The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-11-25
MAXIMUM PRICES


"Third-The maximum prices fixed by
the government on coal were calculated
to increase production of coal for war
purposes Coal was basic and the in
crease imperative. The public ought not
to be asked to pay and will not now pay
the increase over normal profits then
allowed for the purpose of stimulating
production.
'Fourth-Any increases in wages now
arrived at on the basis or the foregoing
principles should be borne by the opera
tors or the public or, both, as may be
determined by the application of these
principles and should take effect as Of
the date when the men return to work,
'ETifth--rhe needs OF the United States
are not alone to be considered. Europe
is in desperate need of coal and should
have all that we can spare
DIR. Garfield called the miners and op-
orators together after a lengthy CONFER
ence with Attorney General Palmer, Di-
rector General Hines, and Assistant At
torney General Ames.
CAUSES INCREASE
Owing to the disagreement which had
arisen as to the amount of the increase
in the cost of living, and consequently
the percentage of wage increase needed to
meet higher living costs, great sgnifi-
canoe was attached to DIR. Garfield
declaration that "the average total in
crease in pay over the 1918 base, winch
was the base considered in 1917. should
not exceed the present increase in the
cost of living over the same base.
sit is also to be considered that the
cost of living will fall rather than rise
during the next few years." he added.
Operators construed this statement as
in conflict with the contention of Secre-
tary Wilson that miners should be given
a 81 per cent wage advance to equallze
the margin between present wages and
a 70 per cent rise in living cost since 1914
Pointing out that wartime coal prices
were fixed for the purpose of stimulating
production DIR. Garfield declared that
the public would not now pay the IN
crease over normal profits allowed DUR
ing the war His further statement that
any wage increase should be borne by
fine operators or the public or both was
generally taken to mean that part of the
advance must come out Of the excess
profits of the mining companies
BOTH HEADS DODGE
Thomas t. Brewster, chairman of the
operators. said that DR.. Garfield's pro-
nouncement merely reaffirmed the state
nents of the fuel administrator before
the wage scale committees last week.
s'T do not know what it all means, was
the only comment OF John L. Lewis,
acting president of the United Mine
w VOYAGES.
When the coal situation comes before
the cabinet tomorrow, sharp difference
of opinion between some members is ex-
pected.
Representatives of the operators have
made the claim repeatedly that the pro
posal of Secretary Wilson for wage
advance of 81 per cent did not have the
approval of majority of the cabinet
but it was admitted that Mr.. Wilson
would have the support of some VINO
were willing to give the miners whatever
they asked in order to get them back to
work. :.
other cabinet MEMBERS, it was said,
feared the effect big wage advance
might have on the efforts of the gov
eminent to reduce the cost of living,
Granting of the miners request would
strengthen the demands of railroad en-
ployes and other workers for more pay
and in many ways disturb the industrial
situation, according to one view.
Two new orders were issued today by
the fuel administration.
Coal dumped into barges, scows, boats
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