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INTEFGIIFF VTITH interviewed at his residence
10 1943 by Special
born in Springfield, Illinois, on
resently an
local. Ho would be a good witness because of an apparent intelligence .~
above that of the average miner and a fine ability to express himself,if he would 've erg? infomation. It appeared to interviewing agents 92"_
that ras deliberately 1'vithho1.dJ'.ng zinformation in his possessiorn;He w rative, and appeared to be distinctly antagonistic to thee,
questions placed to him. He at first denied all knowledge and understand-
ing of the circumstances surrounding the change of unions of the Mine A
local, and said that he had only been to tvo meetings before the change
Y-as made and res not elected one of the new-I officers. Upon questioning
he admitted being present at every meeting held 1"herein the matters con-
cerning change of unions at htine a 1-res concerned, and was also present at
the meeting when mm-r:>~=on and Fh.LCEITI discussed a contract. He was
present also then the contract was prepared and signed but he professed
to remember nothing of the conversations taking place or any understanding
of the reasons for the change of unions. The information Which he gave1"es set forth in statement fem, which ead, but which he rs-
fused to sign. He at first stated that ed what he said and
then that it was true to the best of his knowledge. The statement is
as follovsg
"Springfield, Ill
September 10, 19:3.
"L-' none make the following statement to
who have identified
theriflves c to Federal Bureau of
Investigation. No promiesc, throats or consideration of any kind
has been nrde to me to nie this statement. I an willing, if neces-
'§?i'1";>' to gf" to court and repeat any part of this statement.
-~ "I am presently employed at liinc I-. I have worked there since1 92'.'c.s an officer in the H5: local #51 there, :
"In September 191.1, Elshoff purchased the mine property. At
that time the mine was closed down, due to seasonal closure. The
local of the men mining L-fine I. was a P15. local. Up until Elshoff '
purchased the mine, the men were well satisfied with the Progressive
Mine sorkers of hmerica, as for as I know, I did not hear any talk
about changing unions. The men were satisfied with the tr.-qr Fgrcn and
the union got along. I heard of no ideas of chaning until after
Elshoff purchased Mine A.
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re: JOHN L. LEYEIS, rr AL.
;f;_- Imnlw ; err -1; went to all the meetings held after the an- nounceznent of Elshofi"s purchase of mine A. I Went to
oneinue both meetings at the Progressive Hall. I do not re-
member that was decided at those meetings. About all
that ves done was to discuss the matter of changing Unions. At one of the
meetings n committee was appointed to see E].shoif, but they reported back
that they could not get ahold of h.ira.. I do not recall what else the
committee tas supposed to Ho. I Was Hot on that committee. During thatr-looting I undo:-strmd that there was e fight downstairs. -and
Sorts of the othe boys were trying to keep the nen from eh -
U1!-'-, I guess. I_do not knot whet happened. Host of the men seemed ready
to ch.e-nge to the UIIL at that time.
"There was no discussion that I lznrr of about mining Mine e. by
taking the coal out of 3-{inc B. The non all vented to Ttork. They did not
care pa-.rticularly trhich union they belonged to, just es long as the
mine reopened, and they could work. They seemed to think, I guess that if
they Vere UL! that the ..1lI10 would be reopened. I do not lemon why they
thought this. I do not remenbe amrone talcing about that at all. I had
never heard of any telk about j'5inintg the one before Elshoff purchased
the nine.
"There T-as a netting at Hednan's hall. It was not called by the
local. There Wore about 50 or 60 men there. They did not do much but
talk about Chnig unions, and decided to have another meeting when more
of the men cld come. I do not remember what was said that night.
"Then there 1:.-as mother meeting held at the Elkls Club. 9J51: _ presided at that meeting. There was some talk about chang g;e-- '15} 1 . any re on t unions, but I never heard anyone say that they rad as o believe
that the nine would be opened if vs went UH]; We the UB1,
elected
one me
the election on came to the meeting and talked to us. I do not
knn" What Ednunson said that night. _
Miter the meeting, we went over to the UM} bu:L'Lding, and were
sworn into the UEL, Elshoff and Falcetti cane to the meeting there a
little later. I do not knew-' why they 1'-ere there, but I uppose that
they were called. I do not remember what any of than said that night.
I do not remember whet discussion there nos about the mine being re-
opcned. Late that night Ktshoff signed a contract with the UIJJ. I
was there when he did. I do not remember what was said or done that
niht.
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Jere? L. LE"-"IS, or A1.g, r
I1~T1EE'VI I T. H The follov-in investigation was conducted by Spooiale~1==iZ 1 Springfielti; Illinois on zseptomoer iu, woo. .
an Q1-92~nl+.nr92-92.- Imlawuvvrnr
Ho Bppearoé to be an intelligent individual but it aeorzod that
ho ciic. not know much about everything that wont on during the pertinent
period at Iiine A. It is felt he told tho truth as to what he know and
he would make a good witness if his testimony is necessary.
Agents obtained iron him tho following signed :te.te:.92ont:
|!1l1'1 !|J.O!! I11 P E 0 '
Sept» 10, 1945.
-1, Sbringfield, 111., givethe following l.!1!O.'f'17i!2.01l go ...!--pooie! xgents the F.B. I. Ho throats or promises vo eon redo
"tc c- give is information.
"I was born I started At Tiinein Spr ld I11. _ nan down e ow.
About when
'in0 ob 8:
an _;_. so t was a P.hJ»- 8: it didn't make any
difference to no whet union I belonged to. FE minors ooul come and
go then. at .11-ine A if they didn't like the union. To tw knowledge
there was no group or persona who were trying to swing P.192F.-L overto u.7"..'.;. just before 1941 but beck when x first started 1 Ewe recall
- " it 1 P.1~"-T. looal and the of an; rivalry out at #51 & was a regu ar -men were glad to work. Du-Fing April, 1941 or so fiine A closed down
as usual and t o e all re- ene in fall of same year. in 19-11
o or hr e week I got e job at or 2 weeks our no. Tn t e a
r IE - ' - befo e ine A wee 0 re open in all of 1941 I first heard of a move
nent that the lline A was going over to U.1-L.-3'. I also heard there had
been some !Speoie1" aeeetinge during; the owner but I never ettenrioai
the: and was not invited altho I should have been notified. In fall of
the oallod a meeting or lg , 1two or t oe 0 :1 one iecuesion was determine if 31551
ohould go over to U.Ii.'J. and there were some who favored in going over
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Re: JOHN L. LEUIS, ET AL '
11 ?1E°2'92TIE':' IFITH to U.Z..".'. They must have been "Special" in sQ s 1 think the meetings eere called by czn .. oc P I think I missed 2 or 3 of those pscia
m e ings & believe I attended 2 or 3 of them. I
don't recall of any reasons- given why #51 should go over to U.li.TF.
Around that time the papers said that Elshofi was going to or did bw
Iiine A. I dz-nt recall any oonnittoes being appointed to go & soc
Elshoff E: it is sible that at the treat s I did not 1?. t
an!e! any
the ones at the Prog-
ressives & at Elk's Club. At tho F-115. meetings no representatives
of U.}E.'i."were present. At the sevorsT ?.11. .-'. meetings the discussion
was whether !'.im=: A 1r"-as to reopen as P.1...'f. 0.; as U.i"I.T-'. As time went
on the feeling of the 1=.!.-1.-1'. was that they should go over to 11.11.17.
At the footings there woro_no fights or speeches dc I think that
decisions were mode at the R3dI'lU-I1 Hall meetings w'Hich I did not attend.
Ho one ever told me that Elsho would not open Nine A except under
U.I'.i'. but I myself felt that Elsho would open Ifine A as U.l5.."N.
because his Iiine B was U.Ti..2'.1786
I attended the nesting at the Elk's Club on a Sunday E
it was s. nesting for both $51 6: U.1-i.-. I went just as a member of
e;-A51, s not as on official and I don't rez.-1 who got that meeting te-
5etee?. only question token 11;: -e-e.TeT'T-~TF¬t1.e+.= the s.r..s looel s1
would turn over to 11.11.-..'. 1 don't recall of any eeee~.1tt'5e making e
report st this nesting. Before the vote no speeches were made and it
Wr s rising vote that was token 1!: it was unanimous & it was decided
to go beck to U.Z..'i'1. Q-was on the pletfo and took s
pert this meeting. on reooll of hearing any statement at the
Elk's Club nesting that if the raen in fiine A went over to U.Il.'=-'. that
Esimundson would see to it that the two mines would be operated as
separate nines _§_=_ I don't resell any issue at any tine about joing
Ifine A it B cs one. As for es I know the issue was just whstbir or
not we P.li.=-1'. should go over to U.3-Z.92'T. A: I never attended scrze of the
previous meetings so I don't' know if air. reasons were given than or
not as to why they wanted to change over. After the vote was token ct
Elk's Club Ilr. Ednundson ems in and tsllcsd about the ixznediote opening
of the fine 1;. There was ru:-nor around that Elshoff might not open Kine
A again it there were other rumors around too E no one seemed to know
just what it was all about. Ho-never, Ilino A always did re-open in
previous years in the fall. After the meeting at E&'s Glob was over
sbout six to ten of us went over to Iir. Edmundson's office in the
.?l.-'. Itfhile in his office Edmmdson phoned Iir. Elshoff & a short
tins later Elshoff 61-: Foloetti cans into the office. Sonepresent werethe P.I'.'..:'_.:. president; Feloetti orElshoff were asked if Kine was o e o rs-open__ y said it could
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Re: JOHN L. LET--IS, ET AL
INT i ""171 be opened in a week or so dz I think it was no Opened»
No contract was signed then in Ed*:mndaon'e office.
continued Aftcnvards I werrt home 8: later went over to the
Leland Hotel and a buno'H was there 6: about raid-
night so; - of ue went to the office of Carl Elshoff _§ I contract wee
signed. -1 was o standard U.If...i. contract, I think some newspaper
reporter woe at the Leland Hotel A: also at E1shoff's office. As far
as I anew I don't think that any Erevicus arrangements had been made
in regard to whet happened that Sun. night but that things just went
off as a result of the action token. I don't know of any entry being
wade between Iiine A 6: Mine B. I never got any fem letter from U-Ii.T='.
to join that-_ before 2% voted at the Elkha club. I first not
Elshoff at Edr111ndeons office 6: he seared to be all business E
did not appear to over-happy 0? anything of sort. I don't know "
who paid for the bills at the Leland Hotel.
EGVCI 8&1 Dy I¬':'LE~!"iCE *'money In buy Eline A. I didn't care which local I belonged to. I.havo
reed this six ! p:.gc state:-wont over 2 it is true _§:_ correct to tho
best of my knowledge.
/**/ j
pee. Agt ,
¥.E.I., Ste?-':.ul, Iiinn.
Epringfield, I11
Sept. 10, 1943
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RE: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL
INTE'RVIE"J WITH ms interviewed b Special" » ii Q
can ' be understeee, an
gist of his infermeticn is didn't join U. IE. FL, he could pet
work at Mine A. It is noted he has been 0. citizen for only a few months.
He is not reeennended es u witness. His statement is es fellows:
- »s ' ' "Springfield, Illinois
September 1B, 1943
e the following voluntary statement to
them te be Special Agents in
cser urcnu of I1VGB1___,Et1OIl. Nr "threats or pronis s have been
made ta. me to induce me to mks e stc.te::.ent. I reside at-end um presently employed st Nine A.
"I was born in I came tothe U
S. in -and beeanr c. D
mines most of my life end. 'ei1' ~d U. M. W. irst starter} mining. Istarted at Line *~ in ebcutimr. in 1932 I joined Iregressive.have worked in the
"In September cf 1941 I get e letter from Ryan telling that he
had sold Mine A to Elshcfi. I did not feel very good about this because
thin;s had been Qced under P. 1-1. 41. and we got along well with Ryan;
I went to several meetings, I do not understand English very
well, but I remember they'se.id they would close liirz: A if we didn't join
United. e elder men cculd not get jobs and we wanted to work at Mine A.
They seic. they night take eoel from Aline A through Mine B. The men liked
Progressive but the company liked United better.
"At mother meeting, maybe at the Elk's Club, the men i111 held
up their hands for United and the leenl all Joined with U. H. J1.
"Ne one ever threatened me or bent me to maize me join n union.
I like Progressive because I think it is better for the working; men.
"This statement has beenreec. to me b~y_end it is true
and correct ta the best of my memory. '
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U. S. Dep't of Justice. ":1
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Re: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL
as interviewed by
-mayekenly and s
difficult to unclerstonci. He questions put to him and
would r:c_=:o .2 poor witness. Therefore, he is not recommended es e witness,
He furnisiccl the following statement:
' "Springfield, I11.
Qg»-.-I» 'ID 1 Q1?uuyuo su; bdi
I, make the following voluntary statementto A{.92.nts of the Federal Bureau of In-
vestige 1fI]¢ o threats or promises h:11-'£- been nude tc. induce me to make
any statement .
"I was born I cone to the U. S.in _.nc1 becemr c. citizen 11" I h vs been a miner all life andhave been onpioyecl et Line 1'. since live at I
.e..b 1 IN t 1 I :-no-.1IFfJ in Q32 I didn eve enyt to wnsnnnero ILL"11 JL:- .. .. . ng
do with the start of the Pit», but just jtincd because all the rest did.
Ls fer es I know there isn't much difference between the twc unions.
I got e 1-otter from Ryan in the full of 1941 0.11:1 all the men said
h. hocl sold his mine to Elshoff and that rnybe Blsheff wouldn't oponthe
mine. A lot oi tho men said that maybe elsheff wouldn't open the mine
and there was some talk about hnulin; con]. from liine A thru llino B.
"I hoard that Progressive hec. some meetings in the full of 1941
and I knw: that I wont to :.. nmng at the P13. hell, but since I don't
understand much English I don't knew whet they were talking; about. The
=1 nly thing I §£1J. -"ff is that everybody said no had to join United if s-"r..n't
to work.
"I wont to :1 meeting; at the Elks Club 8: at that time I joined
United. I joined because everybody sei we shout! join. I knew there were
some speeches, but I can't remember whet they were about. Nobody ever bout
no or forced :1: tc join any union. Since I don't go to many meetings 6:
can't understand much Ensligh I can't say anything about why the P2-IA men
voted to join United except that we all wanted to work.
"This 2 pee statement has been read to me end Irish b _ .
to state it is true to the best of my memory.
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witnessed:
_/s/ L special Agents. F- B- I-./e U. S. De-p't. of Justice."
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, """r E; WITH was erviewed at his residenceby Special Agents and_Jr., at , Springfield, Il inois, on
September 16, 191.3. ne ap e o a person having an intelligenceabove the average miner and can express himself well. It is believed
that he would make a good witness if he had any informt-ion of value.
He furnished the following signed statement.
Springfield, Il1__
September 16, 19/.3.
"1. name is q I was born ii I am an 1921'[1¬I'lC3I. c eta. . I am sentl employe alfine A. I make the following statement t and_"_$'-Z-"-"Z who have identied 92.1l'CZT.Se4_V¬§ .,o me toEe !p8C1|&! Agents o!| He Federal Bureau of Investigation. No pro-
mises, threats, or consideration of any kind h_a_§ been made to me
to mane this statement.
"I have worked at lfine A since 1932 or 1933. I was working
at mine A in 1941 when the mire closed down for the summer. At the
time that the mine was actually sold, it was closed. I was tending
bar at that time. I had tried to get a job in a Progressive Mine,
but could not. Before Ryan sold the there had been no talk
about changing. I was satisfied with the Progressive Mine Workers
of America and would have preferred to continue to work mder the
Fidf. '
"I attended only one meeting of the local when the matter of
changing from Pl.a-- to the ULL1 was discussed. That was the meetingheld at the Lnus hall, when _he men voted to go back to the
"I voted and signed up with the UH-i that afternoon because I
needed work very badly. I had tried to get a job at other mines
but could not. I knew that I-lshoff had a UHN contract for Nine B.
I did not think that he would run one mine as PW and one as UM-I.
I voted for the U12? because I thought that that would hurry Elshoffinto opening the mine. I did not attend the whole meeting, and do
not know what was discussed. I did not hear Ray 1-dmunson talk.Things are as soon at the mine now as they were mder the PW}
I have read the above statement on this page. It is trueand accurate. t
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RE: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL.
INTERVIETI time mots interviewed at his residence, 1% ip!'LIi__,_ d, Illinois, on the afternoon or Segtember is,
d I. 1943, by Special Agents anis a person having an n genoe above 0
the average miner. has an accent but is not difficult to understand.
His inability to read the statement set forth below is due to an eye
deficiency, rather than on understanding of the English language. Pi gave
information set forth -in the following sigied statement:
"Springfield, I11.
0-.. ,....i..-...DUPtULUUL 18, 1943.
111.6, r I was born i
1e A I make the following s a e-
neno _o -an who have identified them-
selves to mo to ecu of Investigation.No promises, threats, or consideration of any kind has been made to me to
make this statement. I an a cits:-zen of the United E]-Ites.
I have worked at Kline A about years. I was employed at iiine A
at the time that Mine is was sold. I do no know why the men changed unions
about that time. Before Ryan sold the mine, there was not talk about changing
the union. As far as I know, the men were satisfied with"the Progressive
Kine Tiorki.-rs of America at that time. I ?i3.S satisfied with that Union, I
did not go to any of the meetings where the matter of changing unions was
discussed. I work on my farm most of the time and do not have time to go to
the meetings. I do not go to the meetings because I am so busy, and also
because there has been so much trouble, and so many men hurt on the union
trouble. I did not go even to meeting where they voted to go to the Uif.
I knew whnt had happened at Mine B. 30 I did not go to any meetings. Ijoined the ULDJ when I went back out to the mine to work. I was satisfied
with the HGT, but wanted to work, and the mine had already changed over to
the ULITI, and I had to join the Uli if I was going to work there.
has read the above statement on this page. It is
true and accurate.
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RE: JOHN L. I..E92'92IS, ETAL
INTERVIEW WI TH interviewed at his residence, W
i ld, Illinois, on the afternoon . "Special Agents and has an intelligence a ove
of , but he is not too difficult
to xmderstond. attempted to interfere with
to refrain from signingthe intarview,
said that was and he would sign it the statement. ,
anyway. He gave set forth in the ollovring statement:
Springfield, Ill.
September 17, 1943
i" we e Q I M we onI ma an :92_"'-'!.Bl'lGE.l'l o- .-izon. I an new smolove at Mine A.! " followln statement to Fa.nd nnke the gR No promises, threats, or oonsi era. ion o any kin s eon ma e
me o make this statement.
u _ _ l .. _ _ _ ___I have worked at Mine A sinoe _ I was working at lune
FF When the mine was sold A in 1941 when Mr. RYAN sold the mine to ELSHO .
we had a meeting at the Progressive Hall At that moo ng_ told us that the mine would be reopened if we joined the United Mine
Workers. The nine had teen olosod for e long tine, and ~.-.-o wanted to get
to work. After that there was another meeting at the K of C Hall, I think.
At this meeting EDMUNSON talked, and told us that if we joined the United
Mine Workers he would see to it that Nine A reopened. I signed up with the
Till-I et that time;
"Prior to the sole of the mine by RYAN there was not much
talk at the mine about changing unions. Some of the men were oomplaining
about the high dues and things, but most of us were satisfied. I preferred
the Progressive Mine Jorkors of America, myself. I would meet n on the
street, and they would ask gne what they should do. They did not want to
join the UIMI any more than I did, but they told me that they could not get
a job at any other plsoo. They did not know what to do. They oould not do
anything else than join the JAE. They had beard of ell the trouble that
had happened at Mine B and we did not want any 1:-ouble and wanted to work.
S0 we joined the United line Workers. That iB the reason that I joined
the United line Workers.
" th time I did not want to join the United Mine At eWorkers and would have rather stayed in the Progressive Mine Workers, but
I did not know what else I oould do.
