The sun., 1918-07-14
COAL OUTPUT SURE
TOBE CUT LOWER



sake OF taking up anthracite mining
again at say $500 a month.
Yet the need to induce a large num-
Der OF mine workers to return is little
less than imperative. II they could be
brought to see what Is involved In
shortage of anthracite they might, how
over. 20 back as a matter OF high duty
to their country. What seems to be
needed is a clear statement of the case
from some one high In official authority
who would not only explain but also
appeal to anthracite mine workers as
matter of patriotism, OF active war SER
vice. reminding them that vital part
Of the nations war effort depends upon
them.
strong. clear. sincere and confident
note struck by high authority in Off
cial life might do much to save the stu
alton from becoming worse than 1t
threatens to be. Unfortunately the ex-
odus continues from northeastern Penn
sylvania- In the last sixty days approx
imately 1000 more men have gone there
from in one way or another.
While there Is no shortage OF cars for
anthracite coal there is reported n diff
ferent condition in the bltuminous coal
fields. On the other hand no reserve
supply Of anthracite was carried over
through last winter so the public now is
using and In the coming winter will use
, coal newly mined and shipped
Dempsey FavOrs Longer Dny.
Far sighted, patriotic men among the
miners themselves see the situation
clearly and have been doing all in their
power to keep production from growing
less. For instance, one union leader.
Dempsey of Wllkesbarre. has urged his
fellow officers In the United Mine Work.
ers voluntarily to bring back nine
hour working day as long as the war
lasts Others are strongly opposed to
the plan on the ground that the union
strove for twenty years to obtain an
eight hour day and the men do not want
to give 1t up. The plan for longer
working day may be adopted sooner or
later. but not in the immediate future.
Many miners have no difficulty in
earning $500 a month II they work
eight hours day for six days week.
As a large number OF miners are con-
tent to earn less money and work fewer
hours the Liberty Loan organizations
undertook to rouse these leisure loving
individuals to sense of personal re-
! sponsibilty toward the country. Tn
fortunately funerals as well as feast
days and certain other holidays not
recognized elsewhere materially reduce
the output from mine labor. which usu-
ally Is not more than 90 per cent. in ef-
fectiveness II is said. and often runs
! down to so per cent In working time
Liberty Loan committees are pledging
their fellow workers to put in a full day
and a full week. They are circulating
cards on which liz printed the solemn
| agreement:
so help me. God. pledge myself to
the United States to work full time
every day unless incapactated by Ill
/ ness or disability"
! Moreover. these cards are being signed
and the pledge is being taken by n
multitude OF workers. This movement
| has been under way scarcely three
weeks. yet the results already are no.
| ticeable.
The operators, ut the suggestion Of
well known mining man named Mat
| thew.. president of the local union OF
the Ninth district. in the Wyoming re-
! gion. near Scranton, were asked to
support plan which might materially
aid in steadying production. From time
| immemorial mine workers have sought
to show honor to men killed by acct
dent. On the day OF his funeral the
! whole mine would he closed down. Free
uuently this. and the wake. and the
| SUBSEQUENT happenings "oulu mean Il
virtual shutdown In production from
that nIne. or at least serious inter-
ruption of work for several days.
Mr.. Matthews proposed recently that
! In case OF funeral all men keen on
| at their task except special commit
tee OF Ave. who would be appointed
| to represent the whole working body
and that in fairness to these five tn.
operators should pay them full time
while absent
Operators Welcome New Plan.
| The operators jumped at the chance
! TO ratify this proposal. Furthermore
they agreed to pay $3.50 to the nearest
! relative of such deceased mine worker
, In addition 10 the compensation TO which
! he or she might he legally entitled
| The present situation is that anthra-
cite mines are producing less than they
did last year, because tmere are 10
per cent fewer mine workers engaged
| in the industry. Before the war there
were $4,000 IN and about the mines at
| present. according TO Mr.. Barker, the
number has fallen TO $4,000 and prob
ably to less.
ut must not be forgotten" said the
| aDok asp,an for the ap,hra Cite co,pr,ittaa