Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-12-13
TO ACCEPT GARFlElDS RESIGNATION
RAIL HEAD TO HANDLE FUEL SITUATION
EAST R. RS NEARLY NORMAL BY SUNDAY
LETTING Up ON BAN

washington, Dec 1.-Reglonal
directors of railroads were given
authority tonight by Director Cen
eral Hines TO remove restrictions on
the use of light. heat and power de-
rived from coal as soon as the fuel
situation warrants.
The regional directors also were
authorized To restore train service
removed or curtailed to meet the
coal shortage due TO the bituminous
miners strike as soon as the fuel
supply IN the various regions justi-
ies.
Sending out the instructions con-
stituted the first step taken by the
government in expectation that min
ers would accept the government
strike settlement proposal and re-
turn TO work.
DIRECTOR General Hines in an
nouncing his action said conditions
in the regions varied greatly and coal
still was being shipped from this
east To the west but that removal
of restrictions might be justifie1
shortly.
The railroad administration re-
ceived unofficial estimates during the
day that from So TO 70 per cent of
the miners had gone back TO work.
Private reports 10 operators said
that in Indiana nearly all the men
had returned but elsewhere COCA
deal of delay was being shown.
Fuel Administrator Gartield's resigna-
ton sent TO President Wilson yesterday
was discussed by White House officials,
who expressed the belief that il would
be accepted. though it was not indicat-
ed that the President as vet had acted.
The work of the fuel administration. i.
was said. probably would be trans
ferred to the railroad administration.
DR.. Garfield refused 20 discuss the mat
ter.
Operators representing the central
Pennsylvania district. one of the larg-
est in the United States. were the first
TO act today upon the settlement pro-
posal. and, while accepting it. criticized
its terms with the utmost viEor
The method proposed by DR.. Gar
field for settlement of the strike was
interfered with by government officials
who knew little OF the situation the
operators statement said. land the
problem was taken out Of his hands.
The public and the operators, as re-
suit have been delivered into the hands
of the United Mine Workers of Ameri-
ca"
r. E. Hardness. counsel for the fuel
administration. announced during the
day that prices of coal contracted FOR
by purchasers prior TO the resulption
of government price fixing could he
raised legally to absorb the cost Of the
ID per cent. increase in miners wages
granted under the strike situation. Coal
mined, in most cases. bore a price below
the government MAXIMUM of Sc35 per
ton. mine run. and contracts ordinarily
carried clause binding the purchasei,s
to paw additions in labor costs incurred
after their making. s.ne4 administration
statistics. il was said. Indicated that
even after the addition of extra labor
costs created by the II per cent in
crease the largest portion of the con-
tract coal still would be sold below the
s. % maximum.
The government itself. through the
railroad administration. (which con-
sumes normally u per cent of all coal
mined. will pay the largest amounts
under the ruling. II was pointed out The
war department contracts were said 70
give power to the secretary of war to
make adjustments. and as the settle
ment had the support of the admins
tration, ii was assumed that Secretary
Baker would approve the increase.
Much of the navy departments cnai
is being Communicated and some of the
supply is mined IN the Pocahontas field
which is non-uniun. Private and indus
trial consumers supplied by contract
coal in most cases will pay the increase
A small amount OF high class coal. I'M
der the ruling. II was explained. would
he sold for higher price than the
government maximum.