The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-12-19
A Purchase From Norfolk Creates a Stir
Ami ny Dealers In the North.
TITS TO Be SENT TO HONOLULU TO-DAY.
Coal Dealers Claim Tint the navy
Department Has Paid Too Mach
and Arc inclined TO Object Ship
fO Snit from Norfolk To.Dny-Nor.
folk Boys 10 Snil Oh Her.

The Virginian Il week ago noticed
the departure of IL vessel from Lam
berts Point, loaded with coal, for the
United States coaling station ut Homo
lulu, which seems to have created Il big
stir among dealers throughout the
country, as will be seen by the following
special from Washington. In the New
York Times. of the 10Th Inst:
Coal dealers are exercised over the
purchase in open market by the Navy
Department last week of 5000 tons OF
coal and the charter Of Il ship to take
the fuel from Norfolk to the Hawaiian
Islands. This is I'm addition to the |, 500
tons OF coal for which bids were rcgu-
iariy invited by advertisement In this
latter instance. the time allowed for the
delivery of the coal was but forty-flv
Independently limiting the bidding
to Pacific coast firms. This action
aroused the protest of some of the East
ern coal concerns. who felt that they
had not been permitted to enter the
competition.
Assistant Secretary McAdoo disap-
proved of the recommendation of the
Bureau Chief in charge Of coal pur-
chases. who wanted the entire amount
purchased In open market. This bu-
reau Chief insisted that there was ar
emergency, and there was no time to
seek bids in the regular manner.
THE purchase of the 1000 tons comes
as surprise to most of the coal deal
pointed in not being permitted to bid
on the lot of fuel. The purchase Is
made of a Virginia firm which sells n
variety of steamer fucl coal, which
the cXDerts consider the most nccepta-
BILE. although II is frankly acknowledged
that the present purchase is by way OF
experiment The coal men point out
that the method of purchasing coal I'm
open market is not economical. and they
say that the department Is paying 35 to
10 cents per ton more than WAS paid
for the former lot bought The coal
iust purchased has cost the Government
5. per ton, and II will cost SIS. so per ton
Ia transport the fuel from Norfolk TO
Honolulu. The Department officers say
in defense of their action that they are
permitted by the statutes to secure coal
at any time in open market, without
competition. If they choose. The plan
Is to secure fuel which will steam fur
thcst for the least money, and 1t Goes
not follow that a lOw-priced coal gives
the best results. Sometimes. they say.
II is more economical TO pay more for
coal which will last longer than the
cheaper kind. They say they are yield
ing great deal when they advertise
for bids for coal at any time. and tra re-
cent call for proposals for the l 500 tons
is regarded in the Department as q
great concession, made. 1t Is admitted
by Mr.. MeAdoo. because he differed
from the coal purchas sing bureau chief
In admitting the coal dealers to the
competition. The emergency which
exists at Honolulu is not definitely de-
scrihcd ut the Navy Depart ment."
The full rugged ship ]. b. Thomas.
now at Lambcrt's Point, will sail for
Honolulu to-day with another cargo of
coal for the United States Navy. w. s.
boys. Will sail on her. They expect to
be gone q wear