The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-08-22
Little Else to Do, Says Head of
Operators Association.
Latest Coal Parley Is on Today
at Kansas City.
WILL AFFECT THREE STATES
Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma
Mines Represented.
Operators Welcome Proposals,
But All Is Speculation.

Kansas City. Aug. 22.-The after
noon session of the conference was de-
layed for nearly an hour while the
miners officials conferred among
themselves. Indications were that the
afternoon session would not be long,
and if agreement was not reached to-
sion tomorrow.
Kansas City, Aug. 22.-Just before
opening of the conference here today
of the Southwestern Interstate. Coal
Operators association and presidents
of the three districts of the United
Mine Workers of America, Harry N.
Taylor, president of the operators
association, told the Associated Press
undoubtedly be the basis for agreement
in this fled.
Thirty of the larger operators of
Kansas. Missouri, Oklahoma and Ar
kansas are attending the meeting, and
the district unions are represented by
their presidents. Arch Helm, for Mis-
souri,; George L. Peck for Kansas, and
John Wilkinson for Oklahoma
Operators east and north of us are
entering into agreements with the
unions on the basis of the 1920 wage
agreement" Taylor said, and there is
little else for US to do He indicated
that agreement on basis for determfn-
ing wages after April 1, 1923. would
be the chief theme for discussion to-
day.
When the conference adjourned for
luncheon after an hours session, no
announcement was made as to what
had been accomplished.
Speculate Over Outcome.
Kansas City, Aug. 22.-Speculation
as to the probable outcome of the con-
sob I.,In In1 TO n
morning between Representatives OF
the Z. M wa and of the Southwest
ern Interstate Coal Operators associa-
ton with a view to negotiating con-
tract for resumption of coal produc-
tion in the southwest were based en-
tirely on inference. Both union Off
cials and operators were reticent last
night. Among the former who ar
rived yesterday to take part in the
parley are Arch Helm, president of
the Missouri mine workers, and Geo.
L. Peck, provisional president of the
Kansas district.
The conference will represent Mis-
souri,, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkan-
sas. w. L. A. johnson, commissioner
of the operators association. declared
last night that the operators welcome
the negotiations, which, he said. they
have desired for five months. Tho
the possibility that an agreement will
be reached, he stated that such an
agreement must accord with such
competitive conditions as nonunion
mines in the south and middlewest
force on operators of this region.
Whether or not this will mean that
the operators will hold out for a re-
deuction in wages existing at the time
of the inception of the strike April 1,
he would not say Mr.. johnson as
serted that the operators are prepared
to consider the proposals which, it is
believed, the union scale committee
have drawn up. He said that he has
not yet learned what these proposals
may be.
Meanwhile. advices from Pittsburg,
Kan, state that the operators are get
ting their mine equipment into shape
for resumption of mining in the belief
that the negotiations here will break
the strike. Advices- from the coal
fields of this region recently have
noted daily increases in the number
of mines in operation, these having
signed contracts with the union Off
cials. These mines are not, 1t is re-
ported, included in the Southwestern
Interstate Operators association.