New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-04
Philadelphia, Pa, February 3, 1916.
To the users of anthracite coal:

The Anthracite Coal Strike Commission, appointed by the
President inquire labor conditions the anthracite region
and ito cneavor establish the relations between the employers and
wage workers upon just and permanent basis made an award
which, with notifications and considerable additional conces-
Son the workers subsequent conferences still in force
The last agreement signed May 90 1912 expires March 81
1916
The demanding substantial entaing
such additional burdens the operation that we deem
frankly fully lay before the public the problem
which problem which will ultimately affect
of anthracite coal The demand for 2Of increase alone
will the aggregate bring about increase in the cost OF anthracite
coal consumers exceeding TWENTY-THREE MILLION
DOLLARS year.
operation mines of Pennsylvania represents
investment upwards s275OOOOOO plant and equipment
addition the value of the coal lands leased by the operators
Mining though carried by the scientific methods yields
exceedingly small upon the actual capital invested and
while be freely admitted that certain mneS worked under
peculiarly conditions yield liberal profits equally true
that many anthracite Mines the product of which needed by the
public present either operated at profit with SO narrow
margin of profit that matter of indifference to the operator
whether not they continue to be operated
The average entirely small meet the increased
cost of additional compensation to miners substantial changes IN
conditions employment without consequent increase the
Of coal to the
believe of anthracite coal vitality interested
in the read usment April 1916 of the relations between the
operators and the We propose acquant anthracite coal
with the vital conditions of the industry well with the
working the army of 100000 employees,
gagged in the operation of the mines.
the extraordinary industrial condonscaused by
the European which have degree benefited the
anthracite ndstrythe price Of labor has rapidly advanced de-
ened effort will be made by the miners increased
which would unexpected and unwananed in ordinary times
demands granted would place heavy and burden
upon every of anthracite coal.
We have conceived it be duty to inform the of
anthracite coal of the state Of affairs order that enlightened
will arise and which must be discussed and determined within the
next few weeks
If after such presentation the Of anthracite coal is
our duty make large advance the income of the miners and
employed the industry and prepared to meet the ad
vanced by paying higher price for COAL the time
saw CO. and we the that basis but if the anthracite
confusing public opposed such its should be
plainly heard
The operators deal Justly with their employees
granting every fair request but they also deem their duty protect
the coaconsumng public and to its interest just they
purpose protect far they able their interests
We believe that employees entitled to receive reasonable
wages meet living conditions comparable with paid other
similar industry where equal chances steady employment
are offered provided employees willing cooperate with
their energy and thrift securing reasonable efficiency and that
the operators entitled to receive reasonable return their in
this only the capital be secured
to develop the increasing public necessities and
also that the should be able buy his coal at the
lowest possible price after these conditions met
It is in this spirit the coal operators approach this vital
problem and they ask fair consideration, by the coaconsumng
public will be presented to them the belief that this
intelligent consideration will insure equitable adjustment Of the
approaching negotiations.