The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-01-10

remuneration for the labor actually per-
formed.
THE FOURTH CLAIM.
1--WE have claimed In our answer that
the commission cannot under the terms
of the submission OF the issues which
IL IS 10 pass upon consider the fourth
demand submitted by the complainants.
viz: The execution OF an agreement with
the United Mine Workers OF America
governing the wages to be paid and the
conditions OF employment OF its en-
ployes. without waving this claim we
shall offer such testimony. in addition TO
the evidence already before the COM
mission to establish the undesirability OF
such an agreement IL Il were fairly at
issue.
I'VE shall show that the relations be-
tween this respondent and It's employees
had been for many years peaceful and
harmonious until they were disturbed by
the Vaccinations OF officers or agents OF
the United Mine workers. that the effect
OF this organization OF its employees on
the associatio has been TO create spirit
OF unrest discomfort and hostility upon
the part OF the employees. that the dis
clplne which Is essential 10 the safe and
profitable conduct OF the business has
been very greatly impaired: that sys-
tematic efforts have been made TO force
so that the management Of tho business
might be put absolutely under Its con-
tral: and that in many instances to fur
ther the designs Of the organization the
efficiency and productive capacity OF the
men has been voluntarily diminished"
In conclusion the statement says that
the miners union has no control over
its members: that no black list was ever
prepared or recognized by the company.
nd ltat hA oxi
Delaware and Hudson company will tend
10 indicate It's sincere desire TO estab-
ish and maintain amicable and friendly
relations with It's employees.
UNDER CROSS EXAMINATION.
On cross examination by counsel for the
miners Mr.. Rose said that prior To 1900
the contract miners earned $500 TO $500
year. Mr. Rose said he considered eight
hours n fair day for the miners but fire.
men should work II hours.
While the law permitted 12-year-
old boys TO work on the breakers he did
not think boys OF that age should be
there. Two years ago he did not think the
10 per cent Increase given the men was
fair but he had since changed his mind.
He could not. however. reconcile himself
10 the increase now asked for by the NIL
ners. lie said the companies would have
voluntarily paid the increase I'm 1900 II the
men had remained at work.
RELATIONS CORDIAL.
Upon the conclusion Of his address Mr..
Torrey called To the witness stand
Charles s Rose OF Scranton, superin-
tendent OF the mining department of the
company Under the examination of MIR.
Torrey tho witness said that prior 60 the
| 1900 strike the relations between the com
| pany and the men were cordial. After
that strike most of the compsny's men
| Joined the Miners union, which resulted
| In considerable discomfort among the men
and the breaking up OF discipline I'm and
about the mines.
In some collieries the men arc required
| TO load 2So0 pounds to car, In other
| mines 2S50 pounds At one colliery the
weight Is fixed at 275O pounds. The size
| OF the cars, he said. differs at various col
| lierles. SO far az he knew no 'black
| list exists In tho anthracite regions
The witness also said that II would be
unwise To have weekly pay DAYS. The
men. he said, now lose twice as much
time with semi monthly pay rs they did
when they were paid once a month.
LITTER FROM oLYPHANT.
Mr.. Rose concluded his testimony by
| producing letter written To him by
| President Olyphant Of the company after
| tho strike ended. Thelettcr told him 10
stand by the men who stood by the COM
| pany during the strike tie was instruct
"a TO warn those employees TO be careful
| and "if reviled. % revile not again"
| Regarding tho returning strikers. the
| letter said. GIVE them a good welcome .
/ they are not all bad who are mlslcd The
| communication also instructed the super
| ntcudent 90 take back all men where
| places could Doe found FOR them. But no
! man should bo taken back. n said. who
J had been guilty OF committing crime.