Waterbury Democrat., 1902-10-18
CERTAIN TO ACCEPT
Delegates to Miners Conven-
 tion Being Chosen.
OPPOSITION TO SETTLEMENT WEAK.

Meeting to Consider Strike Arbitra-
 ton Likely to Continue Two Days.
 Coal Companies Prepare to Sup~
 ply Fuel to Consumers.
 WILKSEBARRE, Pa., Oct. 1S.-In accordance with the call issued by or der of the executive board of the an thracite districts of the miners union all locals" throughout the coalfields are electing delegates to the conven- ton which will be held here next Mon- day to consider the acceptance or re- lection of the arbitration plan sub- mitted by President Roosevelt.
 It is practically certain that ma- jority of the delegates will come to the convention instructed to vote in favor of accepting the arbitration scheme. The prominent officials of the union say there is no fear that the opposition will be strong enough to defeat the eff forts of those who favor ending the strike by arbitrating their differences with the operators. President Mitchell does not care to anticipate the action of the convention, but from his manner it is taken that he has not the slightest doubt as to the result. He will go into the convention and make a strong speech for the acceptance of the arbi- tration scheme. The indications are the convention will last two days and that there will be much debate on various features of the arbitration plan. The principal question to be discussed before the plan is accepted by the miners will be that of taking care of all the men. The conditions of the mines are such that all workmen cannot be given work i'm mediately, and some will have to wait for weeks before the companies can take care of them. The operators will not dismiss the nonunion men in order to give employment to returning striker. It is understood the union will take care of all such men who fail to find immediate employment. This will be done by drawing funds from the re- lief fund, which is said to be still grow ing.
 The coal companies will do all in their power to meet the public demand for coal Preparations for resuming as soon as the miners call the strike off are going on apace.
 It is estimated that 25 per cent of the colieries will be in operation on the first day after the suspension is over The railroads are also making every effort to have enough cars on hand to carry the freshly mined coal to market and are sending thousands of cars into the regions and placing them on sidings at the collieries.
 Arbitrators Confer With President.
 WASHINGTON, Oct. 1S.-Brigadier General John M. Wilson, the military member of the coal strike arbitration commission, and Colonel Carroll D. Wright, recorder of the commission, have had an extended conference with President Roosevelt. They discussed pretty fully the events leading up to the appointment of the commission and tentatively some arrangements for its work. On leaving the White House General Wilson indicated that the body would be organized in Washing ton, but when and where its sittings would be held were details which would be worked out by the commis- sion itself. It is known that the com mission will not begin it's labors form ally until the miners shall have agreed to it. Later in the day D. ". Parker, the mining expert of the commission, called at the White House with Dr. David n. Day of the geological survey and formally accepted his appoint meat. MT. Parker remained with the president and Colonel Wright for considerable time It is not announced yet how the expenses of the commis- sion will be paid The civilian mem- bers will be entitled to a per diem fixed by the president, but from what fund the amount will be paid has not been determined.