Question

be this as it may, mr. mitchell has eluded the issue.
source: representative plays by american dramatists: 1856 - 1911: the new york idea
in this sentence, eluded means:
avoided or tried to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing
expressed criticism of; pointed out real or perceived flaws
made known to the people as a whole
exposed while ridiculing

Explanation:

The word "eluded" in English commonly means to avoid or try to avoid something like fulfilling a task, answering a question, etc. In the context of "Mr. Mitchell has eluded the issue", it implies he avoided dealing with the issue.

Answer:

avoided or tried to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing