The Washington times., 1923-08-27

Survey of Situation Here Being
Made by Engineers Society.
Studying Substitutes.

Expressing optimistic views as
to the outcome of the threatened
coal strike, Major ]. Franklin
Bell, Engineer Commissioner Of
the District, today prepared for
trip to New York to attend the
governors coal conference in that
city tomorrow morning.
In company with Walter G. Al
len, who had charge of coal dis
tribution here last winter, Major
Bell leaves for New York at 5
o'clock this afternoon. He ex-
poets. to return to the city to-
morrow night.
Studying the Situation.
II am making close study of the
coal situation" Major Bell said to-
day, II am reading coal journals
and following. the newspapers close.
". In addition am gathering ir-
formation as to the amount of coal
now on hand in this city.
| II feel that some settlement will
be effected and strike avertLd. II
e strike does come, however, the
Commissioners will do everything in
their power to relieve any suffering
in this city.
There is nothing definite about
the coal situation that can say at
this time.
81, viii attend the conference in
New York and hope that / will
gain valuable information which
will be of use in event coal
strike comes
The New York conference is to
discuss coal substitutes in the event
a strike is called. Major Bell said
today that he does not plan at
this time to make a house to house
survey OF the coal situation here,
* do not think it is wise for
such a canvass at this time to
find what coal there is on hand,
Major Bell said, I'VE might go
to all this expense to find there
will be neither a strike or shortage.
When the time comes we will act"
The District Commissioners have
taken such an interest in the coal
situation that they decided to Jet
Major Bell personally attend the
New York conference.
I'VE are closely following the
coal situation. commissioner James
F. Oyster said today. ''the people
OF Washington are depending on
us to protect their interests in so
far as we can. Major Bell will be
our representative at the coal con-
ference.
Engineers are Investigating.
81 hope that no strike comes.
If it does, I think the District will
be just as prepared to meet is as
any State in the Union.
It became known today that the
Federated American Engineering
Societies is investigating the coal
situation here. A local committee
headed by Secretary Allen Is max
ing the inquiry.
Information regarding consump-
ton and storage Of coal in Washing
ton is being sought. The local
committee has been asked to de.
velop as comprehensive and au-
thoritative report as circumstances
will permit. Questionnaires are to
be sent to all coal consumers in
Washington.
The information gained by the
committee, according to the en-
gineers, Is fundamental to correct
understanding of the problem and
its solution.
1t is the purpose of the engineers
to aid in finding remedy for the
nations fuel difficulties which this
winter are likely to become acute.
Members Of the Committee.
Besides Mr.. Allen other members
Of the local committee are r. G.
Klotz, public Utilities Commission;
r. L. Lewis. Coal Dealers Board of
Trace: F. r. Wadleigh. Federal
Fuel Distributor and J. W. Paul,
Bureau of Mines.
Secretary Allen said today the
committee had been at work for
the past six weeks, but that it's re-
port was not yet completed.