Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-10-22

tors and Names az wen. Inc eX-
position was high grade throughout
and was considered the outstanding
feature fof the Maine Centennial eel
ebratfon. Financially the exposition
was self sustaining and was attended
by 1856 people. The splendid CO.
operation Of organizations. firms
and individuals connected with the
State Chamber of Commerce and Ag-
ricultural League was largely re-
sponsible for this achievement.
Scarcely had the exposition been
over before the coal situation re-
quired the attention Of the organiza-
ton. Numerous reports gave Names
condition In general regarding coal
shortage but the facts were unknown.
Realizing that facts must be had for
working basis the State Chamber
made reful survey Of the coal
needs .Iaine. A carefully pre-
pared .4tstionaire was sent to all
the different interests. The conf
dence in the State Chamber was
show by the quick response. One
hundred and five immediate returns
recorded the amount of bituminous
coal on hand at 49,071 tons. On hand
July 16. 1913. 123,4sS tons. Amount
needed to carry through until April I,
1920 in addition to what was on
hand 396,201. tons. When the full
data had been received the Execu-
tive Council met jointly with MEM
beers Of the Public Utilities Commits
sion and discussed the matter. A
81 xr,f<t hn
principals of industry for the pur-
pose Of deciding on the best course
of action. An embargo on foreign
shipments appeared absolutely nee
essary in order to relieve the situa-
ton in New England. A tremendous
pressure was put on the Interstate
Commerce Commission and Presi-
dent Wilson to bring this about.
kilograms were sent from organiza-
lions and business interests, Pub
licity was given and your manager
together with a member OF the Pub
lie Utilities took the matter up in
person with. the New England Fuel
Administration Chairman. The stu
alton was followed also by one Of
our organization members in WASH
ington. The first real help came with
Priority Order No. IL. Copies of this
order were mailed from the State
Chamber headquarters to- all the in
terests in Maine involved. The State
Chamber coal committee Is still act
i've using its influence in getting to
Maine sufficient quantity of btu
minous and anthracite coal to meet
Its needs.
Owing to the possibility of suffer-
ing in homes and among the laboring
classes on account of the anthracite
coal shortage the State Chamber Of
Commerce and Agricultural League
sent an early appeal to the seventy
Chambers of Commerce in the State
to make provision locally for an ade-
quate supply of wood for home use.
The State Chamber did everything
possible to- get Secretary Of War
Newton D. Baker, to retain an ex-
pert engineer at the United States
Engineers Office at Portland, and
made a strong protest against hav-
ing all authority on all matters per-
tanning to Names harbors and coasts
dictated from Boston. The needs 1t
was stated would be greater with the
development Of the State Pier pro-
ject.
The Executive Council appointed Q
committee to represent the organiza-
ton in protecting Maine interests in
connected with the so-called Ma
rine BILL" The bill IL passed would
be big blow to Names commerce.
The State Chamber Of Commerce
and Agricultural League have pub
lished circulars as follows-"Revision
Of Freight Rates." Names Hard
woods. Names Transportation Prob
lem, Industrial Relations.
Six meetings of the Executive
Council have been held since the May
meeting. The attendance has been
remarkable and the best interest of
Maine has always been uppermost as
matters Of Importance have been
presented for action.
Your manager has by correspond
ence been in touch with all of the
county committees and has personal
~ met committees in Penobscot, Cum
berland, Androscoggin, Waldo, Saga
dahoc, Franklin and Oxford counties.
He has addressed organization meet
ings and attended meetings and con-
ferences in which the State Cham
Der was interested and could be help
full. The manager has directed the
work Of the office and attended to a
vast amount of routine, but his main
efforts have been exercised in pro-
noting thel activities mentioned in
the report which in brief covers the
accomplishments of the State Cham
Der of Commerce and Agricultural
League during the past five months
A comprehensive report Of the
work of the home directorate, repre-
senting the women OF the State and
their organizations. was given by
Mrs. Florence A. Stevens. of Port
land:
The treasurer. Henry A. Free. OF
| Lewiston, stated that the orsaniza-
ton Is laboring under Limited finan-
cial resources" wholly Inadequate to
the size Of the project and the work
1t should do for the State. During
the nearly 10 months in which it has
been at work its total income has
amounted to $16.030.73; expenses
$13,974.S5,, leaving a balance of ST.
t055.7S. The treasurer also presented
ia statement Of assets such as Office
furnishings and equipment, etc.
amounting to $6s64.07; liabilities, in.
GLIDING salaries due, $S432.36. leaving
a troublesome deicit. The financial
budget to be raised for work Of thu
organization was ret last spring q