Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-08-30
City's Winter Coal viii Cost $500. 900.

The addition Of one dollar ton in the
freight Of coal from the mines to this city,
under the new traffic schedule that has
just gone into effect, is likely to DC ioi-
lowed by similar rise in the local retail
price of anthracite as well as in the steam
making Goals. Dealers here announce
they are compelled to advance the retail
price TO meet the additional freight charges
which the railroad companies have an
nounced will total one dollar on every
ton of coal used in this city. As the De-
partment of Justice had expressed the
hope that coal would take drop. the rise
is distinct surprise and great dis
appointment to the entire public. How
ever, it is explained there is no other way
in which to meet these increased costs, and
the public will doubtless have to bear the
burden uncomplainingly.
= The selling prices of coal for household
uses last week were: Pea. S11.50; egg,
s12 80, while nut is quoted at $3.50 and
shove still higher. There is little of
the two latter popular sizes in the market
here. and dealers have taken no orders
for them for almost two months by
adding one dollar ton to the amounts
given above, we can readily determine
what we shall be compelled TO pay Tor
household fuel during the fall and winter.
The prices of bituminous steam Goals
which vary frequently. were $3.50 to sli
ton at the mines last Friday. Added TO this
was the freight of 50 As ton, old rate,
against SO. As ton under the new schedule.
The prices will, therefore. advance from
sIl.75 to sl4.45, and from S1275 to$l5-45
ton for fuel for steam purposes. IL
NAV be added that the rate of the mine
three weeks ago was considerably IN ex-
cess of last weeks quotations.
Wilmington's coal bill for the fall and
winter. it may be seen. will be not far from
SC. 500 600. estimated on the total con-
sumption of 100000 tons year at
average of Sl3 ton. Under the new
schedule everybody will have TO pay
about s,5 apiece to meet the increased
coal and freight costs or atotal OF almost
$50 will be the pro rata share of every man,
woman and child in Wilmington for the
single item of twelve months fuel. The
average cost for coal for the year will be
almost $3.50 to each family.
Coal has advanced almost 800 per cent
in the last ten years, most OF the gains
being made in the last two years. Phila-
delphia is somewhat favored, compared to
this city's rates. Coal may be sold there
40 cents a ton cheaper than in this city
under legislative enactment controlling
intrastate shipments. Boston and other
New England cities are at the other ex-
treme Of the high cost dilemma. Prices
there were advanced day or two ago to
SIG for stove sizes. an advance OF 81 90
ton.
In addition to the excessively high
prices of coal, there is a scarcity that IS
causing more or less concern. There Is
no sign. however, that we shall have 10 re-
sort to rationing fuel again, as we did IN
war time. but there will be need for
economy. even though the price did not
suggest the wisdom of going lightly on the
| coal bins.
A further increase in price is not with
out the bounds of possibility. although
there is no definite warrant for anticipat-
ing an additional raise The miners. how
ever. have not yet reached a decision on
their demands for more pay and better
working conditions, which, If INSISTED on,
might add another dollar to the house
holders coal bill.