The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-03-24
GOAL INDUSTRY
|. ASKED TO STUDY
|. NEW COOPERATE
Referendum to Be Taken
on Coal Association
Project.
DIRECTORS ACT APRIL 4
Plan is Recommended Also
For All the Basic In
dustries.
DIRECTORS ACT APRIL 4

WASHINGTON, March 24-Plans
for more effective cooperation be-
tween the government and the coal
industry, with expected benefits re-
sulting to the general public, have been
submitted in referendum form to the
members Of the National Coal Asso-
citation, representing three-fourths OF
the countrys 'bituntnous production.
The Fuel Administration, is making
this announcement today, said the
plans were the outgroWth Of confer
ences held by Administrator Garfield
with. coal operators and mine work
ers.
The plans, which the Fuel admins
tration said were submitted to Prest-
dent Wilson before his return to
France provide that during the "pe-
Rod OF readjustment and thereafter" a
commission consisting of member Of
the cabinet and representative Of
operators and miners shall consider
all problems affecting the inNstry.
The commission would act as an ad.
visory body in matters Of cost and pro-
duction, labor conditions, transporta.
ton and other problems Of the indus
try.
Officials OF the National Coal Asso.
citation, it was said, have urged op-
orators In all producing fields to study
the proposals and advise the associa.
tons directorate OF their attitude and
wishes. The matter viii be taken up
at a meeting Of the associations di-
rector's in Cleveland April 4.
The fuel administration, in a state
ment today, said the plan proposes:
That all facts relating to the in
dustry, or any question. touching 1t,
such as the cost Of living, the cost
OF production labor conditions, trans
portation facilities and other factors
entering into the cost Of coal be Of
ficially and accurately ascertained by
some OF the regular government agen-
cies, since the government is the most
appropriate representative of the re.
public.
"That the public is one of the par
ties at interest, the other two, being
capital and labor, and that no action
affecting any Of the finding of fact
be taken until all three parties by
their duly qualified representatives,
shall have had an opportunity to con,
sider and discuss the proposals:
THAT the determination OF faS:s as
outlined and the formation of admin
istrative policy are two separate and
distinct functions and therefore should
be submitted to a permanent depart.
ment or commission Of the govern.
ment.
THAT the President designate some
cabinet officer or appropriate official
TO represent the public in considering
any policy proposed and that as ad,
visers to tho commissioner there
should be an equal number-say three
of representatives OF operators and
miners:
"The function of the commission
would be the consideration of all
problems affecting the industry and
the formulation of policies to deal
with such problems, the commission
being a purely advisory body; and
THAT the commission shall make
recommendations to the President,
who would thus be placed in close re-
lation with the industry and all fac
tors entering into it making for its
prosperity or retarding its develop,
ment."
"Such a plan, modified to suit d.
verse conditions" the statement con-
tinues, might be adopted not only
By the coal industry, but by other ba-
sic industries Of the country, as well,
in which event the government would
be placed in possession of intimate
facts. figures and findings, and recon
mendations in meeting industrial prob
lens relating TO any industry as such
problems might arise. 1t does not
conflict with the work now being car.
ried forward by the Industrial Board
OF tie Department of Commerce"
4