The Washington times., 1922-07-01
An Unavoidable Defect.

problems in their relation to the
welfare Of our common country.
An Unavoidable Defect.
1t is pretty generally recognized
that there are fundamental diff
culties in present-day coal pro-
duction, the solution OF which ls
not to be found in an hour or a
day Of most friendly and earnest
conference. The excess develop
ment OF a producing capacity, in
both tonnage available. and MIN
ers to work 1t, has presented one
situation demanding solution. or
there will be inevitable loss OF
property interests and q train OF
Improbable employment. The
war upheaval and all attending
inflations and excess productions
have left an inevitable and un'
avoidahle liquidation. The inter
mittence in employment has made
Il impossible for mine workers,
who are only employed partial
time, to pursue their trade at
wage rates adjusted to other en-
ployments. No industry Is sound.
ly based, no American activity
can be held secure, where EN-.
ployment is compensated on a
base Of half time or two-thirds
Of the normal. natural work pc
riod OF an American wage Garner.
There has been instability Of
production, attended by a failure
OF delivery capacity, which had
reflex in speculative prices and
panicky conditions, which en-
couraged profiteering. and men.
aced our industries and hampered
our varied public services.
Labor has the right, capital has
the right, and. above all else.
the American public has the right
to be freed from these recurring
anxieties. no matter what the
causes are. That freedom must
he established.
The Government has no desire to
intrude itself into the field Of your
activities. 1t does feel an obli-
cation to see that the common
American interest shall not be men,
aced by a protracted lack OF fuel.
1t prefers that the two great and
associated interests-mine workers
and employers-should settle this
matter in a frank recognition OF
the mutuality OF your interests. II
you cannot do that. then the
larger public interest must be as
serted in the name Of the people,
where the common good Is the first
and highest corcern.
have said that the fundamental
problems probably cannot be
solved in a hurried conference.
But this conference might well de-
wise the agency for effecting q so.
luton. This Is the purpose Of call
ing you together, the beginning Of
solution. Meanwhile, operations
ought to be resumed With dilnin-
ishing fuel supplies, with mentciny
shortages as we turn to winters 8
approach, with unemployment ris'
iting its harship upon idle mine
workers, and with vast ownership
without return on investment, II
would seem to be the simplest
common sense to find accepta BILE
ground on which to resume activ.
tiles, with commitment to accept
the righteous adjustments which
may well be expedited in common
consent.
Bad Time to Be Radical.
This is no time for the militant
note of the radical who would pre-.
fer to destroy our social system
no time for the extremist who
thinks the period opportune 70
break down organized labor. The
Government has no ear for either
of them, but would gladly lend its
cooperation in curbing the ex'
tremes Of both. More, the Gov
ernment gladly tenders you It's
good offices, in striving for right
eous solution. 1t has no desire to
participate in a merely temporary
makeshift. For the good Of al
the people. the Government Graves
n way to permanent stability, tran
ouillity, and ample periods Of EN-
ployment at just wages, righteous
freedom for workers and righteous
freedom for management, ana Z
secure freedom for recurring men
anea NJ suspended actiyitiee II is