Americus times-recorder., 1902-10-15
MITCHELL is RETlCENT.
Has Nothing to Say Regarding op-
orators New Proposal.


Wilkesbarre, Pa, Oct. 14.-Presl-
dent Mitchell, of the Miners union, re-
fuses, point blank, to talk for publica'
ton at this time on the new proposal
for arbitration of the strike laid before
President Roosevelt last night by the
presidents of the coal carrying rail.
roads. No official information can be
had as to his views and he himself
does not know whether he will make
a statement later in the day.
The news of the new offer was vari-
ously received by the striking miners
of the region. 1t did not become
known until we'll in the morning and
there were many different views taken
by the men.
There are a number of mine workers
who favor a rejection of the offer as
formulated by the operators, while
there are equally as many who see
some good in the offer. The miners,
however, have great confidence in the
Judgment of their leader, and it is GER
tain they will leave the matter in
his hands to work out.
The citizens of the region generally
are rejoicing at the new turn Of al.
fairs, and feel confident that the step
just taken by the operators will result
in much good if not speedy settle.
ment of the great conflict.
Comparing President Mitchell's offer
made to the president of the United
States ten days ago with that Of the
operators made last night, there are
many persons who look upon the OPP
orators offer as a counter proposition
and believe that the miners will treat
it as such.
Mr.. Mitchells offer to the president
was that he should appoint the com.
mission. The operators go that far
and a step farther by stipulating that
the members of the commission must
be selected from various occupations
of professions suggested by the com.
panies. This shows that many miners
were against the plan, because no rec.
ognized representative of the work.
men is included in the operators sug.
gestions. unless he can be selected
under the head of "a man of promi
nence, eminent as a socioIogist."
Objection is also expressed to clause
g. which, the strikers say, limits the
president Of the United States to Sc.
lect a judge from about four men. In
fact, the element against the latest
offer of the operators pick flaws in
every clause Of the new offer. Those
in favor of the plan feel that Presi'
dent Mitchell should accept 1t and
trust to President Roosevelt to make
the board or commission as impartial
as it is in his power to do under the
conditions laid down by the operators
They do not favor counter propo5i'
ton as is being suggested by those
against the latest plan on the ground
that it would do no good and would
cause public sentiment, which the
miners think is with them, to turn
toward the operators.
The best judgment of those wno
have been associated with President
Mitchell through the strike, men who
have watched his every action and
talked with him privately, is that the
arbitration plan is unsatisfactory to
him. Owing to the tremendous pres
sure being brought to bear on both
sides to end the contest is the fact
that the mine leader will waive his
objection and advise that the propo
sition be accepted.
The three district presidentN are
not here. but they are an that -----