The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-07-01
Miners and Operators Fail to
Reach Agreement
BOTH SIDES NOW WAITING
Operators Are Firm In Rejecting the
Proposition of the Locals Concern
ing Observation-Disclosures
Are Also Firm.

proposition for an advance of 2A cents
voted to accept that proposition on the
condition that the operators would sub
nit to arbitration the demand for fur
ther advance of 2h cents, an eight-hour
day and a semi-monthly pay day.
The Joint convention of miners and OPP
orators held an adjourned meeting in
Fox's hall yesterday afternoon but failed
to agree. The operators declined emphat-
icaily to submit to arbitration, and the
Joint convention adjourned subject to the
call of Chairman Edward Flynn.
The Proceedings.
The Joint convention was called to or
der by Chairman Flynn at 2 p. m. Mr..
Farley stated that the proposition of the
operators having been submitted TO the
locals and voted on Monday, 1t was nee
essary that the report of the locals be
considered and acted on by the miners
convention. On motion an adjournment
was taken until $3.50 p. M, the miners in
the meantime holding an executive ses-
zion.
Promptly at $3.50 o'clock the Joint con-
ventIon reassembled. William Fitzpatrick
of the United Mine Workers asked that
the action of the miners be stated.
w. r. Farley then took the floor and
said that the locals had decided to ac-
cept the operators proposition for an adj
vance of 21a cents on the condition that
the operators would submit the demand
for future advance of az cents. an s.
hour day and semi-monthly pay day to
arbitration.
He said every local met, considered and
voted on the proposition and the recon-
mendations of the miners wage scale COM
mittee as to these matters was carried
by large majority.
This action was taken, he said, with the
hope that there would be no cessation Of
work on the LIST of July.
| Situation Delicate.
Never In the history of the wage mat
ter In this state has the question of con-
| tract between the operators and miners
been so delicate as now" continued Mr..
Farley. "The men believe that they are
entitled to an advance of cents, an s.
hour day and semi-monthly pay day.
| No man can contemplate the prospect of
strike with more regret than 1 do.
don't know where 1t will end and don't
believe that any man on either side can
foretell the consequences, but the ex-
pressed feeling of the men shows that
/ they are not to be trifled with. They
have put themselves on record on this
subject, relying on the fact that every
other state has given an advance Of II
| per cent in miners wages and all states,
| he nj
the s-hour day and the semi-monthly pay
day.
I'VE, the miners, want to hear what
the operators have to say to our PROPOSE
ton. We want 21a cents advance over the
operators concession, and we want to ar
btrate the questions of the further ad-
vance, the eight-hour day and the semi
monthly pay day."
Tho Operators.
AS soon as Mr.. Farley took his seat,
Maj. e. M. Tutwier arose and spoke for
the operators. He said he regretted the
miners had not accepted the operators Of
fer This increase of 2h cents, he said
had been debated at great length in their
meetings, and 1t was hoped that by CIV
ing the advance a strike would be avert
| ed.
Mr. Farley replied by saying that
he was amazed that Major Tutwiler had
not touched on the miners proposition
for arbitration on the three points named
Major Tutwiler: THE operators have
no other proposition to propose than tbs
offer of 21k cents on the last years scale
Mr.. Farley: THAT is short and sweet
Why do not the operators state the rea
sons why they refuse to accede to or a
least arbitrate the demands of the min
ers? The miners have made their propo
sition in the interest of peace"
Mr. Farley continued to press the ar.
bitration proposition.
Col Bush made short speech. He said
he had not expected to say anything but
he felt constrained to remark that the
miners proposition was the most extreme
and extraordinary that he ever knew. The
operators, he said, had yielded to the min
ers to the extent of 21kc. IN the interest OF
| peace and they had done this against their
better Judgment and contrary TO what the
operators believed to be just. The de-
mand for arbitration he said was unfair
and unjust when Mr.. Farley attempts
to place the responsibility Of a strike on
the sholders Of the operators" said Col.
Bush because they won't agree to the
demands of the miners he will find that
he is without the sympathy Of this com
munity To concede to the demands Of the
the miners would be to place themselves
outside the possibility OF competition with
other sections. Accept or refuse our
proposition, but don't try to put the re.
sponsibility on the operators
Convention AdJourns.
There was no further discussion. anc
on motion Of ]. w. Mcqueen of the Sloss
Sheffield company the convention ad.
journed. subject to the call of Chairman
| Flynn.
The miners then held a short executive
session and decided to stand by the locals
in their demand for arbitration.
Asked last night II he had any state.
ment to make for publication Mr.. Fair.
ley who is the national board member
Of the United Mine Workers for Alabama
said that 1t was too soon after the con.
| vention to be making statements
Leading operators said last night thai
their proposition was their ultimatur
and that they would not submit to arbi.
tration.
1t is thought that no overture vii
come from either side until after tho
Fourth of July. The feeling seems to bt
| fhat aoreemenf will he roo ahod ,rt+t. d.