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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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Part:         Session:         Page of 912

Interviewer:

How long did the Government keep the mines?

Perkins:

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.

Interviewer:

Why did Lewis continue to strike during war-time?

Perkins:

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.”

Interviewer:

Why did Lewis continue to strike? Was it the operators? Were they responsible?

Perkins:

Well, they wouldn't give him what he wanted.

Interviewer:

Did he ask for things that he should not have had?

Perkins:

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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