Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-28
THE OUTPUT OF COAL
Attorney Dsrrow Wants Facts
in the Case.
ASKS FOR WITNESSES
ASKS THAT RAILROAD PRESI-
DENTS BE SUMMONED.
Anxious to Find Ont Who Ii Restrict
ing the Product Of the
Mines.

PHILADELPHIA. January 28.-The an
thracite coal strike commission today heard
additional testimony from the independent
operators. The examination OF the wit
nesses by counsel for the miners was con-
Quoted with a view OF ascertaining the rea-
sons why the independent operators pre-
ferred to permit the flooding of their mines
rather than grant their employees an eight
hour working day.
John Weber, superintendent OF ]. 8.
VENTS Hazlebrook colliery, said in his
opinion the company wanted to manage its
own business.
Attorney barrow, for the miners, ad-
dressed the commission and asked that the
presidents Of the coal-carrying roads be
brought before the commission to testify
concerning the alleged Limitation of the coal
production.
There has been testimony before this
commission" said Mr.. barrow. that the
miners have limited the coal production.
We believe the restriction has been made
by the operators. But SO long as the COM
panies have made the charge I want to
bring before the commission the presidents
of the coal roads in order that We may be
able to learn the facts"
Colloquy With Counsel.
do you mean to express the belief" said
Chairman Gray, that the coal companies
have limited the supply beyond the natural
market limit? 1 have looked at the eco
nonic side of this question and am Of the
opinion that the coal supply should be con-
served. The wasteful competitive destruc-
ton of the coal supply is serious matter
As the discussion proceeded Attorney
barrow asked Chairman Gray If he thought
an operator had any more right to order q
miner to load certain number OF cars
daily than had a miner to tell an operator
he would load only certain number.
Chairman Gray answered negatively. but
said one miner had no right to restrict the
working hours of another.
''Then." inquired Mr.. barrow, has one
company. because it is bigger and stronger.
the right to tell another company that 1t
shall do a certain thing?'
Chairman Gray thought not.
Attorney Dickson, for the companies,
stated that during 1901 and up to the time
Of the strike in 1902. the output of coal
was restricted by concerted action. The
strike was known to be at hand and the
operators made every effort possible to
store as much coal as possible. The opera
tors, he said. are anxious to keep the mar
ket prices down by securing an adequate
supply for the demand and also for reserve.
Wanted Presidents to Testify.
Mr.. barrow said he desired the presence
of President Baer of the Reading company
and President Truesdale of the Delaware,
Lackawanna and Western, to learn from
them. If possible, who is responsible for the
alleged restriction. Chairman Gray said
the commission would consider the mat
ter.
Thomas Whilden. a foreman In the en-
ploy of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation
Company. whose collieries are located in
the Panther Creek valley, testified concern
ing conditions at these mines. He said the
collieres since the strike have been work
ing ten hours daily instead Of nine in order
to increase the production. The men. how
ever, he declared, are Indifferent, and do
no more work in the ten hours than they
did in nine. Counsel for the miners said
the December production Of the company
was 5. 100000 tons, the largest monthly pro-
duction in years.
The commission here took a recess.