The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1928-10-26
President Lewis Confident
Miners Union Will Defeat
All Attacks By Communists

indianapolis, Ind. U. L. N. 81
John l.. Lewis, president of the
United Mine Workers of America, re-
turned few days ago from a visit
to the anthracite mining fields. While
there he left no doubt as to his atti-
tude in regard to the dual movement
being forced on the miners of that
section through communistic activities
and through other agencies.
President Lewis said that his visit
to the anthracite region had no sig
nifcance aside from the consideration
and disposition of ordinary business
of the union. He said that mistaken
impression had prevailed that he had
gone to the hard coal fields to confer
with the so-called insurgent leaders
of the district 81 have nothing to
discuss with these men now or later.
The loyal membership of the United
Mine Workers may be depended on to
preserve their organization against
Jno aIUackS Oh SucD lIlUlVluudlS.
District Affairs Improve
"The affairs of the district orgafli-
zation," the statement said, 'have
shown marked Improvement since the
induction of Mr.. John Boylan, of
Scranton, into the office of president.
His administration of the affairs of
the district will be given the full sup
port of the international union and
my office 1t will be his policy to
organize the affairs of the district
organization upon constructive
basis, with the idea of eliminating
much confusion which has existed in
recent months.
"Violations of contract, local
strikes, and community disorders aris-
ing therefrom, will be opposed by Mr..
Boylan with all the influence of his
office, while at the same time he will
be equally vigorous in demanding for
the membership of the United Mine
Workers their full rights and privi
leges under the working agreement
with the anthracite operators. Mr.
Boylan has already filed before the
Anthracite Board of Cancellation a pc
tition for elimination of the iniquitous
contract mining system practiced in
certain collieries. This practice has
long been the cause of trouble in the
district. and has been provocative of
friction, graft, violence and other
evils, which have from time to time
disturbed the tranquility of the indus
try and the public mind. 1t is to be
hoped that both the operators and
miners in disposing of this question
will do so upon basis that will form
a permanent solution"
Industry Making Progress
In reference to general conditions,
President Lewis's statement said:
81 am glad to note that the anthra-
cite industry is gradually making
progress toward All ilSIedSeu SID
bility, comprehending greater operat-
ing time, lessening of mining costs
and and improved relationship be-
tween operators and mine workers.
The operators are to be commended
for the efforts they are making to
reduce costs through the application
of improved engineering methods and
the installation of the most modern
equipment for use in their mechanical
processes The sales organization of
the anthracite operators has also been
placed upon a vastly improved basis
an da fine spirit of cooperation upon
the part of the business men and
other citizens of the anthracite re-
gions, including the mine workers
has been evidenced. These construc-