Plans for relief of coal situation

In a letter of March 8 from the Executive Secretary of the Federated American Engineering Societies the Institute and its individual members are requested to cooperate in any way possible with the execution of a plan for the relief of the coal shortage particularly as it applies to the domestic situation. John Hays Hammond, Chairman of U. S. Coal Commission, calls attention to a plan devised by a member of the Commission for securing the storage of domestic coal. Under the plan an employee submits to his company, prior to April 1, an estimate of his winter fuel needs. Full payment for the coal to be made by the company at any time delivery is effected, which delivery is at the option of the retail dealer during the six months beginning with April. The company is reimbursed by deducting the cost of the coal from the employee´s salary. The deductions, however, are spread in equal installments over the six months period. The employer can thus see to it that the dealer delivers the maximum practicable amount of coal, at the best price and early in the season. Employees, many of whom are accustomed to buy in very small quantities and at maximum prices, make substantial savings and are assured of sufficient coal when needed.