New-York tribune., 1922-08-30

coal shortage in many parts of the
will be in exactly the same position as
though the coal we're not being pro-
ducad, When the anthracite coal fields
resume production the conditions in
that. industry vii. be the game as they
how aresiil the hituminous industry
ut is to be regretted that it has
become necessary to enlarge the au-
thority of the commission in this re-
gard, but it seems to the committee
that Congress must choose between a
measure of this character and allow
ing the consumers Of coal ia be plun-
dered by the avarice OF those who are
willing to seize the opportunity to sell
coal at q price that cannot be justified
I'hc extent to which this is being done
Is shown in the testimony of Mr.
Hoover in tho hearings held by. the
House Committee on Interstate and
Foreign Commerce, copy of which
will be in the hands of Senators be-
fore the bill is brought up for con
sideratlon
1T is to be observed that the action
of the commission under the authority
which it has, or under the authority
which this bill gives it, is directed
solely to interstate railroad carriers
and will operate to prevent the trans-
portatlon Of coal under certain condi-
tions, the control being confined to in
terstate shipments. The transactions
wholly within state must be dealt
with by the state authorities.
Sections 3 and of the bill au-
thorize the President to appoint a
Federal fuel distributor, and this dis
trlbutor does nothing more than to
help carry out the orders of the In
fargfatn NM
make the necessary investigations and
, to recommend to the commission the
priorities and embargoes which, in the
OPINION OF the distributor, should be
issued and established"
Seizure Demand Made in House
AS debate on the Winslow coal dis
TTTloutlon bill drew to close in the
House tonight it became apuarent
that. the question of taking over on
eratlon OF unopened mines and some
! OF the coal carrying roads will come
to a head in the lower branch before
final vote is taken on the measure
tomorrow. Much of the discussion
on the floor to-day had that bent, and
several members Of both sides have
announced their intention of attempt
ing TO force votes on amendments
providing for government control in
various forms.
Although Chairman Winslow of the
Interstate and Foreign Commerce
Committee would make no comment
on the White House statement that
the President would like such author
lty,. 1t was learned that he has in his
pocket tentative draft of a bill pro
Vialng at least Tor taking over car-
tam mines. 1t was said authorita-
lively that the President sent him
In+ !
the situation and enclosing two bills,
which were used as q basis for the
present distribution bill In these
two measures there are sections. it
was declared, carrying broad au-
thority to open such coal mines as in
the Presidents discretion are deemed
necessary, and also providing for the
establishment of Federal agency for
direct buying and selling of coal
cred by the committee when it draft
ed the Winslow bill, it is said.
Representatives Royal Johnson. Re-
publican, of South Dakota, and George
Huddlestons Democrat, of Alabama, an
nounced that they would offer snend-
ments to the Winslow measure fo-nnor-
row authorizing the President to oper-
ate. mines and roads. Although all
such efforts undoubtedly will be throt
tied, their sponsors and other mem
bers hope to. draw out definite state
ments of attitude from the committee
and Republican leaders ON these ques-
tions.
Price-Fixing Bill Ready
Representative Sydney Anderson.
Republican, of Minnesota, Chairman
Of the Joint agricultural cornmis-
sion, introduced i bill providing an
thority for the President to buy and
sell coal, which he will offer to-mor-
row as an amendment to the Winalow
biH Mr. Anderson does not believe
that prices can be curbed through ear
control and would instead provide for
to the consumer. '.'''A - :
do not believe the goyernn, u !
woald have to buy pound Of coal 10
contrcl prices if my amendment were
!. .asaopted, u said Mr.. Anderson. "Once
the government announced fair nr;cas
the eperators and deslers would abiSs iS
nyi them If thev had hanrins, oyas