UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMERICA, April 26, 1946. To the Congressional Committee on the Construction of the Canalization of the Big Sandy, Tug, and Levisa Rivers. GENTLEMEN: It is our earnest desire that you pass favorably on the canalization of the Big Sandy, Tug, and Levisa Rivers as recommended by the United States engineers, because of the far-reaching possibilities of more and more employment of labor in the vicinity of these rivers. This action was authorized at our regular meeting held April 26, 1946. RAYMOND KURTZ, President. UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMERICA, UNION NO. 1111, Ironton, Ohio, May 1, 1946. To the Congressional Committee on the Canalization of the Big Sandy, Tug, and Levisa Rivers. GENTLEMEN: At our last regular meeting our local union unanimously approved the canalization of the Big Sandy, Tug, and Levisa Rivers, as recommended by the United States engineers. It is our belief that this project will not only increase employment in this territory but will benefit the country as a whole. Yours truly, RAYMOND KURTZ, President. UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMERICA, To the Congressional Committee on the Canalization of the Big Sandy, Tug, and Levisa Fork River. GENTLEMEN: This canal has three folds. It will help take care of the surplus water, bring out coal and ore. It will pay for itself in a number of years creating taxes. We, the carpenters of Portsmouth and vicinity, sincerely urge that you pass favorable on canalization of the Big Sandy, Tug, Levisa Fork Rivers as recommended by the United States Army engineers. This action was taken and authorized at our regular meeting May 2, 1946. Yours respectfully, CHAS. A. WALTERS. B. M. P. I. U. OF AMERICA, BRICKLAYERS' INTERNATIONAL LOCAL UNION No. 5, To Whom It May Concern: Bricklayers' Union No. 5, of West Virginia, at a meeting adopted a resolution endorsing canalization of the Big Sandy River. We are of the opinion that this project will be of great benefit throughout this entire territory. ROY DEAN, President. Mr. EMSLEY. In addition to that, Mr. Chairman, I want to submit here resolutions from CIO membership of the West Virginia Steel Co., approximately 500 or 600 members. These resolutions are in favor of the project. Here is one from Paul Normile and Hilda Keeney, covering principal cities and their operations in those cities bordering in the triState region. They endorsed that in the annual conference they were holding in a hotel just the other day. Here is a telegram coming to me yesterday from John B. Easton, president of the CIO. I also have a letter from Mr. John B. Easton. He sent me this telegram yesterday, confirming the resolution, and authorizing our presentation here. Lastly, here, we have a wire which reads: West Virginia State Industrial Union Council, your CIO, representing 25,000 members, at a meeting on Sunday, November 4, unanimously endorse the improvement of the Big Sandy waterway. That wire is signed by Joseph C. LaMorte, vice president. The resolution is attached. Since the miners have so ably presented themselves in behalf of the United Mine Workers, I want to present those in behalf of the rest of the house of labor. Mr. PETERSON of Georgia. They will be received in the record. (The documents referred to are as follows:) UNITED STEELWORKERS OF AMERICA, CIO, RIVERS AND HARBORS COMMITTEE, Washington, D. C. LOCAL UNION NO. 37, Huntington, W. Va., May 4, 1946. GENTLEMEN : The resolution hereto attached is a true and correct copy of resolution adopted by the members of Local Union No. 37, United Steelworkers of America. And recorded in our minute book on page No. 117, under date of October 14, 1945. Of which we the undersigned declare to be a true and correct copy. HAROLD CLARK, President. VERLIN BARTRAM, Recording Secretary. OCTOBER 14, 1945. Whereas we the officers and members of Local Union No. 37, United Steelworkers of America, composed of employees of the West Virginia Steel & Manufacturing Co., Huntington, W. Va.; and Whereas the time has arrived for the 573 members of our local to wake up and take some action on the Big Sandy Valley waterway improvement, that is now being discussed, and fought so vicious by a few selfish individuals who by their action are not willing to let majority rule in this case; and Whereas if this Big Sandy Valley waterway improvement is built it will be one of the greatest improvements in this vicinity in many years, and will mean so much to the approximately 600,000 population on and around the Big Sandy River: Therefore be it Resolved, That we, the officers and members of Local Union No. 37, United Steelworkers of America, go on record as favoring this waterway improvement. HAROLD CLARK, President. VERLIN BARTRAM, RESOLUTION OF THE UNITED STEELWORKERS OF AMERICO, CIO Whereas the United States Government, through its Rivers and Harbors Committee, is now seriously considering an appropriation of funds for the Big Sandy Valley waterways project, and whereas today, May 5, 1946, delegates representing over 10,000 steelworkers, members of the United Steelworkers of America, District 22, comprising the area of Huntington, Charleston, Point Pleasant, W. Va.; Ironton, Ohio; and