The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1915-12-03
FOR AN HONORABLE PEACE.

Demands of the Coal Workers Will Be
Within Bounds of Reason-No Fear
of Suspension of Work When Agree
ment Expires if Operators Will Meet
Men on Fair Basis.
International President John p. White
of the United Mine Workers Of Amer
lea was In an optimistic frame of mind
when asked about the probable out
come of anthracite wage negotiations,
says the Philadelphia Ledger. The
agreement under which the anthracite
coal miners are working expires April
1, 1916.
"a comparison of the anthracite mine
workers demands with the scale of
wages and conditions governing the bi-
luminous coal fields,' said Mr.. White,
Twill satisfy the most eXacting inves-
tigator that they are within the bounds
of reason. Consequently there is no
sound reason why the miners of hard
coal should not attain their long cher
ished ideals-the eight hour day, recog
milton of their organization and a wage
Increase sufficient to meet the increased
cost of living
Asked about the strike talk. White
said: "Of course it is only natural that
in advance of the opening of con-
tract negotiations gross exaggerations
will be made from time to time by
some who will be affected. But the
essential factor in all wage considera-
tions is the probability of the industry
involved An analysis of statistics
gathered thus far by the United Mine
Workers pertaining to the anthracite
coal industry convinces me that the
assured profits are sufficiently large to
warrant liberal concessions.
'The splendid growth of the United
Mine Workers in the anthracite re-
gion during the last year, which in
all probability will reach the 100 per
cent figure by Jan. /, gives to the an
thracite miners a leverage never be
fore enjoyed.
''The recognition of this growth has
caused many well meaning persons to
become worried over the possibilities
of strike, when, i'll fact, it is the
strongest factor that will operate
against an industrial disturbance
"If the operators, and ! have every
reason to believe they will, meet the
miners on a fair basis, and by that
mean a thorough consideration of ev-
cry phase of the industry, there need
not be even u days suspension.
throughout the nation operators
and miners are getting closer together
This spirit of closer attiliation will
work wonders | predict, for when
both employer and employee become
united in protecting their identical in
terests the causes for misunderstand
ings will be removed.
"Only a few weeks ago the Mine
Workers executive board decided to
join hands with the soft coal operators
and all others interested to secure re-
lief from destructive interpretations of
the Sherman antitrust law. Surely
work of this kind, designed for the
mutual benefit of all, will result In
great progress and prosperity.
"In 1914 the miners made a great
step forward when they adopted the
nonsuspension policy. | intend to
recOHnenu lLS TeduOpJlOu 10 the COLI
vention which will convene at In
dianapolis in January. In my opinion
this policy should have the wholesome
effect of satisfying all doubters who
permit themselves to become disturbed
over unfounded strike rumors.
"Now would be a splendid time to
eliminate the strike talk, in advance
of the negotiations. Such rumors gain
rootage by constant agitation and, as
a result retard business and disturb
the public mind to such a degree that
entire coal regions feel the disastrous
effects Then when negotiations are
opened the public mind is centered
not upon business consideration of
the issues involved but, on the other
hand, upon the possibilities of strike
"As | have repeatedly stated, the
miners are for an honorable peace,
consistent with sound business judg-
ment and | believe such will be the
result OF our next negotiations"