New Britain herald., 1917-05-28
COMMUNICATED. FOR JUSTICE, ALL AROUND. \ Few Lampoons for the Coal Dealer and One for the Herald.


 and One for the Herald.
 To the Editor of the Herald: | Every man and woman in New Bri- tain who has been compelled to go down into their pockets the past winter for the price that would pro- cure g. ton of precious coal, will, or should be. interested in the letter of Bad Penny" appearing in your Sat l urday's issue.
 We have been repeatedly advised through the governments commis- l sion, appointed to investigate the criminally high prices charged by the retailers for their coal, and the mine owners likewise, that there is not, nor has there been, any conditions. war l ranting the pernicious increase charged for coal by the retailers, the past winter, including short weight as publicly announced recently in your columns. by one of the local dealers, whose only excuse, when he was caught ''red handed" was that he could not see how it was possible he could make such a mistake in weigh ing load of coal.
 The federal committed, in their re- port, as we'll as the mine owners, stated that the price of coal at the mines had been advanced only 8 few cents per ton (thirty-seven, I believe was the amount. may be in error) and his advance; coupled with the added freight rate by the railroads, and a like small advance by the nid- dlemana per ton to meet extra cost for handling. should not have made 6 difference of over one dollar per ton to the retailer. These local dealers have been charging $500 to $500 more per ton, than last winter. As suming that their labor and mining expenses have cost them more than one year ago. their is not a scintilla of reason that will pardon them for squeezing the blood out of those who had to pay their price or-freeZe.
 Some of these retailers of coal ($11 per ton) are known as liberal con- tributors to the church, and numerous l. charitable and worthy objects; others are luxuriating at the Virginia Hot l Spring, trying to hob-nob with other wealthy people and millionaires. Why 1 not give the public those paying this ! unwarranted, outrageous price for coal, the credit for these benefactions it comes out of their hard earnings. | Mir. Bad Penny" give the red flag another shake.
 Now for the Herald'S kick: No one, who is a daily reader of the Herald will dare question It's patriotism, or it's loyalty in this hour l of stress and calls for united aid, or the righteous work it is performing in backing up Mayor Quigley and Presi- dent Wilson, in their efforts to break up speculation in food, to conserve the present supply, and increase the same for future needs. In it's Sat- urday issue the Herald. both editorial ly and in it's Town Topics column. denounced in unmistakable language, the attempt by any individual to corner the potato crop or other food production that would maintain or increase the present high prices. or that would in any way work a hardship on the purchasing public. It is only few days ago that the Herald for the matter of few cents. inserted an advertisement for someone who lacked the manhood to sign his name to the advertisement, offering the munificent sum of 75 cents per bushel, with a cash deposit to bind the contract, for potatoes when har- vested next fall.
 The writer would suggest a closer understanding between the editorial and business departments of the com pany.
 70, consistency, thou art a jewel"
 A KICKER FOR JUSTICE.