Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-04
NEW COAL REGULATIONS
WILL OPERATE TO-DAY
Prohibit Dealers Booking Orders for
Future Deliveries OF
Anthracite.
SUPPLY on HAND is SMALL
Richmond Fuel Commission Calls At
tcntfon to Serious Situation. and
Urges Use OF Other Means OF Heat
ing Where Possible.

Literally guaranteeing greater fac,,.
ity In the delivery OF anthracite and
strictly forbidding discrimination on
tho part OF dealers TO any worthy ap-
plicant. the new system recently de-
vised by THO Richmond fuel commits
sion and Just promulgated takes ef-
feet TO-DAY. to continue in force until
further notice Is given by tho commits
sion.
According to the important instruc-
tionS issued TO the dealers. orders can
not he taken for anthracite for future
delivery If the coal is not in the i'm
mediate possession OF the dealer. Nei-
thcr will there be any customers
Each applicant for hard coal is placed
on the same footing in respect to or
dcrs. regardless OF whether that per-
son has been purchasing coal from
him regularly. Dealers will be re-
Guirca to fiji orders in rotation ~ they
arc received Violations place dealers
under a penalty OF Il fine Of 500
No more orders for anthracite will
be taken at the Office or the fuel com
mission. for under tho new rulings they
must he handed the real dealers in
fuel. Heretofore. the commission as
Sumcd the appearance OF a clearing
house for anthracite. and has been IN
Intermediary between tho consum or
ana the dealer. This has been aboi-
Soiniacs to bring about greater prompt
ross IN delivering coal and maximum
efficiency on the part of the commits
sim In recurring strict compliance on
all sides OF the regulation.
ANTHRACITE COAT. SECURED
ONLY on SIGNED AFFIDAVIT
In obtaining anthracite the house
holder will be required to make ain
lav!t to the dealer. making oath tina,
the house for which II Is intended has
no provision for using any other kind
of fuel: also that not more than three
da:s' supply is on hand. False state
mants on the part OF the households
r;ake him liable to q fine OF 500. He
Is required to make agreement to pro-
vide for the use OF soft coal or wood
as soon as possible.
AGidavits will be retained hy the
dealers. OF which duplicates will be
forwarded TO the fuel commission to
he placed on file for record. These af-
iidav;ts will show when the anthra-
cite was bought and from what dealer,
ard will be marked by number. II
'wo or more cards appear at the Office
Of the fuel commission. signed by the
same party. having Identical dates or
arc close together. and from different
Il alers. then clear case of violation
OF the rulings will hc plainly shown
and vigorous prosecution of the Of
fender will be undertaken.
Admirable results are expected to
follow the inauguration OF the new
system. both in tho way Of increased
delivery and in more efficient admin
istration of the duties OF the fuel COM
mission. Cooperation has been earn
cstly and urgently requested OF all
concerned to obey explicitly the rul-
ings. which will be removed IS soon as
conditions are favorable.
4. NJ a
SMALL SUPPLY OF HARD COAL
\. Beirne Blair. chairman Of the
Richmond fuel commission, issued yes
tc-day further clarifying statements OF
the rulings, effective Immediately, as
follows:
ITO the Publlc.-The time has come
when stern necessity forces the Fed
eral fuel commission of Richmond 20
frankly warn you OF the seriousness OF
the anthracite coal situation. and hence
the absolute need for every one de-
pendent upon hard coal to Immediately
supply themselves with other kinds of
fuel.
February is usually one OF our cold
est month and tho supply OF aDthra-
cite is almost exhausted, with poor
prospects Of rnplcn!sh!ncnt. The COM
misso3. in the new rules governing
the anthracite supply and distribution.
system for all interested in this vital
necessity. rs no dealer. and not even
the commission itself. has the power
TO favor or discriminate in the distrl-
button OF the small stock of anthracite
coal on hand or likely 10 come: because
all the above coal IN every yard III
Richmond. and all anthracite which,
until further notice, arrives here, has
been Communicated by tho commission
for the benefit OF those most in need
OF it. and IL will be distributed to those
as they apply who are found to come
within the rules just promulgated.
Every one should periodically do
their duty unsellishly in this critical
hour and use fuel other than anthra-
cite If possible. ~ no hard coal will
be allotted 20 any ono who has n gratr,
furnace. or hot blast stove in their
house.
The penalty OF 800 fine will be
strictly enforced against violation Of
rules by either dealer or consumer"
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