El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1917-09-06
TOAD
IN COAL PRICES
Local Committees to Assist
Fuel Administration, It
Is Announced.

washington. D c.. sept. 6.-Estab-
Hshment os retail coal prices for all
communities with the assistance Of
local committees is the next step o.
tie fuel administration, according to
an announcement by Dr. H. A Car
field, administrator
The cooperation OF operators,
miners, jobbers. retailers and con-
sumers viii be enlisted to obtain the
maximum efficiency OF the industry
The government aims TO stimulate
production to the highest possible
point. with prices fair both 10 pro
ducers and consumers. a prospective
superintendent OF the supply viii en-
able consumers 10 purchase az prices
proportiOnate TO the rates IiAed IoI
operators and wholesalers
Demand Vastly Increased
The statement follows.
The task Of the fuel administrator
is 10 secure the largest possible pro
duction Of fuel at prices just TO the
producer and reasonable 10 the con-
'-The coal stu: ton is briefly this.
The demand has vastly increased IL
comes from factories and railroads
not from domestic consumers whose
use Is normal Factories and railroads
must be kept going and households
must be kent warm and well FED. III
the country is to be fit for ITS great
task In addition 20 meeting the SIT
uation at home. We must supply coal
20 our army and navy abroad ana con-
slider the needs OF our nelsl e8--.F
especially Canada. Cuba and Soutn
America. and some OF the allies whose
supply is inadequate
Rulings To BE Observed.
Until further direction. the follow
ing rulings viii be observed
The presidents order fixing prices
became effective for bituminous coal
Tuesday evening. Aug q 1917, TOT an
thracite coal. Saturday, sept 1, 1917.
The presidents order includes export
and bunker coal
The prices fixed are provisional
They viii stand unless changed BY or
der Of the president for good cause
shown. The fuel administration VIII
examine all applications for revision
OF prices accompanied by cost state
ments presented in writing. Ihese
statements should be verified ana
cover at least the years 1915. 1916 and
1917 10 date
aIf further explanation is needed
the fuel administration VIII ask com
plainants 10 appear in person
1T is not proposed 20 require eL
fciently operated mines 20 produce
coal at a loss. but the burden rests
upon applicants 10 show that the
prices fixed in particular cases are
unfair.
1T VIII greatly expedite the work
OF the fuel administration. II associ-
atoms. whether OF operators. miners or
Industries affected, would postpone
the holding OF meetings for the ap-
nointment OF committees 10 CONFER
with the fuel administrator or Tor the
purpose Of taking action concerning
until he hmE had
bortuuItv TO select his advisers and
hear from those who belleFe tneil-
selves likely to be adversely affected
Prompt attention viii be given 10 al
communication.
"Plans are under consideration and
viii soon be announced. whereby pro-
ductfon NAV continue without aItect-
fnn adversely either the producer or
the purchaser pending the examination
OF applications for revision or prices
Until this plan is announced: II IS sus-
rested that sales and deliveries De
made at the prices fixed with a supu-
Iatfon TO the effect that If prices are
readjusted settlements shall be mace
accordingly
For the purpose OF determining 2
proper basis for sales by retail deal
ers, local committees viii be organ
lied throughout the country Eacl
committee will investigate and report
upon the local situation and ADVISE
concerning the regulations 20 pe e.
tablished. When the price Is 1lNed- the
local committee viii be asked 10 su-
perintend its enforcement
The fuel administration Is prepar-
ing a plan OF appordonment which
will secure to domestic consumers
their fair share OF the coal supply ana
at prices which Will reflect the prices
heretofore promulgated by the pfesl-
dent
Contracts relating 10 bituminous
coal made before the proclamation OF
the president on Aug p, and con-
tracts relating TO anthracite coal made
before the presidents proclanlatloh OF
Aue %. are not affected by these
proclamations. provided the contracts
are bona fide in character and are
enforceable at law.