New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-06
MINERS md OWNERS OUT.
Operators Say They Can't Run
WitchelPS AdUice Disrcgdrded.
GENERAL ADNA r. CHAFFEE.
Gebo.os-avh hy Pseh Bros)

Indianapolis March 5.-The joint conference
between the coal miners and operators OF the
central competitive district adjourned to-day
without reaching an agreement as 10 the scale
OF wages for the year beginning April ]. This
is the second time there has been a failure 10
agree. The operators are leaving here for their
homes. The eight hundred miners delegates
here viii meet on Monday morning in national
convention. when il is announced a statement
Of the position Of the miners VIII be given to
the public
The final disagreement and adjournment came
after a day devoted 10 consideration OF the uiul-
matum OF the operators. which WAS that "a two
years scale be signed az a reduction OF 5la
per cent from the present scale.
Addresses urging the acceptance Of the propo-
sition were made by leading operators. including
F. L Robbins OF Pittsburg: H. y. Taylor. OF
Illinois. and J. II. winder. OF Ohio. They In
sisted that the present conditions in the country
necessitated some concessions by the miners.
They announced that this was the ultimatum OF
the operators. and they expressed the hope that
there would be amicable settlement
The miners asked for a convention Of their
own, and the operators withdrew. In the execu-
tive session OF the miners President Mitchell.
Vice President Lewis and Secretary Wilson. OF
the national organization, and many OF the
district officers. advised the acceptance Of the
operators proposition. In reply many OF the
delegates announced that they were bound by
instructions and could not vote for any reduc-
ton.
When the iont conference met later nearly
every miner and operator was in his scat. The
question put the acceptance Of the
proposition made by the operators. The opera
tors. voting by States. cast four votes for the
acceptance Of the proposition. The miners. vot-
ance. 1t was thus tie vote. and the question
was lost.
Mr. Robbins moved that the convention ad-
journ sine die President Mitchell seconded the
motion which prevailed
F. L. Robbins. for the operators. said after
adjournment:
The operators by a unanimous agreement
made a fair magnanmous offer. In making ~
took into consideration present condluohs
IN the coal as well I'm other trades-industrlal
conditions all over the country. We Haue tle ne
offer with the provision that the scaie az that
figure must be for two years we would not
have offered IL for one year The miners lead
ers urged its acceptance, but many OF the
miners were tied by instructions. and said they
could not accept IT,
rs there any way strike can be averted
now7' he was asked
We'll the representatives Of the operators
and the representatives Of the miners of the
four States could make another arrangement
similar 20 the enc wbioa has just been unsuc-
cessfuIiv concluded" he answered.
Have there been since the adjournment OF
the conference to-day any overtures between
yourself and Mr. Mitchell looking TO resump-
ton OF negotiations Mr.. Robbins was asked
He hestated for half d minute as though Sc
Iectsng his words. and then said: II have said
President Mitchell, when asked the same qnes-
.ton replied that he could not discuss that
phase OF the situation.