Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-09-14
COMMISSION OFFERS
PLAN FOR SOLUTION
HARD COAL problem

washington. Sept. 13.-OpcratiOn OF
the national coal industry 50 as TO IN.
sure dependable supply Of fuel &c
the public. adequate wages to the min
ers and a reasonable return to the op
orators is possible. the coal commission
declared in a report submitted today
to President Coolidge. Thirty-seven
specific recommendations were made
with a view of establishing the eqult
able interest OF each party.
Alleged derefictions by both miners
and operators We're condemned by the
commission, one recommendation be-
ing that the two groups join in the
study Of ways and means Of STABILIZE
ing the industry to prevent unemploy-
ment and uneven production. The sug-
gestion also was made that the opera
tors perfect an organization among
themselves as effective as that Of the
miners both as defensive and a CO.
operative measure"
In cooperation the unions would not
have the effect of binding the union
to its contracts" the commission de-
clarcd, adding that apparently neither
side desires that wage contracts shall
be specific enough to be binding
through judicial enforcement" 1t rec
commended special compulsory investi-
cation as soon as failure to renew an
agreement appeared imminents and in
clusion of every wage contract of a
clause prov iding for automatic renewal
except respecting such provisions as
may be denounced 30 days prior to eX-
Diration of the old contract.
Other outstanding recommended
tons in the report We're:
That each side place some check
upon the provocative and truculent
sentiment which tends 10 undermine
good relations.
Establishment in each district and
nationally of a joint commission Of
operators and miners to make studies
Of the principal jobs and of existing
rate differcntials. to develop an ade-
nuate basis for needed revision Of the
rate structure.
Continuation by the government OF
its study into industry generally and
into specific phases, such as unem-
ployment and inequalities in rate
structure. and Continuous, compul-
sory collection and publicity OF rates
and rate changes in non union fields. -
Establishment throughout nom
union fields OF check weighman Sc
lectcd and paid by the men.
Discontinuance throughout the in
dustrv Of Sub contracting.
Abolition Of convict-leasing 10
operators. !.
Abolition OF all "discounting OF
scrip"
SERIOUS study by both sides OF the
problem OF undue limitation OF output
and Of causes leading thereto.
DISPUTES in union fields. CONCERN
inf. discharges to bc settled prompt
X through Cancellation or arhItra
ton with adequate checks enforced
in non-union fields against unrcas-
nnablcncss in exercise OF power OF
Recognition Of the unions right 10
encourage new members through
the example Of service 70 Its mem
hcrs sand 10y peaceful ana non
cst unrSuasiOn Of every sort. WIN
recognition Of a similar right h% op-
orators ''hv good works and honest
nersuasion'' TO maintain non union
status.
The report continued:
'yVc condemn violence. thugghrF ana
gun work. whether practced by the
mon TO enforce complete unionization'
or nv the operators to prevent u. u .
rrconmcrd that such destructive labor
rolicies as use of spies, Of deputy sher-
ire as pa!d company guards. house
leases which prevent free access ana
NH and Individual contracts which
III NJ, free Will contracs, te abp!-
iStri A"