New Britain herald., 1921-09-20
Also Comes Out In Favor Of Re-Affirming Policy For Naturalization Of All Coal Mines
Question of Wages to Be Permount Issue At Bien- nial Convention At In- dianap0lis.

Indianapolis. Ind. Sept. 2O.-No wage reduction of coal miners must be permitted and all resources of the miners union must be made availa ble to back up the policy in opposition to wage cuts. John L.. Lewis. presi- dent of the United Mine Workers of America declared hero today in his report made at tho opening of the biennial convention of the interna- tionnl union.
 He also recommended a postpone ment until next February of the miners adoption of definite wage de- mands and declared that with all wage agreements expiring on March 3i. 1929, the full influence and eco- homie power of our great member ship may thus be utilized to the ad- vantage of our people for the achieve ment of our ideals.'
 Wages. Budget Subject.
 Much of MT. Lewis 40.0O0 word report related to the wage question. apparently indicating that this would bo among tho most important busi- ness of the convention which brought together between 800 and 500 rep fesentatives Of local unions scattered throughout the United States. western Canada and Nova Scotia. Aside from the wage question MT. Lewis asked the convention to administer re- buke to Robert IT. Harlin. Of Seattle. Wash. and Frank Harrington. presi- dent Of the Illinois minors. who Lewis charged had circulated false state ments about the union. He also asked tho convention to indorse tho inter national board which he said Alex ander Howat. president of the Kansas miners organization had defied in not complying with the boards order for strikers to return to work.
 NntionaIixation of Mines.
 Other essential points of MT. Lew is report included a recommendation that the convention re-affirm its dec laration of two years ago. favoring standardization Of coal mines. A dec laration that "the fight in Mingo county. West Virginia must be won" and a recommendation that legal proceedings be instituted to make a full test of the constitutionality of tho Kansas industrial court law.
 Tn discussing the wage question. Mir. Lewis said coal operators in Pennsylvania. Washington. Iowa. Kan sas. Colorado. West Virginia. Ken lucky. Tennessee, Alabama, Okla homa. Texas. Arkansas and Missouri had filed demands for reductions. but that the union pOlCy Was uHCOiu- promisingly for carrying out the present agreement which he said was predicatod on the award of tho bitum- inous coal commission functioning under governmental authority.
 Work Two Days a Week.
 "Our people were employed only two days q week on the average" continued Mir. Lewis in explanation of the unions policy and they found it extremely difficult to provide them selves with food and other necessities. Furthermore. 1t is a fact that the wages now paid in the organized sec tions Of the mining industry are but relatively fair. Coal can be pro- duced under the present wage scale ut labor cost that corresponds favorably with production costs of other essential commodities"
 In recommending that tho wage question bo referred to n scale conn mitteo Mir. Lewis proposed that tho convention reeonvene next February to receive the committee's report and adopt definite demands. His recom- mendations applied specifically to the wage demands for bituminous coal miners but was regarded as applic- able to the anthracite mners. who nave HephFhle negotiations Wltn thc operators.
 Scores Kansas Law
 Tn discussing the nationalization Of tho mines and the test of the Kansas industrial court law he recom- mended that the convention name a committee Of three for further study of government ownership of the mines after reaffirming the 10I9l declaration in favor Of the national ization. MT. Lewis also said 1t was extremely doubtful" whether the public would at present be will ing to bear more taxes for the federal government acquiring title to tho coal lands. Recommending the | test of the Kansas industrial court act. MT. Lewis declared that it violates the federal constitution and 1 was without ueqstion a most vicious attack upon the rights of organized workers"
 In a long review of the West Vir- ginia situation. Mir. Lewis expressed | hope that thA senate Investigating committee W Id bo instrumental in laying bare tie horrors of that field and in paving the way for recognition | of the rights of the mine workers who | desire to become members of the United Mine Workers"
 False Propaganda.
 Referring to the differences between | international and subordinate officers | or the union, Har1in and Burlington were said by Lewis to be 'scheming | politicians" He charged that they cir culated false propaganda" regarding