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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 10, 1902)
ft v J ' ' I THE MORNING OHEGOyiA WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10, ,1902. tii rn (If lUnnHP Told by Miners Against Markle & Co. MANY OFTHEM ARE EVICTED Six Years' Labor Required to Pay Off 'Rent Debt, . Wolffian & A PECULIAR WAY OF FIGURING Adrnncc in WnRCu Transformed Into Itednctloi-The Price of Powder liaised Evidence of Blacklist ing 31 arklc Case Closed;. SCRANTON, Pg., Dec. 9. Tales of evic tion from houses owned by C. B. Markle &. Co., the narration of the death of a wife as a result of an enforced removal from her home, and the story of a mother whose husband wis killed in the Markle mines, and of how she and her two boys struggled for years to pay the Markles the back rent and coal bill she owed them, were the principal features of today's sessions of the coal strike commission. The testimony, as presented "by some of the witnesses whose lives are given up to the coal mining industry, was at times pathetic and surprising to the commis sioners, who listened to It with undivided attention. The miners this afternoon concluded the calling of witnesses against the Markle Company, which concern and the condi tions surrounding it have been prominent ly before the commissioners since last Saturday. In the absence of Samuel Dick son, of Philadelphia, and George K. Bed ford, of Wilkesbarre, attorneys for the Markle Company, who are reported to be unavoidably absent, only a perfunctory cross-examination has been carried on by J. H. Torrey, of Scranton, who is repre senting another company before the com mission, and who had been asked to take care of the interests of G. B. ijarkle & Co. as best he could. Much surprise has been expressed that the company has not made greater efforts to refute some of the seemingly damaging testimony that has been presented. It is expected, how ever, that the company -will do so later. The attorneys for the large coal com panies have nothing to say regarding the character of the testimony being present ed, but those representing the miners are well pleased. One of the latter, speaking of todaS''s proceedings, said: "Vindication" for Markle. "The Independent operators, In their meeting with the big companies in New York two weeks ago, when they succeed ed in blocking the proposed settlement, said the whole matter should be before tho commission, so that the country at large would know who is right, and thus vindicate the coal companies. We are willing to go ahead with the proceedings if they are satisfied with the 'vindication' they are now getting." After closing the JsiarKie case tne rep resentatives of the miners called wit- j nesses who had formerly been employed in the mines of several companies to show that a blacklist existed, and that some of the companies had broken the agreement which ended the strike and resulted in the appointment of the arbitration com-s mission. It is the intention of the lawyers for the miners to take up tomorrow the condition of the collieries of the Lehigh Valley Company and others in the Hazle ton region. High Price of Powder. The first witness called was James Mc Monigle, a miner, formerly employed by the Markle Company. He said the breast he was working in was so dangerous that he complained to the company officials that he might be killed. He was told if he -worked any other breast he would not be given any cars. He vfent out on strike and, after the suspension, he "was refused work and evicted from his house. B. D. Gallagher, another Markle miner, testified that the company charges him 35 cents a gallon for oil that sells In Hazle ton. a few miles away, for 18 cents, and 32 cents a quire for blasting paper that can be had for 15 cents. Chairman Gray asked what the outside market price for powder was. Some of the independent operators said $1 25 a keg, but attorneys for the miners 'said SO to 95 cents a keg. The companies are selling it to the miners at $1 50 a keg. Andrew Hannlk, a Hungarian, told how the Markles evicted him. He was followed by Henry Coll, another Markle miner, who told how his family. Including his mother-in-law, who was 100 years old, were set on the road with their household goods. He gave a graphic description of how he was injured many times in the mines. He. said one of his legs was no better than a wooden one; he had only one eye, his hands had been crushed, ribs broken and skull fractured. The company gave him nothing until after the employes took up a collection for him. then he was given $50 after being on the Injured list for two years. The company took out of the collection the rent he owed. In answer to other questions, he said he waB one of the 13 evicted by the