The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-10-03

 "A WASHINGTON October 2.-It has NM been decided that Attorney Gen HX eral Knox shall attend the con- ference tomorrow between the President the coal operators and Mir Mitchell of the miners union. He will be the only member of the cabinet who will be pres ent. Carroll D. Wright, commissioner of labor, who recently made an investiga- tion of the strike situation, also will att tend on the invitation of the President. While every one connected with the ad- ministration is extremely reticent con- corning the coming conference, there is a feeling of hope among those close to the President that 1t is going to result in a settlement of the strike. This hope is based on the acuteness of the situation and the necessity that exists for set clement, along with the known determi- nation of the President to bring about settlement of the great labor controversy if such a thing is possible.
 Mitchell Party Starts.
 Wilkesbarre, Pa. October 2.-President Mitchell of the United Mine Workers. ac- companied by District Presidents Nichols, Duffy and Fahy, left here this evening for Washington via Philadelphia MT. Mitchell conferred with the district presi- dents throughout the day. It is not known what policy the executive board of the miners union will pursue at the conference.
 MT. Mitchell declined to express any opinion. All he would say is that he hoped for the best. The general feel ing is, however. that President Roose- welt will succeed in bringing both par ties together.
 The mining town of Plymouth, which has been free from any disturbance since the strike begun was the scene of much disorder today. Mobs surrounded the Sterling and North American washeries and Sheriff Jacobs being unable to dis purse them summoned the military. Col onel Dougherty sent three companies of the Ninth regiment to the scene and they arrested eleven men charged with riot ing They were brought before Mags- trate Pollock of this city, who after hearing held them in 5000 bail each for trial at court. A strong guard was placed over the washeries tonight.
  started up work this afternoon. This was a surprise to the strikers.
 Despite the conference called to meet at Washington the operators in the Wyoming valley are very aggressive.
 Mitchell Warns Foreigners.
 The following telegram was sent by President Mitchell to the three anthra- cite districts today:
 There has been placed in my hands indisputable evidence of an attempt on the part of operators to create discord among our non-English speaking mem bers through the circulation of pam phlets containing malicious and dastardly attacks upon the officers of the organiza tion, and by ~n effort 10 arouse race prejudices. These circulars will be print ed in all the foreign languages, and will be signed by person designating hlmselr "A Friend" Immediately notify all dis trict and local officers to be on their guard. It is especially important that our non-English speaking brothers be in- formed or this conspiracy.
 JOHN MITCHELL"
 Operators Undergo Change.
 Scranton, Pa, October 2.-Sentment among the representatives of the coal operators here has undergone a change since yesterday regarding the action of President Roosevelt in assuming the role or an tO Seltle the SIrlke. Vest terday they said the only effect of the Presidents action would be to put off the surrender of the miners as many days as there were in the interim between the first announcement of his intention 10 in- ternediate and the announcement of the result--or rather lack of result-of the conference. Today these same men say the White House conference will hasten he end of the strike; that 1t will show the miners that no third party, not even the President of the United States, can pudge inc operators from their position, and that once this Is realized the strikers will weaken.
 A prominent individual coal operator said today that he stood ready to guar antee that the operators would agree to a sliding scale basis of pay comprehend ing a two per cent selling price, if the miners union would agree to put up the bonds to indemnify the operators for damages resulting from strikes caused bv the discharge of men for causes other than connection with the union.
 Detroit Plan May Be Abandoned.
 Detroit, October 2.-The special commit tee which has in charge the proposed