The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-10
Presidents of the Coal Roads Join
Them, but They Are Unmoved by
Any Political Considerations.
MITCHELL ALSO IN NEW YORK
HE, TOO, ATTENDS A NUMBER OF
MYSTERIOUS MEETINGS.


NEW YORK, Oct e-Replete at its open
ing with promise of solution Of the long
drawn-out struggle between the United
Mine Workers of American and the oper-
ators of the anthracite properties In Pen.i-
sylvania, this day has closed without ap-
parent appreciable progress toward an
agreement on the issues in controversy.
Most noteworthy Of the days events was
a conference at the office OF Senator
Thomas C.. Platt, at which there were
present, among others, the two senator's
from Pennsylvania and the Governor OF
New York and nearly all the heads OF the
big corporations controlling the anthracite
fields. In all seeming, this conference had
a contrary effect to that which had been
hoped from it, and the operators departed
declaring adherence to the policy they
have followed from the first of resisting
the demands OF the miners union to the
bitter end.
There were other conferences during the
day In which President Mitchell and peo-
pie of more or less consequence in the in
dustrial world participated, but these, so
far as information goes, were barren of
result as the principal meeting, details Of
which are given below on the authority of
one who was present.
In brief there has been no change in the
situation to-day so far as Ii might have
been affected by the gathering in New
York of labor leaders. mine operators and
public men.
The story of the day really centers about
the meeting held in the afternoon at Sen
ator Platt's Office. Present at this meeting
were Governor Odell, Senators Quay and
Penrose. of Pennsylvania. President Oily
phant OF the Delaware & Hudson, Senator
Platt President Fowler of the Ontario &
Western, President Truesdale OF the Lacka-
wanna. Chairman Thomas of the Erie.
John Markle. representing the independent
operators. David Wilcox. vice president
and general counsel of the Delaware &
Hudson. David Lamar and Edward Lauter-
bach. At the conclusion of the meeting
none present would say what had taken
place, or whether any solution to the strike
trouble had been reached.
This conference followed one held in the
forenoon In Senator Platt's Office. at which
were present Senators Quay and Penrose,
Governor Odell. Edward Lauterbach and
Senator Platt. The conferees were very
reticent as to the subjects under discussion
there. Governor Oder afterward had lunch
eOu III Tile ldWyclS OiuU with DoiubOio
Quay and Penrose-
Following luncheon the three, with Sen
ator Penrose's secretary. returned to Sem
ator Platts office. They entered by means
of the cellar and the Church-street en-
trance. threading their way through a mass
of boxes and bales of merchandise At 8
o'clock they were joined by the operators
of the coal mines, and the most important
terbach went back and forth from the Office
and made a trip to ]. p. Morgan's office.
He did not see Mr.. Morgan. He then went
back to the conference room. Mr.. Lauter-
bach replied to questions by saying that
appearances looked very hopeful for
speedy settlement of the strike. He said
he had President John Mitchell
Wednesday night, and that he seemed dis
posed to act with spirit of fairness The
conference ended at 4:30 o'clock. President
Fowler was the first 10 leave, the other
operators following him. The coal road
ator and Governor Odell.
NOTHING TO SAY.
I've nothing to say, there is nothing to
be said" was Governor Odelrs answer to
a question. Senator Quay likewise had
nothing to say Senator Platt was the last
to leave his Office II don't think 1 can
saw anything" he said. Il am too tired
There will be further meetings Tomorrow
That is all I can say at present"
Vice President Wilcox. of the Delaware
& Hudson. like others. refused to talk A
visit to the operators after the conference
brought no Information.
From what may be described as an in
side and authoritative source, Ii may be
announced that the conference at the office
of Senator Platt was absolutely without
result. the operators refusing TO consider
the political aspect of the situation and
maintaining the position that the ques-
tion was one between employer and en-
ploye as TO the management OF the proper
ties concerned.
According to the authority indicated
in the foregoing, Senator Quay and Cover
nor Odell expressed the opinion that had
the strike continued for another fortnight
longer the effect would be to press
the public mind with the one subject of
the shortage of fuel that political duties
would be neglected and the voters remain
away from the polls on election day, with
the natural result that the majority party
in Pennsylvania and New York would be
the greater sufferers. Senator Penrose ex-
pressed his concurrence in the representa-
tions OF the others. and Senator PIatt and
Mr.. Lauterbach spoke In similar strain.
These latter advised something In the ma
pTomise TO the miners that their union
would be recognized by the operators.
On their part the operators declared that
the question at issue was entirely apart
from party politics. and they refused 10 be
influenced by representations as TO the ef-
feet the strike might have upon the for
tunes of one party or the other.
One OF the political conferees next sug-
gested that 10 .protract the struggle with
the miners union would be TO open the way
for the advocates OF ant-corporation leg
fslatfon at Harrisburg and Albany 10 move
for the introducing of measures calculated
TO impair the value OF railroad and coal
properties and that IL was even possible I'm
the stress OF public opinion, laws might be
enacted that would impair for years the
value OF the properties the operators rep