The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-07


 United Mine Workers of America. The mine workers will carry out all its valid financial and moral sb- ngations assumed in this state as . consequences ef the strike.D
 The committee will continae its investigations and arrive at de- eision and formulation of a future policy
 Just what precise form continu- ation of connection with Alabama affairs will take, the formal state ment does not say. but MT. Greens personal stasement as to continu- ance of the Alabama organization seems to clearly indicate that the state is to remain under the wing of the international union.
 MT. Greens official statement in behalf of the interna eional commit tee follows:
 The committee of members of the international executive board of the United Mine Workers of America which came to Birming-
 
 growing out of the strike of miners of Alabama has held several con- ferences. It is proceeding with very great care in making a sur vey of the situation, so that every irving at a conclusion may be known and analysed.
 ''The committee deplores the un- ho Cto of af oirc ;oh vails. Much of it seems to be due to misunderstanding of the aims and purposes of the United Mine Workers of America. The strike among the coal miners of Alabama originated with them. It grew out of the desire of the miners Of this state for better living conditions, the right to organize and to bar gain collectively with their em- ployers. The United Mine Work CTS of America only came into this state in response to the appeal of these men for help in their at tempt to attain these praiseworthy purposes.
 The right of working men to or ganize- for lawful and laudable purposes has been recognized by government, religious organiza- tions and the courts of the land. Public opinion has supported labor organizations and has recognized them as an, integral part of the in- dustrial and economic life. Work ing men and women instinctively turn to organization. It is na- tural for them to do so. They have the same legal and moral right to do this as capital has to organize and employers to unite in employers associations
 The committee recognizes that the representatives of the United Mine workers of America entered into solemn agreement to submit all the issues involved in the pres- ent unhappy situation to the gov- ernOr of Alabama for settlement and to abide by his decision. We recognise this as m obligation which must be fully discharged and md agreement backed by the honor of the union which must be faith full observed.
 Without having completed our work, the committee has arrived at two important conclusions. First, that the decision of the governor of Alabama must be observed by all parties a, interest and will be strictly compiled with by the United Mine Workers of America.
 Second. in carrying out this de- cision the United Mine Workers will discharge all it's valid man. cial and moral obligations assumed in this state as a consequence of the strike.
 We deplore acts of violence, whether committed by misguided members of the organization of the United Mine Workers or by others who may commit such acts for the purpose of bringing discredit upon the organization. Such things can neither be countenanced nor tol- erated. Violence has no place in our plans or policies. Men must be law abiding, upright citizens if they expect to command the re- spect of other citizens. Our gov ernment is government of law and not of men. Economic in- dustrial, and political improve ment can only be brought about through lawful methods.
 The committee will continue it's investigation and an analysis of such facts and information as may be secured for several days. after which it will arrive at a decision and the formulation of future policy.
 The strike is over. It cannot, and will not. be renewed. The honor and good faith of the or- ganlzation was pledged to abide by the ended the strike. Both employers and employees must show a broad spirit of tolerance. The bitter ness of the struggle must be for gotten. Employers ought to be big enough to forget and to re- employ all the men who have keen on strike. The spirit of antagon- ism of strife and struggle must he supplanted by that of forgiveness cooperation and good will by all. The men. we hone will secure employment at the mines and the employers, we trust. will not pursue policy of persecu- ton toward their former employees.
 It is unfortunate that the gov ernor of Alabama did not take ad- of the opportunity pre- sented to him to lay down funda- mental basis which would guar antee permanent and abiding peace in the coal mining industry of this great state. By so doing plan of cooperation between employer and employees, of mutual helpful ness, of industrial understanding and the honorable adjustment of grievances which might arise could rave been formulated. This would lave tended toward the establish nent of enduring industrial peace n the coal mining sections of Ala ,ama.
 However disappointing the de- ision of the governor may be. the United Mine Workers of America will comply with it, both in spirit md in letter.
 The United Mine Workers of America is lawful organization.