Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-10-14
MINERS PUT BLAME
ON COAL OPERATORS
Issue Statement at Indianap-
oIis-E. E. WaIlng Declares
Strike Will Paralyze Industry
NOT 30-DAY SUPPLY IN u. S.

All blame for the breaking off of the
wage conference between the bituminous
coal miners and operators of the central
competitive field was placed on the coal
operators in lengthy statement of
the miners position. issued today.
The statement was given out at the
headquarters in indianapolis of the
United Mine Workers of America. The
joint wage conference met in buffalo
and Philadelphia few days ago.
Thirty Days Strike ParaIyzing
thirty days general strike by the
bltuminous coal miners of the country
would paralyze American industry. ac-
cording to +. +. Walling. vice president
of the Peale, Peacock X Kerr Com
pany, wholesale dealers in soft coal.
Mr., Walling said today that the
bituminous coal trade believes that the
strike will be called. He does not be-
lieve that it can last. however, because
OF ITS crippling effect on the country.
There is not II thirty day supply of
bltuminous coal above ground" said
Mr.. Walling.
'Bituminous coal Is vastly more i'm
portant to the industry of the country
than anthracite.
Will Stop All Trains
stop bituminous coal production for
a period of thirty days and you will
tie up every ship nt its wharf. You
will force every railroad in the country
to cease operating trains. You will
shut down every industry. Because n
prolonged coal strike would have so ter
rife an effect on the nations industrial
and economic life it is unthinknble that
the threatened conl strike. if it takes
place, should be permitted to continue
for a long time. ~
Mr.. Walling pointed out that the an
thracite coal miners have withdrawn
from position similar to that taken by
the bituminous miners. Both branches
of the coal industry have contracts with
which run until the last day of next
March, Both have demanded 60 per
cent increase in pay and a six hour
five day work week.
Just recently" said Mr.. Walling.
''thc anthracite miners accepted the
view that the contract made in Wash
ington lasts until March 81 or until
neace is declared. This eliminates the
danger of hard coal strike.
Exports Endanger Supply
1.-The dangers of soft coal strike are
enhanced by the fact that we are ex
porting bituminous coal as fast as it can
be shipped from the country-so fast
that it is difficult to keep up with the
country's needs.
"One day last week saw n steam
shin loading coal at Greenwich piers and
eight others waiting outside to take Oh
their loads: on the same day ] saw
four steamships being loaded with coal
at Port Richmond pier and others
waiting their turn The foreign de-
mand for American coal is tremendous
The price being paid is from seventy
five cents to 81 ton above the pre-
vaiing domestic contract price.
Recently | was offered a contract to
supply 150. 900 tons II month for
year. and price no object. The offer
was made by New York brokers repre-
senting the shipping companies, who
were in position to guarantee ships to
handle the coal. We could make dol
lar extra a ton on all our coal if we
wanted TO go back on our domestic GUS
toners and sell our coal for export"
Other dealers agreed with Mr.. Wall
ing as to the large quantity of coal
which is being shipped out of the coun-
try One dealer pointed out that the
coal going abroad is mot being used
10 warm the poor people of the devas-
tated areas of Europe, but is being sold
for industrial use.
THE government seems anxious to
have as much coal aS possible sent
abroad, said this dealer. $50 much so
that it has removed the government war
tax on the freight charges when coal is
kf9r export.