The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-11-26
IMnrnrMnrMTp lHDtrENDE'NI
 MAKE 4 PROTEST Outside Coal Operators Object
 to Settlement SEVERAL REASONS GIVEN Protest Says the Miners Are Now Getting Far More Than What Ia Termed Fair Wages-MIteh-
 ell ls Again Denounced.
SEVERAL REASONS GIVEN

New York, November 25.-The independ- ent coal operators protested today to the coal carry roads against the proposed plan to settle differences with the mine workers union.
 The protest was presented by MT Simpson, who said:
 "GentIemen In making our protest against any present settlement of the question at issue we desire to emphasize certain points of material importance During the last five months no consistent effort has been made to inform the public of the true state of affairs. Consequently it has accepted the miners version ana believes we are treating our employees un- fairly, defrauding them of their earnings and preventing them rom maklns oe- cent livelihood.
 'It Is our opinion that we owe 1t to our selves to have this investigation contin- ued in order that testimony may be taken that will prove clearly to the public at large that the wages we have paid ana the treatment accorded our men have been fair and that their earnings have been large in proportion to the intellisence feouired and their willingness to work.
 aTo common labor the daily wage has been small but no less than 1t receives from the class of work in any industry, and more than on any of your railroads. Refers to Miners.
 'As to miners, 1t can be shown that their annual earnings are more than the amount called fair wages which was specified by two witnesses called for the plaintiff. Their wages per hour are great CT than those of skilled mechanics work ing and living in the same regions, and they work less hours per day through choice, and consequently through the same choice less days per year. since the operators must employ large number of men In order to secure the output which might be produced by a fraction of that number.
 oThis is very readily susceptible of proof by our books and those of your own mining company. You will ind that the men who have had the largest earn ings are those who have worked steadily, just as mechanic must. While the small earnings have invariably been to those who have given little time or care to their labor.
 "Again. cornparing a miner with mechanic, the latter must start as an apprentice, receiving possibly 6O cents A day during the first year. In the second year he may earn little more still more in the third, and during the fourth about SIPS a day. After that his wage Is from S2.50 to $3 day, according to his skill ana good fortune in securing desirable posi- tion.
 .An immigrant just landed on American soil speaking one or two words of En- glish. utterly ignorant, is eligible as a miners laborer to a position which gives him the opportunity to learn and to &C., ouire his miners certificate while earn ing between s2 and $40 per day.
 ''Let the commission bring out these
 lU hn secured It will clear the atmosphere or much of the maudlin sentiment which is apparent.
 Effect of Testimony.
 .'Thus far the general effect of the tes- timony presented has given undue prom thence to MT. Mitchell. In the four and one-half days in which he was Kept on the stand the only point of value ascer- tained was that he was in sympathy with the miners and was not familiar with an- thracite mining. Half an hour would have served the same purpose and prevented much sympathy-creating genera1ities. He said that others knew the situation bet ter and they should be called. Probably these persons are to be the next wit nesses for that side, and if they are men with a good record for faithful work. cross-examination will show what we have already stated-that their earnings are sufficient; and this. then, could be supported by our witnesses.
 I've think 1t highly desirable that any attempt at a compromise should immedi- ately stop; that the investigation should continue and that one or two of the in- dividual operators with your representa- tive should collect and tabulate figures of earnings for the purpose of presenting them in evidence. After that our wit nesses can appear"
 The meeting of the independent oper- ators and railroad officials lasted about an hour, and at It's close President Fow- Ter of the New York Central and Vest ern said that President Baer of the Read ing was preparing a statement. Later the statement was issued and Baer left at once for Philadelphia.
 Best to Continue Hearing.
 After mentioning at the outset the names of ''the private operators present. the statement given out by MT. Baer says:
 ''They the private operators) meet the coal presidents who had signed the re- quest to the President of the United States.
 "They presented protest against any adjustment being made at this time, in- sisting that the principles involved were so serious and affected so many interests that it was necessary now to have the commission hear all facts and pass it's judgement upon the whole controversy.
 MT. Simpson. as Chairman Read did, expressed different opinions.
 ''The conditions are such that no sub stantial progress can be made by the suggested meetings. The general opinion