Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-09-10
raft Probe Shows Arsenal Blast Accidental Other News of
GARFIELD PROMISES
CUT IN COAL PRICE
National Administrator Says
Reduction Will Fol-
low Inquiry
TO MAKE A S URVE Y

Cheaper coal was promised today by
| Harry A. GARFIELD. National Coal Admin
| istrator, at Washington following asser-
| tlons by Philadelphia coal dealers that the
| high price Of pea coal--s775 TOMS
caused by the high prices at the mines
A tentative price list to govern retail
trade this month will be issued this week.
| he said, the prices to he fixed finally after
| investigation OF the trade. This will re-
quire about six weeks.
THE only certain thing that I can say
| at this time Is that Philadelphia Will get
cheaper coal at least temporarily said
Doctor GARFIELD. Conditions in the retail
trade will govern prices for the remaining
coal-using months. know that Philadel-
phans are anxious about their winter sup
ply All sections OF the country are send
ing us inquiries. We are doing the best
we can"
Mr.. Garfield said that u Fuel Adminis-
traitor will be appointed in each state, with
the approval Of the President, and each or
these will appoint local coal committees,
with the approval of the National Coal
Administrator. The PERMANENT prices will
be fixed after the committees have made
surveys of the coal market, its supply, costs
and profits
PROMPT ACTION NEEDED
Mr.. Garfield is driven to prompt action
because the eXorbitant prices charged by
the retailers in anticipation of the action
of the commission lie is so impressed with
the necessity for instant action that he
may obtain the consent of the President to
nix the retailers profit Professionally In order
TO stop the high prices now prevailing. IL
this is done the retailers profit will obtain
until the local committees report.
That such course seems advisable is
apparent to him and his associates. as
Mt sir .AalyD hafA
the local committee could report and the
retail profit for each distinct community be
fixed
Although II has been stated that the
serenty-fve cent boost in price Is based on
an Increase at the mines on coal not yet
received this is denied by the dealers. The
increase is the result of recommenda tions
made by the Federal Trade Commission,
following an investigation Of the coal situa-
tion.
ADMIT PRICE EXORBITANT
The Philadelphia dealers admit that the
price Is exorbtant but contend if there is
any unreasonable price fixing It takes place
before the coal reaches them.
A big increase in the cost of labor at the
coal yards and cost of business admins
tration generally is Dig factor in the
fecord.breaking price. The views OF the
dealers on the question are summed up in
tne reWarkS or John A. Gerety, dealer
Of Thirtieth and Walnut streets:
THE Government permitted the independ
ent operators to charge s4.75 a ton at the
mine said Mr.. Gerety. "and when YOU
add twenty cents a ton brokerage charges
ana $l25 ton freight, you will see that
the coal stands the dealer $500 a ton for
delivery at the yard.
When you add to this the wages of
drivers, who now receive s18 a week. and
other overhead in the conduct of business.
you will readily see what small margin
OF proht remains, despite opinion to the
contrary.
TWO years ago drivers were content TO
work for sl2 a week. and they gave better
service at that figure than they do now
at the increased wages. There Is also
shrinkage In screening, which the dealer ha 9
to stand. the cost of maintenance of -,e-
hicles and many other things Of which the
public is not aware"
Some dealers allow twenty-five cents off
for cash from the 1915 figure. If the coal
is shuted in, but the fiat price prevails If
the coal has to be carried from the wagon
In bags or baskets.