Evening star., 1918-02-05

| Between 5000 and 10000 homes
in Washington were absolutely
without heat last night. the cold
est night. with one exception, of
the winter.
This is the estimate made this
morning by Edward B. Eynon, in
charge of the emergency distfi-
button bureau established by the
District fuel administrator.
\ The situation. of course, bore
most heavily on the poor, but in
many homes of comparative
wealth furnace fires were out. At
no time this winter has the situa-
ton been more serious or the suf-
fering more acute. 1t will grow
more serious daily, fuel admins
tration officials declare, unless
there is speedy and marked in
crease in receipts of coal and in
ability to distribute it.
John l.. Weaver, who has been in
Florida for rest, has returned and
today resumed his duties as District
fuel administrator. One of his first acts
was to ask the Department of Justice
to begin thorough investigation of
charges that Washington coal dealers
have been guilty of profiteering and
other unfair practices, taking advan-
tage of the sufferings of the people to
exact profits beyond those allowed them
under the regulations of the fuel ad-
ministration.
Probe of D. c. Prices.
This is in line with President Wilson's
determination that the local coal situa-
tion shall be Sifted to the bottom. There
will be a general investigation of the
entire price question to determine to
what extent residents of the capital
have been mulcted, and in addition each
reported case of extortion will be run
down individually.
Mr. Weaver today Joined with Of
fcials of the National Fuel Admins
tration in declaring that any dealers
found guilty shall be punished
In company with Edward F. Colladay,
who has been acting as District fuel
administrator, Mr.. Weaver today ap-
pealed to officials of the national ad-
ministration to increase shipments of
hard coal to Washington. Now that
many stocks laid in last summer are
being depleted. it is believed the 2,40O
tons day of anthracite promised this
city by DR.. Garfield will not be suf-
fcient to meet absolute requirements.
An effort is being made to have daily
shipments increased to 34Oo tons for a
week or more. and release is sought
also of coal held here by the govern
ment in excess of it's immediate needs
Decision today by the school authorities
to keep the public schools closed until
next Monday was welcomed by NE fuel
nd
that it would lessen the excessive demand
on hauling equipment and increase the
possibility of getting coal into the homes
, which are without heat.
| Receipts for the twentyfour- hour period
ending this morning showed an increase
highly gratifying to fuel administration of
licials and dealers. Reports to Mr.. Weaver's
: Office gave total receipts of hard coal at
| cars of bituminous of 1911 tons. That is
4, just about enough hard coal to run the
| city for one day, but is not enough to
| make up the large deficit now existing,
Could Have Heat Tonight.
| If the 1000 tons of anthracite which
came in today could al once be divided
| into small lots and delivered imme-
diately, few Washington homes would
| be forced to go through tonight with
! out heat. But its immediate delivery.
| is a physical impossibility. Dealers
have all their hauling equipment at
| work and this is reinforced by about
! a hundred teams lent them by the
/ District government. but in comparison
| with normal times the coal is moving
! slowly. Hauling conditions. coal men
I declare. never were worse in Wash
| ingtOn-
| Coal dealers met last. night to consider
the plan for a clearing house advocated
| by Acting Administrator Colladay and
approved by the executive committee of
| ffpal
the dealers but a special committee was
| appointed to give the plan further con-
| sideration. This committee will hold its
first meeting tonight.
Even il the dealers approve the plan.
| II is not likely to be put into operation
until the national fuel administration has
acted finally on a scheme it now has un-
der consideration for a uniform clearing
!, house plan to be put in operation in all
cities. Pending such action, the emer-
gency distribution bureau. at 18th and +
streets, will remain in operation.