Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1859-04-21
COalS i'm France.

We find the following interesting article in
relation to the coal trade of France in Hune.
Magazine. A vigorous and honest admins
tration Of the government of these United
States, upon nineteenth century principles
would soon push the consumption of coal tc
double the amount consumed at present.
Reasonable protection to the ren and man
ufacturing interests, the building Of the Pa
cific Railroad, and a preference for domestic
productions by government would bring n
bout state Of affairs much different from that
we are experiencing The heavy importa-
tons of coal have aroused the French gov
eminent to the Importance Of stimulating
domestic production. The following article
is compiled from the report of the govern
ment commissioners:
We gather from the report of board of
commissioners instituted by the French Gov
crnment for the purpose of inquiry into the
mineral wealth Of the country, that the a.
mount of coal annually consumed by France
is stated to be more than 1900, 900 tons.
OF this quantity nearly onc-haf is imported;
about fve-tenths only being the produce Of
France. Twenty-Five millions of acres mean
while are covered with forests, which supply
annually of frewoo l-say S,SO0,O00 Ameri-
can cords weighing about 16, 500, 600 TONS
1t is allowed that Il ton of wood contains not
more than half the caloriic power of an G.
quail weight of coal. The amount of coal
therefore consumed in France represents a.
bout onc-aud-a half times the caloriic value
of the amount Of wood. Precisely OH this
account rs on others, the mineral fuel is fifty
per cent. better for industrial purposes than
ths vegetable. The amount of importations
OF the former, alarming to owners Of French
mines, have become accordingly the subject
OF government investigation, and will prob
ably provoke government interference Ma
ture has been ANYTHING but niggard in coal
gifts 10 France About 100000 acres of
coal fields are worked at the present day. OF
this eXpanse, however, not more than $50
600 acres are productive of Il good quality.
In the space Of 40 years the produce has in
creased $50 per cent; but with all this in
crease, the proportion produced per acre is
under ten tons, while in England it is nearly
fifteen, and in Belgium over eighteen. French
cual-ieds are nevertheless, on the whole as
capable of produce as those even Of Belgium.
1t follows that they should be encouraged
and in order to effect this :he commissioners
urge, first aud chiefly, all possible increase of
means of transportation by rail, canal inter
nal Improvements of river navigation. All
other difficulties are comparatively made light
of such, for instance as in some instances
the immense amount Of water which one
would think must hopelcssly drown the pits.
1t appears that-at single coal mine in the
Department Of the Pas de Calais, known as
that Of Nendin le2 Bcthunc, 9,350,000 gal
Ions of water are daily pumped from the cN-
cavation. The city of Paris, with its NIL
lion of people, its two hundred and thirty
five fountains, and IFS endless washing of
streets consumes per day bat half this guam
tity The recommendation Of the committee
nevertheless, is especially for fostering means
of internal transportation. The emperor has
already and signaly manifested his DISPOSE
ton in this regard, and will doubtless lend
more ear to the committee in the manner de-
sired