The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1918-02-20
ARE
Awake TO NEED
OF COOPERATION
Government Works AInost
Entirely Through Coal
Associations.

Coal operators OF this section OF
Vesr Virginia no longer deny that
.bere is little to be accomplished by
the individual operator and there Is
no LONGER an director to the PROPOSE
ton that cooperation brings strength.
The exrerience of the coal men OF
northern west Virginia in the last Few
months has forcibly brought to the
attention of the individual operator,
large and small, that influence hes IN
cooperation for the government has
invariably turned to the coal mems
associations when J. need o. data, m
formation, service or even sugges-
tons
have found it difficult TO get the ear
of those in authority while the ccal
mems organizations have been kept
posted regarding what was planned
and what was determined upon oy the
government Cooperation has done
much for this immediate section OF the
country: it has made It possible TOT
the operators to gather together IN mar
J monious discussion OF topics concern
ing the general coed and LOT repre-
! sentatives Of all the operations large
! and small, to act through committees
J on the various propositions wnlcn nave
arisen in connection with the ruet
/; question as handled by the govern
ment.
The coal men seIects2 as represen-
! tatives Of their claSa in committee
work or named as perform spectre
work for the association have gwen
their time and ability for the general
| good without a mUrmuE, and OFFICERS
! and directors of the coal associations
! have served without pay, with IN
! stances arising OF men devoting the
major part of their time TO duties
/ which are as much the concern or one
| operator as another.
I There IS a patriotic side 20 this work
which should be emphasized. Those
who serve coal at this time serve their
] country. Those who devote their time
! and energy TO matters which promote
the mining and shipment of West Vir-
| GINA coal do the United States posi-
| bly, a more important service than
! those who shoulder rifles and march
TO the front.
To elaborate on the patriotic aspect
of a business is hardly to be compared
! TO actual military service from one
angIe-the business OF every man TO
protect his business is generally ac-
/ CSpCSQ "u14S Tue 90SA3SSS " ,
man 10 serve for his country is not
yet an accepted policy Of the United
States.
The unseIfish attitude OF the coal
men who have served the operators as
I sociatious IN West Virginia is worthy
OF q word Of praise. The unselfish at
Etitude Of the larger coal companies,
who nave shouldered the brunt OF the
| preliminary work is worthy OF record.
Observers who have watched the
progress of the associations which
Ehaye been formed by coal men, who
have kept apace with the develop
ments IN the Fairmont district, who
have been familiar with the chameleon
| like changes In the situation which
have given every day new problems.
feel that coal men who have been
called upon TO serve have rendered
such faithful service that the thanks
of the entire coal region is due them.
! land oftentimes the companies en-
| ploying individually for diligence, as
siduity and preservering attention
which would hardly be possible in per
sonal enterprises.
The services rendered coaldom OF
this region by those elected to repre-
sent Il are thoroughly realized and
appreciated by operators large and
small and there are few instances OF
private conversation or public utter
ance where there is a disposition to
Continued on rage Fourl