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E RE: JOHN L. mus, mm,
INTERVIESI wrm After the mine re0PBI1°d» =1°~=hiI=s unuual 1 PP°n°¢- Th
comhtlons there now are as good as they were before-
"The above statenaent on this a. e and one other page hillbeen read over b It 5-5 511
1;;-ue and aggurate, I have read this over myse , and it is all true-
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JOHN L. LEYIS, ET AL
Springfield, 1»-wvov T'i.'.' V. 11" 34» * ==i=1 1~e=n~'==i
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l-I!, 1945. was
and is enplEnglish well, and witness for the information
he has to offer. He advised he has no criminal record.
+ .1 1.;spe
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Sept. 10, 12¢: '
"I, S 1-in field Ill.make the f whom I know to be Special Agents 0 e e e a ure
Inves igetion. I me:-e it without fear of threat, force or promise of
any kind.
"I was born in I first
started working in coal mines in a ou when rent to work
in the Kine "A" at Springfield, Ill. hen JOILI16 the United Mine
rkorkers of America Union. In 1932 I joined the Progressive lline "Yorkers
of America because of the majority of our U1-1'? local changed to PISA.
I took no active art in or aniei the PIIA. In about 193'? or 1958 L and hm set sob Mebouyyears. Then I became a member of the I-iine cxmnittee and Was
on it or about four or six months before the Kine "A" shut down in
the Spring of 1941.
In about Sept. of 1941 we learned that Eishoff had bought
liine I-." from Ryan and then We became worried as to whether Mine "A."
would open and we of P11 would be given our jobs. There was talk"~= =='~°°-"= -= -a
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JOHN L. La~'-Is, Er AL
II?IElRVIH" V-IITH -work in I-Zine "ix" to make more money. I had heard that most of the men ma joined um and I ma received
92c'92JJJ'|.¢4-llL192¢92-nj e letter whioh eounded like it game from Edmundson
saying the Kine "'A" was going to open and telling
no no; jot 1'-as open; No one tried to organize me in U16? in any way, "
and I cannot remember who told me we would have to join UM! in order
for Iiine "A to re-open. Heybe it was because we had seen what had
he-epened at Nine B"" in connection with organizing and we knew they
could operate liine A thru Kine "B" and there were 1 bunch of old
men at Iline '11. who didn't want all that trouble. I heard one fellowna..*ned whose name I cannot eFell, was beat up by
U?-'7»? men alter tee mlé er. re--o1:»ened. told me he was goi.egto work one morning when a ear pulled up with 55! men and they held
e machine gun pistols on him and than beet him up badly. That was the
only beating I heard of at lfine A -
"I sew *-who was e Board Ilkrzibor of UK-I- at Piino '1.
e. lot, but he didn+ "work at Iiinc ".-;"- I did not ace any ettertpts to
Organize at Eiino '51 either by I15; or PIE». I worked for about two months
end quit because I had e bed room and I didn't like the way UH? was running
us. I have not been beck in the wines since.
were
the won who 92'.':.nted that open meeting to be hold. I didn't or-.rc much because
ell I wanted '.*.'1".s for these elc. ,"'.-an to get book to work; l. do not know
"-::hc.t happened at eubeequent rooting! or how the developments went elong-
I have hod this statement of three pages reed to no and it
is true and correct to the best of ry knowledge.
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Re: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL
tr . WITH interviewed at his reside-nce,
Springfield, Illinois, on a terncon
19é3, hy Spec
- born in
He ha It is
would mnlce o very good witness. He has a pronounced accent but is
difficult to understand. He has an intelligence well above that of theaverage miner. He_is stubborn and precise. It is believed that it would I
be difficult to confuse him on cross-examination. He gave information set i
forth in the following signed statement: I
§pringfield, Ill
September ll, 1913;
"Hy name is I nakr the following statement toh and -she have identified themselvesto me go !!.!kecial Agcngs ow !!e leueral hureau of Investigation. Ho
rsmises threats, or consideration of an kind has been made to me toP 1
make this statement. I m willing, if necessary, to go to court, and
repeat any part of this statement.
"I have worked off and on at Mine I1 since? and steadily from-until last/May. I was never an officer in the 92.f before 1932.
In 1952 the local at Hine A joined the Progressive Nine Workers, and I
went ever wi e rest e
SSIVE$1....
92-IIJU
"In 1941, Mine A closed about April l. This was the usual custo
for Kine A, as it was a seasonal mine. it the time that the nine closed,
the men so far as I know were all very much satisfied with the Progressive
Mine Workers, and would not have wanted to change to the UHF. I think that
that is the way the men thought, and I know that that is the way that I felt.
Up until the time that the announcement was made in the paper that Elshoff
was going to operate Hine A, I hoard no talk about changing unions. There
had been some rumors during the summer that Fine A was to be sold, but there
_ . . ,was nothing definite. nfter the ar.1".o~.m-cement in the taper tht Elsheff was
going to operate Mine A, the men held some meetings to see Eht they should
do. The first meeting was held at the Progressive Hell. It was a special
meeting, and about the only business was to leave it to the District officers
to see what they could find out from Elshoff about what he was going to do
with the mine. There had been rumors going around that Mine A was going
to be abandoned. There were also rumors, which I did not believe, that
they were going to put o Skip in and take the coal out from Hine A through
mine B. The men seemed to think that the law was such that when a new
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.; "RC: JOHN L. LEWIS ET AL- r
IVTERVIEW WITH operator took over a mine, that he did not have to hire _
-IIIIIIIII-P -the same men hack. I think that 15 the big factor, becauseicontinucgl the men wanted to work and get their jobs very badly. At
the
al help tosecond meeti t D st ict O ficers were a e to ivevcr little assurance of any help.talked to the local that night. His talk was very discourag; ng o the
men, and he was not able.to assure us of much help, except moral and financi-
those who lost out on their jobs. As I recall, these District
officers had been unable to get ahold of Elshoff and learn anything about his
plans. The night of the second meeting, another comittee was appointed,
to get in touch with ilshoff and see what was going to be done with ine A.
I was not on that 1 left that meeting, and did not hear of an _ r cemmitteee. . .
fights or disagreements that were had at that meeting.
"r Ai uneerstand t here was another meeting, held some tine later
at Rcdm1n's hall. I was not at this meeting, and did not know anything
about it until afterwards.
"There was a meetinr at either the Elks'E_or the K of C hall.
I was at that meeting. presi ed ut the committee made a
re.ort. The committee report was made by said that they had gone to the mine, anc can un no n - s o
than hey went to see Edmunson. He said Edmunson had said that Mine B
had a contract with_UHT, and that if the men want as a body, as charter
members into the UHF, that he would use his influence to get the mine
reopened.
They voted
men voting
woul d have
Jarkcrs as
thirlc that~- to, n voted to go back to the BBQ;
t Q the IRIT. I think that the main factor in the
to go to the URN was that they wanted to go back to work. They
been just as well satisfied to stay in the Progressive Mine
5c into the URI if they could keep their jobs. They seemed to
they had ts j~in ttm IEET, because of their understinding of
the law, and they could not afford to go through any sort of trouble,
because the mine had been closed down too long.
ected officers that
"The men had voted to go back to the UHF provided the mine would I
=§"11: be reopened, and provided their would be no discrimination_ After voting
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Re: JOE}? L. Isms, er AI.-E; .
V PP YT WITH
continued!to go into the UHF, Edmunson was invited to the hall. I
do not remember if this was before or after the election
of officers. He talked to tho men. Ho told us that he
would welcome the men back into the UHF. Ee said that
if they were to come back that they would have to sign an application to
return to the UHF. He sa id that if all mthe men came back to the UH as
charter members, that he would use all of'hi§ influence to see that the nine
was reopened. There were some questions placed to him about exonerated
members, and discrimination and after that hthe men went up and filled out
the application blanks. They had already t§Eon a voice vote to join the
UM: 0
"After the meeting, I went over the UHF building with Edmunson and
the other local officers. Re were sworn in to the UHF. nftor that Edmunson
called Elshcff. An hour or so later, Elshoff and Falcetti came to the office.
Edmunson told them that the union had gone over to the UMS, and that he
wanted a contract signed so that the membership could go back to work.
Feleetti said that he had examined the mine, and that ho did not know how
soon it would be possible to open up the mine. Elshoff said tht he did not -
want any trouble at the mine. He wanted assurance that the n5E*had joined
the UHF. He did not say in so many words that he would not open the mine
unless the men joined the UHW, but he did want the assurance that themen had all joined the UHF before he would open the mine, because He gid
not want any more trouble. There was mzre discussion of the matters and
they did not sign a contract than because it was Sundiy. I came heme and
did not go to the meeting when the contract was signed.
"There was no trouble at the mine after the mine reopened. I
think it was the next day after this meeting that the fans were turned on,
and a few days later when the men were able to go down into the mine.
was Cs.1'I>U1'1@ the mine in the mornings for a while
after the mine reopened. I saw him there frequently, but l do not knew
' there. was also around the nine for a what he was doing Wfew days after it opened, so A! .o= What he was deinn there either.
"I never got any letter from anyone about changing unions or
reopening the mine. I recall only one letter, and that was fron.Ryan,
saying that he was sorry that he had to close the mine at that time.
The reason that I joined the HER was that I felt that I needed to
do this to work at Mine A. I thought that when a new operator took over
that he did nit have to hire the same men back that had been there before.
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Re: -."JH1I L- LEWIS, ET AL
I also thought that Elshoff would have to hire Ull men
at Hino A because he had a USU contract at Kine B. I
wanted to work, and so I joined the UHF ta get my job
book, even though I would have just as soon stayed in the
PLTT of A-
"I have read the above statement on this and four other pages. It
is all true and accurate; '
_< 51-ned!
signed! F.B.I.
szgned! F.B.I-
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RE: JOHN L. LE-TIE, ET AL
_II§.IF.H92'IE-T wzrs who resides e_ Epringfield, 1111n'_"' *i'.s<>1s, was _terv1e1i*ed é ' of Se tanber
1945, by 5peciel Agents and
is e person having an vs that the average miner. can
express hiriself well, and it believed that he would make e good witnes;
He gave information set forth in the following stetemmt:
prlngrisis, I11.
Sept-azber 15, 194;!»
Hy me is ~ 0 1n- I em now employed at orin field I11. I make the
' r~_ "n following st tement to 5- who have
identified themselves t e §pe?iel Agents ofthe Federe1".Bureo.u of in-
veetigntion. No promises, threats, or consideration of any kind _h§_s_ been given
to me to make this statement.
- - - - --- ' .. -.51-n. Q .-_ .L.!__ .|.1_..s- L... 1.. 1 -+'1. WOFKBG at 551116 -h 1'1'O1'I1 130! uTk'51.L E-h8 I-1.1116 I.-11::-u Gut! 1.u3a4- r-I-v
A joined the United Nine Workers. I was e. member of the Progressive Kine
iiorkers of America, but I was never on officer in the local. Up until the
time that Ryan sold his interest in Mine A there was no talk at 'o.l1 about
joining the U;.!:-'. The men were very much satisfied. as for as I know with the
operation of the lcc:-_1, and also of the international.
Just after the announcement in the paper of the sale of the mine,
I heard about men talking; about changing unions. I did not attend the firstmeeting when this matter was discussed. . T went to thesecond meeting of the local. All that I can recall was hat they tel d about' o d it that tine the regular mine conn':1ittee,1
and one other who I do not recall, made e
_ _92,,I "1'.report that they had _£CCEé'nptBd to see E'lshoii, out that he had refused to rec=ognize them, end he-d Bld that he was going to Operate as a. United line Workers
nine we dl80uSB6d the matter. Host of the men minted to go back to pork soIwe decided, and I think even-told them too, to go beck to work as U115"-',
end then when the setter some H to e vote, to vote for the Progressives.
That 15 whet happened cs for es I know. The 1:1 n went back to work. On thefirst cond d y after the 13111.8 opened, I went around to the miners__ homes s er e as in o
vo e or e rogressives when they come to vote. I also tried to Est mxtools out oi the mine, but when I went out to the shs.ft,
and some of the other UM-"T men there at t e s wou no e
me down to go my tools unless I joines the osw,
. 5- - - - - - - - - 92n. A ;__ ____ -r ___._92; ...n.L .l...!_ J-Ln1 did not go beck to WOPK at mine Dunuae 4. II'Ul~l.lU uuu JULLL nun
United I-line Workers. I Ind planned on going to work, and did not have any
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RE: JOHN L. LE-vrs, ET AL
INTERVIEW WITH other job at that time, but I would not go back to work
under the United Mine orkers.7continued
I think that the reason that the men_went and joined the
UMW_wes because they were told that they would not get to work at Mine L
less they were UM». They also had heard about what had happened at dine B,
and thought Elshoff favored the UMW because of what happened there. They did
not went to go through all of that trouble. I did not went to work under those
conditions, so I did not join the UMW.
"I have read the above steteent on this page and one other page.
It is true and accurate.
FBI
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RE: JOHN Tu. I..E'qiIS, ET £L.
wrsnvzsz; ems .B interviewed at on by S eml int an_Q ;§§ not reg ng_;s_ an does no 1'6 a 6 erg.
clear story. He does not have any information concerning details of the
switch to United. He expresses himself poorly and is not recommended as
a witness. His statement is as follows:
q IllinoisSeptem e 17, 1943.
the following voluntary statement to?
both of whom I lmow to be Special Agents
stigation. No threats or promises have been made
to mo to induce me to make a statement.
"My address : llinois and I am now em loyed
at Mine 1. as a track layer. was orn in cameto the U.S. and became 0. U.S. citizen in ave wor ed in
the mines nearly a l of my life and I joined U.H.92.-.. w en I first started
mining. I started at lino Ii in 1955 and at that time I joined P.M..A. I
ems working et nine 1; in 1941 and the mine closed down for the summer.
That fall, about September, I got a letter from Ryan telling that he had
sold Mine A to Elshoff. I did not feel good about that, I thought that he
wouldn't start Mine J: and I saw in the paper that Elshoff might pull the
coal through I-Zine B.
"I went to a P.LI.Ji. meeting at Progressive Ball in Springeld
which was called to see what was going to happen at the mine. Tie were told
that the mine wouldn't open unless under U.H.Ti. and there was some more
tells The men said we should fine out what Ins going to happen at liine A_-
"I went to another meeting but I don't remember what happened
th-TU:
"1 went to a third meeting, at the Elk's Club, and at this meet-
ing we were told that if we joined U.l:I.*.T. the mine would open. I don't
remember what else was said, but we had a vote and the men all voted to
join United Mine horkors. I joined U.l-LIT. that time because I wanted to
get my job back; I hnd been told that Elshc-ff would not open the mine
unless the men joined U.l-1.1T.
"No one ever threatened me to make me join any union. Unions
are about the same but I know some of the fellows didn't join U.Il.'-Z. and
never went back to Mine 1.
9'1!-is above statement has been read to me bye.nd is true
1 A
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RE: JOHN L. LE-SIS, ET AL-
I1ITEP.VIH'Z '-IJITH and correct to the best of my memory
continued! /5/ _
Tiitne s sc s :
Special Agents, FBI, U.S- Dept. Of J921Bti-O9-
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33: JOHN L. LEXIS, ET £L.
IHTERVIETJ IJITH Sprinsfield»
who speaks an u orstends hngl s
very well. He said he has no criminal record» he 15 willing 0 es ify
v The following signed statement was obtained fro
"springfield, Ill.
5OptBmber 15, 1943-
make th following voluntary statement to
whom I know to be Special igents of the
ou of my own free will, with no threats or
promises made to me.
aringfield, Ill. andom working E SD75-I1BfiB1d|
e uMOA0 Y-'h9!1 I I was born
began working working at Mine A in December
of 1940, end worked until it closed down in the spring of the next year.
I had decided to quit, because my health Wns bothering me, and I didn't
plan on going back to work in the mines. I didn't go to any union meet-
ings, and don't ' an hing that went on in the summer of 1941. However,in that summer, sa.w me at the tavern one day and asked me to
join the U.M.I., the ine would open up much sooner if I did. I told
him I wnaft going back to work in the mines, and he didn't any anying more.
11 1| .__ __._92 A _ _ _ __;___ _~| .L _____ I nave reau the lureguuzg, iu Bu "
best of my knowledge.
/=*/ _
itnesses:
Special Agents, FSpringfield, I11 .e "Illinois, was in erviewed at s resi nee m f ,
15 1943, by Special Agents an
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RE: JOHN L. Lsvns, ETAL
interviewed at his residence, *
gfield, Illinois, on the afternoon
by Special Agent and
i 1:iiiERVIE»i WITH
s a person having in e Iigenoe ou
a heavy aooent, but is not difficult to
understand. He gave information set forth on the following statement:
"n a Springfield, I11.
September 17, 1943
my name 15- I was born :H I am an American citizen. I am now em lo ed e no .e o owing statement to Qand who
have identified themselves to me o e peoial ge e e era Bureau
of Investigation. Ho jpromises, threats, or consideration of any kind has
been made to me to make this statement.
"I have worked at Mine A for eboutlyeers. I was working
at Mine A at the time that BEAN sold the mine to E OFF. I do not remember
anybody talking about ehanging unions before the sale. The men were satis-
fied as far as I know with the Progressive Mine Workers of America. I was
satisfied with the PHI. I did not attend meetings oi the PM very regularly.
h 1 s dis- I attended only one meeting when the matter of the o nnge n uniiii E
suseed. I thin}: that it was at B.ed.m.en's hell. As I recall
told us that night that they were going to close, and dismn d
take the coal out through Mine B. As I recall the thought that we would be
better off 1: we joined the United Mine Workers. I do not_Feoa.ll the de-
tails. I do not think that I went to the meeting when the men voted and
signed up with the UNI. I think that when I joined the IBM, that about 200
men had already joined up. I joined up beeeuse I needed to work, and the men
had already joined the UMH.
"The above statement has been read to m by _i
t is true and accurate.
//
FBI
-628-
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RE: JOHN L. LEWIS, ETAL
was interviewed at his residence, Q
eld, Illinois, on the afternoon 01943 y Special Agents and{is a person having an in e igenoe
about average ner. He is difficult to understand,
and does not understand English very well. He gave information set forth
in the following statement:
" _ Springfield, I11.
September 17, 1943
~»~ M» hi I -M M up-I am an American citizen. am now em lo ed at Mine A. e M
ide . ntified themselves to me to e pen. gen s 0 e e era reau of
Investigation. No promises, threats or oonsideration of any kind has been
made to me to make this statement.
"I have worked at Mine A since 1953 or 1954. I was employ-
ed at the mine when RYAN sold the mine. Before that time the men belonged
to the Progressive Mine Workers oi America. Before the sale of the mine,
there had been no talk that I know of about the men wanting to change unions.
They were all satisfied, as far as I know, with the Progressives. I in-I
satisfied, l did not go to the T-Iii meetings very often, and was not in-
terested much in the affairs of the union. I cannot understand English too
well, and when things go on at the meetings, I have to have them explained
to me.
"I think I was at the meeting when the men signed up for
the UMW. There was some talk about going to work Li we joined the UHF. The
rest of the men were signing up with the UMN, so I did, too. I would have
been satisfied to have continued to work as a PIM-
has read the above statement
on this page to me. I is ue an aocura e1
He declined to sign this statement because he could not
read it personally.
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Rei JOIN L. LE-WIS, ET AL.
<TF»P@V1E~' "ITH Springfield, Illimi
was interviewe a s resi ence on the afternoon of
Se tembe Special Agents
and has an intelligence a ve
of the average miner. e s an accent which makes him difficult to under-
stand, but furnished the following signed statement.
"Springfield, Ill
September 16, 197:3.
my name is _ I was bornPI am an American citezen. I am now employe a an er reek
D8 . ' to . I make the following, statement toand o have identified themse ves o me o al
Agents o ne e e J. Bureau of investigation. No promises, threats,
or consideration of any kind his been made to me to make this statement
"I worked at Lfine A for 5 or 6 years until Ryan sold the mine.