Ashland, Ky., have endorsed this program. Therefore be it Resolved, That the Rivers and Harbors Committee of our Government give serious consideration and final approval to this project and as expeditiously as possible. Our CIO has endorsed the canal project for Tug River. JOHN B. EASTON, President. Mr. W. L. GARVEY, CIO WEST VIRGINIA INDUSTRIAL UNION COUNCIL, Washington 5, D. C. DEAR MR. GARVEY: The enclosed shows the authentic action of the West Virginia Industrial Union Council, CIO, in regard to the Big Sandy canalization project. This Board has full and complete authority to act in such matters between conventions. Yours truly, JOHN B. EASTON, President, and CIO Regional Director. At an executive board meeting of the West Virginia Industrial Union Council, CIO, held Sunday,November 4, the following action in connection with the Big Sandy River canalization was taken: Resolved, That the executive board, acting with its authority under the State Industrial Union Council constitution, indorses the canalization of Big Sandy. The principal reason for this action was the fact (1) this canalization is badly needed and will, in our judgment, act as a flood control; (2) that it will provide a large amount of employment for American workmen, both directly and indirectly; (3) such improvement will in all probability attract industry and we feel that since this project borders West Virginia that West Virginia citizens will get a share of employment, the furnishing of materials and that West Virginia, as a State, will get a share of any new industry locating along the project. Unanimously adopted. JOHN B. EASTON, President. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 9th day of November 1945, at Charleston, W. Va. NELLIE AELI, Notary Public. My commission expires June 15; 1947. [Western Union telegram] CHARLESTON, W. Va., November 12, 1945. RANDOLPH VIAS, Statler Hotel, Washington, D. C.: West Virginia State Industrial Union Council your CIO representing 25,000 members at a meeting on Sunday November 4, unanimously endorsed the improvement of the Big Sandy waterway. JOSEPH J. LAMORTE, Vice President. Whereas it has come to our attention that all of the progressive and forwardlooking people of Ashland and the entire Big Sandy region have asked for and secured Federal Government approval of the proposed canalization of the Big Sandy River and its tributaries, Tug and Levisa Rivers; and Whereas our organization is always in favor of any move to bring about the industrial growth and improvement of our friends and neighbors; and Whereas it has been brought to our attention that the Ashland city council recently took action against the proposed canalization project; therefore be it Resolved by the Boyd and Greenup Counties Industrial Union Council, in regular meeting assembled, on this the 19th day of October 1945, That we endorse the proposed canalization project and stand ready to give all aid within our power and ability to bring about the adoption of the proposed canalization project; and be it further Resolved, That we condemn the recent action of the Ashland city council as being ill advised and contrary to the opinions, interests, and desires of most of the citizens of Ashland. BOYD AND GREENUP COUNTIES INDUSTRIAL UNION COUNCIL, CIO, By CHARLES O. PERGREM, President. DELMAR O. LITTLE, Recording Secretary. ASHLAND, Ky., Mr. EMSLEY. That concludes my presentation. Thank you very much. Mr. PETERSON of Georgia. Is there anything further? Mr. HOBSON. I just have here a resolution from the Pike County Truck Mine Operators Association, a statement by their president. I also have a letter from Mr. Beeler, general manager of the Mead Johnson Terminal Corp., a resolution from the Ohio Valley Improvement Association, and a statement by our executive vice president, Mr. Merrill. We also have a resolution from the Mississippi Valley Association to which a map is attached. Mr. PETERSON of Georgia. Without objection, those statements will be made a part of the record. (The documents referred to are as follows:) To the United States Board of Engineers: PIKEVILLE, PIKE COUNTY, Ky. The Pike County Truck Mine Operators Association of Pikeville, Ky., is the over-all organization of the truck-mine operators of Floyd, Johnson, and Pike Counties of Kentucky. The association is composed of over 60 operating companies, most of which are small. The aggregate production of the association mines for 1945 will, however, exceed 22 million tons. Substantially the entire production of these mines originates in small mines located within 10 miles of the Levisa Fork from properties owned by small farmers and local citizens. The mines furnish labor and a source of revenue throughout the rural districts not reached by a railroad. It is significant that most of this tonnage crosses the Levisa Fork in order to reach the railroad. The coal is transported by truck over the county roads, most of which are hard-surfaced, but some of which are not. Generally speaking, the distances to the railway sidings in use are greater than the distance will be to more conveniently located loading points along the river. It is, therefore, believed that if, when and as the river is canalized the production of truck-mine