Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-10-14
Saturday, October IA, 1922.
ATTEMPTING THE ALMOST
IMPOSSIBLE


when others unthinkingly assume it
to be easily possible, is sure to be a
fhankless task. Those who perform
II without fear or favor. or expecta-
ton Of receiving according to the die
tum that the workman is worthy of
his hire, are certainly entitled to rec
ignition. The story related by Fuel
Director Lane OF the efforts that have
been made to relieve the situation in
Maine was modestly told. One might
accept IL as amercly a part Of the
days work.
when are considered all the condi-
tions which necessarily must arise
where people are facing a cold winter
and wondering wherewith they may
be kept warm 1T will he seen. we
think, that it is quite remarkable
there has been so little agitation over
the matter. II is but fair to assume
that the public has confidence those
in Maine are doing all that may be
done.
And after all is said there is much
which may be done in acquainting the
people with the actual situation, in
inspiring confidence that all possible
is being done, in cnlsting coopcra-
ton. in throwing the light of pub
LEFTY on those who are trying to take
undue advantage of their fellows.
And all THIS has been done here in
Maine. Governor Baxter and Direct
or Lane have given without stint
time and effort in order that nothing
contributory to n solution might be
overlooked. The requests have been
many. but have met prompt re-
Spouse. Maine has been kept in close
touch with efforts elsewhere.
Because OF this. commission effort
has been organized and publicity
wide spread. Public meetings have
been hpld. transportation heads have
been visited. conditions enroute and
at the mines have been studied at
first hand. The commission has
known what il was talking about.
Determined to do its part TO secure
square deal for Maine people it has
impaired at least some of that spirit
10 others likewise the conviction that
II is n patriotic duty to save coal, to
learn the best methods for doing so
and in these and other ways has been
very helpful in a very trying time.
II is well that many do not look
with favor on price fixing by the ma
tional government. 1t should not be
undertaken except in time of cxtrem-
ity. and this has been such a time.
Without any regulation the coal pro-
duction engine would have run wild,
would have been without n governor.
missions secured some degree Of
team work in the states. the chaotic
conditions Of prices at the mines, va
rying from IS to over Sl2 per ton,
served to complicate matters and en-
courage profteering. This condition
seems now in fair way to be RENE
died. The Pennsylvania authorities
and the Government have arrived at
nm understanding as to the maximum
price. II is recognized that the cost
of mining in some OF the mines is
greater than in some others and that
II the maximum be fixed on the cost
basis OF the most easily productive
mines the others will be driven out of
business and the coal shortage so be
aggravated These differences appear
fo have been taken into consideration
and the menace OF widespread chaos
in the coal trade. and of the con-
scicnccless profitcering has been
checked with excellent prospect that
II will in the main yield to the ef-
forts made IN behalf OF the public