Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-12-23

derby settlement of the QueS-
tons at issue between the coal
operators and the coal miners, to
the end that the just rights, not
only of those interested, but also
of the general public may be
fully protected"
Injunction Asked
Despite my earnest appeal
that the men remain at work,
the officers of the United Mine
Workers Of America rejected all
the proposals for a peaceful and
orderly adjustment and declared
that the strike would go on. Ac-
cordingly, at my direction, the
attorney general filed bill in
equity in the United States dis
trict court at indianapolis, pray
ing for an Injunction 10 restrain
the Officers of the United Mine
Workers of America from doing
any act in G&urtherance of the
strike. A restraining order was
issued by thu court, followed by
Il writ CT temp orary Injunction
= or November 8, ~t9t9, in wffch
the defendants were commanded
20 cancel ana revoke the strike
orders. heretofore issued. These
strike orders were accordingly
revoked in a form approved by
the court, but the men did not
return to work in sufficiently
large number to bring about a
production of coal anywhere APP
preaching normal.
Miners Accept Plan
On December 6, 1919, l issued
a statemnt in which [ restated
the governments position, APP
pealed to the miners to return
TO work and renewed my sug-
gestion that upon the general
resumption of mining operations
a suitable tribunal would be
erected for the purpose of in
vestigating and adjusting the
matters in controversy between
the operators and the miners.
This statement was submitted to
a meeting of the officers of the
international Union, United
Mine Workers of America, hay
ing authority to take action,
which meeting adopted as it's
act memorandum prepared by
the attorney general and APP
proved by me. embodying the
suggestions contained in my
statement of December 9Th. L
am informed also that the OPP
orators have generally agreed
to the plan therein outlined.
enclose for your information a
copy Of my statement of De-
cember 6, 1919, and the memo
iandum just referred to.
Promises Ample Powers
There has now been a general
- resumption of operation in all
parts of the bituminous coal
fields sufficient to warrant the
appointment of a commission
such as is referred to in the
memorandum of the attorney
general and 1 have according
~ appointed you; Mr.. Rembrandt
Peale, a mine owner and opera
tor in active business; and Mr..
John p. White, a practical miner,
as commission with the pow
ers and duties as set forth i'll
The memorandum agreed to and
adopted by the miners and OPP
orators. who conducted all the
prior negotiations. If q re-
adjustment OF the prices of coal
shall be found necessary, L shall
be pleased to transfe" to the
commission, subject to its unan-
imous action, the overs here
tofore vested in the fuel adj
ministrator for that purpose.
Unanimous Action Advised
am sure it is not necessary
for me to call your attention TO
the tremendous Importance Of
the work of this commission or
the great opportunity which it
presents for lasting service TO
the coal industry and 20 the
country. If the facts covering all
the phases of the coal industry
necessary to a proper adjust
lnent Of the matters submitted
to you shall be investigated and
reported to the public, [ am
sure that your report, i'll addi-
ton to being sccepted IS the
basis for a new wage. agreement
for the hituminous coal miners,
will promote the public vel
fare and make for a settled con-
dition in the industry. No set
tlement can be had in this mat.
ter, permanent &pd lasting III
it's benefits, as affecting either
the miners, the coal operators
or the general public. unless the
findings of this body are cor
prehensive in their character
and embrace and guard at every
point til" public interest. To this
end, I deem it important that
your conclusion should be
reached by unanimous action.
Upon your accordance Of this ap-
pointment, 1 shall be pleased to
call an early meeting Of the
commission il Washington so
that you may promptly lay out
plans for your work.