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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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over the telephone. “Yes, I think that's possible. I think it could be done.”

I said, “We'll run an American flag up over every mine mouth. The same people would operate the mines in every locality, the same superintendent, the same bosses, the same everything.”

“Well, I can see it. I can see it. I can see what could be done. I can see just how exactly how I would do it. The President would seize the mines, in the name of the Government. He would appoint me immediately to administer them. I would take over. I would issue a statement. I would send telegrams to every mine--I suppose I can get a list of them?”

“I think so,” I said.

“I would send a telegram to each operator and to each mine, that they are to operate the mines; that the usual force is to be called back; that they--”

“Well,” I said, “of course this couldn't be done without the assent of the United Mine Workers. They just wouldn't go.”

“Oh well, wouldn't they go if the President wanted them to?”

I said, “You see how much they did in response to the President's orders recently, because he's ordered them back into the mines, you remember, and they wouldn't go. They have to be invited.”

“Ah, yes,” he said. “I see. I see. Well, that's all





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