Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-05
LIMITED COAL SUPPLY
Committee Reports What
Washington May Expect.
THE DAILY SHIPMENT
SEVENTY FIVE CARLOADS DAILY
INTENDED FOR THIS CITY.
Action Taken at Meeting This After
noon-New York Firm Makes
an Offer.
THE DAILY SHIPMENT

''Your committee respectfully presents
that, taking into consideration that fifty
cars or more of anthracite coal a day will
be shipped by the Philadelphia and Reading
Coal and Iron Company from now on, and
fifteen or more cars of anthracite VIII be
shipped daily by the Pennsylvania railroad
to Washington; and, adding thereto those
cars that may come from the Independent
operators, there is every reason to believe
that Washington will be supplied at the
rate of upward Of seventy-five cars of hard
coal a day for the future, with prospects
for a steady increase in shipments
''While the committee realizes that this
will not be sufficient to give surplus Of
coal, it feels that the amount will be ample
to bridge over a crisis, relieve the present
critical condition and afford every one an
opportunity to obtain at fairly reasonable
prices at least small amounts of fuel at a
time"
Committees in Session.
The above were the closing paragraphs of
the report of the subcommittee appointed
by the District Commissioners business
mems committee appointed to investigate
the causes of the coal famine submitted
at meeting held in the Board Of Trade
rooms this afternoon.
coupoStu Va Vhi :
Thomas w. Smith. president of the Board
of Trade: Mr.. William F. Guide, president
of the Business Mems Association, and Mr..
Wilton J. Lambert, gave a complete and
thorough account of its visit to Philadel-
phia operators and railroad men, and also
of Mr. Smiths visit to ]. j. Hills G. Co. of
Baltimore
Mr. Smith was unable to see Mr.. Hills
personally, but Mr.. Barry, who has general
charge of the company's business, said all
the states Of the south, including the east
ern shore, were controlled by Hills 6, Co.
Mr.. Smith learned from Mr.. Barry that tine
company sent to Washington during No
venber 269 cars of anthracite coal, which
is an average of a little less than ten cars
a day.
Anxious to Help Washington.
Mr.. Barry declared to Mr.. Smith that it
was the intention of the company to in
crease the number of cars to this city.
Thirteen cars were sent here Tuesday and
fifteen yesterday. He said he hoped to be
able to continue the shipment OF fifteen
cars day.
Mr.. Barry also said that the compan mics
dominated by the PENNSYLVANIA railroad,
the shipments of which are controlled by
Hilis & Co., were charging for coal a the
mines only 75 cents in excess Of what was
charged before the strike, became effective.
This would mean net cost to the dealers
delivered OF 49, Mr.. Barry seemed greatly
interested in providing coal for Washing
ton and assured Mr.. Smith that every effort
would be made to increase the amounts as
sured.
There was present at the meeting this
afternoon besides the subcommittee which
visited Philadelphia, the subcommittee ap-
pointed to investigate local conditions and
causes, composed Of Mr.. John Joy Edison,
Mr.. Louis p. Shoemaker and Mr.. John
Doyle Carmody. The latter committee re-
ported that only four dealers had replied
to the questions sent out earlier IN the
week. The gentlemen composing the two
subcommittee went into executive session
shortly before 3 o'clock.
New York Firms Offer.
Chairman Smith today received a letter
from Barber & Co. of New York, which
read:
1--WE have some very good Scotch anthra-
cite coal here on barges, for which we are
asking 81 ton. Can no doubt arrange to
either barge this coal down or send it by
schooner to Washington
A prominent business man who read the
interview with Mr.. Perry Johnson of john
son Brothers, printed yesterday, in which
the latter was quoted as saying that he had
plenty of coal, but could not deliver it be-
cause Of a scarcity Of teams, said today
that he telephoned Mr.. Johnson that he had
a large number Of teams that he would
Piled according to the business mans
statement that he did not care for the
teams
Not Inquisitorial.
Speaking of the resentful attitude of some
of the coal dealers, John Joy Edison, 4
member of the Commissioners committee,
TODAY said:
"It seems there is some misunderstanding
on behalf of a number of coal dealers as to
the purpose of the inquiries made by the
committee appointed to ascertain the cause
Of md NIX oil n6I far fhn orcifxr
The questions submitted are not intended to
be inquisitorial but to secure ble prac-
teal information, to enable the committee
to form as true an opinion as possible and
submit report.
THE dealers from whom we ask for in
formation are well known, and are among
our best citizens. They, in the opinion of
the committee, could aid it in the discharge
Of the duties which the honorable Com
missioners have called upon them to per-
FORM
In our letter we asked the dealers to
aid the committee in serving the public
Several large firms have replied with much
courtesy and full answers.
From what has been learned much mis-
apprehension that has existed will be ma
terially corrected
1.-THE outlook, considering the abnormal
conditions with which mining and transpor-
tation companies and dealers are contend
ing, Is brighter. If fairly pleasant weather
should prevail for three weeks longer, 1t is
probable that not a full, but quite suff1-
cient supply Of coal without exorbitant
prices will be secured !. nevertheless, the sit
uation must be considered threatening and
serious
Associated Charities.
Mr.. Charles F. Weller. general secretary
of the Associated Charities, said late this
afternoon that he has not as yet had a
conference with Mr.. Lounsbury the local
agent of the Philadelphia and Reading
Company, regarding supply of coal for the
needy of Washington.
Mr.. Weller said that no time mad been
fixed for the conference. and that the only
intimation he had of Mr.. Lounsbury's re-
ported call was through the press
He said, however, that the Citizens Relief
Association VIII hold meeting tomorrow
afternoon at o'clock, and II Mr.. Louns-
berry doesn't call on him before that time
he will go to see the agent for the Philadel-
phia and Reading Company in order to be
in position to report at the meeting of the
Citizens Relief Association.
! When asked about the plans that he would
suggest to Mr.. Lounsbury. Mr.. Weller said
Through the Dealers.