New-York tribune., 1912-03-16


London, March 15.--The governments
efforts 10 secure a settlement of the coal
strike bv effecting an agreement between
the coal mine owners and their employees
have failed After three days Of joint
conferences the negotiations were broken
off at : O'Clock this evening, and legisla-
tive action now will be resorted to TO
secure a minimum wage for all under
ground coal workers. In making this
announcement TO the conference to-day
Premier AsGuith said:
The government has done all in its
power to secure a settlement of the con-
troversy by an agreement, and has come
to the conclusion, with great regret, that
this is impossible and that other meas
ures must therefore be taken.
The official account of today's confer
ence issued tonight says that Premier
Asquith pointed out that the stoppage OF
work in the coal mines had now lasted
more than a fortnight, and was produc-
ing incalcUlable Inconvenience and loss,
and in some parts Of the country actual
suffering Though happily it had no;
been attended by disorder, the Premier
added. considering the number of per
sons directly or indirectly affected by the
dispute the situation was growing every
day more serious and would continue a
menace TO the wellbeing of the country
as long As it lasted After reviewing the
abortive attempts to secure settlement
of the strike by an agreement between
the Interested parties, the official report
continues:
The Prime Minister stated that the gov
eminent would ask from Parliament leg
isative declaration that a reasonable mini
mum wage, accompanied by adequate safe-
guards for the protection OF the employer
Should be made statutory term OF lhS
contract of employment OF people engaged
In underground coal mines.
AS regards the important question now
much minimum wage may be ascertaineo
Tor any particular area, the Prime Minister,
without pledging the government 10 any
precise form of machinery, indicated thai
district minirna should be locally hxed by
joint board of each district, consisting oi
representatives OF employers and employed
with neutral independent chairman VINO
might be selected by the parties themselves
or, u necessary, by the government. oucu
BODY would, in the opinion or the govern
garded as all important-a means Tor secEr,
Ing an end to the controversy between the
employers and employed.
Inc proposals of the government VIII IN
clude provisions to secure promptitude II
the Presentation of cases OF the parueS
and adjudication Of them.
The Labor party is opposed to compul-
sorry arbitration, and on this ground
probably will oppose the bill. 1t will be
unable to defeat the measure, however
as 1t is believed If the proposed safe
guards are deemed adequate the Con-
servative opposition will not embarrass
Inc government by opposing the bill.
IL is said that King George is keenly
concerned over the crisis and intends tc
Keep In the closest touch with his ad-
Nisers until the trouble is ended.
Enoch Edwards, president. and Thomas
ashton, secretary of the Miners Fedora
uon' in interviews tonight both agreed
That the collapse of the joint conference
To-day was mainly due to the opposition
o. the Welsh and Scotch mine owners
ana that no means OF ending the strike
was possible other than a resort to spe'
ciai legislation, They say they hope be-
lore long the miners will resume worl
under conditions they have striven 81
long 10 obtain.
The views OF the mine owners are In
oicated by an interview had with b. A
Thomas, head Of the Cambrian combine
whose opinions are shared by all th'
south Wales owners. Mr.. Thomas saiC
ne could not help regarding the govern
ments action as a great triumph 70
revolutionary syndicatism. He said 1
would largely increase the cost Of tn
production OF coal. and IT would be hope
less to attempt TO make the consume
pay more because South Wales already
owing 10 high prices, had lost a numbe
VI It's most important markets to tn
United States. whose workmen in III