Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-12-18
He Disagrees on Principle With
Coal Strike Settlement PrOpO-
sal Arranged by Govt. and
Miners
SEE HIGH PRICES AHEAD
Does Not Favor Wage Commission
COnsisting Of One Miner, One Opera
tor and n Third Person to lie Named
By the Public

Washington Dec. II. tBy the Associated
Press. Fuel Administrators Garheld's
resignation was tonight in the hands OF
President Wilson, given because he dis
agrees on principle with the coal strike
settlement proposal arranged by the gov
ernment and the mine workers union.
DR. Garfield himself refused tonight to
confirm. deny or discuss the report. but
at the White House 1t was said that
personal letter from him had been trans
mtted to the President late this after
noon
Men close to the fuel administrators
understand that he believes that the work
of the commission authorized under the
settlement, to be made up of one coal
miner. and third person named to
represent the public, will result in an in
crease in the price Of coal to the con-
Stunning public. Against this form OF
settlement, DR.. Garfield, has been un-
alterably opposed. 1T has been learned
on good authority that he took no part
in the negotiation with the mino workers.
union chiefs during the last week and
that though informed and consulted after
their initiation the terms laid out as
finally accepted contravene his conception
of the main principle involved.
1t was recalled In connection with the
resignation that IN suggesting a IA per
cent wage increase was fair for the
miners and possible to be paid from
present profits Of mine owners. DR.. Gar
field suggested a commission representa-
tive of the industry TO review the find
ings. but expressed the conviction that
such a body should not have power to
fix prices. His belief Is said TO be that
with this power granted, combination
~ y,1r,,. IL, ~
dustry to mulct the public by price raises
is certain to result.
Whether the President will accept the
resignation Is not known. Members OF
the cabinet. however. are known to be
supporting the settlement program as put
through by Acknowledgement Palmer.
President Wilson to-day sent telegram
of congratulation to Acting President
John l.. Lewis Of the Mine Workers at
the action taken at indianapolis.
Coal mine operators authorized to rep
resent practically the entire industry
were still in Washington tonight await
ing an official notification Of the settle
ment basis There was considerable
doubt individually and difference Of
opinion, but no meetings were held to
formulate definite decisions Of policy and
more would be. 1t was said, until the gov
eminent call came. All were interested
In hearing from home 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 saving
orders came to-day from the railroad
administration. allowing retail stores to
use light nine instead Of six hours on
Saturdays. The sX-hour schedule will
be maintained on other days.
Well informed officials hold the opinion
that many of the restrictions now ordered
will have to remain effective until about
January 20. even should the miners go
, back at once in a body.
The war finance corporation was called
into a discussion to-day Of methods Of
financing mines whose product is not
promptly paid for under existing systems
Of distribution, and which may not be
| able to continue operation without aid
Plans for granting relief were con-
sidered.