The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-07-28

Tells Michigan GoU-I
eTnor Legislation
Needed. |
BULLETIN.
Washington, July sS.-ConA.
dent that enough coal will be
produced eventually to meet
the ooun6y's needs regardless
Of strikes on railroads and In
the mines, President Harding,
It was said today at the White
house, contemplates no now
step in the coal strike situa-
ton.
Lansing, Mich, July 28.-A let
ter from President Harding declar-
ing, in effect, that the federal gov
ernnlent is powerless to interfere
with the attitude of the United
Mine Workers Of America towards
Independent local agreements; that
at present nothing can be done ex-
cept enable men willing to work to
work in safety, and that the big is
sue in the coal strike dispute is ma
tiOnal dictation, "unhesitatingly as
sumed by the mine workers." which
must be taken cara OF by legisla-
tion, today drew sharp disagree
ment from Governor Alex J. Groes-
beck.
Replying to a letter from the
president, Governor Groesbeck de-
clared he could not concede the
federal government has not the
power Ito protect our citizens from
the embarrassing situation that
laces U.s."
Reply to Telegram.
The presidents letter was in re-
ply to telegram sent by the gov
ernor last week when he informed
the national executive he was ask
ing John L. Lewis, president OF The
mine workers, to grant Michigan
miners permission to enter agtee-
ments independently of their ma
tional af11liation and return to
4, work.
The president, in his reply, stated
he would seek legislation to solve
the problem OF independent agree
ments.
Replying to Governor Groes-
beck's original proposal that the
state take over and operate the
mines in Michigan. the president
said -ss'7rr 4s'a 7'-''@
Presidents Letter.
II don't know whether you have
the persuasive power to effect a
! voluntary agreement in Michigan,
=. but think it fair to assume
you would not enforce such an ar
rangement. For the present, in the
absence Of law to guarantee service
in the public welfare, we can only
take steps necessary to enable men
willing to work to do SO in perfect
safety. l do not think this means
! an armed guard at the mouth of
every mine. 1t does need the as
surance that state authority, and
federal authorities, when needed
means to protect every man in the
pursuit of lawful employment.
1T is q matter Of record that
coal operators and mine workers
in many districts have been quite
ready to come to an understanding
in very short order, but the policy
Of the national organization is hos.
tile to any district or state arrange
ment This apparently is one Of
the issues involved and is one
which must be definitely settled.
do not know Of any way Of settling
1t under the legal authorities which
are now possessed by either STATE
or federal government.
| Up to Congress.
i ''Manifestly, legislation must b.
; provided and mean to submit tn,
whole problem to congress at tn,
earliest consistent time possibl,
; after the house re-assembles.
III the coal producers of tn
United States were so organizes
: that q national body were to deter
mine the policy of every membe
and permit no sales Of coal excep
: on dictation of terms by the ma
tional officials. every state legisla
: ture and congress itself would in
stantly put to an end such q prac
) tice. The mine workers unhesitat
ingly assumed national dictatioI
1t is the big issue involved in tn
present dispute. Frankly think
} must be- dealt with, If we are t
: have any security and any assu1
: ance Of = supply Of fuel"
: The governors reply in the forr
Of . letter, said in part:
> Governor Disagrees.
4 "There being no dispute owe
wages or working conditions, i
. seems 4 pity that the public mus
) be made to suffer without any Jul
; tification whatever.
\ "You will pardon me for takin
9 the position that the national go,
|. ernment has the power and author
ity to protect our citizens from th
4 embarrassing situation that face
] MS. I do not see how We can col
cede that such power does not e.
a list. am writing frankly becaus
!, the people are becoming impatieI
!, Of further delay In the adoption I
measures that will spell an earl
q end to the matter"
oil
. lEDDH ANDERSON
s TO MEET DUNDEE
q. IN AURORA AUG. 4