The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-22
Losses of the Strike.


ing and give an estimate of the losses
occasioned by the strike.
Losses of the Strike.
Those losses they estimate as follows:
AS to mine owners, s4s,10o,0 600.
To the mine employees in wages s25, 000,
900.
To the transportation companies $685.
100000.
The commission makes a summary Of
their investigation of the conditions
which caused the strike, including their
personal observation of the conditions
which the production of anthracite coal
involves, and comes down to the exam
ination and cross-examnation of 55S wit
nesses. They have given free scope to the
counsel who represented the operators,
the non-union men and the miners, and
they have devoted an entire week to hear
ing their arguments.
The commissioners also say that while
there have been differences OF opinion
among themselves, there never has been
a time during the five months of the ex-
istence OF the commission when there was
an unpleasant word spoken among them.
"or an indication whatever of thought
or desire of aught save truth and JUS
tice'
Reasons for the Findings.
The commissioners then take up the
demands of the mine operators, giving
in detail the reasons for the findings.
In general way, they say that the
conditions Of the life of the mine work.
ers outside of the mines does not justi-
fly the adverse criticisms made by their
representatives.
They also find that the social condi-
lions in the mining regions are good,
81
low as necessarily to force the miners
to put their small children to work
The commission also finds that the
average daily rate of earnings In the
anthracite regions does not compare I'M
favorably with that In other Industries.
Recognition Not Taken Up
The commissioners do not consider the
recognition of the mine workers union
within the scope of the jurisdiction con-
ferred on them. They do say, however,
that "the suggestion of working agree
ment between employers and employees
embodying the doctrine of collective bar
gaining is one which the commission be-
lieves contains many hopeful elements
for the adjustment Of relations In the
mining region" Further on. they say:
THE present constitution of the United
Mine Workers OF America does not pre-
sent the most Inviting inducements for
the operators to enter into contract
with it..
Union Not a Party.
The commission refer more than once
to their incapacty to make an award on
the demand of the miners for a recogni-
ton of their union. because, they say,
the union is not a party to the submits
sion. Attention Is called to the fact that
Mr. Mitchell appeared before the COM
mission as the representative OF the
anthracite coal mine workers." and not
in his official capacity They also call at
tention to the fact that the agreement to
arbitrate was reached between the ope-
rators and coal miners convention.
The commissioners say that trades
unionism" is rapidly becoming a matter
of business. If the energy of the em-
ployer is directed to the encouragement
and repression of the union he need not
be surprised II the radical ones are the
ones most frequently heard.
They express the opinion that differ
ences can best be settled by consulta-
lions by the employer with committee
chosen by his employees but they add
that .in order to be entitled to such
recognition the labor organization must
give the same recognition to the rights OF
the employer and OF others which IT de-
mands for itself and for its members"
They add: "rhe union must not UNDER
take to assume or to interfere with the
management of the business Of the en-
ployer.'
They also pronounce as untenable the
contention that "a majority of the em-
ployes of an industry, by voluntarily as
sociatjng themselves in a union, acquire
authority over those who do not so ASSOC
ciate themselves
Discrimination.
Touching the question of discrimination.
lawlessness boycotting and blacklsting.
the commission states that during the
continuance of the late strike disorder
and lawiessness existed to some extent
over the whole region. Continuing the
commission says:
.It is admitted that this disorder and
-iawlessness was incident to the strike.
It's history Is stained with record Of
riot and bloodshed. eliminating in three
murders. unprovoked save by the fact