The Republican journal., 1922-08-10
Maine Menaced By Coal Famine.

August Z. Turning his back sQuarely
upon the Maine political campaign. un'
needing of the appeals of committee mel
or candidates, csnceling all speaking en-
gagements, Governor Percival P. Baxter
10 working night and day at the State
House to protect the States Industries,
hospitals, schools and homes from the
dire threat of fuel famine during the CON-
ing winter a. q result of the coal strike.
The Governor admitted to newspaper
nan Monday, after 48 hours of almost
unceasing inquiry into conditions:
s'The situation is critical; it is danger.
ous. II the people of Maine will consider
that the production of coal is short OF
normal by one million tons day, that
one million tons is $4,000 cars and that
25,O cars would reach from Portland to
Bangor and 20 miles beyond, they would
Just begin to grasp the meaning OF the
railway and coal mine difficulties.
ssMaine cannot act too quickly or toe
decisively Big Jobs must be met in big
way O. Maine always faces her difhcul-
ties"
Campaign leaders, seeking the Govern
88UISt0uCC III ROltASoi hAossS@S - -
resolutely turned away. He is devoting
every energy to the task at hand because
he feels that Maine needs him just where
he 10 until the crisis is passed.
By telegraph and letter he is in cons
tant communication with Secretary Her.
bert Hoover at Washington. Among
several telegrams from the secretary OF
commerce, during Saturday and Sunday,
Rns the following:
s'Priority orders will be issued as quick
" as the State gets its organization
going. when we will do our very best !"
This wire Is particularly significant in
view of another from Andrew p. Lane
who was dispatched hurriedly to WASH
inston as the Governors representative
in conference with Secretary Hoover and
the Fuel Administrator:
s'Maine Is irst ON the list!"
A staggering amount of work faces the
Governor and his assistants in organizing
and in furnishing Secretary Hoover with
the schedules he requires.
A flood of kilograms and letters-com-
mendation, advice, appeals for coal, and
reports from various sections is received
daily at the executive offices.
On every hand il heard enthusiastic
praise of the Governors handling of the
situation and of his refusal to entertain a
suggestion of political activity while he
feels his job is the quickest possible solu-
tion of this most sinister problem.
The eager response of the busiest heads
Of the biggest industrial, commercial and
financial enterprises in Maine TO the
leadership Governor Baxter has UNDER
taken is nothing short Of amazing. They
recognize the danger casting its shadow
upon the State and are pledging their
time and energy to the needs OF the ad-
ministration.
More than hundred wholesalers and
retailers of coal accepted the Governors s
call to the meetiI held Tuesday after
noon in the Senate Chamber. The Gov
ernor outlined existing conditions. appeal
cd for just such public service in the pre-
sent fuel crisis as was given during the
war and received heartiest promises OF
support to the limit of the abilities OF
Names dealers.
On Thursday all information gathered
will be turned over to a special session OF
the Governors Council and State depart
ment heads called for advisement in de-
termining the course of the State.
Too much importance cannot be attach
ed to the existing situation. Suffering IN
homes and institutions, closing of factor
ies. mills and business places hang upon
the result of Governor Baxter's efforts