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Re: JOHN L.LEWIS, ET AL BIC iz) [> s interviewed at his residence at rs VU as aa a Zi Gant ember ted 192 2 by Speci «3 ; By i ita : ® ness due to his poor speaking and difficulty in expressing himself, He Xt gave information as set forth in the following signed statement: ¢ *Springfield, Ill. N ; September 7, 1943. Wiley women iy name is eae I became an American citezen in identified thens pe of Investigation. No promises, threats, or consideration of any kind -has been made to me to make this statement. JI am willing, if necessary, to go to court, and repeat anv part of this statement. "I have been a coal miner since | gf I came to the United T nate Raan awl hase *» aanl mana, at States in ana nave peen a COG, MIMér Ever Simntee fF nave pesn orkin atom, B since Before 1932 I was a member of the United Kine vorkePs of America. er 1932, the local ” at mince B belonged to the Progressive Mine Vorkers of Anerica. J was never an officer of either union. I attended the union meetings frequently, under both unions. In 1937, when the strike started, I was satisfied with the way that the local ° and the Frogressive Hine Workers of America were being operated. I do not recall that the men out there were against this union. I de not recall exactly why the strike started out there in 1937. There had been Some quarrels over the amount of pay, but I do not know if that was what the strike started over. , wee John Ananias, who is known as "Cotton" was expelled Bexe aa wags not at the trial when he was expelted, and do not know exactly what it was that he was expelled for. I think it was because he violated a rule of the union that a PW member should not associate with a member of the UNF. Cotton had been a good friend of Tony Plotch for many years. Tony had been expelled from the Pui before, one w+ +5 hols To rnagnt Kise haises Sameone saw him sd and Cotton had gone oul TO Neip iony painy mis Mouse. GOMeCne saw iim, P and preferred charges against him. “hen Cotton was expelled from the union, I think he was satisfied with the way that the union was being operated, I did not hear him make a) be disatisfied with the operation of the union, _ ad hin say that appened during the time of the strike, th ber that I was out at the wee ae ve wie eater HH 4 Fe ee ee ee ge ce rg po et me mies eee