In 191.1, the mine was closed down for the summer. I got some work
on the outside and was working. I intended to go back to work at
the mine when it opened. I heard that the mine had been sold, and
that the union had gone over to the United Mine Workers. I was a
member of the Progressive mine "orkers at that time. I decided that
if the mine was going to work as a U35» mine that I would not go back.
I did not want to change unions, and did not go to work because I
did not want to join the U11-i. I did not attend any meetings where the-
matter of changing of unions was discussed. I do not know why the
men changed, I am a Progressive Miner now. Before Mr. Ryan Sold
Mine A there was no talk about changing unions. Everyone was satis-
fied with the union as it was, as far as I know.
"I have read the above statement on this page. It is true
and accurate./$/ I
/5/ F.B.I.
FE
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. 3' '-HRE: JOHN 1.. LEZIS» ET AL-
INTERV1E7i 2-elm .,p=-11-.g;:=-ti:
by Special -Agents
I advised that 116 1!
orwr" t ong any labor 92mio:_1.
Z-le has men a fmreman 1orlf°°1' ' He had 5° mfQ 't1nantto this invbsti ation, and no sgatement was attempted. W5 17°?
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Re: JOHN L. 1.n.1s, ET AL.
IN1"::P-YIN "ITH _ by Swial Agents
which time it was no
speak very poor English. He is apparently below average .ligenoe
and it ;$ believed he would make a poor witness 1 is set forth be-
low the following signed statement executed by
Q 111ep _ 11., 1643
ke the following voluntary statement
to 5pecia1 Agents of the Federal Bureau
oi .. _..u _ _ _ or promises have been made to induce
me to make any statement.
"I was born Q and have been a.
am now nor ing a Kine A and reside
ve been a miner all my life and joined the
I joined the progressive union in 1932 when
went progressive. I was a member of pro-
at Mine A in 1937. I have never held anythe rest of the
gressive when I
union Office.
"bverything was going along fine in the spring of 1941 when
the min: shut down for the season. Sometime in the early fall or
late summer I got a letter from Ryan saying that he had sold
Eine A to Elshoff. I heard that the mine was going to be operated
by united men. I wont to a couple of the meetings held by progres-
sive, but don't remember anything about what was said those: times
about how the mine was going to operate. didn't go to any "
meeting at the U.i:.'w. hall and joined the 11.11.11. union just be-
fore I started back at Mine A in the fall of 1941. They told me
I could't work unless I joined united. Nobody hit me and nobody
forced me to join any uion. I do not know how Elshoff felt about
the unions.
"1 have read over this statement of 2 pages and it is true to
the best of my memory.
/5/,.
"Jitncssed:
Q FIBOII,
_U.S. Dept. of Justice"
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I mu JOHN L. LEJIS, er ..L
' . ,.'ISpecial n gentsI! " ' tcleph me
was nbor 1'7,
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1S a di ;_ er at Kine "41",cane t~ the U. S. in qmd became a U. S-.
c_.nn~t speak wr understand Ln" lSh Wall, has a very pmr neznry
an- 11 ml-e. nrt r_-eke a s:=.tisfectvr3' witness. Ho advise . he has no criminal *-
rcc rd.
The f.>ll.>"in_ sijned st toucnt was obteino. frxJ
"Sprin field, Ill.
5@Pt. 17: 1943
"I, 5prin- icld Ill.,
make the follo:~:in_"j vo un cry s .1 c.~.ont to em.nho:.1 I kno-I: to be S *cicl ..__cnts 0 no ec Duroau o nvos i- pu ..
_¬1tlOn. I make it without fear of threat force oi promise of_ any kind.
"I work as a din, 'r:r at Elinc " ", & was born in
I started to work in Mine "A" Spring-field about - A was
than .:. nexabcr of the Unitel I-..i.nc "orkers of hmerica.Uni0n. In 1932 I
joinorl the Pro.;r<;ssive Uni an because our whole local did because John
L. Lewis stole the ballots. -
"In late surrz.-r of 1941 I reel that Elsnafi bou -ht Ifino "A" from
Ryan. I hoard people telkin - that "1." would not open unless: the r.".c:-n wont
U11. I also he:..rT. talk th.'.t they would pull coal from Iiinc "I." thru I-line "B".
No I-no told uc. I had. to join U11. on-.1 no on forced or thrca.tone.. no in
any 1-iqy,
"I cannot remember much about what happened during this time,but one night "tom me there was going to be a meeting and
that Edmundson Jed sei... 2.- ee would go LT!..'-'i.'¬ the liine "A" would open. ll
went to the meeting that ni ght, which I think was held at the UHF? hall.
We woted to join UHW, Edmundson talked and told us the Nine "A" would open
in two weeks, and I joined No one forced or threatened me in any way
to join UMW, and I joined to keep my job at Mine "a". I would rather
have steyed P}-IA had I have noticed no difference at Kine "I1" under UH?!
than under I prefer to U1-II.
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RE: JOHN L. IETIS, ET AL
Witness
gent, F.B
5,x1cia1 ngcnt F"F ' Thia statement of two pages has linen read to mc and it
5 true and cc_>r:-act to the best of my knowledge.
con mus, _
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Rer JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL
IJ1ERVIE' WITH 7H u
_and
criminal sec:
would ma. a good
furnished the following statement:
"Springfield! Il1.,
September 18, 19¢}.Y A BI stated that he did not have a
speak and understand English well andSpringfield, lllinois, was interv1eweo'at" 1s--ber 18 191.3 b Soecial A entsh
"I, n fieldIll. make the following voluntary statement to and- whom I know to be Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of _
ves iga ion, no force, threats, or promises have been made in obtaining
this statement and I know that what I may say may be used in a court of
law.
~1 mm an
"I was employed at Mine "A" aboutgnd I am ¬mplOYBd at
Mine "A" at the present time as a digger.'
"I joined UHF? Ill. I remained a member of
U.E.T. until 1932 at which time goine PEA as UMW wanted to cut the
wage scale.
"In Sept. 1941 I rrad in the newspaper that Elsnoff bought Mine
"A". I thought at that time that kine "A" would operate as always as a
PMA mine.
"Prior to the time Elshoff bought Kine "A" the employees were
satisfied with P.H.A. I thought PEA was a good union being operated for
its members.
"I prefer to be a member of PEA rather than UHW because the sen- be
of PHA elect the officials and delegates whereas they are appointed in
HEW.
"I heard from someone that Elshoff was going to operate line "A"
through Mine "B". I did not pay any attention to this because I did not
think it would happen. I also heard that Elshoff would not open Mine R1"
unless the employees joined UMW. I do not know where I heard this. I
decided I would not do anything to prevent the change from PEA to UHW'and
that I would wait and see what
ppened.
- 655 -IS
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Re: JOHJJ L. LEWIS, ET AL
INTERVIEW WITH "I attended one meeting at FHA hall a few days
after Elshoff bought lune "A" I knew o thisst ' as notice was in the newspaper. fb- of the local PEA was
in charge of this meeting. omeon s a e a is meeting Mine "B" employees
were working at Mine "A" and alshoff was to start an UMW union at Mine "A".
A committee was appointed to call Elshoff to find ot what was going to
happen at Mine "A"{ The committee was unable to locate Elshoff. I was
not told at this meeting that I should join U.M.W.
"I did not attend any meetings after the one I attended at PEA
hall, although I read in the newspaper that there was going to be a meeting
at the Elks Club and I later read in the newspaper that the employees of
Kine "A" voted at the Elks Club to join UMW.
"ho Ul-TW organizer attempted to get me to join UMW.
"About two days before Mine "A" opened in Sept. 1941, I went to
the ULEW building and joined {J3-W! so that I could return to work at Kine
HAN.
"Conditions at Mine "A" have been about the same under Um." as
they were under PEA.
"From time to time from 1932 to 1941 I was a it committeemanPM and I wmg' ' o an 0 ice in 191-Ll. that period oi time. oi no y
"In 1941 I would have perfered to have remained a member of
PEA and I joined U1?" only so that I coiifd work at iline "A".
"I have had this statement consisting of four pages read to '
me and it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge-
SW11 L
itnessed: -
Special Agent F.B.I.
Spéial Rgént, FIBOIO"
-656-
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INITRVIET5 TIITH Springfield, Illinois,
. i 1'1 1% by
Special* _stated he am not have a - - J
cult to reek and understand English and would not witness. It. . , .. .. . . . .. L . ._, ,____ i.__i .. ._- was 3DVi-A113 iron the interview that was not 1.I1 sympa any with theff investigation although _he stated no one !o!d him not to furnish any informa-
7 _ tion or talked to him about the investigation.
2
I A =rmnsn@n the following statement;
"Springfield, Ill.
Y? September 1'? , 1943
'11, " * i , 5pringfield Il1., make the
following Va un a 3 1;. whom
I know to be Special agents of the e er" eau o nves iga ion. N0
force, threats or promises have been made in obtaining this statement and I
-~ kn:-.1 that what I may any .-1.2;,-' be used in a court of lee.
"'I was born in emmigrated to the U.S.inq and I became a naturalized citizen of the 'U.S. in- in
P ' Spring iold, Ill
r .
..___'_"I became a member of Uh'.:' in qand I remained a member of Ulfi until_;,_~._:_,I * 1932 at which time I became :1 member o PI»-IA because my local Ul'.*I union changed
. to PILL.
"In ah mt Sept. 1941 someone told no that Elshoff bought Mine "A" from
.-fr!": Ryan. I thought at that time that liine "A" woo 1:. become an Ul'I.7 mine be-
--; - _ cause Mine "B" which was operated by Elsh-off was UMJ.
n.. J - .I; "Bel" ore Elshofi bought Mine "I." the non were satisfied with H-EA. I
thought P10. was a good union, but it made no difference to no whether I was
a r:.emb..:r of U157 or P1-U».
if 92
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- "I did not hear anyone say that *3. could be operated through
.- ' : i Mine "B" .
+,1
_;'I_' "41 few days after Elshoff bought Mine "J." I attended a meeting 0!
Pea at Pa". hall. buss at this meeting that if the sir-ms stMine "A" did not jo!n , Lilne ';.'." would not be opened. I do not remember
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2;»: JOHN L. LE-.?.[S, ET AL
INTER . 7- ' at Mine "A". I joined UL{vILt1_:at da . I do not remomb.-r whospoke at this meeting other tharh N0 0116
U'.._'JI11LIi..I'l11CC1! asked me t-J join UIi.i. I joined vaiuntarily.
"I =id not attend or kn-'m of any other meetings between the time
Elshiff b_u@<;nt Mine "A" and the time I joined U155. '
"I do mt see any difference in the crznditions at Jline "A" under UBLF
than they were under P.I1.£..
"I was employed at Mine "A" in about-as a digger and I am employed
at Eine n at the present time. _
"It makes n.- difference to me. whatlaer I an e member of UMJ or PH!
"I have ha}. this st-_"~,t<:r.;cnt etmsistingg of three pages 1'66-11 L0 EC and
it is true: and correct to the best of cw knowledge."
»5/ _
".Fitnesscd:--
Special J1_;£.I1*L " FqBcI0
peci;-.1 Agent, F.B.I.
_ ' -ess- '
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INTERVIETGITH I Springfield. Illinois. -
time ' tsSpecial Agen-stated he did not have 0. 9815
and unri:.rstm1d English very well and would make e. very poor witneam
The following signed statement was obtained from-
"springfield, Ill.
Septomber 18, 1945.
"1, 61:1 111., make thefollowing voluntary : anawhomI know to be Special Agents of the of Investigation. Noforce, threats, or promises have been made in obtaining this statement and
I know that what I may say may be used in a court of law.
I was born i emigrated to the U.S.eboutpand became a neturalize 1 U.S. in, about -in
Peters urg, I11.
"I was employed at Mine "A" about-and I am employed at _
Nine "A" at the present time es a digger-- -
"Someone told me in about Sept. 1941 that Elshoff bought Mine
"A". I thought at that time that liine "A" would become _§_n_ U15-I mine as
Elshc-ff operated Liine "B" as I115-F.
"Before Elshofi bought Mine "A" the employees were satisfied
with EU». I thought PLEA was a good union, but it made no difference to me
whether I was 6. member of H.111 or {I13-'..
Someone told me that Elshofi would operate Liinc "IL" through
Mine "B" an-c; that Elshofi would not operate Mine "A" unless the employees
joined U!-.".¬. I do not know who told me this. I dedided to join mm so that
I could work at Mine "1." but it made no difference to me whether I was a
member of LNG or P11-IA.
"I did not attend any meetings between the time Elshoff bought
Mine "A" and the time 1 joined mm in Sept. 1941. I do not know whether
I had notice of such meetings or not. I took no interest in union activities.
Someone told me that if I wanted to work at Mine "5' I would
have to join UIIH as Kine "A" was E EIIIFJ mine. I went to the Uifbuilding
and voluntarily joined IE.-T}? so that I could go to work at Nine "A" in Sept.
1941-
-639-
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92
RE: JOHN L. LEJl5| ET 5L-
INTERV* r ITH Conditions at Mine "A"
they were under PHA-
CC11. lI'lU-6
'1 find it difficult to
theY¬fCre_ I do not knew what takes place
any inter-st in union activities, No UMW
to join UEW.
"I have had this statement ccnsistlng of three pages read to me
and it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
//
bitnessed:
i~>P@=i1 I-*§@=' F-B-L "
E :_ _ -- 640,have been the same uder UH an
speak and uderstand English
between un1ons and I do not take
organ1zers attempted to get me
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Re: JOHN I.. LE.-'-.'='IS .
nrnznvlew wrm - Springfield, 111- was 16 1913
I _ by Special AgentsQ. stated he did not have a criminal spe
we .L, but would not make a good witness as he is an man and he has no in-
formation to offer.
=urnished the zfollowing statement:
"Springfield, Ill.
September 16, 1943
I, Sprin field Ill. makethe following vo un ary statement to and W whom
I know to be Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 0 force,
threats or promises have been made in obtaining this statement and I know that
what I may say may be used in a court of law. 7
"I was born
I was employed at Mine 1A in about 1932 and remained in the employ-
ment of Kine 'A' until Feb. 1942. I stopped working at Hine 'A' on account of
s» healo i
"I became a member a miners union, mp
in and I joined U.K.W. in abou remained a member of U.1-1.!-1'.
until 1932 at which time I joined P. from U.L{.Y1'. to P.M.A., be-
cause U.Lf.U. wanted to cut the wage scale. I took no active part in the forma-
tion of P.L'.A. I was not active in union activities and I have never held
office in any union.
"In about Sept. 1941 I read in the newspaper that ELSHOFF bought
Mine A1 from RYAN. I thought at that time that EISHOFF would make Hine 'A'
an U.1f.W. mine as he changed Mine 'B' from P.L£.A. to U.l=!.W. It made no
difference to me that ELSHOFF bought Mine A.
"Before ELSHOFF bought lline 'A' the employees of Kine 'A' were
satisfied with P.L£.A. I thought P.l.£.A. was a good union, being operated for its
members, but it made no difference to me whether I was a member of P.ll.A. or
UJLW. as both unions were alike.
"No U.M.W. organizer attempted to get me to join U.B{.'.
"I heard a rumor from an unknown source that line N could be
operated through Mine B' . I thought at this time that Mine A1 would be
I
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Re: JOHN L. LE--IS, ETAL.
INTERVIEI HITH "I did not attend any meetings between the timeQ ELSHOFF bought Mine IA! and when Kine -A1 started to
continued; operate in Sept. 1941. I heard that there were
. meetings at the P.H.A. hall, but I did not attend
as I did not want to take an active part in the union and I would do anything
majority of the members wished to do. I did not attend or know of the
meeting at the Elks Club in Sept; l9Ll=
About two weeks after Mine 'A* opened in Sept. 1941 I returned to
work and joined U.E.W. that day, as I had heard that the employees of Eine 'A'
voted to join U.M.K. I joined U.K.W. to get a job at Mine 'A' and it made no
difference to me whether I worked under U.X.W. or P.I.A.
"Conditions under U.K.W. at Mine 'A' were the same as they were
under P.K.A.
"I have had this statement consisting of three pages read to me
end it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
<egm> i
Special Agent,
Agent, F.B.I
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Re: Jom L. Lens, ET AL.
llITEF.VI£*JJ JTH Springfield, Illinois was ' e 'ewe at his home by Special
September 16, 191.3. tamed that he did not av al re-A em £m$ on
cord. He was mable o e r understand English very well and wouldnot make a good witness. refused to sign e statement as to the
information furnished by him because he could not read the statement.
_£urnished information as set out in the following
statement:
"5prir.gfield, I11__,
September 16, 1943.
"l, "n field, Imake the following vo un ary - nt t snobP whom I know e S e to b pecial Ag nts of the e era ureau 0
vestigationt no force. threats or promises have been made in obtaining
this statement and I that what I my say my be need in a court
. of law,--1 was born 1 emnierated to theU. S. in mend -L became izen o the U.S. in : in
Springfie , ll.
"I was employed at Mine A in about mi I am at the pre-
sent time employed at i.r.~e Ad as a digger.
n1 4..-: ....-1 Ina; Qa Julcu um: up!
member of UM until 1932. god from UM"-' to PM in 1932 because
my local Uii. union changed. I do not know why my local UM? Union changed.
"I read in the negrs paper in about Sept,l9Ll that Elshofi
bought 1-line A. At the time 1 read this I thought Elshoff would force
Liine A' to become an UM; mine as he operated Mine IE as an Ulla mine.lll., and 1 remained a
"The employees at Mine A were satisfied with Pm prior to the
time Elshoff bought the mine. I thought Pitt was a good imion being
operated for its members, but it made no difference to me whether I was
A s.'I':*».*
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Re: JOHQ L. LEHIS, ET AL.
-r|:T'T92-:92'D92-vT1-I-.- _ 4 92_. __ __|__.1. .___.__ ___92 -L I-92__ ___.L_'__ .._. Y .l92l-t.-i J- ' ' I101; KNOW Wé-LL OCCuIIBG. 3-L Due IlI=Bh;|..ng G-D -L l..L1!lU- J-U
difficult. to understand English. I did not hear of
Continue any other meetings at FHA hall nor a meeting at
Redman all On a Sunday in Sept. 1941 I attendeda vie-sting at the Elks Club. -as in charge of this meeting.
I voted at this meeting to join J-92-4-I ecause all the others present voted
to join U3.-L1 and I wanted to keep my job at Mine A1. E-dmundson of U312?
gave a talk at the end of the meeting. I do not know what was said at
the meeting as 1 could not understand what was said. I joined U1-I." after
the meeting, at the Elks Club. I did not go to the UB5.-J building at the end
of the meeting.
"3onditions at E-Line EH are the same under UH» as they were"
under P.li.A.
I have had this statement consisting of three pages read to me
and it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
"llitnesse d :-
_2'efused to sign this statement because he finds
it difficult to understand English and he could not understand why the in-
vestigation was being conducted. stated that the statement was
correct; that no one at dine "A" or else.-mere told him not to sign a state-
ment.!
/S/ Special agent FPI
Special Agent, F.B.I."
92.K .1". .. . .. w -.
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~ gm mmr 1. Iuwyg, ET A1,
1
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.INTERVIEW WITH
inois , was 1'7
1943 by Special Agents
erks as a digger at Mine wascame to the U. S. in Qand became 8 U. 5.
pringiield, Illinois. He does no speak or understand English
and would make an unsatisfactory witness. He advised he has never been
arrested.
furnished the following signed statement:
,_-_' !_ "Springfield, Ill.
;¢
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F . .C._.._J. '1' ! '92f92J"}ouyu. LI, I74!
"I, Spri ield 11. make
the following voluntary sta t to an
-whom I know to be Special A-','..l'1I-S of eau of Investigation. I
make it without fear of threat, force or promise of any kind.
"I am emeloyed as a dig";-.:1" at Mine "n". I was born in-carne to the U.S. in- and became a U.S. citizen in I became a member of 115:? in I started to work in =5",
Springfield, in about- In 1932 I joined the Progressive Union bzcause
W-.1 did not want une reduction in wa»_,e scale which IJMW wanted to give us.
