Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-10-27
MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATED
PRESS
THE COAL CRISIS.

IalleUCe may bC q -t'"N' ''SN' -
tering is q fault.
President Wilson IS finding out that
the path of least resistance is not al
ways the best in the end.
There is no sort of question that the
president did the right thing in CIV
ing notice that radical leaders who,
because of differences with certain
operators, in certain districts, called
out bituminous miners everywhere,
without asking their wish. that chaos
sought to be brought about will not be
permitted. There is still government
and it is for the good Of the greatest
number.
If there be conditions IN any local
itv where miners do not get a square
deal, there are other places where all
goes well between employers and
forces. as to wages and other features.
But whatever be the facts. no body
of men will be permitted TO create
and continue at this time. suspension
of the coal industry, any more than
would any force be allowed to cap
ture, hold and shut off the water sup
ply of the cities of the country.
Health, comfort. welfare, industry,
employment, business, railways, mill
ing. printing, marketing public light
ing hospitals steamship and naval
vessels, water supply, the very life of
millions of people. all depend upon
fuel. Stop its production now when
the supply on hand would last but a
few days, and prices would 20 soar
ing; a condition come tina! was not
eaualed even in Germany during the
war. The trouble of two winters ago,
when railway traffic was Congested
tv war. coal given the right of way,
lighting and other plants, stores and
shops put upon an allotment basis,
was as nothing to what would follow
stoppage of mining now at the begin
ming of winter.
The date was evidently picked as
the opportune moment to coerce the
country. Postponement Of the presi-
dents request, pending a labor con-
ference, was refused, though railway
men had complied with Il similar
presidential wish,
A contract entered into by the coal
miners during war, to continue until
next March. has been ignored. The
plea that the armistice ended condi-
lions, which were a consideration in
the agreement made with the govern
ment, the miners and operators. is
met by the presidents assertion that
the war has not ended technically;
that domestic and world needs of pro-
drction are still imperative, and thai
until a peace treaty is made war dan
ger and demand continue. But the
governments view had no deterrent
effect upon leaders who set aside the
contract.
To postpone until March the max
ing of new demands, or to wait fol
the international labor conference
partly a government agency, was tc
risk success in hard bargain at
tempted to be driven against IL.
country Mine owners. even If tie!
yielded, would be handicapped il
quantity production and must pas
some or all of the increased cost tt
consumers, adding several dollars re
ton to the price of fuel if any wer
supplied.
There is every reason to believ
that demands are made, not for tn
mere purpose of raising wages. Tha
was admittedly not the purpose c
certain I. w. w, miners in Arizona
The underlying purpose of some c
these driving forces IS natioaa|izatio
of the mines. Judging by declaration
of agitators. Standardization woul
mean government purchase of tn
mines. and operation ~ a politict
machine at Washington. which tn
organized miners would endeayor
bend to their wishes through politict
intimidation.
That is the program that has bee
attempted IN England, anu IS sui VI
der negotiation; but the miners thei
have been compelled by necessity. /
fhe conservative among them and !
public opinion, to resume work an
await promised turtle" consideration
This nation, fortunately, is not
such dire difficulties thai it cann'
take firm and quick action befoi
the situation becomes as stressed
in Britain.
America has the men, the men wit
sense of duty developed by the wa
ex-seryice men. soldiers and civilian