Massive in his padded swivel chair in the Washington headquarters of the United Mine Workers. John L. Lewis chomped on a big cigar, dispatched orders, conferred with his captains and awaited reports from the field.
Occasionally John L.'s phone would jangle with news of another victory. Big John would dictate to a press aide a curt communique which concluded with a half-hopeful, half-commanding "More tonnage will sign." The press covered U.M.W. like a military HQ. Almost every night last week, U.M.W. was able to report to the newsmen that another company or two had agreed to boost pay (from $14.05...
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