The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-10-11
Coal Gear Finds a Match in
Governor OdeIl.
Tells Executive Wont Permit
Interference of Politicians.
NOT RECOGNIZE UNIONS
Governor Tells Him Miners Ask
Only What Is Fair.
Have as Much Right to Com
bine as Operators.

New York. Oct 11-"What do you
mean by politicians? l want you and
all the other operator to understand
that I am the governor of New York.
the chosen representative of million
people. and that I am here in this mat
ter solely in that capacity and to re-
ueve, if possible. an intolerabie situa-
ton. And. what is more. I intend to
use every power at my command to do
it."
Governor Odell made this statement
last evening to President Baer of the
Reading road in the presence of United
States Senators Plat of New York and
Quay and Penrose of Pennsylvania. 1t
was the elimination of rather heated
interview in the office of Senator Plat
and the result of this meeting between
Governor Odell and President Baer.
Mr.. Baer was not in the best of hui
NOR when, accompanied by F. b. Thorn
as chairman of the board of directors
of the Erie railroad, he entered Senator
Platt's office. The conference was be-
gun by a statement made by Senator
Penrose that the situation was becom-
ing so serious that some solution must
be found at once. He suggested that
the operators should incline to some
concessions toward a settlement.
IF you mean by that said President
Baer, that We are to recognize the eX-
istence of a labor union, I tell you right
now that the operators will consider no
such proposition"
Governor Odell was on his feet in an
instant. Holding a half burnt cigar in
his hand and white with excitement. he
said: Are we to understand that no
kind of a conciliatory proposition will
receive consideration at the hands of
the operators?"
II did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer, but I do say and I reiterate il,
that we will not accept political advice
or allow the interference of politicians
in this, our affair"
Then it was that Governor Odell made
the statement attributed to him at the
beginning of this article. President
had gone too far, bowed to Governor
Odell and said: Governor, I beg your
pardon No personal affront was in
tended, and we will listen to any sug-
gestions you may have to make; but
again I repeat that we must refuse to
recognize the union as represented by
Mr.. Mitchell"
IT believe" said the governor, that
your position from public view is alb
sOlutely untenable. If coal operators,
railroad men and other business men
can combine for mutual profit and pro-
lection, there is no reason why laboring
men should not
What is the proposition2" said Mr..
Baer, coldly.
Just this said Governor Oden Il
am sure that the labor organization of
which Mr.. Mitchell is head desires him
to be fair with the general public. If
the operators will consent to give the
men five cents a ton increase I will per-
eonally present it to the miners, and
believe they will accept it. 1t is a fair
proposition"
Does this mean. Governor Odell, that
we are to recognize the miners union?'
Mr.. Baer asked.
1T certainly does" answered Cover
nor Odell quickly. land there is no rea-
son why you should not"
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose to go,
Mr.. Thomas remarking that the matter
would be presented to the other opera
tors and that an early answer would be
forthcoming. Mr. Baer said: I'VE are
to meet a committee of the Manufac-
turers' association on Tuesday and we
may have an answer then"
The conference broke I'D, Mr.. Baer
and Mr.. Thomas withdrawing. Senator
Platt, Senator Penrose and Senator
Quay talked over the matter a short
time, and then they too separated. the
two Pennsylvanians announcing that
they would go back to Harrisburg and
discuss the situation with Governor
Stone.
Governor Oden was not in a talking
mood when he left the conference. He
went directly to the Fifth Avenue no.
tel, and during most of the afternoon
received callers. Mayor Low. Arson C.
McCook, Edward Lauterbach, Congress
men Lessles and Littauer and Senate
Platt were among his callers. To one