The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1920-07-23
Gov. Hart Scents
Coal Famine In
The Northwest


shortage during the coming winter,
or before winter, has addressed a
letter to the newspapers of the state,
asking them to give publicity to his
misgivings and to aid in making the
consequent suffering and loss to bus
mess less. Following are the main
points in his letter:
Investigations | have had made
disclose that we are threatened this
fall and winter with the worst fuel
shortage this state has ever known,
unless prompt steps are taken to
prevent.
Federal authorities contend there
is an acute coal shortage already in
the Northwest" meaning the terri
tory tributary to the Great Lakes.
Some coal operators of the eastern
portion of the United States deny
this. Considerable press publicity has
been given this controversy, using
the phrase northwest" but not
meaning to refer to Pacific North
west. In any event, we in this
state must realize the situation that
in order to meet this alleged short
age the Interstate Commerce Com
mission, which is now exclusively di-
rectng the distribution of railroad
freight cars, has restricted the use
of coal cars to the movement of
coal, and has issued instructions to
the lines serving the Pacific North
west to turn over all available coal
cars to their eastern connections, and
has also advised the iron and steel
districts that coal cars must not be
loaded for Pacific Coast points or
beyond the reach of the coal mines.
AS consequence the Pacific North
west is being drained of all coal
cars, although at the present time
there is an ample supply here to
move all of the coal that can be pro-
duced by our mines.
1t is quite apparent, however, that
this will not continue if coal cars
which ordinarily reach this territory
loaded with iron and steel articles,
and other open top car commodities,
are prevented from moving to us.
At the present time the mines west
of the Cascade Mountains are run
ming not to exceed four and one-half
days week, or approximately 70
per cent time. 1t would be greatly
to the advantage of the coal opera
tors and miners if this time could
be increased to full time.
The movement in this state to
change oil burning equipment to coal
burning is rapidly progressing, and
lit is estimated that in from three to
ten months a very large percentage
Of the present fuel oil burning indus
tries, lighting plants, etc, will be
converted into coal burners, and this
will greatly increase the demand for
coal. 1t is, therefore, quite ap-
parent that while at present we have
100 per cent cars. and rs per cent
coal production, that unless we take
advantage of the situation and store
coal for the winter months, a Sc
we're shortage may be anticipated,
beceuse it is quite different matter
to have 100 per cent production and
rs pei cent cars.
With the shortage existing in the
East it will be impossible for US to
secure any consideration from the
Interstate Commerce Commission be-
cause the cars will be supplied to the
territory furnishing coal for what
might be considered the more es-
sential industries.
In other words, unless much of
the coal is promptly mined and de-
livered, it will be impossible during
the coal weather to move it from
mine to consumer and it should also
be borne in mind that at this time
streets and highways are in excellent
condition for local deliveries which
could be made much more expedite
ously and cheaply than over wet,
muddy and slushy streets.
My idea is that the fuel producers
and dealers should institute an i'm
mediate campaign of aggressive
newspaper advertising coupled with
personal solicitation Of consumers
and prospective consumers. feel
confident that the newspapers will
gladly cooperate in their news and
editorial columns to encourage early
purchases by consumers. | am ad-
vised that the operators and miners
will do all in their power to have
ample fuel available for early dis
tribution. | am urging the fuel
dealers that in view of the fact that
consumers usually do not buy fuel so
early in the season, a method be de-
vised to extend the time for payment
so as to place the least possible bur
den upon consumers who order now
to try to aid the situation.