The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-09-11

occupations to increase their earning
power in order to keep pace with the
increased expenditures made neces-
sary by greater outlay for living ne
cessities. Our own people, living oft
times in isolated communities, at the
points far distant from the centers OF
distribution, have felt this situation
perhaps more keenly than the workers
of any other trade, and we are today
face to face with the situation where
relief must be found. The belated at
tempt of the federal government TO
reduce the cost of living is not ex-
pected to affect any sweeping reduc-
ton in prices of necessities; at best 1t
scarcely can be hoped that the govern
mental agencies can be able to do
more than prevent further soaring in
costs. The situation as 1t affects our
people is most serious, and immediate
action must be taken by our organi=
cation to make 1t possible for the
mine workers and their dependents to
meet It,"
Mr.. Lewis presented to the conven-
ton the report of the policy commit
tee of the United Mine Workers that
on March 20, 1919, declared in favor
of a six hour working day, five days a
week, substantial increase in wages
and the naturalization and democrat
ic management of all the coal mines
in the United States. The policy
committee recommended that the in
ternational officers have bill drafted
for presentation to this convention,
and later be introduced in Congress
providing for the naturalization Of
mines. He said, however, that it was
impossible to have this bill prepared
in time for the convention, but he
placed the entire matter before the
delegates for their consideration.
Director general of railroads, VIII
liam G. McAdoo, and his chief finan-
cial advisor, John Shelton Williams
made vigorous attempt, said Mr.
Lewis, to secure coal for roalroad use
at a lower rate than the prevailing
Government price, fixed by the United
States Fuel Administration. One
means of hammering down coal price:
was to guarantee a full car supply t.
those operators willing to cut prices
Mr.. Lewis denounced this action as
an injustice which was corrected only
when the miners carried the case Il
President Wilson, who decided tha
the railroads should pay the same
price for coal that was paid by the
industrial and domestic consumers.
This made possible more equal dis
trlbution Of employment in the mining
districts. But Director General Walk
er D. Hines adopted these same tao
tics when he assumed office and thu
officials of the United Mine Worker
were compelled to make hard figh
to bring him in line. Mr.. Lewis said
There is no valid reason why thu
railroads of the United States, con
suming as they do, approximately on
third of the bltuminous coal produc
ton, should not be obliged to pay tn
same relative prices for their tonnage
as the consuming public. This is tn
only way in which domestic consum
ers can be protected. In purchasing
coal below the prevailing market pric
the railroads simply transfer to thu
backs of the domestic consumers, TIL
difference between their PURCHASING
price and the cost of production, to
gether with potential profits. Dur
ing the period antedating industrial
expansion, incident to the war, gu
nation was continually met by argu
ments from operating interests refus
ling to grant Increased wages and i'm
proved working conditions because Q
the penurious purchasing attitude Q
/ the railroad corporations. Our un
ions should continue to insist with a
possible emphasis that a proper poll
cy in respect to this matter be follow
ed by the railroads Of the country.
Mr.. Lewis called attention to tn
menace OF Mexican oil as competi
tor of American steam coal and rec
commended that Congress be asked t
levy an important duty Of at least on
dollar barrel on oil impored from
MeMxico for fuel purposes.
Speaking Of the zone Big Union
which sought to disrupt the Mine
Workers in western Canada, Mr.. Lew
Is said condition we're returning K
normal, Commenting on this matte
he said:
'Thus-is:c hronicled an additions