Signed by
William R. Stoors,
General Coal Agent.
It was after receiving this from Mr. Stoors that I sent for this committee.
By Senator Yutzy:
Q. Did you know that that committee was in existence at that time?
A. By the papers, sir. The meeting was a public meeting, and the names of this committee were published in the papers, sir. Nothing secret about it so far as to the gentlemen who were going upon the committee. This committee had also called upon Mr. Stoors, making a request for more wages, which my scrap book that I have, if I had it here, would give you still fuller than that.
By Mr. Lindsey:
Q. What did you advise them in the interview, Mr. McKune?
A. I advised them—they disclaimed of having any knowledge of these parties who were sending letters or attempting to intimidate these men who were at work at the pumps. They disclaimed any knowledge of that, and at this interview stated clearly and distinctly that it was against their wish and desire, and as I said about the proclamation which I issued in regard to this very matter—the proclamation was framed by us there, jointly. The language, if you will read it, you would see that it is very careful—that it is very guarded—there is no implication of anybody being in the wrong—there is a difference of opinion. The whole thing was carefully gone over. Our interview lasted from one until between four and five o'clock. The whole of our interview was extremely pleasant, and they seemed just about as anxious as I was for the protection of property, and in the first draft of the proclamation that I made, there might have been an inference drawn that they were at fault, and we worked until the proclamation which was issued met their views.
Q. I understood you to say that you put persons at the pumps before that interview?