New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-08-02
Harding to Ask
FederalCOrtrol
OF Coal Trade
Comprehensive Program to
Protect Public Will Be
Urged Upon Congress as
Soon as Strike Is Ended
Frelinghuysen Its PHO,
Senator Declares Legisla.
ton Must Be Drastic and
Is Sure To Be Enacted

From This Tribun~s Warrington Bureau
WASHINGTON, Aug. president
Harding is expected to urge Congress
/ to enact comprehensive and far-reach-
| ing legislation for Federal control of
the coal industry, 1t was learned to-
day.
Such legislation Is not to be offered
as solution Of the present coal strike,
but once the controversy Is settled, it
Is understood that the President will
seek the enactment of law calculated
to prevent the recurrence of such a
fuel situation as that which now faces
the country.
Senator Frelinghuysen, Of New Jer-
seq, who heretofore has urged coal
legislation, is expected to take charge
Of an Administration coal bill in the
Senate. He already has talked with
Secretary Of Commerce Hoover and
with various officials and Senators
about it.
Senator Frelinghuysen said to-day he
intended to renew his fight for coal
control legislation as soon as the pres
ent strike was settled. He declared
there would have to be drastic and
comprehensive legislation to protect
the interests Of the public, and that
mercy Of any class Of men, whether
| operators or miners, with respect to a
thing so vital as It's fuel supply.
Senator Frelinghuysen at one time
sought to have a bill passed which
would provide for complete publicity
in the coal industry and afford the
government information as to coal pro-
duction and conditions in the indus
try. This was fought tooth and nail
! by the coal operators and others, and
was killed
Now" said Senator Frelinghuygen,
"there must be some drastic legislation.
When the strike is settled, l believe
it will be enacted"
Senator Cummins, chairman Of the
Interstate Commerce Committee of
gress would have to take up coal-con-
troll legislation and enact it after the
settlement of the present strike.
Senator Borah, OF Idaho, already has
introduced bill for a commission to
examine into the coal industry and re-
port a coal control measure or a meas
ure for government operation. 1t is
considered doubtful, however, whether
Congress will wait for the inquiry by
commission.
Senators Cummins, FreIlnghuysen,
Borah and others who are for coal con-
troll legislation realize there will be
powerful opposition. On the other
hand, they believe there will be ire
mendous public sentiment for = Wa,
Administration backing, there is Lite
! question in their minds that a coal
| control law can be forced through
| Congress.
Big questions will arise when the
proposed legislation comes before Con-
gress. One will relate to whether the
government should control prices II
is said to be unlikely that this will be
attempted in view of its difficulties
On the other hand, there may be limi-
tation of profits At least, this prop
osition is certain to come up.
Anti-strike legislation in connection
with the coal industry and provisions
for the settlement of labor disputes
also will be considered. Indications
are that provisions for a coal labor
board much like the Railroad Labor
Board will find strong support.