THE PUBLIC BE--INTERESTED

The issue in the coal strike beginning at midnight tonight is chiefly one of wages. The workers demand an increase of 20 percent for contract labor while the operators want a change in the other direction. Each party has stood firmly by its original position, but for two reasons the great responsibility for the strike seems to go to the operators. They have refused to meet the United Mine Workers in a conference, as contracted for in their present wage agreement, and they have obtained and injunction against the Federal Trade Commission restraining it form investigation.

For strenuous work in one of the most dangerous occupations, the miners have so far been miserably paid. One authority says that the average wage in the past two years was only $1,00, yet Professor Ogburn of Columbia estimates that $2,244 is the minimum needed to maintain the average miner's family decently. The increase now asked for, however, is designed by the men only to make their wage keep up with prices.

The operators, in reply, challenge the workers figures on the coast of living and declare that the industry cannot stand an increase. Perhaps this is the case, even though President Lewis of the Union states that in October, 1921 labor coast were $1,97 for a ton of coal selling for $10,41. But even if the operators are right a considerable portion of their cost comes form many sources of waste which might be eliminated. Production is seasonal and therefore irregular; government figures show that for thirty years the miners have averaged, only 215 day of work per year. This condition, bad for both parties, would be betted if greater foresight on the part of the managers and greater cooperation in the allotment and hauling of cars on the part of the railroads made possible contituous and steadier production all the year round. Many marginal mines could then be closed and waste there ended.

These improvements are not dependent on government ownership. Unified government supervision by steadying production and lessening lost motion in hauling would suffice; this could be well coordinated with the supervision over the railroads. The mines are no less of a public utility than the railroads; some new plan of operation is necessary, albeit care should be taken in adopting one. Increased efficiency would make possible higher wages. Such measures would help to eliminate mining strikes and there by improve conditions in all the basic industries.