Show I Production Rate of Coal Mines More Than Than Doubled Since R I If it weren't for the efficiency of the highly mechanized mining coal-mining industry the fuel situation this year would be a lot more desperate than it is If we had to depend on 1918 production rates for instance wed we'd just lust have to shiver through the win win- ter In 1918 a war year it required required required re re- re- re men working mines to dig tons Last year miners produced tons from mines The total output of coal mostly bituminous bit minous of course is estimated at GIG million tons for the year Soft coal production has been running at atthe atthe atthe the rate of about 12 million tons a week during 1944 The nation has been burning about tons a week so far this year so production is slightly ahead of consumption This would look like a sound and safe situation But it The squeeze comes because of several reasons Despite the splendid splendid splendid did job the railroads and water car car- riel's are doing the great volume of freight they must handle forces them to sidetrack coal shipments for days and weeks Thus many localities may be in need of coal but unable to get it quickly Another factor is the uncertain but huge demand of the armed forces for es Great quantities of co coal a must be shipped to liberated countries countries coun coun- tries both for American military establishments and for the countries countries' own utilities |