Evening star., 1947-04-08
Lewis Orders
Return 10 Pits
CIassed as Safe
Government Charges
'Fuce-Soving';; Fines
Up in Court Thursday
By. jones Y. Newton

John l.. Lewis TO-DAY expressed
qualification" that coal produc-
ton yesterday was substantial
and told his miners to return to
work "at each mine as fast las it
is certified by Federal mine in
spectors as being in conformity
with Federal mine safety code. F"
Mr.. Lewis telegraphed that mes
sage to his union district heads as
1t was learned the Government will
ask Justice T. Alan Goldsborough
to withhold action on the return OF
50, 300, 900 in contempt fines he
levied against the United Mine
Workers If the work situation in
the coal fields Is still confused when
the case comes up in District Court
Thursday.
An official of the Interior Depart
ment, boss of the Government-held
soft coal mines, described Mr.. Lewis
telegram to union field officers as
"a face-saving device"
He said revised figures showed that
1,205 mines operated yesterday, in
cluding 500 by the United Mine
Workers. He added the total re-
examined by Federal inspectors and
found clear OF all code violations
."is nowhere near 500 and that shows
many Of Mr.. Lewis men are ignor-
ing instructions.
Hopes for Safety Laws.
Text Of the Lewis telegram today
to district heads follows:
"This office expresses qualification
that production yesterday OF re-
examined and recertified mines and
strip pits was substantial.
II confirm policy of immediate re-
sumption of production at each mine
as fast as it is certified by Federal
mine inspectors as being in con-
formity with Federal mine safety
code.
Let us all hope that the belated
efforts of the Federal Government to
establish safety In the mines will not
prove to,be a spasmodic gesture and
will pave the way for mandatory
safety legislation by the Federal
Congress"
AS Federal officials watched care
fully the situation in the coal fields
before mapping further action, first
reports today indicated that in
creasing numbers of West Virginia S
100000 miners were returning to
work. The reports showed that at
least 10000 we're back on the job
in the State today, compared with
1900 yesterday. of1cials believe
that by tomorrow night 1t will be
known the extent Of the work stop
page resulting from Mr.. Lewis sug-
gestion that ali except two Of the
2,53l Government-held mines should
be closed pending re-examinatio11
by Federal inspectors.
The petition Of the mine workers
union for return Of the 50 ,800, ,000-
difference between the original Dis
trict Court levy and the Supreme
Court fine of $700, ,000-will be heard
Thursday. The court also is sched-
uled to determine whether the un-
ion and Mr.. Lewis have complied
with the Supreme Court mandate
to recall the strike-inducing con-
tract termination notice OF last No
venber.
May Ask Additional Fines.
A high Official said the White
House, angered by what is described
as Mr.. Lewis refusal to cooperate"
in the matter Of mine safety, fa-
vored not only asking Justice Colds
borough TO levy the $4,000, 900 as an
additional fine, but to hold Mr..
Lewis and the union in contempt
again and assess additional fines.
Attorney General Clark, however,
was represented as advising against
hasty action. It was said he urged
that the Government wait and see
what happens In the coal fields in
the next few days.
Assistant Attorney General John
r. Sonnet, who prosecuted the con-
tempt action, told reporters the
Justice Department is closely fol-
lowing the current situation in the
soft coal fields"
No Statement on Fines.
He added at news conference:
There has been much specula-
ton as to what position the Gov
ernment might take on the matter
of the fine which comes up in court
this week. The department has
made no statement and has author
lied no statement on its position.
and no statement will be made prior
to the hearing on Thursday.
Obviously, we will take position
at that time. We will have nothing
to say until then"
The Coal Mines Administration
said 123 mines had received joint
safety certifications by local unions
and operators. These pits were
among the 518 Secretary of Interior
Krug had ordered closed until de-
clared safe by the union and man.
agement. The office was still tabulat-
ing 900 safety certificatiors. most OF
them from the operators only and
involving mines outside of the group
Of 518 dangerous pits.