Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-07-22
Situation Critical
Continued from Page Cns)

late action may be had in what is
the greateye emergency this company
has ever faced. Unless there is i'm
mediate relief II means inconvenience
hardship and suffering TO thousands
of families served by u.s.
A stove foundry president writes
thai they have plenty of coal bought
on contract but very little on hand
and if more is not secured by Sept
1, it will mean Closing down their
plant.
The largest clay products company
IN the state has $50 tons on hand
ana needs $1,000 tons already con-
traCted but no deliveries being re-
ceiyed. Production is already cur
tailed so per cent. and prospect OF
complete shut down staring them in
the face.
Several of the manufacturers writ
ten 10 report that their conditions is
not so serious as it might be as they
operate by water power. others cleo
triclty generated by water power and
require coal for heating and drying
only. Maine is fortunate IN this re-
spect as had she not her splendid
water power systems many of the
mills would be closed ana thousands
thrown out of employment.
Many of those water operated
mills state that they use no coal for
heating during the summer months
and during the remainder OF the year
use all the shavings. saw-dust. chips
ana other wood waste they can buy
IN . he
Another situation that saves Maine
IS that much of the transportation
of coal 20 Maine is by water and as
the large rivers are closed TO naviga-
ton the last Of November and the
smaller ones earlier. all their coal
supply must be~obtained within the
next three or four months
A sideiight IS shown by the report
Of big ship building plant. We
have on order 1900 tons which were
20 be delivered by July Ii. we have
received go tors only. In 1918 we
had order placed in July for !. 400
tons ana all coal 70 be delivered by
Septam Der. We received 595 tons up
20 April l. 1920 Gin TWO years. when
order was cancelled by shipper
A prominent shoe manufacturing
plant states that their contract for
coal was based on assumption that
they would be able 70 run as usual
on electric power during April 10
November inclusive nut the electric
power company IS n such bad pnvsl-
cal condition that up 10 date the
shoe people have had to use steam.
A leading user and distributor TO
public utilities. steamboat lines. etc.
some with contracts for CARRYING
Cllted States mail. report receiving
repeated inquiries which they are
unable 10 supply on account Of trans
portation situation and limited sup
ply of coal. Fortunately very con-
siderable territory is served by them
with lighters ana schooners such
water deliveries relieving all rail
movements. While this relieves the
car situation 1t does not help the
shortage OF she coal situation. which
makes II imperative that they have
500 tons of coal at once.
These facts which have come as a
result OF the survey made by the
State Chamber OF Commerce and
Agricultural League which represents
the business interests of the stale.
shows conclusively that any optim-
ism N regard TO the coal situation
is not only looking through the
small end OF the horn but IS actually
business suicide.
It is 4 most serious situation and
when placed before a meeting call
ed by the State Chamber. at which
were present members OF the Public
Utilities Commission as agents for the
New England coal committee for the
state, the executive council Of the
State Chamber of Commerce and
other leading business men Of Maine.
dispelled any feeling of security.
This alarming shortage threatens
paralysis OF industrial life. and much
privation and hardship to all the
people of Maine.
A report of the purchasing depart
ments of the State Institutions shows
there is now on hand only q per cent
of the coal needed for 1920.
A strong effort must be made by
all New England If relief is to be
had. Sectional needs must be for
gotten ana laid aside for the time
being. We must all get behind this
movement Of getting the coal reuilir-
ed by all New England industries
uyT&-DCnryTry TT