The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-12-19
DR:::::GARF|EtD'si;:. (. ]: :: : !.
QUITS HIS JOB
Dissatisfied With Settlement
Made With Miners
He WAS NOT CONSULTED
Resignation In Presidents Hands--
Did Not Want Commission To
Have Power To Fix Prices
To The Public.

Neutrality-suspicious. Fuel Admin
jstrator James R.. Garfeld's resigna-
ton is in the hands of President Will
son, given because he disagrees on
principle with the coal strike settle
ment proposal arranged by the gov
eminent and the mineworkers' union.
DIR. Garfield himself refused to con-
firm, deny or discuss the report, but
at the White House it was said that
Q personal letter from him had been
transmitted to the President.
Men close to the fuel administrators
understand that he believes the work
of the commission authorized under
the settlement to be made up of one
coal mine operator, coal miner and
Q third person named to represent
the public, will result in an increase
In the price Of coal to the consuming
public Against this form of settle
ment DR.. Garfield has been unalter-
ably opposed It has been learned on
good authority that he took no part
in the negotiation with the mine
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 as fair for
the miners and possible to be paid
from present profits Of mine owners,
DR.. Garfield suggested commission
representative of the industry to re-
view the findings, but expressed the
conviction that such body should
not have power to fix prices. His be.
lief is said to be that with this power
granted, combination Of the EN-.
ployer and employee in the industry to
pulch the public by raises is certain
to result.
Whether the President will accept
The resignation Is not known. Mem
bers of the Cabinet, however, are
known to be supporting the settlement
program as put through by Attorney
General Palmer. President Wilson
sent telegram of congratulation to
Acting President John L. Lewis, Of
the mine-workers, at the action taken
At Indianapolis.
There was considerable doubt in
dividually and difference Of opinion,
but no meetings were held to for
mulate definite decisions of policy and
none would be, it was said, until the
government call came. All were in
terested 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 or
ders came from the Railroad Admin
istration allowing retail stores to re-
main open nine instead of six hours
on Saturdays. The six-hour schedule
will be maintained on other days.
Well-informed officials hold the opin-
ion 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 body.
The War Finance Corporation was
called into discussion of methods OF
financing mines whose product is not
promptly paid for under existing sys-
TENS of distribution and which may
not be able to continue operation with
out aid. Plans for granting relief were
considered. a.