The chronicle=news., 1914-09-25

the state and found work slsewher$g|
A Considerable number have returne6|
to work at our mines. from time to
time. ever since the strike was called,
70 that OF those who originally went
out on strike but comparatively. few
remain: Many of the men now in
the strikers camps have never
worked in the mines of Colorado. but
have been imported by the United
Mine Workers to keep up sembl-
ance of a strike.
s. Each mine to have a griev-
ance committee, etc" 81
This is favorite method of the
United Mine Workers organization
to foment trouble and provoke
strikes. although they have In many
cases. notably in West Virginia.
waived this demand! -
In practice 1t has been found that
such committees have damaging eff
feet on the interests of both the en-
ploye and employer. The tendency
Of such committee Is to magnify trif-
ling and unjust com plants into great
grievances and interfere with the dis.
employees and company property. and
TO destroy tho authority OF the offic-
ers responsible for the operation Of
the mines.
Our employees have never asked for
such committee. and we are stron E.
ly opposed to this feature OF the
tentative plan"
We have always listened to and
have been ready 10 correct any sub!
stantial grievances of our employees.
There are surprisingly few COM
plants. except-in times of strike. and
such complaints are principally af-
ter-thouglits of the strikers. But to
remove every possible cause for crItt-
cisms. we have been for some time
and are now working on plan
(which we had taken up with the
governor prior to the receipt of your
letter to protect our employees against
any possible injustice on the part of
mine bosses and to investigate and
correct real or dissipate imaginary
grievances. II any such exist. This
plan, we believe. will satisfy our em-
ployes without destroying the neces-
sary authority or influence OF our su-
|perlntendents and without dapriving
MS Of the reasonable control Of our
business. ..-t
& and 6 provide for commission
which shall serve as adjusters or
referees in all disputes (whet:.c- In.
dividual or collectiveD affe.tinS
wages. working and social tondi-
tions.'' 1.-The decisions OF tha .om-
mission shall be final and binding
on employees "yviifui violation. IT
|hny OF these conditions will be sLib-
ject to such penal ties as may be I'M
posed by the commission
The unlimited authority VI this
proooscd commission er th:ae persona
TO be appointed by the President CT
the United States. practically puts
the entire control % the m ost import T.
cnt department of our business in It's
hands. its power 20 control the rrn-
duct of our business ia: exceeds any
of the demarls the :n;tcd Mire
Workers Of America. A commission
with such powers has never before.
to our knowledge. existed or been
commission. with all of its extensive
powers for regulation Of railroads
md railroad business has no such
variety or scope of authority as this
proposed comm ission. while the de-
tlsions Of the Interstate commerce
commission are subject to review by
the courts under established rules Of
law. 80. n
The power to regulate the wages
Of our employees individually and col-
lectively. as often as demands are
made, would prevent us from making
any estimate of the cost OF production
on which to base our contracts for
the sale Of coal and could be used to
destroy existing competitive condi-l
.tions. lE fy A
The power to adjust all au est ions
affecting working con0teions will de.
stroy the discipline necessary for the
safety not only of the men hut OF The
property
Tho power to regulate social condi-
tons would destroy the personal lib
Eweering and comprehensive control
than Is claimed by either church OF |
state.
The decisions of this comm Ission |
rould not be enforced against our
employees. who. II dissatisfied with !
the award. could leave our employ |
and seek work elsewhere. whereas. to |
the extent OF our financial responsi-
bility, the award could be enforced [
against us. l.....
An unwise or unjust exercise of
the powers OF this commission might
result In tho financial ruin of any
operator.
1t Is unfair to place our busincss
in a position where 1t can. under any |
circumstance. be subjected to the un-
oppealable mandates OF any man or
hnlY of men haXever Wnll meani In z |