Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-11-27
FIGHTING COAL BARONS

FIGHTING COAL BARONS
While Governor Plnchot failed to
gain much prestige through the set
tlement of the coal strike because
of the fact that settlement was not
reached without saddling an in
creased cost on the consumers, he
still has a chance to make a repu-
tation for himself tarough his eff
forts to bring about a reduction In
the price of coal. To that end
conference of governors was held
in Harrisburg yesterday and the
whole situation was discussed.
The governors of thirty states were
invited to be present at this con-
ference or to send delegates. About
half this number were represented.
All of them are interested in anthra-
cite. and 1t is Governor Pinchot's
| idea to get some cooperation in
bettering conditions in the mining
and marketing of this commodity
There is no doubt that the COVER
nors can accomplish great deal,
but none OF them can accomplish
what Governor Pinchot can, as all
the anthracite used in the country
comes from a little corner In north
eastern Pennsylvania.
Because anthracite is found only
in one small area It has readily
fallen into the possession of small
group OF owners VINO have a monop-
oily on the trade. This monopoly
has been most arrogant ir Its de-
fiance of the government and the
consumers. Investigation after in
vestigation has heen held, elaborate
reports have been made, and laws
have been passed, but still the an
thracite monopoly continues.
We have a great deal of admira-
ton for the fighting qualities of Gov
ernor Pinchot. lie is an old Bull
Mooser and trained under the skill
full leadership OF Theodore Roose-
welt. He was nominated for gov
ernor OF Pennsylvania in spite of
all that the political bosses could
do to prevent him, and once nomi
! mated on the Republican ticket in
Pennsylvania the election is assured.
} Probably It was these very same
coal barons who are so brazen in
their defiance of the people who
used every influence that could be
brought to bear to prevent the
nomination and election OF Cover
nor Pinchot. They doubtless fore
saw trouble. But they have been
; powerful enough thus far to with
stand anything that the governor
could do. Even when he took hold
= of the coal strike he could DO moth
, ing to prevent an increase in price
/ If he was to accomplish anything.
: But the governor is not through
$ He is going at the situation from
another angle. He is seeking co.
operation from the anthracite con
suming states. If this help is giver
in the right spirit something may
p yet be accomplished. or course. th'
e charge will be made that Governor
, Pinchot is doing this for politica
l purposes and with the idea of keep
1 ing in the limelight to further hi
y ambition to secure the Republican
nomination for President mex
e year. Be that as 1t may
t the governor will be entitled to al
( the credit he may get il he sue
!. ceeds in bringing the coal baron
= to their knees. Other governor
a would do we'll to give him thei
Y whole-hearted support, too, becaus
st the people are dead in earnest il
n matter.
g Coal is one of the essentials o
life, and the price now being charge
lie TO- a ton is outrageous. Mora power
st then, to Governor Pinchot. If any
20 thing he may do toward giving Nh
/ PEOPLE actual relief leads him t
the presidency, there will be littl
ST objection. Any man who can over
st throw the anthracite ring woul
is . good executive. Men ha,
is pccn chosen President for much lt:
c, reason