New Britain herald., 1922-10-24
COAL AND POLITICS

COAL AND tbIi iilN N
 A rather amusing, and rather con- fusing situation in the political world has come about through developments In the fuel crisis in this city. A fuel administrator. E. w, Christ. Is run ming for office and, it appears, is more or less subject to criticism because of the price of coal, which is higher to the consumer in this city than the published prices in other cities. He has practically admitted that the charges against him might cause him a little political embarrassment at the coming election in the making of state ments to the press, wherein he charg- ed his opponents with playing politics and threaten if forced to play them himself,
 Prospective of Mir. Christs eligibili- ty as a candidate, as we have stated toward him because of the high price of coal. He could through his power of administrator, force the dealers to accept no more than s16.50 per ton for the product which they are handling in it's progress from the mines to the home. He might be able, let us say, to say that the dealers could get but tnN n q . of it. But it is a certainty that only small amount of coal could be de- livered at s1s.5o, not enough for our needs, just as it is a certainty that none could be delivered at s2.o0 per ton, Certain dealers have stated that they could sell coal for sl6.5o, but only small amount We must pay the price of the iobber, plus the deal CTS handling charge, a stable amount for enough coal to keep us warm.
 Mir Christ has reason to be anxious to get lower price could he see his way clear, if for none other than sell fish reasons but it must have been demonstrated to him that the higher price is justified if we wish coal. It is manifestly unfair to hold the price of coal against him. ,
 MT. Christ has very little to fear from the election, he will probably be chosen as representative, The chances are that he is none too anxious to be elected, that his late consent to run was given more as a party eXpedient than through personal ambition on his part New Britain bids fair to be the pivot city in the election in this con- gressional district, at least next month. Political observers have pre- dicted that Hartford will go democra- tic, one or more of the smaller towns tn the district are liable to do like wise. But, if Hartford goes to the democratic side by any large majori- ty and New Britain cuts down the usual republican majority, there is good chance for Dutton being elect ed to Congress and the first district at least being democratic. In our opin- ion the selection of Christ and Allng strong men politically by the powers that be in republican circles here is an admission of the above argu- ment, every vote gained here is addi- tional insurance against what the re- publicans fear most a democratic victory.
 Consequently Mir. Christ has much to gain for his party through forcing down the price of coal, the situation does not involve the election of comparatively speaking minor official in the state legislature. He would force it down if he could. but he has seen what the situation is and has met it, to the best of any mans ability. He has answered the question: Will New Britain have little coal at S16.50 or considerably more at $20.00?" It would be fine for the few individuals who might get the coal at the lower price and very tough for those who could not get any, at any price.