The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-02-04
Philadelphia Pal February g. 1916.
To the users of anthracite coal:
Philadelphia, Pa, February 8, 1916.

The Anthracite Coal Strike Commission, appointed by the
President to inquire into labor conditions in the anthracite region,
and wage workers upon a lust and permanent basis made an
award which, with minor notifications and considerable addi-
tional concessions to the wage workers at subsequent conferences
is still in force. The last agreement, signed on May 20, 1917,
expires on March 81, 1916.
The miners are now demanding substantial concessions,
entalling such additional burdens upon the in operation osao OF ~ NINE mn
the problem which confronts us-a problem which will ultimately
affect every user Of anthracite coal.
The demand for 2O%t increase in wages alone will in the ag-
eaas u D''" exceeding seGin an r r WESTY. II as SS'S MILLION III DOLLARS
ayear.
The operation of the anthracite mines Of PENNSYLVANIA repre-;
sents an investment of upwards of S275yOCCO,OOC in plant and
equipment, in addition to the value of the coal lands leased by the
operators.
Mining. though carried on by the most scientific methods,
yields an exceedingly small return upon the actual capital invested.
and while it is to be freely admitted that certain mines, worked
under peculiarly favorable conditions, yield liberal profits. it is
equally true that many anthracite mines, the product of which is
needed by the public, are at present either operated at no profit, or
with so narrow a margin of profit that it is a matter of indifference
to the operator whether Or not they continue to be operated.
The average returns are entirely too small to meet the in,
creased cost of additional compensation to miners, or substantial
changes in conditions of employment. without a consequent in.
crease in the price of coal to the consumer.
We believe that the users of anthracite coal are vitality inter-
ested in the REIMBURSEMENT on April l., 1916, Of the relations be-
anthracite coal users with the vital conditions of the industry, as
well as with the social and working conditions of the army of
1CO,OOOc UuIlONS cHSdScV " lS dIiOu VI VIC uuuSS.
Because of the extraordinary industrial cOnditiOnS-caused by
the European war, which causes have in no degree benefited the
anthracite industry-the price of labor has rapidly advanced. A
wages which would be unexpected and unwaranted in ordinary
times. Such demands. if granted, would place a heavy and per.
manent burden upon every user of anthracite coal.
We have conceived it to be our duty to inform the users of
anthracite coal of the state of affairs. in order that an enlightened
public sentiment may operate to fairly adjust the conditions which
will arise, and which must be discussed and determined within the
next few weeks.
If, after such presentation, the user of anthracite coal say it
is our duty to make a large advance in the income of the miners
and others employed in the industry, and are prepared to meet the
advanced cost of paying a higher price for coal, now is the time
to say so, and we can meet the issue on that basis, but if the anthra-
cite confusing public is opposed to such concessions its voice
should be plainly heard.
The coal operators desire to deal justly with their employees,
granting every fair request, but they also deem it their duty to
protect the coalconsuming public and to conserve it's interest, Just
as they purpose to protect. SO far as they are able, their own in
tereStS.
We believe that our employees are entitled to receive reason
able wages to meet living conditions, comparable with wages paid
in other similar lines Of industry, where equal chances for steady
employment are offered, provided our employees are willing to
cooperate. with their energy and thrift. in securing reasonable
efficiency; and that the operators are entitled to receive a reason
able return ON their investment. because in this way only can the
necessary capital be secured to develop the mines for the increas-
inc public necessities: and we also believe that the consumer
should be able to buy his coal at the lowest possible price after
these conditions m met.
1t is in this spirit that the coal operators approach this vital
problem. and they ask fair consideration, by the coal-consuminp
public, of such facts as will be presented to them, in the belief that
this intelligent consideration will insure an equitable adjustment
Oft approaching negotiations.
SCR r COAL q R D. n D( hSON IN RAJ ~ MpA< Nv M ,nM> #.