Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial. (Wilmington, Del.) 1878-1928, 1922-04-03
e-~v-sss. is,, Mt. w....-,
LEWIS LAYS STRIKE
BLAME ON OPERATORS
Continued from psKe 1

in the bituminous and anthracite coal
industries, and especially tho facts
relating 10 investments and profits,
operating practices. conservation OF
fuel resources, application OF uniform
methods OF safeguarding tho life and
limb OF the workers, and Industrial
relations and conditions.
Such an investigating body" he
added. Should be clothed with full
power 70 ascertain the truth to send
for persons and papers and to take
testimony under oath. The personnel
of such a commission should be free
from political equations and the mine
workers would be given adequate
representation thereon
As to the adjustment Of controyer-
sles between operators and mine work.
ers. We have been tradtionally oppos-
cd TO governmental intervention" Mr..
Lewis continued. We have been con-
WINGED by experience that such ad-
! justments may be more effectively and
equitably worked out both in tho in
terest OF the public and Of those en-
gagged in tho industry by conference
and agreement between representa-
tives OF the operators and the mine
workers. II the operators had main
tained their contract with us. the
present deplorabie conditions OF az
fairs in the soft coal industry would
not have arisen. All differences should
have been settled by agreement and a
suspension OF work and r general
breakdown I'm the industry avoided
Our experience with labor adjustment
boards or commissions has been that
representatives of the public. not hav-
/ ing a knowledge Of the technique OF
the coal mining industry and not being
completely informed as TO different
conditions, as might be expected, are
not IN position 20 reach as salts
factory conclusions as those who are
actively engaged in the practical oper-
atoms or the mines.
"The United Mine Workers regret
moro than anyone else the necessity
for q suspension Of work BY the union
coal miners OF the country. We hav,
dono everything humanity possible Il
avoid the suspension. For months pas
We have fought hard TO induce tn,
bitumiuous coat operators to keel
faith with US and with the government
and meet US in joint conference sc
that Il new wage and working agree
ment might be made that would main.
tain Industrial peace and prevent pub.
lie Inconvenience.
I'm a joint conference held by ths
city OF New York on the 3lSt OF March
1920. q two-year agreement was signet
covering wages and working condi
lions In the mining industry for IN,
period In this basic agreement ap.
pears tho following provision;
Resolved. mat an interstat.
Joint conference be held prior 10 Apri
/. 1929. the time and place OF holding
such meeting Is referred 10 a commit
too of two operators and two miner
from each state herein represented
together with tho international ONCE
OF the United Mine Workers orgs.niza
ton.
This arrangement WAS = part @
the agreement, equally as binding 4,
any other provision. ana was aul
: executed in writing through tho a,
b tachment OF the signatures Of the cp
orators and mine workers representa-
Z lives. Ii was a pledge morally as bind
ing as any bond or promiesory not
= ever executed in business transac