Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-03-26
Representatives of Capital
and Labor in Conference.
MEETING IN NEW YORK
MINERS. THEIR GREW
ANCEs TO MEDIAToRs.
President Mitchell Says 100000 of
His People Want Increase
:, of Wages.

NEW; York, March 26-The industrial
department. Of the National Civic Fedora
ton met here today to hear the plea of the
United Mine Workers for assistance In adj
justing their differences with the mine
operators. ESenator NJ. A. Hanna, Oscar 3.
Strauss, Bishop Henry c. Potter. Franklin
MacVeagh, Lewis Nixon, Charles A Moore.
Marcus NJ Marks, VIM. H. Pfahler, Ralph
M. Easley, Frank P. Sargent and James
Duncan acted for the Civic Federation, ana
the mine workers were represented by John
Mitchell. president Of the national organiza-
ton; Thomas Nichols. John Fahy and
Thomas Duffy, district presidents Of the
mine workers and participants in the Sham
okfn convention which formulated the de-
mands of the men.
|. The meeting was held at Church Mission
House and was behind closed doors. 1t
began al 1890 o. clock, and it was announc-
ed that after John Mitchell and his asso-
ciates had stated their request that the
industrial committee would hold another
executive session to decide upon Its course.
Some of the members of the industrial COM
mittee expressed doubt as to the proprfety
Of intervention by their organization at this
time. They seemed to think that there was
still opportunity for direct negotiation be
tween the miners and mine operators. They
were disposed, however, to hear the request
of the mine workers and to offer any assist
ance that was possible
Men Want More Pay.
Before the conference began John Mitch
ell said that there were lac, 900 miners who
wanted better pay and a yearly contract
covering the terms Of their work with the
mine owners He said that the granting Of
their demand for contract would mean
their recognition as organized labor. He
would not say that the United Mine Work
ers intended to demand an eight day.
Neither he nor any of his associates cared
to discuss. either the general situation
throughout the coal regions or this particu-
lar conference with the peacemakers Of
the National Civic Federation.
Senator Hanna expressed the hope that
there would be peace. He said that he saw
nothing in the situation that could not be
adjusted, He said that he could not tell
what the industrial committee would do
until after 1t had heard the statements Of
Mr.. Mitchell and his fellow leaders of the
United Mine Workers Association.
The members of the industrial committee
began gathering shortly after 10 o'clock.
The coal miners representatives reached
the building at 1920 O'Clock and were
greeted by the committeeman. The confer
ence began few moments later
Senator Hanna's Statement
The conference adjourned at pm. and
Senator Hanna made the following state
ment:
Although we have been together for two
hours and half. really havn't much to
say. We have, talked with the representa-
tives of the miners and got at merely what
their desires are. We don't anticipate
trouble, and the best of spirit was mani
tested here tedays
So ase to get further information and, IL
possible, get into. communication with the
other side-the operators, a subcommittee
of three was appointed which will report
back to the industrial department of the
National Civic Federation tomorrow morn
ing at 10 80 o'clock. The 7cemmittee Is COM
posed of myself, former Minister Straus
and Mr.. Duncan, the general, secretary, Oh
the Granite Cutters National Union.
We will discuss things this afternoon and
hope that by tomorrow we will be able to
report progress from the other side Of the
question:. go =.
Asked if he cared to name the operators
that are to be communicated with, Senator
Hanna said that lie could not go into de-
tails at the present time, because the Fed
Grafton had not decided to take up President
Mitchels appeal.
President Mitch. I'll declined to discuss the
situation, saying that at the conference
Senator Hanna had been chosen to give
out the Information to the public. He said,
| however, that he Hoped that an understand
ing would be, reached whereby the threat
ened strike would be averted.