Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-10-11
MIR. BAER,s ULTIMATUM.

ference yesterday between Governo
Odell, Senators Plat, Quay and Penfos'
and Mr.. Baer of The Reading Railroad
ended in failure so far as terminating the
miners strike was concerned.
Mr.. Baer was not in the best of humol
when, accompanied by f. B. Thomas,
chairman of the board of directors OF The
Erie Railroad, he entered Senator Place
Office. The conference was began by {
statement made by Senator Penrose thai
the situation was becoming so serious
that some solution must be found al
once. He suggested that the operators
should incline to some concessions TO-
ward settlement.
'1f you mean by that, said President
Baer, ''that we are TO recognize The ex-
isteuce of labor union, tell you right
now that the operators will consider nc
such proposition"
Governor Odell was on his feet in an
instant. Holding a half-burned cigar
in his hand and white with excitement,
he said:
care we to understand chat no kind
Cf concliatory proposition will receive
consideration at the hands of the opera
tors ?''
81 did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer, "but / do say, and | reiierate it,
that we will not accept political advice
or allow the interference of politicians in
this our affair"
Governor Odell, still manifesting ex-
citement, said; ''What do you mean
by politicians? | want you and all the
other operators to understand that | am
the governor of New York, the chosen
representative of seven million people,
and that / am here in this matter solely
in that capacity and to relieve, ifpossible,
an intolerable situation. And what is
more, inrend to use every power at my
command 20 do it,
President Baer, bowed 10 Gov. Odell
and said:
"Gpvernor, beg your pardon. No
personal affront was intended, and we
will listen 10 any suggestion you may
have 20 make: but again repeat that we
must refuse 10 recognize the union as
represented by Mr. Mitchell"
'1 believe" said the governor, 'that
your position from public view is abs0-
lutely untenable. If coal operators, rail-
road men, and other business men can
combine for mutual profit and protection,
there is no reason why laboring men
should not"
''What is the propositions" said Mr.
Baer, coldly.
Gust this" said Gov. Odell. 81 am
sure that the labor organization OF which
Mr. Mitchell is head desires him to be
fair with the general public. If the
operators will consent 20 give Che men
5 cents ION increase / will personally
present it 10 the miners, and believe
they will accept ii. 1t is a fair propo-
sitiOn."
'Does this mean, Gov. Odell, that we
are 20 recognize the miners union"'
Mr.. Baer asked.
at certainly does" answered Gov.
Odell, quickly; "and there is no reason
why you should not"
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose 10 60,
Mr. Thomas remarking that the mat er
would be presented to the Other opera
tols and that an early answer would be
forthcoming. Mr. Eaer said:
1--WE e 10 meet a committee OF the
Manufacturers Association on Tuesday,
and we may nave an answer then"
The conference broke up, MI Bael
and Mr.. Thomas Withdrawing. Senators
Platt, Penrose, and Quay TALKED Over
the mater ior short time, and then
they, too, separated, tbe two Penn.
sylyanians announcing that they would
go back 10 Harrisburg and discuss The
situation with Gov. Stone.