The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-03-26
Rockefellar's Coal Plan

1t is possible to be a little diSgusted by John D.
Rockefeller Jrs failure to make first hand nyesti-
CATION of the grave charge that West Virginia coal
company, which he is capable of controlling repudl-
atcd solemn wage contract with the miners union
and then used strong-arm methods to beat down the
union men when they struck in protest 1t seems
that as an apostle of Righteousness in industry, he
should have done as much.
That however, does not make it possible to brush
aside lightly his outline of possible method of pro-
cedure to Strengthen out the disgraceful industrial
mess in the SOFT coal fields, to which his company
has contributed
Rockefeller told the Senate soft coal investigating
committee that would first have it summon the
operators and see if plan could be worked out to
cut down the present overproducton of COAL at the
same time projecting the public against the danger
of unreasonable price increases.
If this accomplished anything, he said, he would
suggest the committee call those engaged in diSrlbu-
tion-rairoads and large retailers-to see if they
would agree to plans to cut production, and provide
for better handing of soft coal
And finally if some tentative basis of agreement
could be reached between Government representatives
and these groups he said he would then summon the
leaders Of the miners and tackle the fourth and
most difficult and important part Of the problem
wages and labor
This is by tar the most intelligent line Of pro-
ccdure which has been outlined during the present
investigation, just about the only one that gives
promise CT checking the human and business demor-
alization in the soft coal fields.
1t will be objected of course, that Rockefeers plan
of procedure makes the human element in coal min
ing fourth rather than a first consideration.
Let's take a look at that objection Unless pro-
duction of SOFT coal is cut down to eliminate cut
throat competition, it is going to continue to be i'm
possible for coal miners to make decent living, re-
gardess of the soundras Of their claims the public
sympathy with their plight.
The miners 40 not control the production of soft
coal They take the work that is available and right
now coal mining jobs almost universally wretched
because too coal is produced That forces down
prices, and hence wages
The first and absolutely essential step to perma-
nent relief Of the miners is to cut down production
Any possibility controlling that depends upon ne
gotiations with the operators.
Consequently it is an eminently sensible sugges
ton that the first step toward solution should be
Government efforts to induce compel the opera
tors to check the orgy of production.
Until that is done, everything else is relatively
futile 1t may comfort the miners to have reported
to the Senate that great coal companies have junked
ethical considerations and repudiated wage contracts
and that outrageous injunctions have been issued
against the striking miners. That, however, will not
get them back decent jobs.
Decent jobs will be available only when the in
dustry is put On paying basis. And it is not going
to be put paying basis long as the main drive
is to prove that the leaders Of side the other
in the soft coal industry set of rogues.
To that extent, at least, the testimony of Rookie
Teller before the Senate committee clear and to
the point.