The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1919-12-04
CURB ON COAL CONSUMPTION
ORDERED ny GOVERNMENT
Exceeds Severe Restrictions of War.
time. Only Essential Consumers IN
First Five Classes Of Priorities List
Will Be Supplied with Coal.

strictions on the nations use Of Goa
more stringent even that those apple
during the war, were ordered into ef
feet today to stave of a fuel famine.
Moved by reports of dlminishin
coal stocks and growing danger of dis
tress in numerous sections, the gov
crnment sought on compromise wit
striking mine workers whose walkou
forced the emergency, but asked TO
national determination TO end dcpriya
tion and discomfort until coal mininl
was resumed on its own terms.
Fuel Administrator Garfield, actinl
in conjunction with the railroad ad
ministration, gave notice that hereaf
ter only the essential consumers in
cluded in the first five classes Of tn,
war priorities list would be supple,
with coal and asked the help of al
state and municipal authorities L
make rationing effective.
The order, which made nationa
those restrictions already put into To-
cal effect by regional coal committees
where the pinch Of fuel shortage has
been felt, cuts of supplies from all but
transportation agencies, which in
cludes inland and coastwise shipping
as well as railroads, federal and local
government institutions and establish
ments, including concerns working on
government contracts; public utilities,
including newspapers and retail deal
ers. Railroad administration officials
conceded that it meant widespread
cessation Of Industrial operations, only
justified by the gravity of the situa-
tion.
at is necessary that coal shall be
used only for essential purposes" Dr.
Garfield said In giving public notifica-
ton of the step. "Publie utilities con-
suming coal should discontinue to fur
nish power, heat and light to non-es-
sential industries and should consume
only sufficient coal To produce enough
light, power and heat 10 meet the ac-
tual urgent needs of the people. Ad-
signs and displays Of various
kinds necessitating the use of Goa
should be curtailed and no coal should
be distributed for such purpose"
Pursuant to this policy ] have re-
quested the railroad administration In
the distribution of coal now or here
after in its possession to limit distri-
button to these essential and urgent
uses. As far as practicable until the
warrants change, the dis
tribution of coal will be limited to the
first five classes of the priority list.
Retail dealers, who distribute coal
'or household requirements, heating
hotels, buildings, hospitals, etc, should
AXE every precaution to see that coal
S only delivered where il is absolutely
'equired and then only in such limited
quantities that the supply may be dis
ributed widely and prevent suffering.
"The State and other local authori-
les can materially aid in inspecting
md supervising such distribution by
etail dealers and the United States
government will be glad to leave the
upcrvision and control Of such distri-
ution by retail dealers entirely TO any
state, county or municipality which
nay make provision therefore. The
to the rail dealers must
eccssarily be administered by the
abroad administration in pursuance
( the orders already made by the
Jnited States fuel administration in
arrying out the priorities which have
cen prescribed under the Lever act.
Officials said that the terms Of the
rider as given were framed to allow
he greatest possible variation in To-
al arrangements, so that emergen-
les could be met by action best suited
D that result. Industrial establish
tents operating their own power
lants will be forced to shut down
hen present supplies are exhausted,
lille the operations Of those whose
over is supplied from public utili- |
7 plants will be curtailcd or contin-
ed in the discretion Of local agencies ,
nd officials. DR.. Garfield noted fur /;
.er that government would be glad
leave supervision and control Of dis y
ibution by retail dealers entirely to
~ STATE, county or municipality c
hich may make provision therefore" 3
These Arrangements, II was suR-
.sted, would all be maintained while
ey proved adequate but the federal ="
ycrnment would hold FINAL power e
intervene by cutting of coal sup ol
les where rationing measures are n
{ being fairly or fully taken. %
Officials ycrc hopeful that the ad
nee Of IA per cent in mine workers "
lges would result In getting some 81
4kn ,,.... lanL . ..t.,t ,..,,..t,.ft.t L.. I IA