Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-10-16
GOV. 0DELL ANGRY
President Basr Sharply R.buk.d BY
New York's Chief Executive.
REFUSES TO RECOCNIzE LABOR UNION
President Mitchell Also Has . Conference
with the Governor-Di appointment ct
Wilkssbarrs ct the Failure Of
the Conference.

New York, Oct. 11.-"What do you
mean by politicians? l want you and
all the other operators to understand
that l am the governor of New York,
the chosen representative Of 7,OO0,-
900 people, and that l am here in this
matter solely in that capacity and
to relieve, if possible, an intolerable
situation. And what is more, in
tend to use every power at my COM
mand to do it,"
Gov. Odell made this statement
yesterday to President Baer, Of the
Reading road, in the presence of
United States Senator'S Platt, of New
York, and Quay and Penrose, Of
Pennsylvania. 1t was the culmina-
ton of a rather heated interview
in the office of Senator Platt and the
result of this meeting between Gov.
Odell and President Baer.
Mr.. Baer was not in the best of
humor, when accompanied by E. H.
Thomas, chairman of the board of
directors 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 solution must be found
at once. He suggested that the OPP
orators should incline to some con-
cessions toward settlement.
IF you mean by that" said Presi-
dent Baer, shat we are to recognize
the existence of labor union, tell
you right now that the operators
will consider no such proposition"
Gov. Odell was on his feet in an
instant. Holding half burnt cigar
in his hand and white with excite
ment, he said: "Are we to under
stand that no kind of a concillatory
proposition will receive consideration
at the hands of the operators?"
II did not say that" answered
Baer, "but l do say, and I reiterate,
that we will not accept political adj
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 article.
President Bner, evidently appreciate
ing that he had gone too far, bowed
to Gov. Odell and said. "Gov-
ernor, I beg your pardon. No per-
sonal affront was intended and we
will listen to any suggestion you may
have to make, but again repeat that
we must refuse to recognize the
union as represented by Mr.. Mitch
ell"
81 believe" said the governor
shat your position from public
view is absolutely untenable. If coal
operators, railroad men and other
business men can combine for mu-
tual profit and protection, there is
no reason why laboring men should
not"
"What is the proposition?" said
Mr.. Baer, coldly.
"Just this" said Gov. Odell 81 am
sure that the labor organization of
which Mr.. Mitchell is head desires
lin to be fair with the general pub
ic. If the operators will consent to
rive the men five cents a ton increase
lad another conference at the ASH
and house. Mr.. Nichols said that
lis associates had not considered any
ormal or informal proposition from
he operators. He said that the
trike might be settled by Monday,
tut intimated that 1t was improb-
BILE.
Mitchell Refuses to Call Strike on
Washington, Oct. 10. - President
Of the coal miners union,
as refused to comply with the ap-
eal of President Roosevelt to call
he strike off. His letter to the presi-
ent, which was made public at the
'hite house yesterday, says the re-
for the continuation of
he strike should be placed upon
hose who have refused arbitration.
n closing the letter Mitchell says:
Having in mind our experience with 6
he coal operators in the past we
ave no reason to feel any degree Of
onfdence in their willingness to do {
\ justice in the future; and mas
luch as they have refused to accept s
le decision Of the tribunal selected |
y you, and inasmuch as there is no
w through which you could enforce S
lie findings Of the commission you |
iggest, we respectfully decline to
1vise our people to return to work t
IMPLY under the hope that the coal
perators might be induced or forced n
, comply with the recommendations