The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-02
Strike or Peace in Coal Fields Depends
Ubou Will Of Three Dozen Men

CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE)
the point that unless they secure a reduc-
ton they could not operate at a profit dur
ing the coking year because reducuons
are being made In other industries; that to
secure contracts they are compelled TO cut
their former prices and that it is time Of
general industrial depression.
One fact brought out at the convention
yesterday was that both sides are as sin n
their positions they are firm. The
speeches yesterday were uttered with no
little feeling and with much force.
President Mitchell, Vice President Lewis
and Mr.. Robbins occupied the morning with
their arguments. During the afternoon ses-
pressed the arguments aggressively.
The fight was carried on through the aft
ernoon by H L. Chapman, j: w. Gutherie
of Ohio, w. j. Mullens and Harry Taylor,
of Illinois, w. s. Boyle, of Indiana, and MI
Robbins, for the operators; Mr.. Mitchell
Secretary w. B. Wilson and Patrick Dolan,
for the miners.
The positions maintained by the repre-
sentatives of the operators was that 1t was
not fair for the miners to take the prices
of the Pittsburg Coal Company as basis
for justifying a renewal OF the present
scale Each operator spoke for his own
State in the policy which was to be fol-
lowed during the coming year, and with
out execution each declared that the COM
panies will accept nothing but reduc-
tion A salient point made by each was that
in order for the companies to renew con-
their former prices. The variations in the
price eff coal within the last few months
was also shown at some length.
The arguments of the miners were con-
tinued along the lines laid down in the
morning session. Patrick Dolan, of Penn
sylvania, quoted the prices on coal mining
in the Pittsburg district, showing the profits
made by the operators.
One of the strongest speeches made yes
terday was that of Vice President Lewis,
who made as his leading point the fact that
a warranted.
son that prices are raising In other COM
modities.
PRESIDENT MITCHELL SPRINGS
SURPRISE.
The stand taken by both operators and
miners at the opening of the convention
yesterday morning remained unaltered
throughout the day. When the convention
was called to order an Ohio miner pre-
sented a motion that the present scale be
adopted. It was lost.
President Mitchell then sprang a surprise
on the operators by arising and reading
number of resolutions which embodied the
original demands of the miners-the present
mining scale with the run-of-mine basis;
the 7-cent differential between pick and ma
chine mining: uniform outdeor wage for
brushers in the long wall mines.
President Mitchell moved the adoption of
ately offered a substitute to the effect that
rant Is per cent. reduction. Neither
measure came to a vote, arguments pro and
con continuing throughout the day until
evening, when they were referred to the
scale committee.
The part played in the convention yes
terday by the Pittsburg Coal Company was
remarkable. From it's introduction by Mr.
Mitchell it was cited in almost every
speech. The miners presented 1t as the
strongest argument in their cause Repeat
on the ground that its operation could not
be taken a basis for the operations of
the other companies of the competitive dis
trict
COMPANIES REPORT DISCUSSED.
Mr. Mitchell began mis- first arguments
yesterday by pointing out that the argu-
rnents of the operators present the
former conference would not hold good. He
referred TO the argument that many Of the
larger manufacturers of the country were
closing down. Mr.. Mitchell read newspa-
per articles. showing that these plants had
started up business again. He then turned
his attention TO the report of, the Pittsburg
Coal Company. saying in part;
II want TO read into the record report
or the PlttSburg Coal Company which in
dicates that the demands made by Mr.. Rob-
bins are not warranted by his statement to
his own directors. Mr.. Robbins, in his re-
port at meeting held / believe, during the
month of January. in giving the report of
his companies up TO the end OF December,
1903. says:
- The net earnings of your company and
its subsidiary companies exclusive of the
Monongahela River Consolidated Coal and
Coke Company, whose earnings, assets and
liabilities are shown separately in an ap-
pended report for the year ending Dec. 81
1903, greatly exceed those of the preceding
year. is shown in the following recapitu-
lation
Net earnings year ending Dec. 81, 1902,
81. 7O6 u; net earnings year ending Dec
81, 1898, 81, 751, O25. 40
Then follows a condensed summary of
the principal expenditures. showing the diff
ferent plants that have been purchased by
the Pittsburg Coal Company. 1t shows that
they have paid out 600. but OF that
S14.Oo0.000 was paid out of the surplus earn
mgs.
Now. Mr.. Chairman. / submit that as a
matter Of absolute fairness, il is not right
for the operators 10 come into this cOnven-
ton and ask for reduction in wages. If
one company can increase its business and
increase its receipts So per cent In one year,
SAY they can well afford to stand slight