The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-10-06

ing leaving large portion of the
coal in the ground in the pillars to
support the main airways and dp-
proaches through the old workings
&c the new. In parts of the field
heavy expense for the timbering Is
essential and much water accumuldt-
ing under the ground occa sions
heavy pumping expense. In fact.
there are many times more tons of
water raised from the mines of Ala
bama each year than are tons of
ccal produced. Most every mine, even
on the same seam of coal, presents
different conditions and obstacles to
overcome which do not obtain in
other districts as our information
is that the seams are practically uni
form and conditions are similar and
the grade of coal high in its ma
tural state and even as 1t comes out
of the ground without expensive
preparation.
Because of the heavy expense in
Cured in the mining and preparation
of coal occasioned by adverse con-
ditions and the necessity for heavy
investment per unit of production and
fixed operating cost, and because of
the fact that Alabama coal has a
omitted territory in which to find a
market. 1t being circumscribed by
competition from west Kentucky and
cast Tennessee Al far south as Hunts
Vile, Decatur and Gadsden, and on
the east at Admission by west Ken
lucky and east Tennessee coal, and
in the Mississippi valley by Illinois
and west Kentucky coal as far south
as New Orleans and even Mobile, it
makes it necessary to limit the la
Dor cost in order to keep the Ala
bama mines running at all.
Competition Great
This is evidenced by the fact that
the aggregate production from Ala
bama mines has shown practically
no increase in the past eight years,
whereas, considerable increase in
production has been evidenced ia
other states, especially those compe-
titive with Alabama. If the coal in
dustry in Alabama expects to hold
it's own against competition from
other fields. and fuel oil and HYDRO
electricity, it must receive fair treat
ment and consideration in dealing
with its problems and this can not
be done unless there be a represent
tative on the tribunal passing upon
the same, who is thoroughly familiar
with all phases and conditions of the
industry in this district.
But greatest of all. fair treatment
and consideration to the workmen
of this district engaged In producing
coal gives us the most concern. These
men have stood loyal and faithful N
every emergency that has arisen and
they have played a substantial part
in preventing suffering and distress
and in keeping the people warm, tho
railroads and industries running,
when the districts controlled by the
United Mine Workers would have
caused the people to freeze and suf-
fer for sustenance and the railroads
to quit running and the industries to
be shut down; and would have LETT
the farm products to lie and rot
while awaiting means of transporta-
ton to market, or in any event. TO
become deprecated in value because
of lack of demand. We cite the
performance of this district during
the strike beginning November l.,
1919, and the performance of this dis
trict during the World war, and the
performance of this district during
the late strike and the present emer-
gency occasioned thereby.
up until two weeks ago and sub
sequent to the calling of the strike.
the employees of this district were
producing more coal per week than
ever before anu the production IS
only now slumped off because OF the
failure of the railroads to furnish
cars: and this district will. If treated
fairly, respond to the needs of the
people at all times it may be per-
mitted to do SO.
I'VE believe with the short time
allotted for the investigation, 1t Will
be impracticable and extremely diff
ficult to present the facts and stu
alton pertaining to the coal mines
in this district and the workmen en-
gagged therein so that fair con-
clusion might be reached thereon, UNI
less one having considerable knowl-
edge and experience in coal mining
in this district should be Upon the
commission. Or in other words. if
the commission be composed entirely
of men unacquainted with the condi-
tions in this district. that it would
be impossible for them to reach a
fair and intelligent conclusion with
respect to the same or even conduct
In any measure a comprehensive in
vestigation of the Alabama coal in
dustry."