Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1916-09-30
COAL TO CO HIGHER,
Commission IS TOLD.
Operators Say Compensation
Law and Eight-Hour Day
Increases Cost
CONSUMER MUST
MAKE 1T UP

WlI.kES.BARRE Sept. 3O.-Cmrles
T. Huber, vice. president and general
manager OF the Lehigh and Wilkes Barre
Coal Company, was the only one Of the
big anthracite operators to be called
before the commission named by Gov
ornor Brumbaugh 10 inquire into the in
creased cost OF coal. The commission sat
IN the City Hall yesterday and two ses-
sions were held, adjournment being
taken at an early hour, with the I'M
Outstanding that the commission would
reconvcno in Philadelphia about October
20.
Mr.. Huber denied there was a combi-
nation of anthracite interests that fixed
tho prices of coal tIe said he was in
absolute control of the prices fixed by
his company and denied that ne was
controlled by any operators. selling
agencies or other interests.
He discaimed any knowledge concern
ing the situation in Philadelphia, where
the prices are higher than in New York.
Most of the output of his company was
sold in New York, lac said. and for that
reason he was not familiar with the
Philadelphia situation
Several of the independent operators
called before tho commission said the
reason for the increased cost in Phlndel-
pha Is that most of the coal ia shipped
to definite consgnee and a particular
rBde Of coal is invariably demanded.
Il was also said by these smaller oper-
ators that New York is the general
dumping ground for the anthracite
fields, and that any sort and grade OF
coal can be disposed OF there
The compensation law by forcing
the purchase OF safety devices has in
creased the cost OF production eight
cents per ton. according TO the oper-
ators. The eight hour work, il is al
legged. has brought about an additional
increase amounting TO forty-iive cents
per ton. These increases in produc-
ton cost left no alternative than tol
increase the cost to the consumer. the
operators said.
John NJ Nealo. president OF the
Buck Run and Dsrkwater companies,
testified that until this year the cost
of production was S1.55 per ton. This
year the cost has Increased TO more
than 80, he stated.
1T is easier TO sell coal in New York
than Philadelphia" he said Because
there is always a market in New York.
the operators take advantage OF IT,
New York, therefore,, has become a
sort OF a dumping ground We send
Il there. hoping that the sales agents
will get rid Of t. II we clog Phlla-
delphia we have stiff demurrage rates
TO meet.
philadelphia. as tho result. re-
ceives better grades Of coal. Our
shipments there go to individuals or
dealers and the coal Is selected. When
II goes 10 New York il loses It's iden-
THY"
He predicted that prices would go
even higher this winter.
Jesse Dimmock. OF the Pine Hill
Coal Company. and Walter Richards.
of the Red Ash Coal Company, said
the compensation law has resulted
in an increase Of accidents and that
the cost OF production is SO cents per
ton more than last year.
George Il. Lee. OF the George F. Lee
Company. which engaged in second
mining. or robbing pillars, testified
that. despite the grave danger OF this
kind OF mining. accidents In his work.
ings are fewer than In other collieries.
John NJ Crooks, of Pardee Brothers
& Co., said accidents have increased
since the compensation law became
effective other witnesses were John
Cartright. OF the Oak Hill Company;
William Kisbaugh. of the Mill Greek
Company. and J. b. Blaclman. OF the
Raub Coal Company