The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-01-17
Ed:ito nal Comment
on Current Subjects
Robb.ns Pster Public to Pay Railroad
Paul.
(Ffom tho Coal Trade Journal)

(From tho Coal Trade Journal)
Reports coming from various and
scattered centers Of the httuminous
coal Industry establish the fact that
John Shelton Williams division Of the
United States Railroad Administration
has reopened its campaign to disa-
prove the generally accepted idea that,
two and two make four. In other
words, in a country built upon the
theory Of equality Of opportunity and
treatment, the common carriers Of the
United States are insisting that they
be accorded consideration apart from
that mete3 cut to the other consum.
ers OF coal. They are not only con-
tending toT a revival Of method Of
price making discredited by govern.
ment regulation, but, 1t would seem
from information trickling In from DIFF
ferent sources, they are seeking to
enforce their belief upon the coal pro-
duce Of the Cnited States by return
to practices that, compared to present
day standards. have a strong flavor
Of feudal ruthlessness.
The persistence with which the rail.
road purchasing agents cling to the
claim for preferential treatment deni-
ed them by the national administration
after memorable cabinet fight last
aoring would seem to warrant more
public attention than II is at the pres
emit receiving. In fairness to other
classes Of coal consumers, to say moth
ing OF the producers, the question OF
railroad fuel prices cannot be con
stdered as an isolated proposition. To
begin With. more than three, quarters
OF the bituminous coal mined is used
by railroads, steamships, coke.plants
and for general industrial purposes.
Approximately % per cent Of the total
production goes to- the railroads. It
would seem obvious that any price,
adjustment that would effect one out
OF every four tons OF coal mined in the
country must have o definite bearing
upon the price Of the output as a
whole.
The railroads may plead precedent
In justification OF their present de.
mands. It is true that precedent is
on their side, bnt the precedent is q
vicious one. The same precedent had,
up to two years ago, held sway in the
general coal industrial field and, II
reestablished IN railroad purchases,
can hardly be denied IN general indus.
trial purchases. IN ttain language
this precedent Is TINT ior the advanta-
ges Of steadier on5 alton tancied or
real-the producer shall sell the bulk
Of his output at. u price periously near
or actually below the cost Of produc-
ton. The effect Of an adherence is
clear: II the producer is to make o.
reasonable profit. or in some cases,
even avoid a direct loss, he must sell
25 to 30 per cent Of his coal at prices
nigh enough to make up for the con-
cessions given on 70 to rs per cent Of
his output. THIS means that the bur.
den must fall upon those least able
to bear It, upon the domestic consumer
and the small steam plant.
Until the advent OF the United
States Fuel Administration with its
promulg alton of maximum price sch.
edule, the coal operator had his choice
Of surcharslng the domestic consumer
and the small steam buyer or Of fore
going at a fair profit. He did one or
both as the conditions OF the market
permitted. Price regulation by the
Fuel dmipisration estopped him from
making good q deficit in steam coal
j d . ,