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Cc O Re: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL bie bo INTERVIE "Shortly after the strike started I recall that I signed a van petition for P.M.A. I signed this petition because J continued } felt that F.M.A. was a better union than U.M.7. I don't ‘remember if any reason was given for the petition which I signed voluntarily. JI don't recall any other petit4dons being circulated at this time, "During the summer of 1937 I worked on a farm, and I don't remember receiving any notices of any attompts to open Mine B. In the fall of 1957 I went on the picket line at Ming B. for P..A. on several occasions. The purpose of the picket was to koop out U.M.0. men. P.M.A. men could not have worked if they had wanted to because Elshoff would not let thom. "Fron T learned of the FYational Labor Relations Board election in December 1927. JI heard that the election was being held so that the minera csuld vote for the union they wanted so that tho mino could then reopen, I voted for the F.N.A. in this election which was held in the State arsenal] in Springrizid, 111., end voted for P.W.A, because I felt that F.u.A. was the better union, I think that the majority of the miners at this time favored the P.M.A. because they always talked in favor of P.W.A. I think that the election was fair and square. I was not compelled to go to the election, anc I was able to vote as I wanted. "During the period from Foverbor 1939 to February 1941, I recall thataKlotch (Baumgartner) tried to persuade me at Mine B to join UM... This man hac boen strong for P.M.A. in 1937. I don't know why he turned to U.K. .., but I heard thet ho was paid by U.N. I don't remember exactly when he came to me, but I do recall that ho said that P.M.A. had no contract with lfine B, and that if I wanted to work at Mino I ought to sign up with UM... *] think it was some timo in December 1940 that I joined the U.M.4, Onc_afternoon three men came to my room in Mine B. One of them was known al and another wos known 4s These men were not regular employecs ot fine B. I, together with o miners, felt that they had been brought to the mine by the U.N.>. to help organize for that union. As I recall, said that I could not work the next day unless I signed up with U.M... | a: ed U.K, . because I wanted to keep on working. "J dontt remomber the exact date, but I remember seoing give | ea a beating in tho blacksmith shop at Kine B. I don't know what caused the fight, but I heard that RB rice to persuade to join UM... &£ o heard that mee a Geating to an Auburn, e, man by the namo o for failing to clean up the slate in his room. I don't . iw know if ried to persunce Qa to join U.M.W. ¥ - $3) + rv mean iaitiimnane sienna Milind Meibdidient ach 0 State iain hein len ine ee