Markle Company. The only rent he owed was for the months during the strike. The com pany gave no reason for evicting him. Driven Forth to Die. Then followed the most pathetic story vet told the commission. The old miner, decrepit from many Injuries, told under examination of how the eviction was car ried on. The wife was siek and her 100-i-o.nr-niii mother was blind and unable to walk. The day on which they were thrown out was rainy. He took them as best he could to Hazleton, seven miles away, ana placed them In a cold, damp, empty house. This was last month, when the atmos phere on the Hazleton Mountain was quite cold. His. wife became worse. Medical aid was kindly furnished free by a Hazle ton doctor, but It did -not help her much. "We were greatly worried because of our having been turned out of the house, and one night," he said, between sobs. "She died?" said Judge Gray, who was pacing to and fro across the room, as he quickly turned when he heard the man's In st word ft yes, slr; she died; and I buried .her yesterday." All the commissioners and many of those in the courtroom were much affected by the old. miner's story. The witness went on to say that he did not know whether the centenarian was alive today or not. She was in bad condition, owing to her daughter's death, when he left the house last night. No one cared to cross-examine, and Judge Gray said: "That is all, Mr. Coll. and that's enough." Two more witnesses told of how they were refused work by the Markle Com pany, and then J. B. Gallagher, National board member of the United Mlneworkers of America for the Hazleton district,, took the stand and told of condijions as he found them at the mines of the" Markle Company. The air in! some of the gang ways, he said, was so bad that miners lamps would not burn. If he had a drill HRISTMAS gladness in the air Christmas buying everywhere. Everybody playing Santa Claus and looking for pleasant sur prises for little people and big people. You can not find more enthusiastic buying than right here in our store. There is so much that is choice and that is certain to please. Our beautiful dolls are quickly finding homes, the doll hospital is daily converting dilapidated darlings into good-as-new beauties. Our Christmas slippers and hand kerchiefs are beautiful, and every one wants some; our books are carefully chosen and exactly meet the demand of the season. And toys I Our toys are making just lots of friends for us. Old folks and young folks visit our toy department and linger long enjoying and purchasing the many amusing and pretty things to be found there. p T? jarrlf lV? NT CLAUS LCAIN HIS F best rmms at owt. 9 a THE NEMO SELF'JlbjUSTWG CORSET IS THE FOREMOST CORSET INVEN TJON OF THE AGE FIVE HUNDRED FLAN NELETTE WRAPPERS $1.25 and $1.50 quality HIS in The most beautiful and popular novelties of the season. No amateur work among ours. Each piece is unique in itself, being appropriately decorated for the use to which it is to be put, design ing and work all done by skillful artists. Among our large variety you will find beautiful panels and plaques in all sizes, nut bowls, book racks, match safes, tobacco jars, cuff, collar, glove and hand kerchief boxes, mirrors and trays of all sizes. ' Special Toy Bargains In Children's Play Tables and Chairs Furniture for tbafrcrowning event of the little girl's play time, the tea party. These tables are attractively painted in bright red, they are well made, strong and have legs that can v be unscrewed and put on and off easily, so that the table can be stowed away when not in use. Prices this week: Size 8ixl4 in 17c Size 12x18.$ in 35c . Size 17x24 in 75c Folding' wooden chairs to go with tables, this week, each ....... 25c Christmas Ca,tds and. Caleiadats You want to make your selection early in order to secure the choicest of our cards and calendars. Our lines of these Christmas goods are lovely and are being sold rapidly. Our Art calendars are veritable treasures, and like our handsome Christmas cards, are in conven ient sizes for mailing. We have also a large collection of yery tasty little cards to enclose with the present you are sending. An Excellent Special in Ladies' Vests :and Pants Fine white ribbed worsted, nicely made . and finished. " An excellent $1.25 qual ity, special 98c Ladies' Christmas Garters Round garters with sterling silver buckles, made of silk elastic, with either plain or .frilled edge, in a great variety of shades.. Prices 95c, $1.25, $1.50 and $2.00 pair. Casfimere Hose A NICE CHRISTMAS PRESENT A box of half dozen ladies' nice, warm $go 7fT cashmere hose. Price, per box I O Special Holiday Prices on China Plates Fine French China, beautifully deco rated. One of he loveliest presents you could choose. , Bread and Bcrtter Plates Per doz. $10.00 plates now . . ..