New-York tribune., 1902-10-28

the thIlfNhf-fNl were ItliF7'''N'~ 49,
York some OF The hearings should De helu IA
that city
The suggestion that both sides appoint eK-
perts 20 examine tine books OF the companies
was made by Judge Gray. He said Il would be
a good plan for the TWO opposing interests IN the
case to agree that tabulated statements rela-
tive TO existing rates OF wages IN different loca-
ties Of the mining region be taken from the
books OF the operators by two expert account
ants one 20 be named by each party. such ac-
countants 70 be employees OF the commission
Mr. Raer after expressing his unwiringness 20
accept this suggestion, said that his company
would submit It's payrols under oath OF their
accountant He said seventy clerks were work
ing day and night IN compiling data for the
commission
Mr. Mitchell said II would facilitate the work
az the commission II il would accept general
statement on the issues which affect all the
companies and the mine workers alike-for in
stance. the question OF shorter hours.
LAcKAwANNA CoMPANY's PLAN.
Mr.. Truesdsle said that HIS company had a
plan by which it was hoped speedily 10 adjust
the differences between the company and the
men. This plan for the miners TO appoint
a committee 20 meet committee OF his com
psny and discuss their grievances. and. ~ there
were any that could not be settled, those issues
should go before the commission for final aTbi-
tration
Mr. Wilcox. speaking for his company said
that the whole matter was one Of figures
Dr. weyI. for the miners. said that II the
suggestions Of the chairman were accepted MI.
Mitchell and himself would not present the sta
tistics they had prepared. because they were
ready 10 concede that these figures were not as
fun and correct they would he 81 taken from
the companies books.
President Baer. however. thought that these
statistics would be a check on the companies
payrolls and should be presented.
Mr.. Mitchell replied that he would not be IN
sistent the subject. and, turning 10 Mr. Baer,
said If we are able 10 agree 10 what rates
are paid for different classes OF workmen. their
monthly and annual earnings. that would FORM
basis OF any arguments that might be maue
either side"
Judge Gray expressed the opinion that II
would be a criminal waste OF time 10 dispute
facts that could be accurately asoertaine,a
without dispute. when once ascertained," SAID
he their interpretation is another thing"
Mr. Mitchell again said il was his desire 20
facilitate matters, and that there should be
mutual agreement the facts and controVer-
sies should be eliminated. II possible. That is
the only object we have IN view" said he, IN
asking that the rates of wages as shown by the
companies' books be verified in advance"
President Baer said that the men would know
whether the companies payrolls were right ana
no issue would arise on that subject
''ViH your statement give the different classes
OF workmen?" inquired Mr. Mitchell
Undoubtedly said Mr.. Baer.
TO EMFIO1 oNE AAAtbNIANA.
After further controversy between the mem
bers OF the commission and the miners and mine
representatives. Judge Gray modified his sug
gestion. this time presenting il in the shape Of
a proposition that only one expert accountant
be appointed, who should analyze the state
ments made by both sides 10 the controversy
and verify the facts for the consideration Of
the commission. Mr.. Baer promptly accepted
this suggestion. and Mr. Mitchell followed suit
after a brief explanation. He said the plan was
not entirely in accord with the wishes ~ the
miners, who were anxious 10 avoid al contro-
Versy TO the Interpretation ~ figures. Presi-
dent Gray then announced that the commission
Tor the present would proceed without appoint
ing an expert. hut would require that statements
should be prepared, and then. he added. an ac-
countant could he secured i'm case II was found
his services were needed.
The question Of the examination by the com
mission into the conditions under which the
mining of coal is conducted was then taken up,
ana Mr.. Watkins suggested that week ten
GAYS would I've necessary in order 20 make an
adequate examination Of the physical conditions
about the mines. He appealed 10 M Thomas
Tor his opinion as 10 the time necessary.
Mr. Thomas replied. You will certainly need
that much time; J should think that thirty days
would ne none too little. We've grown gray in
our study ~ that question"
Mr.. Baer also fen IN with the suggestion say
ing that II would he Impossible do justice 10
the investigation without complete physical
inspection Of the mines and the METHODS Of
operating them Mr. Mitchell thought that not
only should there he an inspection Of the mines
uul aiSo oi me homes of the miners He consd-
cred this investigation necessary 70 q cor1rletA
understanding or the subject.
TO INSPECT MINES NEAR SCRANTON.
After consulting the members of the commits
sion President Gray announced that il would
begin its inspection next Thursday. in District
NO J. IN which the city Of Scranton is located
Nhlie no conclusion was reached on the sub
Ject, the conversation among members Of ,ba
commission Indicated that il is their purpose 10
LNesteale operations IN a number Of The sniDas
While the subject was up Mr. Paer go ~.
tiN illllt operators would furnish all for{lg.f.g
az their command 20 enable the commission 10
make us Investigation thorough. adding that
ulty would place special train al the dispossl
iiissi"h providing also for the accom-
nodaton Of representative of the miners
INC puolc meeting of the commission then
purpose of private consultation. They Nrst TOOL
up ihe question which had been raised bv the
"Hti or a special train bV Mr.. Bapr and i,ve MI
mously decided not 10 accept the train Tba
exchange of views which followed hrougb, ,,,f
the fact that the commissioners expect perso1-
any 10 pay all their expenses accepting no "a
N"rs. ana relying on the government 10 reiIr-
hurse them If disposed.
othcial stenographers 10 report the PROCEEDINGS
az the commission and also 10 act a. sacratartee
lof members were appointed. An agreement
was reached 10 leave the Hotel Jer1lvn in
Soranlon az = O'Clock next Thursday morning
Tor the first tour OF inspection There Vas
however. no agreement as to what mines sboul5
ne visited hrsI that point being left for future
Or. Charles P. Nell assistant recorder % The
commission, called on President Roosevelt to-
cay 10 pay MS respects Although the President
fees that the matters involved are now out ~
ms hancs. ne took occasion TO impress lnon
MS Visitor the great importance OF The invests
eauoh and The far reaching character Of the
results 10 be achieved
READING HAS THIRTY MINES WORKING
Philadelphia, OCT. 27.-It was announced s., ,bo
onioes OF the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and
iron company to-day that thirty of the tbirtv
eight Of the company's anthracite collieries 49,
nov in fun OF partial operation.