The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1919-11-25
OPERATORS WANT
TIME TO CONFER
WITH DIR. GARFIELD

WISou . pIopOSdl IOr wage ud-
vance of 31.61 per cent for day la
borers and 27.12 cents per ton for
coal diggers was accepted this after:
noon by John L. Lewis, acting presi-
dent of the United Mine Workers on
behalf Of the miners.
Explaining the basis of the wage
scales he had suggested, Secretary
Wilson issued a statement saying
that cost of living in mining regions
has advanced 1880 per cent and the
increase would just equalize the
situation for the miners.
In face of Mr.. Lewis, announce
ment that the miners had decreased
their wage demands from 40 to 81 per
cent as asked by Secretary Wilson, a
joint conference between miners and
operators set for late today was post
poned until Monday at request of the
operators.
The operators, 1t was understood,
asked postponement of the confer
ence so that they could meet Fuel Ad-
ministrator Garfield to learn the gov
ernment attitude toward the coal con-
troversy. They were unable to ar
range conference with Mr.. Gar
field today.
In announcing the new wage de-
mands, Mr.. Lewis charged that ope-
rators outside the central cooperative
fields were trying to block a settle
ment of the coal strike.
"We are awaiting DR.. Garfield's
pleasure" Said Phil H. Penna, men,
Der of the operators committee.
The operators declared today that
Secretary Wilson's proposal to the
joint wage scale committees yester-
day had served only. to widen the
breach between the operators and
miners.
"There are only few more words
to say and they will be said very soon"
declared Thomas T. Brewster, chair
man of the operators, before entering
the meeting of the operators scale
committee. ..-.
Coal operators went into confer
ence today with many of their num-
ber in favor of breaking off negotia-
ations until the miners return to
work. These operators are ready for
a finish fight, and want to demand
that the government furnish troops
to protect miners who. are willing to
work.
The operators committee, headed
by Mr.. Brewster, will ask Mr.. Gar
field to. state exactly what support
the government will give if the opera
tors decide to break off negotiations
with the miners and start a finish
fight to make the latter return to
work under the present contract be-
fore further negotiations are carried
on.
Operators prepared to give notice
OF this step at joint conference
with the miners this afternoon if Mr..
Garfield gives an answer satisfactory
to the operators.
Many operators believe, however,
that Mr.. Garfield will suggest some
other solution than one carrying with
it the formal breaking off of nego-
citations. Operators who want a fin
ish fight already have prepared a let
ter to President Wilson, reviewing
their efforts at peaceful settlement
and suggesting that as a last resort
they are willing to operate the mines
and let the president solve the whole
coal question. The operators suggest
in the letter that any increase in cost
of operation which might result from
increased wages shall be borne not
only by the public but by the opera
.c-5 as we'll. These operators believe
the cabinet is with them in their
stand with the exception of Secretary
of Labor Wilson, against whom they;
are bitter. This, they say, is because
OF the attitude Of Secretary Wilson
as set forth in his address to the
joint conference late last night.