The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-11-23
HOPE FOR EARLY
COAL AGREEMENT
Lawyers For Both Sides Say
They Are Sanguine.
SOME PERSONS ARE DUBIOUS
MINERS WILL HOLD OUT FOR
RECOGNITION OF UNION.


< cRANTON. Pa, Nov. 22.-The prin-
cipal attorneys for the miners and
the operators held conference this
afternoon at which a general understand
ing was reached regarding the negotia-
tons to be entered upon for a settlement.
The greatest confidence was expressed
by the lawyers on both sides that a final
agreement would be reached within ten
days.
While most of those interested express
the belief that the two parties viii be
able to agree, some can see no good in
the new move. 1t seem almost certain
that the miners will stand out strongly
for a contract with the United Mine
Workers of America, instead of yearly
contracts and conferences between each
company and the men it directly employs,
as proposed by the operators. On two
Of the other demands-increase in wages
and shorter work day-a compromise,
II is thought, can readily be made
The commission adjourned today until
Dec. 3, and most of the commissioners
left for their homes.
The commission was in session only
twenty minutes today
Independent Operators Object.
Ira H Burns of Scranton. one of the
attorneys for the independent operators.
had short discussion with Judge Gray
regarding the position of the independ-
ent operators. He thought the individual
concerns should have been consulted in
the matter.
Judge Gray interrupted to say that the
commission was not party TO anything
that had been done by the large oper
ators or the miners. All the commission
had done had been done in open session.
Mr.. Burns read a statement showing
the position of the independent operators
at this time. In substance 10 declared
that something more vital than the mere
advancing of wages or the recognition OF
any labor organization was concerned
statement goes on, that the rights of
American citizens have been assailed,
terrorism, intimidation and, indeed, an
archy, has prevailed throughout the an
thracite region and IL is the purpose of
the operators to at least have an express
sion of the American people through this
president, thereby placing their seal of
disapproval upon future acts, so that
anyone claiming TO be citizen and I'M
der the protection of the American gov
eminent would hesitate before he would
assail the rights of another individual
American
Oppose Increase in Wages.
Under the prevailing conditions the in
dependent operators declare they cannot
concede an advance of wages and they
and figures, which will show, they main
tain. that the general average of earn
pendent operators is over 500 year and
In many instances from $1,000 to 1890 per
year.
In declaring the commission adjourned
until Dec 3, Chairman Gray announced
that a committee will be in Scranton for
the purpose of taking up any matters
that any parties before the commission
might desire to present. Subsequent to
the adjournment, Commissioners Wilkins,
Parker and Clark were appointed by the
commission to remain here.
Statement Is Issued.
The committee made up of Commission
ers Watkins, Parker and Clark, this after
noon called into conference as many of
the attorneys representing the parties be-
fore the commission as could be gathered
on short notice and stated to them the
attitude of the commission. After the
meeting a statement was given out in
order that the public may know the posi-
ton of the arbitrators regarding the new
turn of affairs.
The statement SAYS:
ters that the matter is to be settled
the part of the commission This idea is
entirely wrong. The commission will as
announced, cheerfulIy encourage a con-
ciliatory spirit and action between the
parties to the controversy, but the com
mission has not surrendered, and will not
surrender jurisdiction of any matters
which have been referred to it, nor re-
sponsibility for the conclusion reached.
No adjustment can be made which does
not by its terms commend itself strongly
enough to secure the approval of the com
mission and its incorporation in the
award"