Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 66, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 November 1917 — ATTENDED COAL CONFERENCE [ARTICLE]

ATTENDED COAL CONFERENCE

Fnel Administrator Fendig Found . Jasper County Well Off. County Fuel Administrator FenWJr"» at Indianapolis Tuesday attending a conference of the various county fuel administrators with the state officials. Of the ninecy-two county administrators, eighty-two were present, and the meeting proved profitable and enlightening to all present. The coal shortage is by no means psychological, but real. While Indiana is now producing from 10 to 20 per cent more coal than it did a year ago, yet the demand has increased far beyond the production. This increased demand is accounted for by the administrators through the increased operations o' mills and factories and steamboat shipping. The meeting was presided over by Evans Woolen, state fuel administrator. Talks were made by Will H. IHlays of the state council of defense, L. Ert Slack, United States district attorney, and members of the state public service commission. Mr. Hays emphasized the need of economizing in fuel consumption in every way possible and recommended the curtailment of all activities requiring the needless use of coal. Mr. Slack is quite active in the coal situation and announced his intention of prosecuting to the limit of the law all dealers found charging more than the price established by the government, as well as those found guilty of hoarding. Reports of existing conditions in their respective counties were made by the administrators present, and from these Mr. Fendig learned of the situation in other parts of the etate. It is his opinion that Jasper ceunty and especially Rensselaer is cm well off as any place and better •ff than many, yet he realizes the need of economy and urges the use •f wood wherever possible.