The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-03-24
COAL PLAN DRAFTED
TO PROTECT PUBLIC.
1t Is Formulated at Confer
ence Of Operators and
Mine Workers.
Srscial Despafca 10 raE srN.

| WASHINGTON, March 23.-As the out
and mine workers, called by the Fuel
Administration a plan ito promote pub
! lie welfare by more effective cooperation
between the Government OF the United
States and the coal industry" has been
submitted to members of the National
Coal Association in referendum form,
the Fuel Administration announced to-
day. The membership OF the associa-
| ton represents three-quarters of the
bituminous coal production of the ma
tion-some 400. 000, 900 tons annually.
The plan also was laid before the
| President during his brief recent stay
here, and in general way he APP
proved 1t.
The consensus OF the operators is ex-
| pected to be available within the next
fortnight to be presented at meeting
OF the directors of the National Coal As
ISOLATION in Cleveland on April 4.
The plan is designed to recognize the
interests Of the public in all matters
touching the coal industry. particularly
coal prices. II is contemplated that the
public be represented in placing any
plan inAoperation looking toward better
ing conditions. The scheme provides for
! representing the public through the Fed
eral Government, probably by some Of
| fetal designated by Or Garfield to con-
tinue active until business is returned TO
! normal peace time basis.
Briefly the plan proposes the follow
ing:
First, that all facts relating to the
industry or any question touching it,
such as the cost of living, cost of
production, labor conditions, trans
portation facilities and other fac
tors, be officially and accurately as
certained by some of the regular Gov
eminent agencies since the Govern
ment is the most appropriate repre-
| sentative of the public.
Second. that the public is one OF
the parties at interest. the other two
being capital and labor, and that
no action affecting any Of the find-
ings OF fact be taken until all three
parties. through their duly qualified
| representatives shall have had an OPP
portunity to consider and discuss the
proposals
Third. that determination OF facts
as outlined and the formulation OF
| administrative policy are distinct
| functions and therefore should not be
performed by some agency OF the
Government.
Fourth. that findings OF facts thus
| proposed should be submitted to a
permanent department or commission
of the Government. In this connec-
ton 1t is pointed out that the plan
does not contemplate the creation OF
new agencies. but proposes TO utilize
existing permanent Governmental or
| ganiZations.
Fifth. that the President designate
some Cabinet officer or other appro-
pirate official 10 represent the public
in considering any policy proposed
and that as advisers TO the commits
sioner there should be an equal mum
Der. say three, OF representatives OF
operators and miners The function
OF the commission would be the con-
sideration of all problems affecting
the industry and the formulation OF
policies TO deal with such problems
the commission being purely advis-
DRY body.
Sixth, that the commission shall
| make recommendation to the Presi-
dent, who would be thus placed in
| close relation with the Industry and
all factors entering into It making
for its prosperity or retarding its de-
VeiUpIaef.E. .'"'-
| Such plan, modified to suit diverse
conditions, 1t is conceivable. might be
| adopted not only by the coal industry
! but by other basic industries OF the coun-
try as we'll in which event the Govern
ment would be placed in possession OF
intimate facts. figures and findings and
recommendations In meeting industrial |
| problems relating to any industry. II
does not conflict with the work now be-
| ing carried forward by the Industrial
Board of the Department of Commerce.