The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-06-05

While nothing authoritative has been
given out concerning the object Of
Tuesday nights conference of Presi-
dent Mitchell. of the United Mine
Workers, and Frank p. Sergeant, chief
Of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Fire
men, 1t was learned yesterday from
reliable source that Mr.. Sergeant came
here as an envoy of President Roose-
Welt, and that the, purpose Of his COM
ing was to consult Mr.. Mitchell re-
garding a proposition that the presi-
dent shall use his influence to induce
the operators to agree to an arbitration
Of the matters which caused the strike.
The proposition to have President
Roosevelt intermediate. had it's source
in President Mitchell. The conference
at Hotel Schadt Tuesday night was
sought by Mr.. Sergeant. Arrange
ments for the meeting were made last
Saturday. Mr.. Sergeant came on from
Chicago, starting Monday, to attend
the meeting.
That Mr. Sergeant should be chosen as
the presidents envoy in such matter
is wholly likely. He is soon to be
part of the administration. succeeding
II. V. Powderly as commissioner gen.
eral Of immigra ton, and Is President
Roosevelt's personal choice for the Of
flee. He and President Roosevelt have
been intimate friends for long time.
and he enjoys the confidence of the
president to an extensive degree. In a
'.kitchen> council at the white house,
Mr.. Sergeant would be the first man
consulted anent labor matters.
WENT TO NEW YORK.
Mr.. Sergeant went on to New York
yesterday morning at o'clock and Mr..
Mitchell returned to Wilkes Barre. Mr..
Sergeant is to proceed to Washington
from New York tomorrow.
That even President Roosevelt can
succeed in bringing about an arbitra-
tion is rather doubtful, in view of the
recent unequivocal statements of the
operators that there will be no conces-
sions, no arbitration and no settlement
of the strike except by the uncondi-
tional surrender of the strikers.
In this connection, the following sent
out yesterday from New York is sgni-
ticant:
1t became known yesterday that j. Pier
pont Morgan had decided to leave the
management of the anthracite coal strike
entirely in the hands of the presidents of
the coal roads. Mr.. Morgan. despite rc-
ports to the contrary. has not cnblcd any
instructions in regard to the strike. and
he is not likely to Interfere.
When indications of coming trouble
manifested themselves Mr.. Morgan asked
for n report OH the situation from his
agents in the coal fields lie then con-
suited with the presidents of tho coal
roads, who protested earnestly against
any concessions. They told him that
fhcrc would bc in the mining
region until there had been a decisive
test of strength and they begged him not
to consent to any compromise. Some of
them even spoke of rcsigning If their
wishes in the matter should be ignored.
Mr.. Morgan gave his consent before his
departure for Europe for the battle to he
fought out on the lines requested by the
presidents. The operators interests are
in the hands of the presidents of the hard
coal roads in this city. These mon consult
each other daily, and one of them said
yesterday that they were not only unani- |
nous in their action but that they had |
the support of their boards of directors.
They are firmly agreed that there shall |
be no concession. The plan of campaign |
that they have decided to follow is one
of inactivity except in so far as action |
their property.
1t was said positively that they would |
make no attempt to open the mines with |
non-union men. but they would let mat |
ters drift until the old men grew tired |
or their idleness and returned voluntarily |
to work.
NO CONCESSIONS.
A representative Of local coal COM
pany who returned yesterday from a |
call OH President Baer, of the Phiadel.
phia and Reading, states that Mr.. Baer