Arizona republican., 1917-07-26
MEDIATION AT [EA[)V|[[E [
Republican A. p. Leased Wire1

LEADVILLE. Colo, July 25-Lead- ville's metal miners strike has passed from the status of walkouts, picketing and the presentation of demands, to one of mediation and conciliation with both the operators ana miners appar- the mediators appointed by Governor Gunter and composed of Platt Rogers and Harvey Riddell.
 When a copy of the letter drawn up by the operators iii session here yester- day and approved by the remaining operators of the Leadviile district in Denver today was given out here to- night the miners and merchants agreed that it was fair statement of the situ- ation and it was agreed that the ac- cept ance of the mediation board by the operators was the first step in the set clement of the metal strike which had closed 37 mines and deprived 300 men of work.
 The next step in the negotiations looking 70 the permanent settlement of differences between operators and miners will be the coming of the medi- ation board to Leadville to go into all phases of the mining situation here in- cluding the cost of living, the cost of production of ores, the market price paid for these ores and the working conditions of the men underground While no date has yet been set for the arrival of the board the two mediators, an expert mining engineer and secre- tary are expected here within week as Governor Gunter has expressed his de- sire to the operators to have the Lead ville mines re-opened and running as soon ds possible as d patriotic move.
 The letter of the operators to Cover nor Gunter, accepting the services Of the men appointed by him to inquire into conditions here, was presented to the governor this afternoon by l.. C.. Simpson and John R. Ewing, attorneys representing the operators association here. Over the long distance te.ephone MT. Ewing said tonight the governor received the letter graciously and treated the attorneys for the operators association most cohrteously.
 The draft of the letter sent the gov ernor reads:
 The undersigned, operators of mines and mining properties in the Leadville district respectfully submit the follow ing:
 1Ou nave dpDOlllltu ldlt IkOStI \ and Harvey Riddell to investigate and inquire into conditions affecting wages heretofore paid the miners and em- ployes in and about various mines in the LeadviIle district We, therefore, state to you that, although the state industrial commission, duly authorized by law for that purpose, has, within the past two months, made such an inves- tigation and reported the findings thereon. it is satisfactory 10 us for the gentlemen designated by you 10 inquire into conditions so existing in the Lead vile district and We will afford to them every opportunity and assistance for such examination and for learning the conditions affecting the same and any matters which they may deem to be proper subject of inquiry in connection herewith, so as to help them in ar irving at a just conclusion whether the wage scale of the Leadvlle district is fair and proper or otherwise.
 We take this action because we recognize the sincere efforts your eX- cellency is making to continue the ore production of this district in this time of national stress. We do not believe that any increase of wages at this time is practicable, in view of the low grade character of the Leadville ores, but nevertheless, We will comply with the findings and conclusions which these gentlemen may after full investigation make and report to yop.'
 '1t must be understood, however, that no one of us is bound to, or agrees to mine or operate any property if, in his
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