The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1902-11-18
Efforts Of Operators Attorney to
Disc0ncert Him Result in
Dismal Failure.
FOURTH DEMAND TAKEN UP
Miners President AdrOitly Re-
plies to the Questions OF Mac
Weigh and Bcsts Him
on the Stand.

SCRANTON. Pa, Nov. iT.--In the
presence II ds many persons as could
be Jammcd into the superior court
Rooms today, Wayne MacVeagh, for the
Eric Company and John Mitchell. for
the miners. continued their brilliant
battle ~ REORGANIZATION before the
anthracite coal commission. The
fourth demand Of he union. which
calls for early trade agreement and
which means straight out recognition
OF the hnlon, was the bone Of c0nten-
tion ana not much material progress
Was made, MacVeagh attempted TO
show the uttsr responsibility OF the
union and its unftness 10 make con-
tracts which Il could not live up TO.
Ills principal argument was the al
legged boycott and he often hard
pressed the miners president for an
answer The latter, however would
slowly and deliberately give some re-
ply. but II would not always satisfy
his inquisitor, MacVcagh expressed his
admiration OF the ability OF the wit
ness and on one occasion, when Mitch
ell arrled the question regarding tht
boycotting OF coal and iron policemen
by IL hotel keeper, the distinguished
attorney threw UP his hands, laughed,
and said
mir. Mitchell. you are the best wit
ness for yourself ever confronted"
Mr.. Macveagh began his examina-
ton by reading from newspaper clip
pings OF the methods OF a labor organ
lZation known as the Operative Plast-
ercrs' Association OF New York againt
the employers,
"Bo you approve or do you heartily
dlsapprove OF these methodist" Mr..
MaeVeagh asked.
Il should say that my union has no
such rules" was Mr.. Mitchell's reply.
Mr.. Macveagh repeated his question
and MIR. Mitchell said.
Il can only say that In the absence
OF knowledge as TO the causes which
made them adopt such resolutions,
AIN not competent to pass upon the
fairness or unfaIrness of them. On the
surface and with the Information you
convey to me should say they are
unfair"
Wont your men have to work hve
years to make up the loss they have
sustained during the striker"
Not by any MEANS" was the posi-
tive answer Of Mr.. Mitchell,
MIR. Mitchell, do you think you have
the right to lsk an increase In wages,
which. II granted, would increase the
cost Of living to hundreds OF thousands
OF people2"
The miners president replied that
there are 100000 persons in the anthra-
cite fields who are starving and II is
their fundamental right to ask for liv-
Ing wages In return for their labor.
The examination became very spirit
I'd on this phase Of the consequence OF |
he strike and then Mr., McNeagh turn
"a to the matter OF protecting the pro-
pertles during the strike, Raising his |
voice to a pitch and speaking with
great ferver Mr., McVeagh asked the
witness
Don't you know as well as YOU
Snow your name Is John Mitchell, that
n spite of the authorities of this city,
If this county and OF this state, this
whole region has been treated for five
months to verltable foretaste of
lell?"
Mr.. Mitchell calmly replied
~ know nothing Of the kind"
"wcll, you will before we are through
With you," was Mr., McVeigh's retort
The eight hour question was taken
,p, and In reply to a question as to
whether he had right to limit mans
obor 10 eight hours day, Mr.. Mitch
II replied
we favor maximum of eight hours
day." and a moment later In answer
o similar question, said: I'VE will
ccept whatever award the commission
makes and That award will have pre-
edsnce over the laws of the union"
Then MIR. McVeagh said
Lincoln was splitting rails and he
I'd not limit himself to eight hours and
ou demand It not only for the men in
he mines, but for all the men above
round as well. He was doing harder
,ork than nlne-tenths Of our men em-
loyed In the mines. So was Garfield
hen he was a boy, trudging along thei
ath IF the canal, and so was McKin-
" in his early life. 1 onlya mention
hese because they are the three VIC
ms of the spirit of anarchy which Is