Coal Cases of 1922

Scope and content:

Mass strikes in both the anthracite and bituminous coal industries in 1922 led to a standstill in production. When the miners and operators failed to reach any agreements, the government abandoned its hands-off approach and attempted to set up commissions to arbitrate the cases. After several failed attempts, both an Anthracite and Bituminous Coal Commission were established to not only arbitrate the current situation, but to investigate its origins in the general history and conditions of the coal industries. W. Jett Lauck was involved with the United Mine Workers of America in both cases to varying degrees. Material is separated into Anthracite and Bituminous, with common material labelled "General."

Some dates are corroborated by list of case exhibits. Where corroboration is not possible, no date has been inferred. Classification as "exhibit" is applied based either on inclusion in a numbered list of exhibits or Lauck's handwritten filing directions.

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Parent restrictions:
Work diaries used to keep a record of Lauck's activities on behalf of a number of organizations, arranged by date in Boxes 216-219. Due to their fragile condition, access to the original diaries is restricted. Researchers should use the diaries on microfilm M-1239-1241.

Contents