Chapter I: Foreword

This book, important in subject and scientific in method, appears under religious auspices for a very definite reason. The Educational Committee of the Federal Council of Churches has sought to find concrete expression for those Christian principles which are too often confined to abstract statement. Christian ethics are well understood in theory. There is need now for a science of Christian conduct through which we may realize ethical ideals in our working life.

Because of its basic character and its present importance in the public mind the coal industry offers a field for this endeavor. Hence the Educational Committee presents through the medium of the Press of the Young Men's Christian Association, this book, addressed particularly to the people of the churches of America.

THE EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. Challenge of Power 1
II. Coming of Coal 4
III. Drama of Civilization 10
IV. Coal in America 22
V. Awakening of the Miners 34
VI. Struggle for Organization 50
VII. Rise of Democracy 66
VIII. Rivals of Coal 78
IX. The Technical Revolution 90
X. The Strait Gate 102
Bibliography 114
Index 120