The Union daily times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1918-current, 1922-08-28
REPUBLICANS LOSE
LABOR'S SUPPORT
BY Hugh w. Roberts.

Washington, Aug. 27.-The hreak
between organized labor and the
Harding administration has becolne
60 pronounced. that Republican poll
ttctans, to counteract the loss, turn
their attention to the foreign element.
Samuel Gompers, president of the
American Federation Of Labor, is per-
sistent and bitter In his criticism of
practically all that the president does
or attempts to do. The United Mine
Workers Of America is officially op-
posed to the presidents plan to ap-
point commission TO investigate the
coal business composed entirely of
representatives Of the people. Union
labor, in all its subdivisions, is mov
ing to defeat the administration nill
protecting allen laborers, suct AS
those butchered at Herrin, in their
treaty rights.
The Germans, the Scandinavians,
the Swedes, the Russians the Irish
are heartily in favor of the bill giving
the federal courts jurisdiction owe.
aliens. With organized labor lost
Republican politicians, planning 10
push that bill, have in mind the big
vote which the foreign element Is
able to cast in the congressional cleo
tions. In the presidential election oi
1920, Foreigners supported Preside,.,
Harding, while the leaders of organ
lied labor bartled futilcly for James
M. Cox.
The president, unmindful of the
attitude of the United Mine Workers
of America, has insisted that he br
not restricted IN the selection of the
members Of the commission to invcs
tigate the coal business. He made this
assertion when Senator Borah wrote
in his bill provision that certain
number Of the commissioners should
be representatives @ labor and a cer.
tain number reprc ntative of cap
ital.
To newspaper c. respondents, II.
White House has l. mated that the
president is tired of capital and labor.
and wants commits ;on TO represent
the real sufferer il industrial de-
hacles, the public.
But can there be commission so
unselflsh that it cnn represent on'r
the public? This is the query Of the
United Mine Workers of America.
Continuing, that organization sarcas-
;tically aeers that it would be ss fcols
sick man as to name n commission ur,-
aware Of the details If the coal tusi-
ness 10 inquire into that business.
Miners and operators," runs the
statement, Should have Representa-
tation if a commission is created. How
could anyone expect commission
composed Of lawyers, school teachers
and politicians success essfully to makc
such an investigation? Coal minins
and distribution is technical and al
the same time practical Miners and
operators know how: to get at the
facts regarding the industry"
The attitude Of the operators is not
knowa. They have maintained a queer
silence since the president told con-
gress that he would like to see the
industry investigated Washington
is impressed with the idea that the
operators are either certain that the!
will be indicated in the attitude they
have assumed, or feel that they will
be able to Withstand any criticism
which might result from the invest
cation.
AS far as known, only one operator
has spoken. T. II. Watkins, president
OF the Pennsylvania Coal & Coke
company, wired Representative Wins
low, who prepared the investigation
bill for the house, that on the COM
mission miners and operators should
have representation.
Watkins operates 30 bituminor~
mines in Pennsylvania. which produce
in excess of 3 3,500,000 tons yearly.
Ex~&.~a Ns~h& Eo~~a