Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-09-11

4, POKESMEN for the United Mine Work
q ers OF America propose new role for
lie Senate committee headed by Senator
Tenyon and authorized ny special rcsolu
ION to inquire into causes OF the protracled
s>nfiict between union miners and coal OPP
gators, in the southern West Virginia fields
:, is seriously suggested that this commit
sc. which soon will go TO Williamson TO
.open its hearings act as a board of arbi-
ration. and that ii actually settle ,h2 dis
ute instead of combining itself TO long
inge recommendations
If this committee accepts this proposal, il
Ill execute a decided departure in the his
Try of congressional Investigations For
he most part such Investigations arc utterly
arren Of practical results. They end in no
gislaton. They bring about no reforms
hey provide little information OF value for
re guidance Of the House and Senate They
,cupy great deal OF space in the ncwspa-
ers; they spend large sums of The peoples
toney; they divert the attention Of lcgisla-
,rs from serious parliamentary business
I'D otherwise waste time, but that is about
Il.
j In this instance. however, a senatorial
a,mmHIee is requested TO do something that
+ concrete II is asked 10 sit as judges and
+ d as mere examiners OF witnesses and TO
Zach conclusions which may not be legally
nding. but which it is hoped all parties to
40 controversy will chccrfully accept.
The labor group from which has pro-
seeded the proposal of arbitration. does
lore than suggest a.IGrmula for the settle
,,771ut of The war in West Virginia. That
Soup. through w Jott .l.auck. consulting
economist of the miners organization. has
sitlined the issues which the COMMITTEE.
aay take into consideration In brief thcy
SIC:
4 That Tie operators aEree to Tho princi-
Ae of coilec,iyc bargaining permit thoir
employees 10 organic permanently, and deal
Sfrectly with Tho organizations. provided
Siat the labor organizations may scl.cr
shom they please to act as their rcpresen
-Jtives.
Is That the operators agree TO abandon the
Loltcy of paying the salaries OF deputy shcr-
IS and OF employing mine guards.
i That the employees agree that in organiz
4g, they Will not attempt to intimidaie any
3k the miners who do not care to Join the
gaion.
THAT permanent arbitrator he named
s:eferably the Chief Justice OF the United
yates, TO settle any disputes that may arise
ger alleged violations OF the agreement.
5oth sides binding themselves to abide by
sc decisions of this arbitrator
II These proposals are IN effect. s,aienon,
4 the miners case, OF course. ana if the sen
e committee should he persuaded To sit
- Judges in the dispute the operators viii
idoubtedly raise other questions There
no indication at the moment that the op-
-ti.A 49, " stO.r. %. ,f.tyu
& ates Senators sitting in ultimate judg-
cnt upon 'heir rotations with the unions.
gor is there any indication mat the Kenyon
E,mmittee will be willing to play tho mar,
s.st indicated
II would be reassuring, however, from
any points Of view If all parties 10 the pro.
,sed proceeding should consent to tenn
'rary settlement and to modus viyondi
4 = the settlement Of future controversies in
e disturbed sections Of West Virginia