Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-10-30
CASE FOR SPECIAL + D

There is one phase Of the fuel situation in North tDa-
kota which seems to call for a special effort on the PAT
of a large number Of people, and one in which, II tnaa
effort Is made, there is every reason to believe that re-
suits can be attained which will go a very appreciables dis
lance toward relieving the present conditions This Is IN
reference to the production. transportation and use OF
Ignite coal.
Ignite. as everyone knows, ID not q hteh-srade fuel
But it is a fuel, and under existing conditions fuel OF any
kind is to be desired. And, while Ignite requires more
attention than some other fuels. and q ton OF II VAL nos
90 rs far a a ton of anthracite, it will make as hot a fire
as any ordinary stove or heating plant Will stand anu
with proper. attention as good results can De .a."e :.
with Ignite as with any other fuel. larger quant'e'es' y
course, being needed.
throughout the country thSe ID q getting together OF
those engaged in various lines Of activity to the END tn@'
our Industries may go on without interrupu'n. uss en-
own people may be provided with all tnat Is eeolo =.
them, and that others who must look TO % y
may be furnished that which they need. PRODUCERS. eaN
riers, manufacturers, distributors. consumers, are al %
ing asked to pool their interests, to get together on a COM
mon ground and to make such concessions az may W
needed for the general welfare. Is not something OF the
sort possible in relation to the use OF Ignite COAT
Is it not possible for Ignite miners, If they can De ~
sured of a market for their uroduct and Of prompt trans
nortation from their mines. to speed up their work ana
very materially increase their output? Is 1t not poss.u'e
for the railroads to guarantee transportation 1r III .e
Ignite that can be produced, and sucn aaJus'"en y ~
freight rates for the short haul practicapie ior tnis iue'
so that greater production will be placed on q depend
able basis? Is it not possible for fuel dealers and tho
great body Of consumers to make known their wlilnshess
to use Ignite at least as a supplement to oener 1"el: "
seems that these things should be possible. -.
It would seem that the initiative in this matter mieht
properly be taken by the state railway commission ana
that that body. recognizing the existence OF an emerson
cy. should disregard formalides and call an 'mmed'a.e
conference of persons interested in. order to ascertain II
some effective action cannot be taken, and taken IN ume
to bring about results before 1t is too late.
If the use of Ignite could be made general through
out the state one of the greatest problems of the state
would be solved. Our people would be. If not entirely IN
dependent of the eastern coal mines, at least 80 nearly IN
dependent that the fuel question would no longer be a
perplexing one. Some millions of dollars which are now
sent east would remain in the state to aid in the develop
ment of its industries. These are ultimate gains which
merit consideration. But the present problem is one
which demands immediate solution, and regardless OF
what tho developments of the future may be it is tmper-
alive that every possible ton of fuel be made available to
our people now. The subject should have immediate at
tention.