The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-10-25

Mr.. Taylor, however, did not oHer allus-
had been made, having due REGARDS
to the interests of their respective
groups. I am in accord with that sug-
gestion Nobody of men knows bet
ter the details intricacies and techni-
calities of mining than do the miners
and operators No body of men can
work out the details of the wage scale
on a more equitable basis. Their judg-
ment would undoubtedly be based upon
sum total of knowledge of the IN
dustry. Whatever their differences
may be, no matter how widely diverg-
emit their viewpoints may be from each
other, it is a duty that they owe So
ciety to make an earnest effort to ne
gotiate those differences and to keep
the mines of our country in opera
ton.
After all the public interest in this
vital matter is the paramount consId-
GRAFTON of the government and admits
of no other action than that of con-
sideration of a peaceful settlement of
the matter as suggested by you. If
for any reason the miners and opera
tors fail to come to a mutual under
standing, the interests of the public
are of such vital Importance in con-
nection with the production of coal,
that it is incumbent upon them to re-
fer the matter in dispute to a board
of arbitration for determination and
to continue the operation of the mines
pending the decision of the board
ALL PLANS REJECTED
There was a ray of hope early today
that the factions could be brought to-
gether, but this was quickly dispelled by
refusal of both groups to negotiate with
out new wage agreement without
reservation. Secretary Wilson then came
forward with a proposal for an increase
of approximately II per cent in wages.
an eight-hour day from bank to bank,
meaning from tins the miner started
underground until he got out and for a
half holiday on Saturday.
| This, too, was rejected, and the con-
| ference was about ready to break UP
! when Mr.. Wilson played his last card-an
appeal to the men to return later in the
| day to receive a message from the Pre6i-
| dent.
| 1t was apparent that both sides
were reluctant, but they finally consented
Secretary Wilson, who had actually KEEP
the groups together much longer thar
either had expected. went Immediately Il
work, and was hopeful that he might b.
/ able to swing the factions IN line AM
| obtain the promise to call Off the strike
| Miners and operators separated to con
slider the Prqident's proposal and afte
| the latter accepted it 'in toto" a
Thomas T. Brewster, head of the coal op
orators association, announced, the.
withdrew, and left Mr.. Wilson alone t.
wrestle with the miners.
Official Washington, beginning to real
ize the grim horror of a coal strike, wa
bombarded tonight with conflictin
claims as to which side was responsible
1t turned, however, to what Mr. Wilso'
had dictated at the final break up as tn
explanation, without knowing the mex
move. Announcement by President Levi
that the strike would begin at the tim
called caused hurried rush to find on
how much bituminous coal there is o
hand and how long it might last. ono
the mines shut down. The first report
were discouraging, although dealers an
brokers' estimates have indicated tina
the supply, with proper care, might las
a month.
SAY OPERATORS RESPONSIBLE
The United Mine Workers of America
operators walked out of the confer
ence" and did exactly what they Sc
out deliberately to do in the first place
forced the bituminous miners of tn
United States to strike"
The operators, it was charged, did nc
want or intend to negotiate new wag
agreement, and that they had declined I
do so in conference with Secretary Wi
son.
1--WE charge that full responsibility TO
whatever may be the result or the cor
sequences must rest upon the operators,
the statement said because Of the
stubborn determination that no me-
; agreement should be reached"
| PYaSdaDtS Oner IN
sta tement said:
| 'I<noWing that the operators were dea
set against the making of a new agree
ment, we knew that If both sides az
, | cepted the two propositions made b
President Wilson-one for negotiation an
the other for arbitration-the operator
would prevent contract by negotiauo
and then throw the entire matter int
arbitration. Such arbitration would be
long drawn out proceeding, deliberatel
made so by operators, and during all
| the long weeks and months which woul
lbe consumed by the arbitration the miner
| would be compelled to continue TO wor
at the present wholly inadequate wage
and under the present unbearable worf
ing conditions.
ut was entirely possible for the minel
and the operators to negotiate ne
agreement before the first day Of NJ
NmDer III the opcrdu yfs iiau pSSi'
to meet the miners IN fair, honest emo
to d9 50.
"3At we find that the only remedy lie
TO us is a suspension of work. to o0ta
better conditions and wages. We did M
want strike. No one understands De
| ter what a strike means than do the Co
; miners, who have teen through strih
. in the past. But when conditions becon
l unbearable, as they have in this cas-
| the coal miners must do what the gre;
American people did when Germany D
| came arrogant and oppressive I'M
| must assert their manhood. We have
l fear as to the outcome. Nor do we ha'
any fear that the American public W
see the justice Of our position and o
action"