Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-03-28
CHEAP COAL.
Plan e PreveNt Famine Rates
Hereafter.

- EI0VGot nS0sen
Hereafter.
EDITORS HERALD:-During the past
year there has been much COM
plant among residents Of this city, rs
we'll as other cities on the coast, in re-
gard to the high price demanded for
coal, All that are not connected with
some coal property have suffered, the
greater injury falling upon those Of
moderate means. Many have COM
planned that they were unable to pro-
cure sufficient fuel to maintain COM
fort.
Speculation in the necessities of
life, combinations against the people,
the few against the many-these and
these alone are the grounds
and only causes for the present
rates on coal. Entering with any
estimates against the means of
transportation, the charges of light
rage, storage and railroads, do not ex-
PLAIN it. These charges remain the
same to- day as they were a year or
more ago-vessels arrive and dis
charge in San Pedro, more than in
any other harb to-day, upon the
same conditions as they did d year
ago. Charters are the same, steam
schooners and golfers are rated per
ton freight to their owners upon the
same basis as year ago. All these
being equal, to what can we look for
all explanation Of the prices being in
excess uf those OF year ago? The
great coal fields of the nor.h Pacific
are moi exhausted, there have been
no unusual disturbance at the
mines. Coal having been landed in
this city in the past at reasonable
rates, there is no just reason that it
should not be so at all times. Falling
back upon the railroads as the great
source of trouble will not do under the
circumstances. Admit they are too
high in their rates, far in excess OF
other roads in other sections; grant
that they will in time Iedure their
rates. Is there any reasonable person
who believes that the powers that
controlled the coal supplying trade
would have given the consumer an,
benefit derived from any reduction OF
rates secured from any railroad =?
Should the railroads have granted
free carriage during the past
winter, would that reduction
have been met by the dropping OF
coal from $40 to its ruling rate in the
pas. The whole argument shows the
weakness and absurdity of the pro-
prietors that railroads and other
transportat ion com mpanies are the par
ties that do the injury.
AS said before, there is but one con-
clusion and it can be safely stated as
an evident fact. The combination Of
the few against the many has worked
the evil and ruin. 1t has been asked
is there remedy? Certainly; reverse
it; place the many against the few
peaceably, quietly but firmly-for pro-
lection, always bearing in mind that
''self-preservation is the first law of
nature"
On this basis we are informed a
company is now being formed with
the view OF securing coal lands, with
mine opened, fully equipped for i'm
mediate output, and ample supply OF
an excellent coal for steam and house,
hold purpo es, having connection by
rail with tide water, and equal facili-
ties for mining and delivery of coal in
this city at the lowest possible rates.
The proposition is to place it upon the
cooperative protective plan-that is,
all parties consuming coal to be allow
ed to subscribe to the stock; thus
becoming identified with the
COMPANY. All subscribers to
receive coal at q price not to exceed
81 per ton above the actual cost of
mining, transportation and delivery
thus protecting themselves for all
time from any further extortion as
displayed the past year, but at the
same time being identified with the
company because interested in all
earnings derived from the company
from the margin and sales elsewhere.
Under this plan all subscribers will
benefit from any reduction made in
railroad and other transportation
rates. In short time the Southern
Pacific Railroad will have their i'm
proyements in the harbour COM
pleted, affording excellent facilities for
large sea-going vessels to discharge
upon cars at the wharf, thus saving
the present expense of lighterage re-
handling and waste.
AS all companies must meet the
transportation charges, the only ques-
tion between this proposition and the
manner of other companies dealings
is one of actual cost against that Of
speculation.
This enterprise should present it.
self favorab'y to all that are interested
in the welfare of our city as we'll as
the protection of their homes and
families. Au opportunity will be offered
oil m ~, heo~sho nj