The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-05-29

north of line which crosses southern Mime
sofa. Heretofore we have used considerable
quantity of Illinois coal. This year we can get
none. Consequently, for every ton OF Illinois coal
which we have used in the past we shall need an
equal number of heat units in the form Of some
other fuel. The other fuels which are available
are anthracite, certain soft Goals from the east,
and the Ignite from our western counties.
Last year, according to the data available at
this time, there was mined in North Dakota
something like 100000 tons Of Ignite, practically
all of which was consumed in the state. This is
roughly from Is to 20 per cent Of the total fuel
consumption Of the state, not in tons but in units
of equal heating value Our needs will be as
great this year, and our supply has been materi-
ally diminished by the cutting off Of the illinois
COAL We must, therefore, burn more OF Ignite,
or more of eastern coal, or more Of both.
What is the situation with reference to lg-
mite? Biologists tell US that there is in North
Dakota some seven billion tons of Ignite, and
we have no reason tosquestion the accuracy OF
the estimate That is avast quantity Of coal, and
there can be no question that this fuel will in
time play'an important part in the industrial life
of the state and of the entire northwest. That
is very satisfying fact to contemplate. But for
the purpose of keeping the people Of the state
warm next winter, which is the problem immedi-
ately before us, all but an infntessimal fraction
of that coal might as well be at the south pole,
where, as matter of fact, there are reported to|
be quite rich coal deposits.
The question that is Of interest to our people
Just now is not how much Ignite there is under
ground in the state but how much can be mined,
and loaded.on @rs, and hauled to the hundreds Of
stations and distributed to consumers, large and
small, and burned effectively in the appliances1
which are on hand for that purpose 1t is ques-
ton of days work, and rail miles, and ocomotive|
power and car supply, and local distribution, and
handling at the steam plant or furnace or stove.
It is question of hard facts and exact figures,
and not of enthusiasm for the development OF al
local industry which every sane resident OF the
state wishes to see developed to the highest pos
sib]e degree Enthusiasm is a splendid thing, but
you can't heat house with it.
We are told that S00,000ytons of Ignite was
mined last year. 1t is assumed that this quantity
can he increased this year. How much can it be
increased? Estimates vary from 20 to so per
cent. Suppose that the output EN- be doubled.
That increase will no more than make up the
QeIlceNcy CduSeu ny VIC CuIC4H6 vi " o'Ao A!AA
nois supply. We will still need as great guam
tity of eastern coal as we used last year.
This summary of the situation is made on
the basis of information which is more or less
vague. We need exact information, The state
authorities have it, or can obtain it. They should
get it and give it to the public at once; not in
the form of guesses and generaties, but speci.
fcally and in detail. They will be able to go to
the fuel administration at Washington with a
definite statement of the quantity Of eastern coal
which we must have this year in order to keep
from freezing next winter. ~
The following are offered as practical sug-
gcstions: g.. ..45 ..
Let us have: carefully compiled and conser-
vative estimate of the quantity of Ignite that can
be mined and distributed this year, having re-
gard not alone to mine capacity but to rail facil-
ties and the ability of individuals to buy and
store in advance.
Let survey be made of all the large steam
plants, and where it can reasonably be done, let
similar orders be issued to them.
Let careful and exact statement Of the facts
be transmitted to Washington, and let it be pre-
pared in such form that the Washington authorl-
ties will at once be convinced that we are not
trying to secure as much as possible of con-
venient and pleasant fuel, but that we are merely
presenting an accurate statement of what is actu-
ally needed to protect the lives and the health Of
our people by securing in time supply OF fuel
whcih, if not supplied in time cannot be obtained
lat all.-Grand Forks Herald