Seward daily gateway., 1931-08-10
THE NATIONS COAL AUTHORITY

THE NATIONS COAL AUTHORITY The present summer should be ever memorable in the annals of not only our city-Seward-bu to all of Alaska For the first time in the history of the Terri tory the Federal government has sent the nations knowedged highest authority to study and submit report Alaska coal
 Very modest reserved and unpretentious F. R.. Wadeigh has been in Alaska now for several weeks by appointment of Secretary of the Interior Wilbur to in vesgate and report coal conditions Such personal magnetism has this gentleman from the East that he has added host of Alaskans friends. He is the type of who holds the respect affection and admiration of those he in contact The tribute paid MT. Wadelgh last week in Seward by General At |terbury, internationally known railroad executive, was brief but to the point: Frank Wadleigh knows more about the coal business than anybody know"
 In the hands of such as this, the Alaska coal industry any other Alaska problem is assured an answer which can be assured to be final and correct There will be no waverng cutting corners in MT. Wadeghs report. It be said here without divulg ing confidence that Mr. Wadleghs investigations and tests thus far very satisfactory and it believed he convinced that Alaska coal be compared favoraby with coal mined on the Pacific Coast.
 Should Alaskans Alaska coal only and exclude entirey the approximate 55O00 tons imported annually additional of $100000 would be added to the Alaska Railroad besides the many additional employed and supply features accruing to this tonnage. Un questionaby coal bunkers will be constructed in Seward and when that day arrives all Alaska will benefit A native of Pennsylvania, Francis Rawle Wadeigh, after five years at Racine College, Wis.,. and four at Princeton University, was graduated with the academic degree of B. A. As "gilded youth of '19," without scientific preparation, Mr. Wadeigh began his as fuels engineer by firing locomotives the Pennsy- vania Railroad. He still treasures a letter from his "boss" commenting him for making the most steam from the least coal on his run.
 Later he became road foreman of engines the Norfolk & Western Railroad and while living near the Virginia coal fieds took up the study of coal from it's discovery to the methods of it's preparation and He extended his studies while continuing their practical
  and Buitt of Philadelphia as well being chief in- spector for their mnes This connection, in addition to his association with many of the leading coal panies and coal of the United States, took him into many foreign countries which greatly broadened his acquaintance and reputation, adding valuable ex- perience to his already acquired knowledge This to- gether with his untring study and research, has made him internationally recognized as the nations leading authority coal.
 He has filled important positions for the Federal government whenever his services required such as Chief of the Chief Division of the Department of Commerce; Federal Fuel Distributor and his work in the Procurement Division of the Emergency Fleet Corporation of Philadelphia and member of the staff of the Central Bureau of Planning and Statistics.
 He holds enviable reputation in all departments of the coal industry for fairness and efficiency in pro- fessiona dealings Thus his opinions and observations in his present Alaska coal investigation will carry the weight of his thorough knowledge and experience and in following his advice Alaska coal resources should be developed apace.
 The biographical career of this notable American which follows, is perhaps more enlghtenng than any thing could say write It Is career of great achievement and The Gateway is happy to pay Mr. Wadleigh tribute: