coal trade bulletin - Clpdigital.org

56 THE COAL TRADE BULLETIN.
of this week without anything accomplished.
"The operators of the four states have up to the
present been working
IN APPARENT HARMONY.
"The above information is respectfully submit
ted to all the members of the Pittsburgh Vein
Operators' Association."
The following statement was issued on Feb. 25
by Secretary William G'*een for President John P.
White of the niiners:
"The atmosphere has been cleared until now
the matters of difference have been narrowed down
to two or three.
"The operators and miners owe it to themselves,
as well as to the public at large, to reach an agreement
here. It would be a moral 'rime to involve
the bituminous coal industry in either a suspension
or a strike. Improvement of industrial and
business conditions is being brought about gradually
and in this effort those representing both
the operators and the miners should lend their
co-operation ancl support.
"I am of the opinion that a continued, patient.
honest and painstaking effort on the part of both
sides will result ultimately in an agreement)
There is no cause for alarm. Both sides entertain
toward each other a pacific attitude.
"I do not believe there will be a stiike in the
bituminous coal fields. The miners' representatives
are earnestly endeavoiing to work out a
settlement and to preserve peace."
The statement went on to say that no political
ambitions were influencing the attitude of the
miners' officials.
The next evening. Feb. 26, after final adjournment
the following statement was issued tor the
miners' Internationa] union by President White:
"The joint conference of coal operators and miners
representing Ohio, Western Pennsylvania. Indiana
ancl Illinois was unable to agree upon the
matters of difference between them. There appeared
'o be several questions upon whieli they
could not agree at this time. Failure to agree.
however, does not necessarily mean a strike in the
bitumious coal mining industry. The breaking
up of negotiations is a matter of concern, but tinsituation
is
XOT HEX SERIOUS.
"The present contract does not expire until
March 31. consequently there still remains an
entire month during which a settlement may be
brought about between the operators and miners
directly, or a policy adopted by the international
organization of tbe United Mine Workers of America,
which in itself would result in industrial
peace. We have been in session foi more than
(wo weeks and during all that time a friendly
feeling has prevailed; even when we adjourned
without date. There was no bitterness or feeling
manifested on either side.
"The policy of the United Mine Workers of
America is to work out an agreement to take the
place of the piesent one, which expires on .March.
31. 1914. without a strike or without interruption
in the niining industry. It is our purpose to
work to that end and so shape our policy as to
bring about this result."
After adjournment XV. L. Schmick, president of
the Illinois operators and chairman of the joint
i onference, issued the following statement for the
operators:
"The representatives of the coal operators of
Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana ancl Illinois.
met in joint conference with the miners' representatives
from these respective states and were
confronted with the following demands of the
miners.
"1st. A universal mine-run basis.
" -2nd. A flat five-cent per ton advance and a
10 per cent increase in day labor, these two items
alone amounting to about $14,000,000 advance per
year.
"'old. A complete checkoff notwithstanding
tlie grave question in regard to the legality of the
check-off. and numerous other demands.
"In turn
THE OPERATORS DEMANDED:
" '1st. That tbe rights of employers ancl owners
of property be recognized.
" '2nd. That the machine differential in Illinois
ancl Indiana be adjusted.
" '3rd. That no check-off be made.
"•4th. The es ( ablishment of a couit of last resort
to arbitrate all disputes.
" '5th. A proper financial penalty for violation
of contract by either party.
" '6th. The right to employ sufficient supervising
officers for the protection of life and property,
with other minor demands."
"After nearly three weeks argument and conference
the operators offered to renew the present
wage agreement which carries with it the highest
wages paid in tbe coal mining industry in the
world. This offer was made notwithstanding present
business conditions.
"This proposition was refused by the miners
who prior to the settlement of any other question
insisted upon the settlement of clause seventh of
the miners' demands, which reads as follows:
'We demand that all local inequalities and internal
differences be referred to the various states
affected for settlement.' This demand the opeiators
refused, as the granting of such a demand
would have meant an incomplete contract. The
conference thereupon adjourned sine die."