◆ SpookStack

stated upon interview tbat early in l937 subject Ray Edamdson, President of ths Jios local at Springfieid, approacbsd hin with a proposition to freese the Puw Snion out of wine A, but that bs turned the proposition down flatly. At the tins Klshotf purchased Mine A he amnounced his intention to operate the Mine throngh subterranean passege comected with Kine B, whi ch would enablo hin to use exployees of Mino B to operate the Mine. Many mners will be able to testify that this wms s sabstantial factor in oonvincing the Snployees of Mine A that thay should affiliate with the tm of Americs. Pantber Creek Coal Mines Iransaction In the oarly purt of l942 Klsboff attaupted to purchase ths Pantber Creek Cosl Minss, Springfield, Dilinois, whioh were operating under Pun con- tract, for $4oo,o0o cash. Mr. Robert C. Solomon, President of ths Panther Creek Coal Mines, stated that although the negotiations were wsucceasful, it was assumed that inasauch as Elshoff bad no money of his ow, the cash would be furnisned by Jonm L. Lowis and the Un Orion.. Th: nerotiations .ore wn- Quccessful 53 H. Miscellanoors Incidents Numerous wdtnesses have been developed in this case who will be able to testify to nwasrous other incidants bssring on the allegod unfair labor practices indulged in by Elshoff against the Pun Union during the time bs re- 3 ceived fron John L. Lewis. For sxarple, it has been sstablisbed that Lewis number of officials of the Uw Union are personally very friandly with Elshoff and met with hin on muserous occasions. Also, during the tine Mine B was shut down Mshoff bought brokerage coal frox the Peabody Mines, Springfield, Ilinois, at a very advantageous price arranganent. George #. Reed, Vice Prasidont of the Peabody Mines, has admitted that Ray Edamndson, President of the Uuw Local at Springfiold, suggested tbat the Peabody Company, which was organized under tbe Uuw tnion, take stopa to sell brokerage coal to Elshoff in l93?; however, be denies that there was anything out of the way in the transactioc. In selling brokorage coal, Elshoff bad an Outside source of income at tbs tine Kine B was not in operaticn. b3|