Dunlop Backs Mine Inquiry

John T. Dunlop, associate professor of Economics, said last night that "it is reasonable to assume that several years of peace in the mines will follow today's coal agreement."

Dunlop, who returned Saturday night from serving on the President's Board of Inquiry, added that, while the immediate crisis is over, the fundamental problems of the industry remain. Truman's request to Congress for a special commission to review these problems is "very much in order," Dunlop declared.

Dunlop said that in his opinion the return to the mines will be virtually immediate. "Some will go back tomorrow, some the next day," he remarked, "and production will return to normal in several days."

Substantial Wage Increase

As to who came out the best in the dispute, Dunlop pointed out that "gains and losses are difficult to appraise in a matter of this sort." He added that the miners have received a substantial increase in wages--more than most industries--but these increases have been postponed for a year.

Another point Dunlop made was that the coal industry has a shorter working year, and therefore must receive more pay per day in order to arrive at the same yearly wage as other industries.

"The agreement itself was between the parties," Dunlop said. "Our board took no responsibility for the terms of the settlement." He went on to say that his duties on the President's board were technically finished as soon as the dispute was resolved.