The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-13
Increased Competition in Peace and Another Field
 in Case of War
GOVERNMENT IS NOT
 ACTING IMPARTIALLY
Alabama Coal Not Given Considera- ton for Naval Uses to Which It Is Entitled-Tests Will Eventually
 Be Conducted Despite Cost
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

Washington, February 2.-(Specfal) That by all means Alabama coal should he tested for naval purposes, is the opin- ion of Morris w. Bush, prominent and popular citizen of Birmingham, who vis- ited Washington this week.
 It is the opinion of MT. Bush that the producers of Alabama coal would not be the sole beneficiaries were the product to withstand the test. He holds that the government, too would be greatly ben efited.
 Tn time of peace,' he said, ''the gov- ernment, in the keen competition of more numerous bidders, would secure better prices and in time of war. would be blessed by an additional source of supply.
 And too it would be of value to the Alabama operator were it to be proved by demonstration that Alabama coal is entirely worthy for use in driving big ships across the seas. Ordinary sales would be more facilely consummated were the salesman able to state that the product offered bore the O. k. of the government. Ana III SecuTlllS SHdle e of the business of the government, the Alabama coal trade would be tremend- cusly stimulated
 COAL IS DEPRECATED
 Mir. Bush admits the unfortunate fact that Alabama coal is not given the con sideration to which it is entitled. He declared it to be a fact that ships about to put to sea secure enough Alabama coal at gulf ports to drive them to Nor foik-and there the loading for the jour- ney across is made. While Alabama coal, he states, can do the work of Pocahontas coal the former not only lacks the repu- tation enjoyed by the latter, but is given sl rating far below its actual value. In the opinion of MT. Bush, Alabama coal is perhaps softer than Pocahontas coal, and is regarded as being more volatile. He contends however that in the pos session of heat units and driving force, or as result of chemical analysis. the Alabama product is as valuable as any other While it is said to be true that Alabama coal has been tested and found not wanting Alabama operators who have visited Washington this week are apparently not over confident that new or so-called modern tests will be sue cessfully wthstood. It is reported that Alabama coal 9 softer product cannot withstand the pressure test-a test not required by any other than the naval arm of the government. and a test claim ed by some experts not to be essential in determining the merits of meritorious cual
 EXPENSE OF TEST
 The coal operator who submits his coal to the test will, in the opinion of MT Bush, be put to an expenditure of about $G0o.
 .In the first place. he said. the op- orator must turn over to the government without cost, D tons. He must deliver these 25 tons, freight prepair, in An napolis.
 .To meet those requirements, one would he nut to an expenditure, approximat tihg $250.
 "In addition the operator must bear the cost of the test This cost will amount to about $350.
 CITY OF CONTRASTS
 Washington, February 12.-(Special', Tom Payne, who sang Home, sweet Home,'' had no home of which to sing. And in sight of local building in which there is more than $l0O,000, GOO, beggar is perhaps starving tonight
 But the most striking object lesson oi contrasted conditions presented during this session of Congress was on yester- day when members of the House com mittee on domestic relations, members who have figured in the preparedness scheme with money in amounts to make the Rockefeers blush, were informed that the average wage of a Washington shop girl was s5,50 per week, and the