No one forced or threatened me in am: way. p
"In early fall of 1941 I read in tho paper that on sold Nine "A"to Elshoff. At a PICA. meeting right at that timmtold us that
RY.-11 had said Elshoff said ii we wont UIEI, Elshoff woul open Mine "A"
and if we did not the coal could be hauled from Mine "A" thru lline "B". No
one from or the Conlpamy told us we would have to join IIIIHI and no one
forced or threatened me in angz W11] to join UMIJ, I felt if I wanted to work
at Mine "n" I would have to join U1-.'W. It made no difference to me if I was
115.1. or UMJJ, just so I could keep my job.
E
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mm J01-Iii L, L515, 1::-r 1.1.
» ERVIEI IITH "Lt the PEA meeting a committee had been appeintcd to
- of "1 " w see Elsh f an th¢5 committee as the one which
cantinued! reparted at the EEm.meetinb which was held abaut a
week later.
;tC3Qnt of tww pa es has been reed ta nc and it is true and
cerr st >f my knuuled Ci
/s/ _
litnesscd: -
Spceial »,cnt, F.B.I.
4- CITE FIBIII
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RE: JOHN L. LEZIS, ET AL-
NTERVIEJ LITE Spring-i e on
d as a can speak
The following signed statement was obtained .f'romember 18, 1943,
was born in
and uderst lish fairly well, but has a poor memory and therefore
would not make a satisfactory witness. He advised he had never been arrested
Springfield, Ill-
Sept. 18, 1943.
"I, S ri field Ill.
make the following vo un ary s a omen to
whom I know to be Special agents of the Fe era ureau o nve a 1030
make it without fear of threat, force or promise of any kind.
"1 was hem ='m I ~== ==mP1°w@=*
at nine "n" as an entryman. first started working in coal mines when1 started at the 1:-line "4", Springfield, 111- I then joined the United
Nine lcrkers of America Union. In 1932 I joined the Progressive Union be-
cause the majority of my local did-
. "I did not, and I do not, care what Union I belong to. Ono is
just the same as the other to me, just so I have food for my children-
I read about Ryan selling Mine "A" to Elshoff in about Bept.,
1941. I didn't think very much about it; I went to two meetings at FHA
hdqtrs, one at Badman Hall and one at the Elks Club-
"The men at Mine "A9 didn't seem to talk much except they all
wanted to work. at this first meeting they all wanted to know whether Kine
"A" would open. So they appointed a Cemittee to see Elshoff to see if he
was going to open Kine "LP. I did not hear any one say that Nine AF would
not open if we did not join UM?-
"At the second meeting at Pm hdqtrs, -talked, but 1 cannot
remember what he said or what else was said.
"At the meeting in Redan Hall the men talked about going back
to work, but I cannot remember much about that. I heard see talk about
the company pulling coal from Mine "A" thru Mine "B". I do not remember
' l d f ' 1 d UH* he we Id anyone saying that Elshoff or anyone e so sai 1 we 30 ne n u
open the Kine "A". Everyone was talkin and it was so confused I cannotremember what happene I heard there was
to be a meeting at the , , ep r 14, 1941, at 2:00
o'clock, so I went. he voted than to join NW and than Edmnndson talked,
- s4'r- '
{ ~ 'An | .
. _ "_., -:1:
._ ._ I T- _¢' '. __'_"_' - __ __ ._ _'~ -2. ._ ' ,;."- , " -_ - ,1; __- £ ~.- »._=_-.. .' -~ -_. ._1}'_":.,o-L---4-A-- -- .--92..-..._,. .. A
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L . RE; JOH L. Lzaxs. ETAL.
.
I-i
_%gi _1TERVIE"2' I cont inue <1! é 1b f In voted. I cannotor he may hivf-1-:?=-152311631 zlrgafor mm; ind than ant
remebfq A. v'¢-v- --9"M wj
- d ntrol"Itdidn't make any difference to me wh1ch92ln ha 0° '
and 1 513111 d:1=."b care», .
a it is true"This statement of two Pages has been read to me an
" and correct to the best of my knvw1Bd6B-
.-=~+ V /=/ i .-,3-r##-
"'__¢=- Tiitnesses:
s ecial agent. FB1- '"
gpgcf _;1 agent, F.B.I.
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RE: Jam: L. LEWIS, er AL.
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-- He speaks end undcrstunc. Ehgliah we
17111.0 -4- ' w- " t ' - ' ;
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'1
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1 .92-... _.
54-§5 -:.I' -,1,1" 3. 92.:A-T- H.
1
Q$1- . . I-x? 1-r...~, ,1E-Tii-".' ='§.L -._
;+i~_j-~'Ie - TIT"..5f-:~- ' '
» +1.1 > IN H IE? YITH
viewed ut I r nee
by
nd on September 1
' _- " r.a. n 4-no-92 _ I IJ5 Mg u uu .e-92 . "-Moved 92.- 1m p F:-. wag born
td-923 uo cry witness. Ho advised he hr s never been arrested.
gave the following signed statement to ugexltsl
"Springfield, Ill.
Scot. 11, 1943.
V unto:-3, sto z
I know to be Spociul gents Bureau
i1'92.TI¬.-St-lg~-$1011! I make it without four of throat, force or promise
of any kind. 7
nun 1.-.t Him: J-Lno I was born in
I first wont to work in cool mines
. I storted to work t the Hine "1."
in about In 1932 I joined the Progressive Union because the rest
of the changed to PLL1. und I wanted to keep my job. I would
have preferred to stay with UHF, but no one forced no in uny way to
join H-.-L"... I -:r..s not-er r-tisfied with 3!.-1 one I elweye prciorred IJHU.
"In about $opt. oi 194]. I reed that RYAN old Iiino "1." to
EISHOPF. I innediotely felt the-t we would have to join {Mi if we wanted
to wt-rk at Mine "4." because ELSE-I~JFF was operating Mine "B" and that was
EH-I. Ho one 1':-an El-M or the oonparzy ever told no I would have to join
UIII nor did they tell me that Mine "11." would not open except under
THY.
But the men who worked at }-line "1." talked err. they eoid
ELSHOFF would not open "A" unless the non went TIM. I else heard ti-11!
that if AL did I].-at go U151, they would not open "L." and would pull
coal frm "4." thru Mine "B".
"I new-er hove held on office in any union and I was not
interested in union activities. uf'l2OI I reed that EISHOFF bought Iiine
".1." und until the Mine "1." opened in about Sept. of 1941, I only ut-
tended one meeting of my kind - und that was at the Elk: Club.
Some of the men told me ubout this meeting and they told no ii we -vrould
; A- 1-. '.-:¢..."~" > -§_ .=J -'~Q {. .
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REI L0 I.|E'r-rs! ¬ LL'
m":e1=m.=:: re e go er: the Iiine *4. would be =Qpcm.ee.
Lmtinuezi! I ht this meeting I do not remember any
one talking, except the nun saying that
B-ne would net open imleas the non joined L!-!1J= There was #1 vote I--nd
the men wtwi to go ULHJ. EDLQUHDSOII talked after the vote 1-nd welocr-ed
the men. I then signed up with U1~1!{I, and than went hcne.
"I prefer working out at "A" new under UM! than I did under
H112 I prefer IM.'I ever PM».-
This statement cf two pages has been mad to mo and it is
true and correct tc the best of my k:'1JWlOdgc¢
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DEPUY, GEORGE , , -
FLAHINI, comcsrro
GYER, mnvm snvssrm
HANKLEY, WALTER our
KOZAK, JOHN KANTY
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92-7' 92. '- ».u--.
jI;5;.f'f~ W - 551 -lien who were P153 miners at iiine *5 in Apr-5.1 1'9'i=1, out Inc ai
now deceased:
ILAKER, BERT -ESEPH JR
mom, many z-may
uonwon, JOHN WILLIAM
PALUHBO, JOE
RITZ, RUDOLPH
swmws, WILLIAM
mmnrrus, TONY
The following men, who were PMA miners at lline "A" in April 1941
1.. ..__ _______.~_.-__92 __ 92..__. :-.-1-.-...--.-i.-.-U.-I -I»- .--<~»1-. -,9 4-'hQ92r urge-Q Q15 Q vnwnnhl lDBVB PIl:7V.l..U92.-l.hLy Uwuu J.1.|.92.-cl 92|.u;:Wuu' .LJ..Ln|:uuu|92-.u.a an ul-|,uJ -any _.;.-.- --~ -......v-.- --
- I IIlhne B in Hay 1937: .
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were P1-LA miners at Mine "A" in April .1921, are presently located in the noin
ity of Springfield, Illinois:
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R13: JOHN L. Lens, E1 AL
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._' é,_.,WIiRE: JOHN L. LEWIS, BI AL
52-_ . ~ ,. 51} .5--;-'-_;. I . Y... : -..;
The following persona who were FHA miners at Kine A in April
1941, advised upon interview that they had nover returned to work at line "A"
after April 1941, and consequently had no information concerning the switch
in union affiliations by the mine employees:
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L. LEWIS, EH AL. Iv Jg
Q
INOIS STATE REGISTER ANDPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS REVIEW OF ILL' 5SPAPERS OF SMILLINOIS STA;E JOURNnL HE
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stu-
Date of
Nam agg_~ ¢-a -I 1 -A . ..-..'¢-.1__s..r 92 'I92
LEJIS, ET AL
REVIEW OF ILLINOIS STATE REGISTER AND
ILLINOIS STATE JOURNAL NEWSPAPERS CF SPRINGFIELD, ILLIN0l¬
A review of the Illinois Btate Register over the pertinent periodwith which this investi tion is corzcerned was '1.T.6 by Special Agents =end B Pertinent information obtained fx-an
.15 review 15 set out as follows:
.Looation of Article
_z-L or §n_§s92'=$E1gs1;.r_,_l lei _ .I11'_F!1 r1'°1°*l_____ Y
1932
7-2
7-7
7-ll
7-12
7-13
7-14.
7-15
7-17
7-18
7-20
7-25
* p-ep.1, c, T
Headlines
PI 1, Cu 1
p.l, c.l
pr 1. Ce 2 &¢ 3
p. 1, c. 1
p. 3, c. 4
Headlines
p. 1, c. 5
p. 1, c. 7 & 8
Headlines
page; c. -- colmn!
'92. .- .1 -v-:- t-_vp"-"~,92~'§,.>"v v-_92_;-;_--.-fa * -~" '~ " _No hmnediate accord on mine scale likely
between Illinois coal miners and operators.
hgree to report on mine scale. Agreement
reported reached; scale expected to be con-
siderably higher than previous offer of *4.
Miners vote Saturday on Ige scale; senti-
ment appears divided. "
Protest $5.00 mine scale referendum. Bouth-
ern Illinois miners protesting.
Stgte union officials reject demand that wage
ainet.scale vote be set aside; epeeche
the wage agreement.
Mine chief asks vote for scale. JOHN H.
WALKER urges member to vote "yes".
300 locals to participate in mine Wage vote.
Local miners reject scale. Opposition lead-
ing in whee state; in some districts as much
as 4 to l against.
Tellers here for count of Miners vote. De-
feat of scale ecmitted.
Miners final vote shows 25,792 egsinst wage
pact to 12,124; 40,00 union miners.
Renew efforts for mine pact. LEWIS made
manber of committee.
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_'I .". 21'.- =..- -:1Q ,3$:_.. _92.1..= ' "RE: JUHH L. LEXIS, ET LL
Date of
wanes F- .. ~. ...-..--....'-1 .=.. ~. ...,-__4..._...~ ./1.4 .1. -
, < ~
.. <9
Location of Article
__i;,,.,1Fe921§peger _____W__, i .____jgj1;f9nati¢.=i__ 7 _,__ 1.
1932
5-24
7-25
7-26
B-1
8-2
8-3
B-4
B-7
B-B
8-9Pol, CS
Headlines
pal, c. 5 s 6
P02, Col
P' 1| 3'
p. 1, c.
P Ilse
Headlines
p. 1, c. 1
Po 1; Cu 1Hining agreement nearer as State and Intere
national officers work in harmony.
Operators offer new proposal. lumber of ob-
jectionable feetures eliminated. LEWIS sees
hope for a ssttlemet.
Vote next week on new mine pact. No change
made in wage scale of $5.00. Hinors say
é5.00 is 7slow starvation.
Locel miners to meet here on wage pact. JUHN
H. WALKER stoned from platform at Johnston
City on previous Saturday.
LEWIS urges approval of wage scale, saying
no better agreement can be obtained. 300 dep
uties needed to curb radicals at meeting.
Claim outlook for mine pact much brighter,
WALKER and LEAIS cmnpeigning. WALKER at
Tsylorville, Illinois B~3-32 -- "save the
miners union of Illinois from destruction
by voting for the proposed scale .
WALKER mails final plea to 40,000 minereu
Protest meeting at Benld. -
Miners again reject wage scale. 116 out of
240 locals show the count to be 17,268 a-
geinst and 13,429 for Lewis local rejects.
Union heds claim scale is approved. A. T.
PACE, International huditor, gives 223 majori
in favor of the $5.00 wage. DAN l!cGILL 100111
921 of Bpringfield said, The propositionwon't carry by correct vote". Tebulated vote
14,705 for, 19,510 against. ...
Mine vote tabulation is started. Three
"watchers" allowed.tr
.:-e
s
xgt RE: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET LL, _.
:l'_' .7-."'.
can
' '1",-". 5' J .., 92 ~ ' 4:; .-''0
1.} :¥ 92;1
J
:=i-T1 Date of Location oi hrticle I '
'3 Qiewepejer ___;____i;1__Eews per p _ Wtgji i ii _ In1or'gLati_on_ 4 _ Vi , _J_ 1- " 0 7+ Pa
1932
'1 §:1O Headlines
F :-.~45
J -
15$.
.7 - -J
3 8-11
-- QHendl ines
8--12 Heedl ines
R
-* s-13
:7,"p. 1, c. 1
52- s-14 p.l,c.5d:6
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8-15 5
="-_ 7,»..- p. 1, c.
3;-» ._:14. -'5 S3?
:¢.* --71*mu.'--v .1
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_ "§:;,*_1sides; B-18 . 1 c. 2 & 3f . . I. 11:-,-.5". 1 3-
Fifi.-<'ie"."¢@-I~-;*i~T»
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" - 1 - Q -.-.-.- ¢_ "~..~,~_-r.~_--.-_.- _-. ... i__ ...Wage Bcale Bigned B-l0-32. line tally sheets »
disappear. Tellers say they were robbed while
miners cry "hoax"; more than 200 election re-
sult slips end tabulations disappeared. Tell-
ers BLACKMAH and GEE claimed that they were
robbed in an alley beck of the Ridgely-Farmers
State 3e.nk where records were placed for safe-
keeping. DAN llcGILL, a watcher, claims tellers
handed package to an auto on Birth Street, At
the time of the theft the "N0" votes were lead-
ing by e. big majority.
Many lines Prepare to Reopen. Wage scale
signed as an anergency measure"| 1,275 ready
to work in Springfield.
LE IS acts to squelch disorder; threatens
miners who won't work; loss of rights as union
members.
I-liners here idle; defy LEWIS order. Protest
meeting at Reservoir Park; not enough miners
appeared; picket in evidence. '
Epringfield miners vote sub-district on "strike"
at mass meeting in park. -kllegaticn that a
high union official drove the car that the tel 1-.-
ers sheets were given to. Big protest meeting
at Benld.
Guard roads to halt invasion of mine area.
1200 special deputies sworn in to prevent
"march on Taylorville . 22 mines working at
new wage scale.. -
liners to prepare plans for future at mass
meeting. Meeting at Reservoir Park. Estimate
27,000 miners hack at work.
Etriking; miners convene at Tovey; troops held
in readiness for hurry cell. 6 airplanes in
readiness. About 400 cars of miners unarmed.
JOHN L. LEIIS revoked charters of local! 790
and 4069 at Z-eigler.
-555-
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Date of Location of Article Ml-'7
§9~rapaper __,_f_in,1£s3-'=a<gper_, W ' _si_lg-Yoreetisg . so 1 0..
1952
E-i§
B-20
8-22
B-24
B-25
8-26
B-28
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Sub-headline
Hedlines, c
p. 1, c. 5 &
Headlines
P01-_|cI7&3
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6
BStriking miners nap plans to close pits in
Southern Illinois. liners closed all ndnes
in Tayloryille. Dan lcill of 3pringfie1d
one oi the leaders. No bloodshed. About
15,000 picketors.
Walker says Strikers in dual move". Walker
scores movement and leaders. .
Ono dead, several hurt in Illinois mine clash;
all quiet in this area. liners dispersed Iith
machine gun fire. Taylorville mines at a
stand still.
Miners march on Bouthern Illinois, 2500 -
3000 from Springfield. stopped by sheriff
at Bwanwick, Illinois. Carl H. Elshoff of
Nine B Coal Co. is one of Q signers to stato-
ment that miners would be better off if they
would return to work under the new scale. The
signers were local coal operators all idle.
Miners leave scene of attack. liners repulsed
by Franklin County sheriff; 12 seriously in-
jured, about 20 brused. liners denounce ao-
tion of deputies. liners returning to their
homes.
32 mine strike leaders indicted at Taylorville
on charges of rioting. DAN IbGILL of Spring-
field one of thee indicted. liners planning
new invasion of mining fields.
liners may out to curb LEWIS; say he violated
pennanent injunction to prevent his interfer-
ence with Illinois affairs. 2-13-31 injunc-
tion restraining LEWIS from interference Iith
District 12 officials in the performance of
their duties.
Springfield miners moot Tuesday to pick dele-
gates to statewise conference. Figures show
new not Inge to be $1.67 under $5.00 Inge.
- 657 -
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RE: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL
Dnte of Location of Article '
FW5s?e2rli_e;_e_ in ewswrsr is s e f 5*" "
1932q-.p
s-so
9-1
9-2
9--3
9-4p.1,c'|'&8
Boodl ine
p.1,c.2|!:.'5
p.1,c28:3
p.1,c.2&:3Local striking miners name delegates to state
conference on situation.
liners condemn union lenders; meet at Gilles-
pie; ouster of state officials sought. Three
delegates by each of E170 stats locals.
New miners union to ask operctors to sign for
work at old scale. New union formed at Gilles~
pie Friday. 9e2=52, Progressive Hinors of Amer-
ice -- CLAUDE PEARCE, President: T. J. JONES,
Vice-President; WILLIAM KECK, Secretsry-Tress-
UTGTQ
Officials oi U153 indicted on counts 01":
1. refusal to adhere to majority decision of
membership.
2. refusal to carry out the mandates of the
district convention.
3. Discrimination v. foreign born members of
our union.
4. The outright robbery of referendum vote en
wage scale.
5. Use of gangsters, police, sheriffs, state
highway patrolman, end all agencies of
force and oppression in murdering mind ter-
rorizing loynl members oi UHF of A.
New union to meet in October; LEWIS threaten
members with expulsion. New union wants cons
tract on old $6.10 wage scale. Election of
!
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Esta cf
Eewspeaet
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9-11
9-13
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9-19
9-20
9-21
9-26
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Leeetirn of article
_ in _F§£?!'§P@l92P§3?'_.___,_ 1_ -.,___ Ir1ie5r===31i9e_ __ if
p. 1, c. 6
p. 1, c. 6
p. 1, 0. 1
P01. ED 7
P. 1, c. 2
p. 1, e. 2
p. 3, e. l
Headlines
p. 1, c. 7noGO
t BSpringfield mine owners beck UMHA; 6 companies
21mines, 10,000 workers, U. E. RYAW, entrel
Illinois Coal Cc., CLRL E. ELSHDFF, Hine "B"
Coal 00., two of the signers, will give no
eonsidernti~n"to FEM. 14 nines sign up with Pk
Expect all for UHW vrting soon. Regular slee-
tien of Listrict 12. Purpose of new union to
get away from JEN L. LEWIS and WALKER.
