The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-10-11
Baer Repeats That the Operators VIII
not Recognize the Miners
Union.
GOVERNOR SAYS POSITION OF
FORMER Is UNTENABLE
He Proposes That the Companies Con.
cede the Miners Five Cents More a
Ton and Praises the Attitude of
MitchelI-TaIk of Further Confer.
ences Tuesday, but One Operator
Says Incident Is Closed"

NEW YORK, Oct. 10.-"What do you
mean by politicians? want you and
all the other operators to understand
that I am the governor of New York,
the chosen representative of seven mil
lion people, and that am here in this
matter solely in that capacity and to
relieve If possible an intolerable stu
alton. And what is more, intend to
use every power at my command to do
it,"
Gov. Odell made this statement to-
day to President Baer, of the Reading
railroad, in the presence of Senators
Platt, of New York, and Quay and Pen
rose, Of Pennsylvania. 1t was the cuI-
mination Of a rather heated interview
in the Office Of Senator Platt, and the
result Of the first meeting between
Gov. Odell and President Baer.
Mr.. Baer was not in the best of hui
NOR when, accompanied by e. r.
Thomas, chairman of the board of d.
rectors of the Erie railroad, he entered
Senator Platt's office. The conference
was begun by statement made by
Senator Penrose that the situation was
becoming so serious that some solu-
ton must be found at once. He sug-
gested that the operators should in
cline to some concessions toward a
settlement.
Won't Recognize the Union.
IT you mean by that" said Presi-
dent Baer, that we are to recognize
the existence of a labor union. tell
you right now that the operators will
consider no such proposition"
Gov. 'Odell was on his feet in an in
stant. Holding half-burnt cigar IN
his hand and white with excitement,
he said:
"Are we to understand that no kind
Of conciliatory proposition will re-
ceive consideration at the hands Of
the operators?"
IT did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer, "but do say, and I reiterate 1t,
that we will not accept political ad-
vice or allow the interference of poll
ticians in this, our affair.""
Then it was that Gov. Odell made
the statement attributed to him at the
beginning Of this dispatch.
President Baer, evidently appreciat-
ing that he had gone too far, bowed to
Gov Odell and said:
Governor, beg your pardon. No
personal affront was intended, and we
will listen to any suggestions you may
have to make; but again repeat that
we must refuse to recognize the union
as represented by Mr.. Mitchell"
Position Untenable.
II believe" said the governor, that
your position from public view is alb
Solutely untenable. If coal operators,
railroad men and other business men
can combine for mutual profit and pro-
lection, there is no reason why labor
ing men should not"
What is the proposition?" said Mr..
Baer, coldly.
"Just this" said Gov. Odell, T am
sure that the labor organization of
which Mr.. Mitchell is head desires him
to be fair with the general public. If
the operators will consent to give the
men cents ton increase l will per-
sonally present it to the miners, and /
believe they will accept it. 1t is fair
proposition"
"Does this mean, Gov. Odell, that we
are to recognize the Miners unionT'
Mr.. Baer asked.
'It certainly does" answered Gov.
Odell quickly, "and there is no reason
why you shouldn't"
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose to go,
Mr.. Thomas remarking that the mat
ter would be presented to the othe-e
operators and that an early answer
would be forthcoming.
Answer Tuesday, Perhaps.
Mr.. Baer said: 1--WE are to meet a
committee of the Manufacturers as
sociation on Tuesday and we may have
an answer then"
The conference broke up, Mr.. Baer
and Mr.. Thomas withdrawing.
Senators Platt, Penrose and Quay
N.-x:~u>I