Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-23
Government Bonds.
DROP IN PRICE OF COAL
DEALERS QUOTE 81 LESS THAN
RATES LATELY PREVAILING.

Inquiry among local coal dealers today
discIoses the pleasing information that the
price of anthracite has slightly declined.
For several months past the prevailing pfics
for hard coal has been S12 a ton. and soft
coal has retaied at 50. The top price for
anthracite quoted to The Star today IN an
inquiry among eight dealers of the city was
S11 and the lowest price named was $IS
TO regular customers. Four of the dealers
quoted 81 as the price per ton for hard
coal, one $1Oa0. another $40 and the other
two $3.50 and 1926 RESPECTIVELY. The price
of soft coal ranged from 81 to 80. 't 'Eaf
None of the dealers from whom inquiry
was made today had received any infor-
nation regarding the reported drop OF $40
in the price of anthracite at the mines In
Scranton. Pa. Several of the dealers stated
that they. could get plenty of hard coal.
but did not think it wise to- buy large
surplus at the prices asked, when a decided
drop might come almost any day.
The coal situation In Washington has as
sumed a much brighter aspect in view OF
the developments Of the past few days.
The supply continues to increase. and a
fuel famine is not considered as probable.
The warm weather Of the past few days
and the economy practiced by the house
holders have contributed to the better con-
dition and, besides, the shipments have
been increasing to some extent. Soft coal.
it Is stated is becoming more scarce. and
the dealers say they find it difficult to OBJ
tain 1t.
Scarcity of Reading Product.
There is good authority for the statement
that the scarcity of the Reading COAL
which retails at $7.25 a ton, is due to the
fact that the dealers who have contracts
with the government to supply coal at
low figure are filing their contracts with
ho the cOll hos
ed from the independent operators at
higher price is sold to private customers.
At the railroad yards coal is still coming
in in considerable quantities, and the I'M
loading of cars is progressing with the
usual rapidity.
There seems to be some difference of
opinion among local business men regard
ing the advisability of being represented in
the coming get coar' convention. which
Mayor Maybury of Detroit has called to
meet in Washington, January %. 1t is
stated that Washington did not extend
Invitation to the representatives Of other
cities to hold such meeting here, but that
the call was made by Mayor Maybury. The
sentiment among local citizens seems to be
opposed to the suggestion that Washington
bear the expense of the convention, espe-
cially since this city did not issue the invi-
tation for the meeting to be held here.
Conference to Be- Held.
A conference between FcprnInitteeS from
the Board of Trade and from the Business
Mems Association has been appointed for
this afternoon at 4:15 clock. when some
action win be taken in regard to the advi-
stability OF Washington being represented in
the convention. The committee named to
represent the Business Mems Association
consists of President Guide. Wilton j. Lam
bert. o. G. Staples. James F. Oyster. Frank
K. Raymond and Barry Bulsley.
Mayor Maybury. in his call. stated that
the meeting would be held at Convention
Hall at IL o'clock am, January n. Mr..
Buckley has learned that the hall has not
been secured. and that no oyertures for
its lease for the convention have been
made Mr.. o. G. Staples, however, has
announced that he will tender for the use
of the convention the Washington Light
Infantry Armory. which will be suitable
In every respect 1t is considered that this
offer will be accepted, and the convention
held there, in which event the expenses
would be inconsiderab!e.
The local citizens committee which rep
resented Washington at the coal convention
in Detroit considered its duties ended when
IT submitted its report on the results of
that convention. 1t has been practically
dissolved. and il It Is decided that WASH
ington be represented in the convention to
be held here next week. It Is said that new
committees will be appointed by both the
Board of Trade and the Business Mems As
ISOLATION at the meeting this afternoon.
II Is suggested that the coming coal con-
vention may have political significance, and
should that be the case.