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How long did the Government keep the mines?
I've forgotten, but it was quite a keep. Of course there was a second seizure, later on, and the same pattern was followed. I mean, by this time, it was established.
Why did Lewis continue to strike during war-time?
Well, he wasn't going to be bound by any boss. It came out very plainly. People who advised the President to interpose and order the miners back to work--I protested their advise. I said at the time, “Don't do it. It's bound to be a defeat to the President.”
I said it to Harry Hopkins. “He mustn't do that, because Lewis is bound to say “no', and that's a defeat for the President.”
Why did Lewis continue to strike? Was it the operators? Were they responsible?
Well, they wouldn't give him what he wanted.
Did he ask for things that he should not have had?
Yes and no. When do you ask for things--when the going is good? When do you ask for advances in pay and other accomplishments? You ask for it when the operators have a
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