Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-10-30
SERIOUS SITUATION IS
ALARMING TO LOCAL
RETAILERS
BlAM { RAILWAYS
INABILITY TO FURNISH CARS
AND RUSH OF WAR BUSINESS
ASSIGNED AS REASON FOR
GRAVE CONDITIONS FOUND
HERE.

Ottawa does not face fuel fam
ine but II is actually in the grip Of
the most menacing coal stringency in
its history
This startling condition was uncov-
cred this morning by the Free Trader
Journal after a canvass of the various
yards in an effort to ascertain Just
how much bituminous fuel was on
hand in the city
At 3 o'clock there were actually
four hundred tons of soft coal in pos
session OF three dealers while three
others who retail fuel were without
pound to sell their patrons. BY noon
this supply was greatly reduced and
unless the situation is relieved by new
shipments tomorrow drastic steps may
be forced to prevent suffering among
Ottawa's rich and poor alike, who are
unable TO obtain sufficient quantities
to keep their homes warm
yF'es Need 500 Tons Daily.
All dealers agree that the average
need OF Ottawa In weather such as is
now being met five hundred tons are
required daily. To begin with Ottawa
this morning started with a hundred
ton deficit just for ordinary needs.
and dealers were forced to sell IN
ANAL quantities. One firm would not
sell more than 1000 pounds to per.
son, The same was true at another
yard, while. third retailer would not
let his regular customers have more
than half a ton in one order. In the
three other dispensares there was
not pound of coal on hand and own.
ers saw gloomy prospects ahead for
obtaining any.
Geek Means OF Relief.
Communications of every sort have
been entered into with the Chicago
selling agencies in an attempt to re
lieve the local situation One prom
inent dealer is in Chicago today try
ing to induce the jobbers to release
more tonnage for Ottawa. but whether
or not his efforts meet with success
remains to be seen
Cars on Way.
All wards have cars enrOnte here
but the day and hour Of their arrival
is probematical. The shortage oil
cars, II il is as real as the railways
claim. Ia given as one of the reasons
for this uncomfortable condition
while the rail lines. in their rush Of
business forced by the war. are sale
to be unable TO keep pace with Tho
demands made upon them for deliv
cry
Seixe In Case of Need.
Springfield, H., Oct 30.-Attornel
General Brundage announced toda.
that his reply to mayors who asked
II they could conliscate coal. had beef
incorrectly set forth in published re
ports, which said: Attorney Genera
Brundage informed the mayors the,
might assume the power OF selzlne
but must expect lawsuits"
His opinion, It was announced to
day, was: "Siezure of coal on tn
tracks of a railroad in the limits Q
your municipality would only be JUS
flied under the direst extremity"
He stated further to the mayor
that the facts set forth In their telt
grams to him asking an opinion III
not indicate conditions warrantin
seizure.
Coal Cards In Chicago.
Chicago, Oct. 30-"Coal cards
made their appearance IN Chicago t,
day. Every purchaser of coal her
after will be required to sign a car
setting forth the amount of coal desi
ed the amount on hand at the tim
the application is made and otht
facts. Both dealers and purchaser
will be held responsible for any frau
IN these statements.
The cards are O part Of the sta
fuel administrators plan to prevel
boarding of coal at time when
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