Changes

The owners, for their part, refused to negotiate with the union. As George Baer wrote when urged to make concessions to the strikers and their union, the "rights and interests of the laboring man will be protected and cared for—not by the labor agitators, but by the Christian men to whom God in His infinite wisdom has given the control of the property interests of the country." The union used this letter to sway public opinion behind the strike.

The owners, for their part, refused to negotiate with the union. As George Baer wrote when urged to make concessions to the strikers and their union, the "rights and interests of the laboring man will be protected and cared for—not by the labor agitators, but by the Christian men to whom God in His infinite wisdom has given the control of the property interests of the country." The union used this letter to sway public opinion behind the strike.

Roosevelt wanted to intervene, but he was told by his Attorney General,[Philander Knox, that he had no authority to do so. Mark Hanna and many others in the Republican Party were likewise concerned about the political implications if the strike dragged on into winter, when the need for anthracite was greatest. As Roosevelt told Hanna,  "A coal famine in the winter is an ugly thing and I fear we shall see terrible suffering and grave disaster."  

Roosevelt wanted to intervene, but he was told by his Attorney General,Philander Knox, that he had no authority to do so. Mark Hanna and many others in the Republican Party were likewise concerned about the political implications if the strike dragged on into winter, when the need for anthracite was greatest. As Roosevelt told Hanna,  "A coal famine in the winter is an ugly thing and I fear we shall see terrible suffering and grave disaster."  

[[Image:CoalControversy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The two sides were supposed to listen to expert testimony and come to a friendly agreement;  cartoon from the Cleveland Dealer]]

[[Image:CoalControversy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The two sides were supposed to listen to expert testimony and come to a friendly agreement;  cartoon from the Cleveland Dealer]]