New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-01
INDUSTRY AND TIE COAL STRIKE


Mr. Francis L. Robbins, of Pittsburg, chairman
of the soft coal operators organization in the
central district, has had his eyes opened in the
last few days 10 some wholesome truths not
hitherto included in his philosophy Mr.. Robbins
has been talking since the middle Of February
about suspending soft coal production In tnls
country jauntily If he were merely consld-
ering the ACCESSIBILITY of closing his house IN
Pittsburg and making trip TO Palm Beach or
the Riviera. His organization had not been sue
cesSful in arranging a new wage scale with the
representatives Of the miners union. The diff
ferences which held the operators and miners
apart were irconsiderable. But rather than
compromise them Mr.. Robbins seemed disposed
to force rupture with the miners, which would
result In closing the mines and bringing TO q
standstill the great industries of the country
which depend on soft coal for their successful
operation. Manufacturing and transportation
interests would have to make the best of it, in
Mr. Robbinss view, while the operators and
miners fought out their differences
1t is not at all surprising that this theory of
selfeffacement is not accepted with any degree
of enthusiasm by the railroads and the manu-
facturers. They do not seem 10 relish posing as
innocent bystanders In mix-up and taking, as
innocent bystanders usually do, the brunt Of the
punishment. The iron and steel industry, for
instance is just now enjoying remarkable activ-
ity. The steel and iron output In 1905 broke all
records, and the year closed with an almost I'M
precedented demand for all sorts of steel and
iron products. The Steel Trust has accepted
contracts for 1906 which it must strain all its
resources 10 FILL and IT cannot afford 10 check
or limit its present rate of production. 1t must
have coal and coke-and IN larger quantities
than ever. The railroads, too, have more bus
iness ahead than they can handle. They have
or inunpnSa M
enormous additions to their rolling stock. They,
too, cannot afford to suffer delays In deliveries
or TO reduce in any way their present trans
portation facilities The demand for soft coal
Is greater to-day than it has ever been before
and the bituminous industry is in an excep-
tionally sound and iourishing condition. The
steel and iron interests and the transportation
interests are therefore justly irritated as the
private consumer can be at the self-sattsfied
and irrational attitude assumed until within
day or two by the chief spokesman of the soft
coal operators organization. They have given
notice 10 these spokesman that coal strike on
April l must be averted as a peril to general
and piece of economic folly. This
warning, coupled with President ROosevelt's ad-
vice, TO have had its effect IN the lightning
change Of policy just executed by Mr.. Robbins
and his associates.
Mr.. Robbins fell, perhaps, too easily into the
insisted on four years ago by
President George F. Baer of the Reading Rail
road. Mr.. Baer contended that Providence had
put the management of the hard coal industry
into his hands, and that he was entitled under
the law, TO operate the properties in his charge
in any manner he saw fit He not bound to
consider the effect of his management on the
welfare of other industries or on the needs of
the consuming public. That was perhaps a good
enough theory in the days when competition was
a genuine regulating influence in production.
But In this era of vast consultations and Of far
more intimate INTERPOLATION Of industries such
a doctrine falls TO the ground. No great indus
try now stands isolated and on its own feet
Each owes duty TO the interests with which it
Is involved and a certain service to the general
public. The coal strike of 1902 was helpful in
forcing recognition Of this economic principle
and combinations, either of operators or of work
in the coal industry, should be careful not to
overlook it IN future struggles TO settle their
internal disputes.