The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-02-02
WHERE THEY SPLIT.
Final Session of Joint Conference of
Miners and Operators.

--As-A f9Sy3aAOA OA JOINT conference OF
Miners and Operators.
Indianapolis, Ind, Feb. 2.-The coal
operators and miners of the central
competitive and southwest districts
met in joint conference today to finally
settle the question as to whether an
agreement was possible. President
Mitchell of the miners announced that
the miners had refused to accept a
continuance of the present scale. F. L.
Robbins of Pittsburg moved that the
present scale be affirmed with the
same prices and conditions for the year
beginning April /. Mr.. Taylor, an
Illinois operator, moved an amendment
sv hich was the same proposition that
had been previously offered and re-
5ected- The amendment was lost, the
operators and miners voting solidly.
F. L. Robbins then took the floor.
He said he wanted to go on record, as
it seemed the future of the interstate
movement was in peril
Mr.. Robbins reviewed the difference
in the condition of the miners now and
when the interstate and joint confer
ence movement went into effect.
You have advanced wages and
shorter hours said he. Without
argument and III the face of all fair
ness you yesterday met and repudi-
ated a fair proposition. I want to go
on record as protesting against such
fflGiAOUS- 6Sl6I0taA coal SGl0 IN AIl-
cagO at s. dOliOr a ton, carrying an so
cent freight uate, because the railroads
We're demanding the cars, and yet you
refuse to allow one district to sign an
agreement unless we propose to deal
with our miners even handed with the
same representation on each side You
propose TO have miners of other states
with conditions entirely different from
ours to dictate as to the settlement of
our affairs in our district. Your prop
nGlf1nn qdnnfnn nT0aW ie = hc17rd A
1ittlesection up in Michigan could re-
tuse a settlement and tie up the whole
country. You have a conference with
the anthracite operators coming. If
I were an anthracite operator would
refuse to deal with you
Mitchell Replies.
President Mitchell took the floor in
reply. He said:
'It is kind of Mr. Robbins to say
that we have presented no argument.
have the final say as to whether we
have presented any argument or not.
We have shown that coal is selling at
the mines at from 35 to so GEMS a ton
higher than it was selling seven
months ago. We showed this by their
own circulars. We have shown by
their circulars that the condition Of
their own trade is highly prosperous.
The country is in the highest degree
of prosperity. Stocks and bonds are
selling higher than ever before and
yet Notwithstanding this situation we
are asked to continue a lower wage
scale than we had two years ago. And
Mr.. Robbins win remember that two
years ago, when we accepted a lower
wage scale on account of an un-
fortunate situation existing at that
time he promised that the reduction
would be restored at the next confer
Mr.. Mitchell reiterated his argu-
ments for an increase in wages and in
closing said:
I'VE have come to the parting of the
ways and it seems to me that the only
thing left to do is to go home and
there try to overcome the seemingly
insurmountable obstacles We deeply
regret the necessity for such a step but
you can give US an advance in wages
without damaging your property in
terests to any considerable extent"
P. H. Penna. an Indiana operator,
said:
TT looks as though a split is in
evtable and that the joint conference
movement has failed"
Mr.. Penna argued the wage question
with some figures on the products and
the selling price of coal The produc-
ton of Indiana coal, he said. had de-
creased from z to 9 per cent during the
past year.
IF this institution has to break up
said he, "and it has come to the point
of this country, that party will be the
party that owns the property. There
viii be hardships but the owners of
property must control it."
Vice President T. L. Lewis, of the
mine workers, said the miners realized
that while the movement had been ben
eficial they were opposed to any pro-
position that would deny a rightful
wage scale. And if that is denied us
said he, chen the responsibility for an
industrial war must rest where it be-
longs"
Herman Perry. president of the Hi
nOis Miners. spoke briefly in favor of
the right of the miners to forbid any
district an agreement until all had sign
ed. When he took his seat there were
cries OF Question from the miners
side of the house.
Taking a Vote.
John Walker, of the Illinois miners
spoke briefly. and ". D. Ryan moved
the previous question which was car
ried and the motion of F. L. Robbins
that the present wage scale be continued
in force was put.
Patrick Dolan voted Yes for the
Pennsylvania miners and the vote was
challenged. Dolan arose and said:
Il have authority to cast the vote
for the Pennsylvania miners and until