The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-08-28

4S to So per cent; that Of West Viz
GINA bituminous Goals about 50 per
cent; that of the better grades of
semi bituminous dry Goals of Mary
land, rs per cent: and that ne
fine, dry, close burning bitun IS
Goals of Pennsylvania 20 per ceat.
In general way it may be said that
the heating power aof one ton of
North Dakota coal will equal about
65 per cent Of ton (1,300 lbs.) Of
bitumlnous coal.
Free From Earthly Matter.
1.-The purity of a fuel is a very
important element in determining its
value. A difference of two or three
per cent in the earthly matter of two
Goals may be the source of q very
serious difference in their. final value
North DakeGn Goals are almost al
ways very free from earthly matter
as seen from the amount and char
acter of their ash.
"'By these comparisons it will be
seen that North Dakota Ignite
ranks, SO far as its heat producing
power is concerned. between the
lower grade of Ignite and a bitu-
minous coal, and that 1t is far SUI
perior to the Ignite mined in some
other countries.
est is largely due to lack of
familiarity with the character of lig-
mite coal and to a lack OF knowledge
of the best methods OF burning IL,
that this coal is not being more gem
orally used However, the use is
gradually being extended as from
time to time more perfect methods
Of burning appear.
"'At the present time Ignite coal
is chiefly used In Jumps in heating
and cooking stoves and in engines
for power. It is generally used in the
most simple manner and very few
special methods have been adopted
for burning or utilizing this coal or
for preparing IL for the market. But
there can be little doubt that for
general stove and furnace use
briquetted Ignite would prove a
most economic and profitable fuel
LAS a matter of fact, North Da-
kota could, irshe had to, furnish the
coal for all it's 100000 people. This
could not be done in a day or in a
month. but it could be done. There
are today commercial mines enough
in the state IL properly worked TO
furnish all the coal needed.
THE word mobilization and all 1t
stands for, has today a wider sig
nificance than ever before. The mob
ilization of a nations energies and
resources to meet the exigencies of
war, gives US a glimpse OF what
mobilization really means.
II suggest that the question OF
mobilizing the Ignite industry of
North Dakota should be taken up
without delay. The governor could
pick out five or seven men in the
state, including the state engineer,
who could make a prompt investiga-
ton Of conditions regarding this ip-
dustry, transportation. etc. and
arouse capital TO the possibilities in
volved I'm the furnishing of coal TO
our own people.
II have no desire to play the roll
OF alaPmist, but from information
before this company at this time, /
would not like to have the people OF
North Dakota depending entirely on
the bituminouB coal and anthracite
for the coming season. / am conf
dent that the railroad companies
would be willing 70 do their full
share In helping mobilize the coal
industry Of North Dakota. III Is not
too early TO begin q sensible discus
sion OF this important matter.
THE state should not be compelled
to depend on the eastern supply Of
coal az this time-it Is too danger
-. 8. MURPHY.
Immigration Agent,
$500 Line Railway.