The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-14
TO STRIKES.


Boston Herald.
There is a great deal Of force in what
Senator Hanna has recently said regarding
the conditions Of labor in this country.
The strikes which are of almost daily oc-
currence form an exceedingly costly method
of settling industrial differences. Perhaps
one Of the most serious and costly expe-
rience Of this kind that we have known is
that which We are now undergoing as the
result of the strike on the part of the an
thracite coal miners. That this is essen
TALLY an unnecessary contention is made
manifest by the results that have attended
the agreement between those engaged in
operating and working the bituminous coal
mines of this country. BY means of a mu-
tual understanding, the coal operators and
the United Mine Workers fix for a year IN
advance the precise conditions under winch
the work shall be carried on. This agree
ment fixes the price 10 be paid TO the min
erS Tor each ton OF coal, weighing Z,VuO
pounds, that is mined in each specific dis
lrict covered by the agreement. Not only
that, but there is a difference made in the
clf1erent veins OF the same mines, which Is
determined by the ease or difficulty with
which the coal can be taken out. The agree
ment further provides for all Of the Incl
dental expenses or delays TO which the bust
ness is liable, and provides that in case or
disagreement the work in the mines is not
TO be discontinued, pending the decision of
a liked board of arbitration, to which the
grievances In question are 10 be referred.
This method has worked in an exceedingly
effective manner. There have been any
number OF differences, but there has been
relatively little trouble in adjusting these
to the ultimate satisfaction of both parties.
Mr.. Herman JUST, who has represented
the Illinois coal operators organization in
the work of making and enforcing these
agreements, and Mr.. John Mitchell, the ma
tional president of the United Mine Work
ers of America, have both united in stating
that this arrangement has been exceedingly
effective. AS Mr.. Mitchell said TO the in
dustrial commission some time since: The
establishment of this joint conference sys-
tenn has done much to remove the barrier
which formerly existed between employer
and emplOye AS a result of their meeting
together In free and open discussion, each
side having equal power, they have become
more fully acquainted with each others
needs and wants, and with each others
business affairs, and they have grown to
know and respect one another, in some in
stances becoming social friends, and strikes
and lockOutS have been reduced to a very
great degree; in fact, there are very few
serious strikes, either local or otherwise, in
any OF the districts covered by our joint
agreement"
II conditions such as these-for Mr..
MttchelIs statements are confirmed by Mr..
JUST and others-can be secured through
mutual action in the bituminous coal field,
there is clearly no reason why similar re-
suits cannot be obtained in the smaller and
far more restricted districts in which an
thracite coal mining is carried on. Senator
Hanna Is quite right in stating that the
action of the bituminous coal miners i'm re-
fuslng TO strike, In sympathy with the an
thracite miners, because their agreement
bound them not to do this, was a striking
Illustration of the dependency that can be
placed upon workingmen when acting I'M
der q voluntary agreement