coal will increase very substantially. In view of the large deposits of coal located along the river on the right bank thereof and not now accessible to the railway, which is located on the left bank of the river, it is believed that truck-mine-produced coal from these areas will aggregate a million tons per annum in addition to the 22 million tons now being produced. All of this coal would logically go to the river. The coal produced by the truck-mine operations is now being sold through the same jobbers who serve the rail mines and reaches the same ultimate con sumers and is subjected to the same freight-rate differentials and productioncost differentials in favor of competitive districts, as are the rail mines. These differentials have become so excessive during World War II that it is believed by the truck-mine operators that unless some relief is afforded, these mines will be unable to continue to operate and will be compelled to shut down, with the resultant loss in both capital and labor. After a careful study of the plans of the United States Engineer Corps for the canalization of the Big Sandy River and its two main tributaries, the Tug Fork and the Levisa Fork, and also the cost of transportation, not only to the mouth of the river but on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as well, the truck-mine operators are convinced the reduced cost of transportation thereby afforded will furnish the relief necessary to insure the continued operation of these mines. In view of the abundance of essential high grade raw materials in the valley, it is believed by the association that if the cheap river transportation, which will be provided by the canalization of the river, becomes available, a great era of economic development will occur in the valley similar to that which has occurred in other valleys after their river was improved. All of the vital factors involved in a broad industrial development are present in the valley and would no doubt have been heretofore developed had a competitive cost of transportation been in existence. For these reasons, the truck-mine operators on July 30, 1945, passed a resolution favoring the proposed river improvement project. A copy of this resolution is herewith submitted and the United States Board of Engineers is urged to recommend the project to the Congress in order that our valley may be placed on a parity with neighboring valleys in West Virginia and Kentucky and our coal business saved from bankruptcy. Respectfully submitted. PIKE COUNTY TRUCK MINE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION, By W. M. CONNOLLY, President. RESOLUTIONS Whereas the Pike County Truck Mine Operators Association of Pikeville, Ky., in meeting assembled at Pikeville, Ky., July 30, 1945, consists of operating truckmine companies located in Floyd, Johnson, and Pike Counties, Ky.; and Whereas the mines of these said companies are generally located from 3 to 10 miles distant from the railroad to which deliveries are made in trucks over the public roads, some of which are hard surfaced and some of which are not; and Whereas members of this association have shipped over 21⁄2 million tons of coal during the current year from various points along the railroad, principal among which has been Pikeville, from which point alone over 1,000,000 tons have been shipped; and Whereas the great bulk of the coals produced by the members of this association is consumed by large metallurgical industries in the Middle West and the Northwest; and Whereas during World War II the relative cost of producing coal in the southern districts, of which Big Sandy is a part, and the competitive coal-producing districts in the northern part of the great Appalachian coal fields and the central portions of same, has been greatly increased; and these production-cost differentials, plus the already existing freight-rate differentials, constitute a handicap which the Big Sandy mines cannot overcome without substantial relief either in the form of lowered wage scales or lower transportation costs. If such relief is not provided, it is believed that a large percentage of the mines of this association will be compelled to shut down, with a resulting loss of invested capital for the owners and loss of jobs by the miners; and Whereas it is believed that such a result would work a great hardship and possibly extinguish entirely, the mines in our association, throw our miners out of employment, and, at the same time, deny the benefits of our high-quality coal to the industries of the Middle West and the Northwest; and Whereas a careful study has been made of the plans submitted and approved by the United States Engineer Corps for the canalization of the Big Sandy River and its two main tributaries, the Tug and Levisa Forks, and this association is convinced that, because of the low-cost river transportation thus made available, the completion of this project would not only enable the members of the association to maintain their present output, but to increase the same very substantially from coal deposits located on the right bank of the river not now accessible to railway transportation, but conveniently accessible to river transportation, if and when available; and |