The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-01-15
NATI0N-WlD MINE
 AND RAIL STRIKES
 ARE NOW LOOMING
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wage and other costs were reduced and reiterated their declaration to pass on to the public, in the form of cheaper rates, any benefits which might accrue to the roads through 2 reduction In wage scales.
 MT. Hoover Is understood to have told the executives that the admin istration is extremely desirous of sec ing railroad rates come down and that no effort should be spared to re- duce them.
 Failure Seems Likely What the railroads already have done toward reducing wages still fur ther was discussed at some length. It was pointed out that practically all the large railroads of the country have proposed reduced wage scales to their employees; that negotiations also seemed likely to fail.. throwing the entire question of railroad wages again into the court of the railroad labor board.
 The Likelihood that the cases would be consolidated for convenience in disposfng of them by the labor board also was discussed. There seemed to be a general impression that If such were the case 1t would be pos sible for the board to hand down de- cis!ons, by expediting its procedure early in April
 The railroad brotherhood spokes- l men are understood to have an nounced their strong opposition tc general wage reductions In the pend | ing cases and to have voiced the opinion that they might not be able to prevent the rank and file of their organization from going out or strike in case the reductions were general and drastic.
 Must Find Way
 In stating the governments posi- tion, MT. Hoover told both sides tc the railroad controversy that a way must be found, If possible, to prevent strike and to bring about xn agree ment between the carriers and theii | employees. Suggestions as to meth ods of procedure and concession, were forthcoming and the meeting disbanded, after several hours of de- liberation, with tho negotiations continuing and call for another conference imminent. The second conference Is to be held Monday.
 At that time the executives ar, expected to state their attitude | towards the governments proposal. that material concessions be mad In the wage scales which the car. riers have announced as effective March 1. The labor leaders who's, | disinclination to accept those cut, was tantamount to a position though courteously worded refusal also wil be asked to consider whatever conces l rte .ol lrr and the way thus kept open for fur: ther conferences on definite propos 1 als from both sides.
 l Two days after the Hoover dinner the miners president. Mir. Lewis came to Washington in answer to { summons similar to that sent tn, railroad executives and railroad lead. CTS.
 l April 1 Is Dnte
 MT. Lewis said he was prompted by President Harding's suggestion that he be called here and consulted with reference to the impending strike of coal miners April l. MT Lewis was told that the admins tration is exceedingly desirous o averting a strike.
 In response, MT. Lewis indicate, his desire of general conference be tween coal operators and miners leaders. similar to the conference which have been held in past year between operators of the centra competitive field and the mine work CTS heads. The miners presiden also pointed to the present smal earnings of thousands of miners wh, are working from one to three day! a week and added that regardless o wage scales the scanty pay receive, by these men was barely sufficien to hold soul and body together Widespread suffering exists in tn coal fields at the present time. MT Lewis stated. and any move whicl has for its object still further less ening of the miners pay will be mos the way was left open for futur, conferences.
 Drifting Together
 In the meantime there appears t, have been a decided drift of miner, and railway labor organizations toward each other. All the old tall of the railroad workers and miner uniting their fortunes and tasting victory or defeat together has beel revived. Its revival has been par ticularly marked since the meeting I in this city a month ago of indus trial. agricultural and railroad ex ecutives at which the carriers an, shippers agreed to work in har mony. hereafter in securing lowe freight rates. Labor leaders of botl the big organizations saw in tha meeting, or professed to see. con certed move on the part of a nam moth combination of capital to re duce wages. The proposed coalitiol between the miners and railroa' i workers is seen In some quarters a a counter part to the shipper -railroa,