In Illinois

A peaceful winter in the soft coal patches df Illinois was assured last September when the operators agreed to maintain the much-disputed Jacksonville wage scale ($7.50 per day) until April. But an unsettled spring, a dubious summer were provided for last week when, meeting in Chicago, the Illinois miners and operators wound up further negotiations unagreed.

The operators offered $6 per day. The miners scorned it. The operators suggested a non-partisan arbitrator, to be appointed by Chief Justice Taft. "No!" cried a miner. "Not even if President Coolidge were chosen." The miners suggested a joint commission of miners and operators. To that the operators said, "Never again."

Peace ends April 1 in Illinois.