The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-12-22
NEWS PRINT PAPER
BATTLE CONTINUES
BIG PUBLISHERS AVERSE TO
PLAN OF GIVING UP PART
OF THEIR CONTRACTS.
Prefer Financing Committee of
Publishers, Manufacturers and
JObbers Meet Again
Next Week.

Washington, Dec. 18.-The Federal
Trade Commission, in conference to-
day with committees of newspaper
publishers, paper manufacturers and
jobbers in an effort to work out a
plan for relieving the news print pa
per situation, addressed inquiries to
all the Interests concerned throughout
the country to ascertain if an actual
news print shortage exists. Publish
ers of the larger papers were asked if
they will relinquish some of the pa
per they have contracts for during
1917; small publishers were asked the
extent of their 1917 needs; manufac-
turers were directed to inform the
commission concerning 1917 contracts
and their next years production and
Jobbers were requested to furnish gem
eral information regarding the amount
of news print paper they will handle.
The conference discussed a plan pro-
posed by manufacturers under which
large publishers would give up 5 per
cent of their 1917 contract supplies
to fill the needs of small publishers
There was a growing objection on the
part of the large publishers to this
proposal. The contention was ad-
vanced that no actual shortage exists
and that manufacturers are to blame
If there is shortage next year.
May Finance Mills.
Plans of the publishers for financing
paper mills to help take care of news
paper needs, it was said, are rapidly
taking shane. Some publishers are
of the opif>n this is the only way
to increase their news print production
and that the publishers of the coun-
try must arrange to care for their
own needs or go out of business.
The committee of publishers, manu-
facturers and jobbers will be called
into conference again, probably next
week, to discuss the situation 1t is
expected the replies to the inquiries
will have been, received bv them and
details of the plan of distribution pro-
posed will lhave been worked out to
some extent.
A statement issued by the commit
tee today at the conclusion of the
conferences. after referring to tele-
grams sent by associations Of publish
ers. manufacturers and jobbers said:
"The commission finds, however.
that many publishers, and particularly
the smaller publishers of the country,
are not affiliated with associations and
therefore will not be directly reached
through the kilograms sent out by the
publishers committees. Such publish
ers are requested by the commission
to send full information concerning
and their minimum requirements for
next year direct to the office of the
commission in WASHINGTON
List of Questions
The questions were sent out to pub
fishers in a telegram by l.. B. Palmer.
manager of the American Newspaper
Publishers Association. 1t follows:
ANSWERS to the following questions
are earnestly desired bv the Federal
Trade Commissions: The executive
committee of the committee on pape-
urge you to reply fully and correctly
by wire and believe that YOUR compli-
ance with this request will be in your
own interest as we'll as that of the
public.
"First-Tonnage of paper used by
six months period. January 1, 1915, to
December 81. 1916.
"Second-Tonnage you want to con-
tract for 1917.
"Third- Tonnage you can get along
on for 1917.
"Fourth-Tonnage contracted for
1917 or any part thereof, with date of
expiration of contract
"Fifth-Tonnage assured or prom
ised but not under contract for 1917
or any part thereof, with date of ex-
piration of said assuranceU