Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-10
BY WILL r. KENNEDY.

BY WILL r. KENNEDY.
Y YUCLE SAM has undertaken to
build up an export market for
coal, hoping In this way to
~ solve the recurrent problem Of
the coal industry which results
largely from half-time employment
with consequent distress.
There is pending in the Senate in the
independent offices appropriation bill,
which has already passed the House,
an item Of $1,900,000 to be used by the
Shipping Board to recondition surplus
and idle ships that have been rotting
on some river, and to use them to trans
of this fund whatever loss may result
from this effort to market abroad our
surplus mine production.
Representative John M. Robsion of
Kentucky, who was one of President
elect Hoover's lieutenants in the cam
paign, is fathering this foreign trade
experiment. Last year he offered an
amendment, which carried, appropriat-
ing 81 100000 for this work. This year
he succeeded in having the House ap-
preparations committee increase the
amount to $1,500,000 for the coming
fiscal year and to Inappropriate the
$400, 900 unexpended during the current
year.
Our American merchant marine has
In the past helped to transport our sur
plus from the farm and factory and
forest. Mr.. Robson points out, and has
Just begun to do the same good service
for the surplus from our coal mines.
1t Is such SURPRISES that cause distress
In that particular industry unless they
can be marketed.
The coal mines of this country with
their equipment are worth more than
So, 600, 900 900, he emphasizes. The other
coal to which no equipment has been
attached Is estimated to be worth
more than $4,000, 900 900. so that the in
vestment in our coal industry Is
81 ,000, 10000 to $4,000, 100000, he
claims. About 100000 men and their
families daily depend directly upon the
soft coal industry for their livelihood.
Coal Key Industry.
Soft coal is produced in commercial
quantities In more than 80 States. AL
most the entire Nation depends upon
1t for power. heat and light. Some of
our most valuable medicines, our finest
dyes, our most beautiful colors and
most Of our explosives come from coal.
1t is one OF the great key industries
and one of the strong arms of our
national defense.
Representative Robson calls atten-
ton that during the campaign Presi-
dent-elect Hoover pointed out in his
speech OF acceptance and in other adj
dresses that agriculture, the textile
manufacturers and the bituminous coal
industry were in distress, were not
prosperous. He expresses the hope that
in the coming extra session legislation
may be passed for the relief of agri-
culture. and by proper tariff schedules
the textile industry may be aided.
In picturing the distress in the soft
coal industry, Representative Robson
says that the soft coal miners on an
average are idle about half the time.
They are employed not more than three
days week. Thousands of them and
their families are In distress and can
not provide for themselves as American
citizens should be provided for. While
the mines are idle heavy overhead
costs continue day after day. Many
well equipped mines with the very best
coal available and under efficient man.
agement are being forced into the
hands Of receivers and into bank
ruptcy.
Congress and other agencies of the
Federal Government should direct their
attention and active Cooperation fol
the next four years. Representative
Robson advises, to bring relief to these
three industries that are now suffer-
agriculture, textile mills and the
soft coal mines.
I'VE have the coal mines, we have
the best coal in the world, we have
thousands of trained, experienced, hon
est, industrious. idle miners" Repre-
sentative Robson says. I'VE have
ample railroad facilities and an ample
number Of railroad workers to take
care Of this industry" and he asked
Congress to support him In his effort
to bring sound, economic relief"
About the only competitor we have
In the soft coal industry Is Great
Britain, which country produces an
nually about 100000 tons of soft
coal, while we produce and consume in
this country something like 100000, 900
tons of soft coal each year. We have
two very important advantages over
Great Britain, Representative Robson
reminds his colleagues-fD American
coal is the best coal in the world, and
f2) we produce it here much cheaper
than they do. Consumers want Ameri-
can coal because of its high quality.
Under present conditions our miners
do not receive as much pay as they
ought to receive, but still they receive
nearly three times as much pay as the
miners of Great Britain.
Notwithstanding we pay much bet
ter wages, we produce soft coal in this