Fergus County argus., 1902-10-15
ODELL GOES
AFTER BEAR
Governor Of New York Tells the Auto
erst Of the Coal Barons What
He Thinks Of Them.
HE MADE eAER BACK DOWN
Indications Are That the Operators
Will Soon be Forced to Reeog-
nize the Miners Union.

New York. Oct. 1O.-"What do you
mean by politicians? want you and
all other operators TO understand that
! am governor of New York. the chos-
en- representative of 100000 people,
and that | am here in this matter
solely In that capacity and to relieve
If possible the intolerable situation.
And. what is more, | intend to use
every power at my command TO do IT,"
Governor Odell made this statement
today to President Baer, of the Read
ing railroad. in the presence of United
States Senators Platt of New York
and Quay and Penrose of Pennsyl-
vania. IL was the elimination of a
rather heated interview In the office
of Senator Platt and the result of the
first meeting between Governor Odell
and President Baer.
Mr.. Baer was not in Tie best of
humor when, accompanied by +. B.
Thomas. chairman of the board of di-
rectors of the Erie railroad, he enter
ed Senator Platts office. The confer
ence 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 Presl-
dent Baer. that we are to recognize
the existence of the labor union. tell
you right now that the operators will
consider no such proposition"
Governor Odell was on his feet in
an instant. Holding a half burnt ci-
gar In his hand and white with ex-
citement. he said:
Are we to understand that no kind
of a conciliatory proposition will re-
ceive consideration at the hands of
the operators"
Il did not say that" answered Mr..
Baer. "but did say and 4 reiterate It..
that we will not accept the political
advice or allow the interference OF
politicians in this. our AFFAIR"
Then 1t was that Governor Odell
made the statement attributed 10 him
at the beginning of this article.
President Baer, evidently appreciat.
ing he had gone too far, bowed to
Governor Odell and said:
Governor. ! beg your pardon No
personal affront was intended. and we
will listen to any suggestion you have
to make; but again ! repeat we must
refuse tosrecognize the union as repre-
sented by Mr.. Mitchell"
Il believe, said Governor Odell,
that your position from a public view
is absolutely untenable. If the coal
operators. the railroad men and other
business men can combine for mutual
profit and protection. there Is no rea-
son why the laboring men should not. I"
What is the proposition?" said Mr..
Baer coldly.
Just this" said Governor Odell, Il
am sure that the labor organization
of which Mr.. Mitchell is the head
desires him to be fair with the gener-
al public. II the operators will con-
sent to give the men five cents a ton
increase | will personally present IL
to the miners, and ! believe they will
accept II. 1t is fair proposition"
Does this mean, Governor Odell.
that we are to recognize the miners
union?" Baer asked.
1T certainly does" answered Gov
ernor Odell. quickly. "and 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 9th.
er operators and that an early answer
would be forthcoming. Mr.. Baer said :
I'VE are to meet a committee of the