New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1922-12-13
in Open rebellion,
IS HIS Allegation
Unwilling to Cooperate on
Methods and Prices, He Says
MAY SEEK ASSEMBLY ACTION

tends "to Have People OF New Brit-4
ain Understand Clearly Who Is Re.l
sponsible For Any Suffering"
Following receipt of advice from r, !,
w. Christ local fuel administrator. IL
the effect that many coal dealers inl
this city were not only failing to cod
operate with the state fuel adminis-
tration. but were also openly express-
ing their unwillingness to comply witlrI
restrictions as to reasonable retail
prices and methods and quantities OF
deliveries, Thomas w. Russell, Con-
necticut fuel administrator, today adj
dressed communication to Newt
Britain dealers stating that II the<
present attitude is continued, a re-
quest would Immediately be nader
that the governor convene the gen-j
eral assembly in special session so
that emergency legislation might be-
passed similar to that now on the sta-i
tute books in New York.
Il believe" states Mr.. Russell dur.,
ing the course of his letter, that tho
dealers of New Britain would have
cause to regret the severity Of reguA
lations which would ensuc as result
Of such legislation"
Mr.. RusselPs letter to the New,
Britain coal dealers is as follows:
Rebel Against Restrictions
Il have been advised by Il. W.,
Christ. local fuel administrator, that
many of the New Britain dealers.
were not only failing to Cooperate
with this administration but werei
more or less openly expressing their
unwillingness to comply with restric-s
tions as to methods and quantities to
deliveries and as to reasonable retail
prices despite the fact that the re-
strictions on delivery in New Britain
are no different and In some cases az
drastic, as those in other cities in the
state, and despite the fact that thc
dealers throughout the rest OF tho
statesorc complying very EFFECTIVELY fn
these restrictions.
May CurtaH Allowance
1T happens that we know more
about the fuel situation and the re-
ceipts in New Britain during the last
does. 1t happens also, that due to the
widespread purchase of high priced
independent coal the receipts in New
Britain for the month of October were
so per cent greater than its allot-
ment. 1t happens also that this
means that sometime during the next
two weeks it will probably be the duty
of the fuel administration to issue.
orders curtailing for a time future
shipments to New Britain inasmuchl
as the primary duty of the NATIONAL
and state fuel administrations is to
see that no locality gets more thann
It's fair share. might add that we,
shall not hesitate one minute in cur>,
failing shipments to New Britain or,
any other place which has received
more than its share.
Fixes Blame On Dealers
IT facts mean anything. an intelli-
gent man will readily perceive thar
the amount of coal now in the yards
qf the dealers in New Britain must
be delivered much more carefully
than IT has been during the past four
weeks. and assure the dealers that
intend to have the people of New
britain understand clearly who is re-
sponsible for any suffering which NAV
occur IN New Britain during tho
month of January, and assure Won
that the people of New Britain will
mold the dealers responsible.
We have followed the New Britain
very closely for six weeks
and, apparently, number of the deal
ELS thlnK the present situation has
put the people Of New Britain so far
within their power that they can run
Wild and defy public opinion to any
extent ! assume that most of tba.
coal dealers in New Britain will prob
ABLY be in the business one year from
Today, and 1t does not take very great
intelligence to realize that good will
on the part Of the purchasing public
IS somewhat necessary for the future
success of a coal dealer or any Other
business man.
Gives Dealers Last Chance
AS a business man should NOT ~
~ welcome government regulation OF
ny own business As a fuel adminis-
'rator l do NOT like the idea OF gov
'rnment regulation of the coal busi-
'ess, However, interests of the nco-
,le OF New Britain and other localities
must be protected and | assure Won
hat II the attitude of the dealers az
New Britain is persisted In, the yov-
Arnor Of the State of Connecticut win
'eccive the strongest kind of a recom-
nendation from me that emergency
egislation be passed similar to that IN
he State OF New York. and I believe
hat the dealers OF New Britain woul.l N
have cause to regret the severity Of
equation which would ensue as a re-
'ult of such legislation.
II am giving you dealers one more
'hance and If you do not show an i'm
mediate desire to cooperate more fully
With us for the benefit of the public
" New Britain you have received this
warming as to what will follow"
Rcrson Declines Advice
While nothing definite il stated IN
,Tr. Russell's letter TO indicate sany
recific violation OF the ruling of the
ocal fuel commission. the fact that
Nathan Berson, of Itrson Brothers,
rr-.-.. zN