The Washington herald., 1917-10-30


ing to Congressman, who have report
ed the matter to Washington. the peo-
pie are waiting intently for word from
the fuel administration as TO whether
they will have 10 discard their base
burners" for the coming winter.
No attempt has been made to es-
innate the number of such burners
concerned. but it is known that the
people in moderate circumstances pos
sess them in the Middle West in con-
siderable numbers, and IL they cannot
obtain hard coal this wintcr-as now
appears hopclessly ablc-they will
have TO make provision for burning
soft coal and wood.
This phase of the situation was also
called to the attention of the admins
tration by some of the Fuel Admin
istrators in the city this week for
conference with DIR. Garfield. The ma
tional body declared its intention to do
away with long haulS OF coal as nearly
as possible. and to make the mines of
each section of the country serve the
communities of that section. IT tins
standardization means the curtailment
of the anthracite trade il will have to
mean 1t, the administrators say. as
the interests of the entire country
must be served first. and ahead Of the
interests of any particular section.
Congressman and Senators who are
at their homes now say the number of
inquirers who visit them to discuss
the coal situation is very large, in
diCating the deep corcern OF the people.
There is grave danger that the pco-
pie will lose their heads in the coal
matter, and so far the constant aim
of the lawmakers has been to eau
ton them in such a way that they will
not fall heir to any such enormous
trouble as this would mean. The gem
eral word has gone round that the
administration, in close touch at all
times with President Wilson, is doing
everything humanity possible to provide
fuel for the nation. Especially is
everything being done to provide fuel
for electric and water plants, and for
the public schools and public insti-
tutions.
The suggestion that Senator Borah
may not maintain his plan announced
sometime ago to retire from the Sem
ate at the conclusion of his term,
year hence, meets with general ap-
proval in Idaho. it is said. This means
that folks from that State will be
ready to support this distinguished re-
publican again for the Presidential
nomination and that the necessity of
coaxing the West into the Republican
camp will add force to whatever other
arguments the Idahoans make for
their idol in 1920.
Senator Borah is looked upon out in
his home State as the only properly
endowed person to come forth as a
Presidential contender three years
hence. They maintain out there that
he is not only the most capable rep
resentative Of the party in the upper
house of Congress. but that his loca-
tion and his position on big public
questions have given him a great lead
over any other possible sspirants for
the honor.
Senator Borah would like to be Presi-
dent. He admits that TO the inner
most circle of his friends. Outward
ly, however, he maintains the same
discreet silence that other men have
before him but the statements of
soma of his valued friends are that
he would speak out II occasion re-
pulsed with much more celerity than
have some OF the other contenders
whose races are already recorded on
the list of Run and Lost"
Senator Borah has the physical bear
ing to make him strong candidate
and appearances count somewhat as
they will tell you around national
headquarters of both parties.
Senator Kenyon of Iowa, whom dis
patches announce has accompanied one
of his cOllea CUES to Eurone is ono of
the busiest members of Congress. The
Hawkeye Senator. from the commence
ment of his service on the hill, has
been impressed with the changes that
might be made in our government
to the benefit of the people he thinks
and he has never lost an opportunity
to. express himself IN this wise He
loves to be called Progressive" be-
cause he thinks progression means 60
ing ahead. and that every change is