The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-03-16
COMPLAIN AGAINST
ROAD OFFICIALS
Union Leaders Ask Bonaparte
to Begin Action
DISCRIMINATION CHARGED
John Mitchell and w. D. Ryan, Mine
Operatives, Explain Situation to
the President and Seek
His Help.
DISCRIMINATION CHARGED

W Washington, AdIcQ lO.-A COnleIenCe
which is likely to have far-reaching re-
suits was held here this afternoon be-
tween, members of the interstate COM
merce commission and representatives of
the commercial operators and coal miners
organizations of Indiana and southern
Illinois
In addition to a complaint which as a
result of the conference is to be filed
with the commission. 1t is probable that
the Attorney General will be urged to in
stitute proceedings against officials of the
coal-carrying railroads In Indiana and
Illinois for alleged violation of the Sher-
man antitrust act.
Present at the conference were Judge
Wood of the Indiana railroad commits
sion, John Mitchell. president of the
United Mine Workers of America, w. ID.
Ryan, secretary of the Illinois Miners
organization, and several mine operators.
1t has been announced by the COM
mercal carrying railroads operating be-
tween southern Indiana, Chicago and the
northwest that an advance of about 10
cents per ton will be made In the freight
rates coal This advance, IL Is asserted
will affect seriously both the operators
and the miners The operators are under
contract to supply coal In large quanti-
ties at q stipulated price, out of which
they have to pay the freight charges. If
the increase should go into effect dur
ing the life of the contracts, the oper
ators say, they would be forced either to
lose money or reduce wages. The miners
are working under scale which yet
has about a year to run. The operators
say the increase In rates has been made
all .s..... avxN
along the lines of the Big -Four railroad,
where the increase is but cents per
ton.
This, the operators allege is dis
elimination.
The mine operators and miners, Off
cials desire to confer with the commits
sion respecting the character of the COM
plant to be brought before the COM
mission by the railroad commission of
Indiana
Mr. Knapp of the commission. was an.
able to devote much time personally to
the conference he was engaged in
hearing another case. Commissioners
Prouty Lane and Harlan, however, dis
cussed the situation with the delega-
ton /. was decided that as the matter
involved Interstate commerce, the COM
mission had ample authority to entertain
a formal complaint. which will be filed
soon.
In addition the delegation will ask At
torney General Bonaparte to initiate ae-
tion against certain railroads for a vio-
lation of the antitrust law. Preceding
their visit to the commission the dele
cation called at the White House and
explained he situation TO the President
and seeking his help in obtaining an
early hearing.
tered groceries in the hill districts are
able to supply food. The court house, city
buildings and the city lighting plant Is
under water. The city was in darkness
tonight
Passes Wheeling.
Wheeling w. Va, March l5-The crest
of the flood passed this city at p. m.
The water reached "a stage of almost 50
feet and then began to recede at the rate
of one inch an hour.
The city and surrounding towns on both
sides of the river are completely out OF
the world by rail and steamer. Every
foot of Wheeling is now submerged and
1000 residents have been driven to upper
floors 1t is estimated 5000 homes are
flooded, affecting 25 900 persons. The prop
erty loss will reach half million dol
lars one fatality is reported. that of
a Wheeling resident. who is missing, and
who was last seen in skiff last mid
night.
Fifteen Houses Burned.
Pittsburg, March 15.--Fire today de-
stroyed the plant OF the American Sheet
and Tin Plate company at the foot of
South Fourteenth street and slightly dam
aged the bolt works of the Oliver Iron and
Steel works adjoining. The loss TO the
tin plate company was about $4,000 and to
the Oliver company $1,000.
The fire originated from a car of lime,
which was set on fire by the high water.
Four business houses and fifteen resi-
denees have been burned to the ground IN
the Mount Washington district. or Twen-
ty-seVenth ward, across the Monongahela
river Two attempts were made to stop
the flames by dynamiting adjacent build
ings, but the wreckage caught fire. NO
water is available and the flames are
being fought with chemicals and bucket
brigade. Several of the residents are ten
ements.