Evening star., 1946-04-10
John |. Lewis
Walks Out Of
Mine Session
UNIV Chief Says
Further Talks
Are Futile
BY jones Y. Newton

JOlln IL. LEWIS To-Day DrOKe OH
contract negotiations with the
Nations soft coal operators, say
ing further talks were futile"
and telling the operators I'VE
trust that time. as it shrinks your
purse, may modify your mig
gardly and antisocial propensi-
ties
Mr.. Lewis move came suddenly,
shortly after II am, following a
rejection by the operators of his Oft
repeated motion that the joint nego-
tiators report their inability to agree
on a new contract to the full Ma
tional Bituminous Wage Coal Con-
ference.
The 100000 mine workers struck
10 days ago to enforce their demands
for higher wages, unionization of
fund and improved mine safety
measures. Mr.. Lewis has stated re-
peatedly that he would not discuss
otner issues with the operators until
they had made a satisfactory propo-
sitlon to him on the welfare and
safety demands
After today's negotiating session
at the Shoreham Hotel had been
under way for an hour and half
and Lewis move to report dis
agreement had been defeated by the
operators, the mine leader pulled a
statement from his pocket, read It
to the negotiators, put on his hat
and walked out with a Good day.
gentlemen He was followed by the
other union negotiators.
Futility of Talks Cited.
A spokesman for the miners said
the futility of negotiations had
been demonstrated and We withdrew
from the meeting until such time as
the operators are willing to discuss
seriously our demands for welfare
fund. better protection for mine
workers and improved housing"
The statement Mr. Lewis read to
the Negotiating Committee Of oper-
ators and miners follows:
For four weeks we have sat with
YOU, we attended when YOU fixed
the hour, We departed when Weari-
ness affected your pleasure
Our effort to resolve mutual ques-
tions has been in vain. you have
/ been intolerant of suggestions and
/ impatient of analysis
When We sought surcease from
bloodletting, you professed indiffer-
ence. when we cried aloud for the
safety of our members, you answer
Be content-'twas always thus
When We urged that you abate
a stencil, you averred that your
nostrils were not offended.
| When we emphasized the i'm
/ portance of life you pleaded the
priority of profits, when We spoke
! of little children in unkempt sur
roundings you said-'Look to the
State
! You aver that you own the mines,
we condemn your imbecility.
No Immediate Reply.
You are SNUG in your compla-
cency; We are abashed by your
shamelessness; you pirate Of your
respectabllity; We are shocked at
your lack of public morality.
You scorn the tolls. and absti-
nence and the periis of the miners;
we withhold approval of your luxu-
! rious mode of life and the nights
you spend in merriment.
You invert the natural order of
things and charge to the public the
pleasures of your own incidence;
We denounce the senseless cupidity
that Wlthholds from the miner the
rewards of honorable and perilous
eXertion.
. To cavil further is futile. We
| trust that time, as it Shrinks your
purse, may modify your niggardly
and antisoclal propensities.
I There was no reply from the op-
orators Immediately. They con-
tinued in the meeting after Mr..
Lewis led the miners out.
Each Side Blames Other.
+ Before today's session opened, both
! operators and Mr.. Lewis continued
to blame the other for the stalled
negotiations while the Government
tried to figure out some way to break
the deadlock.
Just what proposal the Labor
Department will come up with had
not been decided A fact-hnding
investigation has been suggested,
/ although the operators and Mr..
Lewis have SHE'D away from it.
Some Federal officials favor max
ing proposal Incorporating all Of
the issues in dispute and that idea
apparently has the best chance of
adoption.
Secretary of Labor Schwellenbach
/ told newsmen as he left a confer
ence with President Truman yes
| terday that the Government would
allow negotiators a few more days
Ill which to reach agreement before
determining what the next step
will be.
i Paul w. Fuller, Labor Depart
ment conciliator. has attended the
negotiations for the past week, but
so far has not made a settlement
proposal to the disputants.
| Charles O'Neill. chief spokesman
for the operators, remarked last
night after leaving the daily ses-
sions with Mr.. Lewis and his
miners:
Il guess he is going to hold the
country up until it squeals uncle >
I don't know how to make a con-
tract without discussing wages" Mr.
O'Neill said.