New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-04-11
President Baer Eliminated.

President Baer ELIMINATED
In naming the sub committee Of oper-
atcrs George F Baer. representing the
largest individual operator in the anthra-
cite FIELD. was not included. II is believed
that the elimination of Mr. Baer from the
subcommittee was in the interests OF har-
mony, and will 60 a long ways toward set
Ting the dispute between the miners and
operators
Alvin Markle. Of Eazleton, an independent
operator. will act as chairman Of the joint
conference. but will have no vote.
While the subcommittee are trying to
reach an agreement there will be no con-
ferences between the two general commit
tees of the OPERATORS and miners.
Aside from the offer to put the settle
ment Of the differences M TO the strike
commission neither side made a PROPOSE
ton. but the willingness with which they
agreed to further discuss the demands is
looked upon as a good sign. II is expected
that concessions will he offered In the sub
committee sessions What these will be IS
mere conjecture at this time. but the min
ers' representatives said to-day they fully
expect a 10 per cent increase in wages
Aside from the wage demand. that Of the
recognition of the union appears to be the
stumbling block in the way Of an agree
ment.
The offer 10 send the matter to the strike
commission IS held in allegiance. and If the
subcommittee cannot agree the PROPOSE
ton to call in the commission will be re-
ncwtd.
John r. White, president Of the miners
union. and members of the operators COM
bp tall
selves as well satisfied with the progress
made to-day. and the conference broke up
with al concerned in hopeful mood. The
best Of feeling prevailed while the oppos-
ing sides were together.
When the conference met at [ o'clock all
members of the two committees we're pres
ont With the exception of John Fallon, ma
tonsl board member of District 1 OF the
miners union, who was Ill.
Commissions Award Unsatisfactory.
The conference having been asked for by
the miners, President White proceeded to
again lay the miners demands before the
operators. He took up four propositions
the award of the anthracite strike commits
sion, treating with the miners organza-
ton the Cancellation board and the wage
question. In a statement he read to the
operators he said the award of the strike
commission was never considered just and
fair by the mine workers
The anthracite mine worker" he said.
continually chatting under the objection
able provisions of the award, does his work
in a state of subdued rebellion. The kind
OF peace prevailing is. therefore that which
follows the reluctant compliance with an
unjust arrangement. There can be no
genuine. permanent, abiding peace until the
award is supplantcd by direct joint agree
ment'
Taking up the question OF treating with
the organization, Mr.. White said that the
objections offered by the operators are not
well founded lie said the anthracite min
ers transact their own business, deal eXclu-
sively with their own wage scale problem
and formulate their own plans and policies.
The sole question involved is" Mr.. White
said, will you treat with your own en-
ployes through their organization"
Mr. White quoted Seth Low. of New
York. I'm favor of collective bargaining.
The miners president condemned the con-
Citation board. which was created by the
strike commission. declaring that the red
tape and technicalities incident to the
handling and consideration of disputes
make It impractlcsble. This accounts. he
said. for the decrease in the number OF
cases before it.
on the wage question President White
said:
You lay stress upon the fact that since
1902 the anthracite mine workers received
an increase aggregating 100000. The
size OF this amount, while we believe not
intended, might create a false Impression
There are employed in the anthracite min
ing industry approximately 10000 men.
Thirty million dollars distributed among
them gives to each about $l76. lnasmuch
as this is the total amount for q period
OF ten years the anthracite miner received
the magnificent sum Of Sl7 60 each a year.
scarcely enough 10 pay the increased cost
OF one article among those which COM
prise the necessaries OF life.
Mr.. White said that the anthracite miner.
considering the hazard and importance Of
his occupation, is the poorest paid class Of
labor I'm America to-day.
Operators Anxious for Peace.
Mr. Baer. replying TO Mr. White. said
that no one desired peace more than the
anthracite operators. and that men Of the
Seth Low description, who are big hearted.