Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 75, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 December 1919 — SAYS INDUSTRIAL PEACE AT HAND [ARTICLE]

SAYS INDUSTRIAL PEACE AT HAND

Secretary of Labor Wilson Declares Conditions Are Near to Normal EASIER TO SETTLE QUARRELS Labor and Capital Are Getting Together and Strikes and Lockouta Are Decreasing Rapidly—Expects Plenty of Fuel at Once. Washington, Dec. 12.—Strikes and lockouts are rapidly decreasing in number, Secretary of Labor Wilson said in an interview. “With the decision of the exectutlve committee of the United Mine Workers to urge their membership to return to work immediately in accordance with the proposal of President Wilson,” said the secretary, “the national Industrial situation, from the standpoint of increased production, seems to wear a better aspect than at any time since the period *of unrest began more than a year ago with the signing of the armistice. “It eeems likely that within a week or ten days more men will be at their accustomed daily tasks than at any time within many months. Sees Fuel Shortage Overcome. “The returning miners can be counted upon to overcome swiftly the fuel shortage, which, as I said In a telegram to President John L. Lewis of the miners’ organization, had brought the country face to face with perhaps the most difficult Industrial situation that ever arose. With the mines again turning out the normal fuel supply, factories can run full time and production will be largely Increased. This will tend to reduce costs of necessities, as President Wilson has pointed out. “The conciliation division of this department now is being called upon to handle fewer strikes and lockouts than during the summer. “In June 36 cases were handled, in July 43 and in August 53. But in September the number was reduced to October also showed a reduction to 37, while In November the total was but 17. “On December 1, only 27 industrial disputes were pending as unadjusted before the division, while In August the total was 60. They're Getting Together. “Although the division does not get reports on all strikes and lockouts, since it can act legally only when requested by one of the parties concerned, the cases coming to the division are representative of the general situation. Just now they seem to Indicate that employees and employers are finding it easier to settle differences peacefully than through strikes and lockouts. “Thus In November the division was able to adjust but one case, while In August the corresponding number was five cases and In October six. “The records of the division also show that during November the number of women affected directly In strikes, lockouts and controversies in which the difficulties failed to reach the strike stage was 17,439.”