Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-08-23
MINERS OPPOSE
CHANGE IN LAW
Union Will Fight Any Attempt
to Wipe Out Present
H Two-Year Rule

Scranton, Aug. 23.-Any attempt
made to change the state law regu-
lating the granting of miners GER
tifcates in such a way that the pres
ent two-year rule will be wiped out
Is to be stubbornly opposed by the
Mine Workers Union, according TO
statements recently credited TO
leaders in the three anthracite dis
tricts. There has been some talk
of having the law amended so that
miner would not have to have two
years experience before becoming
eligible for a certificate. it being
claimed such a course offered a So
luton for the scarcity of miners and
the tonnage question. but before 1t
goes through ii is sure TO be met
with stiff opposition.
1t is the contention of the miners
union leaders that the rule making
1t necessary for men to have expert
ence in mining to obtain certificates
Is, too valuable from safety stand
point to be dispensed with.
Contention of Miners
With it changed so that a man
would be permitted to mine coal
with no practical experience, IT is
contended the number of fatal ac-
cidents would be greatly increased,
enormous damage would be done to
the mines, and that in the long run
1t is safe to say the tonnage would
be depressed instead of increased.
Mining is dangerous at it's best, the
miners declare, and that it would
be q mistake TO wipe out one of its
chief rules tending for safety, Just
TO comply with the wishes of men
who believe they have found a
means of increasing the anthracite
output.
In recent issue of the Miners
Journal, the official organ OF the
International Union, II was pointed
out that no attempt to wipe out the
two-year eligibility rule on men ap-
plying for certificates will be coun-
tenanced by the miners. The jour-
nal pointed out that this two-year
rule is one of the essential regula-
tions of mining, in that 1t keeps the
inexperienced man from blasting
coal, ETC., and thus tends to add TO
the safety of all men working inside.
The Journal said one of the argu-
Inents made in behalf of the pro-
posed change is that II would help
relieve the growing scarcity OF min
ers, yet in the local field II Is con-
tended that there is no real snort
age of miners because OF draft and
enlistment. Instead, 1t Is admitted
by operators that the ranks of Ia
borers, motor runners, drivers ana
general workers have suffered more
than the coal cutters because OF the
war and that the mining troubles
are due to their loss more than 10
practical miners. AS a rule, most
of the latter are above the present
draft age, but with the others a big
majority are between 81 and 81
years of age.
Urge Kennedy to Run
Considerable interest is now being
manifested among miners in the
anthracite field in the efforts being
made at Hazleton to have Thomas
Kennedy, president of District NO. z.
become a candidate for the position
of international vice-president, to
succeed Frank Hayes, now presi-
dent, and who took charge of the
union after John P. White resigned.
John Lewis, editor of the Miners
Journal, is another candidate for
the vice-presidency.
In Hazleton there is a sentiment
that the anthracite field should be
represented in the union by an in
ternational officer and that Mr..
Kennedy would make an ideal ofh-
cial for the place. AS president OF
District No. he has been an active
worker in the interest of the Miners
Union for several years. He is rated
as a splendid organizer, is well
versed on practical mining ques-
tions, and is an able talker. AS YET
lie has not announced that he will
seek the place, but even so four or
five locals in District No. Z have
adopted resolutions pledging him
their support, and as soon as his
candidacy is definitely proclaimed 1t
is safe TO say other locals in the
three anthracite districts will do
likewise.