Evening star., 1943-05-10

Talk Criticiiziinu
Coal Miners
Patriotism Should
Not Be Questioned,
Burke Is Told

bS tie Associated PRESS.
Former Senator Edward R.
Burke, speaking for Southern
coal producers, told a War Labor
Board panel today he failed to
find a union spokesman at the
recent New York contract nego-
tiations who would agree with
his view that this is the time
when men ought to make sacri-
fees to win the war as quickly
as possible"
The panel hearing, seeking solu-
ton to the coal crisis precipitated by
failure to replace expired contracts
resumed after weekend recess, still
without mlne union representation.
Because of the UMW's absence
Panel Chairman Morris L. Cooke in
terrupted Mr.. Burkes opening state
ment. explaining he did not want it
to take the form of an attack on the
miners patriotism when they were
not present to answer. Mr.. Burke
however, replied that if he we're per-
mitted to continue he would make
clear he was making no such attack
Full Production Reached.
Meanwhile, full production was re-
sumed in the soft coal fields as more
than 5000 miners in Pennsylvania
and Ohio returned to work after
shortlived strikes in protest against
company fines for unauthorized work
stoppages II the previous week end.
Interrupting Mr.. Burke with the
observation that his remarks were "a
bit acrimonious, the chairman said
he cid not want it to appear that the
panel supported the idea that the
miners are less patriotic than other
groups"
Walter White, industry member.
asked Mr.. Burke if he thought his
remarks had a bearing ION the at
mosphere of your negotiations
"I certainly do" said Mr.. Burke,
adding that he thought 1t unfortu-
nate that UNIV President John L.
Lewis was not present.
Mr.. Cooke then asked the labor
member of the panel, David B. Rob-
ertson. what he thought of permit
ting Mr.. Burke to continue. Mr..
Robertson, president of the Brother
hood of Locomotive Enginemen and
Firemen, replied that If there is
any one in this country who feels
the workers are not making their
full sacrifice, the public ought to
know his views. Let it 60 in the
record for what it is worth. Most
people know the facts and it doesn't
matter what somebody says
That" commented Mr.. Burke, "is
what I am about to say, if 1 may
f1nish.'
Leadership Issue Raised.
He said he was aware that the
miners have sons and brothers in
the armed forces and that they are
doing their share at home. The
miners" Mr.. Burke continued, have
a record of patriotism of which they
may we'll be proud. 1t is all the
more reason to question why they
follow the leadership in these de-
nands."
Mr.. Burke then read from a syn
dicated newspaper article which
said "the miners union and its lead
ers are moved in their strategy by
more than one consideration. They
are out to restore their prestige in
the labor movement and to as
sumo its leadership"
Meanwhile, VINO Chairman Nc
Mutt said the War Manpower Com
mission had not discussed the posi-
bility of action in the coal situation,
but added that hours may be our
concern" Most mines now are work.
ing six days a week under orders
issued by the Government since it
took over their operation.
Mr.. McNutt also told his press
conference that the VINO was not
considering use of selective service
powers in the coal crisis. He said
he had no power to tell the miners to
return to work if they walk out