The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-11-14

Scranton, Pa, Nov. 14.-The commits
sion appointed by President Roosevelt to
arbitrate the differences between the an
thracite mine workers and their employ
ers to-day began the hearing of the
miners side Of the case. When the COM
mission opened its session to-day the only
evidence before it was the preliminary
statement Of Mr.. Mitchell and the replies
thereto of the operators. After the work.
men have concluded their case the
operators will make their defense. It Is
expected that more than two weeks will
be taken up in hearing both sides.
The hearings are being held in the
beautiful chamber Of the state superior
court, which is on the second floor of the
LackaWanna county courthouse. The
superior court is now sitting in Phila-
delphia, and in It's absence the courtroom
has been placed at the service of the COM
mission. The seven commissioners have
seats on the bench. In front Of them are
three long tables, one for President
Mitchell and his attorneys, one for the
lawyers of the coal companies, and the
third for the attorneys of the Independent
operators. To the left of the commission
ers are two long rows Of seats for the
newspaper correspondents. The arrange
it is likely that the commission will hear
all the evidence in this city.
AS early as o'clock the corridors out
side the courtroom were crowded with
people Of all classes and conditions eager
to gain admittance. Only a few of them
however, got through the door, as almost
every seat was occupied by general super
intendents, superintendent OF mining
companies and other officials and repre-
SentatiVeS Of the mine workers
Among the attorneys sitting around the
operators table were Francis I. Gowan Of
Philadelphia, general counsel for the LIE
high Valley Coal Co., A. H.. MacClintock
of Wilkesbarre, for the Lehigh & Wilkes.
barre company; ex-Congressman Simon P
Wolverton, Of Sunbury, Pa, for the Phila:
delphia & ing Coal and Iron company
David Wilcox, New York, general coun
sci of the Delaware g. Hudson and w. w
Ross of New York for the Delaware
Lackawanna & Western; Wayne MacNeigl
for~the Pennsylvania Coal Co. Presiden
Mitchell sat at the head Of the table. pro
vided for the represent tives of the min
ers. His principal advisers were Clarence
S. barrow Of Chicago, James L. Lenahal
of iWilkesbarre and John J.. Murphy 0
Scranton. 49, -
The Proceedings Open.
Shortly after 10 o'clock the members o
the commission filed in. Mr.. Mosely, on
Of the recorders, announced the commits
sioners' approach and as he did so ever.
one in the courtroom stood up. Judg
Gray brought his gavel down and tn
proceedings were opened. Judge Gray an
nounced that a sufficient time had beef
given for the parties to the controversy t.
prepare for the hearing and that the com
mission would hear the reports of tn
miners first.
Mr.. Mitchell said that he would file
further statement on Monday in answe
to some Of the allegations Of the opera
tors.
John T. Lenahan Of Wilkesbarre, on be
half of the non-union men, inquired Q
the commission what course the proceed
ings would take with respect to them
Judge Gray answered that that was
question. which would have to be consid
cred. -
Mr. Wolverton asked the other side t
give the operators at least one days no
tice, indicating the collieries from whic
employees will be called as witnesses,
that the mine owners can be prepared t
Mr.. barrow, for the miners, agreed t
the SUGGESTION
Mr.. barrow then called for the regula
procedure, and Mr.. Wolverton asked tina
the miners present their case. The re
quest was Immediately carried out, an
President Mitchell arose and addressed tn
commission. His statement containe
| 6, 900 words. an abstract Of which follows
Mr.. MitcheIi's Statement.
Mr.. Mitchell prefaced his Statement
with the hope that the commission woui
succeed in establishing a relationship be
| tween the operators and the miners tina
will insure peace and stability in the in
dustry for an indefinite period
| After reciting the demands for in
| creased pay for the miner, a shorter Wor
day for the laborer, the Weighing Of tn
coal and an Industrial agreement, tn
refusal Of which led to the strike, M
Mitchell spoke as follows on the questio
| of higher wages: .. r..
"Of the 1000 men and boys employe
| in and around the mines, stripping
washeries and breakers in the anthracit
coal fields, 64,07s, or 43 per cent, are en-
ployed on contract or piece work; the re
manning $4,000, or 81 per cent, are en-
ployed by the hour, day, week or montl
OF the 64,072 contract men, 37,S04 al
miners and 26,26S are miners laborer
The Argument on Wages.
j 1.-THE work of a miner and a miner
laborer is extremely hazardous; in fac
! it is more dangerous than employment
any other important industry in tt
i world. The number of persons killed an
injured is greater than in any other II
4 dustry Each day the antarctic CO;
mines are in operation, 6-10 persons los
their lives and three times as many al
manned, and yet these men receive lie:
4 wages annually than are received by me
performing precisely similar work in otht
fields under more favorable and less hai
ardous conditions. The number of veal
Y a man can retain his health and strengt
in this occupation is limited. If he e:
capes death or injury by falls of rock
) coal, he cannot escape attacks Of miner
asthma There is scarcely mine work,
who has not contracted this malady. TT
4 miners are compelled to work in powd'
smoke, in foul air, many of them in waite
/ and their work is difficult and exhaustin
1 Reputable insurance companies will NJ
issue policies to this class of workme
the risks are SO great that the premium
would be prohibitive to men whose carr
ings are so low. The entire 20 per Gel
which they demand as an increase In the
i wages would not suffice to carry an insu
ance Of $1,000.
'.It seems but fair and just that wag