The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-28
Operators, However, Say They Are
willing 10 Meet Employees with
Grievances at Any Time.
GOMPERS AS A CoNCILIAToR
HIS DECISION IN THE CINCINNATI
BREWERY TROUBLES.
Finding That May Result i'm n Settle
ment of the Long Strike-La-
bor News i'm General.

NEW YORK. March 27.-Mine workers
and mine owners of the anthracite fields
debated their differences for four hours
to-day in a conference arranged by the
Cancellation committee of the National
Civic Federation. but the meeting was with
out result. save that the workers agreed
not to strike on April l, as decreed at the
Shamokin convention. There is TO be fur
ther friendly discussion between the two in
terests. and Senator Hanna, as chairman OF
the industrial department OF the Fedora
ton. was empowered to call another con-
ference at any favorable time within the
next thirty days. The workers asked for
an increase in pay, a shortenfSg of the
working day TO eight hours and thN-sdop-
ton of a scale for the entire district. ~
operators declined TO grant the demands
as to time and pay, and refused 10 permit
the complete unionizing of their properties.
The operators offered to meet employees
with grievances at any time. but insisted
that there be no distinction between union
and nonunion men. They also asserted that
present market conditions did not warrant
any increase in wages or a decrease in
working time.
Senator Hanna, Oscar s. Straus and
Frank Duncan, a subcommittee named by
the conciliators, arranged foS the confer
ence which was held ar the Church Mis-
sion House. The operators present were
w. II. Truesdale, president OF the Della
ware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad; l..
B. Thomas. chairman of the board of the
Erie Railroad; George S. Baer, OF the
Reading Railroad, and Robert Oliphant.
president of the Delaware q Hudson Com
pany, while the spokesmen for the miners
were John Mitchell. president OF the United
Mine Workers Association, and District
Presidents Nichols, John Fancy and
Thomas Duffy.
The labor leaders contended that the men
were not given satisfactory pay and that
there were inequalities in the present wage
system which should be remedied by the
adoption of a uniform scale. They also
held that the working day should be short
ened. The operators contended that the
higher pay and shorter day demanded
would represent a wage increase OF % per
cent. which commercial conditions did not
warrant.
The presidents Of the coal companies out
lined three propositions. and said that un-
der no circumstances would they recede.
Those propositions were as follows:
"Eirst-There should be nc distinction
between union and nonunion men.
''SecOnd-That the officials OF the COM
panies would meet committees consisting
of employees TO discuss and adjust all griev-
ances The members OF the committees
must be persons in the employ OF the COM
panies, but the matter Of their appoint
ment would not be inquired into, either as
TO their religion, politics or membership in
labor organizations.
''Third-That the coal must be prepared
TO meet the market requirements, and that
the output of the mines must be MAIN
tanned at their productive capacity, and in
no way be interfered with"
The presidents also made the point that
the ultimatum OF the union 10 strike on
April did not give proper time for dis
cussOn of the differences existing and
seemed like a threat held over them. Pres
ident Mitchell and his assistants said they
were desirOus of improving the condition
OF their fellow-wOrkers by peaceful means,
and that while there was any prospect OF
accomplishing their purpose by such means
they were prepared TO withhold the strike
order. Mr. Mitchell agreed TO withdraw
the order temporarily 10 give opportunity
for the second conference, which Senator
Hanna Is 10 call
When Senator Hanna came from the con-
ference room he said: The miners repre-
sentatives have pledged themselves 10 with
draw the threat Of a partial strike on April
J. Both sides are 10 take time 10 consider
the representations made to-day, and in
thirty days. or at call, the committee is TO
meet and hear the results OF this dellbera-
ton An agreement seems likely
Mr.. Straus said: we are very hopeful
that there viii be an agreement that VIII
prevent a long and disastrous strike"
Neither Mr.. Mitchell nor any Of the coal
operators would discuss the conference or
the general situation for publicat tiOn.
President Mitchell tonight sent the fol-
lowing telegram, addressed 10 the secre-
taries Of the three anthracite districts.
I'VE held a conference with presidents
of the coal-carrying railroads and the con-
citation committee OF the National Civic
Federation to-day. After discussing the
situation the Civic Federation requested
postponement OF action for a period not q,
exceed thirty days, within which time
operator agree 10 meet US in conference
with the Civic Federation for the purpose
of trying TO reconcile differences between
us Ia the meantime mines are 10 continue
In operation as usual We are hopeful that
the questions at issue Will be satisfactorily
adjusted and a strike averted. Notify all
mine workers 10 defer action upon resolu-
tions adopted at Shamohn convention"
This was signed by John Mitchell. T. d
Nichols. John Fahey and Thomas Duffy
Senator Hanna returned TO Washington
this evening.
GOMPERs PLAYS MEDIATOR