The Corvallis times. (Corvallis, Or.) 1888-1909, 1902-10-18
GOVERNOR oDELL
TAKES A HAND IN THE SETTLE.
MENT OF THE STRIKE,

Coal Magnates They Are
s. Not Acting Fairly and
Reject His Offer.
What do you mean by politicians2
I want you and all operators to un-
derstand that I am the Governor of
New York, the chosen representa-
tive of 100000, and I am here in
this matter solely in that capacity,
and to relieve if possible, an intol-
erable situation. And what is more,
intend to use every power at my
command to do it."
Governor Odell made this state
ment today to President Baer, of
the Reading Railroad in the pres
ence of United States Senator Platt,
of New York, and Quay and Pen
rose, of Pennsylvania. It was the
the elimination of an acrimonious
interview in the Office of Senator
Platt, and the result of the meeting
between Governor Odell and Presi-
dent Baer. -~.
Mr.. Baer was not in the best of
humor when, accompanied by E. B.
Thomas, chairman of the board of
directors of the Erie Railroad, he
entered Senator PIatt's office. The
conference began by statement
made by sentor Platt that the stu
alton was becoming so serious that
some solution must be found at
once. He suggested that the oper-
ators should incline to some con.
cessions toward a settlement.
'If you mean by that" said
President Baer, "that we are to re.
cognize the existence of a labor un-
ion, 1 tell you right now that the
operators will consider no such
proposition"
Governor Odell was on his feet in
an instant. Holding a half. burnt
cigar in his hand, and white with
excitement, he said:
care we to understand that no
kind of conciliatory proposition
would receive attention at the
hands of the operators?"
Ibid not say that" answered Mr.
Baer, "but I do say that we will
not accept political advice or allow
the interference Of politicians in
this our affair" ...
Then it was that Governor Odell
made the statement attributed to
him at the beginning Of this article.
President Baer, evidently appre-
ciating that be had. gone too far,
bowed to Governor Odell, and said:
Governor, I beg your pardon.
No personal affroEt was intended,
and we will listen to any sugges-
tions you may have to make; out,
again, 1 repeat that we must refuse
to recognize the union represented
by Mr.. Mitchell"
II believe" said the governor,
"that your position, from a public
view, is absolutely untenable. If
coal operators, railroad men and
other business men can combine
for mutual profit and protection
there is no, reason why laboring
men should not"
rWhat is the proposition? ask
ed Mr.. Baer, coldly.
"Just this" said Governor Odell.
II am cure that the labor organiza-
ton of which Mr. Mitchell is head
desires him to be fair with the gen.
! eral public. If the operators will
consent to give the men cents a
ton increase, I will personally pre-
sent it. to the miners, and I believe
they will accept it. It is a fair
proposition"
''Does this mean, Governor Odell,
that we are to recognize the min
ers' union?" said Mr.. Baer.
'It certainly does" answered
Governor Odell, quickly, "and there
is no reason why you should not"
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose
to go, Mr.. Thomas remarking that
the matter would be presented to
the other operators and that an
early answer would be forthcoming.
"We are to meet committee of
the Manufacturers Association on
Tuesday, and we may have an an
swer then,' said Mr.. Baer.
The conference then broke up,
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas, with.
drawing. Senators Platt, Penrose
land Quay talked over the matter
for a short time, and then separat-
ed, the two P Pensylvanians announc-
ing that they would go back to Har-
risburg and discuss the situation
with Governor Stone.
Governor Odell was not in a talk
ative mood when he left the coufer-
lence. He went directly to the