The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-05-30

qualifications for the position.
Replying to Il question concern
ing the differences that have been
alleged TO exist among some of the
miners officials, and his resirna-
ton, MI. Nugcnt, said:
being unable to agree with Pres
ident Mitchell, who has never been
friendly to my administration, and
denied the right of home rule in
directing the work of organizers in
my district, and to prove my sin.
cerlty III my opinion that improve
mcntS III the general conditions of
the miners OF this state can ONLY
come through tho introduction and
employment of practical miners
coming to our state with the intent
of making a home and becoming
permanent citizens, have tender
eel my resignation as president of
district and Will devote nv en-
tire time to the office of immicra-
ton commissioner
National Vice President II. l.
Lewis, Of the United Mine Work
crS of America, of bridgeport,
Ohio, arrived in this city Sunday
morning from Columbus, and has
put in several busy days since his
arrival. He has visited several
Elocal unions where his presence
and advice was needed. In all
probability he will spend several
more days in this district.
Mr.. Lewis is pretty well inform
ed on the conditions in this State,
rs he has made numerous visits to
West Nirginin during the past
several years, and from the further
fact that the lives just across the
Ohio river which affords him an
opportunit" to keep informed as to
the situation in his ncighboring
state. Mr.. Lewis has a host of
friends in West Virginia who al
ways accord him Il hearty welcome
and do everything possible to
make his stay among us most
pleasant
In regard to the general mining
situation throughout the country
MIR. Lewis has the following to
say:
''The mining situation over the
! y
At present there is little or no
trouble in any of the mining dis
tricts except at Pomcroy, Ohio,
and Sturgiss, kentucky.
''The mines in Western PennsyI-
vanla are working three fourthS
time on an average with good
! prospects for improvement as the
lake coal begin to move more
rapidly. The most serious problem
eflecting the miners interest in
/ Western Pennsylvania is the new
dump placed in some of the tipples
and operated by steam power In
use on account Of jerking the car
in dumping the coal has increased
the percentage of coal pouring
| through the screen and consequent
iy decreases the earning power of
the men. The adjustment of the
steam dump controversy is in the
hands of committee of four men
with power to appoint an umpire
in case they fail to agree. There
are about twenty mines using the
so called improved dump.
''The mines in Ohio are working
better than they have for several
years and the mines in Illinois are
also doing better for this season
than they have for several years
/ past
! 1.-The Alabama contract expires
July LIST and what is known as the
union operators ard their repre-
sentatives, will meet next month to
arrange wage scale.
''There are some sections in
/ Ohio and Western Pennsylvania
/ where they need miners.
SIN regard to the situation in
West Virginia, l may have some
thing to say about that later on"
! X x *
National Vice President I. l..
GCoptipua6 on paua a