The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-11-06
. Domestic Consumer Who Has
More Coal Than He Needs
May Have to Give 1t Up
NEW ORDER REQUIRES
STEADY PRODUCTION
Operators and Mine Workers
Told That They Must Not
Try to Force Readjustments
Without First Seeking Arbi-
tration

Washington. Nov. 5--Not only the
alig manufacturers, but the small. do
nestle consumer of coal Is to be in
vesttgated. The census now under
way. being designed primarily to re-
lieyC the shortage of coal for house.
hold heating. will include domestic
supplies. This was learned at the
United States fuel administration to-
day, where II developed that the do
mestic coal situation. especially with
regard to anthracite LIS giving some
concern to officials
The situation Is most critical in the
northwest, notably IN Philadelphia and
New York, which suffer by reason of
the Pennsylvania railroads embargo
on coal movement eastward. Sup
plies for these two cities have been cut
down about IS per cent by this en-
barge, and, because neither city has
a reserve supply. the shortage 10 be-
Ing keenly felt. Efforts Will be made
to have the embargo lifted.
Meanwhile a census Will show just
what homes have more coal than they
absolutely need to last through the
winter, and this coal will be com
Tnandeered II has been intended to
Investigate only the big consumers. but
recent developments have shown that
tremendous aggregate OF fuel has
been boarded by small consumers who
became panicky in the summer and
stored more than they could use.
New York city. which last year used
fa,7oo.0 goo tons OF anthracite. is this
year clamoring for i3,soo.oo0 tons.
The fuel administration can find no
reason for such an increase, and will
determine whether there has been any
boarding. Other cities have reported
increased needs that appear TO be cut
OF proportion.
DR.. H. A. Garfield fuel administra-
tor. today issued warning TO operators
ard miners from the southwestern re
gion that he would stand for no undue
delay. Union men and their employees
here for a conferences with DIR. Gar
field. had not, al a late hour. agreed
on . penalty clause satisfactory 10 DR.
Gar field. He told both sides they
would not receive increased prices or
higher wages until they agreed upon
a penalty severe enough to insure
against violation OF agreements to op-
crate without interruption during the
war, Reports from the southwest. he
said. indicated that most OF the mines
are in operation.
DR.. GARFIELD tonight issued the fol-
lowing statement:
To further assure continuous and
Increased production of coal during the
war, the United States fuel administra-
ton directs that no independent ac-
ton be taken ny either the operators
or mine workers to force any settle
ment in dispute without submitting the
matter In controversy to the United
States fuel administrator.
This applies to all districts. wheth-
e. joint relations have been establish
ed or not. Where Joint relations have
been established. the regular machin-
cry prescribed IN the cOotract for ad-
1ustment of disputes shah first be used
and remedies exhausted. Work at the
mires shall continue without Interrupt
ton pending the final settlement OF the
question in the manner indicated"