Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-02-06
NEW RECORDS ARE MADE
DIRECTOR OF POCAHONTAS
REGION REPORTS FOR 1919
Operation of ROuds Adversely affected
by Strikc--RcnsOns for Increased
Expenses Given.

Operation OF railroads in tho Poca-
hontas region. in which Richmond and
'tions of Virginia arc included, during
.Jl9 was adversely affected ty the ef-
,o!ts of the roads to serve the public
interests In handling the coal strike
situation. according TO the annual re-
port of Regional Director y. -. Mahcr.
Of the Pocahontas region, submitted to
Dircctor-Generul Walker II. Hines.
inc report set forth, however. that the
coal output secured by the steps taken
by the railroads compensated for the
loss in economical operation involved.
AS In other regions" the report said.
the countrywide coal miners strike
just now at an end has adversely az
fcctcd our operation. Although the
coal tonnage handled by the roads of
this region since November l on the
averase has approNimated that of Oc-
tober just prior to mine suspension-
miscellaneous traffic has had to be Sc
verciy sacrificed in order to devote the
entire wcstbound freight capacity OF
the Norfolk and Western and Chcsa-
peakc and Ohio to the movement OF
coal to the West through Ohio gate
ways"
Cause or Incrcnses.
The causes OF increased expenses as
compared with revenues were outlined
increases in prices paid for mate-
rial.
'lncrease in wage costs
nc following January LIST and irnprac-
ticability OF Immediately reducing
forces in tho same ratio.
Maintenance of way and maintcn :
ance OF equipment work deferred in
1918 on account of the shortage of ma
!erials and labor and performed in
REORGANIZATION and loss OF revenue
incident TO the shop;nen's strike in
June and Auguet. and similar losses due
TO coal miners strike in November
and December.
Back pay earned in 1913 and paid in
1919, which vas approximately ST.
From the standpoint of earnings
and rrelatlve expense of transportation.
the tides. OF freight traffic in 1919 were
no: as favorable In 1919 as In 1918:
Of traffic destined to the seaboard"
The report gives in detail the ,fg-
traffic on the Pocahontas region lines.
Decrease of i4:.7al cars o, coal and
Decrease OF s,os5 cars OF ore reflect
Ing depression in the iron and steel In =
iustry during the Arst half Of the year
Decrease OF 166.34+ cars in loads re-
ceived from CONNECTIONS.
Passenger Revenues GROW.
Passenger revenues on all lines In
he region showed 4 material Increase
during tho year, according TO the re-
port. which said:
vemhcr. and in 1919. passenger train
service nggrcgating l97.ll3 miles per
n,nnuin. formerly operated. and d:scon.-
tinued during the war. was restored.
Also additional train service totalinS
3"6 $50 miles per annur has been In
1uEnrated. and the train service now
performed IS reasonably sufficient for
the needs OF the public IN August X
vas necessary 10 discontinue a number
Of main and branch trains on tho c. &.
~. railroad for some days. owing to
tho shipments strike. Full service
however. was rc-cs,a blished rs prompt
" as conditions permitted. There was
also curtailment OF passenger service
'or few days in December in order
to conserve coal"
Work on additions and betterments
V" report said, VAS restricted by tho
inability Of the railroads TO finance
'hcsc improvements.