The Bridgeport times and evening farmer. (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1918-1924, 1920-08-06
The PEOPLES SAY
Bridgeport, Conn,
August 4th, 1920.

Editor of The Tines
Dear Sir: We are informed through
the Press this morning, that an an
vance was made yesterday in Bridge
port by the coal dealers of 81 per ton
for all grades of anthracite coal, and
the principal reason given for this ad-
vance is the increase in freight rates,
which according to Secretary HoWes
of the Bridgeport Coal Dealers AS
ISOLATION means an increase of $l52
more per ton to bring coal from the
mines to this city.
In view of the fact that the new
rates authorized by the Interstate
Commerce Com mission do not go into
effect until August 18th, is not the ad-
vance by the Bridgeport dealers some
what premature, or is 1T not true that
they have simply awaited themselves
of the usual opportunity for raising
prices based on reason that does not
yet exist?
Is there any legitimate reason why
the people should go out today and
pay 81 more on a ton of coal that has
not yet been effected by the new
freight rates or will not be until Au-
gust 26th?
If the new freight rate was now eff
feetive, or if there was an advance IN
some other contributing cost of pro-
dueing or distributing the coal, their
action, at this time could be under
stood, but as a. matter of fact no suish
reason exists and their action there-
fore can only be considered as I'M
timely and unjustified.
In connection with the wage af5i-
tration proceedings before President
wilson's Anthracite Coal Commission,
certain authoritative statistics were
compiled and submitted by W. Jett
Lauck, Consulting Economist for the
United Mine Workers of America,
showing the different factors that en-
tered into the retail price of ton OF
coal as used for domestic purposes
and the increase for the year 1920 as
compared to 1914.
Among these items, the freight from
the mine to New York City was shown
as 81 80 per ton in 1920 compared
with s1sO in 1914, I might remark
here that the statistics compiled ana
sh own in Mr.. 1aucks report, were ae-
cepted and regarded as the most re-
liable and authoritative figures sub
nitted on the subject
Using these figures as a basis, the
advance of 20 per cent. in freight Will
increase the amount of freight on a
ton of coal from the mines to New
York, approximately 49, cents,
! If this is true, why will it cost 81 46
| additional, or the difference between
| the estimated increased cost NELL
| toned by Mr.. Howes and the extra
shown from the mine to New York, to
! transport the coal from New York to
Bridgeport, a distance of less than 60
miles?
The public of Bridgeport has stood
| for much in the recent past and up to
! the present, that has been detrime entail
l. to their interests, and it is about time
| to substitute for the present COM
PLEASANT attitude, one of concerted ana
vigorous protest against unreasonable
and unyvya IRA nted tendencies or ae-
lions to increase the already high cost
| of living or in other ways attempt to
i hammer the people in their efforts to
get back to pre-war conditions as far
as possible.
If the present increase in coal by
! our dealers is warranted, well and
i good If it is unwarranted, as 1T Sc
appears, then the light of publicity
should be turned on them and ham=
mered home.
| Can they explain the necessity for
raising the price of coal now, based on
an increase in freight coming into eff
feet Aug a6th, and can they explain
the extra cost OF $1.92 ton from
mines to Bridgeport?
This Ia submitted for your consider
alton or usual energetic action.
Sincerely yours,
OND CT THOSE AFFECTED.