The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-05-17
MINE OWNER REPLIES.
Presents His Side of Case to Governor
Stubbs.

Governor Stupbs today received let
ter from Charles S. Keith, president IF
the Central Coal and Coke company,
in reply to the governors declaration
that he would not call out the militia.
and to his statement that he thought
the increase in wages asked for by the
miners to be fair. According to Mr.
Keith there are $4,000 idle miners in
the Pittsburg district Mr.. Keith says:
Kansas City, Mo, May 16. 1910.
Hon. w. r. Stubs, Governor, Topeka,
Kan:
Dear Sir. I am in receipt of your
favor of the 14th inst, advising me of
your position as governor with refer
ence to keeping the peace in the state
of Kansas. If you do this, it is all THAI
we can or do ask.
We do not know the source of what
you regard as reliable information that
the mines can be operated with profit
on the increased scale Of wages de-
manded by the miners. We do know
however, that both you and your III
formant are grossly mistaken. The
members of our association have given
this matter the most painstaking and
careful consideration and have reach
ed the unanimous conclusion that the
mines cannot be operated without loss
on the increased scale demanded.
This particular matter was not allud-
e. to in my letter to you of the 14th
for the purpose of opening up any dis
cussion as to It's merits. 1t was men
timed for the sole purpose of advising
your excellency of the impossibility Of
the operators acceding to what they
unanimously regard as an arbitrary.
unreasonable and extortionate demand
on the part of the labor leaders and as
a consequence the practically certain
result that mob violence will imme-
diately follow the convention of miners
now in session and suggesting the pro-
priety of such executive action as
would prevent such an outbreak, In
stead of having to put it down after the
fires of lawlessness and anarchy should
have been again kindled and famed
into n destructive con1agration 1t is
an cd but wise saying that AN ounce
Of prevention is worth a pound of
cure" Furthermore, we realized tn -
your excellency could not be fully in
formed on this matter, and hence not
entertain a we'll considered opinion on
the subject.
We regret that you should have mis-
judged both the tone and spirit of our
former letter. We have twice offered
to arbitrate this matter with the min
ers, but both offers were refused. We
have no thought of seeking to drive q
hard bargain with the men and still
less have we any thought of invoking
the aid of the state authorities In
negotiating any agreement with them.
We nothing more nor less than
the right which should be cheerfuily
conceded to any taxpayer and citizen to
have his property and the lives and
limbs of his employees protected from
mob violence at all times and under all
circumstances and that employer and
employee be left free and untram-
melled to come together like free mon
and settle and adjust their differences
in the light of reason and under the
banner and along the paths of peace. I
ha e the honor to remain, Yours very
respectfully.
CHARLES S. KEITH.
Chairman Southwestern Interstate Coal
Operators Association.