New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-11-05
FEAR NO LACK OF COAL
Supply Sufficient, Carriers Say,
Though Below Normal.
MINERS INACTIVE LATELY
Recommendation of Greater
Per Diem Charge for Rented
Cars Approved by Roads.

Local representatives of the coal carry
ing railroads and dealers united yesterday
I'm saying there was little danger Of a
coal famine in New York City. Many Of
them admitted, however, that in the event
of a sudden cold snap great care would
be needed to make the supply go round
The conditions which the dealers fear
most is a psychological one rather than
a physical one They say If the public
becomes frightened certain individuals
may undertake to lay in coal enough for
a long time to come, and this boarding
may deprive others of their share.
The coal supply in this city IS unusually
low, but the most optimistic OF the deal
ers expect II will be back 10 normal with
in two weeks. Others, who think the city
win probably have to get along on q
little less than in former years. point to
the rapid increase I'm the use of gas as a
heating and cooking medium as a solu-
ton of the problem.
The situation has been complicated
somewhat during the last few weeks by
the fact that miners OF Pennsylvania
have been celebrating local holidays and
have not mined the usual amount of coal.
Railroad men seem to be In accord with
the recommendation Of the Interstate
Commerce Commission that there be a
higher per diem charge for rented cars.
The car shortage is one OF the principal
factors in the coal situation, and the
delay in catching up the normal supply
Is largely due to this condition. The sug-
gestion that the speed of freight trains
be increased has not been so favorably
received Railroad men said yesterday
If this suggestion were to be carried out
the tralnload, the present measure Of a
roads earning power, would have to be
sacrificed.
w. C.. Brown, president Of the New
York Central, was among those who APP
proved of the commissions recommended
ton that the per diem rate be increased,
He thought a radical advance In the
rate would insure prompt return Of the
equipment Of the main lines This would
force the connecting lines TO buy more
cars on their own account Mr.. Brown
said the largest car shortage for any one
week on his system was 5.766 cars a day,
The coal shortage in New York, accord
ing to railroad men, is partly due to the
effort which has been made to supply the
West first, on account Of the fact that
with the coming of winter many lines OF
coal carrying navigation Will be closed.
The Merchants Association of this city
has appointed a committee to go into the
anthracite region and study conditions
with a particular view to the needs OF
New York. The committee will confer
with w. j. Richards, vice-pres!dent OF
the Philadelphia and Reading Coal Com
pany. II will look into the car shortage,
as we'll as into the coal industry itself
Following the investigation 1t will make
a report embodying those suggestions
which 81 thinks necessary to relieve the
stringency.
Referring TO the shortage Of cars on tho
coal roads because other roads over whose
lines their product was shipped We're
using the cars, a representative Of one Of
the companies said this trouble took place
every year. The rate charged for the use
of cars In such cases is 50 cents car
day. but some time ago it was decided b.
railroads to increase this rate to 40 cents
The 45-cent rate will go into enect oVe'
the entire country on January /.