The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-09-25
MAKE DEALERS WEIGH COAL

Councilman Funk tore up the contentious of coal
dealers in opposing of city scales by merely asking
why the dealers could not weigh their loads and then
charge exactly for what they had the wagon. The
coal have argued that the expense of delivery would
be increased by their having travel back to the bins
either to bring their loads up to ton weight if Short
to unload portion if too heavy.
The logical and simple method of fixing the charge on
the ton rate for just what the load weighed city scales
and proceeding with delivery seems to have been en-
trey overlooked in the dealers determination knock
out the ordinance. Their anxiety in this matter should
prompt closer insstance the requirement being
obeyed. At the time it is encumbent on city au-
thortes to install scales where they will be most
yenenty accessible. s-.-qs .sa.. s 4-4.ss:s.
It was expected that Councilman Gray would move
last night for the establishment of scales the bust
section of the Second ward but for he
proposed substitute permitting the coal deal
to appoint their weigh 1t very properly
was turned down.
From this it appears that the dealers are after ALL
willing to submit to city weighing provided it be done
under their supervision.
Yet they have contended that city weighing is mpos
sble under any circumstance. The fact that $1,000
bond proposed for the appontee they may does
not alter the inconsistency of their position
1t would be impossible and unjust to attempt to
tax any individual dealer with short weight in the alb
sence of actual proof 1t would be equally unjust to
place suspicion all dealers class If charges are
made at all they should be specific and supported by evil
dence
However, the public is apt become suspicious when
EOMpelleQ TO accept delivery Tor what
tire purchaser being absolutely dependent the dealers
integrity
The dealers openly admit that load may be short.
They claim it may also overweight In the latter the
purchaser will usually find allowance for alleged
weight In the latter the purchaser will usually find
allowance for alleged overweight his bill Instances
of deduction for underweigh have yet been offered
in evidence
The position the dealers take that the public should
be thankful that it get coal under circumstance
Possibly the dealers forced into this position by the
producers The logical conclusion then follows that the
creation and maintenance of just such conditions in the
fuel trade has been the object of nputon of the out
put of coal that has placed the supply the verge of
constant famine and is carefully designed to hold it there
But by means such conditions be offered in
extenuaon for methods in this city that permit the pos
sbilty of short weights in the retail trade Opposition
from the dealers to establishment of city scales that will
furnish the purchaser satisfactory evidence that he is
getting his moneys worth, except the dealers terms,
serves only to strengthen dstrust.
The proper solution is a strict enforcement of the
weighing ordinance If the dealers succeed in carrying
put their threat of proving it invalid that process will
also point the way to passing ordinance that will be
There is certainly good law to sustain city s
N>arantee citizens honest weights and
naties can find no excuse for derelction
A~ing this right to the fullest extent
ss", sssaas iss a asssst t'; z
= that sort is unknown in
81 = LII. Al,