The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-10-17
Men Ordered Back to Work

Muskogee, Okla, Oct. 16.-Follow-
ing orders late last night from John
7. wilkinson, president of district
p, United Mine Workers, instructing
all miners now on vacation" in the
Oklahoma coal fields to return TO
work, in order that their demands
for Increased wages might be consid-
cred by the coal operators, district
officials here today expected a gen.
eral return Of the men to the mines
on Monday A circular letter order
ing the miners back to work was
sent out from district headquarters
10 all local officers.
A call for a meeting of representa-
tives of the entire district, compris-
ing Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas,
10 convene here next Monday to con-
slider the demands of the miners from
every standpoint, was issued by union
headquarters at the same time.
Local chapters of miners unions in
the McAlester field held all night con-
ferences, following refusal of mine
operators earlier in the day to par
ticipate in any conference with the
work. The miners met in an attempt
TO decide whether or not they would
meet the demands of the operators
and return to work, pending the out
come Of the postponed conference.
Union leaders said that If the men
reached any decision, II would not be
made public until they had determined
the attitude of the majority Of the
men," and discussed their findings
with their superiors.'
Early today it was indicated from
reports at headquarters here that
practically all of the approximately
5000 miners on vacation" yesterday,
had not returned TO work. although
notices ordering the men to do SO
were received too late TO affect the
men today.
Operators Will Not Reopen Case
The Oklahoma coal Operators Asso-
ciation will refuse TO discuss wage
increases with the miners until the
"vaca.ioning" workmen return to
work. John Wilkinson, district presi-
dent of the miners OF Oklahoma, Ark
ansas and Texas. announced today.
The vacation" of more than $500
miners in Oklahoma, was the cause
Of the operators at McAlester yes
terday refusing to meet the repre-
sentauves OF the miners to discuss
higher pay for tonnage. and yardage
work.
President Wilkinson, who had pre-
vously ordered the men TO return
TO work, said that in some instances
the miners had gone back to their
employment. He declined TO say
whether a majority of the men would
return. He said however, he expected
that it would be Monday before the
effect Of his order would be seen.
4 Another telegraphic demand to Of
flcers Of l6 local unions In the Neal
ester district whose members are on
vacation" TO return the men TO
work at once, was forwarded by the
district headquarters John Milton,
secretary Of local at Haileyville. tele-
graphed back that the men refused
TO attend meeting TO hear the dis
trict organizations orders.
It fear this reflects the sentiment
Of most Of the men who are not
working" commented District Secre-
tary-Treasurer Eugene Ross.
ITO gain confidence OF the public
and protect our interests before the
federal and state courts, and In view
Of those circumstances, earnestly
urge that all OF our members now on
strike. will return to work pending
our further conference with the Ok
lahoma coal operators" reads the
appeal President Wilkinson has for
wardcd 20 all locals In the district.
Wilkinson also declares In the same
communication tina. there Is seri.
Gus and grave danger OF our district
organization being rendered absolutely
ineffective by the actions OF some OF
our members and their cohorts In IN,
district election now pending"
Continuing he says they are ap
peallng to the mal-contcnt and chroni,
discounted element by slander an,
malicious falsehood." warning IN,
membership that there are man,
hreakers ahead" Wilkinson declares
he Intends stamping out the rcporte'
conspiracy by making a tour of tn,
district "and then disclose startlinl
facts to our membership so they viii
he IN position to know who hA
betrayed their confidence and attempt
ed TO- rule or ruin our organization
Our Organization is now undergoing
the mos, severe test TO which II ha
ever been subjected" Wilkinson con
clud>A