Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-29
ANTHRACITE BEING SHOWN IT'S
PLACE

ANTHRACITE BEING SHOWN IT'S
PLACE
Whether or not the coal con-
ference, which at this writing is
expected to meet today, produces
any tangible results the conditions
giving rise to it indicate that the
disposition of consumers to try out
substitute fuel has been manifested
to an extent that is causing un-
easiness on the part of both miners
and operators.
This, from the first, has appeared
to be the rational way to regulate
that which, and with reason, had
come to be regarded by both miners
and operators, not to say anthracite
land owners, as natural monopoly,
the miners being dissatisfied with
their share in the ''rake-off. At
tempts to play politics with the
situation have todate, been futile.
The President has seen from the
first that any settlement which might
be more than a temporary make
shift would have to come about other
wise than under Government con-
troll rather attempt at Government
control, as actually 1t would fall far
short Of what some seem to think
Of the possibilities Of such inter-
ference. The campaign for use of
substitutes has been encouraging.
A striking feature in the fuel sit
pation. and one which protects the
consumer with . supply Of fuel. is
the possibility Of now obtaining SUBJ
btitutes, 30 that it Is not q case of
Freezing the consumer into subsection,
psvolution. or what would be akin
y II, government interference to the
bxtent some appear to desire. The
Mss Of Oh has increased rapidly. And
where ct the time Of the strike In
1872 50b Of the bituminous mines
we're unionized and could be depend
ID upon to come to the. support Of
the anthracite miners now 70% of
the soft coal mines are non-union.
Hence there are grounds Tor. hope
that anthracite may be found to be
what 1t really is, . luxury fuel upon
which no locality need depend. II
that be demonstrated. anthracite
will be placed where 1t belongs, on
Z fairly competitive basis and some
little relief may inure to the soft
coal mines, which heretofore have
been capable of furnishing 5o% more
of coal than sufficient to supply the
then existing demand.
1t may be of interest to recall
certain Of the prominent incidents
of the controversy. The miners,
failing to secure what they deemed
the attention due them from. the
operators, terminated negotiations
August 4, rejecting a proposal for
arbitration and insisting that the
operators withdraw opposition to q
'check- off" and wage. increase.
In letter to President Coolidge
under date of Nov, 81, President
Lewis of the Miners Union stated
that four Of the largest bituminous
mines had violated the Jacksonville
agreement respecting wages, an
agreement which the miners have
urged should be enforced by the
Government, though not a party to
it, and as a snapper" appended the
following paragraph: "If it should
occur that the federal govern
ment is disposed not to inter-
vene for the protection of a meri-
torious wage agreement, might the
mine workers believe their own
efforts in that direction may be con-
sidered as being justified?"
This was interpreted by many as
a threat to call a strike of all miners
of soft coal. 1t was said on Dec.
that the President had replied to
this letter but would not make It
public now to avoid any interfer-
ence with efforts to settle the anthra-
cite strike.
On Nov. % the Governor of Penn
sylyania made proposals for a set
tlement. reminding the contesting
parties that there are two strikes,
one that Of the consumers, that the
State as well as the industry is con-
cerned. His proposals were for a
fve year agreement, the price of
anthracite not to be higher during
that period; check-off when re-
Quested by the miners; a board of
investigation to investigate the mat
ter Of wages and formulate methods
Tor avoiding suspension and for i'm
proving efficiency.
1t then appeared that earlier in the
month the operators had made pro-
posals which the miners had rejected
she miners to 60 back to work and
Hsgotiations to continue. any agree
ment arrived at to continue for FIVE
years and reconsideration of the con-
1act to occur every twelve months.
The miners accepted Governor
1nchots proposals but the operators
ss1ected them. They said such an
sreement would not permit opera
non OF mines over a long period
ma would afford no assurance Of
reasonable return on Investment.
1T dxing M nr,eA -.,,,A .,.-,'.