Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-11-19
COM M|SS|ONERS
ARE D|SPLEASED
Corporation Lawyers VAST
ing Too Much Time.
Strike Arbitrators Not Salts
fled With the Manner in
Which Operators Counsel
Is Delaying Investigation.

'' WV ChO'S SSo'iSSi
Is Delaying Investigation.
From Scranton comes an authenti-
Gated announcement that the mem bers
sion are becoming alarmed at the policy
that Is being pursued at the investiga-
tion hearings by the attorneys Of the
coal roads. The plan OF the operators
lawyers Is apparently to lengthen the
investigation TO point unthought OF,
| by the introduction OF a mass of ir-
revalent testimony. 1t Is said that the
comm lssioners are anxious to have every
point, even the smallest detail, Of the
controversy fully ventilated, but they
do not approve and will soon call a
halt upon the waste of time occasoned
by each lawyer following the others
over ground already fully covered.
The investigation is dragging too
slowly to suit the commissioners, and 1t
is likely the commission will ask both
sides to agree to some arrangement for
expedting the investigation. Mr..
Mitchell has now been on the stand for
five days and thus far only his attorney,
c. S. Darrow, and David Wilcox, for
the Delaware and Hudson; Wayne Mac
Veagh, for the Erie; Francis l. Gowen,
for the Lehgh Valley, and W. w. Ross,
for the Delaware, Lackawanna and
Western Company, have examined the
miners president.
Mr.. MacVeagh, who began his cross
examination of Mr.. Mitchell on Satur-
day, concluded at IL o'clock yesterday.
His principal aim throughout his ques-
tioning was to show that the Mine
Workers Union, because of alleged acts
of intimidation, violence and the use OF
the boycott by its members, proved It.
self unfit to be party to a contract.
Mr.. Mitchell would not admit, nor even
assume for the sake of illustrating a
point, that reign Of terror existed In
the anthracite fields during the last six
months.
The recognition OF the union is looked
upon as the most important question be-
fore the com mission, and it is quite evil
dent from the trend of the proceedings
thus far that the.companies will oppose
it to their utmost ability.
AS soon as Mr.. MacVeagh had finish
| ed, Judge Gray announced that the COM
mission did not wish to limit the liberty
of any one appearing as representing
others, but they believed they had
obtained as much information as they
are likely to get on the subjects touched
upon.
Judge Gray announced that II there
was any new line OF examination the
commission would not object to hearing
the testimony.
Former Congressman Simon p. VOL
verton, representing the Reading Com
plny, informed the commission that
future examinations would be very brief.
Mr. Gowen and Mr.. Ross questioned
Mr.. Mitchell principally regarding con-
o'o'oho ohisoip6 az euO tOIIIoiicS VI Iuo
companies they represent. These ques-
tions were more or less technical. Mr..
Mitchell's answers, as rule, differed
very little from the reasons given in his
preliminary statement to the commits
sion for improved conditions for the mine
workers.
Interest in the proceedings is not
waning. The large crowds which were
wedged in the courtroom In the opening
days of the hearing are yet In evidence.
The cross-examination OF Mr.. Mitchell
was resumed 1t 10 o'clock this morning
NoNUNIoN MINERS PLEA.
The non-union mine workers, through
their attorneys, John Z. Lenahan and
Joseph O'Brien, have filed the statement
OF their case with the commissioners.
1t is said the non-union miners seeking
recognition before the commission num-
ber 1000. The demand in part is as
follows:
Frst--For an increase OF 20 per cent
upon the price paid during the year 1901,
to employees performing contract and
piece work.
Second-For a like increase of 20 per
cent upon the price paid during the
year 1901, to employees paid by the hour,
day or week.
Continuing, the statement says that
instead of desiring reduction in the
hours of employment, 1--WE insist upon