The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1921-05-21
COAL MEN ARE
WARNED; GUT
PR0F|TEER|NC

New York. May @0.--Former Governor
John J. Cornwell. Of West Virginia, ad-
vised the National Coal Association to-
day to sec that the public gets a square
deal at all times in the purchase or coal.
He urged the coal organization 10 COM
pei the OUTLAW operators who gouge
the public to play the game on the
square"
Fre told the coal men that they can
not expect public support and coopera-
ton if some coal operators or dealers
gouge the public every time they have
AN opportunity. He warned them OF
the danger of government control or ma
tionalization Of mines. and told them
that what happened TO the railroads
may happen TO the coal business If 1t
does not meet the requirements OF the
public.
Mr.. Cornwell first pointed out the
necessity of educating the public TO
spread its coal purchases over the whole
year so as to produce an even demand
for that fuel.
If the people can get coal get it
when they want 1t AMI get 1t ut falrly
decent prices, whatever politicians may
>aE or want. the people will not want
the government TO take over your busI-
ness TO manage it or handicap 1t in any
way" :aid Mr.. Cornwcll
1T iS partly with you gentlemen. to
decid" whether there Will eventually Ee
government control Of the industry. II
is up To- YOU to bring about the coopera-
ton OF T." government and the pubic
rather lli.n 10 invite their hostility: to
see at all times that the public gets u
square deal. nOt only from the producers
of coal but from the dealers and agents
Compares Industry to Railroads
Mr.. Cornwell told the coal men that II
the railroads had been square and reas-
enable in their early history they would
not have been regulated to death. !
think the history of the railroad control
and railroad legislation may furnish
counterpart Of what may happen in the
coal business" he continued. IF the
operators furnish the coal and furnish 1t
when demanded at reasonable prices,
there will be no government regulation;
otherwise 1t will come, whether wise or
not. Hence, the importance Of getting
the demand spread over a sufhclent
length of time each year for the OPERA
tors to produce it and the railroads to
transport IT.
You need the support Of the public
and need to take it into your confidence.
You can't get that cooperation If some
operators or dealers gouge the PUBLIC
every time they have an opportunity.
Admitting that the cost Of coal pro-
duction had Increased tremendously,
Mr.. Cornwell added:
But here and there are outlaw oper-
ators, just as there are outlaws In other
misunderstanding gouge IL they get a
chance. Your coal organizations should
tighten up and make them play the
game on the square. You cannot AFFORD
to antagonize the public aside from the
fact the public will tie YOU up with
government control.
THE question of the naturalization
Of coal mines in this country has not
been dropped. The United Mine Work
ers' organization has that stuck back
in it's head. If for any reason, the
government should take over the rail,
roads the naturalization Of the coal
mines would absolutely be sure to fol-
low. Bear that in your minds ~hen
you are making your Kicks against inc
railroads"