New Britain herald., 1922-08-01
BIG FOUR SC0RNS TERMS OF PEACE:
 LEWIS SEEKS WAY TO REOPEN MINES
Joint Wage Conference
 of Operators and Miners to be Held in Cleveland Next Monday to Talk
 Settlement.

Philadelphia, Aug. (By Associated Press) "A joint wage conference of operators and miners of the central competitive soft coal fields to be held In Cleveland next Monday for the purpose of negotiating a basic agree ment designed to terminate the pres ent coal strike was called today by John L. Lewis, international president of the United Mine Workers.
 Policy Board to Meet.
 President Lewis also summoned the general policy committee of the union to meet In Cleveland at the same time for the purpose of acting promptly upon developments as they may occur in the joint wage conference. All men will remain on strike until an agreement or a definite understanding is reached.
 The central competitive field in- cludes western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Tn connection ference President Lewis gave out the following statement;
 Lewis Statement.
 Tn issuing an invitation to the coal operators of the central competitive field to assemble In joint conference in Cleveland on August ', am actu- ated by the highest considerations of public welfare and the impelling ne- cessity for an early adjudication of the issues involved In the bituminous and anthracite coal fields.
 Burdens Are Heavy.
 This strike, unparalleled in its magnitude, is now in its 18th week and constitutes an industrial convul- sion which menaces the financial and social fabric of our nation. Aside from the tremendous personal sacri- fees so bravely endured by the mine workers, the strike is exacting pen alties from every citizen of our land and Is clogging the channels of com merce and disturbing the realms of finance and credit throughout the civ ilized world. Its effects will continue to be felt long after its termination and the burden will fall heaviest upon those least able to bear it.
 Want Reasonable Talk.
 'In consideration of these facts, and notwithstanding the powerful po- sition of advantage now enjoyed by the mine workers, we have resolved to again attempt to assemble confer ence where passion will be allayed and reason predominate. We are able to fight indefinitely but much prefer the pursuits of peace to the of ipJ rio1 ~ "a that the American public will support our offer to meet at the conference table and will encourage the corpo- rate interests involved to have their present.
 Peace Is Possible.
 The making of a basic settlement in the central competitive field will permit of an immediate following settlement in all of the outlying pave the way for an immediate ad- justment in the anthracite coal fields as well. Such a result will be ac- claimed by every citizen. Those who block the success of such a confer ence by refusal to participate should :, therefore be made to bear full respon sibility for the continuing situation"
 Make-Up of Conference.
 It is expected the makeup of the | 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 operators will depend on the number that respond to the call. It has been repeatedly stated by leaders of the union that the conference will be called as soon as assurances were had that sufficient tonnage would be rep- to make possible a basic greement. Nothing could be learned as to the amount of tonnage pledged | 70 attend the meeting.