Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-01-02
REMEDIAL COAL LEGISLATION
HELD UNLIKELY AT PRESENT
Country Again Faces Possibility of Btumnous Tie.
Up, But Action in Congress Now
Seems Far Removed.

Although the country is again faced
with the possibility, for the third time
In seven years. Of suspension of pro-
duction of coal from the bituminous
fields, little chance Of remedial coal
legislation passing at this session OF
Congress Is seen either on Capitol Hill
or among those observers in the exec
utive branches of the Government
who are directly concerned with con-
tinuance of steady movement of coal
from the mines to consumers. Nut.
terings of discomfort among the
miners in, the unionized bituminous
fields always presaging difficulty in
arriving at a contract-are viewed in
Washington as forecasting posi-
bility that again, on April next.
when the present bituminous union
agreement expires, the Nation may
find it's bituminous production cut In
half or very seriously curtailed.
Yet, In the face of this unpleasant
prospect. situation that would have
caused vast concern four years ago,
the legislators and the coal experts
in the Government service show little
concern, realizing that the non-union
fields. spurred to action by the British
coal strike and its effect of heavy de-
mand on American production, have
combined with a situation that is
direct outgrowth of the anthracite
strike of last Winter to neutranze
the effect of a prolonged strike of bi-
luminous miners.
Last Winter the anthracite industry
was in the grip of a strike which mas
had the effect this year of cutting lis
own throat. Thousands of persons
who normally. consumed anthracite
coal were unable to get 1t and turned
to soft coal, either run of mine or
nrepared sizes. and found 1t suitable
for use in home furnaces. This point
was clearly brought out In the hear
inss on coal legislation before the
House committee on interstate and
foreign commerce, during the late
Winter and Spring. AS antnracie
production is virtually all used In
homes. the bituminous producers nave
found a notable boost for their product
in the situation which grew out OF the
anthracite strike.
80 Bills Introduced.
A. the height of the strike, while
tho neople of New England and New
yorL normally heavy consumers OF
anthracite. were turning to substi-
tutes some so bills were introduced
in congress carrying various meas
,res designed to bring to an end. by
leeislation the troubles of the coal IN
d,Istry. Even though hints by admin
istration leaders were allowed TO go
forth that legislation would probably
not cure this sore spot In American
;ndustrv. in both Senate and House
the movement for legislation went
ahead.
A. the present session the thought
of those who would cure the evils an
the coal industry have centered around
tho copeland bill in the Senate
and the Parker bill in the House, botn
introduced by New YORK members OF
Congress while the anthracite strike
~ last Winter was in progress Now
concress has Just two months to go
before adjournment, and the prospect
for coar legislation, with the possibility
~ another coal strike looming, seems
again remote.
THE only industry which In many
wears has afflicted the country with
a nationwide strike is probably not
to he legislated for at this session.
even though Presidents for the past
two decades have consistently urged
GOAL legislation and the ink on the
findings of the United States Coal
Commission urging remedial legisla-
ton is barely dry.
President COOidRe mas DeeH n CoH-
sistent advocate OF a legislative cure
of the evils of the coal industry. In
1929 and 1925 especially his messages
urging legislation were vigorous.
Holds Cut Required.
In 1928 he dwelt at some length on
the price of coal in the following man.
ner:
1.-THE cost of coal has become un-
bearably high. 1t places a great bur-
den en- our industrial and domestic life.
The public welfare requires reduc-
ton in the price of fuel With the
enormous deposits in existence, fail
ure of supply ought not to be tolerated.
Those responsible for the conditions
in this industry should undertake it's
reform. I do not favor Gov
| eminent ownership or operation of
coal mines. The need Is for action
under private ownership that will Sc
cure greater continuity of production
| and greater public protection. The
Federal Government probably has no
peace time authority to regulate wages,