Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-08-27

Permit us, now, to draw this subject
to the attention of those depending on
bituminous coal for the warmth of their
hearths next win:er. We will presume
that you are interested We will presume
no difficulty on your part in recalling the
hardships when the United Mine Workers
closed all the mines under their control in
November 1919. We doubt not
that you will recall that the Williamson
and adjoining non-union fields furnished
you your almost total supply Of coal during
that crucial time. Now, then, for an open
secret. The Williamson field has been
chosen by the United Mine Workers as the
key to the adjoining Pocahontas, Winding
Virginia and the fields of eastern Ken
lucky. If they can make their break
through this field their chances are en-
larged for subsequent supremacy in the
other coal fields mentioned
Give them supremacy over this terrl-
tory and they will have control of prac-
tically the entire bituminous coal produc-
ton of the United States. With that con-
troll they will have easily within their
grasp the power which they sought in 1919
CT freezing the country into submission
to the program outlined by their National
Convention of
Naturalization of the coal industry;
Cooperation instead of competitions.
Six-hour day and five-day week; -
The right to bargain with the Govern
ment. q
What would this power to shut off coal
production mean to the warming of YOUR
hearth and the heating Of YOUR kitchen
range?
The Williamson field and those imme-
diately contiguous to it. as enumerated
above. have a production capacity of
100000 tons month, or 25 ,00O, 900 tons
during the five winter months.
per month per family, which will likely
hold true, the capacity of these fields, if
undisturbed. will yield provision for five
million families during the winter season.
Assuming again that the ordinary
family is correctly estimated by census
statistics at five persons, these fields have
the capacity of providing 100000 peo-
pie, or about one-fourth of the total popu-
lation, with their winters fuel supply
suggestive, but are worthy of considera-
ton. The railroads must have fuel to
carry fuel to you. The navy and the ship
ping interests will have demands that must
be attended to. And unless industry is
supplied, there are but few that will be
able to provide their fuel supply
Is not this statement worthy of studious,
conscientious, family-loving consideration?
The United Mine Workers has defied in
dustry. 1t has defed the American family.
1t is contemptuOus of its contracts with
operators. 1t scorns public necessities.
May we not ask YOU, as an independent
coal user, whether you wish, in view Of
your personal convenience and necessity
and comfort, to depend upon our efforts
and strategy in providing your winters
supply Of coal, or upon the good faith of
an organization that wantonly breaks it's
contracts and is lacking in sympathy for
the personal. public and industrial de-
mands of all coal users?
This is our second address through the
press to the coal users of the country We
desire to acknowledge with appreciation
the many responses made by readers of
our former address, and their tender of
support in the fight we are making Our
sole purpose in going to the public is to adj
wise and warn the people of the possibility
OF fuel trouble during next winter, that
they may lodge the blame therefor where
1t properly belongs-upon the United Mine
Workers of America.
PERATORS ASSOCIATION,