The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-10-16
u ADMINISTRATOR: !! ! |! :! !! !
sGPtAINS: The Plan
1; $50 Msg@ 4 so
" xi:s $50 asai . Z ss-sS ssf, ~ &
W.T.. SwiHdlehurst Says hst
NatiQaM J dpioistfafor
Fixes ALL hrices.s,
To FLEE STATEMENTS
Retail Dealers Mist Aseer.
tain Avsraee Margin for
!" 49, Year Of 1918.
Z, ~ W. J. sWlNOLEHURST

Helena, Oct. ,lb.-So' much misun-
derstandtng seems to exist with refer
ence to- the method adopted by the
federal government fixing the retail
price of coal and coke in Montana, that
a brief statement explaining the gov
eminent regulation appears desirable
and necessary at this time.
Contrary to. the prevailing general
opinion tire state fuel administrator
has nothing TO do with fixing the
price Of coal OF coke sold at the mine
or by the numerous retail dealers
throughout the state. Both are fixed
by DR.. II. A. Garfield. the federal fuel
administrator at Washington, -. G.,
under u regulation announced Octo-
Der l.. Prices charged by producers
Mt the mines were arbitrarily fixed
some time ago, and under the plan
formulated for the guidance Of retail
dealers in fixing prices. every retailer
must first ascertain his average retail
gross margin tins the year 1915. as in-
dicated ,hy this crGer.s as the differ
cnee between the price charged by a
retail dealer to consumers and the
average cost Of caal, free on board
railroad cars ut his railroad siding.
when more normal conditions pre-
vailed than At.ipresent. TO this. he
may add not to exceed 80 per cent Of
that margin, which, Of course, includes
hisss.baA0kit al. that time. In no case,
however shall the gross margin add,
ed 'by any retail dealer exceed the re-
tail gross margin added by him during
July, 1917.
Retail dealers beginning business
~s,it1 nal nd
ministrator. at Washington a sworn
statement Of the average retail gross
margin which they have received dur
inE-the period they haNc been in bust
ness. ... Renliing investigation, they
will be. permitted 10 continue to sell
coal or coke at a gross margin not to
exceed the average gross margin
which they have received during tho
THE tibUsyn 3otiberc eeht 'Mtsease nfae~-
ever. shall not he added to such mar
gin. and the retail gross margin added
by retailers to their average cost Of
coal or coke shall not in any case ex-
coed the average retail gross margin
added by them during the month Of
July. 1917.
The state.4fucl administrator till be
expected to take all possible steps to
relieve and improve fuel conditions.
to see that prices are maintained, and
regulate distribution. His first con-
Sideration must be TO get coal to the
consumers, and the dealers cannot be
expected to make the extraordinary
efforts which they must make this
winter II everybody is to get coal. un-
less they are given reasonable profit.
MIR. Garfield believes that the above
plan will result in determining at once
in each community a retail gross mar
gin fair to both the dealer and the
consumer. and that this being a fact,
the public uncertainty regarding re-
tail coal prices. and the uncertainty as
to whethcrsor not to buy. will he en-
tirely removed.
It is possible that in some commu
mites the percentage Of increase Of the
present cost OF retail coal business is
more than 80 per cent in excess Of the
cost in 1915. If this is clearly demon
strated, the state fuel administrators
will be empowered to recommend re-
adjustment. All such readiustments
must first be taken up with the Local
county committees who will be APP
pointed as soon as possible. In no in.
stance Is a retail dealer under any OBJ.
legation to increase his 1915 margin
the full 80 per cnet.
II is believed that retail fuel dealer.
are, for the most part. generally hon
est. and will willingly cooperate ant
fix. their margins according to this or
der without the necessity of compel
ing them TODD SO through the drasti,
provisions of the act controlling TIN
distributions OF food and fuel products
Nevertheless, fuel dealers, like othe
men, are Just ordinary mortals. The!
should not be expected to have wings
and II is roo MUCK to ask OF them tina
they live Oh an ind llstrial plane tina
would require wings to sustain then
Steps will, therefore, be taken throug
\ the assistance u county committee
as soon as practicable, to see tina
prices are maintained in all localitie
of the state in accordance with tn
above government regulations.
In connection with this matter
might be well to state that there ar
no paid salaries connected with tn
fuel administration in this state.