The Washington herald., 1917-08-22
COAL Charges
ARE NOW FIXED
President Issues Provisional
Fuel Prices Which Stag
ger Producers.

President Wilson announced last
night provisional prices for bituminous
coal at the mine. While il is stated
mat the prices are mot only fair and
Just. but liberal as WELL" it was de-
clared by men in close touch with the
coal situation that the figures would
prove severe blow TO tine producers
The prices are fixed by States and
range in price from s. to 3.25 for run
OF mine and s2.l5 to $50 for prepared
sizes to 81 70 to s. for slack or screen
ings.
These prices vii: 'fIect the public as
well as the government, although
machinery through which costs piling
up through middle men may be cut
down, has not yet been selected. This
will be the next step taken by tht Ex-
eeuttNe. it was indicated last night by
the wording of his price fixing state
ment. This authority will be vested in
a coal dictator. who probably will
De named by the President today.
An official announcement was given
out at the White House prescribing a
provisional scale of prices for bitumi-
nous coal at the mine in the several
coal producing districts.
IL had been expected yesterday
that the President would name the
man OF men who will have charge of
enforcing price observance, distribu-
uon and stimulation of production.
Although it was known the President
had been given the figures on cost
of production compiled by the Fed
eral Trade Commission, it was not
expected he would announce prices
before selecting the machinery for
enforcing his ruling.
One Of the immediate questions
raised by the Presidents order was
whether it would supersede price
fixing in the several coal-producing
States. This question was quickly
settled by a high official of the gov
ernments legal department, who
stated that all State regulations
would have to give way. This will
make void the coal commission
named by the State of Illinois and
similar bodies in other States. 1t was
on this point. it is understood, that
the President conferred with Attor-
nsy General Gregory several days
ago.
Situations importance Realized
The importance of the coal situa-
tiO1 has been such that the Presi-
dent during the last two or three
days, has devoted practically his en-
tire time. The Cabinet meeting yes
terC7y was called off, it is under
stood, on this account. He has had
frequent conferences with the mem
bers Of the Federal Trade Commits
son and on at least two occasions
has made a request for further in
formation upon which to base his
decision.
Allies Also Need Fuel
Aside from the coal needed by
the United States, there has been
a constant and increasing demand
from our allies for more fuel. Italy
in particular has been insistent
upon getting more fuel It is said
that ten shiplOads Of coal in Italy
would release an army corps for
+ EhtinE. England and France also
need fuel. although the demand is
not so vital.
1t was admitted at the State De-
rartment yesterday that the re-
quests of Italy and other allies for
coal have been receiving much
thought and that Seer Lansing
has made the President fully aware
Of the Importance of quick action
in fixing prices. arranging for pri-
Ority of shipments, increasing pro-
dEctiOn and hitting upon a scheme
of distribution. 1t is probable that
Lle coal lOr the allies Will be got
ten through the Exports Embargo
Council until the appointment of a
dictator. or even after his appoint
ment. if that comes as soon as is
epected.
Garfield aS Dictator.
The probability that DR.. Harry a.
Garfield. president of Williams College,
and member of the price-fxing cim-
nittee of the Food Administration,
would be named coal dictator was
strengthened by the events of the
day.
Judge Robert S. Lovett, priority
commissioner. is understood to be
working on a second order affecting
coal shipments from the South and
to Atlantic ports. 1t is believed to be
at the suggestion Of the State Depart
ment, and has to do with providing
fuel for our allies.