The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-08-01
But Operators Say They'll Re-
fuse to Meet Mine Head.
Declare His Call Is Just a Bluff
to Quiet the Public.
HARDING FAVORS THE IDEA
But Official Statement on the
Attempt Not Forthcoming.
Probability That Few Operators
Will Confer Is Expressed.

Philadelphia, Aug. John L.
Lewis. president of the United Mine
Workers. took a definite step toward
ending the coal strike today when he
invited operators of the central COM
petitive field to meet him in confer
ence. Lewis asked that the confer
ence be held in Cleveland next Mon
day morning.
The following telegram was sent by
Lewis today:
I'm behalf of the United Mine
Workers, I am herewith inviting the
coal operators of the central COM
petitive field to meet in joint inter-
state conference at the Hollenden
hotel. Cleveland. Ohio, at 10 o'clock
Monday. August z, 1922, for the
purpose of negotiating a basic wage
agreement designed to terminate
the present suspension IN the min
ing industry. I express the sincere
hope that the interest represented
by you will find it possible to par
JOHN L. LEWIS,
president of the United Mine
Workers of America"
An official statement by him fol-
lows: "In issuing an invitation to the
coal operators of the central compet-
tive field to assemble in joint confer
enCe IN Sl6VeldnQ aug &. !
actuated by the highest consideration
of public welfare and the impelling
necessity for an early adjudication of
the issues involved in the bituninouS
and anthracite coal fields.
Consider the Public"
This strike, unparalleled in it's
magnitude, is now in its eighteenth
week and constitutes an industrial
CONFUSION which menaces the finan-
cial and social fabrics of our nation.
aside from the tremendous personal
sacrifice so braYely endured by the
penalties from every citizen of our
land and is clogging. the channels of
commerce and disturbing the realms
of finance and credit thruout the civ
ilized world.
Tosses Blame 10 Operators.
''In onsideration of these facts and
Notwithstanding the powerful posi-
ton of advantage now enjoyed by the
mine workers, we have resolved to at
tempt again to assemble a conference
where passion Will be ailayed and rea-
son predominant. We are able to
fight indefinitely, but much prefer the
pursuits of peace to the ills of indus
trial warfare. We feel that the
American public will support our Of
fer to meet at the conference table.
Those who block the success of
such a conference by refusal to par
ticipate should, therefore be made to
bear full responsibility for the contin-
uing. situation.
conference will follow as nearly as
possible those of other years. The
miners will probably be represented
by eight men from each OF the four
states. The representation of the op-
orators will depend upon number that
to the call.
Kavanaugh Won't Go.
St. Louis, Aug. You may state
most emphatically that we are thru
any conferences that may be
called by Mr.. Lewis" w. K. Kava-
naugh, president of the Fifth and
Ninth Illinois district Coal Operators
association, said today.
This call is a bluff on the part of
the miners to pick up few operators
in conference and then term the meet
field. I do not intend to go to the
Harding Is for 1t.
washington, Aug 1.-when it was
brought to President Harding's atten-
ton today that John L.. Lewis of the
United Mine Workers of America, had
called a joint four-state conference in
another effort to end the strike. it was
stated officially that the administra-
ton would have no comment to make.
1t is known, however, that President
Harding looks with favor on any
move looking to the resumption of
mining operations and that the con-
ference called by Lewis will be re-
garded favorably by the administra-
ton.
To Try NonuniOn Basis.
Indianapolis, Aug. Indiana will
be the second state in the Union to at
tempt to mine coal with nonunion
miners under state protection, Gov.
Warren L. McCray announced today
after officials of District No. IL of the
United Mine Workers refused to aU-
Continued on Page SKI