Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-08-01
BY Associated Press 70 Every Evening.

y Associated Press 70 Every Evening
Philadelphia. Aug. ia joint wage
difference Of operators and miners ~
fields. % be held IN Cleveland next
i f.nday. for the purpose of negotiat-
ng basic agreement designed oter-
innate the present coal strike, was
allied today by John L. Lewis. in
ernatlonal president Of the United
Vino Workers.
President Wewis also summoned tho
general policy committee Of the union
. meet IN Cleveland at the same time
or the purpose of acting promptly
ipon developments as they may oc-
,ur in the joint wage conference.
All men win remain on strike until
an agreement or definite UNDER
standing is reached
Call Sent 70 Operators.
The following telegram was sent
today 10 the operating interests in
The Central Competitive Field. which
Includes western Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois:
Philadelphia. Pa. August /,
1922.
I'm behalf of the United Mine
workers I am, herewith, inviting
the coal operators Of the Central
Competitive Field 70 meet IN Joint
Interstate conference at the Hol-
lenden Hotel. Cleveland. Ohio. at
10 rfr1Cptr
7th. 1922. for the purpose Of
negotiating basic wage agree
ment designed 10 terminate the
present suspension in the mining
industry. ] express the sincere
hope that the interests representee
by YOU win find IL possible 70 par
ticipate IN the Joint negotiations
"(Signed) John J.. Lewis, presl-
dent, United Mine Workers Il
America"
In connection with the call for the
interstate conference, President Lewis
gave out the following statement:
In issuing an invitation 10 the coal
operators Of the central district 10
meet In Joint interstate conference in
Cleveland
am actuated by the highest con-
sideTatlons OF public welfare and the
lmpeiling necessity for an early ad-
judicaton Of the issues involved In the
oituminous and anthracite coal fields.
Strike Menaces The Nation.
This strike. unparalleled in its
magnitude, Is now in its eighteenth
week and constitutes an unusual con-
vulsion which menaces the financial
and social fabrics of our nation Astda
from the tremendous personal sacri-
hces 50 hravely endured by the mine
workers the strike IS exacting penal
ties from every citizen OF our land.
and is clogging the channels OF COM
merce- and disturbing the realms Of
finance and credit throughout the civ
ilized world It's effect will continue 70
be felt long after its termination and
the burden viii fall heaviest upon
those least able to bear It.
Men Able To Fight Indefinitely.
In consideration Of these facts. and
Notwithstanding the powerful position
81 advantage now enjoyed by the mine
workers, We have resolved to again at
tempt to assemble a conference wher.
passion VIII be ailayed and reason pre-
dominate. We are able 10 fight indefi-
nitely, but much prefer the pursuits OF
peace 10 the Ills OF Industrial warfare.
We feel that the American public
VIII suppor our offer 10 meet at the
conference table and viii encourage
7 the corporate interests involved %
have their representatives present.
May Pave Way to Resumption.
The making Of a basic settlement In
I the Central Competitive Field Will per-
. NIT OF an immediate settlement in all
OF the outlying bituminous coal dis
[ tricts. and should pave the way for
an immediate adjustment in the an
/ rhracile coal fields as well. Such a
result Will be acclaimed by every ci,l-
/ zen. Those who block the success oi
such conference by refusal 20 par.
( Jic.paie should. therefore, be made tc
! bear fun responsibility for the con.
/ tinuing situation"
Operators Stand Not Known.
1t is expected the makeup OF n,
/ conference viii follow as nearly a.
/ possible those Of other Years. Tn,
miners viii probably be represented b,
! eight men from each OF the Tour states
The representation OF the operator.
xviii depend upon the number that rs.
spond 70 the cau. It has been repeat
edly stated by leaders Of the unlor
that conference would be called a.
soon as assurances We're had that SUI.
iC!ent tonnage would De represent tet
10 make possible a basic wage agree
ment. Nothing could be learned as !,
the amount Of tonnage pledged :,
attend the meeting.
L. $. May Insist On Conference.
A report that certain coal conlpan ME,
operating In northern West V!rgini,
might seek to enter the Cleveland
conference was confirmed here today
The matter would be up 10 the con
ference, but It was said that a con
tract with these operators would b,
made soon after an agreement j.
reached in the Cleveland meeting b
j the West Nrginians were not permit,
ted to participate
The same government and financia
influences which are said to hav,
brought about the calling OF III,
! Cleveland conference VIII be exerted
it was said, to make the meeting