The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-07-03
LOCAL PERA I / ] / )
LITTLE |: I. H0P
IN WAG Farley |: !. |: | \ Y.
Deadlock Expected - Dele
gates Return Today---Take
No Part in Meeting.

gates Return ] oday---i axe
No Part in Meeting.
Authorized representatives of
the Northern West Virginia Coal
Association have re-
turned from Washing ton, D. G..
where a conference between coal
operators and officials Of the
United Mine Workers of America
opened Saturday. The coal
operators of this region did not
enter the conference, however.
There are many surmises as to
ference, but the best guess seems
to be that they hesitated to
negotiate with the union because
Of the rapidly mounting growth
Of non-union production in North
sern West Virginia. The tonnage
has shown decided increases re-
Gently and particularly during the
past month, which would alone
tend to explain the attitude of the
Fairmont operators In regard to
the Washington conference.
From what can be gathered, the
Monnogahela Coal Association,
with headquarters al Morgan
town, has agreed to pursue the
same policy as the other coal re-
gions of this state by keeping out
of the conference. It was stated
that the association.h had no auth
orized representatives present.
Joseph Pursglove and e. H. Gil
bert were reported to have been
in Washington, however.
Expect Deadlock.
The Impression prevails here in
coal circles that the conference
for a settlement of the coal
strike would be. deadlocked today
and that an adjournment would
follow until after July 4. Opera
tors declare for district agree
ments, while the miners officials
are hanging out for Central
Competitive Field contract, or
over at least several states with
It is generally believed that
both sides are parleying for time
until President Harding returns to
Washington. There is also a belief
that operators, expecting to deal
with the United Mine Workers Of
America as well as the miners
officials. may spar for time so that
the government can force an
agreement upon all concerned. In
this way. If certain conditions are
thrust upon the operators which
they do not want then the gov
eminent would be obliged to as
sumo the blame for any high wage
rate or other conditions.
A Great Speech
Operators and miners officials
alike have commented generally
upon the able address Of President
Harding on the coal situation as 1t
exists at present. They say 1t
shows that the chief executive has
grasped the situation and handled
all angles in clear, concise and
fair way in his presentation to
both parties of the controversy on
Saturday.
Expects Settlement
From what evan be learned her.
John L. Lewis, president Of the
United Mine Workers of America,
expects a settlement of the strike
as a direct outcome OF the present
conference. 1t has been the play
of the miners to get the govern
ment mixed up In the controversy,
and in this respect they have
gained their point.
1t is believed that Secretaries
Davis and Hoover may present
some plan. What they have up
their sleeve is a matter Of con-
lecture.
It will necessarily be something
new and unique If it is to bridge.
1o n c.
trict contract and Central Com
petitive Field plan.
Keeney Present.
District II, United Mine Work
ers of America, was represented
in the conference by G.. Frank
Keeney, Charleston, president,
and Fred Mooney, Charleston, sec
rotary. It is understood that at
sessions but later was let in. It
was intended originally that
neither secretaries, sub district
presidents and others would not
be included.
Nick Aiello, Fairmont, presi-
dent of sub district 4, returned
from Washington this morning,
but reports he got no further
than the shadows Of the White
House.
Brackett Remains.
George S. Bracket, Fairmont,
secretary of the Northern West
Virginia Coal Operators Assoc
citation, it is reported remained at
the listening post in Washington,
D. C.
Lewis May Inquire.
It Is rumored here that John
L. Lewis, president Of the United
Mine Workers of America, may
inquire of Secretaries Davis and
Hoover why certain coal regions,
which had formerly worked on
the union basis are not represent
ed It is presumed he means
Northern West Virginia, New
River and Kanawha fields.
Personal Mention
T. e MurnhY. Baltimore rep