Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 289, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1919 — COAL LID AGAIN CLAMPEDON [ARTICLE]

COAL LID AGAIN CLAMPEDON

DRASTIC MEASURES ISSUED BY GARFIELD TO COMBAT FUEL FAMINE. Washington, D. C.» Dec. I.—Wartime restrictions on the nation’s use of coal, more striking even than those applied during the war, were ordere into effect today to stave off a fuel famine. Moved by reports of diminishing coal supplies and growing danger of distress in numerous sections, the government sought no compromise with striking mine workers, whose walkout forced the emergency, but asked for national determination to endure privation and discomfort until coal mining was resumed on its terms. Fuel Administrator Garfield, acting in conjunction with the railroad administration, gave notice that hereafter only the essential consumers included in the first five classes of the war priority list would be supplied with coal, and asked the help of all state and municipal authorities to make the order effective. The order, which made national those restrictions already put into local effect by regional coal committees, where the pinch of the fuel shortage has been felt, cuts off supplies from all but transportation agencies, which includes inland and coastwise shipping as well as railroads; federal and local government institutions and establishments including concerns working on government contracts; public utilities, including newspapers; and retail dealers. Railroad administration officials conceded that it meant widespread cessation of industrial operations, only justified by the gravity of the situation. “It is necessary that coal shall be used only for essential purposes,” Dr. Garfield said in giving public notification of the step. “Public utilities consuming coal should discontinue to furnish power, heat and light to non-essential industries and should consume only sufficient coal to produce enough light, power and heat to meet the actual urgent needs of the people. Advertising sings and displays of various kinds, necessitating the use of coal, should be curtailed and no coal should be distributed for such purposes.” Officials said that the terms of the order as given were framed to allow the greatest possible variation in local arrangements, so that emergencies could be met by action best suited to that result. Industrial establishments operating their own power plants will be forced to shut down when the presen tsupplies are exhausted, while hte operations of those whose power is supplied from public utilities plants will be curtailed or continued in the discretion of local agencies. Dr. Garfield noted further that the “government would be glad to leave supervision and control of distribution by retail dealers entirely to any state, county or municipality which may make provision therefor.” These arrangements, it is suggested, would all be maintained while they proved adequate, but the federal government would hold a final power to intervene by cutting off coal supplies where rationing measures are not being fairly or fully taken. Officials were hopeful that the advance of 14 per cent in mine workers’ wages would result in getting some of the men back to work, especially in view of the fact that coal operators generally were backing up the offer. ButaLtiier&ame time it was said that a period or several days would be required before the effect of this could be determined. Members of mine operators’ committee were in Washington watching the situation and preparing for a general session Wednesday, when details of application of the 14 per cent increase will be arranged, but had no reports of work being resumed.