The Sun. [volume] (Price, Utah) 1915-1932, 1917-11-02
WENT MOURNING WITHOUT THE
SUN; STOOD UP AND CRIED IN THE
CONGREG ATION.-JOB. 30-2S.
WHAT THE COAL MINES OF THE COUNTRY
ARE NOW DOING.

IL is customary for a part Of the public to be-
rate the large coal producers whenever short
age of fuel occurs. The operators are so far re-
moved from the average consumer that they are
seldom heard and in consequence II Is easy FOR
other tongues to utter alleged reasons for high
prices which usually prevail at the iuncture
when supplies are most urgently needed This
iuncture, the time when cool weather ~ on or rs
approaching, comedies with the season OF politi-
cal campaigns, and at this period there are poll
ticians who do not hesitate to proclaim that this
or that large interest should be investigated In
this respect the politician IN heard TO greater adj
vantage than the coal operators, who are usually
content TO rest on statistical facts that are dis
seminated through trade organizations, and as
the average man has little. If any, desire TO read
figures, especially when the daily papers are
filled with more exciting topics, the coal pro-
Queer goes unheard.
But the plain fact is that the coal operator
is doing his level best TO get out coal and against
large odds, too. In the case of hard coal the
railroads during the nine months ending with
September carried 57,77S097 gross tons or 10
per cent more than In the corresponding period
of 1916 10 per cent the like time in 1915, 10
per cent over 1914. and 26 per cent the first
nine months Of 1918. Turning TO bituminous
coal the United States geological survey declares
that the shortage is not due TO the failure of the
soft coal mines to produce more coal than In the
past. In fact. production on September LIST, last,
was about n month ahead of last year. and II Is
10 per cent over 1916. the banner year, and of
% per cent over 1915.
The tremendous increase in manufacturing
and transportation activity this year has created
n demand for soft coal In excess Of any In the
past, which increase Is difficult TO measure In
terms of tons II is certain however. that de-
mand has expanded by more than 10 per cent.
To meet this demand the mines have been pro-
ducing soft coal at rate never before equaed.
In the second week of July. 1917, the average
daily production was more than 100000 tons.
the highest point yet attained. In the middle Of
August the lowest rate for the summer, 1885,
900 tons. was recorded, and in the last week Of
September the daily rate was 1923 900 tons, In
the first eight months of 1917 the output Of soft
coal was 36S. 100000 tons or 37,000.000 tons
more than In the first eight months of 1916
Here nc home the coal mines are in position
and have been for a year or more-to break all
previous records in production. but for the short
age of railroad cars, which condition has given
their miners work about half time for months
and which also Is getting no better fast. Utah
people and others dependent on Carbon county
for their fuel supply may not come 10 the point of
suffering the coming winter for lack of II, but
II they don't there must soon be change for
the better in the railroad ear supply. The coal
is here as are also the miners TO take il from the
ground and all facilities otherwise for its han
ding. The blame attaches 10 the railroads
not any particular one, but ALL because of the
system of handling cars for the coal trade