$ 8.00 13.00 plates now 10.40 22.50 plates now v 18.00 Dessert Plates ,Per doz. $ 8-.00 plates now $ 6.40 18.00 plates now . 14.40 20.00 plates now 16.00 25.00 plates now , ' 20.00 Dinner Plates Per doz. $13.00 plates now. $10.40 21.00 plates now 16.80 32.50 plates now . ..... . '. : .'. "26.00 36.00 plates how . v . . . 28.80 Christmas Sale Choice Books You are always safe in selecting a book for a Christmas present. It never fails to, please. For the price or for a much larger price you will not find a prettier gift than, our beautiful Portrait Edition on sale this week. These books are beautifully bound in cloth of delicate colors, artistically decorated. The type 'is clear and new and paper ex- "e cellent. Price this week only. . OC. Thrilling Specials in Children's Fairy .Tales Fairy Tales and the dear old Mother Goose, fi profusely illustrated, cloth bound and 0 W.itn- Doaro, covers in Drignt, attractive . decor" ations.' Price this week only. Beads and Jewels We have just re ceived a fresh supply of beads and jewels for fancy work. "Boudoir Slippers for Ladies and Children Something warm, sensible, useful and pretty. Ours are very firm hand crocheted, having ribbon bow in front, with extra quality patent stitched lamb's wool soles. Colors cardinal, pink, blue and biack. For sale in our Art Department. hole started and the lamp -went out he would continue work in the dark until his condition became so -weakened by the air that he had to go out. So far as he could remember, not one man "Who was on any ol the Markle grievance committees i3 now working for that company. Gallagher explained the troubles at the Markle mines after the recent strike was over, when the men refused to go to work because John Markle imposed certain con ditions. Peculiar Way of Figuring. National' Board Member Gallagher re sumed the witness stand at the afternoon session and explained the powder question ao best he could, concluding that part of his testimony by saying that the miners employed by the Markle Company do not get the 10 per cent Increase because of the peculiar way the company has of figuring the increase in wages agreed upon at the end of the 1900 strike. The witness presented several of his own wage state ments which showed that something had been deducted for a priest. When asked what this meant, he said he did not know. It was takeiw)ff his earnings ever since he went into the mines and he simply dis missed it because he did not object to the assessments. An lS-year-old Hungarian slatcplcker employed by the Markles, eald that before the strike he received 83 cents and now he received only "75 cents a day. The com- j pany never notified him of the reduction and he still does the same work. He said the breaker boss, who stands over the pickers, often clubbed him, kicked him and swore at him for not picking slate faster. Mrs. Kate Burns, of Jeddo, was then called to the stand and told . story of how she and her two boys worked 13 years to pay off an accumulated house rent and coal bill due to the Markle Com pany. She was . examined by Lawyer Darrow, and in answer to his questions said her husband was an engineer inside the Markle mines. The husband was killed under ground, leaving her with four chil dren, the oldest of whom was ai boy of ! her a penny, but the employee gave her about $1S0 to defray the funeral expenses. After her husband had been killed she moved from her four-room house Into one. containing only two rooms, one room above the other, and for the next six years she struggled as beet she could to get along. s All Taken for Rent. She took in washing, scrubbed for the neighbors, and once in a while she was Kiven the cleaning of the offices of the Markle Company. During thoA six years, she said, she kept her children at school, and when the eldest child was 14 yearb old she sent him to the mines to help earn the' dally bread. At the end of the first monthv the lad brought home his wage statement, showing that the mother owed $2SG for back rent. The toy's wages for. the month had been taken off the' bill and he came home empty handed. She sub mitted to this and in the course of time her next boy wao old enough to help earn a living and he, too, vas sent to the colliery. Like th'e older brother, the' sec ond boy received no pay, his earnings be Jng deducted , fQr rent. -.The tears of the mother on the rwitness stand were by this time welling up and when she added that the ihoney she earned for . cleaning the Markle offices was never given her, but was kept by the company for rent, the Com missioners looked at one another In sur prise. She eald It took the three of them 13 years to make up the debt, the mother's earnings from neighbors being the prin cipal contribution toward