U.S.A. COAL STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1925, Page 4

U.S.A. COAL STRIKE

[Australia & N.E. Cable Association.] XEW YOKK. Nov. 27. Industry generally, as well as the householders, is beginning to leel the pinch of the antbracite coal strike, which began on July 3rd. Anxiety is being accentuated by threats of an additional strike of the soft coal miners, which would doubtless plunge many parts of the United States, particularly along the .Eastern seaboard, into consternation.

Such threats of a soft coal strike are contained in a letter from Mr John Lewis, the President of the United Mine Workers of America, to President Coolidge, in which .Mr Lewis lias requested the President to intervene and to compel the operators to observe the agreement. President Coolidge has not yet officially replied, but it is understood that be greatly resents the tone of Mr Lewis’s letter with its veiled threats of a further strike. 'The mine owners will strenuously oppose any agreement that dues not provide for arbitration in the settlement of disputes. Meantime, the Fair Trade League is charging the anthracite mine operators with adulterating and misbranding their products and even with sclling stone amongst the coal, and also with profiteering b.\ adding unnecessary links to the chain of distribution, and generally with creating additional hardships.

The Manufacturers Association threatens an industrial boycott of the Union mines unless the anthracite strike is promptly settled.

Characteristically, the operators are claiming that they could mine, plenty of soft coal with non-union men. The miners, on the other hand, arc claiming that a large number of the non-union men would join in a walkout.

The best opinion, however. seems (o he that industrial turmoil would l.e unavoidable, as even I lie railwavs would lose supplies, except |ur the few possessing their own mines. ll'heiefnre the whole nation is now anxiously awaiting President C'nolidgo’s move. Meantime tile public are being advised to buy suit coal immediately.