Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-12-11
The STRIKE INQUIRY.
Alleged Blaeklisting Methods Pur.
sued BY Some Coal Companies.
LITTLE KNOWN OF PEACE EFFORTS,
The Opinion Of Nj. Macvssgh Was That
Both Sides VIII Present All Their Testi-
mony Before Negotiations viii
BE Resumed.

| oSidhtoH, Ia, Dcc. O.-lHc lawyers
for the mine workers continued to
call witnesses yesterday before the
strike commission to testify to the
alleged blacklisting methods pursued
by several coal companies in refusing
to re-employ strikers who took a
more or less prominent part in the
strike. In most cases, according to
the testimony, no satisfactory reason
was given why the men wen not
taken back. Two blind men, who
were also otherwise badly injured by
underground explosions, were pre-
scented as living evidence Of the dan
gers in the mines. When the commits
sion adjourned for the day Rev. ]. J.
Curran, the Catholic clergyman Of
Wilkesbarre, who took prominent
part in the miners cause during the
recent strike, was on the witness
stand.
Nothing could be learned here yes
terday with reference to the report
ed efforts at settlement outside the
commission. None of the attorneys
for either side professed to know
anything about any contemplated
move in that direction. Wayne Mac
veagh, who is representing the Erie
coal properties, was the only attor-
ney in a position to know who would
talk about the matter. He left here,
accompanied by Mr.. Parker, in the
afternoon. The testimony now being
presented to the commission does not
concern Mr.. MacVeagh's clients to an
extent which makes his presence nec-
essary.
Mr.. Macveagh, before leaving,
stated to the correspondent Of the
Associated press that majority Of
the operators thought it better to ad-
journ all efforts to reach by amicable
conferences a basis for the award
of the commission until both sides
had presented all the testimony they
wished to offer. Whether the efforts
to reach such basis will then be re-
sumed can only be decided after the
testimony shall be closed.
Mr.. MacVeagh added that he per-
sonally thought, in view of the extra
ordinary conditions existing in the
anthracite region, that this was a
mistaken attitude for the operators
to assume, as he feared each days
testimony would tend to increase the
bitterness Of feeling; but it was not
only the right, but the duty Of the
operators to act on their own judg-
ment Of the situation and he sincere
ly hoped the result would fully
justify the conclusion they reached.
From this expression it is taken that
Mr.. MacVeagh was opposed to the
calling off Of the negotiations last
week.
The departure of Mr.. MacVeagh
and Mr.. Parker for New York gave
rise to rumor that the distin-
guished attorney was going there to
consult with the operators on the
settlement scheme, but when he was
seen just before he left the city he
said he did not know whom he would
see there. He denied any knowledge
Of any efforts being made by the
large coal companies to absorb the
independent concerns. Individual OPP
orators who were approached on the
subject also said they knew moth
ing of such a move.
Before the examination of wit
nesses was resumed Chairman Gray
said the commission had decided to
present to both sides certain blank
forms which would indicate what in
formation regarding wages the com
wanted.