The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-12-17
ORDERED TO
RESUME WORK
Union Leaders Have Actually
Called Off the Strike

Indianapolis, DEC. l1.-Mc1Hoeis VI
The United Mine Workers Of America
are urged 10 return to work with the
least possible delay IN order that the
public needs for coal may be prompt
ly met, in circular prepared by the
international officials Of the organiZa-
ton this afternoon and .'hlch Will be
sent 10 the 1000 local uE.ons as soon
as it can be printed. The circular was
issued to supplement- instructions sent
out last night by wire and contains an
explanation of the action Of the gen
eral committee voting TO accept the
presidents proposal for settlement Of
the strike.
Acting on the directions contained
in the kilograms of last night, many
miners reported for work today and
indications were that practically all
mines which have been idle since the
walkout on October 81 will resume op-
GRAFTON tomorrow. Reports from sew
eral mines told Of hosting Of coal as
early as noon today and operators
here stated that coal will be moving
rapidly by noon Monday.
ATTORNEY General A. Mitchell
Palmer, who came to Indianapolis fol-
lowing his conference with miners
union heads in Washington aSturday
night left today for French LICK
Springs. Ind. and tomorrow will leave
there for Washington.
It was stated today that the gov
ernment intends to proceed With the
grand jury investigation OF charges OF
violation Of the Lever act and anti
trust laws through conspiracy 10 Inn
it the production of coal. These
charges involve both miners and oper-
ators. On the other hand. il was in
dicated that charges Of contempt
made against S4 officials of the mine
workers for alleged ..iolatlon Of the
federal court in junction against the
strike. probably would be dropped.
Acting President John L. Lewis. of
the United Mine Workers left for
Washington This evening to attend
conference Of national and interna-
tional union heads called by Samuel
Gompers. president Of the American
Federation of Labor. Prior to his de-
parture he received a message from
President Wilson commencing the
miners officials for their action yes
terday and replied in a telegram
which carried assurance Of further
cooperation Of the miners in efforts
to reach a settlement satisfactory to
all sides.
In their circular today the miners
officials review the incidents leading
up to the calling Of the general con-
ference here Tuesday and quote the
memorandum drawn up and agreed
to between them and Attorney Gen
eral Palmer as basis for settlement
The difference between the plan ac-
cepted and that proposed by Fuel Ad-
ministrator II. a. Garfield was pointed
out. The Garfield plan. it is declared
closed the door OF, hope for any in
crease in wages beyond IA per cent.
and eliminated other features consid-
cred of vital importance to the coal
workers.
The circular then sets forth that
the "stuborn facts with which we
were confronted" were presented to
the general committee and that after
most thoughtful and thorough conad-
GRAFTON it was decided to accept the
presidents propose. TO return to work
under the Il per cent. wage advance
pending final settlement by a COM
mission.
The miners are asked to trust their
chosen representatives and ito wait
patiently the vindication Of their
judgment and action which. il is
predicted. will ultimately come.
The statement points that all the
circumstances of the officials action
and the reason 70: it can not be cx-
planned in a circular and that for this
reason, a general convention Of the
organization will be called shortly
after full resumption OF work. The
officials express confidence that when
the course adopted is explained at the
convention. universal approval will
be given by the Representatives Of
the 1000 locals.