Charters of five locals are reveked; steps
taken to reopen Springfield mines. us. 2405
Mine "B" oel Co. Officers: CHARLES BOHAHHON,
President, ELNR POWELL, Vice-President: JUH
J. KEELY, Recording ecretery; QNTUN 5. FLGTCH,
Treasurer. of these were among the 12 dis-
missed!. .
Progressive miners elenning fight against LE1S
eetien in revoking local charters. Note! _
mrexv J. moron resigned his new office ebovej
even before he accepted it.
State trccps restore quiet in Teylerville,
Teylcrville bombing.
500 picketers force Lincoln mine to close.
JOHM L. LEWTE revokes five mere eherters.
Lincoln mine to hoist coal at lower wage. FHA
picketers lave.
SMITH denies riot killing. 3tete seeks eye
witnesses; launch probe as 28 men are held in
prison. DAN HcGILL shrt in 16f$ leg. 9 casu-
alties in ell; one policeman killed. leGILL
blames LEWIS men for start of riot. PER were
picketing meeting of UH.
Progressives begin work on new mine Inge scale;
delegations appear split. 95 locals roprouene»
ing 29,962.
- 659 -
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RE: JOHN 1. Lens, er AL
Date of
HcWspnQg[_Location of Article
in N@?}YT_5P§1i*_<?_I1____ _,r__ 7 ,_Igf@r=1I492?i_¢§.!i ii; .
1932
10-5
10-B
10-9
10-10
10-11
10-12
10-13
10-17
an nuLU-6%
11-ll
11-14Headlines
p. 1, O. 1
p. 1, c. 3
p. 1, 0. 1
po1'cc].
pa ca 4'
p. 1, 0. 3
p. 1, 0. 4
p. 3, c. 5
Pa lg Cg 3
P01 C08l..£WUDelay Mine Union Recognition. Scales are
the same as UHF-
Ph near end of its convention. Basic Inga
scale 85.00 and 80.68 per ton fer hand loaders.
Constituticn completed-
Operntcrs to meet FHA today. Wnrk looms for
miners in vicinity. '7. M. RYAN of Citizens
Mine A employing 320 men, to meet. Ne def-
inite steps taken by Mine B Coal cc.
l,OO0 miners back to werk in pits here. 3
Panther Crook nines at work under an agreement
with PEA. Negotiations between CARL H. ELBHOFF
cf Mine "B", and N.H. RYLN of Central Illincis
Coal Ce. Nina "A" broken off-
Third firm hnro signs with PMA. Nine "B" still
negotiating with union fer operation. line AI
YTLLIAE H. RYAW signed lest night.
Springfield coal prices are reduced as result
f mine Inge scale-
Hine "B" signs contract with Progressives.
All independent operators in springfield are
nnw at work with the new union. 2,000 miners
employed in all. $5.00 scale. To start Friday.
Find nut: riddled by .38 caliber bullets; car
believed ts be that of PAT ANSBDURY, FHA lender.
ear riot starts ce PEA men attempt to present
case to Franklin county'miners. !I&NDSON and
UMS break it up with fist fight.
First mine peg day to be Saturday; first since
April -- includes Mine B .
PEA socks writ to permit unien eeting gt Tay-
lrrvillc. Sheriff had made UM nan special
éeputies to stop the meeting»
- 560 -
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.1";' §%{E: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL
Deto of Location of Article JV _.. - _ -1"; ;...'-..-;I .;3..¢ yr.--<.-' . -'
C 42!
§9*'5;~923e~:-_i iseisssper _j7 Isfsmaiisnii r~__ so s
1952
11-18
12-15
12-17
1957
4-6
4-7
4-19
4~2B
5-2
5-3
5-12-3?pl 1' C18
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Headlines
p. 1, c. 4
pQ1, O06
p. 3, c. 1
Pu 1; ca 3HcGILL sm<ng men seized by officers for picket-
ing Corn mine.
P ARCY, KECK unopposed in PEA voting. Pro-
gressive iner - GERRY LILLRD, editor. Local
executives: LESTER DOUGLAS, DIN EcGILL and
i. J. ROBERTS.
Vandals Blast C & I E bridge span in zone
petrolleé during nine strife.
FHA on Strike at Mine "B". Seek wages on per
with United men. $5.50 was $6.50 e nay under
new contract of Unv 36.00. ELSHOFF displayed
an asreement signed last week by FHA officials
for £5.50 and ordered the men to the pits, poni-
ing the signing of a new contract.
PMA miners beck to work at "B" shaft after one
day strike on jroise that new csntaot with coal
operators shell be retroactive to April 1.
Mine owners meet HEW for new poet. UHW'de1ivers
bitter attack on Progressives at meeting.
Reach accord on mine wage for Illinois; tena-
tivoly $6.00 and time and one-half for over-
time
Miners get $5,000,000 wage boost. Gain $.50
daily on wage scale. NOTE: Both PEA and URN
get this scale. RAY EDMUNDSON heads U. JOE
ozmuc hB£1<SP'nI-L. 01¢ agreement of $5.50 ex-
pired March 31.
Progressives to ballot on joining h. F. of L.
OZANIC predicted n vote would be highly in
favor of joining. FHA claims 160 locals with
c membership of 35,000.
Nothing about strike at Mine "B".
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RE: JOHN L. LEWIS, EH AL__J
Qatc of Location of Article
§?1"F*_P§P§{ .___._--i_1-_."&es=;r=2=1;-:_____a____,.a_ _ lnfsrosiisgo , o -..
E21
5-28
5-29
. 6-4
6-17
7-10
7-15
?-17
7-19
7~22
7-31p. 1, c. 7 k 8
p. 1, c. 6 & 7
Headlines
p. 2, e. 1
p. 1 Headlines
Pu 2 C01
P01 Cs 8
p. 1, c. 3
pI1'c.4
D51 Cs 7, I
Progressive minors grantedFederatinn of Labor
charter, District 12, HEW cf A to be ousted.
Progressives given A. F. of L. charter; will
start drive against LENIS in Illinois. PEA
epects to becuae sole bargaining agent for all
Illinois miners.
United Hiners quit Federation. EDEUNDSON with-
draws by letter.
OZANIC denies statements of United Hiners; de-
claros Progressives sole bargaining agency in
Illinois. The Associated Press of 6-16 reported
a mine agreement signed by committees of the
Coal Operators Association and District 12 of
UEH of A. 2 year contract.
UHW of A Board to Expell GREEN, for granting
a charter to ?MW.
FHA local is opposed to HEW of A meet. States
in last five years more than 20 members of Fit»
have either been shot or their homes boobed
and RAY EDEUNDSOH's aim is to destroy PMA. ~
Bet date for PEA protest. Rational Bituminous
Coal Commission to hear petition of 7-22 of
FHA that it rather than UHF represents the
majority of workers in Illinois coal fields.
PMA airs future of Local #1 who wanted to meet
with UMW.
Rival mining unions before Federal beard for the
right to represent miners of Illinois. PML
claims 27,000 members. -
Progressives get orders to step working. FHA
and operators disagree on contract, adjourn
conference. Two major mines closed in 8prin5~ ~
field; the rest, probably including; Mine "B".
oroviously closed for repairs and cecal some:
» -0 - 662 -
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RE: mm 1.. Lens, 121* AL
Date of Locati"n of Article
§"~'SPe1:>9£ in Nswszegsy __ _ r aaaa_.121§s=-'=*f'=i<?=1a . a_
1957
8-l p. 3, c.
8-5 p. 5, c. 1
8'7 Po 2' cl
5-8 HOnli0S
8'9 pt 1 C-
8'9 P0 1| cl
Pu 1; C. 3
,-:~' --H ;'> '" 4 -.' W"? cont'd! layoff. Beale conference between
FHA and Coal Producers Associatien of Illinois
adjourned. In conference since Feb. to replace
contract expiring 5-Bl-37. Arguent ever a
7% huur day which UH had agreed to, also an
extra 7 hour shift.
Mine owners will operate individually; FUR
nuthorizes tentative working agreements.
55 csnpanies in tentative FHA pests. Central
Illinois Coal Co. 542 men. OZANIC says prac-
tically all mines to operate by end of week.
Joint miners pnrley called by EDHDNDSON, UHW-
92
Progressive Miner Slain In Auto. Ehct as autos
meet on Route 66. CARL ELSHDFF, operator of
Mine "B" Ccul Ce. said that he recalls STUFFLE-
BEAM the killed men! as an employee of his mine
which has been closed down for several weeks.
SCHJIDER in car with victim; two guns also
found in victim's car,
Hiner blames unirn trouble for $400 fire; garage
at heme of A. J. PLOTCH burned. Blames mine
trouble. PLOTCH was one of a group of 13 men
recently expelled from the FHA on charges gre-
judicial to the activities of the union. bile
the nature of the charges was never made ef-
ficial it is understood that miners charged
PLOTCH with endeevoriné to influence Progress-
ives employed at line B" tc switch over to UHW.
Blame uni:n enmity for man's death. Belief is
that GLENN STUFFLEBE£M's killers were out te_
get SCHNEIDER. Severel shots fired into ED-
HUNDSON's heme, 1146 "est Lawrence Ave., 6-6-36.
BCHNEILER and IDODY to face arms charges. Guns
in those core were sent to Northwestern cfimu 5
Laboratory to check against slugs fired it° I
EnmnunsoH's home. SOHNEIDER,.org:nisor fvr Phat
LDODY, Bpocinl investigator for UHF. He was ac-
cused of the above sheeting.
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:-'}RE: JQHH L. LEXIS, ET AL e_, _ - -l __- __. -. 'a-....' ... .
!
Late of Lncnticn of Article
:. Huwsiaeur in Newsnqyer Infcrnnticn _ <4 l _ 41:; 7 __ _, __ - - ;_;_ :, :__ _
1937
5-ll Headlines
8-12
8-14
B-19
8-21
B-22
B-28
9-6
1 1p¢3,C¢5&6
Po 2; C01
Pa1;Cq2
p. 1, c. 3
P01. Cu 2
F01] CQ4
HeadlinesUnited 1-liners Claim nuns B . nmulmsowa
claim false, OZANIC says. Rival unions debate
Status of ELSHFF mine which has been closed
down fer several weeks. ELHNDSON claims minors
met lest week and petitioned UMW for n charter.
L demand made upon the coal cnnpeng for u con-
tract. oz./sric says 11 deliberate lie. 98% of
men FHA; 357 men signed u petition designating
IIM- '
Rival nine lenders lay claims to majority of
members in Nine "B" 1oca1- 450 men at Hine-
FMA claimed petiticn with 413 names; Lecel-#54
UM? claimed petition with 357 names.
Intimidstien is charged by FHA miners. Deane
slnyers of_GLENN STUFFLEBELM be brought to
justice-
Hine B Heed signs with the UMW. cntract signed
in Chicagc B-18. £11 unployeea_wnrking for the
cqmpnny on the last day of eperatien will be '
pcnmitted-to return to work on the next regular
day cf ogerntian without disciminnti¢n er pon-
nlty. UHF local T7469.
2JIc'3ILL sues EDMUIIDSOH rm» $50,000 charging
sldnicreus statements. Article published 7-
25-37 in Tho coal Digger", chizzling Ph
Beard Kcnber expesed-
Crrunty r;-f.['iOi0.15 may ask Gcvornor I-DRNER step
roepcning cf Mine "B" action to prevent b1mod-
shed.
Yr?gf0S5iVB mirers and operators sign contract
for b6.00 basic daily pay, with Illinois 3on1
Producers Associatinn, retroactive to April 1,
1937-
OZANIC reps LEH1S and C10 in Lebcr'Dny Speech. '
B64
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?¬?35.";"-'»§¢'_::9292_':-,'._ _92 "3 _-3.. -,- , __.- ..'- _ E_Q-I. K ' t.,RR! JOHN L. LEJIS, El AL
Date of Location of Article
Ncwsjepor in Newsgeger 1_UW_,_ ,,:i h¢¥@@m Hi so,
1937
9'7 PI 2, 0| S
9-10 pa 5' Co 6
9-12 p. 2, c. 5 & 4
9-16 p. 1, e. 7
9-17 p. e, c. 1
9-20 p. 2, c. 2 & 3
9-21 p. 2, c. 4
9-24 p. 4, c. 1
9-25 p. l Headlines
PI 2' C0 4
I _i. - sss -EPMUHDSLN says Mine reunion is on the way.
J. L. LEJIS visits in city.
Progressive Hiners charged with bombings will
enter not guilty pleas on lbnday. 39 men
charged with bombing of railroad between 1932
and 1935 during mine union warfare.
PMA votes 4 to l for contract; extends to
3"3]~"39l
line "A" will reopen with 325 workers. Central
Illinois Eining Co. A opens after four months
idleness. 'J. R. RYEN owner. FHA will work mine
EILIUNDSON secs lIC1RbTER to tell UHW stand on open-
ing oi ELSHCFF mine. EDLIUIDSON claims to repro-
sent the majority.
Progressives-HBRHER telk mine dispute; discuss
jurisdiction at Mine B . PEA state they are
willing to_go before NLRB for e vote on.mnjority
ELSHDFF says Mine B will reopen soon; unable
to give date of opening or whet union will be
employed.
U. 5. to settle Nine "B" Conflict. Trouble
flares at closed nine. Two UMN miners arrested,
JKBEPH ALBLHESE and -CMENIC IASQUALE. OBCLR
FALCETTI, mine superintendent said that he wus-
n't going tc do anything about it because he
didn't want to get mixed up inze fight. Both
of the nbcve men had a .38 automatic. CHARLES
BOHANNCH held for investigation in connection
with the shooting of ANDREW SUSINSKAS and his
wife Tuesday evidently 9-21-37!. Actual shoot-
er Ins ANDREH SKRLEVICUS.
United Miners post bonds of $5,000, freed.
Charged with carrying concealed weapons.I
C
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RE: JOHN
.~_ 4" Date of
Y ..,_ *;_*" _ :_ , i ;k_? ,1 ¢ b t _ . 1
1
L. LE-T18, ET 111.
Lecet ion of Article
Ncws¢nwe{___ _U__in NewsptnppInlernetion
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Headlines, f. 1
p. 2 , c. 1
;o1,cl5&6
p, 1, O. 2,3 6:4NLRB announces hearing between PEA and Ul
for October 6, 195%
UMW starts cleanup of line B . Quiet rules
as 300 PEA members watch 13 men of UB1? start
cleaning up. The mine has a contract with U1-1'.
and C111- L ELSE-1"FF, President of line "B" Goal
Ce. said today more men will be employed es the
work of cleaning up the mine progresses. Fro-
grcssive miners who reported for work were told
there was no work today, h cGILL said. The men
loft the mine at once. Mine closed 5-12. Beth
unions claim majority. HLRB hearing Oct. 6.
E-OD i-1-LIL pielgeters prevent U1-.11 from going into
Mine "B"; one arrested. 12 members of UNIT try,-
in;-_ to cl can up nine}
24 hsur pickoting started at Mine "B" to halt
at reopening. PEA stated we'll stay here until
we get our jabs beck .
Ire5_~rossives rs-.11; to aid pickets at Nine B.
Local .1? donates .109.
A. F. of L. backs PEA against LEWIS.
Hess meeting scheduled at I-line "B" $unday to
acquaint public with facts-
ELSELFF testifies on mine business as hearing
opens on dispute over members. 22% sales nut-
...:.:,. ..¢- ..+-+.. r92.m.1:n'.1:!Q 1:. I'i?IJ§."N|'§ -is 4-Ls. -|--4.11
examiner. Dispute began when ELSI%IIFF signd a.
we":-king egrement on B-18-37 with U151. Picketocl
since 9-28 by PISA.
DAR 1~icGI1.L cross examined at NLRB hearing on
Mine B. Fetiti-en circulate on May 25 because
of passage nf the Wagner dict. CZAHIC testifies
that Firm membership at lriine was 465.
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RE: J1 IIN L. LEJIS, ET AL
Date of
F9Y§E PPLoeatir-n of llrticl e
[email protected]%1>.erW. _ i___I1éT@me#i22-- so 1 _ _
' 19:5":
10-27
10--28
ll-3
11-5
11-15
11-16
11-23
11-24P 10 cs
pa 2; cc
P0 3,134
".2,c.J.
p. 1 , c.
Herxrllines
Hendl ines
Pa G. Co
Pg 3. cc
- A .__-. .,5 8: 4 Mine employees terrorized by group of ?'rogrcas-
ive UL-£-7 witncasee char,-30. 51:15 ALBANESE and
FRANK AUSTIN the witnesses. 444 miners el-
lcged to pay dues to Hie: on LL-'~.y 12. Petition
with 412 signatures.
1 Mine ciis-_.92ute u;; to beard; hearing ends. ELS-
HIFF testified that he had no cent:-t.ct with
on $e;tember 20 when he signed contract with TE-'._-'1
Cent:-not with A-'.A alleged te expire on July 30.
H.SH.FF said that he signed contract with UMW
because E1MUNIl=SiH told him that n petitien shewe
300 miners ta". prefer UMFI. I'LSHlFF admitted that
he dii not sec the petition.
Freeze out charged by Dan 305-111. P-lcixns ELS-
ELFF turned eff heat at Mina B.Q
2 021.1110 advises pickets that evidence in NLRB
hering fr:.v*rae1e to FEW. -i*;;.1roxi.mate1y 3500
received from unien at Mine "I." for use at Min;
B .
bembing trial opens. Indictments charge cen-
sqwirncy.2,se=4
Bomb trial testimony starts. Lefendanta ac-
cuser} of Vi':181'LC8. check-eff system used by
I- LU to buy <.yne.mite. FITZGEELKLIE declared U13-T
hired thugs out of state. ZFILLIALE J. BNEEI,
former president of vistrict 12, replaced with
zzemtscn by Lens.
I-Zine B sues Pm for $100,000. Injunction
naked by Mine which had been reorganized and ir-
corpornted under Delaware law.
5 PEA picketers leave Nine "B" after 56 day vigil
HeGILL Btated the unjuncticn was not justifiebl
4 Unfair treatment charged by PMA. Btatanents is
sued by L. C. ATKIIISCN, mm. HACK, 1-iII..I.IL,N
BJ1.»CCK charge NLRB.
-66']...
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c o
Location cf Article
iiiin NeW?BeE§!1, idea, a_i_. __ }nI¢reetiQo_ _ 1 __. 1-
;; 1937- YT???
of 11-26
1+-a
ll-29
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ST;
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_,__.
_'¢-'.'-92
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N_'ggtée
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P0 1, O. 6
130 1' 6.6
Headlines
"U 1' cl 5
p. 1, c. 6,
P11 CI 2
Headlines
p. 1, c. 5Nine B will reopen next week. Progressives
invited by EUHUHDSLN to join UNW. _
Temporary hearing injunction continued for en-
other week.
Lelny cpening of Mine "B" until after hearing.
Injunctirn hearing set for 12-5-37. _
Mine "B" men to vote on unions. NLRB orders
mine referendum. McGILL said 429 out of 445
men signed petitions designating PNA as their
representative. EULUNDSCN stated, I have no
eminent to make at this time, but will prob-
ably have something to say later .
EUMUNLSCN and CZANIC both greict victory for
their unins. # statement by EUHUNBSCH is quote
which reflects that "we feel perfectly confi-
dent that we are able to cope with this situa-
tion and when Hine "B" opens it'wi11 be under
the jurisdiction of UHW". hlsa, "UHF has a
valid contract with the Mine "B" Coal Company
and expects that the company will liquidate its
fart of the contract. The district organizati.r
will utilize every legal influence it hes to see
that this is done.
OSCAR F$LCETTI says FHA men took ever nine.
States overt acts were committed by picketere
when clean-up crew went to work 9-2?-45.
Judge grants injunction restraining Progressivefrom picketing at Hine "B".
Vote "edneadey on Mine "B" union. ELSHKFF
signed with'UHN B-19. .
Mine D to be opened Honda . 12-13. Y
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C
Leeutien of hrtiele
in Newspeeer lnfermetinn W_
1937
12-13
12-14
12-15
12~1G
12-dd
1938
1-4r-
1."
