Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 November 1902 — MINE DISPUTE NEARS AN END [ARTICLE]

MINE DISPUTE NEARS AN END

Operators and Workers May Settle Differences Among Themselves. NEW MOVE IS A BIG SURPRISE Wayne MacVeagh Is Given Credit for Bringing About the Much Hoped for Situation After a Conference With J. Pierpont Morgan at New York. Negotiations for a direct settlement of the questions at issue between the coal operators and miners have been started at Scranton, Pa. A meeting was held of attorneys for the operators and the mine workers, and it was agreed to suggest to the strike commissioners the advisability of adjourning until Wednesday, Dec. 3. This will give time for a thorough discussion of plans for a settlement, and, if they fall through, give time for completing the wage tables upon which the coal companies’ office forces are now working. Mine Workers Agree. The mine workers, through their representatives, have agreed with the mine owners to attempt to adjust the differences. This proposition was made on a compromise basis and there is a reasonable hope of settlement ■with the aid of the arbitrators. The rough proposition, which is to form the basis of negotiations, is a 10 per cent increase in wages, a ninehour day and trade agreements between the miners and the companies by whom they are employed. The only one of the four demands not touched upon is that of weighing coal by the legal ton. On Delicate Ground. While both sides have expressed a willingness to settle their differences among themselves, it is not to be construed that it carries with it the acceptance of the terms proposed. They are mentioned only as a basis from which a settlement is to be effected. It is possible the foundation already laid can be wrecked by either party holding out too strongly against some question, and thus leave the whole matter in the hands of the commissioners, who in the meantime will act as a sort of board of conciliation rather than as a board of arbitration. One of the commissioners made the significant statement to-day: “I think it’s about all over.” Comes as a Surprise. Few persons were aware that an attempt would be made at an outside settlement until it was practically so intimated by Judge Gray, the chairman of the committee, who read a carefully prepared announcement. It is said the movement was brought about by both sides seeing that the proceedings before the commission womd be interminable and in the intermingling of the lawyers for both sides, the outside proposition was broached and taken up. It is generally believed that the operators were first to make the proposition—Wayne MacVeagh is given credit for bringing about the present situation. He went to New York after he finished cross-examining Mr. Mitchell, and held a conference with persons connected with the coal industry, among them, it is reported, J. Pierpont Morgan-.