Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-10-02
THE COAL SHORTAGE
Matters Approaching Crisis In
tho Government Depa I'm nrs.
4 MYSTERIOUS CONFERENCE HELD.



very rapidly approaching a crisis in
the coal situation in Washington,
not only with the private consumers,
but with the government. But little
attention was paid few weeks ago
when representatives of the differ
ent departments began complaining
that there was not enough fuel in
sight to keep the buildings lighted
and heated for more than a few
weeks. 1t was the general impression
that the government would be able
to have its supply of coal assured,
no matter what private individuals
might suffer from the strike. But
it is being shown pretty clearly now
that the coal trust is no respecter
OF persons, or at least that the gov.
eminent stands but little, if any,
show of being favored, so long as
present conditions obtain. The as
sertions now being made that several
Of the departments may be closed
down is taken much more seriously
than 1T was a month ago. There is
no coal in the white house cellar,
and the contractors refuse to fur
nish any at the contract price, pre-
ferring to forfeit their bonds.
If there is no fresh supply Of coal
before the time for the meeting Of
congress, the legislative body may
not be able to hold its sessions. The
capitol depends upon electricity for
illumination, lighting plant being |
established in the building. It re.
quires 10 or ~ tons Of coal a day to /
run this plant. The senate con-
sumes about 1000 tons a year and
the house Of representatives q great. |
er quantity. At this time there ID
less than 100 tons in the building. |
This is being consumed rapidly. The
embarrassment Of the government |
through the shortage of fuel may,
1t is said, preclpltate the question
of the seizure Of the mines.
A Mysterious Conference Held.
Philadelphia, Sept. 30-A mysteri-
Gus conference took place in this
city yesterday between President
of the United Mine Workers |
of America; Secretary-Treasurer W.
b. Wilson, District Presidents Mich
oils, Duffy and Fahy ana an I'M
known person, whose identity the
other parties to the conference re-
fuse to divulge. A member OF. Mr..
party, who declined to al.
low the use of his name, made the
following statement.
Anyone can readily understand
that only a matter of the first i'm
portance in relation would bring
President Mitchell, Secretary Wilson
and District Presidents Nichols,
Duffy and Fahy, who form the execr-
tive board of the United Mine Work
ers, to this city together. There
must necessarily be continued con-
ferences and negotiations with the
coal operating interests before the
strike can be settled.
At the conclusion of the conference
Mr.. Mitchell and the three district
left over the Pennsylvania
for Wilkesbarre and Secre-
tary Wilson departed for Indianap-
bis.
President Mitchell declined posi-
lively to make any statement con-
,erning the object of his visit here.
4 National Meeting Called by Consumers.
Detroit, Mich, Sept. 3O.--Steps
we're taken last night by the special
committee of the common council
appointed for the purpose Of hold
ng of a conference in this city Oc-
iober of citizens from all parts Of
he country to devise ways and
means Of securing a supply of an
hracite coal. Invitations were sent
,ut last night by telegraph to the
governors of all states in the east,
middle west and northwest and the
mayors of the principal cities in these
tates to send delegations to the con-
erence which, it is hoped, will have
ufIicient effect to bring about some
a44Ia.annf "a &ha ct rika