The New York herald., 1922-07-16

ance of the arbitration proposal sub
nitted by you.
"The mine workers are alive to the ne
cessity,of immediate resumption Of coal
mining operations. Already coal stocks
are so low that there Is possibility Of a
serious coal shortage next fall and win.
ter. Industry Is now and has for some
time been paying an excessive price for
its fuel and the public may expect fur
ther unwairanted price extortions be-
fore its coal requirements are fully met
There is every moral and economic rea-
son for a termination OF the present
strike In the mining industry and the
mines should resume operation at the
earliest possible date.
The development Of this emergency
has been constantly apparent to us since
last April. and we have repeatedly
warned the operators. the public and the
government OF its approach. It would
nave been obviated II the bituminous
operators had fulfilled their contractual
obligations and met with US in the usual
way to adjust wage scales and working
conditions. The only effective way at
the present time to escape the industrial
and domestic catastrophe which these
operators have thus made imminent is
Tor them to measure up even at this late
date TO the requirements Of honor sand
good faith by meeting with our repre-
sentatives In interstate conference.
In the anthracite situation we again
emphasize the offer previously made by
our representatives that the anthracite
coal operators recognize the principle OF
the eight hour day for all men in the
industry, with proper recognition Of the
union. and that the existing rates OF
fokan . q OF q orff in<
future joint negotiations together with
a decision Of merit of the additional de-
mands of the anthracite mine workers.
Such consideration will so simplify mat
ters that basis of agreement may be
easily reached.
"The mine workers represent the hu-
man factor in the coal industry and hui
man consideration should take prece-
dence over all others. We respectfully
submit and feel confident that you will
agree with US that the mine workers
should not be responsible for all the
alleged ills and Embellishments Of a
diseased industry. For generations
back our people have been thu patient
sufferers from all the adverse factors
" hich have operated against them. We
call your attention that each year 2.500
of our men die and countless numbers
suffer injury In order that society
might be provided with fuel.
THE hazard OF the calling should bs
given every consideration and our peo
pie should be compensated In accordance
with their skill as artisans, the labori
BUSINESS of their toll and the degree Of
personal danger which they encounter
For a period of fifteen weeks they have
been deprived of their means of liveli
hood. They have suffered and hav;
seen their wives and children suffer
Thousands have been evicted from their
homes and they nave bravely endured
every discomfort and personal sacrifice
They cannot now lightly forego the fruit,
Of their struggle and every dictate o.
humanity requires that they should b,
treated with that consideration due them
THE phblc interest. as well as tht
mine workers. requires that materia
wants be provided and their pride al
citizens maintained.
I'VE feel that this attitude will com
mend itself to your sense Of right ant
Justice and that 1t will be sanctioned
by the reason and wisdom of al
thoughtful men who love justice ant
humanity.
Respectfully submitted,
"On behalf of the United Mine Work
ers of America"