Evening star., 1922-07-15
RAIL STRIKE PARLEY ON ROCKS;
DEFIANT ROADS TO OPEN SHOPS;
AUTO TRUCKS HAUL MAIL In WEST
MINERS STANDING FIRM
IMAGE OF u. S. THREAT
Leaders DO Not Recede From Determination
To Reject Arbitration as Government
Goes Ahead to Protect Public

come under the edict of the proposed
federal wage-fxing body.
While the miners were discussing
the plan for arbitration, operators
were gathering in Washington for a
meeting here tomorrow evening, at
which they will decide finally on
their answer to the Presidents pro-
posal. The meeting. 1t is understood,
will be only a perfunctory one to
ratify action taken earlier in the
week.
Demands of Unions.
The union officials who have re-
manned in Washington since the
breakup of the general coal confer
ence have made their position plain
to officials. in demanding first Of all
that arbitration as offered be made to
apply to the semi-unioniZed fields of
West Virginia and Pennsylvania,
where production has been only partly
crippled since the strike. They have
further asked for its application in
Washington state, and in Mingo
county, West Virginia.
They were satisfied last night that
the government either cannot or will
not force mine owners now producing
coal in these territories to come under
the edict of the proposed federal
wage fixing body. and are conse-
quently disposed to let the strike go
u.
There is also union objection to sub
mftting certain union policies, espe-
cially that of the check on by which
its dues are collected through the
mining Company pay rolls. to such
arbitration. The main point. however,
arises in fixing the area to be covered.
Eituminous employers. although
their answer is not expected to be
filed until Monday. are expected to
accept the arbitration offer at least
conditional1y.
Production Decreases.
Meanwhile, the geological survey re-
production in non-union bituminous
fields, fixing the total output for the
week of July 4, at 3,6s0,0O0 tons. while
for the present week the figures are not
expected to be above 100000 tons.
This compares with high point Of
100000 tons reached by non union
production since the strike. The rail-
road labor troubles. which have shut Off
almost completely one or two OF the
non-union areas and crippled car sup
ply in others. is held responsible The
survey estimates that t,sc0nsumption Is
about 100000 tons Of bituminous per
week.
Union spokesman declare that the
present situation is bringing about a
shortage period in the coal supply that
prices will continue to rise and remain
high. and that the mine owners can pay
the old wage rate, or even an increase.
Gov. Preus of Minnesota. represent
ing the northwestern states, ordinarily
supplied with coal over the Great Lakes
route, only open in summer and fall
months. urged upon the President and
other cabinet members during confer
ences here yesterday and the day be-
fore that mines be taken over and op-
Grated by the government Supplies
available in the lakes docks, according
to official estimates, are far below
quantities necessary to carry house
holders through the winter
The meeting Of representatives Of
non-union coal operators with Secretary
Hoover. scheduled for yesterday, to dis
cuss means OF curbing mounting coal
prices in some sections, was POSTPONED
until the early part Of next week.