Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-11-20

Ths Anthracite Coal Strike Gem
mission Settles Down to Work.
PRESIDENT MITCHELL on The STAND

4 Statement Presented BY II. Mitchell
Showing the Minsrs' Side Of the Case
A Army Of lawyer Representing
the Different Coal Companiss.
Scranton, Pa, Nov. 1.-THE an
thracite coal strike commission, ap-
pointed by President Roosevelt to ar
bitrate the differences existing be-
tween the mine workers Of the hard
coal fields Of Pennsylvania and their
employers, yesterday began the hear
Ing Of testimony by which it will de-
termine whether or not the workmen
are receiving fair and just wages for
their labor and whether their condi-
lions should not be improved. The
star witness for the miners-Presi-
dent John Mitchell-took the stand
in the forenoon and when the COM
mission adjourned at four o'clock in
the afternoon he was still under the
fire of cross-examination by David W.
Wilcox, general counsel for the Della
ware & Hudson company. 1t was a
trying day for the miners leader, but
he seemed to stand the test well.
The heaviest fire of cross-questions
was aimed at him late in the after
noon session and when the hour OF
adjournment was reached Mr.. Will
cox was still propounding questions
and testing Mr.. Mitchel's memory.
The opening of the sessions was
a notable day in the annals OF the
law in the upper anthracite region.
Such an array of lawyers has never
been seen in this part of the state,
and it is doubtful whether attor-
neys have ever been so numerous on
one side Of case in this state as
were present in the interests Of the
coal companies yesterday. The COM
missions sessions are being held in
the beautiful room Of the Pennsyl-
vania supreme court, which Is now
sitting in Philadelphia. Ranged
around three tables in front Of tho
seven commissioners, who occupied
the Judges bench, were no less than
80 lawyers, "a Of whom were looking
after the interests Of the mine own
ers.
Grouped about Mr.. Mitchell were
District Presidents Nichols, Duffy
and Fahey, the three district secre-
taries, the three national board men,
bers and the members Of the three
district legislative boards of the an
thracite field. Scattered through the
spectators were many practical
miners, who will be called upon to
take the stand in behalf of the min
ers' claims.
The attitude of the commissioners
was closely followed by every one in
the court room. They appeared to
be greatly interested in the cross-ex-
animation of Mr.. Mitchell, but at
times seemed to grow restless under
the ceaseless fire of questions aimed
at the mine workers leader. Judge
Gray, as chairman of the commits
sion, being versed in court proceed
ings and in the law, was the only
spokesman for the commission. He
at times asked questions and at the
very close of the afternoon session
directed query at Mr.. Mitchell
which Mr.. Wilcox had been leading
up to for some time. The chairman
asked. Mr.. Mitchell whether his or
ganization approved Of the act OF
Withdrawing from or denying tne ne
cessities of life to those who had Of
Tended the organization and he re-
piled: II should say, emphatically,
no."
During the day Mr. Wilcox asked
Mr.. Mitchell many questions as to
the policies of the union, the method
Of calling strikes, the ability Of the
union to maintain discipline and pre-
vent the members of the union from
|
violating the law and also as to the
liability of the union breaking con-
tracts. It was apparent to many OF
those present who understood the
situation that Mr.. Wilcox's object
was to attempt to prove by Mr.
Mitchells own testimony that the
contention of the companies that the
miners union was an irresponsible
organization and that trade agree
ments therefore could not be safely
entered into was well founded.
During the hearing the statement
was brought out for the first time
since the late strike was inaugurated
that the union had disbursed $780,
900 among the union and non-union
men who were on strike.
Mr.. Mitchell, before taking the wit
ness stand in the forenoon, present
ed the miners side of the case in
6,OOO-word statement. 1t took him 40
minutes to read his address and he
was listened to by the commissioners
and the operators with the closest
attention.