Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1918-04-12
THE FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR.

With the completion of the first
year in which the United States has
been engaged in the war, Il state
ment of the accomplishments and the
prospects Of the Fuel Administra-
ton is deemed appropriate.
Governmental regulation of the pro
duction and the traffic of coal was
undertaken by the United States for
the purpose of obtaining the highest
efficiency in the production and dis
.ribution OF coal which is vitality of
need by the Government and the peo-
pie of the United States and the Eu-
, ropean allies in the prosecution Of
the war.
rho United States Fuel Admins
tra;isn, authorized by act OF Con
gr, g, was organized August 23, 1917
foui months after the declaration of
war with Germany. IS operations
have, therefore, covered Il period of
seven months. The tasks OF the ad
ministration have been directed tow
ard getting increased production and
equitable distributor of tn mine pro-
ducts. More coal was demanded than
the mines were producing. The pro-
duction Of the mines was restricted to
the capacity Of the railroads to place
ears and move them to and from the
tipples. The railroads were hamper
ed by a lack of equipment and an eX-
cess of freight offerings of all char
actres.
Measured by normal conditions, the
mines increased their production dur
ing 1917 approximate 50,0OO,O00 tons,
| or about per cent over that of the
preceding year. Measured by the war
necessities of the nation and the in
creased domestic consumption render
ed necessary by the excessively cold
| winter, the production was still about
! 50,000,000 tons short of the require
mcnts. The 1917 production of btu
minous coal was approximately $780,
100000 tons, in spit Of strikes. and
transportation troubles, as compared
with 502 100000 in 1916.
Not only have we met the enlarged
requirement of coal for uses at home
but there has been no material cur
lied and neutral nations.
For the movement of troops and
. munitions and supplies to the wal
| front speedy delivery of coal to the
scaboard has been accomplished in
vast quantity, though not always with
out sacrifice and extreme difficulty
. During Il period of eight days in Jan
| uary and February industry in Il poT-
, ton of the United States was entire.
| ~ suspended i order to clear the con-
, gestion OF freight with which the raj
ways were afflicted and provide an
open way for the movement of coal
, The relief sought was speedily af.
! fnrInl and
armies and allies quickly reestablishe /
Notwithstanding the many Difficult
ties that presented themselves during
the early period OF the operation OF
the Fuel Administration, the mair
talks of securing an adequate supply
/ of coal for the industries engaged il
war work and of keeping coal in til,
bins of the householders has been sat
isfactorily accomplished, but not witt
/ out temporary dcprivations here ant
there. which have endured with tn,
highest spirit of patience, patriotism
Despite the unparalleled demant
for coal during our first year of tn,
war, the price to consumers has beer
kept to n satisfactory level. At ne
time since the organization of tn,
Fuel Administration has any consum
er been deprived of fuel because OF
hindrance due to prices.
Compared with other countries ON.
gagged i'll war the fuel experiences OF
the United States with regard to pro
duction, prices and distributor, hav,
been satisfactory, and even better re
suits during the present year may b,
confidently expected
y plan has been carefully devised
and is now in operation by which tn,
difficulties attending distribution will
be greatly lesscncd. Cross hauling
and long distance movements are OBJ
waited by the coming system of dis
tribution made effective April l. Tn,
Railway cars and locomotives will b;
enabled to do greater service, thus
permitting the mines materially tc
Increase their output.
Domestic consumption will be reg.
ulated under certain reasonable re.
strictions, TO which both the dealers
and the users will be obligated. The
plans of the administration providing
for the early buying and storing OF
coal for next winter are being enthu-
siastically supported by the people
thereby atfording guaranty against
a repetition of the cOnveniences such
as were frequently experienced Iasi
winter.
With prospects of enlarged pro-
duction, simpliiicd distribution and
an agreeable price basis, the Fuel Ad.
ministratiOn faces the second wear of
its activity. So much as coal and fueI
oil can do towards the speedy winning
OF the war will be heartily done.