New-York tribune., 1902-10-01
CONFERENCES ON STRIKE.
THE PRESIDENT AND CABINET MEM
BERS DISCUSS THE SITUATION.


Washington. sept. 3o-The President to-day
took steps 10 ascertain what, If anything, could
be done by federal authority 70 settle the coal
strike. The result rather general eNpres-
sion OF opinion by the advisers OF the President
20 the effect that the federal laws and constitu-
ton did not afford means for interference 20
end the strike but another conference will be
held tomorrow and the President will do all
he can properly and legally 10 bring about
settlement
A conference was held with three Cabinet
officers-Attorney General Knox. Secretary
Moody and Postmaster General Payne. Gov
ernor Crane OF Massachusetts also was present
These men met President Roosevelt first, and
after the subject had been considered for some
time they adjourned 10 another room and con-
ferred together for hour. They all returned
later in the day and held another conference
with the President al which the strike situa-
tion was discussed further.
President Roosevelt is deeply concerned over
the situation The approach of winter with
coal famine imminent and the distress and suf-
fering that must ensue unless coal becomes
available. present a situation which he thinks
should receive the attention of the admnistra-
ton. II there IS anything that can he done by
the government. Many appeals have been made
10 him and he has received many suggestions,
and A was his desire 10 ascertain what power the
federal authority could evoke that caused the
conference 10 be- held.
SITUATION THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED.
In the conferences every phase OF the situ-
otion was discussed. The general opinion of the
advisers of the President Was that the situation
did not present a case in which there could he
federal interference by any warrant of laN.
There has been no Interference with federal
mage Of the mails or resistance II the process
of the United States courts. II was pointed
out that there was no occasion Tor the use Of
federal troops. as Governor Stone ~ Penusyl-
,,ania had not called on the government for ass
sistance. nor had he even exhausted the re-
sources Of the State 10y calling out the fun
strength of the militia. The question Of the
right 10 seek the appointment OF receivers for
the mines in order that they might be oper-
sted. was discussed but neither In the consti-
tuition nor in any known law could any warrant
be found for such action. although the discus
sion went so far as the consideration OF how
the properties could be relinquished and con-
troll surrendered after the object Of supplying
coal had been accomplished, assuming that the
federal government could intervene through re-
oeivers.
The tenor OF the whole discussion was 20 the
effect that there was a lack Of the power in the
federal administration 10 take any action at
the present stage OF the srike. although the
seriousness OF the coal famine now and the
much greater evils soon 70 follow were consid-
cred al length and with a wish 70 discover
some method OF ending the industrial deadlock.
Governor Cranes presence naturally brought
into prominence the proceedings begun in the
Massachusetts courts 20 secure the appoint
mept OF receivers for the coal properties bl,
the opinion expressed that the situation
could not he met successfully by this method
Advices were received that the strike Nigh,
be settled by the operators and the miners
themselves and IL was suggested that hastv in
reference OF any kind by the federal govern
ment might prevent the consumrla ton OF the
plans FOR a settlement of the strike II any psns
were maturing. While recognizing the iDex-
pedience OF Efforts 10 end the strike which could
accomplish nothing Il was said that the Presi-
dent Was anxious that the end Of the strfk.
should be brought about at the earliest nos
sible moment. and N he Attorney General ~
any other member Of the Cabinet could devise
a method by which he could proceed he would
not hesitate 10 adopt A. unless IN the mean time
assurances Of q settlement were received After
Continued page SiKtesn.