Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-28
SENATORS READY
TO HEAR HOOVER
But Food Administrator Had
Been Called Away and
Could Not Testify.
COMMITTEE TAKES UP FUEL

When the Senate committee investi-
eating the sugar shortage finally called
for Food Administrator Hoover today
to give his view of conditions, letter
from Chief Counsel Lindley of the food
administration was presented, saying
Mr.. Hoover had learned through the
public press" that he was to testify
today, but had been called to New
York
In view of the repeated attempts of
the food administrator to be heard
previously, Senator Vardaman called
T. A. Ellis of the food administration
to the witness chair. and under ques-
tioning Mr.. Ellis testified that Chair
man Reed. had notified him last Satur-
day that Mr. Hoover would be heard
today and that he had given the in
formation to Mr.. Hoover.
Counsel Lindley's letter, however, de-
clared he had gone to the Capitol yes
terday to notify the committee that Mr..
Hoover would be unable TO appear to-
day, but found all the senators at the
funeral of Senator NewlandS.
1t is entirely likely that MIR. Hoover
will be subpoenaed to testify, probably
next Wednesday. Committee members
believe Mr.. Hoover had been sufficiently
notified, and We're surprised at Judge
learned through newspapers when he
was expected.
Committee Resumes Coal Inquiry.
As Mr. Hoover did not appear today,
the committee resumed investigation of
the coal situation, with w. B. Co1ver of
the federal trade commission contlnu-
ing on the stand.
Senator Kenyon read letter from a
government clerk who wrote he was
barely "eking out an existence at Sl,Zoo
a year" and wanted to know why ne
had to pay 80 a ton for bitumtnous
coal here when it sold for s1.S2 at the
mine Mr.. Colver could not say who
got the difference.
Mr. Colver did not believe the United
States should send coal to Italy or
France and said Lord Northcliffe told
him that England had enough coal
above ground to supply all Europe ex-
cept Germany
Time Consumed in Transportation.
at takes five times as long to send
coal from the United States to Italy
than from Wales to ITALY," Mr.. Colver
said.
"The Italian commission told me they
expected America to furnish coal to
Italy" remarked Senator Reed.
why is it people were freezing in
France last year and the American
ambassador was unable to keep his
Paris residence warm" asked Senator
Reed.
Transportation. I suppose" an
swered Mr.. Colver.
81 think they could get it across the
channel if England had 1t" Mr.. Reed
said.
Colver argued that it is unnecessary
to open new mines now as the fuel ad-
ministrator has made efforts to do, and
said mines in operation and the miners
employed should be used to full ca
pacity. They are operating about so
per cent capacity, he said.
Enough Coal for Present Winter.
There is enough coal in the country 1
for this winter" he declared
why do we hear SO many complaints |
of poor coal?" asked Senator Lodge.
There has been a great deal said |
about coal. this winter and when folks
begin to think of things they complain
of them" CoIver answered. Possibly |
the absence, of competition enters into |
poorer quality. 1t isn't necessary this
winter for the seller to use quality as |
a selling argument