The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-01-23
FUEL SITUATION.

Apparently, in the face of state
ments from officials of the Topeka
Edison company, there is lot of mis-
guided dictation in the matter of fuel
conservation in Topeka. 1t is very
evident that Administrator Danner,
sincere as he may be in his efforts to
relieve the coal shortage, has over
looked several opportunities to make
a real saving in coal. 1t appears, too,
that he has overestimated the amount
of fuel that can be saved in the closing
of legitimate business.
For instance, take the city schools.
There are twenty grade schools in To-
peka. These schools at this time of
the year burn eighty tons of Goa!
week Think of it! Eighty tons! This
coal could be diverted to other chan
nels or at least the cars could be used
for domestic coal and the city would
be greatly relieved. If the grade
schools were closed for only two weeks
beginning next Monday. we will say,
and two weeks were added to the term
in June, when it is not necessary to
furnish heat, the children would not
suffer and Topeka would have an op
portunity to procure at least $50 tons
of coal for the small consumer. This
would take care of at least $50 fani-
lies-undoubtedly more.
Instead of making an order of this
kind, Dictator Danner shortens busi-
ness hours to the detriment of legiti-
mate trade-and necessary trade
down town. This, despite the assertion
of Manager Purdy of the Edison COM
pany that the order is of no relief to
this lighting and heating plant.
The churches of the city are real
izing the duty that confronts them
now Evening services will be dis
continued and prayer meetings, dim
ners. entertainments and meetings of
all kinds will be postponed until after
the fuel situation is cleared.
The only inconvenience in connec-
ton with the closing of the grade
schools is the postponement of vaca-
tions for the teachers and principals
1t has been customary for many of
them to go away to summer schools
Immediately after the term terminate ed
here. But it must be admitted thai in
the face of a fuel famine and suffer-
ing among the poor, educational trim
mings and polishing can be set aside
for a paltry two weeks. At Kansas
City, Mo-. the grade schools are closed
now on this plan to save coal.
Everyone in Topeka is willing to CO.
operate with the fuel administrator on
suggestions that are practical and in
telligent. Topeka, in the last few
months of war work, never has fallen
down in the patriotic test. In fact this
city has exceeded every quota and las
done just little more than she was
called upon to do. Mr.. Danner can
not lay a lack of patriotic attitude at
the door of any business man here.
His statement to the effect that the
local merchants Shout patriotism
and groan when their pocketbooks are
a little bit hit' is untrue and uncalled
for. Mr.. Danner is in no position as
an office holder, as representative of
the fuel administration, as a citizen, to
make such charge against what has
| been proven and accepted as the most
| patriotic city of it's size in the United
States.
Everyone must make a sacrifice in
TINS war 1t has reached point where
everyone is willing. All anyone asks
is an exhibition of sound judgment and
sense when a city's commercial and
social life is at the power of one man.
The State Journal pledges its sup
port to Mr.. Danner in any intelligent
conservation plan he may attempt to
enforce.