HendlineB
P
"3_ <,,,_s,i V 1:;ii_ _,_,,_,' . ,_4_ _ i_l__iii __i,
. 1, c. 1 & 2 PHL sues mine cempnny fer $250,000 damages in
. 1, c. 2,3 & 4
1' 1,
p. 1,
P' 1:
pi 1' cl 8
Pc. 3 & 4
c. 5
Oql
I 4. I
0]. UOUlest wages, etc., and restraint ef U? frem
working mine until after electien B-14: 409
PNL men rpuurcd at Kine fer work but FLLCEETI
stated his eenyeny had e cnntruct with UHF and
thergfnrg it was necessary to see than-
"rit hnlts UMR at Nine "D". Cwner ordered to
use PEA in mine. Permanent injunction against
Phi still under advisment.
HcGILL shct twice is rep rted in bembing case.
Nine "D" werkers bullet tn unions. EDHUNDSQN
stated legal steps will be taken to set eside
meat recent restraining order issued in eeting
His union signed contract en 9-20 and again an
ll-22 with the cenpeny es e Delaware O0rprrat1n
FHA mum wins kilns "B" vets 404 to 25. EL-
MUNDSFN indicates unfair veting practices.
OZAHIC denies that distribution er printing of
leaflets was dens by PHA-
Judge disselves temperery restraining erdsr is=
sued at Faerie 12-14, prohibiting Nine "B" Coal
Gmnpeny fran operating the mines with.ether than
den emplryed es of'5-12. PEA to appear to Cirhe
cuit Court, the teperery injuneti-n wherein
PL-IA was not ;-ermitte to picket Mine "13".
UHF appears election result.
U. 5. certifies TEA tc Mine "B . 75 UHW men
were werking.nn this dete-
Inn 4- 92-. n m-|+-h-n -vi nun-"92'ln'ln+ P1112! 1 -| v-use -.9292nn A . _ _lllkl DU ':!92AlJlA :14 92-IiIh092I92Av-n-92,g.4 92I} w-an-1: Q-1----1 _-.;_--u8-21-57 charging company with unfair labor
Practices. Mine officials declare they will
close the nine indefinitely because it has beer
unprofitable to operate the mine for several
FQ
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late cf Location of ArticleN¢W§g9p@r_r :i;__ie_§g§§peper _ _ rif;:_* ;_ Ingermetigg W*l%;_n 2 o_ L
L92
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p. 1, e.
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w-92 1 0-lo .1. we4
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3
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*11-HA will file complaint against I-fine B con-
pony asking the company be cited for contempt
in refusing to operate with FHA masters-
I've PM-. maintenance men given .. n to
- _- Herork at Mine "B ,
ELSILFF rejects PEA plea for negotiations; says
he has no plans for opening Mine "3". l"2.:'=NIC
quoted ELSHQFF as fellows: "I do not catam-
;_~.1nte.openin;; Mine "3" and I heve no plans to
negotiate today. I may, however, call you the
first of the week . CZANIC charged cospireey
between Nine B and U33.
PEA filed formal petition eheriing coal canpery
with unfair labor practices on three counts.
This ection came simultaneously with an en-
neuncenent by SULLIVLN that the mine had closer
indefinitely and mules had been raneveci along
with portable equipment from the shaft. FHA
else appealed the injunction against than to
keep them from PiCkGti1'1ge
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R31 Mm L. LE- I8, ET AL
~nt0 0! LOcuti:n er Article
?*§'i ',§4?:3?E _ -_ 12 "==*-'B.:-£412 Ill _ _,. _§§f@nnti¢Q___ ell 7V"%'|
1958
8-1B
B-22
9-12
9-22
9-26
1939
l-E2
1-25
2-6Pa
Pu
Po
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L" '
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P'15, c. 5
15, c. 5
1,c.6
8, c. 1
2,304
5' C01
13, c. 8
3| 6.5 c2nt'd! by JLHH H. Fencnnn, Vice-President
of FHA; C. E. PEARCY, Secretary-Treasurer, PEA;
CLJKL ELSE FF; T. G. LE-IFIS, UM}? counsel; I. B.
JARFEEAH, NLRB s.tt1rnoy; LE.-X MJLZ C. BLJPRK,
i-virector of NLRB 13th iatrict; and JACK C.
EVLNS, NLRB attrrney. EnHUHZSiN states it
d-wee net end will not step the efforts of the
U26? in arganizing the erqloyeea at the mine
back int". the U1»"l'I." 1'-:.mm:,s92n in-"iicntcs he
will get signed uf£id:1vi.ts frem miners that
they bolnng tc UNI uni than will attmft tn
bargain callectivoly tr: get the mine reopened.
}ELmcnbers rf Local 54 ajprnve Mine '3 agree-
ment. Meeting hell at Rik headquarters.
l£.eGII.-L and ELSIIDFF held conference at the min-:
cffioee relative te c-1-ening; the nine. I
_./
£1.11. c"m'ronti"n in Gillespie, changes NLRB wasgartial to CK and X'&1Jj_-Ed it 1'?! its slmlness
in the Kine "B" case. /'
NLRB c-.1-preves stipulaticn eéreod to in Mine "'.3 ease. C-rders cfmpuny to igfer permanent jobs
tr: all these werking 5-12, 7 end tr hire nonew e::1_:1»r-yeoe until thiybaurce ms exhaustec.
ELSHCFF states, Defini 0 plans tn reopen the
nine have not been made, and whether or not it
is cpene-:1 depends up".-n tho 1-utcmo vi future
cenditiens.
Hearing, to make prmnnent the i.n_]unct1¢n ro-
streining Plitl from interfering with operatic-ns
at liine "I3" set for Wednesday, 1-25.
Nine "Li" case ]_1OB,_7"In6d. Uni. -n nttwrneya are
J"'§1N R. KLNE, JCHN F. WQLEN. _
'-ILLIALI GRCLIL-TC-II elected beard member 01' PHI»,
the office formerly held by 15eGILL.
_L.L .. 571 ..
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RE: JTHB L. LEJIB, ET LL
Late sf
E~?"==_1>s=~P2r___dLocati"n of Article
1959
2-
4-5
4-B
4-17
4-EU
5-10
5~11p. 1, c.
£10 1., Ce
'3,-0 2 co
Q. 2, Ce
pp 5. C.
f. 2, c.
Headlines3 & 4
6
1
4,5
1
4in Imgsgger __;_, :1 Infqggcin t _____ A
UHF seeks to extend its cnntrncts. These in-
structizms from JCHH L. LH'1T.S92
CZANIC seeks recognition cf PEA by egorntors
in yarley in New York. 5cys his organization
represents 54,000 miners in.hppe1cchinn regicn.
He says e;erntors refer to deal with UH be-
cause cf their cicesis which make wcrking
ccnditicns bed while the miners would rather
be rcjresented by INA.
OZANIC reps FRIES'1cbcr stand. Leclnres "Y:ur
attitude and refusal ts sup;ert these amendments
indicates tr me that yen, like the OIL and UH?
officials who are ccntrolled by JCHH L. LEWIS,
fear thnt the mine workers by virtue cf these
nmcndneni being adopted weuld be afforded an
henest, unrestricted opportunity to become free
to jnin the crgnnizcticn cf their choice.
efcrendum veto cf miners te determine union
effilinticn grcposed by state nine unins. TZU.
answered that they are willing tn abide by the
decisicns cf the miners.
1 _ _.n_ 91_ _i-ii .L_ _1SS'u6S BUTLKG CI-L.l.i U0 IP15 m1.I.u-sre
New York ne;otinti=ns brtse down. Date
set fer 5-é-39. Must give 15 days notice te
qm;leyer according to tentative agreement exteni
ing the old contract. _IHh net to strike, ¬ZANIC
83.3750 .__-I _ _.-!__A_.¢.
33 subjects in the bombing ccsc were sentenced.
Lnn McGILL was one of the who was sentenced
to Feerai fenitentiary at Kilnn, ichign,
for 2 years.
LEI!-FIB o.;:;1r0vos individual pacts; states nines
to egen= EQMUQS&H snid new contract wculd be
cffercd tc cperqtors which would be identical
tc the ens which cxfired Q-1-39 except for two
clauses which stipulated n union shop and a
reccgniticn cf the UHF as exclusive bargaining
cgcnts fcr the mine mpioyees.
672
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RE: JCHN L. Lens, sr AL
Date cf Leceticn of Article
Eewswwer-- F" 1_,_ , in _ l"-Pm?"-@_%%*e
1939
527 Headlines
Po 1 ca 8
6'5 PI 30' co 1
6"'6 P0 3, 0- 4
7-3 f. 1, 0- 2
3.3 9, 1 Headline
I30 2, cc 5
10-30 11- 1 Headline_i_ i _4* ~~|
Asks Jefferson Mine fpeniné ELSHC-FF in nego-
tiutien ever shaft. Kine 5" to remain closed
and ELSHQFF will be named operator of Brswerton
Coal Company's Jefferson mine. ELSIKFF sayshe has been negotiating with RFC in en effort
to recpen the effersen mine;
If the mine is reopened, ELSHLFF said, tennnge
will be increased and all minors working at the
time ogerntiens ceased will be re<:npleyod- He
added e.dditicnz-.1 men would be needed and these
would cane frem Mine *3 . KA1UlT..S1li seid e.
petiti -n was signed by 90% "»f the 200 miners
euglrvyed at the nine requesting that it be re-
opened and suggested be the o;:eret-92r-
'.'2.r+'§-in -ms + ewe A ' H H U""U Li92iU1920J>-IE1 -es ..e ...e en... was Sl¬_1".'3..-. ..y _n-1 nien
1§=w.'rs.
IRE»? moves to open Mine "B". EJHUIESCN said he
bed net with 91 men of the 450 nemelly employ-
ed there and had been authorised ta circulate
0. getiticn emeng the miners asking that the U111?
11-eel and district officers confer with ELBHIFF
in an effort te open the nine-
i"!-IFT insisted that if Mine "B" reopens it will
have ta use FHA uni;-n members only es reflected
in the HLPI: decree.
I-regressive miners see conspiracy. Ask check
cf mine records, U511-T bneks, end incne tux re-
turns to see whe is 1-cying mine royalty. A1-
1c_r_;es s conspiracy te evw!eHLR.3 ruling-
ELSEICFF will reopen Mine "33". % will nego-
tinte new terms. - ll old employees te have first
chance. stipulation of 9-19-as set out.
RAY ELMIIIC-SUI sends ncte to IISH-.FF; says DI
will insist on rights fer its members-
U. 5. Ends Nine Bomb Cases. Three remaining
cases ere crdered nellieri. 25 deferuisnts get
Z your srantsnfm-s for cons;-irncyw
a673- '
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c - a
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5 I O92 __ __ _ , ,, ,. -,_.,.-.*...,.,-,_.,. ,__..~A,~,..__.,¢ - - _.Subheadline
Eubheadline
p. 1, BubheeilineMine B Men Ordered Jack to Wrk Inedietcly.
F2.-SH<.FF !:<'- open nine Leneiietely, under NLRB
stigulaticns. Nntice to 100 neintennnco non.
All en payroll 5-12-37 eligible for old jebs
wit}-nut prejudice before any new employees can
be hired.
Mine '5" te heist crml en Thurs<i92y"10-9-39.
Ceel diggers netifiei.
No self rule fer UMR in Illineia. JVHN L. LEWIS
defends E.I.LUNT.SC~N .
KECK lends ilrrgressive Uni-en vote as president,
successwr tr REEZ. _
U3H'requests new electi n at Mine "D". Petition
filed with NR3. Since 1-3-38 NLRB certified
farm. -0- W 4- 1». ' 'emu rm cnncrac. ...-as been negetieteds -L=am1~.1le
mine has been epernted by Local #54. 520 men
alleged te be wnrking at the nine.
Fregressive miners file charges against Nine "B"
claiming Ceal Ce. persistently employed only
UMN members. Ccmpeny charged with hiring UMW
non while refusing to hire 75 FHA numbers. The
crmplnint lists the names ef the men. Llse el-
lege thnt the eengnny ellewed FHA men ta gc
frem reem tr rein in an attempt tn ergnnize in
July of 1940. entinn made of assaults and in-
timidntien n FHA nenbers'ILLILM SCHEKE, J HH
LLLLKER, end SLLVATLRE CATLL hI. PEA miners
given the best werking cenditien se the peti-
tien befcre NLRB alleges.
3heft eieruting withcut a centrect fer the pest
10 nznths with members cf k and GHW ierkingside by side. Mine "3" refused tn contract with
INA. uergnining ed negetietinns going en at
the nine with UEH while bhe negotiations with
Pie were eu§p*eed tr be earried out.
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92 .
. Date Of Location of Article . ' ' ' t 1" A
1992926? in Fexszarr- I.7Il*il7''-7 ;..~»-e -er L--P -
' 1940
m
U-Illr ' -. O - IPQ 0' ue v
10'26 Pp 1 Q0 8 ,-
1941
!-i0
1-15
1-16
1-20
1-22
1--25
1-28p..1,n.2
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LII]? -nnn nI'.IQ1'92{lgl_t§'_!!! rlgg Lg. In wrung I-Io-a--an-r -v --u-
Pertieular ettentionto B_;>rin5-8151185 Pyr;Q-l'@-Q0 - _? L > _ I . " ;- .. ... 92 _ _ I _ .
_$tc-mte Elli 130 lPjOl* we L0 ! Le IBI-de ~ L W".
; .- .
Violence is reported at nine again, 31ml union
l-.L- 4.. o-.|..4- Ju I-.-5 gnu? HIST ml-.1»--ll:-an thrcuulz nh'92gggg ,|,.n ;;§92| 5.1.:-_nu liuvwa vaa- wvuna-v :-00-v-' wu- -
z1.sz1.r1r 515,115 ncntrect with mi by 11-17. Outs
break is another in e series cf inilt '55-°h
huve occurred a'h_1che mine lately. EFJIJE;-B£~I_ _92
iilleged tc have laid We are 5-sing to ake
um nine". maacrr refused en negotiate be-
cause of ILRB ru1'1§1g- ' e
mnxm mm reelected by iqrogrniliwl M 1118-
isrict PraBi<ie- '
Btatewide strike is threatened by HM in line
'3" squabble. J;-HA ms petitioned EBB for an-
other election. ' "
A. F» of L. arlietea ask congress tor probe
cf line '3" c-use here. I1-RE hearing tnday»
EHA asks for iiminsal of petition for eleciiimh
iince 12-15-3? iine B refused in ce-atraef. e»
%. _ _ I
Lek right -tc continue Nine '13 0-rglmenth. F191
to push dismissal or UIII ptiti- H for vote, .
claiming election not necessary since one was
held in Lecmber 1937. _
Tioleno-a ares pt iine B . 4 Unitedlen Mf-
rested; E HIEKLEXIK, CHARLES BC"HAHTi,
mam}, @131 '_1m_:.!!m ax;-am:-.1-._ c'h<>.z'god with as-'-_
eeult and buttery. - ' ' .
July to probe line '3' fight» Qxnnd Jury t-0
hear 1.5 Pill; vritnelB9l» _ 92 ' -
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r-am JOHN L. LEWIS, er AL
Date of92 V -7-'I._ '§~ -P" !~"" |tI2§.:.,-';92-,._;._,o-3_s=_' t. " '"».4,~.=-"2 - --4- g: ._ I -1 -_ -- _; ~.:"-.4 = ;-.»."_;,§.e 5%: -, . .' . _V .; r, 92,-52.}-;.k 1'4 , . ,. 1 }.Y92 .I/V ' ; 5 3*
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1
Location of Article
H I ,"='!2P@:>s=' 1 _431_ meager 1 1 no or _ *%1°m#1Pe:_nr_:_e,;.
j 13
J ._~921941
1-30
Z-17
2-20
2-21 .
5-4
4-1'?
9-412.1, cl 2
P01, On!
p-.1, G0 B
p. 1, c.ELRB hears arguments on line "3". U15 asks
election FHA prcteatle '
-. line "B" vote is scheduled im-e for Fem-eel-y 21
set by man. '
PIA to'spux-n merger offer of the BIL .
HJHUNDSON in three point unity offer, 1
p. 1, 5ubhes.d1ine United line Workers Win line "3' Vote. 259 to
p. 1, c.
p. 1'7, c.
Bead]. ine108; 4 votes -neutral end 18 challenged end an-1
ccunted. About 375 eligible to wte. Company
will be asked to bargain with the winner-. 92
. UIN plan to picket mines if necessary; one is
line "A". Strike if fails to negotiate con-
tract for better wages. liinee worked by FHA
_ members of Local 7489 of line "B" asked to per-
ticipate in the piciceting. '
Panther Freak and Kine "B" to reopen Friday
-18-41!. line "B" 0pene'under extension
agreement signed lhrch 14, 1941 with UHF! about
400 men employed. The egreelnents are extension
to the contract with the Illinoie Coal Producer
Association which expired 9-larch 51-
RYAH sells Kine "A" to ELSHOFF. Central Illino
Cool lining C00 Citizens Mine "A"-- WILLIAM li-
1 - RYAN heodof lline A for last 18 years.
History -- FLSHOFI-"a career as e mine official
began in 1914 with the Bpring Crook Coal co-I
%
8
B
if
Ho operated that concern until 1922 when he pur-
chased end Operated e mine at cenrtrall. Since
June 19:5 he has been head of Kine "2'. .
Included in solo woe all supplies and oqnaixmhen
line idle since -bpril 1, 1941. _
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LE1'1IS, ET AL
Location of Article - - '
__ pizlpewspapcr ___ p I1l'QfjlP;Tb1°1'1 _ W; --1-.
1941
E-T5
9-22Nine ?£,.!__ will opornto with um Union. I-Iiners
switch allegiance frcln PLEA to rival 92I!1i-011-»
510 mm gnpmyod, line A workers voted to
nbnndon Progressives, Contract with ELBHQFF
signed 9-14.75- 1- Q9 53" I
RAY EHUNDBUH named heed Of IL11nO'i.8 atitt In- _
dustrigl Union as President.
' 92p. B, 0.1
A review oi the Illinois B_tate Journal was made by the same Agents.
This review added nothing new in substance to the review of the Illinois state
Register. It is noted that the substance in the Illinois State Journal ma s
slightly different slant at times and played up such things as the Pile eutiliery,
and made more mention of the Jefferson line situation. The following itans '
did not appear in the Register: - -
10-as-:1
12-1s-av ,1
B-9-39
2- 7-41
92
5-5-41 -
9-B-L1Tho weight sheet of oer loading st lino '3" on lay 12, 1937 was
introduced in evidence showing that 185 lenders out oi 53'! loeded
considerably loss coal than they did on the first 10 days of the
month.
UM sent no checkers, judges, or tally keepers to the polls to
watch the NLRB voting and counting oi ballots because of the non
union position on the ofiicic.l ballot, according to HJHUHDSON.
Circulars were distributed to the miners lined up to vote threat-
ening o 99 your expulsion penalty. Both unions deny the dis-
tribution oi this circular.
Plans to reopen lino "B" announced by CARL H. ELBHOFF. Eeoh mine
worker to be notified by letter. _
II.-RB ordorod to vote on line "B" on union choice within 30 days.
UIM will picket shafts employing FHA miners at Panther Creek No.
5 and Citizens lline "A | EHURDSOH claims 90% fever U187.
lline "A workers to meet llondey» Upecinl call for n meeting oi
530 Fla Local #51. looting at ?:1'rO at PIA headquarters, Bth and
Washington. JOHN HAKEROUSKAS, President, said the purpose of the
cell was "urgent business relative to nbzmdomnsnt of the mine .
lline A closed since April 1. Bombers of Kine '13" belong to
.rivel union.
