The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-08-05
COL T. G. Bush Explains
His offer to the Miners


IS now and has been for some time,
subject of arbitration. II was clearly and
olstihetly understood that this basis would
be subject to readjustment. The matter
was brought to the attention of the arbi-
tration board and explained in detail and
demand made for differential of 10 cents,
which, from our experience, was fair and
reasonable. This matter was disposed of
by the commission by referring 1t to Mr..
Flynn, president Of the United Mine
Workers, and me for settlement. I leave
the question to you to guess how soon
we would likely be able to adjust the
matter mutually satisfactory. This ques-
ton, therefore was left In allowance, and
at the same time gave me opportunity
to- see what the actual expense was at
taching to the use of the machine. l found
that cents would lack a great deal of
covering the actual cost. but in order to
compromise proposed an allowance of
SIC cents, which is much less than Is
allowed in some other sections of the coun-
try.
More Than Fair.
This claim was more than fair and
reasonable. as the introduction of ma
chimes has enabled the inexperienced mi
ner to earn more than the best miners
could earn with a pick under the same
conditions. My proposition was also for a
three years contract. This proposal was
first made on July 10 and not subsequent
to the miners last convention when a
strike was declared. l believed then, and
believe now that a contract based on
As cents minimum for three years would
be better for the miners than a tempo
rary or yearly contract based on 471s
cents minimum, and that such a contract
would be better for the operators at 45
cents than at 4215 cents for a short Pc
Rod. It will be remembered that up TO
July, 1908. the minimum on Pratt basis
has been 40 cents since 1898 or 1899 There
has never been any good reason why 1t
should be changed, because this minimum
would not be reached except under extra
ordinary conditions in the iron market,
which, under the contract say 1902, would
require the iron manufacturers to sell the
average of their iron under 50 net in order
to secure the minimum price of 45 cents
per ton for coal.
Fair Living Price.
1T cannot be denied that As cents, Pratt
basis is a fair living price, and when the
miner is receiving that price on sliding
scale he is in far more comfortable po-
sition than the iron manufacturers who
are forced to sell their iron as stated in
order to secure that rate. 1t is infinitely
more to the interest of the iron manufac-
turers to pay the maximum than the min
imum of ware scale under past agree
ments. 1t is also a fact that under the
scale of 1902 the miner would receive an
increase of 21a cents when the average
price of iron should be 50 per ton, and his
wages would gradually increase as iron
should advance. Under normal conditions
of the iron market, with a minimum of
As cents, the miner would receive at least
so cents on the Pratt basis. 1t will be re-
membered that Judge Gray in his award
increased the minimum and maximum 21s
cents. l am sure this was a great sur
prise to every one familiar with the con-
ditions of the iron market which existed
a that time, If not 20 the miners them
selves. There was nothing to warrant
this action on the part of Judge Gray, and
if there should have been, the present
conditions justify, without Contradiction
a reduction at least to a minimum of 45
cents
Situation Is Unfortunate.
THE whole situation as 1 view 1t Is an
unfortunate one and more or less COM
picated The commercial operators have
seen it to their interest to make a tenn
porary agreement on the basis of last
years contract Doubtless they are we'll
satisfied with the situation, as it gives
them a monopoly on the coal trade, but
I doubt whether 1t is to their interest,
or to that of the other operators and the
miners. that the settlements of any kind
should have been made on a temporary
basis as they may serve only to delay
trouble and friction.
II wish 1t clearly understood that what
| have said is in line with my own views
only, and | do not question the right of
any one else from his own standpoint to
take any position he deems fair and rea-
sonable and for the best | do hope,
however, that very soon there will be
some general understanding satisfactory
to all, and that this community may con-
tinue its prosperity without these I'M
necessary Interruptions.