The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-09-19

the rights of organized labor. Why Governor Kilby picked them for members of the coal commission we do not know nor we figure it out.
 There is nothing about Governor Henderson or his past record that could offer any reassrance to organ ized labor We understand him to be quite antagonis- tic to the labor union idea He is in the lumber business large scale, with great forests and sawmills, in which he employs all non-unon labor. He is an ad- vocate of ideas for the handling of industrial disputes that diametricaly opposed to the ideas and prn- cples of trade unionsm In view of these conditions ask how would the miners union fare his hands?
 Judge Mayfeld also is known to entertain little no sympathy for labor unions. For many years he has been associated with the interests of large corporations and industries and big business. His utter lack of human touch with the interests of labor is apparent even in his record justice of the supreme court of Alabama an honorable position which he formerly oc- cupied. study of his opinions there will reveal how little the miners might expect from him award by the coal commission
 We offer criticism of Doctor Denny president of the State University except that he has but tte if any, practical knowledge of coal mining. However much Doctor Denny might be inclined to give consider ation to the interests of the miners yet he would be the minority member of the commission.
 GOVernOr HenQerSOn and Judge Mayfleld are both strong advocates of the proposition to create indus trial court industrial commission in Alabama. And firmly believe that if such court or commission is created Judge Mayfield will be one of it's members. It is proposed to give this court commission power of compulsory arbitration. This would destroy the last vestge of industrial freedom that is left to the working
 
 If Governor Kilby really wished to have coal com mission settle labor controversy the
 try he should have selected men who familiar with coal and coal mining. We feel that he could have found able and competent men in the state of Alabama whose attitude toward both sides would have been less open to criticism and to whom labor could have pre- sented it's case with feeling that it starting under handicap. Another very good why Governor Kilby should not have appointed the coal commission that the whole controversy and the pres ent strike the nsolent refusal of the Ala bama coal operators to obey order of the United States government. They refused to put into effect the award of the Bituminous Coal Commission created and appointed by the President. If any commis sion appointed to deal with the situation it should be federal commission In fact we believe that would be the proper method for settling the matter
 We sincerely hope that the present conflict may ter mnate long before any hardship results to the people of Alabama. The United Mine Workers of America want continual and lasting peace They ask only for justice and equality.
 ns of Alabama immediately request the Pres- le coal industry in Alabama, the strike and its gree, without reservation, that the United Mine
 J.R. KENNAMER, President. S OF AMERICA