THIS study is the result of some eight weeks which I
spent in the coal fields of West Virginia in the summer of
1921 and of a careful examination of all of the available
material, and particularly of the reports of the U. S. Geo-
logical Survey, of the various state and federal investiga-
tions bearing on the coal industry, and of the publications of
the parties to the controversy.

In some respects the material available is quite complete,
but as regards labor conditions in the coal industry there is
little continuity and the evidence is conflicting. This occurs
because public interest in the industry has been sporadic.
Dramatic events have drawn non-partisan attention. Hear-
ings before some committee have resulted. These com-
mittees have received evidence from both sides, assuming
them competent and willing to present all the necessary in-
formation. On this basis the committee members have
formulated their conclusions. The result has never been
the truth, but rather a judgment of relative truthfulness.
These committees have not set up their own investigating
staffs, and yet it is only by such means that we can hope
for valuable results. This is now being done by the U. S.
Coal Commission. It is to be hoped that we may soon
have all the facts.

Pending the results of such an investigation, my analysis
had to be made on the old lines. From such facts as are
available, I have sought to draw conclusions. It is hoped
that the analysis is an advance over our present knowledge
in that it discards certain occurrences that are beside the

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