The Press., 1912-10-09
About Coal.

We quote from the last issue of ''The Retail Coalman," our most reliable source of information :-
 During the past month, the writer has travelled extensively, personally visiting many of the leading coal dis tributing eenters in widely separated parts of the country, and in each city he has found identieally the same con ditions and heard exactly the same sto- ries regarding the scarcity of coal and the difficulties that the retailers were ex- perieneing in getting sufficient supplies to even partially take care of the orders that had been placed by the consumers.
 "As result of this personal investi- gation, the writer is absolutely con- vinced that the anthracite companies are all doing everything in their power to eQualize distribution in fair and inn partial manner and are trying their ut- most to take care of every section of the country and give them their just propor- ton of the coal that is being mined.
 alt must be borne in mind that the present state, of the anthracite market was brought about by extraordinary conditions.
 The severe weather last winter con- stunned more coal than was mined, which caused the companies to go into their storage piles and reduced them to a smaller surplus than had been the case in years. linen the two months strike brought about a decrease in production of Approximately ten million tons winch, under ordinary circumstances, would have been sold at the spring prices by both wholesaler and retailer, and long before this would have been stored away . for use during the next six months.
 This decrease in production has only partially been made up so far and it is doubtful now at this season of the year if there can be very much gain in pro- duction for the next three or four months.
 alt is Lot probable, however, that there will be any serious shortage or that panic prices will prevail. There will be plenty of coal to take care of the neces- sary consum ption but the trouble will be to get the coal as promptly as desired and keep a full supply on hand of all sizes. Neither will it be possible for the retailers to deliver to their customers enough coal 10 take care of their entire winters needs. On the other hand, it will probably be necessary for the retail CT to split up his deliveries and consider uAmSChA 4OAAuuAbC II nC lS hDAC tO ktSp HI of his customers supplied with sufficient coal for their immediate wants.
 ''ln other words, it will probably be a hand-to-mouth winter so far as the an thracite market is concerned and every one connected with the handling of this grade of coal will have their full share of worry and figuring to keep the distribu- tion moving as equitably as possible so as to prevent any real suffering or want
 ''lt is simply case of the old story of trying to divide one apple and satisfy four boys when each one insistently de- mands the whole apple regardless of whether the others get any or not.
 "ConsOlation may also be found in the fact that the heaviest coal consuming weather generally does not come until after the holidays so if the retailers can assure consumers that there is no need to be frightened but to be content with enough coal at present to keep their fur naces going, it will help to relieve the situation all along the line"
 We ask our customers to do their share and be as reasonable as they can in their demands. And about the price, remember there are two sides to every question. The price is high, sure enough, it may be higher, sure enough,-but don't blame the retailer until you get his side. Come in and look at Exhibit A." It has opened the eyes of few already.