Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1902-10-16
ODELL WILL TRY IT
GOVERNOR or NEW YORK MAKES A
MOVE TO STOP THE COAL WAR.
Defends the Minewoskers Union and Re-
guests Operators to Recognize 1t and
Grant Men an Increase Some Warm
Words INDUCED In on Both Sides -
Railroad Men Secure Delay.

AVW AOfky OCts lls~-A conference
was held today at the Office Of Senator
Platt. Governor Odell, Senators PIatt,
Of New York, and Quay and Penrose,
Of Pennsylvania. President Baer, Of the
Reading railroad and +. B. Thomas,
chairman Of the board Of directors OF
the Erie road were present. The con-
ference began with q statement made
by Senator Platt that the situation was
becoming so serious that some solution
must be found at once. He suggested
that the operators should incline to
some concessions toward a settlement.
'If you mean by that" said Presi-
dent Baer, "that We are to recognize
the existence Of labor union, | tell
you right now that the operators will
consider no such proposition"
Governor odell was on his feet In an
instant. Holding . half burnt cigar
In his hand, and white with excite
ment, he said: fare we to understand
that no kind Of conciIiatory proposition
would receive attention at the hands Of
the operators7"
81 did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer; "but | do say that we will not
accept political advice or allow the in
reference of politicians in this our
affair"
"What do you mean by poIiticians2v
said Governor Odell. 81 want you and
ali operators to understand that / am
the governor of New York, the chosen
representative Of 1000, 900 people, and
| am here in this matter solely in that
capacity, and TO relieve, il possible, an
intolerable situation. And, what is
more, ] intend to use every power at
my command TO do it."
President Baer, evidently appreciat-
ing that he had gone too Tar, bowed to
Governor 0dell and said:
Governor, beg your pardon. No
personal affront was intended. and we
will listen to any suggestions you may
have TO make; but, again, repeat that
we must fefuse to recognize the union
represented by Mr.. MITCHELL
I believe Z said the governor. THAT
your position, from a public view, is
absolutely untenable. If coal operat
ors, railroad men and other business
men can combine for mutual profit and
protection there is no reason why labor
ing men should not"
"What is the proposition?" asked
Mr.. Baer, coldly.
Just this" said Governor 0dell.
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 to give the
men five cents ton increase, / will
personally present it to the miners,
and / believe they will accept it. 1t is
a fair proposition"
docs this mean, Governor 0dell,
that we are to recognize the miners
said Mr.. Baer.
1T certainly does," answered Gov
ernor Odell, quickly, 'and there is no
reason why you should not"
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose to 60,
Mr.. Thomas remarking that the matter
would be presented to the other operat-
ors and that an eally answer would be
forthcoming.
I'VE are to meet committee of the
Manufacturers association on Tuesday,
and We may have an asnwer then, said
Mr.. Bael.
The conference broke up, Mr.. Baer
and Mr.. Thomas withdrawing. Senat-
ors Platt, Penrose and Quay talked over
the matter for short time, and then
the two Pennsylvanians an
nouncing that they would go back to
Harrisburg and discuss the situation
with Governor Stone.
After the conference Governor Odell
remarked: "The coal operators may
postpone this matter until Tuesday, but
/ don't propose to postpone. They are
not acting fairly toward the people. /
believe ! shall find some remedy"
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