the maintenance of the family. The debt was cleared last August. During the six years from the time her husband was killed until the time when the first boy went to work the com pany never asked her for rent. This concluded the mineworkers case against G. B. Markle & Co., except that Mr. Darrow read and had placed upon the records of the Commission John Markle's statement to President Roosevelt at the time of the now famous conference in the temporary White House. Evidence of n Blacklist. The attorneys for the miners then con sumed the remainder of the afternoon by presenting witnesses who had been em ployed by either the Delaware & Hudson Company, the Temple Coal & Iron Com pany, or the Erie Company, who testified' that after the strike they were unable to get back their old employment. This was done, to show that the companies were breaking part of the agreement by which the otrlke was ended and the commission appointed. On cross-examination it was shown that thoy had not been re-employed I because they had refused to do other, work. A carpenter refused to do a j laborer's work during the strike; a fire i boss declined to be sworn in ae a Coal and Iron policeman, and another Are boss re fusctfl to do certain kinds of work. One I Are boss applied to several other com- j panics, but they also refused him employ- ! ment. He did not know why the com- panles would not give him, work unless it was because he refused to become a Coal 1 and Iron policeman during the 1900 etrlke. ; Attorneys for the miners told the com mission that this witness was placed on f the stand to show that a blacklist exists. , Counsel for the operators tried to show that he was too old to go back to the i mlne3. j One of the 10 . wltneases, who was em- ployed by the Delaware & Hudson Com- pany, admitted that there were too many , men at work In the colicry when he asked . for reinstatement, but thought the com- 1 pany should have given him work because , he had been in its employ for 15 years and always did everything asked of him. He also said he found no complaint with the i rate of wages paid by the company. i Guardsman Is Reinstated. J SCHENECTADY. N. Y.. Dec. 9. William Potter, who last week secured an Injunc tion against President Shaffer, of the Painters' Union, compelling him to rein- j which he had been expelled by reason of his membership In the National Guard, was today temporarily reinstated in that organization. FUNERAL OF T. B. REED WHOLE CITY OF PORTLAND, 3IEV MOURNS. Grent Crowds View the Body, After Which Simple Serviees Are Held in Unitarian Chnrch. PORTLAND, Me., Dec. Simple but impressive services, consisting o music. Scripture reading, prayer and a brief eulogy, were held over the remains of ex Speaker Reed at the First Unitarian Church today. The church was thronged with a distinguished assemblage, which included the Governors of Maine and Massachusetts, the Loyal Legion, several Grand Army posts, members' of the bar, city officials and delegates from nearly every political organization in the state. The day was one of mourning through out the city. Many places of business were closed 'during the afternoon. Public buildings were also closed during the day. The services In the church were held at 2 o'clock, but for some hours the body had been lying in state In the parish-house, where it was viewed by throngs of peo ple. The parish-house finally was closed sliortly after 1 o'clock, and the casket was removed to the church. While the assembly was being seated, Hermann Kotzchmar was at the organ. In the front pews were seated the pall bearers, Joseph Symonds, John G. Small, George E. Bird, Attorney-General George M. Selders, Judge Clarence Vale, of the District Court; Robinson Williamson, William Bradley and William D. Woods. The organ ceased, and after a brief pause the Rev. John Carroll Perkins, the pastor of the church, read appropriate selections from the Bible, following with prayer. After a short strain from the organ, Mr. Perkins delivered the eulogy and closed his remarks with a benediction. The casket was borne to the hearse, and while the bells of the city tolled 63 strokes, one for each year of Mr. Reed's life; the funeral party entered carriages. The lit tle procession passed to Evergreen ceme tery, where the body was placed in a vault to await burial in the Spring. the early '70s. when he was vice-president and general manager of the Erie. Mr. Clarke retired from the office of president of the Illinois Central some years ago, on account of advancing years. He retained the presidency of the Mobile & Ohio until 1S2S.. He had not been physical ly able to give his attention to active busi ness management for some time past. Independent Operntor Dead. SCRANTON, Pa., Dec. 9. Dr. J. N. Rice, a prominent