The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-09-09
pRoFITEERINc IN COAL.

DUBLIC sentiment, which in the end must control
administration Of the laws as well as legislation,
must soon line Zip one way or the other upon the JUS
tee of the prosecution against hecoa operators winch
seems likely to follow the appearance before the ed
eraI grand Jury at Martinsburg on Sept. of long
list OF coal men, described as being practically dTec-
Tory Of the coal business OF Northern West Virginia
The action already taken against operators Of South
en West Virginia is under The provisions OF the Lever
act passed under the stress of war which must go
under The scrutiny of the Supreem court sooner or later
Some Judges have already decided that the law IS
constitutional which is justification for the district at,
torneys of the two districts to present any supposed
facts regarding prohcerng to the grand jures Enough
Judges have decided the law to be unconstitutional how
ever, to raise serious doubt as to its validity
Public opinion, which just now appears to be pre-
iudiced against those who are making money, takes
such stand because there is everywhere resentment
against the continued high cost OF living he Judg-
mcnt Of the people should not be passed without con-
sdcring every phase OF the coal business without TAX
ing into consideration the shortage OF cars which has
so held back coal development in Northern West VIZ
gina the railroad situation, the foreign markets, the
labor situation and the prosperity OF the country
Ii would be unfair and unreasonable to condemn
operators for prohleering without beng familiar with
the coal business, without taking into consideration the
history Of the developments. without knowing the de-
tails of the conduct of each operators business and the
motives which have governed his action 10 declare
that certain price is unreasonable without beng
familiar with the circumstances under which the Prce
was obtained is so manifesty unfair that public oPn-
ion is naturally slow in forming
The merchant counts on making certain profits at
certain seasons, knowing that he may lose in other
times. The lawyer not only charges for his services
at the time but for his knowledge and experience ne
physician gels paid for what he knows as well as tor
what he does The manufacturer prosperity IS dc.
determined by the law Of supply and demand. Al OF
these points are to be considered in the case OF the
coal operator.
There have Leen such long periods Of depression IN
the coal bushes. in Northern West Virginia due 10
car shorsg. ard other problems Of the trade that the
coal operator could hardly be sent to the penenay
for selling his product at the price The purchasers were
willing to pay. The situation is made PLAIN by COM
pairing the position of the coal operator with the posi-
ton of farmer who raises calf that cost S3O at
cost in feed and grass of $50 and then refuses an offer
of $50 for the steer, pTeferring 10 accept S IOO
The question is whether not a law can be en-
forced that requires complete orgettuness OF self IN
terest as we'll as notification of the law of supply
and demand 1t is not customary for men 10 dispose
of their services at figure lower than can be obtained
for their time. Without attempting to pass upon the
constitutonaIity of the Lever act the public Will do
well 10 consider the phases Of the question involved,
to take into reckoning the encouragement OF the past
in coal operations and the uncertainty OF the future,
before passing upon matter which is OF such vital
importance in Northern West Virginia.