Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-10-11
ODELL'S PLAIN TALK
To Pres. Baer and Others Of
the Coal Operators.
Proposes to Use Every Means to Settle
the Great Strike.
Men Have a. Much Right to Organize
IS Operators.

New IOTk, OCt. W. w nat 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.O00.0O0
people. and that am here in this mat
ter solely in that capacity and to re-
lieve. If possible. an intolerable situa-
ton. And what is more, I intend to
use every power at my command to
do it,
Gov. Odell made this statement, to-
day. to President Baer of the Reading
Road. in the presence of United States
Senators Plat Of New York. and Quay
and Penrose of Pennsylvania. 1t was
the elimination of rather heated in
terview in the office of Senator Platt.
and the result Of the first meeting be-
tween Gov. Odell and President Baer.
Mr.. Baer was not in the best OF
humor when, accompanied by E. Il.
Thomas. chairman of the board of di-
rectors of the Erie Railroad, he entered
Senator Platts 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 operators should incline TO
some concessions toward a settlement.
IF you mean by that" said President
Baer. that we are to reconiZe the eX-
istence of labor union, tell you right
now that the operators will consider no
such proposition"
Gov. Odell was on his feet in an in
slant. Holding a half-burnt cigar in
his hand and white with excitement. he
said:
Are we to understand that no kind
of a conciliatory proposition will re-
ceive consideration at the hands OF the
OPERATORS
II did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer, but do say, and I reiterate it,
that we will not accept political advice
or allow the interference of politicians
in this. our affair"
Then it was that Gov. Odell made the
statement attributed to him at the be-
ginning of this article.
President Baer. evidently appreciate
ing that he had gone too far. bowed to
Gov. Odell and said:
Governor. l beg your pardon. No
personal affront was intended and we
will listen to any suggestion you may
have to make, but again I repeat that
as represented by Mr.. Mitchell.
II believe" said the Governor. that
your position from public view is alb
solutely untenable. If coal operators
railroad men and other business men
can combine for mutual profit ana pro-
lection. there is no reason why laboring
men should not
what is the proposition said Mr..
Baer cOldly.
"Just this" said Gov. Odell. Il am
sure that the labor organization OF
which Mr.. Mitchell Is the head. desires
him to be fair with the general public.
If the operators will consent to give
the men cents ton increase | will
personally present it to the miners. and
/ believe they will accept it. 1t is a
fair proposition"
Does this mean. Gov. Odell, that
we are to recognize the Miners Union?'
Mr.. Baer asked.
1T certainly does" answered Gov.
Odell, land there is no reason why
you should not
Mr.. Baer and Mr.. Thomas rose to
go. Mr.. Thomas remarking that the
matter would be presented TO the other
operators and that an early answer
would be forthcoming. Mr.. Baer
said:
I'VE are to meet a committee OF
the Manufacturers Association on
Tuesday and We may have an answer
then"
The conference broke up. Mr.. Baer
and Mr.. Thomas withdrawing.
Senators Plat. Penrose and Quay
talked over the matter for short
time and then they. too, separated,
the two Pennsylvanians announcing
that they would go back to Harrisburg
and discuss the situation with Gov.
Stone.
Gov. Odell was not in talking
mood when he left the conference. He
went directly to the Fifth Avenue no.
tel and during most of the afternoon
received callers. Mayor Low, Arson
G. McCook. Edward Lauterbach. Con-
gressmen Lessler and Littauer ana
Senator Plat were among his callers.
TO one of these the governor said:
1.-The coal operators may postpone
CONTINUED on page So