The Indianapolis journal., 1902-09-12
Mitchell Accused of Posing for Self
Glory and Seeking Recognition
He Never VIII Receive.
PLAN TO SETTLE THE STRIKE
MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLES ALL
ANCE HEARD BY GOV. STONE.
Extra Session of the Legislature and
Passage OF Compulsory Arbitra-
tion Bill Proposed.

NEW YORK, Sept. n.-Abram S. Hewitt.
former mayor OF New York, gave out
statement to-day in which he said he knew
positively that ]. p. Morgan would not in
terfere in the coal strike. Mr.. Hewitt also
said that the coal operators would not
agree to arbitrate with John Mitchell, but
that he believed they would consider
grievances presented by their employees.
Continuing, Mr.. Hewitt said: 'I don't
altogether blame Mr.. Mitchell for bringing
on this strike. Mr.. Mitchell advised against
the strike. When he called the convention
at Shamokn he thought he would be able
TO control il and show what big fellow
he was. But. those young fellows came in
and wanted the strike, and the convention
got beyond Mitchelrs control Then he
called the indianapolis convention. He
told the anthracite miners that he would
ask the bituminous miners to go on
sympathetic strike. He did So and they
refused.
MIR. Mitchell, in public, clamors for arbi-
tration. But does he want arbitration?
What Mr.. Mitchell wants is recognition for
himself. Mr.. Mitchell is lighting for his
very life. but there will be no recognition
OF Mr.. Mitchell on the part OF the oper-
ators and no arbitration between the oper-
ators and Mr.. Mitchell. 1t was Mr.. Mitch
ell who destroyed the principle of arbitra-
ton in the coal fields. The operators are
willing and ready to adjust any grievances
by concessions or otherwise with their
own employees But they will have moth
ing TO do with Mr. Mitchell That is posi-
tive.
Some Of my critics reproach me with be-
ing the owner of coal property and there
fore not disinterested Now all through
my long life / believe that 1t is generally
recognized that when have expressed my
self in disputes between capital and labor
i have generally sided with the working
man.
I'm 1876. during the days of the Molly
Maguires.s made a tour of inspection
through the mining regions. i found ter
rfble conditions then. L found the men
living under wretchedly brutal conditions
1t was shortly after this that 1 became
director of the Lehigh Coal and Naviga-
tion Company. advised the management
to better the conditions of the workingman
They replied that they could not do so and
derive profit from their business 1 did
my best to convince them that it will al
ways conduce TO the profit Of the employer
to consider the interests of those working
for them. Finally brought them around
10 my point Of view. and 1t was not long
before better conditions obtained among the
employees of that company.
when this strike was called the en-
ployes or the companies, almost to a man.
owned their own homesteads. They were
thrifty and respectable-as respectable peo-
pie as you will meet anywhere. They had
$4,000 in the savings banks. They never
wanted 10 strike. but now they have to
live on their savings and walk around with
their hands in their pockets, against their
will, simply because they do not dare to
go back TO work"