.
Mitchell Will Not Talk.
Wilkesbarre, Pa. Aug. 27.-When
President Mitchell was informed OF
th.c stand maintained by the coal oper
ators after conference with !. Pier
pont Morgan he said: 81 have moth
ing to say"
Large Number of Men Return.
Wilkesbarre, Pa. Aug. 27.-Presi
dent Mitchell of the United Mine
Workers of America said today that