1900 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xlv
the basis of an average of ten per cent, advance in wages over the
September scale; reduction in the price of powder to $1.50 per keg,
and the abolition of the sliding scale.
The popular impression is that the seeming difference between the
market and selling price of powder as maintained by the coal companies
in certain sections of the Anthracite fields, contributed more
than any other influence to
the precipitation of the strike, but this,
in my opinion, is erroneous. I could not accept this theory as collect,
for any one who has given the subject serious thought will
admit that general conditions were more responsible than any specific
reason involving the price of powder.
The rates paid for powder in the different sections were $1.50 to
$2.75 respectively per keg. Ordinarily this would appear to show a
very great difference, and that an imposition was being practiced on
the miners of certain sections. The fact is, however, that the miners
paying $1.50 per keg were no better off financially than those paying
$2.75, as the difference in the price of powder was made up to them
in other ways. It is not the province of this Bureau to discuss in
detail the questions thus involved, because there are features embracing
agreements of twenty years' standing.
When it is considered that the coal worker had been employed for
about half time only, for several years, we really have the true incentive
for the strike which impressed the country as being extraordinary
in extent. These conditions having prevailed for many consecutive
years, practically compelled the strike movement. That at:
least is the only conclusion that I have arrived at after a careful
study of the situation.
In view of the adjustment made, there are features to be considered
which should receive attention if the general public is to be
taken into account. We cannot expect labor and capital to be at
peace unless a satisfactory working basis is to be maintained. One
of the mediums prescribed for reaching a
satisfactory conclusion in
such cases is arbitration. This sets forth a method, but it fails to
provide the safeguards that are essential to successful operation.
The coal companies offer a tangible basis for responsibility, while the
workmen have, in the ordinary sense, nothing tangible to offer as a
guarantee of good faith. It therefore resolves itself into a question
of corporate integrity, and unless the party of the second part can
show an amount of responsibility equal or nearly so to that of the
party of the first
part, there is a void which will be regarded as fatal
in the compact. The only way that I can see by which this may be
overcome is in granting the existence of labor unions, and recognition
thereof by tin' established corporations.
My knowledge of the cost of mining coal convinces me that the
companies cannoi continue to pay the ten per cent, advance granted