The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1922-08-19

servative RECOMMENDATION Is imper-
ative. At the moment the coal skies
are clearing. but unless we find a
cure for the economic Ills which af-
feet the Industry and the basis for
righteous relationship we shall be
faced with a like menacing situation
on next April /. on the expiration OF
the wage contracts which are now
being made.
Investigation Needed.
THE need for such Investigation
and Independent consideration is re-
vealed by both operators and mine
workers In the provision in the
Cleveland agreement az recently
made. The government will gladly
cooperate with the Industry under
this program so far hs It Is the pub
licHnterest to do, hut have an un-
alterable conviction that no lasting
satisfaction or worth while results
will ensue until we may have q
government commission, indepen-
dent OF the industry clothed with
authority by congress to search
deeply. so that 1t may advise as to
fair wages and as to conditions of
labor and recommend the enact
ment OF laws to protect the public
In tho future.
THE most total exhaustion OF
stocks OF coal, tho crippled condi-
ton of the railways. the distressed
situation that has arisen and might
grow worse in our great cities du~
~ the shortage OF anthracite, the
suffering which might arise in the
northwest through failure to meet
winter needs by lake transportation,
all these added TO the possibility OF
outrageous price demands, in spite
OF the most serious voluntary eff
forts Of the government TO restrain
them, make II necessary to ask you
to consider at once somo form OF
temporary control OF distribution
and prices.
THE administration has sought to
restrain profiteering and to secure
the rightful distribution OF such coal
as has been available I'm this emer-
gency. There were no legal powers
for price control. There has been
cordial cooperation In many fields,
fine revelation Of business con-
science stronger than the temptation
of profit by peoples misfortune
There nave been instances of flat re-
fusal. I rejoice 10 mako grateful
acclaim 10 them who preferred to
contribute TO national welfare rather
tHdn TO pTOIIt Dy d1St1eSS.
Recommends Coal Agency.
IF 1t has your approval, / recon-
mend immediate provision for n
temporary national agency, with
needed capital to purchase, seX and
distribute coal which Is safried in
Interstate shipment. lido not mean
that all interstate coal shall be
handled by such a federal organiza-
tion; perhaps none will be necessary
but II will restore It's capital to the
public treasury and will be the in
strumentality of guarding the public
interest where private conscience Is
insensible to a public need.
This proposal does not relate to
any possible employment in instra-
state shipments. Price restraint and
equitable distribution in intrastate
! shipment Ia responsibility of the
states own government. II such
voluntary activities as have been
carried on thus far, the federal gov
ernment has -endeavored TO re-es-
| tablish the authority and RESPONSE
bility in the states which was under
mined in the necessary centraliza-
tion of authority during the World
war.
Public Menace Increased.
"Thei public menace in the coal
SlLudl4Ol was dCult dHn
more serious at the beginning of
July by the strike of the federated
shopcrafts in tho railroad service
n strike against a wage decision
made by the railroad labor board
directly affecting Approximately
100000 men. The Justice of the de.
| cision has been lost sight of In sub.
sequent developments. IN any event
| Il was always possible TO appeal for
a rehearing and the submission OF
new evidence and It is always as
sumed that a government agency al
adjustment deciding unJustly will be
quick 10 make right any wrong.
The railroad labor board wa1
created by congress, for tho express
| purpose of hearing and deciding
| disputes between the Carriers and
their employees, so that no contro-
versy would lead TO an interruption
| OF transportation.
II was inevitable that many wage
| disputes had mounted upward and
| Justly during the war upheaval, Ike
wise the cost OF transportation sc
| that the high wages might be
| paid. It was inevitable that some
readiustments should follow.
| Naturally these readjustme ent,
were resisted. Tho administrative
government neither advocated moi
opposed II. II only held that the Ia
Dor board was the lawful agency Of
the government to decide disputes
and It's authority must be sus
| a