The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-10-29

militant In the miners union who will
not bow the knee to the machine.
Therefore the following letter:
Springfield, Illinois, May 81, 1923
"Mr. John L. Lewis, President,
United Mine Workers OF America,
Indianapolis, Ind.
Dear Sir and Brother:
II have been observing with consid.
cradle concern the activities of the
various elements that are working to
destroy the long standing sane, con
struotive and effective principles Of
the United Mine Workers Of America.
These elements are becoming greater
in number and stronger in influence
and the result of their work is be-
coming more obvious every day and
cannot but I'LL with concern pro-
gressive and conservative men who
have the interest Of the United Mine
Workers of America at heart, and my
belief is that If the men who believe
in the principles and policies Of the
United Mine Workers Of America do
not soon get together and fight
shoulder to shoulder in combating
these destructive elements 1t Is only
matter of time until they will gain
control Of our union and the red flag
will be our standard, or else democrat.
ization and division in the ranks of
the mine workers will prevail and the
effectiveness Of our union will be de-
stroyed.
Admits He's HonestI
II have no political ambition to
crafty, neither have any selfish ends
to serve and have no fear Of any per
sonal consequences. AS for myself
am confident that would be able
to get along nicely and with more
peace of mind regardless of what hap
pens to our union, (perhaps as presid-
ent Of the Peabody Coal company--T.
]. OFF, but I have deep concern
over what may happen to the United
Mine Workers of America, and | feel
that those who believe in constructive
thought and action, should get to-
gether If the mine workers Of the
country are to get the best results and
those who are actuated by desire
to destroy are to be defeated.
Il feel that the interests of our
union are far superior to any personal
interests could possible have and that
any personal interest / may have
should be submerged in the interest
in the United Mine Workers of Amer
lea. Therefore write to suggest, and
/ do so on my own initiative, that
you and l have a conference to see
if we can find some honorable, com.
mon ground on which we may stand
so that instead of fighting each other
we may get together and fight those
who are vigorously trying to destroy
the United Mine Workers Of America.
This letter is not written in a spirit
of submission nor in personal inter-
est, but because of the belief as al
ready stated, that the time is not far
distant when those who believe in
sane and constructive progress must
get together if those who advocate the
impossible are to be defeated and our
union is to continue to protect and
promote the interests of our member.
ship.
"If you feel the same way as / have
expressed myself, herein, Il shall be
glad to hear from you as to whether
or not my suggestion, as to the con-
ference, is acceptable to you"
yours truly,
''F. Harrington, President"
Lightning Change Artist.
Only fifteen days interviewed be-
tween the date on which this letter
was written and the one of May s..
in which he commended the progress.
i've miners for their efforts in trying
to clean the union Of the corruption,
which Harrington held could be attrib-
uted to Lewis. Why the change of
front in so short time? 1t seems to
me the letter explains the reason.
Lewis in brief letter accepted the
peace offer of harrington. He writes:
Raleigh Hotel,
Washington, d. @.
May 25, 1923
"Mr. Frank Harrington, President,
District IL, U. M. w. Of A.,
Springfield, ILL.,,
Dear Sir and Brother:
"Your letter of May l was forward
ed to me here. | have no objections
to your suggestions for personal
conference. When ] return to Indian
apolis or Springfield, which l expect
will be in the course of a week or ten