Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1916-12-09
Warning to Consumers Ad-
vised by Public Utilities
Commission, in View Of
Danger Which Threatens.
RELIEF PROMISED
BY THE RAILROADS
Three Towns in Southern
Idaho Have Reported In
ability to Secure Coal
Boise Dealers Well Sup
piled at Present Time.

The coal shortage situation in Idaho
is serious. The public utilities commits
sion admits that fact and advised a
warning be issued to consumers they
secure an adequate supply of the black
diamonds so they will be prepared for
any emergency that might arise. This
warning is given because the stormy
season of winter Is at hand and within
the next 30 days or more carriers now
struggling with the coal shortage issue
may find themselves face to face with
more serious problems. A stringent
shortage might then arise which would
be difficult to overcome.
yes, the shortage is serious and the
situation is one that the commission
is keeping in close touch WITH" said
President Ramstedt Of the commission,
speaking for that body. I'VE have re-
ports from HALEY, Oakley and Hager-
man, where there seems to be a coal
shortage. The matter has been taken
up with the carriers. They have
promised relief. The trouble seems to
be at the mines where, it is claimed,
help is difficult to get. There seems
to be ample rolling stock. Cars of coal
are on the road to destinations and We
are endeavoring to have them located.
We would advise that the people be
warned they should put in supplies of
coal where 1t is possible to secure it.
There may be further difficulties, with
the uncertain weather in sight"
TOWNS DEMAND RELIEF.
Morse g. Roberts company, coal
dealers of Hagerman, wired the COM
mission: Unable to secure coal need
I'd for community. Last received Oct.
TO-" The town of futile is named as
one without fuel. Haley wants IL cars
Immediately to relieve the situation.
The commission has been informed
that the schools will have to close
there unless the coal is Forthcoming.
From Oakley similar reports have been
received. The commission has request
ed Solomon Worthington to make a
personal investigation at Oakley and he
has consented to do so. A car of coal
arrived there yesterday and will help
supply some OF the immediate wants
Two other cars are en- route An In
vestigation has disclosed that HALEY
consumes about four carloads a day.
The commission has been informed
there is no coal shortage in Boise at
s"o picoeut tliHo. dealers are well
supplied. The same condition exists in
other cities In various parts of the
state. One reason for the shortage is
due to the fact that dealers in coal
In various cities and towns are doing
business from cars. In other words
they have not taken the precaution to
have coal on hand, but instead have
ordered carload at time and when
the car was disposed of ordered an
other. Consumers who could have
stored coal on summer rates have not
done so.
TON AT A TIME.
They have only purchased a ton at
time. The carriers and the mines
1t Is claimed. have not met the de-
mand for either coal or cars with the
result that a shortage is in sight over
which the commission has a gravest
fears.
The public schools of the state in
some cities threaten to be closed un
less coal arrives. The larger build
ings which use a greater quantity of
coal will be hit the hardest, 1t is
claimed.
The commission is in close touch
with the consumers and the carriers
The latter are being urged to give bet
ter car service between the mines and
various parts Of Idaho
~
lei L., L.