The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-12-17
Fuel Administrator Disapproves
of Presidents Coal Strike
Settlement
SAYS MATTER OF PRIN-
CIpLE Is INVOLVED
He Objects to Delegating Com
mission the Power to Fix
Prices and Profits


Washington, Dec. II (Ey the Asso-
eiatcG Press Administrator
Garfcld's resignation was tonight in
the hands OF President Wilson given
because he disagreed on principle
with the coal strike settlement pro-
posal arranged by the government and
the mine workers union.
DR. Garfield h:mSelf refused tonight
to confirm, deny or discuss the report,
but at the White House it was said !.
that a personal letter from him had !;
been transmitted 10 the president aate
this afternoon.
understand that he believes that the
work OF The commission authorized
under the settlement 10 be n.lde up
oi one coal lniGc operator, q coal
Miner and q third person named TO
represent the public will result in an
increase in the price Of coal to the
consuming public. Against this form
Of settlement DR.. Garfield has been
unalterably opposed. II has been
learned on good authority that b,
took no part III the negotiation With
the last week and that though in
formed and consulted after their ini-
tiat;on the terms laid cut as finally
accepted, contravened his conception
Of .he .l:;.:;l principle. involved.
I. was recalled IN CONJUNCTION with
The resignation ii,;n in suggesting u
II per cent wage Increase as fair Tor !.
the miners and poss;b:. - be pad
from rresen. profits OF mine Owners.
Dr.. Garfield suggested commission
representative Of the Industry to re
view thG. findings, baats oppressed ---r,aa-
conviction that such body should not
have power to fix prices. His belief
is said to be that with this rJwer
granted. a combination Of the en-
ploycr and employee III the industry
to niuIct the public by price raises is
certain to result.
Whether the president will accept
The resignation is not known. Mem
bcrs CT the cabinet, however, are
known to &c supporting the program
as put through by Attorney General
Palmer. Pres;Gent Wiisc? today sent
a telegram of corsratula.ion TO Act
ing President John l.. Lewis Of the
mine workers at TIC action taken at
Indianapolis
Cral nine operators Authorized to
represent pra liically the entire indus
,:y were still in Washington tonight
awaiting an official notification Of the
settlement Easis. There was consider
able dc"b.. .inaividuaiiy and differences
OF opinion, bat 70 meetings were held
TO tornlalate. definite decisions OF pol
icy and none would be. it was said,
until tic government call came, All
We're interested in hearing from hdiftc
as to the action OF the miners locals
upon the union order calling off the
strike, but received little information.
Only one minor change in coal saw
ing orders came today from the rail-
road adn1inistra ton, allowing retail
stores to remain open nine instead of
S,; horus on Saturday. The six hoa:
schedule viii be maintained in other
DAYS Well informed officials hold the
opinion that many Of the restrictions
now ordered will have 10 remain effec-
tive until about January 90. even
shouI! the miners go back at once in
q body.
The var finance corporation was
called into q discussion today OF
methods Of financing mines whose
product is not promptly paid for under
existing systems a. distribution anl
which may not be abb. 10 continue OPP
GRAFTON without aid. plans ,or grant
ing relief were considered.