independent coal operator, who took a prominent part in the pres ent arbitration proceedings, died today from heart trouble. Dr. Rice was a mem ber of the committee which went to New York 10 days ago, which resulted In call ing off the proposed settlement negotla tlons. Good quality dark ground flannelette Wrap pers, made with full fronts, new dress skirt back, fitted vest linings, bishop sleeves, bound arm holes, wide skirt with flounce. rolling collar edged with ruffle and braid, $1.25 and $1.50 quality at Lawyer Palls Dead. DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Dec. 9. Hon. Rob ert M. Yardley, a prominent member of the Bucks County bar, dropped dead .In his office here today. He represented the sev enth district in the 50th and 51st Con gressea . Xew Representative Is Dead. " WASHINGTON, Ind., Dec. 9. Representative-elect Alkman Carnahan, Republican, of the Second Indiana District, died- last night. He had been ill ever since the election. Sentence on Aichel Suspended. DENVER, Dec. 9. The Court of Ap peals today granted a writ of supersedeas i staying the execution of sentence in the contempt case of County Clerk Aichel. Aichel was recently sentenced by Judge Johnson to pay a fine of ?500 and serve 60 ' days in the County Jail for disregarding i the' Injunction Issued in the registration cases. Strcct-Cac Men Indieted. NEW ORLEANS. D,ec 9. The Federal grand jury today returned indictments against Ben Commons, president of the Street-Car Men's Union, and 16 members of his organisation, for interference with the operation of mall cars during Ihe recent car strike here. . THEY KEEP COMING. This season's styles of picture frame materials are exquisite; pretty shapes and finishes to be matched with perfect har monv. SANBORN. VAIL & CO., 170 1st St. VETERA RAILROAD MAX. President Clarke, of Mobile fc Ohio, Joins the Majority. CHICAGO. Dec. 9. James C. Clarke, ex-preslderit of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad and one of, the most widely known railroad men in the United States, died last night at the home of his daugh ter. Mrs. E. T. Jeffrey, 1S42 Michigan ave nue, of Brlght's disease, with which ho was attacked nine months ago. Mr. Clarke was also the father of Mrs. Ho ratio O Stone. Mr. Clarke was 79 years' old and began his railroad career at an early age. He was born in Maryland In 1824. and en tered railway service' In 1S44. with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. t"He saw service as an engineer, conductor, station agent and trainmaster, and ial855 he came to the Illinois Central Railroad, with which company he" was associated for many, years, save for a brief Interval In J Xew Spanish Ministry Steps In. ' MADRID, Dec. 9. The new Ministry ' made Its first appearance In Parliament today. Premier Sllvela read a royal de cree suspending the sitting of the (fortes. Dyspepsia? Don't lay it to j your wife's cooking. It's 1 your liver. Take a good liver ! pill, a vegetable pill, just one little pill at bedtime Avers " If it's gone so far that you are pale, weak,.nervous, then talk with your doctor about taking Ayer's Sarsaparilla also. Heknow- ispiay .Germany, Jiustria, France and Sweden are extensively represented in this collection of steins We are showing a much larger variety than ever before, and collectors, as well as those seeking appropriate gifts, will find a broad field of choosing in this collection. Prices are rendered extremely low by the direct importation of these goods from the factories to our store. Displayed and marked with special prices in our Thirdstreet show windows . Special Today $15.95 Real value $25. OO SALE OF FINE LINEN Special 95c, $1.15, $1.35, $!.85, to $2.95 DOLLS DOLLS Jtfew Dolls and Doll Heads shown today. J new line of pink and white iid Body Dolls; also new high'grade jointed dolls. A large variety of dolls, v Prices 5c to $25. OO J complete line of Price 25c to $10 iteettooitooeaiioe e a o e s etieittettteoeioiittettii 1316 Second Avenue SeattIe,Wash. 283-285 MorrlsonStreet Portland! Or. MOTHER SISTER ' DAUGHTEI SWEETHEART will be delighted if they receive as a Xmas gift one of our handsome FUR BOAS A large variety at rea sonable prices. How Comfortable She Looks and how comfortable she feels in one of our handsome Fur Jackets or Boas. Nothing looks so rich and dressy as well made-up furs. es Are ' Irreproachable and impart that chic and snap to the appearance of the wearer that is a distinguishing feature of every gar- ment produced by this house. There is norning ina you can present iu the gentler sex, during the holidays, that will be so much appreciated as a fur of some kind, selected from our immense stock. H. LIEBES & CO. OF PORTLAND 288 Morrison St. John P. Plagemann, Manager. .9 e 9 e e e e o e - o e e e o 99