South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-04-14
MINERS ASK
GARFIELD TO
FIX PRICES
Ask Government to Stabilize
Coal Price and Distribution
to Prevent Recurrence of
Last Years Shortage.
Associated Press Service

Associated Press Service.
INDIANAPOLIS. April 13.-De-
claring that the present coal pro-
duction in the United States is far
below the nations lowest possible
estimated requirements, the interna-
tional executive board of the United
Mine Workers of America in a tele-
gram TO Federal Fuel Admr Gar
field, urged the immediate stabiliza-
ton of prices and distributing agen-
cies TO prevent a recurrence of the
crisis of 1917.
The telegram declares that mines
in the states of Iowa, Oklahoma.
Missouri, Kansas. Colorado, WyOm-
ing. Montana and West Virginia are
working less than half time and that
in many mining towns large produc-
ing mines are actually shut down.
I Miners are leaving the mines in in
dustrial centers where the car short
age shows no sign of improvement.
/ the committee states, and adds: IF
this exodus of miners to other lines
OF employment is permitted to con-
unue, full car supply and most sat
isfactory distributing facilities pro-
/ vided later will be destined to fail
ure."
The committee reiterates it's
pledge of full cooperation to all
agencies of the government TO the
end that the maximum coal produc-
\ ton may result and recognizes that
/ the fuel administration has full and
( complete authority 20 regulate the
coal industry in every way. The
I telegram asserts that tho miners %
the country stand ready to dig all
/ the coal that could possibly be used
| hy the nation and that they are
able and eager 10 break all records
in coal production and distribution
/ if given the necessary facilities and
/ cooperation"
Continuing. the telegram TO the
/ f'Iel administrator. states:
Pledge Patriotic support.
THE best evidence of this fact
/ il the record production of 1917 un-
/ der the most trying circumstances
The international district and local
/ organizations have subscribed for
/ approximately S2.000,OOO OF the
I three Liberty bond issues. We want
TO help with all our force in the
present crisis, not hinder. But We
I feel that the outlook for an adequate
coal supply is of such grave con-
cern that we must. for the pro-
lection Of the mine workers and as
a public duty, call your attention
to what we are constrained TO be-
lieve is menace to the hope OF
providing sufficient coal.
Almost every day coal prices are
changed in the whole or part OF
some state. Distribution agencies
are annulled as they exist. or re-
stricted or so completely changed
as TO upset every stable calculation
. Whenever the prices are lowered in
any state the operators affected i'm
0ediately ask for a hearing. This
invariably results in decreased pro-
ductiOn until the operators appeals
are definitely determined When
prices are raised the coal miner nat
urally feels that he should receive
a proportionate amount of such in
crease. This condition has created
an unrest that nothing short OF q
stable. permanent price arrangement
can satisfy. We are inclined to be
lieve that the stabilizing Of price,
for production and every agency oi
distribution will have TO be brought
about before the coal industry car
reach that degree of efficiency nee
essary TO supply the needs OF the
times
Want More Consideration.
The coal miners feel that they
have not had that degree Of con
sideration in adjusting the affair.
of the industry and the promulga
tion Of policies that rightfully i,
theirs. Therefore we feel it oul
duty 10 ask the fuel administration
that a greater degree Of consultation
be given the half million OF oul
members through the organizations
representative in order TO promote
the most efficient and effective co
operation"
The message is signed by Franz
J. Hayes. president; John I. Lewis
wee president. and William Green
- cretary OF the United Mine FORK
ers OF America.
SEN. STONE IMPROVES.