The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1922-08-10
LACK OF COAL
IN NORTHWEST
is DISCUSSED:
Governor Blaine of Wisconsin
at Conference Urges
Seizure of Mines ,
so. DAKOTA NEEDS COAL
Governor McMasters Says that
State Is Virtually With
out Fuel, Survey Shows
(By the Associated Press

(By the Associated PreSS)
St. Paul, Aug. 10.-Federal seizure
and operation Of all the mines neces-
sary to furnish a supply of coal to
the country was declared to be the
only solution Of the present coal
shortage by Governor Blaine of Wis
consin at the opening of the confer
ence Of Northwest governors on the
coal situation here today
Governors or their representatives
from seven northwest states attended
the conference which was called by
Governor J. A. o. Preus Of Minne-
sofa for the purpose of discussing
methods Of meeting the coal emerg-
ency in the northwest.
Governor, Blaine declared the stu
alton in Wisconsin is practically the
same as in Minnesota, with hundreds
Of industries threatened with idle
ness because Of lack of coal. The
situation has reached a state, he de-
clared, where the domestic life Of the
state is also threatened, as dealers
are unable to fill orders for fuel in
the homes.
Would Join Movement
Governor McMasters Of South Da-
kota, who arrived at the conference
shortly before noon, said the situa-
ton in that state is more startling
than it appeared few days ago
when he conferred with Governor
Preus. A survey of South Dakota
coal dealers, he said, shows that they
are virtually without coal.
1--WE will join in any movement
that it agreed upon by this confer
cnce," Gov. McMasters said. "The peo-
pie in South Daokta do not fully
realize the seriousness of the situa-
ton and hope that this conference
will bring home to them the two con-
ditions Of the coal market" .
Urges Ignite Use
Governor Preus presented q tele-
gram from H. B. Spencer, federal
fuel administrator, .sayiRg that tho
proposed shipment Of all rail coal
from the non-union fields to the re-
Gently organized northwestern rail
coal association could not be approv-
ed by the federal administration.
This decision will eliminate the pos
sibility Of the northwest receiving
$4,000 tons a week by all-rail ship
ments as the association had plann-
ed.
Governor Nestos Of North Dakota
declared before the opening Of the
conference that the use Of the North
Dakota Ignite coal would aid greatly
in meeting the shortage of the
Northwest. He pointed out that
North Dakota would be able to ship
into Minnesota fifty cars Of this coal
q day, if sufficient labor could be OBJ
tained to mine the coal. He said he
will ask Minnesota officials to aid
in sending the needed labor into
North Dakota.
Z States Represented
BESIDES Minnesota and Wisconsin,
the states represented were North
and South Dakota, Montana, Michi-
gan and Iowa. The conference was
called by Governor Preus, who de-
clared the situation called for
prompt, decisive action.
Governor Preus told the confer
ence that railroads serving the non
uion coal mines and Lake Erie ports
have improved their service and he
believes a recommendation that the
federal government operate these
roads "might we'll be postponed for a
few days, pending further develop
ments." ..tN.,.
The Minnesota executive said he
had received a telegram from H. b.
Spencer, federal fuel administrator,
declaring the railroads have greatly
their service in the past
few days, and that the dumpings OF
coal at Lake Erie ports soon would
increase.
Charge Price Gouging
Governor Preus charged that
"some of the operators and dealers
are taking advantage Of the present
very critical situation by gouging the
pockets of the northwest. This l be-
lieve can be stopped in only one way,
for the federal government
to see that no cars are loaded with
coal for which the operators are
asking price in excess Of that
which Mr.. Hoover declared to be
justified"