Americus times-recorder., 1919-12-11
AND NOW LET'S CHIT THE BALL"

The great coal strike, which has had
greater effect industry throug ghout the country
than any other in history has been brought to
a close. 1t has been settled just as the govern
ment wanted it settled, says Attorney General
Palmer. The miners declare it has been settled to
their entire satisfaction Which is most happy
ending of the controversy-it is always better to
reach settlement of dispute by agreement than
by crushing by force of one side or the other.
Say the miners of the settlement;
The United Mine Workers representatives
agreed to accept the Presidents proposal as ba-
sis of settlement of the coal strike They did soI
because it provides definite concrete and practi-
cal method by which adequate consideration and
a proper adjustment of their claim for an increase
in wages and improved conditions of employment
may be brought about. The United Mine Workers
have full confidence in the President of the United
States and profound regard for his will and judg-
ment
The Presidents proposal differs from any
proposal heretofore proposed in that it leaves noth
ing in doubt far a plan of adjustment and
the details thereof is concerned. The scheme pro-
posed bH DR.. Garfield left no hope for the mine
workers other than the acceptance of an increase
in mining prices of 4 per cent. The President s
proposal provides that this amount of advance is
preliminary and that the tribunal which he will set
tons of wages and working conditions as we'll as
profits of operators and proper prices for COAL
adjusting both wages and profits if it shall so de-
eide. 1t further provides that the commission will
have authority to settle internal questions peculiar
to each district all of which of very great i'm
portance to the mine workers.
The commission will make its report within
90 days unless unsurmountable difficulties
arise which prevent it from doing and the COM
mission will have the authority to fix the date when
any award it makes will become effective.
The Presidents plan further provides that
upon general resumption of operations the status
quo will be maintained, that is that all mine work
will return to work with an increase in wages
amounting to IA per cent, upon the same basis
which obtained October 3D. 1919. Neither op-
orators miners will be allowed to change the
basis and no discrimination by the coal operators
will be permitted.
1t was these specific features of the Presi-
dents proposition which made it acceptable to the
International officers of the United Mine Mork-
when submitted to them through Attorney Gen
eral Palmer and Secretary Tumulty in Washing
ton Saturday, December e.
We are accepting the President at his word,
feeling confident that he will appoint tribunal
composed of far-1n;aded who will give full
and complete recognition to the justice of the mine
workers claims Besides, it is fair to assume that
the public will not on y insist that full justice be
accorded the mine workers but also accept the
finding of the tribunal appointed by the President
as fair and equitable determination of all the is
sues involved.
And the Attorney General, in a happy vein,
discusses the settlement in the following state
ment:
The coal strike is settled as the Government
wanted it settled When Messrs Lewis and Green
came to see me Saturday, re-stated what the gov
ernment's position had been from the beginning
and insisted on their acquiescence.
They finally agreed to it, They have now
persuaded the officers of their organization that the
situation calls for compliance with the courts
der and the governments wishes, and | am GER
tain that all the miners in the country will cheerful
ly acquiesce in the decision of their leaders | de-
sire to publicly commend the wise and patriotic
action of Mr.. Lewis and Mr. Green and their asso-
cates. | am, of course, gratihed at the outcome,
which is one the entire country will approve. Min
ing will be fully resumed at once Mining will be
fully resumed at once, the danger of distress and
suffering during the winter is passed. the authority
of the Government has been recognized and up
held. the supremacy of the law has been establish
ed end precedent of incalculable value has been
set for the peaceful, orderly and lawful adjust
.sent of industrial disputes
The feature in which the public is chiefly in
erested at this time however, is the fact that the
miners will go back to work at once-that the trou-
BILE is adjusted for the time being and the remain