Free Trader Journal

Acute Throughout Midwest.

Washington, Jan 15 — The coal situation is growing even more serious. This is indicated in reports received today by Fuel Administrator Garfield from administrators throughout the middle west and the east.

Everywhere east shipments of coal that had started to move four or five days ago have been tied up at various terminals due to the severe weather conditions. The fuel administrations admit that they are powerless to effect any immediate relief.

Responsibility and Authority in Fuel Emergency.

Yesterday a telegram was sent to all chairmen announcing the postponement of the conference for January Fifteenth and forbidding all diversions and confiscations unless first authorized by the state fuel administrator.

For the next week at least, it is advisable that every chairman remain active in his district in order that the fuel administration be adequately represented throughout the state during the extraordinary conditions now prevailing.

The first duty of each chairman is to keep this office informed of all facts and conditions which may help us in our work. During the blockade, the state administrator has authority to divert coal in transit for emergency domestic or public utility use. This power will not be exercised unless that statement of facts shows a real necessity and also shows that the particular coal proposed to be diverted can be taken without causing distress elsewhere. Most of the coal now in transit to dealers, is desperately needed where consigned and can be diverted only with grave risk. Nevertheless, on a clear showing of necessity, authority to divert will be granted if the particular car number and consignor and consignee is given. Unauthorized diversion and confiscation are unlawful and render the perpetrator liable to prosecution. All railroads are ordered to report such lawless acts.

Use the telephone and telegraph freely in keeping in touch with every community in your district and with this office communicate with this office by calling Randolph 4350. Branch St. Mt. C. E. Allen, or Mr. Joseph Halle Schaffner, Director of State Requirements.

Because of our responsibility to consignees whose coal has been confiscated in transit, it is absolutely essential that every case of diversion or confiscation be reported immediately by the local chairman of the district. Failure to do so, may entail grave consequences.

No request for authority to divert coal should be made until adequate guarantee of payment for the coal and charges, is procured. The consignor and railroad may hold the local chairman responsible for non-payment. Be sure to give us immediately correct name and address of party to whom invoice for the diverted coal shall be made.

Local chairmen have full authority over retail distribution in their districts. Do not allow industrials to receive any coal during this emergency unless the domestic consumer and public utilities are provided for. Before it is unloaded, if you have authority over all coal consigned to your district and you may distribute it according to your judgment as that has been unloaded may be coals are, when badly needed for domestic or public utility uses, request should be made of the owner. If refused, notify us at once.

The big blockade may not be completely broken for many days and communities which have no coal in transit nor any which the local committee can ask to be diverted as above, must prepare themselves to meet the emergency by conserving the supply on hand. This can best be done by the local committee, by cutting off the supply from all non-essential consumers, according to the sentiment of the community. Substitutes should be used to the utmost.

The railroads have received orders to recognize authorizations from this office to you for diversions of coal and to instruct their agents to furnish you with full information concerning any cars in transit about which you may inquire.

In all cases where the chairmen have complied faithfully and promptly with all instructions, their districts have been allotted their full share of coal by the producers on the basis of last year's supply.

This extraordinary storm has created transportation difficulties which can be overcome but slowly and much discomfort must be endured for which no one can be blamed.

Give this letter the fullest publicity so that your communities will understand the conditions under which you perform your duties. Keep yourself accessible at all times to calls from any part of your district.