The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-09-26

wilkesbarre. Sept. 26.-Yesterday met
John Mitchell, president of the United
Mine Workers union. at the Hotel Hart
I'm wilkesbarre where he has made his
headquarters during the present strike l
had often wished toSmeet this man on
whom the eyes of the public and hopes of
the miners are centred and OF course.
naturally, had formed a mind picture as
10 what he looked like. how he acted,
how he talked. az he would talk) and all
those little peculiarities that anyone is
liable and prone TO form an idea OF be-
fore a face-to-face meeting takes place.
My mind s-picture of the man was
wrong-in fact completely changed after
/ had met President Mitchell. My|dee-
of him was a tall man with a serious
face, hard TO draw into conversation and
of great dignity and elf-consciousness.
Later l will tell you how different he ap-
peared TO me than above.
Daniel L. Hart. the author of THE Par
ish Priest" and pennsylvania" and
personal friend of Mr.. Mitchell. was my
.'dragoman" so 10 speak. and II was he
who introduced me TO the head OF the
mine workers. President Mitchell does not
have his headquarters at the SWEETEST
hotel in the city, as many might sup
pose Not but that the Hotel Hart is
good hostelry, but IL is not the best
neither does hts apartments or suite show
any lavishness I'm any way In fact, IL
might be said TO be devoid of any but the
necessaries that always go with hotel
room or rooms.
He occupies three apartments. sitting
room. sleeping room and bath and there
ne has worked. thought, been interviewed
(possibly), met committees, etc, etc. all
during the progress OF the greatest
strike this country has ever known.
We knocked at the door OF the room and
were greeted with a CHEEKY Hello! come
in" As we entered President Mitchell
was seated at his desk in his shirt sleeves
but rose Immediately 10 his feet We were
introduced and Immediately / understood
where his great power lay--in his person
ality and with the brains that he un-
doubtedly has. The combination Is great
His handshake is hearty and his smile
genial
1t had been my idea that would find
n man, tall. serious. rarely smiling and
with Just a touch of false dignity. ! was
mistaken. Instead II was a man among
men Not tall. but probably feet II
inches in height. with a smooth face ant
boyish look: the more like an actor o.
college man than a leader Of such grea
strength He has a smile for everyon
and when speaking does so IN a manne
which inspires confidence When TALKING
on serious subjects he speaks deliberate
ly-weighng his words TO the fraction o
an ounce. IL they could be measured
rarely ever taking back anything tina
has once passed his lips In speech. Ill
physical endurance has been a marvel I
every one. and he seems 10 be always q
he "a welfare nj tho
whose leader he is.
Newspaper men say he Is the hardes
man 10 interview they have ever see
and his manner OF evadipg questions h
does not care 10 answer Is at times hu
morous. Some few days ago a reporte
was working away at him and though
ne was getting on In fine shape. Acros
the street bag-piper was turning on
some nerve-racking music. The reportc
had been putting any number OF question
and finally asked one OF Mr.. Mitche
which he evidently considered leading
He hesltated for a moment. then wheelc
IN his chair and said quietly. looking d
rectly at the reporters eyes;
81 wish that bag-piper would quit; h
makes me tired"
Whether Il was the manner In which h
said Il or something else. the scrib
picked up his hat and said good day.
There is no doubt he Is popular wit
the union. and 10 "A great extent eve
with the men. as far as his own person
aiity Is concerned. that he is lighting.
The other evening. about midnight. ai
ter a days work. he desired TO take
stroll. and putting on an overcoat an
elouch hat started out with a friend fc
a walk about the block. He is retiring
nature and does not like 20 create an
comment or demonstration or the stree
On this occasion he thought he woul
not be recognized and therefore enio
his walk.
Turning n corner he came upon n par,
OF Hungarians who recognized him. The
shouted and endeavered TO embrace hin
kiss his hands and showed their 10,
for him In other ways. saying AZ the sam
time: "Blees you. John Mitchcil-m
boss, Bees you" etc. etc.