Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-12-06
NOT EASY TO GET
COAL FOR VERMONT
Early Shipments Promised, How.
ever-Better OFF Than
Other N. E. States.

Montpelier. Nov. 30.--H. J. NJ. Jones. the
State fuel administrator. IL finding con-
siderable embarrassment In securing an
adequate supply Of coal for Vermont, al
though at present there are favorable in
dications that further shipments will soon
be made. When compared with the other
New England States. Vermont is we'll
supplied with anthracite. but there are
still numerous demands for coal for do
nestle and for manufacturing purposes.
Although 1t Is the policy OF the federal
fuel administration to meet all pressing
needs, especially Of plants manufacturing
war materials, vet II In not its policy to
supply a community with an excess above
the communtys demands in previous
years.
various elements have contributed to
the present acute coal situation. The
past winter was unusually severe and the
entire coal supply for heating purposes
was generally exhausted. The war has
drawn heavily upon the supply of labor.
ers available to meet the present labor
emergency. The war and navy depart
ments demand in excess over previous
years more than 1000. 900 tons in order
to supply tho transports and new war
ships, to meet the large requirements Of
the many plants engaged in the produce
In extreme cases. and to heat the various
cantonments. each of which is larger
than any city in Vermont. On account
OF the present intensive manufacture and
the communicating of all shipping pre-
viously employed In the TRANSFORMATION
OF coal. there Is not now available as
IN former years, a surplus Of cars for the
shipment Of coal. The great bulk of
freighting is at present toward the At
lantic seaboard. As a result, New Eng
land is at a peculiar disadvantage as the
freight cars coming from the sections
Of the country west of the coal areas
can be loaded with coal on their return.
while such an advantage does not exist
Tor those sections east of the coal areas.
The State fuel administrator has no
power to order shipments or to enforce
contracts for coal. His duties are linn
tied chiefly to recommendations Of needs
OF plants and of dealers; to supervision
OF local distribution. to advise concerning
prices to be fxed and to general admins
tration. The New England States are
grouped under the New England fuel
administrator. James j. Storrow Of Bos-
ton, to whom all fuel matters of any one
OF these States are committed
Mr.. Jones urges immediate efforts
toward securing wood supply for next
winter, either by individual or by COM
munity effort. He also recommends that.
Wherever possible. two or more denomi-
nations worshpplng in separate coal
heated edifices consider holding services
together or at different hours in the same
building. He advises local fuel dealers
to anticipate their needs for next year
and to put in their orders for coal as
early as possible. and urges individuals
IN their homes to practice as much
economy In the use Of coal as is con-
slstent with health conditions.
The attention of operators Of electric
plants and halls is called to the order
OF the federal fuel administrator, Novem-
Der 3D. 1911. to the effect that no coal
shall be used for generating electricity
before 7:45 p. m. and after HOO .. m.
for illuminating display advertisements.
notices. announcements. signs, desig, a :
tons or locations of offices or places
OF business, or for illumination Of the
exterior Of buildings. except for lighting
federal. State or municipal signs and
buildings. the lighting OF streets. the
designation of places of business by cleo
trio signs over street doors under certain
conditions. and the lighting OF porches,
driveways, fire escapes and Of railway
platforms, yards and grounds.