The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-31
Officials Convincing Men of the Futility of Resisting
 Wilson's Agreement
HAVE MUCH TO LOSE AND NOTHING TO GAIN
In Spite of Growing Sentiment for Acceptance Wednesdays Con- vention Is Expected to Be
 Somewhat Lively

Permanent peace following the con- vention Wednesday,!
 That was the prediction of officials of the miners union yesterday. The prophecy was made in spite of the fact that many small mines in the district are still idle the Blue Creek prop critics will probably be idle this morning, and the plan of certain restless opera tives to meet in indignation at Capitol park Saturday.
 Union officials were greatly encouraged by the action of miners in several of the important Jefferson county mines for mally voting to resume work pending the result of the Wednesday convention. They feel that the conservative element will eventually prevail-that the psychology of the situation means the restoration of harmony.
 LEADERS WORK AMONG MEN
 J. R. Kennamer. president of the Dis trict No. 20, United Mine Workers of America, and his immediate Eeutenants, labored throughout the day in attempts to placate. The terms of the proposal of Secretary Wilson. which resulted in ob- viating the threatened strike, were care- fully and repeatedly explained William R. F'airley, conciliatory agent of the department of labor aided in dissuading the operatives against independent strikes Hywell Davies, another agent of the government, will return to the district Monday, and will immediately un- dertake the peaceful solution of the prob lem.
 J when first informed of the terms their officials had agreed to accept, were given thoroughly to understand yesterday that independent strikes would mean the re- pudiation not only of local officials, the president of their national organization Secretary Wilson, who was formerly d union miner, and the beneicent efforts of the government, but, in addition, would mean the destruction of their local organ ization. They were also informed that
 independent strikes would not have the support of the national organization, and that as a result. in a hopeless effort to carry their point, they would inflct upon themselves and families great distress.
 ADVICE HAS GOOD EFFECT
 Such advice it is indicated, had eff feet A contrast between present condi- tions in which miners can earn from 5 to $10 per day, and the condition which would prevail in the event Of independent strikes also had effect, 1t is said. Offi- cials of the union believe that with con- sessions gained from operators as foun- dation, they can, if unmolested by their men, progress to such an extent that Tn the future other and more vital conces- sions will ob tain. They are said, on the other hand, to agree, that if it is demon strated that they cannot restrain their own forces, the future for the union will be dark.
 Despite the indication that peace will result from the convention of miners next Wednesday, it is not denied that the pros poets are that the convention will be, in the beginning, exciting if not inharmon-
 ous At the same time. it is firmly be- lieved by union officials that when the situation in it's every phase is explained the "cool heads or conservatives will carry the day.
 Operators interviewed yesterday stated that on account of many idle men the output of coal is seriously affected They do not anticipate any results from work
 in their properties prior to a ratifica- ton of the peace agreement. They are aiding other consolidating influences in re- storing peace and preventing series of sporadic stoppages. Like miners officials, they are optimistic.