Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-10-03
WIDE COAL SHORTAGE
MENACE TONDUSTRY

s.on1y two countries Of the world. the
United States and the United Kingdom.
today have reasonable assurance OF sur
f1cient coal to operate their industries q:
says q Guaranty Trust letter.
"In order to attain this security den-
mite limit has been placed upon the
amount OF British coal available Tor ex-
port, and in the United States exports
have been automatically heid IN check
by measures taken to assure domestic
supplies. The fuel problem Is the fore.
most question facing the industry OF
every country of western Europe, ex-
cept tho United Kingdom. 1t Is also to
side Europe. chiefly those countries OF
South America which have heretofore
been dependent on imported coal
'"The international coal trade is en-
tirely dominated by the United King
dom, Germany and the United States.
countries now dependent upon the mines
of these three countries. but there is no
prospect for years to come OF important
additions from other sources to the
amount Of coal available for the export
market The recent emphasis placed
mote coal fields has been entirely out OF
proportion to their relation to the issue.
"a similar overemphasis has also been
placed on the proposed use OF suosti-
tutes. Regardless of what the more re-
mote future may hold. the present fuel
stitution Of fuel oil for coal The pro-
duction Of electricity from water power
necessitates elaborate installations at a
time when capital is costly and difficult
to secure, and extensive water-power
projects require years for completion.
wood and peat are but poor substitutes
for coal, and for many uses Ignite IKE
wise is highly unsatisfactory. Modern
industry has been built on coal, and 1t
is dependent on adequate supplies for
its maintenance.
Shortage L. Acute.
'"The total shortage Of coal in the in
ternational market Is only a small part
ton and probable output had the war
not occurred, but when measured In
terms of the effect on the countries
which are suffering this shortage it is
acute. and the only hope Of meeting it
lies in the productive capacity OF the
Germany.
mo comment can add emphasis to the
facts. British exports for the year can
not exceed $4,000, 900 tons. with an addi-
tional 1880, 900 tons for bunkerage OF
vessels in foreign trade. Exports from
the United States, much in excess OF
exports for previous years-that is.
gross exports of $4,000. 900 tons and
1000, 900 tons for bunkerage-inight re-
suit in a corresponding shortage for
American consumers. REQUIRED German
coal deliveries are probably in excess of
the surplus which Germany would have
available for export if German industry
were to operate without handicap.
1.-The degree to which industry and the
routine of ordinary daily life are dis
organized in these countries is deter
mined in part by the seriousness Of their
coal shortage and in part by the extent
to which they are industrialized. The
north European countries are the worst
sufferers. Ultimately a balance will be
attained between consumption and pro-
duction, but it does not appear that this
can be hoped for in tho Immediate fu-
ture. The international coal shortage is
one Of the most serious results Of the
wastefulness of war"