The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-03-14

TEE works on the MonongAhela river are
actively engaged the production the past
winter has placed . great quantity in the
market. Last summers strike had the effect
of developing coal territory which supplied
the lower markets to great extent, and in
order TO regain the market it has compelled a
nominal price to be set on our coal.
Below we give the action Of the Pittsburgh
Coal Exchange, which is cmA'osed OF the
river operators.
An adjourned meeting of the GOAL Ex-
change was held yesterday morning, with
Mr.. h. B. Hays in the chair. The Commit
tee appointed to prepare business for the
consideration of the body presented the fol-
lowing:
"Your Committee, after careful considera-
ton of the several questions embraced IN this
report, respectfully recommend:
l. That the Coal Exchange appoint com
mittee of two or more operators from each
pool, to confer with each operator in their
respective pools as to the proprety Of fixing
a reduction IN the price of mining and time
for the same to take effect
2. And further, believing and knowing
that home manufacturers are paying as high,
il not higher rate for coal for home consump-
ton than is paid at Cincinnati and Louisville,
we would respectfully recommend that a com
mittee of three be appointed to confer with
and ask the cooperation Of ourmanufacturers,
as well as coal producers selling to home
manufacturers with view Of a reduction in
the price Of mining, and to take such meas
ures as will best subserve the interest not
only Of the manufacturers but Of the coal
operators.
3. That the coal producers establish such
prices from time to time, in the lower mark
cts, as will secure only fair compensation
for the transaction of this particular branch
of business, and endeavor by all possible
means BY concerted action to prevent any
thing like speculation in this great natural
product.
4. That the price Of coal in barges, at Gin
cinnati and Louisville, be fixed at not less
than eleven cents per bushel, the same to
take effect at once.
5. A united and harmonious course of ac-
ton ON the part Of shippers in all thai per
tains to the business in general, believing that
each individual shipper will be benefited
thereby.
6. A stricter economy in all that pertains
to the handling and shipping Of coal, espec-
tally reduction Of salaries Of all employees
on towboats, and 10 such directions as will
reduce the present cost of transporting coal
to the lower markets, ard that a committee
OF seven be appointed by the Coal Exchange
to inquire into and recommend such changes
as may be deemed hest and practicable
Z. The appointment Of a committee to pre-
pare q roll Of the members Of the Coal Ex-
change, and that said committee lie further
required to examine all rules and bylaws that
have been made to govern the Exchange, and
make them known 10 the members.
3. That the Coal Exchange memorable
Congress to appropriate $40 600, as recon-
mended by the Ohio River Commissioners,
with which to experiment on the chute at
Dam No. l.
The report was received, and on motion,
adopted, after amending the fourth section,
fixing the minimum price of coal at Cincinnati
and Louisville and all intermediate points, at
ten cents per bushel, the terms being hall
cash and balance in so days.
On motion of Mr.. Lyle, it was agreed to
allow operators in the third and fourth pools
to sell at one-half cent per bushel lower than
the price for first and second pool coal
The Exchange then adjourned to meet Tues
day next
1t is very plain that they intend forcing a
reduction Of wages in mining.
The last effort made in this direction proved
failure because a cessation of work would
have proven disastrous under the circum.
stances, parties who had heavy obligations to
meet have had good opportunities to assist
them; their works have run regularly a
great amount of coal has been produced, and
they are now preparing to reduce the wages
here, and regulate the price of coal in the
lower markets.
Let basis Of wages be established upon
this price.