Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-06-20
Federal Trade Commission
Would Have Government
Regulate Carriers.
UNIFORM PRICE
COULD BE FIXED
Board Says Coal Industry
Paralyzes Others and
Roads Paralyze It.

Washington, June 20.-Govern-
ment pools of coal production and
distribution and of rail and water
transportation were recommended, to
congress today by the Federal trade
commission as the only means Of
avoiding a disastrous coal shortage
next winter.
1.-The commission believes" says the
report submitted after many months
Of investigation ordered by congress,
''that the coal industry is paralyzing
the industries Of the country and that
the coal industry itself is paralyzed by
the failure Of transportation. There
are enough coal cars in the country.
but not enough are delivered to the
mines. and these cars not moved to
greatest expedition, nor are they
promptly discharged. In view OF
these conditions, the committee rec
ommends:
"First, that the production and dis
| tribution Of coal and coke be conduct
ed through a pool in the hands of a
government agency; that the pro-
ducers of various grades of fuel be
paid their full cost of production plus
uAtAolIh pACtS PCA Loii N"ANA NuS -
| lowance for product and efficiency OF
service.).
Pool Carriers Under Government.
Second. that the transportation
agencies of the United States, both
and operated on government account
and under the direction of the presi-
dent, and that all such means of
transportation be operated as a unit.
the owning corporations be paid a
just and fair compensation. which
cover normal net profit, up-keep and
betterments."
| These recommendations are ap-
proved by Commissioner Davies. Col
sents on the plan for transportation
pool, except as a last resort.
Legislation Needed.
An urgent necessity exists for i'm.
mediately legislation to correct condi-
usual spring and summer accumula.
ton Of coal stocks at points distant
from producing districts, sis not now
taking, place, but 1t must be made
during what remains Of the summer
unless the country is to face next WIN
ter a most serious and irreparable sit
uation."
SOnLTlOutlnS IdCtOTS IN LH0 QI5OT'
ganization of transportation are the
high ocean barge rates and practice
of Great Lakes ships to make trips
to the northwest in water ballast
rather than carry coal.
Could Make Average Price.
Discussing the proposed remedy
the commission says:
"If the producer at each mine were
paid his full cost of production with
allowance for all the usual items, and
to this were added a uniform net
! profit per ton. the coal thus produced
at widely varying costs if pooled could
be sold through the government al
an average and uniform price, quality
considered. which would be entirely
tolerable to the consuming public and
a price much lower than could be
fixed If an effort were made to fix q
uniform price to the producer. II
would seem that steady employment
fair compensation to labor and capi.
tai. equitable distribution and stable
prices could be secured.
1.-THE railroads of the country, II
operated as a unit and on government
account. could be used to transport
coal and other products by the mos
direct route to their points of destina.
tion. and the efficiency Of the roads
themselves, existing rolling stock and
motive power. would be vastly in
creased"