Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-04-16
THE MERITS OF THE STRIKE,

Because Of the journals objection to the decla-
ration of martial law at Gallup. our critics have
declared that attempting to aid the miners
in winning the strike. No such thing is true. We
have been unable up to this date to analyze the
situation to the point which would enable us to
form a firm opinion to who should win or upon
what basis the strike should be settled The miners
at Gallup made no demands from the operators
before striking. They merely quit work in SYM
pathy with the nationwide coal strike. An opinion
as to how the general strike should terminate is
necessary to opinion as to sympathies at Gallup
Even with an opinion which might be sympa-
thetic with the national strikers 1t would still BE-
difficult to have opinion the Gallup situation
No one seems to how the winning Of a national
victory by the strikers would help the Gallup
miners. 1t would not unless demands are formu-
lated, presented and allowed in the Gallup area.
New Mexico is sufficiently isolated and prob
lens are peculiarly local that 1t is difficult to
see just the relation Of the general strike to the
well-beng of the strikers at Gallup. The atmos-
phere must clear considerably before an intelligent
opinion be formed. At present we have no
opinion on that subject and nothing have said
regarding martial law has any relation to our views
on the strike. Another and vital constitutional
question involved in the martial law order.
1t is not clear that the government could permit
the agreement to stand the mine-owners of the
east and the United Mine Workers to reach I'M
derstanding. There are already some $50 indct-
ments against the mine-owners and miners for con-
spiraces to violate the sherman antitrust law
These were returned by grand jury in Indianapolis
in 1920 result of agreements reached when
coal was scarce whereby the demands of the miners
were allowed and the added price passed to the
public. Attorney General Daugherty is considering
dismissing these indictments in order to allow the
conflicting interests to negotiate, with the under
standing that any agreement they may reach shall
have the approval Of the government before becom-
ing effective.
In the mine-owners were to consent TO the
complete unionizing of the coal industry OF the
country the operators could afford to grant almost
any demands and add the additional cost to the
price Of COAL If all had the same labor costs COM
petition for business would not be affected by
raise But the cost of coal to the public would be
increased. Whether not this increase would be
great enough to be against public policy the Journal
has present way Of knowing.
On the other hand. If fields remain I'M
organized and therefore have lower labor pro-
ducton cost than organized competitive fields the
organized fields will carry handicap which will
put them out of business.
The miners are contending for more hours of
work per week. They claim that they are not al
lowed to work sufficient number of days per year
to support their families. Whether or not this
could be remedied by agreement is problematic. If
more miners wish to work than the consumption
which is beyond the control of the operators They
cannot agree to produce more coal than they
can SELL If the low wage earning is due to an
over crowded calling there is remedy but for
some miners to take up other employment On the
other hand, IL the operators over-crowd the BUSH
ness with the purpose in mind of keeping the min
the verge Of starvation through lack of steady
employment. way should be found to the
evil.
Government officials are working the prob
lens involved while maintaining a neutral attitude.
The supply of coal on hand is sufficiently large
so that there is immediate menace to the public.
Officials waiting for the problems to define
themselves The public do nothing but also
wait as it is without the data to form intelligent
judgment
The Journal has no present opinion as to where
the merits lie in spite of a careful study of the
problems involved. When it is possible to see
clearly will give unbiased opinion
The question of martial law at Gallup and the
supplying of troops to the mine owners as guards
is entirely different matter.