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RIB: JOHN L. LEWIS
9-11-4.1
9-14-Q1
9-15-41P1215 oi - e future course for en.--*e. ueeleee v=_.i-her- A
at FAA hall. Io announcement of decisions reached at the 't
meeting vme given except that another meeting had been pcheduletl
in 1:. few days. _
HQ. of line A meet tomorrow. 330 members invited to nttom
e meeting at Elks Club at 2:00 p.m., Qundey to discuss" situation
at Mine A . L committee which was appointed at the last regular
meeting of the local to interview the new cnmer of the mine, will
report beck to the whole group at this iueeting. '
PMA workers at Kine 'A" vote to join URN. Lesa them 12 hours
later CARL H. ELSHOFF, recent purchaser, announced the shaft
closed since Hersh 1941 would reopen.
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nzrsrzvrsw WITH lIr_._ ssnnn vhohgasy an_9_r_r_1;=;ag_.* of}-he 1{atiQna,]__'
JOHN BERTHA Ehorllelations F0 nawme handl§"t'he details of the T
E ti d t d in S ri £5. Id Illinois to determine econconuce pnge,
who would be the bargaining Agent for the Mine B Coal Com y was locatedat Peoria, Illinois and interviewed by Special Agent *1:
September 16, 19113.
llr. BERTHA is esently working aHe is quite will g o es 1 7 c e vernnen
n 15 case prov; e he is subpoenaed. W I
L¢_E;,u_BAJOP.K worked on the Mine B case together and that from the very outset
rable difficulty in getting action from the National Labor
Board in Washington particularly with reference to certifying an election.
When they came to Springfield they found a very tense situation and as such
felt that it should be dealt with immediately. r. BERTHA stated that the
election of December 15, 1937 was conducted fairly in every respect. He
advised that he prided himself upon the way that he coducted his elections
as a National labor Board representative and that even after he had gone
into private industry various unions had requested him to coo and conduct
elections. Mr. BERTHA had a very clear recollection of the diff:ulties '
under which he worked and of the events which occurred at that time. He
stated that the United Mine Workers made several charges alleging the
election was unnt First,that the election was conducted in a vicinity
where liquor was available. Second, that people voted who were not on
the payroll of the Mine B Company; Third, that the United line Workers
were not represented in the election. Fourth, that seven men who were
under indictment and being tried in mine bombing cases Iere not eligib1e'
to vote. Fifth, that there was coercion.
In answer to these charges Er. BERTHA stated that it would have been
difficult to locate an election place in Springfield which would not be
near some liquor dispensing store. They were very careful to pick a place
that would be absolutely neutral due to the strong feeling on both sides,
and the Armory was selected as the most likely place. The Anmory was also
selected because it was felt that if it were held on government property
there would be less chance for any violence. Even then the mayor of
Springfield who was very concerned over the situation stated that he would
hold H. BEHTHA responsible for any destruction of property in the Armory.
Relative to the persons who voted in the election Hr. EER'11-Ll stated
that the payroll was certified by the employer himself and that this newcontention was baseless. The United Mine Workers were not repneg;5E§§§*T
in the election because of their ovm action, by refusing to
A._ Among the charges brought by the United Mine Workers Ias=;-
Rational Labor Board representatives displayed favoritism towr
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R2: JOHN L. Lrris, or AL
To support this contention the Uited line Ihrkors
pointed out that the Progressives performed certain -
continued! manual labor relative to setting up equipment in the
V Armory for holding the eleotion. Exe Bhli stated that
the United line Workers were also requested to assist in this matter but
that they refused. According to custom this work [I5 generally done by
one or both of the participants in the election. _JOHN BERTHA
Relative to the seven men, former employees of line B who were on
trial in the mine bombing case,Mr. BERTHA advised that specific arrange-
ments were made with the U.S. District Attorney and the Federal Court
to permit these men to vote. There was no question but what they'were
employees at the time that the mine shut down has 12, 193?. So iar as
he knew Hr. BERTHA stated that there was no criticism whatsoever. UIW
charged that the Progressives carried some or their members to th polls
in automobiles. Undoubtedly, this was tru. However, Ir. HRTHA pointed
out that UMW had an equal opportunity to take their members to vote at the
polls also and that there was no evidence of coercion in that respect. -
Hr. HERTHA stated that it was significant to him that these chargesby UM? were not brought locally. He and BAJORK had a felling throughout I 92
the entire proceedings that the company under Elshoff and the Eh? sas ;simply stalling for time and that in this respect they were perhaps being" l
assisted by National officials of the Labor Board at Washington, DQC
T wads at that _
definitelXpro CIO and hr. BbHTPA was inclined to_hgLuuuLJJnuh1his_1as
tfié.* Th Ehargés!bythe Uited n1se"rs¥kers were never brought locally
but the first that he heard of-them was from his headquarters in Washington
13.0. He had the feeling that in Springfield he and BAJORK were dealing
first hand with the Progressives. However, iith the nited Hine Workers
felt that EDMUNDSON referred all of his ideas and objection to the
Washington Headquarters of the Uited Mine Workers who in turn took it
up with the Labor Board~there and eventually he was called by the Labor
Board regarding these matters. Mr. BERTHA stated that when he firstL...-t
SE
arrived in Springfield and reviewed the situation he immediately asked for
an election and in fact repeated this advis many times_to the Labor Board
which was unusually slow in acting whereas generally in matters of this
sort the Labor Board acts at least within 90 days. However, on this
occasion it was six months before the Labor Board actually certified the
election. _ _
Ir. BERTHA was present at the National Labor Board hearing in
Chicago, Illinois on September 8, 1937 at which time representatives cf
both FLA and UMK were present. At all times the Progressive produced
evidenos showing that they held the majority of the members at line B.
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Re: JOHN L. Lewis, so AL ~ _ h
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IHTERVIJW WITH The UKW'never produced any evidence jhntsolfnr. *
continued! . The attitude of cant Etsnrr during this period was I
described by Ir. HRTHA as being very remote. no III
never agreeable to any suggestion which might come from the Progressives '
and Er. BERTHA had the feeling during the time that he was in Springfield
that ELSHOFF was being financed by someone. He noted also that duringthe hearings which were held in October oI'l937 the Attorneys for URI ii
and ELTHOFF sat at the some table and at no time did his interest lppoar=
antagonistic. - ' _- rJOHN BERTHA . . ' '{
Relative Fglihe United Kine Workers position Hr. BERTHA informed that
he was convinced their activities were designed to promote a delay of
action. They wanted, first, the Board to certify the Uited Nine Iorkers
as bargaining agent without an election. Two, they ould not agree to a
cosent election. In this respect BERTHA informed that ELSHOFF would
not consent to the "consent e1octicn".- Also it seems that in a consent
election all three parties mutually agree, that is, the two contesting
onions and the employer that an election will be held and that the employer
will bargain with the unio who wins. ELSHOFF took on positio that he was
required to bargain under the Labor Act with the winner of the election
so why enter into an agreement such as a "consent election". The
United Mine Workers of America never entered into any of the hearings_pertainin to the proposed election. From the actions and the statementof EDMUHDSON it was clear to BERTHA that EEUUNZSON hoped that sufficient:
pressure would be brought in Washington upon the Labor Board to force
them to certify the UM? as the bargaining union at line B without an I
ad Q!92+.4 nn ' ..
According to Hr. BERTHA, JOHN L. LEWIS never entered the picture f
in these negotiations. However, he advised that counsel for the UHF swas THURLO? LEWIS, who was the brothr of JOHN L. LEWIS. ' /. _ _ _ I
Hr. BERTHA stated that at length due to the Labor Board's hesitancy
in taking definite action both he and BAJORK were afraid to go to Spring»
field. Hr. EERTHn was certain that they nere shadowed all the time they
were in Springfield by the HEW men and web almost certain that PEA employed
the same tactics. It was obvious in the one or two conferences that they
had jointly with representatives of both unions that some of the men were
determined on both sides and for fear that actual violence would break out
in such conferences they decided against holding them unless they got _
better support from the Labor Board in Veshingtn. a '
gr. BERTEA was questioned es to whether or not it was obvious_that
UHF was employing cousel for ELEHSFF during th PT°¢@¢5i¬§-i *5?
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INTERVIEW HITH of 193'? with particular reference to the pleadingsJOHN BERTHA ' which were purportedly drum up by the firm of continued! Iinston, Straun and Shaw of Chicago, Illinois. Ir.V EEHTHA stated that it was s practice among some ofthe large law firms in the United Sf-ates who had a lawyer well versed inlabor matters to draw up what was known as model pleadings. Ir. BERTHAinformed that one of the law firms engaging in this practice was Winston,Straum and Shaw. These model pleadings were for sale and could bepurchased by amrattorney or client who night be engaged in s labor
controversy. ' _ __
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I REGIONAL Di l.ECTOR, gional Director, 1 5 on, logical B-boll '
13th RH'$IOl- , IILRB Relations Board, 176 Forth. ldama Btrcct, Qicegc, H1-
inoic. Ibis investigation was pranpted by interaction E
2set out in report c Special Agent, 3e.n Francisco, $111!-' -
ornia, dated Boptenber , ,_ rein it it indicated that the 151'-h Region,
RLRB, may lnve an additional file in connection with instant matter; further,
ti:-.t the B-erau and the Dcprtnent my mt .92.e.e_'e Ed the 1.:-e.'*..e!it at lie icri
nation contained in that filo. - '
-A search of the records of IILRB reflected 1n additional informal
tile under case file Ho. XIII-G-1665, entitled arl H. Ilshoff and Progressive ;
Mine Workers of America, District Ho. 1". llr- BOT! advised that 92 charge no
filed in this case on September 23,, 1941 by -'7I1.LI£*.J|! KHZK, President oi Die-triot 1, FEW, alleging violation of Section B, aubaoétions ! and !; that 5*
preliminary inquiries were made by the Field Examiner of RI-RB, and that the
case was withdrawn on 3ecem'oer 22, l§*l1. '
In accordance arran ements made through the Bureau and the De-partment, Special Agent E1-'eviewed the above file on 3eptember 15,-
1943. All pertinent information was photostaterh Photostatic copies were
furnished the Bureau for the Bureau and the Department by Springfield letter
dated September 16, 194$. -' ' ' eI.
For the information oi thil file and in brief, the following pertin-
ent information appeared in the above referred to file:
' By letter of September 22, 194/1?, TFIILIBH RCK, President or District
Ho. 1, P165, transmitted a charge against CARL K. ILSEFF, alleging he engaged
in unfair labor practices in that on or about Beptanlber 15, 1911, he refused
to bargain collectively with the authorized representatives of PEA previously ~_
chosen by the majority of the production and maintenance anployees at line "A"
to represent than for the purpose of collective bargaining-
, By memorandum for the file Jdamitted by Field Examiner ILRTIN WAGNER
dated October 4, 1941, it appear! that BL! DJIIIIHJSON discussed on October 4,
instant matter. HIEUNDSON itated to WAGIHQ that H-BHOFF had purchased line "A";
that the nine ind not been operated since larch $1, 1941 When the contract be-
tween the mine and 1-onner company ind expired; that it was customry not to
operate the nine during the92minlaer months; that when it was announced in the
newspapers that 5.8331? had purchased line FL" representatives of the local
union PW hcd come to EJIURDSON and stated that they wanted to join 11$. II!-
IIUNDSOH told than to hold a meeting ct the whole local and to take the neo-
essary action to dissolve the local, and than they could join the INN; that
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INTERVIH 1iIl'H on Sunday, leptmber Z1, 1941, at s mass meeting of lbs -
GHJRGE sort melnbrs of the local union or iiif, the local dissolved itself
continued! and thereupon 199 of the former cnpleyess of line "A"signed '
' notarized applications for melnbership in WT. Imsdistsly
thereafter EIJLEUHDSCN communicated iith .SI-IJFF and signed s. contract with the
comp:-.ny for the unployees of Mine '1.» IJMUHDSON told '-G-GEE that these an-
ployees were undoubtedly afraid that El.-SBOFF Iould mine le newly acquired
property through Kine "B". He stated that despite the tact that he night rl-l
ceive criticism from UHW anployees, he took the new line '1' cnployess Ind in-t
sisted thnF both mines be "operated as separate nines.
By memorendumstlbmitted by it is reected that I.-SHJFF Mme
to the NLRB on liovanber 1, 1941. He told USHER he personally purchased assets
and unexpired lease of line "A"; that these assets he had in turn "leased to
Mine "1-2" Coal Ctlnpany which is new operating line '4". He stated that he first
hed hoped to mine the coal in Mine "A" from line '3". He stated that when he
purchased lline A it was not in operation. After be Pllfclmsed the assets
arrangements were made to reopen the mine on Eeptember 23, 1941; that he sent
notices to all former employees of Mine "A" advising than of the purchase, and
that if any of the employees desired to continue work in that mine they should
report to work within ten days; that prior to the opening of the mine ESHOFF
was informed by H!!-!UNDSOI92I that UMW represented e majority of the former In-
ployees of Nine "A"; that EITAUNDSON presented 199 notarized statanents 01 former
employees of line A which designated U115? as their be.rgr.i.ning representative.
HJMUNDSON also received notarized copies of the minutes of the local union oi
the Progressive I-line Workers which union had been in existence at Kine 'A".
On the basis of this evidence ESHOFF said he signed an agreement with HJIIITWSCN,
and that E1Li'U1921DSOl92I insisted that line "is" be operated as a leparete mine! -11'»
this time ESHOFF stated that he did not believe tint he was obligated to hire
any of the former employee of Hine "A" since he had not taken over 1 oorpore- '
tion but had ma-sly purchased some of the assets of that corporation. g
A memorandum for the file submitted by Id!.RTIK HAGREI indicates that
he conferred with ELSHOFF on December 18, 1941- At this time ESHOF'F rened
to turn over a copy of the minutes of the last meeting of PU? lo. 5'13 tint
these were later obtained from EDHUNDSON. ESEJFF permitted inspection of the
list of the 199 names of indi'.'idue1s who bed signed notarized stetasentc dess-
ignnting UM-T as the bargaining representative» He stated that a majority of
the employees held a special meeting on September 14, and changed their af- L
filiation frcm PUFF to UMN. H-SHOFF exhibited a contract signed on Septmber
15 between Hine A and U195. EDMUNDSON exhibited to WAGNER the authorization
slips, a sample copy of which is included in the photoststs, signed by 199 in-
dividuals on Sunday, 3eptember 14, when PIA Local 51 disbanded and new local
7840 Ia-U follwe ' . '
1; copy oi" the minutes of the special nesting or Leeal dais-n 51, PEA,
dated at 2:30 p.m., September 14, 1941 at the Elks club, 3pringf161d,I111n018,is also contained in the photostets. {hose minutes reflect that the report ,
of the committee eiected at e. special meeting held. on Thursday night, Beptaaber
11, 1941, was approved. The report of the oomittee who conferred with OBCAR1
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RE: JOHN L. LEWIS1 ¢ _-- ~ - 0 ,_' 1' E , _ ' I ' .-J; _ d. I -='-~ ""¬'T " . ' F u 92 -;.-=?f'=~»*¢&.-J-é 45' '. -_ ._ . .- _;_ ~. P .-. E; .v 1;-.._ - 11>: '*d .'..§¬;;;.;> - . .~ . * -;- - ~ ¢ 1 @- ~ -E J7 92|r. -
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,ETAL .
sou = raven! A mot1on't0- ' xnmnm mm FALCETTI, and an mnmun , was pp . -
GEOR"E BOTT withdraw affi1iationwith FHA was approved. The meeting Ila
' OJ
continued! addressed by RAY IDHUHDSON. Officers wore elected; Pit un-
mittee was elected. It was moved and seopndod that aach d
individual A plioation for individual in attendanne at the méating sign an p
' iniUHF thereb designating EH as tho collactivu barga ng mmbership card in -, y
agent.
By letter 51' ecanber 15, 1941, wmm ma vii.-mam-r his charge
before tha NLRB O
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RE: mm L, Llls, tr AL
INTERVIE-.' WITH sons H. CARROLL, JR. was intervi B eoiol AgentJoan 11. csnsom, JR. &nd Special Agent A!
n cego, Illinois, on September 1 ; . .
CARROLL is General Freight Agent for t O With Grand
o"entrs.I*.rta-crc1§e:r:1¢e'gc:"n'II"in@is. This interview was conducted in view of
the fact that ROBERT C. BOLGKJN and L. G. PEFFERLE, owner and attorney respec-
tively, for Panther Greek Mines, Bprin ield Illinois, advised in interviews.reported in report of Special Lgent Bpringfie1d, Illinois,
dated September 13, 1945, that G!~.RROLLhed been connected with negotiations
between ELSHOFF and SOLOMON in the contanpleted purchase of Panther Greek
properties.
Mr. CARROLL advised that at the time of instant matter he was in-
terested as e railroad men in securing; more commercial coal business for the
B e O and Alton Railroads. He stated that he entered into the negotiations
for the purchase of that property by CARL H., ELBHOFF purely as a railroad man
to see if he could assist the negotiations in order to get the Panther Greek
Mine properties in operation. He was called into the picimre by the railroad
company because of his soqueintenceship with bank officials in Springfield,
Illinois. He stated that he met with SOI.- MON on one occasion, and that ep-
perently from that contact SOLGAON gathered the impression that he, CARROLL,
was interested financially in the transaction. Bince this was entirely er-
roneous, CARROLL stated he met with SOLOMON upon e. second occasion and dis-
cleimed any such interest in the transaction, '
He stated that while he did not have personal knowledge of CARL H.
H.SHOFFs financial condition he assuned that ESHOFF would not be able to
finance the purchase of the Panther Creek properties on his own. Ho stated
that he had talked with ELSHOFF briefly on the matter of the purchase, but no
discussion was ever had as to whether HSBOFF would be able to oecure the
money or where he might secure the money. CARROLL stated that he probably at
that time guessed that ELSHOFF might secure the money from either the United
Kine Workers of America or JOHN L. LE-FIS, since it had been rumored at that
time" that the United Mine '"orkers had financed smssorr in connection with lane
"B". However, ELSHOFF or no one else ever told him where the money for the
purchase if mode by ESHOFF might come. He stated that he knows RAY EIJMUNJDSDN
and JOHN L. LEIIS, but that neither oi these individuals ever mentioned this '
particular transaction. t
He further recalls that he was in the cocktail lounge of the Lela!!!
Hotel, probably with SOLOMON and HSEDFF, and that the conversation had irr-
cluded matters pertaining to t 1° Panther Creek purchase. He is not sure of
all the persons at the table but seems to recall that RAY EHUEJSOH cuss intr-
the cocktail lounge and set at the table, but as so-on as BJIIUNDSOH joined the
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RE: JOHN L-. LEWIS, II AL
IRTERVIU7 WITH group all diucuslion of the proposed purchate was
JOHN H. GARROIL, JR. dropped. - continued! i -' f
He stated that he bad attended in the late afternoon
parties in ELSHOFF'a suite in the llorrison Hotel, but on none of these occa-
Bions did he ever recall any conversation pertaining to this matter. Be Ill
questioned concerning; other matters of interest in this case, but was unable} I
to furnish any pertinent information» , § 1
concerning this case, and his knowledge is to be limited to hearsay infomaInterview with CARROLL failed to develop any pertinent information I
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RE: JOHN L» LEWIS, IT AL
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Imraevxm Hm: s A ent and Special a;m esome w. oossmt interviewed J01-m I. noesntrr, 0
inois on Se tember ll 19 . s 0 s tate 8126. This P I
interview was conducted in accordance with 1 request from the Department set l
out in Bureau letter dated lugust 25, 1943. This request asked that it he as-
certained that relationship existed betweenDOHERTY and IDIUHSON, and as to
whether DOHERIY was aware -of H!llUllDSOR"s attitude at the time DOBERTY sug-
gested to BAJORK that EJIEUIIDSON was perhaps willing to reiterate a previous
offer to operate line B . This was set out in s memorandum written on Oc-
tober B, 1957 by LEONARD BAJORKQOn interview, DOEERTY advised that from 1933 to 1956 he was an and-
itor with the United line Workers. His job consisted of auditing the various
local union records throughout the Etate of Illinois; that he worked for OW
during the SNEED and into the ENURDSON administration. In 1956 he went to
St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained until 1940 for the purpose of directing
the organization of the United Steel Workers of America under CIO in that area.
