Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-08-23
PLAN SUBSTITUTE FUEL

PLAN SUBSTITUTE FUEL
Washington, Aug. o9-Perfection of
system of distribution designed to
insure an adeuate supply of substi-
tute fuel will be the first object of
the government in case of stoppage
Of production in the anthracite fields.
The initial step to this end was
taken today when +. r. Wadleigh, the
federal fuel distributor, invited gov
ernors of anthracite consuming
states to send representatives to a
meeting in New York, August % to
assist in formulating an emergency
distributing system. The telegram,
which went to the executives of the
IL states forming the New England
and middle Atlantic tier to and in
Guiding Maryland, was dispatched
after conference between Presi-
dent Coolidge, Acting Chairman
Atchison of the Interstate Commerce
Commission and Mr.. Wadleigh at the
White House.
1t was announced that the Inter-
state Commerce Commission and
traffic departments Of the principal
eastern roads would be represented
at the New York meeting in order
that any plan adopted might be
worked out to the last detail.
n tentative plan for the institution
of central distributing agencies in
each state, with supervisory head
uarters in Washington to insure
priority of transportation. has been
worked out by Mr.. Wadleigh and will
be laid before the conference.
Announcing the call to the COVER
nors. Mr.. Wadleigh said: + -
I'm order to discuss and formulate
plans for the distribution of bitumin-
Gus coal and coke for domestic use
into the principal anthracite consum-
ing states. in the event of a stoppage
of work at the anthracite mines on
September /, the governors of the
states interested will be reuested to
send representatives to attnd a con-
ference at New Yory City on August
%. 1928.
1T is hoped that every state will be
reported, so that full discussion may
be had and definite action taken in
order to insure the distribution into
the respective states of sufficient
amounts of coal and coke. to the end
venience, owing to a lack of fuel for
heating it's homes. offices. etc.
Representatives of the railways
interested will probably be asked to
attend the conference. and repre-
sentative of the Interstate Commerce
Commission will be present. as the
whole matter of fuel distribution is
largely one of adequate transporta-
ton.
An important subject to be dis
cussed will be the matter of educa-
ton of the consumer in the use Of
fuels other than anthracite, as 1t is
felt that a systematic plan of public
instruction can he made of great SER
vice in the practical and efficient use
of such fuels and will thereby re-
duce the actual cost of heating with
resultant savings to the individual
consumer and the community"
Inclusion of the educational plank"
in the conference platform is in line
with the tentative policy understood
to have been adopted by the admin
istration as soon as the controversy
between anthracite miners and
operators became critical This was
to use every friendly means to Sc
cure mediation on the points at issue
disputants the danger of permanent
injury to their basic markets growing
out of any extended tieup of produc-
ton.
A record Of crude oil supplies is be-
lieved by government officials to offer
a substantial support to the reserve
of substitute fuel available for use in
an emergency.
There were indications from vari-
Gus government branches today that
the administration had no imme-
date intention of intervening in the
situation existing. between anthracite
miners and operators. However. at
the White House the coal commits
sion and other bureaus directly inter-
ested in the national fuel supply the
impression was given that hope of
further negotiations had not been en-
tirely dispelled. In the event neither
side offers a compromise suggestion,
the government was said to be de-
termined to be ready to protect the
public needs. both as to individuals
and industry.
A survey of the situation. made by
a government bureau with this policy
in mind was said to show a reserve
of 100000 to $4,000, 900 tons of BIZ
luHiilouS ana Eo,UUU,VOU 10 ZS,UUO,tUO
tons of anthracite on hand which
could be rationed out through an en-
Urgency organization.
With normal consumption Of hard
coal averaging 100000 tons a week.
no fuel shortage was foreseen by
government experts. even should
tie-up of anthracite production con-
tinue until next spring. Recent in
creased production of soft coal grades
was taken as an additional faction
in sport Of the administration as
surance to the public.