Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-07-20
COAL STRIKE
(Continusd from PAGE One)

Continued from Page ons)
there were no strike troubles in the
mining industry of that state and it
would be a vain thing" for him to
Invite coal miners to return to
work."
Il would not do SO anyway" Gov
ernor Morrison was quoted as say
ing.
Governor Trinkle, of Virginia, in
his reply called attention to the
small amount of coal produced in
that state.
John L. Lewis. president Of the
United Mine Workers of America,
maintained his cheerful attitude to-
ward the situation. declaring that
after sixteen weeks OF strike. the
ranks of the men who had quit work
were being constantly augmented.
A plea to union labor to support
the men on strike, in both the rail-
road and mining industries was sent
out by Samuel Gompers, president of
the American Federation of Labor,
who, however. emphasized the nee
essity of combining such support to
peaceful, law abiding methods"
Mr.. Gompers was in conference
during the day with Chairman Borah,
of the Senate Labor Committee. and
Senators Walsh of Massachusetts,
and King, of Utah. No conclusions
were reached it said, but Mr.. Borah
expressed himself later as more ep-
timistic of settlement in both con-
troversies than he ha dbeen prior
to the meeting.
No additional reports on the coal
strike situation have reached the war
department. no. have any further steps
been found necessary to prepare the
army for any part 1t may be called
upon to play in backing up the admin
istration's policy. 1t was made plain
at the department., however, that in
the event it became necessary to en-
ploy federal support, the National
Guard of any state in protecting min
ing workers from interference. the reg
ular army would first be used and the
National Guard Of states other than
that in which eny particular disturb
ance occurred would be called upon by
the federal authorities only if the
available regular forces were INSULT
,cient.
| In reply to the suggestion that
union employees Of the coal mines who
have remained on duty to operate
pumps and prevent flooding Of the
property might Re withdrawn in view
of the governments attitude, it was
made clear at the war department that
the business cf keeping the p lmps at
work was looked upon as primarily
| the duty of the mine operators. The
governments attitude. it was indicate
| ed, would be that the operators must
| find men willing to keep the pumps
| going. Once such men were at wor..,
they would be given ample protection
by the state authorities cooperating
with the administration policy or by
the fede-ai government itself if neces-
| sary, it was :aid.
| President Lewis of the miners union
| said that the maintenance men in the
m. hes who keep tn pumps worN'ng
and the mlnc galleries clear from fall
i ing strata while the production is
stopped. would stay at work every
where until strike breakers were
brought in.
Then they VII go out" he remark-
cd because our men will not work
with strike breakers"
There were some tentative negoti :
tons still under way between opera
| tors who are willing to sign a contract
with the union On an interstate basis,
fixing wages and working conditions
and Mr.. Lewis and the other national
! officials. Michael Gallagher. president
of the Pittsbur., vein operators asso-
citation in Ohio, and associated who
control an output of 20,0oo,o0O tons
of bituminous a year. have been chief
ly active in the attempt.
Mr.. Lewis said tonightthat while
the union was willing to negotiate
provided representative tonnage ir
Illinois, Indiana and Western Penn.
sylvania could be added, the amount
at present in sight vas insufficient tC
allow him to proceed. While the Ohio
group continued its activities, Other
operators whose association was de-
manded by the Union were averse t.
the proposals up to the time of leav.
ing conferences in Washington.
The effect on coal production in nor
Union fields of the railroad strike
was commented on by Governor Nor.
gan of West Virginia in his answer
to President Harding's message ano
representatives of the non Unior
mines in West Virginia left with botf
the interstate commerce commission
and the department Of commerce rec
! ords in the matter, declaring the rail
road strike had been particularly di
rected at their operation
There is at least strong coincid
ence in the matter isn't there?" MI
Lewis remarked when official state
ments along the same line were men
toned to him.
, This slackening of the current sup
ply coming from non Union mines
which has run to 5.5O0.000 tons pc
week since April I. but may not &,
, above 100000 tons during the presen
week. added to official concern. At
tention was directe' to suggestion
that coal might beimported from Eng
land, on a larger scale than has bee
hitherto attempted, but it was sal
that comparatively little relief coul
be afforded by this source, except t
seaboard cities.
n N tN-k 1, x..x