When the United Mine Workers elected Arnold Miller president five years ago, ousting autocratic Boss Tony Boyle, the rank and file thought they had inaugurated an era of reform and tranquillity for their battered union. They could not have been more mistaken. After a brief period of harmony, hostilities resumed. They have not ceased. Now they threaten to topple Miller and ignite a potentially crippling nationwide coal strike next winter.
The cause of this latest rumble is the U.M.W.'s presidential election, which is scheduled for June. In a three-way campaign that is already getting heated, Miller is running for re-election against...