Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1902-10-16
DISAPPOIN1fM ENT.
Heated Interview Between Gov.
Odell and Mr.. Baer.
Conferences In Nesg York Looking to
settlement of Coal Strike with
out Result Operators VIII
Make Another Effort to
Start Their Mines.

Washington, Oct. S.--PreSident
! Roosevelt has requested Mr.. Mitchell,
| president of the Mine Workers union,
! to use his influence, to induce the
men to go back to work, with the
! promise OF the appointment of a com
mission to investigate their griev
ances and further promise that the
! president will urge upon congress leg
! lslatiOn in accordance with u recon-
| mendation of that commission.
! NiIkesbarre, Pa, Oct. S.-An officer
! OF the union now in the city said:
1.-The anthracite mine workers of
Pennsylvania appreciate the efforts
being made by President Roosevelt to
end the strike and they have only
words of praise for him. However, af-
ter sacrificing everything for the last
five months they consider it would
! be unfair for anyone to ask them to
return to work without single con-
cession.''
New York, Oct. 11.-'-Nhat do you
mean by politicians? | want you and
all the other operators to understand
that | am the governor of New York,
the chosen representative of 1000, 900
matter solely in that capacity and to
relieve if possible an intolerable stu
| alton. And what is more, | intend to
use every power at my command to
do it,"
Gov Odell made this statement yes
terday to President Baer, of the
Reading road, in the presence of
United States Senators Platt, of New
York, and Quay and penrose, of Penn
sylvania.
Mr.. Bacr was not in the best of
humor when, accompanied by T.. Il.
thomas, chairman of the board OF di-
rectOrS OF the Erie railroad he en-
tered Senator Platt's office The con-
ference was begun by a statement
made by Senator Penrose that the
situation was becoming so serious
that some solution must be found at
once. He suggested that the opera
tors should incline to some conces-
sions toward a settlement.
IF you mean by that" said Presi-
dent Baer that 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 i'll an
instant. Holding a half-burnt cigar
in his hand and white with excite
ment, he said: Are we to under
stand that no kind of a conciliatory
proposition will receive consideration
at the hands of the operators?"
81 do not say that" answered Mr..
Baer, but | do say, and | reiterate
it, that we will not accept political
advice or allow the interference of
politicians in this our affair"
Then il was that Gov. Odell made -
the statement attributed to him
above.
President Bacr. evidently appreciate
ing that he had gone too far, bowed
to Gov. Odell and said: Governor,
l beg your pardon. No personal af-
front 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.. MITCHELL
II believe" said the governor. that
your position from a public view Is
absolutely untenable. If coal opera
tors. railroad men and other business
men can combine for mutual profit
and protection, there is no reason
why laboring men should not"
'What is the propositions" said &T.
Bacr, coldly.
Just this" said Coy. Odel. II am
sure that the labor organization of
which Mr.. Mitchell is head desires him
to be fair with the general public. If
the operators will consent to give the
men five cents ton increase / will
personally present it to the miners,
and believe they will accept it. 1t
is a fair proposition"
Does this mean, Coy. OdelI,. that
we are to recognize the miners un-
ion?" Mr. Bacr asked
"lt certainly does" answered Gov.
OdcIl, quickly, "and there is no rea-
son why you should not"
Mn Bacr and Mr. Thomas rose to
go, Mr.. Thomas remarking that the
matter would be presented to the
other operators and that an early an
sWcr would be Forthcoming. Mr.. Baer
said: we are to meet Il committee
of the Manufacturers association on
Tuesday and we may have an answer
then"
Wilkesbarrc, Pa. Oct. 11.--Disap-
pointment followed the news received
from New York last night that the
conference held in that city for the
purpose of settling the miners strike
had failed to reach an agreement. 1t
is feared in business circles that the
struggle will continue for some weeks
yet. The strike leaders will make
every effort to hold their men in line
trusting to cold weather to bring the
operators to terms.
The operators will make a deter
mined effort to start up additional
collieries next Monday. and in case
the militia cannot furnish the neces-
sary protection for the men who
want to go to work. and their fam-
lies, number of local operators will
petition the governor as to the adj
visibility of calling on the president
for federal troops.
Discussed strike situation,
Washington. Oct. t1.-FOr long
,,iJ & nd i1,