New-York tribune., 1917-06-12
Lack of Energy Among
Workers Becoming Serious
Problem for Country
Wages No Inducement
Men Keep to Days Work."
Showing No Desire for
Extra Money


ing for national prohibition as war
measure and the best means Ct insur-
ing high efficiency in the ranks Of an
thracite labor. The mining companies
are doing everything possible 70 push
production, and because OF the more
efficient handling Of coal cars by the
railroads. it would be easier to make
shipments from the mines II an ade-
quate supply Of labor could be obtained
to insure the maximum output.
Although the miner is getting to-day
the largest wage that he ever received.
and although his family probably en-
ioys greater luxuries than IL ever knew
before. he concerns himself very little
about the future. The mining compa-
mes would be glad to pay their first
class men from 81 to SO day. ii they
would only bestir themselves in the
effort to enlarge the production of an
thracite coal.
But the average miner will do moth
ing Of the kind unless his union fsvors
such action. There is an unwrit.en
law at many Of the mines that five or
six carloads Of coal should constitute
a days work. There seems TO be
prejudice against increasing this out
put. and unless drastic measures are
rcsorted to 1t may be impossible to in
crease it,
Enthusiastic for While
Only the other day one Of the local
unions. after hearing a stirring ad
dress by General Dougherty. passed
resolution favorng sustained work. 50
as 10 insure increased production. The
men were enthusiastic about it for p
while. and contended that they would
not take any more holidays. Some de-
c'ared they would be willing to work
or the Church holidays, in order TO
make il possible for the companies to
respond to the nationwide demand for
an adequate coal supply. Officers o.
the mining companies were skeptical
when they heard Of this change Of
heart.
The test came within a few days
when a Church holiday came along.
Arrangements were made with the
priest 20 hold mass az A. NJ. for the
convenience of those workers who
wanted to begin the day right by at
tending a religious service. The men
were faithful enough in attending the
I for work at the mines that day.
It may take government action to
make the men realize their responsi-
bilities in the direction of enlarging the
output Of coal during the war period.
As il is the average miner is so com
fortably well of that he refuses to ac-
cept the additional dollars which his
employers would gladly pay him for a
little extra work.
An official of one Of the anthracite
companies, in discussing the situation,
said ne believed national prohibition
would be a very helpful influence and
conduce TO greater regularity of work
al the mines. The large mines are
operated chiefly by foreign help.
These men make excellent citizens, but
it is often impossible TO get their sons
or grandchildren to become miners.
Want To BE Above Ground
They dislike the CRIME. the dust. the
oil and the oyeralls. They are often
ambitious enough TO make for them
selves lucrative position in "above the
ground work. With the better educa-
tional facilities now provided and the
various efforts undertaken TO make this
foreign born population into better citi-
Zens. the anthracite miner is becom-
ing each year more intelligent and self
reliant. lie has never been as inde-
pendent as he Is to-day for his pay
envelope is more bulky than ever be-
fore and he knows that there is another
good job waiting for him at some other
mine whenever his own employer be-
comes unreasonable.
4 4 few weeks ago one OF the indie
/ pendent operators made a cash offer
I Of $4,000 as bonus for securing the
/ services of five hundred men to work
Z IN his mines for sixty days or longer.
The only conditions were that the men
should understand the work and be
willing 10 receive a wage ranging from
IS TO $40 day. This offer occasioned
great deal Of comment, but it is not
believed that the coal operator has
been fortunate enough TO find a man
who would undertake TO deliver such a
number of laborers for the $4,000 fee.
The most curious feature about this
situation Is that men earning on the
average of S4.25 a day should not be
Gesirous Of making SS or $40 a day.
The payrclls of some companies show
daily earnings Of SO a day for skilled
workers. Many Of these men could
make half as much again as they are
now receiving if they showed any de-
sire 20 Go so.
Go Out on Button Strikes
Employers have importuned their
men TO DO more work, and the labor
leaders. as well as the priests, have
been appealed TO also in this connec-
ton. But the anthracite miner has
padded his own canoe so long that he
sees no reason why he should not be
IN - l..
afford TO be independent.
The large mining companies have
lost several hundred thousand dollars
within the last year through the stop
page OF work, in consequence of but
ton strikes and petty disputes Every
man belonging 70 the union Is made %
wear button on his cap. This ou.-
ton is changed from month % month.
or paymen: Of dues When man has
not paid his dGes he. Of course. has
not the necessary button TO wear tina.
month
There have Deen numerous instances
during the last year when a group CT :
miners, on reporting for work, have /
refused % go down mo the mines, be
cause one or more men ~ thei. group
did not wear the design o, button
which indicated that they wers in good
standing .n their union.
Estimates have been made showing
that from $4,000 900 70 s4.OoO.oo0 in
wages were lost 20 mine employees last
year through strikes. extra holidays
and leaves - absence. The average
miner IS often an obstinate individual
who is a good deal like a flock OF sheen
In following the big men Of his tribe.
Companies Have Good Year
England went through a trying cI-
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