New-York tribune., 1902-05-05
FEAR THAT A STRIKE IS NEAR.
MINE WORKERS, HOWEVER, STILL LOOKING TO Mr.. HANNA
FOR HELP-S7AT TEMENT BY THE SENATOR.
NOT TO MEET AGAIN.
INSTRUCTIONS SENT To MR.. EAsLEY
NOT TO CALL CANCELLATION COM
MITTEE TOGETHER.
Tracy c. Becker.
John Clinton Gray.

Philadelphia May 4-Senator Hanna In an
interview to-day with a reporter for The AssO-
cated Press characterized the situation in the
anthracite coal region as extremely delicate, and
for that reason said it would be unwise for him
to express an opinion to the probable result
of the meeting Of the executive committee of the
United Mine Workers for the three anthracite
districts called for next Wednesday, al Scran-
ton, by President Mitchell The Senator added
that he officially informed to-day by Ralph
NJ. Easley secretary of the National Civic
Federation, of the statement issued last night by
President Mitchell in New-York He had imme-
diately telegraphed to Mr.. Easley. instructing
him to refrain from calling another meeting of
the Cancellation committee, that procedure
would be useless in view of the latest develop
ment
Senator Hanna said that he had been await
ing report from the SUBJ committee of the
ciliation committee, but that Mr.. Mitchelrs
statement had anticipated it. The work of the
Cancellation committee ended when it had
brought together the operators and the repre-
sentattves of the miners union. He added that
nothing more could be done unless there were
some developments He continued:
want TO emphasize the fact that the confer
enceS between the operators and miners were
satisfactory. Three conferences were held, and
the proceedings were conducted in the best
spirit think the operators formed a favorable
impression of Mr.. Mitchell and gave him credit
for honesty and sincerity in his efforts change
the conditions of the miners. on the other hand
Mr. Mitchell appreciated the consideration
shown him and the interests he represents. IN
less bitter and protracted strike should occur,
l believe much good VIII come out of the con-
ferences. l of the opinion that they will
lead to better conditions between capital and
labor.
am in favor of meetings between employer
and employees TO consider differences. l want
the people thoroughly TO understand the posi-
oft he Civic Federation 1t do only
two things-exert It's influence 10 prevent
strike arbitrate when rupture has occurred,
at the request OF both parties 10 the dispute. In
this case the Civic Federation has done all
within its province. 1t brought together through
its concilation committee the representatives OF
the miners union and the operators In the
evolution of things rapidly taking pltdce in this
country the conference OF employers and en-
ployes Is one or the conditions that must neceS-
sariIy be a part of it. The progress and develop
ment OF our industries must be accompanied by
the development and Improvement of the labor
Ing class.
Asked if the Civic Federation had experienced
any difficulty In arranging the conferences be
tween the operators and the miners. Senator
Hanna said: "On the contrary, found that the
operators quite willing to go half way in
this matter. They are all sensible, broadgauge
business men, who. while they desire TO protect
their own interests, are wise enough to see the
drift of things. The peculiar situation of the
anthracite mining industry makes the PROPOSE
railroad and mining interests brings forward
the question of tonnage. and this and threat
ened competition from the enormous production
of bftuminous coal constitute matters which
must be considered. This is the foundation of
the operators argument. 1t is not a mere
selfish interest that impels them to the stand
they have taken. but the proposition is difficult
To explain to the rank and file of the workers
in and about the mines. 1t is my hope that
when they are educated to understand these
conditions they may be considerate, and not
governed by prejudice in future actions.
IF my advice had been followed a longer time
would have been taken before the present crisis
was reached in order that these things could
he explained and better understood President
MitcheFs statement was fastened by the fact
that the scraps of information given to the
public were embarrassing him with his men.
When il is considered that two-thirds of the
mine workers are foreigners, speaking six, eight
or ten different languages, il can be readily
understood that they are difficult TO control"
Referring to President MitChelrs visit 20
Washington last week, Senator Hanna said: Il
saw Mr. Mitchell in Washington, and discussed
with him another proposition, but that has been
obviated by the existing situation.