Evening star., 1922-08-01
D. c. HEADS ORDER
SURVEY OF COAL
SITUATION HERE
Walter C. Allen to Get Data
on Present Stock and
Supply Needed.
FIND NO ALARMING
CONDITION AT PRESENT
Will Not Issue Fair Price List
Now, But Will Guard Against
Extortionate Charges.


The District Commissioners today
designated Walter C. Allen, secretary
OF the Public Utilities Commission, to
make a thorough investigation of the
coal situation in Washington.
The information gathered by Mr..
Allen will serve as the basis on
which the Commissioners will de-
eide what action is necessary to as
sure the people Of the city an ade-
quate supply of coal this winter and
just how the situation should be
handled.
Mr.. Allen will begin Immediately
to find out just exactly how much
coal of each variety there is in the
city, how much the utilities have on
hand. what amount, if any, is on its
way to Washington and approx
mately the amount of coal the Dis
trict will need.
Complete in Few Days.
1t is expected that this survey will
require at least three or four days.
When 1t is completed the city heads
then will decide whether the situa-
tion IN Washington warrants the ap-
pointment of fuel distributor or
other method of regulating this COM
modify during the fall and winter.
After thorough discussion of the
matter in board session today Com
missioner Oyster. acting chairman of
the board in the absence Of Com
missioner Rudolph, said:
we see no need for alarm over
the fuel situation and will not take
definite action until we have all of
the facts before us. The Commits
-efoners, in cooperation with the
federal government, will do ali in
their power to meet the need for
coal, but we feel that intelligent ac-
ton cannot be taken until We know
what present conditions are"
No Fair Price List.
Both Commissioner Oyster and Col.
today that it has not been decided to
issue fair price list 1t was indi-
Gated that the board Of Commission
ers would take any steps within their
power to prevent extortion on coal
IL such cases come to their atten-
tion, but ii was implied that thet
would not attempt an actual fixing
Of prices.
Il was further indicated at the Dis
trict building that IL, after Mr.. Allen
completes his investigation, it is
deemed necessary to designate some
person or persons to control the han
ding OF fuel, some existing agency OF
the city government probably would be
Hope to Handle Situation.
1t was apparent today that District
officials are more inclined to handle
the situation through one of the
municipal departments in preference
to the appointment of an outside fuel
distributor.
When the Commissioners receive
their report from Mr.. Allen, II was in
timated. they will confer with the
coal dealers of the city in order to
have their cooperation in meeting
the needs of the community.
Public Utilities Supplied.
1t. was pointed out that by such a
conference the Commissioners could
find out what arrangements coal
merchants of Washington have for
obtaining fuel for their customers
this year.
AS to the public utilities of Wash
ington, while none of them has been
able to lay in large supplies for the
winter. they have succeeded thus far
In keeping comfortably ahead of
their daily requirements.
The street car and electric light
companies. according to latest re-
ports, had about one months supply
on hand While the gas light com
pany has not been able to get much
coal. 1t has been obtaining an ample
supply of coke to meet its present
needs.
No Need for Alarm.
The Commissioners laid emphasis
on the point that the large body of
consumers of Washington should not
become unduly alarmed over the coal
question, the opinion prevailing at
the District building that arrange
ments will be made to get fuel for
current needs as the winter season
progresses.
Commissioner Oyster, in discussing
/ NJ . fts,. IL
that one danger to~be avoided is the
eHorts that some consumers will
make to get in large supplies of fuel
ahead OF their needs. He indicated
the Commissioners should endeavor
| TO handle, namely, of seeing that the
] coal which reaches the city is fairly
distributed.
Thirty-Day supply.
William F. Ham, president of the
Potomac Electric Power Company- and
L. e. Sinclair, general manager. called
| on Engineer Commissioner Keller this
| AFTERNOON 10 discuss the company's
! coal situation, 1t is understood thar
Mr.. Ham told the Commissioners that
while he has about a thirty days sup
ply OF fuel on hand. he has been ad-
vised that no more coal is being
shipped at the present time
1t is expected that the Public Utili-
ties Commission will take steps as soon
! as possible to get through prioritv
order for the electric light company.
which furnishes all of the current for
lighting homes. for commercial estab-
lishments and for the Washington
| Railway and Electric Company.
| ID. C. Coal Distribution.
Responsibility for distribution OF
coal within the District of Columbia
will rest upon the coal committee to
be set up by the District Commis-
sioners. according to the letter sent
by Secretary Hoover to the Com
missioners yesterday, which is the
same as the kilograms sent to gov
ternors of the states last week
! Text of the telegram empowering
| the Commissioners to protect the ul-
Innate consumer on distribution and
resale of coal within the District
sent by Secretary Hoover at the re-
quest of the President is as follows:
I'm order that the federal govern
ment may do it's part in the distribu-
| tion of coal supplies over the present
i very difficult situation the President
has appointed a committee on coal
| distribution comprising representa-
! tfyes of Departments of Justice. In
terror, Interstate Commerce Commis-
| sion and Department of Commerce
under my chairmanship for the pur-
| pose OF securing coordination of
federal agencies in the best distribu-