The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-11-19
STILL PROBING
PRES. MITCHELL
A Quiet Day Compared to
Previous Ones.
ARBITRAT0RS TAKE PART
Commission Growing Restless Under the Long
DraWnout Cross-Examnaton of the
Lawyes---presdent Mitchell
Shows WEAKNESS.
Shows WEAKNESS.
(By the Associated Press.)

(By the Associated Press)
Scranton, Pa, Nov. 1S.-Mr. Mitchell,
for the fourth successive day, occupied
the witness stand during the two ses
sions of the Strike Commission and was
cross-examined by three attorneys for
as many coal companies. While a con-
siderable amount of information for the
enlightment of the commissioners was
brought out. the day was a rather quiet
one, compared with those which have pre-
ceded it. The arbitrators are growing
restless in consequence of the long cross
examination which, apparently does not
bring out the facts as fully as the COM
mission would like to have them pre-
sented. Several times during the course
of the days session, Chairman Gray re-
minded the attorneys of the value of
time and suggested that cross -examina-
tion be limited to new features of those
questions that already have been gone
over. The lawyers assured the Com
mission that they, too, were anxious to
expedite matters and would do every
thing possible to hurry matters along
without injuring their own cases. Mr.
Mitchell has been on the stand since
last Friday morning, and is. showing
signs of WEAKNESS from the strain OF
four days of cross examination. Thus
far his attorney, c.. S. Darrow, and
David Wilcox, for the Delaware and
Hudson; Wayne E. MacVeagh, for the
Erie; Francis l. Gowan, for the Lehigh
Valley, and w. w. Ross, for the Della
ware, Lackawanna and Western Com
pany, have examined the miners presi-
dent. The commissioners today, for the
first time, entered into the discussion
with the lawyers and the witness over
disputed points, which rose from time
to time.
Mr.. MacVeagh, who began his cross
examination of Mr.. Mitchell on Satur-
day. concluded at II o'clock today The
distinguished attorney centered most OF
his energies in trying to break the
miners reasons for asking for a yearly
agreement with the companies on hours
of labor, wages, and other conditions
which, II made, would be recognition ot
the union Mr.. MacVeagh's principal
aim throughout his questioning of Mr.
Mitchell was to show that the Mine
Workers Union, because of alleged acts
of intimidation, violence and the use OF
the boycott by its members, proved it.
self to be party to a contract. Mr.
Mitchell would not admit, nor even as
sumo for the sake of illustrating points
that reign of terror existed in the
anthracite fields during the last six
months. The recognition of the union is
looked upon as the most important ques-
tion before the commission, and it is
quite evident from the trend of the pro-
ceedings thus far that the companies
will oppose it to their utmost ability
Mr.. Gowan and Mr. Ross questioned
Mr.. Mitchell principally regarding con-
ditions existing at the collieries of the
companies they represent. These ques-
tions were more or less technical Mr.
Mltcnell answer, as a rule, differed
very little from the reasons given in his
preliminary statement to the commits
sion for improved conditions for the
union workers. Interest in the proceed
1ngs Is not waning. The large crowds
which have been wedged in the court
room in the preceding days of the hear
1ngs, were in evidence. Neither is there
railing off in the attendance of at
torneys, most of whom, there are al
most two score present at each session.
betore proceeding to the examination
To-Day, John Linehan, of Wilkesbarre,
one OF the attorneys for the non-union
men VINO want the commission 20 take ur,
lhelr case, handed to the commission a
ist OF 1000 names of non-union mon
as MS authority for appearing before
the arbltrators. He did not wish tie
commission to make the names public at
this time, but as Chairman GRAY said
everything filed with the commission i.
public matter, the names were unoffi-
cially handed in and were not given ont
for publication. He also filed st.te-
ment of the non-union demands.
Mr. MacFeagh read statement re-
garding the right to strike as belonging
to the personal freedom of workingmen.
He also took the view that in exercising
that freedom those who cease to worll
must not interfere with the liberty Of
others who wish to work
'We do not want anarchy" said Mr.
Mitchell, land that is anarchy pure and
simple-the right of every man to do alb
solutely as he pleases regardless of It's
effects on society
s'This is the language Of a very care.
fully disguised anarchy" Mr.. MacVeagh
remarked. because it is the language
of Archbishop ireland"
Archbishop Ireland never expected
1t to be used in that sense. / might
say Archbishop Irelenad is a member of
a committee of which l am also a men,
Der which has declared for trade union
idea"
Answering a further question, Mr..
Mitchell declared that if Archbishop Ire
lands statement meant that men have
no right to picket, he disagreed with
him. Mr.. Mitchell added that he did not