The Dickinson press., 1917-07-28
ally low and it has been very diff
cult to accumulate sufficient supplies

ally low n 1t has been very dill
cult to accumulate sufficient supplies
at the head of the lakes and other
distributing points to increase as
much as is needed the local stocks
and distribution. Vast quantities of
coal are being used in the production
of iron and steel and in the rapid de-
velopment of certain manufacturing
industries and by large government
requirements for war purposes.
There have also been difficulties and
problems to overcome in lake ship
ment. In addition to. this, the unusual
demand for cars and the accumula-
ton and congestion of these at some
of the terminals, has made it difficult
for the railroads to meet all of the
conditions and supply a sufficient
number of cars to handle the in
creased general tonnage and carry
the coal from the mines to the lake
docks and other distributing centers.
"These and many other conditions
have combined to create a serious sit
uation in the fuel supply, particularly
in the northwest. While we have
large coal resources, the present diff
Guilty lies principally in the mining
and distributing to the of
the coal at the time it is needed.
"The great demand made upon all
kinds of transportation facilities in
order to handle, within a limited
period, the coal required in the
United States to provide fuel for
household purposes, for power and for
a multitude of manufacturing and
industrial purposes, is better. realized
when it is known that the last years
coal production of this country
amounted to between 600 1000, 900 and
zoe, 900, 900 tons. This would be equi-
valent to between $4,000, 600, 900 and
10000 900 carloads. When through
any unusual condition it becomes
necessary to 10Y quickly a large
proportion of this vast volume of
coal, in addition to the handling of
other ordinary shipping such as mer-
%chandise, agricultural products, etc.,
serious congestion and inadequate or
imperfect distribution are almost in
evitable results.
1.-The Fuel and Transportation Com
missions of the National Council of
Defense are working together in their
efforts to overcome these difficulties
and obviate, as far as possible, any
serious shortage or suffering, but
their success in meeting the situation
will depend, in a large degree, upon
the cooperation of the public and the
personal attention given to the mat
ter by each Individual. The trans
p%ortation of troops, army supplies,
and other materials, in addition to the
movement of merchandise and crops
in the fall will add to the danger of
a congestion in shipping and the
necessary distribution of the fuel sup
ply in the northwest.
".The problem is not simply that of
high prices, but rather more that of
obtaining an adequate supply of coal
at the time it is needed. These con-
ditions make it necessary that every
consumer do what he can to relieve
the situation and also to protect him
self by putting in at least a part of
his fuel supply before the crops have
to be moved in the fall and thus
help in relieving congestion and avoid
ing the discomfort and danger from
shortage, -
"1n view~of these difficulties and
uncertaintiessin securing prompt and
adequate delivery of various grades
of eastern coal, the people Of the
state could very well consider the in
creased use of Ignite as a mean OF
affording relief in the demand for
eastern coal, as we'll as obviating the
shortage and reducing fuel costs. In
the western part of the state there
are vast deposits of Ignite coal which
are but slightly developed and used
for the most part only in those re-
gions near the mines. These great