The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-07-13

If the parties directly involved in the
coal mine conference.-the mine owners
on the one side and the mine workers on
the other-were the only parties in inter
est, the situation would presents very diff
ferent aspect. The public would then look
on with comparative indifference and there
would be small concern as to which won,
and as to how, when and upon what terms
the final settlement would be effected.
But as it happens, neither the mine-owners
nor the mine workers are more closely in
terested in the result than the business
community of Seattle, and this fact seems
likely to be the most potent factor in
bringing about settlement of the trouble.
The coal interest is. next to lumber. the
most important commercial interest of this
city. Its prosperous activity means gen.
eral prosperity in all branches of business
here, and its depression means dull times
oil around. Directly-in the work
of the mines and the operation of
the railroads connected with them
the coal industry gives support to
population of about 5000, while its dis
bursments in the city amount to more
than quarter of a million dollars
monthly. Furthermore, it brings very
considerable shipping, whose disburs-
ments in port for supplies and labor make
q very considerable item in our general
business. The wholesale merchant, the
foundryman, the retail merchant, and
through these every department of our
business organization, is dependent for
large share of its vitality to prosperous
operations at the coal camps.
Our manufacturing industries, too, are
dependent upon the coal mines. Without
coal they can do nothing. and their sue
cess is dependent, to great degree, upon
the price of coal. These industries in turn
are reflected in the business life of the
town. In short, the good or bad fortune
OF Seattle Is related in thousand ways to
the coal industry.
In the past there has been universal
complaint Of the high price of coal, espe-
cially for purposes of manufacture; and
1t is an open secret that very large per
cent. Of the cost of this article of prime
necessity has been due to the frequent dis
turbances In the camps and to the uncer-
tainty Of production. 1t Is asserted that
with uninterrupted industry at the camps
and which has not been enjoyed for
years-ths companies could well afford to
lay down coal in this city for from
fifteen to twenty per cent. less than
the ruling prices. The constant Interrupt
tons and the delays, with their heavy
incidental charges, are all reflected in the
price of the product in the markets.
1t is certain that if we are to have the
fullest advantage of natures bounty
in the form of coal deposits in
this vicinity, there must be q
''new deal'-a substitution of regular
work for spasmodic work, of certainty fo-
uncertainty and of minimum cost OF min
ing for maximum cost. There must be
such change as will, in short, make coal
cheaper and assure its regular supply.
This does not mean that labor must waste
and receive less, but that there must be
less loss through strikes and interruptions.
The business community is beginning to
understand sll this and to see that in the
end it is a sufferer from the mining troubles
equally with the mine owners and the
mine workers. And that the facts Of the
situation are beginning TO be thus under
stood is the best assurance for speedy and
permanent settlement of the troubles.
There is still another interest in this
matter connected with the public, and that
IL the repute abroad of these continued
disturbances. 1t is undeniable that they
are giving the county and state bad
name with investors. Conservative men
do not care TO risk money where there is
constant inhsrmony between capital and
labor, and will always give such country
wide birth. The mining troubles will.
most unjustly, but in fact nevertheless,
hurt our credit if they shall not very soon
be amicably and permanently composed.
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