The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-04-16
LAKE BUSINESS
UNCERTAIN
At THIS STAGE
Price Question is a Factor
That Holds Back
Orders.
BELL VISITING THE FIELD
Operators Vice President
Meeting Members Of
the Association.

g Some uncertainty will mark the
kke business this year, say prominent
coal operators in the Fairmont re-
gion. According to the latest re-
ports there are 100000 tons of coal
On the docks right now. 1t is expect
ed, however, that fully 20,000,000
tons will be shipped to the lakes this
season. Already some of this busi-
ness, has started from the Logan and
other fields in the southern part of
West Virginia.
: Just what will be sent from the
Fairmont region is an unanswerable
question, and operators will not even
venture an opinion. During the war
: the zoning system cut off much lake
business which went into other fields.
Illinois operators appear to have got
their full share of this business. On
the other hand the Fairmont regions
product took root Down East, and to-
day much railroad fuel business is a
produtc of the zoning system. Daily
almost there are some all-rail ship
ments to the railroads of the New
England states. 1t is difficult to de-
termine which business will yield the
greater results to the Eairmont re-
gion. ~,
Already The Consolidation Coal
company has been shipping lake coal
to their own docks a. euluth. The
Hutchinson Coal company as well as
, other local lake shippers will no
/ doubt be making preparations for
lake business before long. The exact
time for che opening of the lake sea-
son cannot be doped out. Some lake
dealers are holding off until the ques-
tion of price is more definitely settled.
According to reports there are some
shipments being made without price
being specified.
The lakes were open earlier this
wear than usual, but the mild winter
was responsible for SO much coal be-
ing piled up at the docks that 1t did
not mean any early business for the
operators.
Goal companies and all employers
(, Of labor are cooperating and helping
the goyernemnt in collecting the in
come tax" says j. L. Blocher, deputy
internal revenue collector of this city.
.tAll aliens must report to the income
tax authorities whether or not they
are subject to the income tax. Placing
three foreigners in jail-two in Fair
mont and one in Clarksburg-had the
moral effect designed" says Mr..
Blocher.
10 date there are between 500 and
100 aliens who have reported to the
revenue authorities in this section.
Seyenty-five of these have paid in
come tax. Only forty have paid in
come tax and secured the necessary
papers to return to their native foun-
fry after the war. Some Of the for
eisners would like to become citizens
al the United States, but have been
unable to pass the literacy tests
Aliens who have not reported are
expected to look up the collector or
deputy because the burden is upon
the foreigner in order that he be
registered.
Railroad Fuel.
Railroad fuel loaded yesterday to-
tailed 207 loads. which is four loads
more than on Monday. The B. and o.
Yesterday had fourteen more loads
fkan on Monday. The total yesterday
vas m. Central Of New jersey had
y A eight car order. LehigH Valley
I fSised from nine to 1S loadE Maine
Central ordered nine cars IA raise OF
tjEo loads over Monday.
New York, New Haven and Hart
ford secured "a loads, tko more than
(conEnued on Pfc four.)