The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-10-09

It has been impossible, however. to
verify these reports. Mr.. Mitchell him.
self. after busy morning of secret cons
ferences with unknown parties, posi-
lively declined to make any statement
and several of the most prominent of
the coal operators, when questioned re-
piled that so far as they knew nothing
had been done. Senators Quay and
Penrose of Pennsylvania and Senator
Platt of New York, who We're in confer
ence during the forenoon, were reticent
as to the cause of their counsel in the
latter's office and Senator Quay himself,
in an interview, confined his expressions
to purely political matters.
From Mr.. Mitchell nothing could be
obtained beyond the bare statement that
he would return to Wilkesbarre tonight
In no responsible quarter has it been
possible to obtain even an admission
that a new set Of negotiations We're on
foot, though there were various rumors
that a settlement of the anthracite coal
strike was in sight.
Mr.. Nichols one of the anthracite dis
trict presidents said:
President Mitchell has the power to
settle the strike only in the event that
all the demands OF the men are granted.
If thse demands are not granted the
qustiOn must be referred to a conver-
tioa
"In view of this it is pretty certain that
the miners will not be at work by Monday
as was rumOred today. 1 do not take
much stock in the various peace rumors.
While it is possible that the strike may
be settled by Monday. it is highly improb-
able"
President Olyphant of the Delaware &,
Hudson railroad. said SO far as the op-
orators are concerned, the situation is un-
changed.
New York. Oct. 9.-President John
Mitchell of the United Mine Workers,
who arrived in the city last night ac-
companied by District Presidents T d
Nichols, Thomas Duffy and John Fahy.
refused to answer any questions this
morning that would throw any light on
his plans, or contemplated movements.
There is nothing I can say as to nv
purpose here" he said.
He was asked in particular as to what
took place, or was the outcome of the
midnight conference he held last night
with Senators Quay and Penrose and a
man said to be L. N. Hammerling. an
independent coal operator from Wilkes
barre, Pa The three district presidents
were also there. Some reports say that
Senator Platt and Chairman Dunn of
the New York Republican state COM
mittee were likewise present
Asked if he contemplated a trip to
Washington Mr.. Mitchell replied; Il
don't know yet
While Mr. Mitchell was at breakfast
at his hotel, Moses w. Solomon, a law
yer of Chicago, who has handled cases
for politicians of that city arrived At
the hotel He ascertained that Mr.
Mitchell was at the breakfast table and
at once joined him there. The two talk
ed for a few moments and then Mr.
Mitchell went to the long distance tele-
phone and used the wire for about IL
minutes. He and Mr.. Solomon then
went up stairs to Mr.. Mitchell's room.
AS he was going up stairs. Mr. Mitch
ell was asked a second time if he was
going to Washington, in view of the
meeting there of the executive council
of the American Federation of Labor
of which he is a member. His presence
in Washington at this meeting had beer
expected.
Il probably shall not go today" was
the leaders answer, but he would say
no more.
Among the many rumors started to-
day by the arrival of Mr.. Mitchell IN
New York. was a report that the Erie
railroad had decided not to act further
with the other coal roads in settling the
strike and would hereafter proceed in
dependently. Chairman f. B. Thomas
of the Erie board of directors, said to-
day that there was no truth whatever
in this rumor He also said that he hac
not seen Mr.. Mitchell since he arrived
in New York and had no appointment
to meet him.
Accompanied by an elderly mar
whose identity has not been disclosed
but who is presumably Mr.. Guernsey
Mr. Mitchell drove to the Equitabl.
building and hurriedly entered a room