New Britain herald., 1922-06-19

Tor the secretary Of commerce 10 re- quest the operators in the non-union fields, and the retailers, not to take undue advantage of the situation by excessively increasing the price of coal. This action, manifestly neces- sary under the circumstances. never theless serves to show the helpless ness of the nation and the increas- ing danger to the public in the face of so great an industrial struggle. The coal reserves are being steadily de peated; the suffering of the miners and their families is becoming more acute and the bitterness attendant upon the conflict will inevitably in crease.
 We therefore are impelled to urge once more that the government take steps to end the strike by bringing the operators and miners into confer ence. Since the failure of early at tempts at securing conference ac- cordng to precedent in the central competitive field. and the consequent suspension of mining in the union fields, unprecedented importance has been given to those fields in which
 
 and where operators and miners are enjoying a temporary advantage be cause of the strike in the union mines. This setting of one section of the in dustry and of one portion of the country over against another, makes for instability, insecurity, discontent, and bitterness.
 For this reason we urge that un- less the operators and miners in the ce ntral competitive field can even yet be induced to meet the miners in joint conference in accord with pre- cedent, national conference be call ed by the government sufficiently of all the bitumnous coal fields to set standards and secure and prosperity for the entire industry We believe that through frank and open discussion the way will he found to restore health and sta hility to the industry. Without undertaken in mutual good faith, no lasting peace can be attained.
 Want Information
 We would respectfully call your attention again to the necessity of Se- curing adequate information concern ing the essential facts of the coal ln ; 1ustry. In particular. the absence of | information concerning | cost of production and profits, has served to increase discomfort among | the mine workers.
 Knowing that the government is under the necessity of pleading for moderation in prices, which it has at present no means to compel, and re- memhering that the operators have secured an injunction restraining the | activities of the federal trade commis- sion in securing data concerning costs and profits it is natural that the miners and the public should feel that their interests are not being an dthat they are suffer ing unfair discrimination.
 Tn the anthracite fields where are still in progress the lack of full information regarding the financial facts of the country may cause the failure of all attempts to negotiate a new government. The consumers resent high prices for coal but are unable to form an intelligent judgment as to the cause, on account of the lack of authoritative informa- ton.
 Congressional Action
 we urge therefore that if it is not feasible to restore to the federal trade the authority which 1t exercised. the administration recommend congressional action treating an authoritative body which shall have power to secure and make public all of the essential facts of the industry Any settlement of the