The New York herald., 1922-07-29
HOLDS U. S. MUST
PROTECT THE PITS
Continued from First Page.

mine workers in many districts have
been quite ready to come to an under
standing in very short order, but the
policy Of the national organization is
hostile to any district or State arrange
ment. This apparently Is one Of the
issues involved and one which must be
definitely settled. / do not know of any
way of settling 1t under the legal au-
thorities which are now possessed by
either State or Federal government.
"Manifestly legislation must be pro-
vided. and / mean to submit the whole
problem to Congress at the earliest con-
sistent time possible after the House re-
assemblies. N
IF the coal producers of the United
States were so organized that a national
body were to determine the policy Of
every member and permit no sales OF
coal except on dictation of terms by the
national officials. every States Legisla-
ture and the Congress itself would in
stantly put an end to such a practice.
the mine workers unhesitatingly as
sumed national dictation. 1t is the big
issue involved in the present dispute.
Frankly, l think it must be dealt with
If we are to have any security ana any
assurance Of supply of fuel.
IT understand that in some States the
Governors have been able to persuade
the mine workers to proceed on their
own account with State contracts under
collective bargaining. In any event un-
der ample protection of men willing to
work the mines are in operation without
the violation of anybody's rights and un.
der conditions against which no one can
justly complain.
IT do not know whether you have the
| a. AHf v{o a vxY
arrangement In Michigan; / am not ac-
quainted with your laws. but ] think 1t
Is fair to assume that you could not en-
force such an arrangement.
For the present, In the absence of
law of guarantee service in the public
welfare we can only take steps neces-
sary to enable men willing to work, to
do so in perfect safety. ! do not think
this means an armed guard at the
mouth of every mine. 1t does need the
assurance that state authority and Fed
eral authority when needed, means to
protect every man in the pursuit OF law
full employment.
II do not know how long it will re-
quire to have the situation reasonably
solved, but l cannot help but believe
that in free America there are men
enough loyal to public welfare to re-
and gladly do their part when they are
assured Of the protection OF lawful au-
thority.
"The Federal Government, haA no
thought to attempt to direct your steps.
only sent you the wire. which ! az
dressed to you because I wanted you
fully acquainted with what the Federal
Government has sought to do in bringing
about voluntary adjustment.
Very truly yours,
WARREN G. HARpING."
Gov. Groo~beck's Answer.
The Governor replied as follows:
Dear Mr.. President--Your statement
OF the reason of the present coal strike,
ramely that district or State settlements
will not be allowed Is undoubtedly cor
rect and in line with representations
that have been made to us. There be-
ing no dispute over wages or working
conditions 1t seems pity that the public
must be made to suffer without any
justification whatever.
You will pardon me for taking the
position that the national Government
has the power and authority to protect
our citizens from the embarrassing sit
uation that faces us. do not see how
we can concede that such mower does
rot exist. / am writing frankly because
the people are becoming impatient Of
! further delay jin the adoption of meas
ures that will spell an early end of the
matter. Sincerely yours.
ALEX. J. GRoEssEcK."