The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1902-11-26
COMP R0MISE Is LIKELY
Attempt to Adjust Differences
Outside of Commission.

The Pennsylvania mine workers,
through their representatives have
agreed with the mine owners to
attempt to adjust the differences exist
ing between them outside the anthra-
cite coal strike commission.
The proposition was made on a COM
promise basis, and negotiations, it is
expected, will be at once entered upon,
with reasonable hope of settlement
with the aid of the arbitrators.
The rough proposition which is to
form the basis of negotiations is 4
ten per cent increase in wages, a nine
hour day, and trade agreements be-
tween the miners and the company
by whom they are employed. The
only one of the four demands not
touched upon is that of weighing Of
coal by the legal ton.
Few persons were aware that an at
tempt would be made at an outside
settlement until 1t was practically 50
man of the commission, who read
carefully prepared announcement from
the bench. The move. one of the
most important in the whole history
of the coal strike, created mild SEN
sation when it became known.
The surprise was all the greater
when it will be remembered that
numerous persons, from the president
Of the United States down, and that
many organizations, from the National
Civic Federation to the small boards of
trade of the mining towns, failed to
bring the two parties together.
Mitchell on Stand Four Days.
President John Mitchell on Tues
day for the fourth successive day
occupied the witness stand during the
two sessions of the strike commission
and was cross-eXamined by three at
torneys for as many coal companies.
While a considerable amount of in
formation for the enlightenment of the
commissioners was brought out the
day was rather a quiet one, compared
with those which have preceded it.
The arbitrators are growing rest
less in consequence of the long cross.
examination which apparently does not
bring out the facts as quickly as the
commission would like to have them
presented. Several times during the
course Of the session Chairman Gray
reminded the attorneys of the value of
time and suggested that cross-exam-
ination be limited to new features of
those questions that have already
been gone over.
The commissioners for the first
time entered into the discussion with
the lawyers amid the witness over dis
puted points which arose from time TO
time.
Mr.. MacVeagh, who began his cross.
examination of Mr.. Mitchell on Satur-
day concluded at IL o'clock. He at
tempted to break down the miners
reasons for asking for yearly agree
ment with the companies on hours Of
labor, wages and other conditions
which II formed would be recognition
of the union.
Weekly Trade Review.
Bradstreets says of the state of
trade:
Favorable conditions still govern the
trade situation. The mild, open fall
weather is complained of as restricting
the movement of winter goods at retail
and delaying collections at a few
points, but it is not to be forgotten that
present temperatures favor the con-
tinued growth of the cotton crop and
a larger yield than heretofore expected,
while it is enabling the railroads to
make far better fight against the pre-
vailing freight congestion than was
earlier deemed possible.
Export trade returns look better
than preliminary reports foreshadowed.
The outlook is apparently for heavy
Of Christmas goods, par
ticularly jewelry and fancy articles
Spring business, too, is in more for
ward condition than in previous years.
Dairy products naturally feel the in
1uences Of the advancing stage of the
season. The talk of war in the sugar
trade has suddenly ceased, coincident
apparently with the discovery by the
beet sugar men that prices now pre-
yailing are Improbable, and that re-
cent arrivals of California beet sugar
might better be stored than put on
the market. The strength Of the raw
product is unabated.
Canal Closes Thursday, Dec. 4.
As a result of an order by Superin-
tendent Boyd, it is likely that canal
navigation will be extended week
longer than was provided for in the
official order issued for the closing
of the canals.
The date originally fixed was at
of Nov. 30, the order carry
ing with it instructions to collectors
that no through clearances were to be
issued later than the 22d inst., the in.
tervening time being necessary to
reach tidewater.
Very heavy coal shipments, the heav-
lest in recent years, are reported from
all points on the canal, and It is the
desire to have the
canals contribute all they possibly can
to aid in supplying coal to all points
along the line The superintendent
took up the subject with the govern
ment weather bureau as to what may
be expected in the way of weather
conditions and was assured that mild
weather is almost a certainty for 10
days. and that severe weather is hardly
possible before the end of two weeks.
He has therefore directed that
through clearances shall be issued IN