The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-06-22
SHIPPERS AGREE
TO POOL COAL AT
A. PORTS IN EAST
Railroads War Board to In
sure Greater Deliveries
of Fuel

Washington, June 22-Confronted
with the probability that the govern
ment would take over and operate
railroads, coal mines, oil fields and
industrial agencies unless they vol
UNFAIRLY produced and supplied war
materials and domestic supplies in
adequate quantities and at less ex-
tortionate rates, the railway and coal
magnates yesterday decided to do the
latter.
AS a result of the concessions de-
cided on at a series Of conferences
between officials representing the gov
eminent and several presidents Of the
most important railway systems, the
general situation as to fuel was con-
siderably improved.
The Railroads War Board, headed
by Fairfax Harrison, reported an
agreement with all shippers of tide
water bituminous coal to pool their
product at the ports of New York,
Philadelphia, Baltimore and Hampton
Roads. This is expected to result in
a, saving of coal cars and enable the
railroads to haul to- the ports named
6,640,000 tons more than it did last
year, when their aggregate was 81,
900, 900 tons.
Under the new plan, instead OF
shippers sending 1,156 grades Of coal
to the Atlantic seaboard they will re-
duce the number of Al, SO as to sim
plify classification and obviate the
necessity for holding freight cars.
The War Board figures that $4,000
freight cars will be annually saved
by the pooling arrangement; delays
of cars at ports cut down and the
shifting of them at tidewater termi-
| nails largely eliminated. The board
new pooling arrangements with Rem
brandt Peale Of New York as Cen
era1 Commissioner.
The fact that the railways are ask
ing the permission of the government
to increase their freight rates Is per
cent. although their percentage of net
profits has been shown to be larger
in spite of increased operating ex-
penses due to the eight-hour 1egisla-
ton, is conceded to have exercised
powerful influence in bringing about
several reforms following the expos
ure of existing conditions.
The Interstate Commerce Commits.
sion is expected to hand down its de,
| cision ON the application within q
week, but has not, Of course, given any
indication of it's conclusions.
The unsatisfactory condition of the
| industrial situation, coupled with the
| frank admissions of the railways thai
| they intend to use the increases Of
revenues they seek to indemnify them
selves for expenses ,entailed by the
| eight hour law, has not proved a par.
| ticu1arly favorable argument for them
| It is in appreciation of this fact tha'
the government is seriously consider
ing the advisability of resorting to the
extreme measures adopted by it.
European allies and enemies to in
crease their respective natural re
sources to the maximum Of production
and efficiency of distribution unde1
reasonable conditions as to price.
/ That the advance step in this direc
ton proposed by the Federal Trade
Commission yesterday has had {
Christening and salutary effect not only
on the railways but ON other big bus
fnesS' closely allied to transportation
| was demonstrated in many quarters
today.
| Congress began to take an interes
/ in transportation conditions, the OPP
| erations of the important production
| and industrial agencies, the avarice O.
| mid dIemen and dealers and the result
| ing high prices demanded for furnish
| ing not only the government with wal
| supplies but the people with articles
for domestic uses, including foodstuffs
| Several legislative projects intended
to correct different phases OF the sit
uation are in preparation. The atti
tude of Congress generally appear
| o be favorable oward any persona
| to be favorable toward any propose
that the government may take tt
| bring about more satisfactory cond
! tons, particularly in the matter O
transportation and coal supplies. 1t Ii
probable that the matter will receive
/ considerable attention at the meetins
Of the cabinet today. J.