New-York tribune., 1918-04-15
Coal Production
Drops 100000
I ons i'm One Week
Situation Grave, President
May Be Called On
to Interfere
TStof Co1wespondence1

WASHINGTON, April 14.-Continucd
reduction in the production of coal
during the last month has reached the
point where it is causing the gravcst
concern to officials of the Fuel and
Railroad administrations. During the
next week, it is understood, the situa-
tion will be the subject matter Of White
House conferences
Figures made public here to-day by
the geological survey show that during
the week ending April 6 there was a
decrease of 1900 600 tons in bituminous
production as compared with that Of
the previous week. The total produc-
ton for the week of April 6 was only
o,@95,000 tons, which approached dan
gerously near the low points reached in
December and January, when adverse
weather conditions caused virtual tie
up Of the railroads.
Continued car shortages in the Penn
sylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky
fields seriously interfered during the
last two weeks with production. The
figures for the week ended March 30,
the latest complete figures available,
shcw that in sections of these Eastern
fields the mines were not receiving so
per cent of the cars they require. Dur
ing this week lost production totalled
production. Of this 22.o per cent is
charged to car shortage. However,
this average figure does not represent
the real seriousness of the car situa-
tion in the Eastern fields, where short
ages of cars run as high as go per cent
in the Fairmount fields of West Vir-
gina.
Zoning Scheme Partly to Blame
Many reasons are advanced for the
transportation difficulties. The railroad
administration is Of the opinion that
it is largely caused by the derange-
ment of normal distribution routes
through inauguration of fuel admins
trations new zoning scheme Of dis
will improve after the initial difficult
ties resulting from the drastic changes
made by DR.. Garfield are overcome, no
one seems willing to predict, least of
all officials of the fuel administration,
who seem to look upon their zone
scheme as still in the experimental
stage.
The last week has witnessed a con-
tinuance Of the squabble between john
ministration, and Fuel Administrator
Garfield regarding the price to be
charged the railroads for coal. The
matter has been brought to the White
House once by both men, yet seems
still far from satisfactory settlement
The railroad administration insists
that the railroads receive their coal
at q figure under the regular govern
ment price schedule and that railroad
coal be given special priority. DR..
Garfield is quite as determined that the
railroads shall pay the government
price and that they shall not receive
special priority privileges other than
those already granted.
The argument between Williams and
Garfield has once or twice reached the
stage where vigorous personalities
have been exchanged, it is compctently
reported, and it is understood that
Garfield has let it be known that If
the railroad administration is to be
permitted to encroach on his depart
ment at will the President may expect
his resignation.
Practically all officials outside the
railroad administration in touch with
the situation, including Chairman
Baruch of the War Industries Board,
are said to support the Garfield posi-
tlon The major part Of the coal oper-
ators are also behind the Fuel Adminis-
traitors stand However, the influence
Of Mr. McAdoo with the White House is
such that Dr.. Garfeld's support is sub
rosa in large part, which makes it nee
cssary for him to virtually fight alone.