Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-03-23
The EFFECT OF THE COAL STRIKE.

Everything points TO a coal Strlke DeSlHnS APfH u
There are several disasreements between the mine operators
and the miners, but the main bone of contention seems to
be the demand on the part of the men for a 20 per cent. in
crease in wages. In these days when thousands Of workers
are not receiving any wages at all and when the price OF coal
is so high that the average wage-earner, even though he
may have work, is unable to buy it, a demand for an increase
in wages on the part of the miners does not get much SYM
pathy from the public in general. However, there are other
features that enter into the situation to complicate matters
end which the miners claim justify their position.
Assurances are given that there is a large supply of coal
on hand and that, at the longest, the strike will not last more
than a month so that, as far as coal for domestic use is con-
cerned, there will be ample for all needs and that by the
time next fall rolls around and people begin to think about
their winter supply the strike will a matter of history.
All of this may convey doubts OF aHay fears, according
to ones way of looking at ii, but the one big feature in the
coal situation that most directly concerns the public is being
entirely overlooked. The universal demand is for a reduc-
ton in the price of coal. Nothing is being said in connection
with the strike bearing on this phase of the situation.
AS a matter of fact, the price of coal today is entirely
too high. This is generally admitted. While there have
been numerous investigations nothing has been accom-
plished in the way of reducing the price, but the public at
least has been able to form some kind of an opinion as to
-Mho was p~roGteering in the commodity. The evidence seems
To point TO the coal operators and mine owners. This has
reference mainly to the anthracite fields.
But With a coal strike coming on it is hardly likely that
any reduction can be looked for, at least for the present, and
it would not be surprising if rumors of an increase were
Acard once the strike is under way. IF there is to be no in
crease the operators will at least seize the opportunity to
show how magnanimous they are by not raising prices in
spite of the strike.
AS a matter of fact, strike or no strike, there ought to be
Il decided drop in the price of coal before another winter.
Coal is one of the essentials Of life in this climate. 1t is par
ticularly essential to those who can the least afford to pay
such excessive prices. There is a margin of two or three dol
lars on a ton at the present time that is unaccounted for
Apparently, the miners think this should be added to their
wages. On the other hand, the public feel that it ought to
he taken off the price Of coal. The operators doubtless would
he satisfied if they could compromise with the miners and
give them a half or a quarter of the amount and let the price
remain as it is, thereby still retaining the larger part of the
excess for themselves.
One thing is certain, however. If the great mass of
NNorkers are to be able to secure enough coal to keep their
families warm next winter the price of coal has got to be
reduced. The miners should consider the millions Of fell
low workers in other lines of trade before pressing their de-
mands too far.