Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-20

Coal cards that will have TO he signed
by Philadelphia householders every tme
a ton Of coal IS wanted will make their
appearance within few days in an effort
to prevent loardng by the ration plan
This first definite move to conserve the
coal supply and guarantee a more nearly
equal distribution has been undertaken by
the adephia coal committee
In addition 60 finding themselves on the
~bread line" so far as coal Is concerned.
consumers may face a higher scale OF
prices It the program drawn up by the
operators and dealers Is accepted in Wash
ington. coal vi jump about seventy cents
per ton. The operators are asking that the
consumer be forced to pay the increase IN
wages demanded by the miners
We've got to find out the actual cost
OF delivering a ton of coal in philadelphia.
now" Francis A Lewis spoke with an
emphasis that overturned "a scrap-baskct
full Of appeals from coal consumers. This
card plan has been tried in Chicago and
found to work admirably ne added
A corps of special investigators is Icing
sen. out by Mr.. Lewis to examine the
bo) )ke OF the twelve representative deal
ers cf the city and to find out cXarIly what
are the actual expenses confronting them
Until this can be shown to the ccmrttee'S s.
satisfaction no action will be taken on
the appeal made by the retailers yesterday
for a new $3.50 gross margin.
"Thc question of the gross margin is not
the one of overwhs Ginning interest. ia he abb
sence of COAL Mr. Lewis said this after
noon
Conditions "a little better in West Phila-
delphia" are reported though still the coal
is coming In but slowly, due, it is claimed.
to scarcity of cars.
The dealers, through the Philadelphia
Coal Exchange. appeared before the Phila-
delphia coal committee yesterday with an
appeal for a, change in the Government
method for fixing retail prices in order to
obtain a standard gross margin OF 900
ton between the cost of coal to them and
their price to the consumer. The average
gross margin at present Is around S2. The
increase of fifty cents. II gran ed. when
added to twenty-five cents additional for
the higher wages at the mines, would make
q total raise of seventy-iive cents a ton.
The blanks which consumers will be
scbliged to sign TO get any coal are in the
hands of the printer They were designed
to prevent boarding. The Government is
behind the idea and. II Is understood, there
will be steps taken TO see that. the condl-
tions imposed by the blanks a. observed
No more telephonng - the coal dealer.
AS the purchaser is obliged TO give full
details as to the amount Of coal needed and
whether he has any on hand or not. 1t Is
the opinion of the local coal administration
that the order will prevent any one from
getting more fuel than he can use. II is
believed there will be plenty to go around
and that every one will be assured OF get
ting his share.
The coal committee reported the local sit
nation as improving, far receipts of
coal In the last few days were concerned.
II made no attempt to hide the fact that
there still is a scarcity, Investigation OF
conditions in South Philadelphia developed
the fact that suffering among the poor Is
acute in that section of the city. On the
other ha I'd, the railroads are bringing in
supplies and 1t is believed the shortage will
be obviated before long.