The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-07-19
FEDERAL MEDIATION !.
 PERMANENT PLAN?.
JEROME MINERS GIVE MEDIATOR DAVIES ASSURANCE OF. COOP
 ERATioN IN SETTLEMENT OF
 GRIEVANCES.

which exists between miners and op- orators is more apparent every day. No one questions the good offices of the Federal Mediator in this district, for instead of strikes, walk-outs and shut-outs, the mediator goes after the matter in "a business manner, and brings the factions together in ami cable relations, with the result that all matters are brought to happy termination, and business remains stable.
 His recent adjustment of the wage situation in the mining districts of is but an example of his eff cency MT Hywell Davies, the me diator for this district. enjoys the respect and confidence of both the employer and employe, and is now en- gagged in bringing the situation to an amicable termination.
 His mission in this state was for the purpose of adjusting the condi- tions prevailing in the copper mining districts. His purpose was to look into the matter from every angle, both as to the cost of production, wage situation and living conditions existing among the miners in this state.
 . Ills. services have been so satisfac- tory that it is expected that labor matters will hereafter be adjusted through the offices of a Federal me diator. It is believed that MT. Davies is about to bring matters to a close in@ this state, which will leave va pleasant taste on the palate of every one concerned. Recently he has been in, the Jerome district where his work has been most agreeable. He left Jerome Hast Saturday for Los Ange- les. where he went to confer with Charles, w. Clark, general manager of the United Verde. where the matter will he threshed out After thia con ference he is expected to return to Clifton for final adjustment of the wage situation with the operators in this district.
 Will Accept Mediator's Adjustment.
 Concerning MT. Davies visit to Je- rome the News of that place, con tained the following in its issue Of last Friday:
 Carrying with him the assuranceA of all unions in the Verde district that they will accept any decision he reaches in the present wage contro- versy, Hywell Davies, federal admin istrator, left today for Los Angeles, where he will confer tomorrow with Charles w. Clark, general manager 0f or,xy
 Administrator Davies has number of points in connection with the local situation to take up with MT. Clark. Just what these points are he de- clined this morning to state, but from the representations made to him by union representatives in support of their demand for a fiat increase of s1 10 day, it can be adduced that they bear on house rentals and the prices of groceries.
 "The work of the administrator thus far has eliminated all danger of a walk-out, though the nature of the ultimate settlement cannot be fore casted. He expects to return to Je- rome next week and to effect a final
  day, following his conferences with representatives of the United Verde Extension and other operating com panies.
 The Verde District companies are parties to the agreement reached at the Bisbee conference to raise wages fifty cents a day. This means, of ~f at least that much. The companies will not post any notices without au- thority from Administrator Davies, however.
 Representatives of all unions plac- ed the matter entirely in the hands of the administrator. He was assur- ed repeatedly that the unions had no idea of doing anything except stick to their agreement to abide by the federal mediation agreement for the period of the war. The companies are also bound to accept the decisi- on of the administrator.
 "Voluminous figures showing the cost of the necessities of life and of house rents were placed before Ad- ministra tor Davies by the union rep resentatives. It is contended by the operators that the cost of living 's no greater in Jerome than in other miningN camps and that it is less than in most They admitted, however, that rentals are outrageous. All ap- peals to landlords to lower their charges have been in vain. Undoubt- edly the rental question will be threshed out thoroughly at the con- ference between Davies and Clark.
 Another complaint that the union men had was that the local groceries have not kept adequate stocks of wheat substitutes and thus the rul- figs of the Food Administration have worked unnecessary hradship here.'