The chronicle=news., 1914-09-23
%sla n sG2!ser...

The proposal tina the commission
assess penalties for violation of any
feature of the scheme Is not eqnit-
able. Penalties might be imposed
on operators. but obviously no pen
lalties could be enforced against the
miners. They would be free. with
out practical recourse. to reject any
decision of the commission.
The plan that the men pay half
the cost of the commission would
commit our employees to an expense
to which they have not agreed, and
which we do not believe they want.
This is precisely the sort of exaction
from which the promise OF an 'open
shop" entitled our men to expect ex-
emption.
For many years past our company
has made systematic efforts to pro-
mote the welfare and happiness of its
men. We fully recognize that the
interests of stockholders and employ
ees are really the same: neither can
prosper permanently unless the just
rights OF both are conserved. Since
this agitation was started. we have
sought more than ever to ascertain
the nature Of whatever grievances
the men have had. and to adjust
them. We have always been quite
prepared to meet committees Of our
men and discuss with them affairs of
our common interest. Our problem is
complicated by violent racial Jealous
les among some Of the men. and other
difficulties incident to the employ
ment of q large number. OF foreign
born workmen. Our coal operations
are also closely inter-related witr
iron and steel production, and any
plan of dealing between the men and
the management, should in fairness
apply to all classes Of employees
alike. A plan to secure harmonious
relations in some industries or sec
tions of the country would not neces-
sarily apply to our peculiar condf-
tions. We are now developing an ev-
on more comprehensive plan. en-
bodying the results OF our practical
experience. which will, we feel con-
fident, result in a closer understand
ing between ourselves and our men.
This plan contemplates not only pro-
vision for the redress of grievances.
but for continuous effort to pro-
mote the welfare and the good will of
our employees. ....
We shall be glad at all times to re-
late to you the outlines OF our pro-
gress in this direction. In the pro-
motion of our purpose we shall well
come suggestions not only from your
self but from every agency of social
welfare. We therefore. bespeak your
confidence and continued eo-opera-
tion.t III -..,. -,,,4
With great respect, we are,
Faithfully yours. .-...
[Signedl j. F. WELBORN.
President, Colorado Fuel & Iron Co
HON. WOODROW WILSON. .,
President of the United States.
Washington, D. c.
aThe attached article is clipped
from a publication authorized by
the Policy Committee. District No
Is. United Mine Workers of America
THE CALL TO ARMS
The official call was as follows:
Denver. Colo, April %. 1914.
II Organize the men in your commun
ity in companies of volunteers tt
protect the workers of Colorado
against the murder and cremation o
men. women and children by armed
assassins in the employ of coal cor
porations serving under the gllise o
state militiamen. t.s..
II Gather together for defensive pur
poses all arms and ammunition lie
| gally available. Send name of leade
of your company and actual numbe
of men enlisted at once by wire
phone or mail to w. T. Hickey, Sec
retary of State Federation of Labor
Hold all companies subject to or
der. l-
II People having arms to spare TO
these defensive measures are request
Il ed to furnish same to local compan
\ les, and. where no company exist
send them to the State Federation o
Labor.
The state is furnishing us no pro
lection and we must protect our
selves, our wives and children. from
these murderous assassins. We seel
no quarrel with the state and we ex
pect to break no law: We intend t
exercise our lawful right as citizenf
to defend our homes and our consti
tntional rights.
[Signed1
John r. Lawson, U. NJ. w. A.
international Board Member.
John McLennan tPres. Dist. 15. I
NJ w. of A. and Pres. State Fed
Grafton of Labor.
f. l.. Doyle. Treasure,
Dist Is, U. NJ. w. of Az
John Ramsay (National Organizer
Z. NJ w. of Al
w. T. Hickey, secy. State Fed. q
Labor.) ,f
r. r. Hoage,
II IT w Tay1or -