The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-06-16
UNCLE SIN LIKES c0n|N.


The alseges, persistence OF the government
IN patrons1ing the coal mines OF Britain Coz
iumb4a IN preference TO the product OF
Washington, when there Is said 20 be
only a slight and immaseriai difference
in quality. although the price II mucn
higher IN the Comox district. has focused
much criticism that has been dormant
for the last several months. The fact
that the McCulioch. which In conveying
a party to ALASKA TO arrive n greater
knowledge concerning thu boundary Ques-
ZION. took her fuel supply at Comox, In
tho country with which Uncle Sam IL dis
putting ever territorial rights. has aroused
an opposition that ID expected TO break
out In the near future IN q series OF res
buttons.
This brings Up again the entire question
of the relative merits OF the two different
kinds Of coal. which has been talked OF
time and again. but which has never at
tanned any definite result II none OF the
commercial bodies OF this state viii take
up the matter. there Is sentiment among
the coal dealers themselves to take de-
termined steps to convince the govern
ment that when the coal here II practf-
caiiy AZ good for sseaming purposes as
that across the line. II should be used.
rather than so to a foreign power.
The strange paradox OF this McCuiioch
case appeals more strongly TO them than
any other incident OF recent years. The
mission of the people aboard this vessel
being OF such close interest to the future
boundaries OF the United States, and their
concern being primarily to maintain what
they insist are the rights OF this govern
ment. II ID considered that the least that
De IN dPn rd Sc 20
when that could be done at less expense
and with almost as satisfactory results.
The difference In the quality Of the CO.
mox and Franklin Goals 10 50 small. when
considered on the basis Of reports that
have been made by government experts.
that II Is scarcely worthy OF notice. Ac-
plies. after the trials Of the Yorktown and
other warships In 1882 the Comox variety
has only per cent. the better Of Frank
port. and Is the basis Of al ali procedure
now. This means that the intrinsic value
OF the British Columbia product Is 100.
neers Of the vessels in the lighthouse ser
vice insist that Franklin coal Is better.
and those steamers accordingly take all
their fuel in Seattle.
The price Of the Comox coal, when sold
to- the government, is a fat rate Of $3-3
a ton. according to the terms OF contract
entered into this spring. The agreement
all the revenue cutters II the Northern
fleet take their supplies there before their
departure for Alaska and Boring sea-
They took 1850 tons. making the total
Franklin coal would have been furnish
ed ut 8 a ton. making a saving for the
government OF se2s in this one instance.
emitting the saving Of go or so on the
Mccufloch's fuel BILL
On the basis OF the governments own
estimates and the market quotation of -
for Franklin coal, only 1905 should have
been paid for Comox. This leaves q loss
OF Ass that the local dealers declare was
entirely unnecessary.
What will be the result OF this Is diff
cult to foresee: but II is evident that ac-
cording to the talk that went the rounds
among dealers yesterday some action OF
more than the usual protesting nature will
be taken.