Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1892-01-22
Delegations From Sims and Dickin-
son Wait on the Board With
Long Petitions.
Dickinson Wants a Lower Differen-
tial With Sims and Sims
Opposes It.
The "Eggette' Coal Man Wants to
Get Up a Local Company to
Manufacture Ignite.
Dickinson vs.. Sims.
From Wednesdays Daily,

V"s ILL
From Wednesdays Daily.]
The perplexing question of coal rates
from Sims and Dickinson was before the
railroad commissioners again yesterday.
Representatives. from all the mines we're
present and the discussion was red hot.
The coal barons themselves attempted to
compromise the matter and present a
united appeal to the commissioners for
something IN the way of a reduction of
rates, but it was a Kilkenny kind of a
time they had of it and the result was a
broad side from the batteries of both
contestants that fairly staggered the
commissioners. Petitions of all kinds
and lengths, asking for all manner of
things, we're presented, except to hang
the commissioners, and the board are not
quite certain but they will yet find in the
mass of stuff presented a petition of this
kind. At least from the earnestness of
the discussion and the combativeness OK
hibited they may expect one of hat kind
whichever way they decide on the rate
question. Some of the petitions asking,
for exactly opposite conditions, we're
signed by the same individuals. They
we're the genuine regulation documents.
It has been said that cts a ID mean
man that won't sign any petition" and
the board concluded there are no mean
men in this part of the state.
Dickinson wants a reduction of rates
from fifty to twenty-five cents a ton be-
tween Dickinson and Sims. They claim
that on this basis they can compete with
Sims, enlarge the supply, and be en-
abled in a measure to increase the de-
mand; because they claim that the pres
ent demand not being met, people are
gradually being forced to give up the
use of native fuel, and purchase the
Pennsylvania product.
Sims claims that at Dickinsonsthe coal
can be mined much cheaper than at
Sims, and that to reduce the rate would
result in shutting the Sims mines down
unless a pool on rates was made. They
argue that there is no justice in estab-
fishing a rate from Dickinson that will
shut them out, and still not reduce the
price of fuel to the consumer.
The board has listened to the argu.
ments, and it is evident from the ques,
tions they pro pound that they are moi
satisfied either with the present condi.
ton of rates or the proposed reduction
asked by Dickinson. They declare that
SO far as they can learn-and the ques.
ton was asked and answered in the
negative by the Dickinson people-it is
not intended, over if the rate is lowered
from Dickinson, to furnish coal any
cheaper to the consumer, and it is said
that the Dickinson people proposed to
the Sims operators if they would agree
to the rate Dickinson would let Sims
make the price and they would stand by
it. The commissioners seem inclined to
favor a reduction all along the line in rates
provided the mine operators will agree to
give the consumers all the advantage OF
the cut. OF course the difficulty CT Sc.
curing a bona fde and permanent agree
ment to that effect would be difficult,
but the commissioners declare that they
will favor reduction in rates if the coal
will be sold cheaper. Dickinson claims
that the Sims mines have such an ad-
vantage over them now as to make it un-
profitable to operate their mines.
So far as the consumers of the coal are
concerned they want only two things
cheaper fuel and more of it. If a reduc-
ton IN the d%ifferential from Dickinson
would not effect this, then the people
will not clamor very loud for a reduction.
1t has been supposed that the people
we're to get some benefit from a reduc-
ton. The mines ought to be on a parity
The difference in rates ought to be such
a fgure-all things considered, cost of
mining, etc.-that all the mines can be
operated and compete for the trade. One
mine should not have an advantage over
another, and to determine this question
is what the commissioners are called
upon to do.
The New Fuel Process,
MI. Nirdlinger, who represents the
company, organized under the laws of
New Jersey for the purpose of manufac-
turing fuel, interviewed a number of cit.
liens yesterday and interested them in