The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-19
PRESS ON ANTHRACITE


 threatened trouble in the anthracite fields. Of course, anthracite Is not an indispensable necessity, for there are many other forms of fuel; but a shortage of anthracite would be a Sc. rious inconvenience to millions whose domestic heating systems are adapted better to anthracite than to any other fuel. Just what MT. Coolidge will do is not yet revealed, but he has ex- pressed the firm determination to pro- tect the public against any injury from shortage. It is possible that already he Is amassing data relative to supplies and availability of other fuel, with a view to making it accessi- ble to consumers. Direct action is probably not contemplated, for the end can be more easily attained other wise.
 Some of the newspapers, howeve., are for retaliation in kind. For ex- ample, the Detroit Free Press: Mean while the agitation for a buyers boy- colt of anthracite is in order. It may be more difficult to make effective than the sugar boycott was, but the trick can be turned; and such move among customers in the way of self help will be immeasurably better than sitting back with a whine to the gov- ernment to step in and do the pater- nalistic act. The government has it's part to perform, but so has the pub lie. Neither the operators nor the miners will relish the prospect of eo- ing up against any such concerted punitive and disciplinary advance" A hint to the same effect is found in the remarks of the Washington Post: There is no reason why workers and operators cannot reach an agreement on wages that will insure continuing production, and there is every reason why they should reach such an agree ment. The nation is not in a mood to stand trifling or exploitation or un- necessary injury by either side"
 The question of boycott is thus dis cussed by the New York Herald: "The suggestion made by the Massachusetts Coal Investigating Committee that an- thracite be boycotted in the event of a shutdown of the industry on Sep tember l is fair indication of tho state of the public mind. It does not matter that boycott of anthracite is impracticable without serious re- adjustments. The significant thing is that public body representing a con servative state should have made SD radical a proposal. .. .. If they will not dig coal and distribute it at fair prices then the country will be in the mood to take drastic action to secure this necessity of life"
 In the opinion of the Chicago News the principle of arbitration "would constitute real advance" in dealing with the problem. The Washington Star, however, while admitting that such plan might act as a deterrent. yet there is no definite assurance in it that a strike could be and would be prevented" points out that "the United States coal commission has made on exhaustive study of condi- tions in the field in order to aid in preventing strike. Yet the deadlock continues to threaten a strike." The New York World thinks that ''the president has only one weapon to force an agreement. In time of emer- gency the government could take ovar the operation of the mines. Yet there are no mine-workers capable of rup- plying the country with anthracite ex- cept the union men who are stanJing out against a renewal of the old con- tract. If the mines are to operate these men must run them. MT. Cal der's suggestion of a revision of the old Pennsylvania law to allow inex- perienced laborers to work the anthra- cite field during a strike Is not q rem, edy. Anthracite mining is skilled trade, exceedingly dangerous for anna teurs. The owners would be far from willing to risk the loss of life and property involved in any attempt to use non-union men on short notice" lhe World forgets, however, that the chief issue is not the desire of the owners but the welfare of the public.
 There is some speculation upon the probable course MT. Coolidge will fol- low. To quote the Washington Star again: "Mr. Coolidge is verscd in the law and, of course. knows the limita- tons of his authority in the premises. But he may be relied upon to recog- nize the public's need and the danger ot widespread suffering and perhaps many deaths from lack of fuel during tfo cold months and to dc his utmost to prevent this disaster. He may see his way to direct intervention. He may find it possible to summon the representatives of the two bodies, as did President Roosevelt in 1902, and