The evening world., 1920-11-13
COLD WAVE HERE,
FUEL STILL SHORT
AND PRICES HIGH
Copeland Fears Distress as
Complaints Come In-Coal
Men Try to Help.

In spite OF coal investigations by
Federal authorities and local organl-
cations the price OF fuel here did
not waver to-day. The biting
northwest wind and the likelihood OF
colder weather caused thousands to
buy oil stoves and electric heaters.
II resulted also in many complaints
to the Health Department
Owners OF apartment houses told
investigators they were unable to
heat all their apartments because of
the necessity Of conserving their
stocks of fuel till they can be assured
OF new supply. New York's di-
lemma is faced by all Eastern cities,
according to the coal men, who yes
terday renewed their promise to in
crease the supply of coal here Inn
mediately and who promised that
with the closing Of navigation on the
Great Lakes millions Of tons would
be diverted to the Eastern markets.
The following developments were
noted in the situation to-day:
John f. Birmingham, President Of
the Delaware, Lackawanna and West
ern Coal Company and Chairman Of
the Committee on Wholesale DistrI-
button of the anthracite operators,
called meeting in his office to learn
what portions of the city were in the
most urgent need. Ten cargoes and
several rail shipments are now being
forwarded here for distribution, no
said, and retailers will buy this coal
to distribute 1t to those who need It
most.
Mr.. Birmingham denied the report
that he could furnish coal at %l2.75
per ton and said his committee, which
Is composed Of retailers, wholesale
operators and a representative of the
Attorney Generals office, are not dis
cussing the price question as their
efforts are to be- directed toward
meeting the present crisis.
The Wholesale Coal Trade Assoc'-
alton denied that coal exports had
increased prices in this city. Between
Oct. and 81 not one ton OF coal was
exported from New York Harbor and
coal bunkering for ships declined.
Health Commissioner Copeland was
the principal speaker at dinner last
night at the Waldorf-AStoria given in
connection with the United Hospital
Funds annual collection for the sick
poor of New York City next week.
/ I he aim Is to raise $780,. 900 to equip
htty-seven private hospitals that
have agreed to furnish free medical
and surgical services.
Commissioner Copeland told the
workers and officers of the member
institutions present that he views
tho winter with the greatest appre-
hGnsion and believes there never was
a time in the history Of the city when
II was so necessary to have every
hospital equipped to its maximum
capacity. He explained the reasons
we're the housing conditions and
disease in Europe that will affect
New York through immigration.
THE Lockwood committee" said
DR.. Copeland, could better serve the
public to-day II II would investigate
housing rather than the City Admin
istration, and so make possible the
building OF new houses. And II the
Board OF Aldermen had not failed FOR
two months to take action on the
Legislatures move to exempt from
taxation, for a period buildings
erected, the housing situation might
be somewhat relieved.
I'VE must have houses or there will
he need for twice as many hospital
beds as there are now, and the hos
pitfalls are not well enough supported
TO take care OF the beds they have
There are 3s 900 beds in New York
hospitals, and 10000 Of them are in
private institutions such as are mem
bers Of the United Hospital Fund
You must make this movement the
greatest in the history OF the city"