DOEERTY met LEONARD C. BAJORK in st. Louis when BAJORK was Regional
Director of NLRB at Bt. Louis. Concerning EAJORK's memorandum to the effect
that DCKERTY had suggested to BAJORK that RAY EH-IUIIDSON of the United line
Workers was perhaps willing to reiterate his previous offer to operate lline "8'
DOHERTY stated as follows: In connection with DOHEElTY"s work for the United
Steel Workers he had come to know BAJORK well, and had found him to be of
great assistance. Thereafter, upon an occasion when he met HJMDMDSOH, date
and place not recalled by DOHERTY, he learned that HJHUWDSON did not know
BAJORK. He, therefore, suggested to EDIUNDBOH that he should meet BAJOBI
and become well acquainted with hiza, and thus he would he able to go to BAJDRK
when it was necessary to find out that could and could not he done in conneo- ;92
tion with union matters. DOHIRTY advised that no doubt as the result of thisi
suggestion and some conversation with EIIEIINDSOH that the memorandum referred l
to above was Written by BAJORK. '
DOHERTY stated that especially since he was located in 8t. Louis l
during the pertinent period herein involved he had never talked with HJIIIIDSONI.
As a matter of fact, he had little opportunity to talk with HJBIUHDSON in con» I
nection with instant matter, ani that at any event HJKURDSQI had never 1ur- '
nished him with any infomation concerning aotivitie at line B . He did ]
know that EHIIRDSOH was particularly active and particularly anxious to or-
ganise lline "B" mm, but HJIIUNDSON had never given him any information as to V
Ihys ' 1 " i
' . oonemr Itated that he 1. personally acquainted with com: L. was,
but that LE-FIB had never talked with him concerning line '3" or line 'L'
problems, and that as a matter of fact LEJIS wen not likely to have done. so _
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INTERVIEW WITH especially if all the gossip information ha, DOHERTI, -. '
JOHN -1. DOEEZRTY has is true, since LEWHB _1s the type oi men who-condes
continued! only with the nooeaearypoople on matter: luoh ll this. '
O
. DOHERTY mentioneo that betivean 1953 ln 1936 regular audits were
maoe under the BIFEEJ administration in Illinoii. ifter wHER!! ieft the
UL!-F organization in Illinois there were no audits for o period of lone time
until PACE was appointed as auditor; that PACE: appoim:-ment Ia: undo for
the reason that the local membership Ind cone to expect the regular audits 92
then node be DQEZY, end. thnt they demanded that there regular tndit: be
continued. He ltated that PACE was apparently appointed merely to untidy
the local union members in the question of audits. DOHERTY stated that he
had heard of en audit and transfer or records from Local 54 to International
Headquarters, but iimt this 1|-as really hearsay or gossip information, and _
that he had no direct information concerning it. 92
Amerioe, CIO, 1500 commonwealth Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ins pre-
ent at one or tee of .._Fl;SIi£.1FF'e pertiee nt tn» llorrieon Hotel in cnicago, lmd
allegedly heard ESHOF? leave instructions with the hotel and the Iorrieon
her that EAUEDSON Ins toheve anything he wanted at the Intel, and that it
was to be charged to H.SHOFF'e account. - - ' - , _nofmrr stated that one JOHN J. naownme, United Steel Workers of %
From DOHRTYH interview it cppears that he is familiar th the .
general etcry as appeared in the newspapers en from goaaip from labor lead-
ers, but is an" ble to 1'urnish any direct information of value concerning this
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RE: Jm L. 1.83718, Bl 11.
92 _ v '_;.9292_ ~5.w-3:-~_~
HARE! FISHWICK, ET AL Reference is suede to paragraph 3 of Bureau cf, .
vs. JOHN L. LEWIS letter GI-ted August 21, 1913, Ihsrein IS ll '
|et out thet I259 Criminal Division has ed-
vissd that in 1932 injunction proceedings sore instituted in the Btete Court
in Springfield, Illinois, against LEWISIhioh resulted in an injunction 1'91"
bidding LEWIS from interfering with Progressive line H'orkers' sntivity in
Illinois. The Criminal Division requested a copy o1_these 1:-ooesdings be
secured and folerded to the Department. W ' - p
A careful search of the records of the Clerk of the Circuit Court,
Sangamon County, Springfield, Illinois, failed to reveal my injunction pro-
ceedings Ihersin the Progressive Kine Workers of Allerice. and JUEN Ls L§'I5
were parties to the action. e
A similar search of the records of the Federal District Court,
Southern District, Southern Division of Illinois, was negative.
The records, however, of the Clerk of Circuit Court, Bsngsmon
County, Springfield, Illinois, under docket Io. 52104, reflect that s bill
of complaint was filed October ll, 1929, by HARRY FISHWICK, et 11., against
JOHN L. LEWIS, et el. This was on action in diam!-cry requesting &sediate
temporary injunction and permanent injunction by the of1ieers of the then
District Ho. 12, U. H. W. of A. against JOHN L. IEWIS and other officers of
the International U. H. H. and individuals whom LEWIS had appointed to assume
the various offices of District Ho. 12 in place of the elected officers, HAR-
RY FISHWICK being one of the elected officers. In this ease, JOSEPH A. LON-
DRIGAN and H_.OYD E. THO!-£PSON were the principal attorneys representing FISH-
WICK. The principal attorneys representing JOHN L. LEWIS Iere HENRY ERRII,
CHARLES E. FEIBICH, ll. PULTERMAN and and GILLESPIE, BIRKE, I115 Gill-$IE.
The docket alone in this case consumed several pages, and it is
believed at this time too voluminous to quote. iumerous pleadings were
filed including; several amended bills of complaint, several answers and
amended answers, several cross bills, amended answers to cross bills and
amended cross bills. From time to time, numerous complainants and defend-
ants were added and subtracted from the suit. The suit was very active dur-
ing the remainder of 1929 and »l930_. lb April 1?, 1930, the Court ordered e
citation, for contempt against JOHN L. LEWIS and several others. Later in
July, the citation against most of the others for contempt res dismissed.
The pleadings in this ease are very voluminous and would fill at least one
file drawer. r - '. I
_A cheek of the records of the Clerk of the Circuit Gen-rt e1~
Appeals, Supreme Court Building, Springfield, Illinois, revealed that es
e. result of the proceedings in Circuit Court of Sang:-men County in connec-
tion with instant case, two appeals were takm. The first appeal inf JOHN
L. LEWIS contends thatthe temporary injunction imposed by the Circuit
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RE: JOHN L. IE'vTIS, ETAL
HARRY Fl$H~'1lCK, ET Al.
vs. JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL
Continued!. -. _ - -_' ,-'-_, _;:_. ; ' ' . _
- r Y!; - .~' "_"7':,. . 92 - r _**'a' ~.., -re '. _,--- "_ '' . . . V.-.1 --;;_,._ _ _ __-IQ-V ___"i r aw. . F -........_;,.._. _.. _-..-_ _ , _ g _: _,__ mt
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.
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- I . -u-1 Q no n 1| Q1 II; _ IL
uourt snouln os uismisseo. Ins circuit _
Court of Appeals affirmed the Lower Court:
decision and did not dismiss the temporary
injunction. . '
_ 4
The second case involves the contentiowof LEWIS that the pa:-ann-
ent injunction should not have been issued and Ias erroneously issued by
the lower Court in view of the fact that the complainant had not maintained
the status quo in that that body had .oa11ed an international convention and
elected new international officers when previously LETTIS had secured a ni-
jority of signatures of members in favor of indefinitely postponing the in-
ternational convention.
The printed record in the first ease in the92Appellate Court eon-
sisted of an abstract; statement-brief in argument; and reply brief of the
appellant, mm 1,. LEWIS. Also .11 additional abstract and brief ofthe
appellee, HARRY FISIEWICK. The printed record of the second case in Appellate
Court consists of an abstract of record and statanent brief in argument for
the appellant, JOHN L. LEWIS; also reply brief of appellees -and additional
abstract for the appellees. All these printed documents are voluminous.
The result of both appeals was, lower court was upheld inboth in-
stances retaining in effect t e temporary injunon and spprovingthe per-
manent injunction. The, two opinions of the Circuit Court of Appeal contain
a brief concise uururasr-y of the facts and the law and are reported in the
following citations:92
"258, Illinois Appefato Court Reports, {-02
206, Illinois Appellate Court Reports, 230"
In view oft he voluminous nature of the case record and plead-
ings in this case, copies of the proceedings are at this time nm_ oeirg '
secured. It appears that they would have little value except as background
information in connection with instant case, in view of the fact that the
case involves a dispute within the U. H. W. of A. union and is not between
members of the U. H. H. and the Progressive Mine Workers. '
I
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In-
E: JOHNL.IE'JiIS, ETLL ,
1
_ 92 _
11JI"3RV]I?2' WITH iollowin irrveotigation was conducted by Special AgentsJOHN anon rd 31» 8m'i-nsfield. Illi-r . - -no s on ep , _ _
t at the Office of the Epringfiald Field Envision ism-.-5. intsrv1' *'ewed
JOHN IEOH, Pawnee, Illinois, who furnished the statement mentioned herein.
In regard to the exhibits mentioned in his statement from JG-l to
JC--19 inclusive, it mght be stated thst t.l2e;; ire being rot-aiii L1 the ex-
hibit section of instant case and are not being, set forth in detail as it is
felt that other reference has been made to the reports and affidavits in
interviews with other officials and minors. .
In regard to these exhibits, IE1. 118% requested that they be returned
to him after instant ease is disposed oi. . t
GROH also advised that book in 1910 he shot a rabbit in Pawnee,
nois and that a neighbor thought he has shootiné; at his so the neighbor
a warrant out and the Police at Pawnee, Illinois arrested him but did not
his in jail and after the matter was,e.x,»J.ained the narrantwas dismissed.
He further said that in 1932 or 1933 the Sheriff of Sprin;;fiold,' Il1i~
nois came to his home and arrested him on an assault and battery warrant and
took him to the County Jail where he was held about 20 minutes and was then
released on bond and was bound over to the Grand Jury. GROH said he was not
near the so-one of the assault and buttery but was in another town and had -
nothing to do with the case. He further said he never heard t ytn.1""ng further
about the ease and never was indicted or tried. h. V. .
92
It Ias noted that JUIIH EUR is an intelligent individual and he speaks,
in .e clear tone and is readily understood. He advised he is wilung to eo-
oporntc to the fullest extent and will testify if necessary. It is felt that
he would make a very good witness and he said he can testify from his reco1--
lection end also from the reports and affidavits and notes which he turned
over to Agents. It might be stated that EDI} had given the above exhibits
to Mr. SCHNEIDER of P1-A who brought them to the Springfield ?icld Tlivision
a f 1: days earlier in order that they would be available when Hr. {ROB came
to be interviewed. In regard to these exhibits and copies of affidavits,
Ir. GROH put his initial plus the rmmber and date on each report or affidavit.
The signed statement which be burnished is as Iollossz
V " Springfield, Ill.
" oim Groh Pawnee I11. hereby give the following statement to
who are known to no to be Special Agents _F
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I2lTERVIEE¥ 'iaIl'H ' of the F.B.I. Ho threats or promises have-.~baon node no to, _
JOHN {EC-H procure this statement and I make it of my n c ~ i
continued! free will. ' . _-
"I an presently employed by the Weaver Ionu. Co. Springeld, Ill. I nu.
born Jul. 10, 1888 in Hungm'y,_ I came to U. B. in 1900 and became a citizen
through m__ fathers naturalization in 1906 or 1908. I first joined a mine
union at Lincoln, Ell. in 1993 this s-as U.¥.Jé?. I have held ~."==.rioes ofrioss
in the unions 1ro:_:'1 time to time, holding all local offices atone time or
another. I have been £1 P.!J.A. board member from Sept. 1939 to Feb. 1941
this was the District Board for Springfield, Ill. Iline B was included igy Qistriot, 1 hove never worked at line "B"! 1 had nothing to do with I1 2 g
affairs st nine B until I because a. board member just prior to the reopsnin ? jof the mine in 1939. ' ? 5
II; attention was first called to the mine "B" situation than I read
in the paper that the mine was reopening. I thcnoalled Ir. F}.shoff and told
him I was interested in the reopening of mine '8" as a Board member oi P-LA.
which had the bargsining rights in his mine. He toldmo he had nothing to tel"
to me ahmt and didn't intend to discuss the opening of nine *9 with no or
the: organization that I represent. I informed him that ?J£.£;. her? the i
bargaining rights and that no were interested in the opening of tins nine. H-=
became a little abusive and I then contacted the lalycr he had hired to repre-
sent The lawyer told no Elshuff was going; to open the nine under an open
shop. was in the Lzyes oice st Sth &. Adena. £hroi:g";h the sttornosa
we finally got an interview with Hr. Klsho, Hr. Falsetti and the attorney;
Hr. Heonn, Ur. Keck. Hr. Bedack and I not with these men at the District
P.1~I.A. hcsxquarters. Hr. Lee Ensel was the Attorney for Hr. Elsh =. The
Soet.'£roes. of the rsino B e. see also there I don ; re-eo.L.l his Es
had s discussion and could n->1; get together at this time Hr. Ilshofi made
the ,st.=.=.tenent that he wequliirt sign s contract with either union. This
meeting took place s. fen days after the mine was opened as an open shop, as
I recall. Mun this nee-ting the P=1=!=A.= eiiieiels decided since wec mld reach no s.;;ree:.92ent that we would just gee our time until something
happened to cell the board u0nb1:r into the p_ cturo. This would bu when a
controversy arose at the nine be-two-en the union and thb comp:-irgr that couid
not J; settled by the local officers. . i .
Such a controversy dirk arise and I lent out there and he refused to
talk with me. I returned to cw .;-ffice and shm:-tly recievod a c-all from
Elshoff tolling me he was wrong, that under the '!il.L.§.B. rulim; he 1uo_- ld have
to deal with no. Ho asked uc: to return to his office at thr. mine. This was
s short time after the rst c-.m.forence. I returned alone, the local pit
committee consisting; _-oi Bill Schorve, a nan by the neno of Bnntini, John
Zialacker then Pres. of local '55, were of course there. We not with Elshoff,
on-> ooilt with us but did so in ia ire:-3-* off-hshd manner risking ns ¬ee1 Herr
unwclc me, we reached n-.1 a.~;~ce;:92ent- m.she1£ said he Imld not do lmsiness
as in the Best but outlined s groccedim of his mu! I could not accept thi;
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RE: JOHN L. l..E.'.'IS, ET AL
INTERVIEW WITH and told him that I could only do business with him as with
JOHN GROH all others. We achieved nothing by this meeting. The
continued! method offered by Elshoff for handling uetters uade him the
_sele judge as to who should be discharged and why. He said
it was his property and he nuuld run it as he saw fit with no interference from
anyone, the way he saw fit. I of course told him that as we were the
bar;2inin; ajent he would have to chanqc his mind. He said that time noull
tell as to that. -He then got personal and told me that what happened out
there was no 'usiness of nine. we repeat d this oceedure several tins
always with the saim results. Finally we net with Elshoff at the Leland Hotel
ani held negotiations.
"I have turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation copies
of notes taken at various neetings held between representatives of the
P.M.n., of which I was one and representatives of the Mine "B" Coal Co. of
which Hr. Elshoff was one. These notes were made in lon¢ hand by Hr.
HcCann at the tine of these meetings and he afterwards had them typed
Liviny capies to those attendin . These copies were given to the representa-
tives of mine "B" as well and it was agreed among all that they actually
described whet took place at these meetings. I an identifying my copies of
these notes and verifyinj the inforition as contained therein. It is my
feelin_ that these H¬QQtiGtiFS were all e farce and were entered in
by the representatives of Hine "B" without a ;ooJ faith and with no intent to
make any contract with P.M.n. but intending at the tine to make U.H.U. the
bar;ainin; a cnt at the nine. This was the impression I received from the
meetin s eni the praceedure there.
"I an ioentifyin; the first notes as J.G. 1 ani verify tho information
therein as bcinh a rocori >f this neetin as it took place. I have nothing
t~ a ? at this tine. These notes refer to the nesting of Feb 15, 1940 held
at the office of Hr. Keck in P.K.L. headquarters.
"I an iientifying the second notes as J. G. ~2 anl yeriy the in-
formation therein es bciny a recori of this ;eetin- as it took place. I have
n>thin to ail at this tine. These notes refer to the neetin" hell Hay 2, 1940
in the offiC8 of Attorney Lee Ensel.
"I an ilentifying the third notes as J. G. -3 ani verify the inf92rna-
tivn therein as bing e recori of this xnetin; as it took place. I have
nothin_ to all at this tine. These notes refer to the meeting held Hay O,
1940 at the Lelanl H>tcl.
"I an i entiyinj the fourth notes as J, G. -4 anl verify the infor-
mati>n therein as being a recori of this neetin, as it took place. I have
nathind to adl at this tine. These notes refer to a meetinh hell June 18,
1940 at the Lelanl Hotel. I
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TEE: JOHN L. UNIS, ET LL
INIERVIIIE ETITH "I an i'1entif;y'in the fifth set of notes as J. G. 5. These
JOHN CROH notes are an accurate reccri of the ueetin__ described
continued! therein as it to->1: place. I heve n-cthinl, to add at this
time. These n >tes refer to n ::1eetint_ hel". June 2'7, 1949
at the Lelani Hotel. -
I i-lcntifyin, the sixth set of n-Jtcs as J. G. 6. These netcs are
an necurr-.t:; rccerddf the meeting describei therein as it took place. I
have nvthin, t, add at this tins. These notes refer to a meeting held July ll,
1940 at the Lelanl Hotel.
"I an identifying the seventh set if nutes as J. G. '7. These notes
are an accurate rec 2:-1. of the nc:tin,_; described therein as it tack place.
I h.:.v<. nuthin, t.- a-P. at this tine. These n.!b¬S refer 13'! a nectin; held
July 13, 1940 at the Leland Hotel.
"I an i .entif;,*in a S31; .1" rntcs as J. G. 8 this is an exact C-Qpy of
the tistiinony I ;;:.vc unler >ath ti: the Bureau cf Internal Revenue, in
questi n ani answer fern.
"Du:-in " this period I went to nine "B" and saw there Eddie Heckelbcck,
I hel knrnn him by scein,_ him at varinus union cenventi ms. He was at
mine "B" as a "nir Inspect!r"L this was a new job at nine be and I believe
it was s. c.2..;-r»ilspue for his var _:mi -atianal activities. He F51 what we called
a Trecki f U.3i.J. ::>r_.anizers with him 521.38 are: n. L."-.nski, a
nan culled Shucy ph.! Cue. e Baum varner, and abuut t1-:e.1ty Lit-hGl"S that I knew
but can't rec.-;1_l >ff.h.:.nd. I found that these men had been placed in
strate, ic sp."ts in the nine where they could contact each nan. lhese men
be 81. t..: intinirlatc the 1.1311 fircing then tr» jein U.Li.-=?'. This inf-.-rnatiun
cine t; n-; fr-an the men. These were men uhe ha.-. not vmrker-. since 1937, they
were til. tn me in cenfirlencc s me ..-i the men even ssy in_ that if put an the
st-"ml the 1: >Ul'l dcrr; what they hal told. The; would say they knew this was
wr ng but they and their i.~..uil;; 11.2.1 ta eat. Am-an-j th JSC er enizcrs mentiivnsd
were th. Lintlsey Brethers they were hare men. Some cf these uens activities
c msisteri : cuttin_ tires and nedelling with the igitidfl syste-;1s en cars &
trucks belonging t~ the men mtsicle ->1 _U.1i.'=.¬. One of these nen was named
Pete Cl >r;a, gnother Dixon, one Hick. .¢ .£ell='n': named Go!. Buchaite, O. H.
cnnn. Elia. E Griffith Ave. was c~nt.a.ctc-.1 by Ed. Heckelbccl-
…[truncated]