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The great coal strike still remains unsettled.

It was hoped that it would be brought to a close this week, as both the
miners and the owners had agreed to meet and discuss the matter, to see
if some understanding could not be reached.

The meeting has taken place, but unfortunately the two parties are as
far apart as ever.

The idea of the conference was to arrange that the dispute might he
arbitrated.

As soon as the meeting was called to order, the miners offered to return
to work if they were paid at the rate of sixty-nine cents for each ton
of coal mined, with the understanding that they would accept a reduction
if the arbitrators found that such payment was higher than the owners
could afford.

The owners refused this offer, and instead proposed that the miners
should go to work at fifty-four cents per ton, and that the arbitrators
should then decide upon a fair rate of payment. If it proved to be
higher than fifty-four cents, the owners would then make up the
difference to the men.

This offer being refused, the owners said they would pay sixty-one
cents, and make up the difference if the arbitration went against them.