Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-02-09
PRISON DOORS OPEN
FOR COAL GOUGERS.
DECLARESSEN. REED
Combination Exists to
Maintain High Prices,
Committee Is Told.
CUT OFF SUPPLY TO
DEALERS WHO CUT RATES
Missourian Says Prima Facie
Case of Conspiracy to Violate
Antitrust Laws Established.
.LBv Asaociated presn l

WASHINGTON. Feb. S.-Spcci.lc
charges that combination exists in
the coal trade TO maintain high prices
Of coal in this city and to shut off
the supply of coal to dealers who
cut rates were put before the SEN
ate committee considering the Calder
coal regulation bill today By John
{. l.. Ritter. who said the "combinn-
tion put him out of bueiness."
Chairman La Toilette ruled that
the committee would go further with
the inquiry after Senator Reed. Dem
ocrat. Missouri, declared that the
witness had Established a pr!ma IA
Gle case of conspiracy to violate anti
trust laws on the part of local as
sociation," and moved that Depart
ment of Justice agents be summoned
to explain their attitude in the mat
ter.
Put Him Out OF BusIncss..
The ccal mems association had a
meeting" Ritter asserted ne had been
informed by one OF his 1919 custom
crs, who added. land they put you
right out OF business. You aren't "a
coal man at all any more"
Another man. representing a coal
mining company. suggested to him,
Ritter continued. that he raise his
price 25 cents ton each week until
he get only 10 or Is cents below the
| association price, which was fixed
during 1919 and 1890, according
TO the witness. by an association OF
local coal dealers. He refused, hc
said. and after April. 1920, he could
not get any coal.
There wasn't a man In the coun-
try who would contract to give me
my next years supply" Ritter as-
serted. "and had tc do business with
any 'fipsy' could find who would
sell me dirt for coal" He didn',
lose any money. but did have 10:
OF fun" he addcd, in further detail
ing his experiences. These includ-
ed having a man in his own employ
who reported every day on all my
| business To the association" and hav-
ing "a Department CT Justice agent
along with me for so many days that
they thought he was working for me
too" No prosecution had been insti-
! tuted under antitrust laws, Ritter
| said. but civil suit had been
brought. although his attorney had
Informed him, he said. that this
bunch is too strong for u5.
Prison Doors Open for Gougcr..
Names. dates and jocular remarks
were all put in the record, as the
witness proceeded.
This is serious thing" Senator
Reed interjected. The pcnitentiary
doors are opening for these men ii
they are guilty of what you spy'
'.They are guilty. Ritter retorted
"The only reason ! am up here is
because the poor people have to buy
their coal from these people and pay
the price. ! have had my fun with
them. Eut the first OF last April |
had to step out; the coal that was
coming to me was al dirt, and they
could have the laugh on me ii any
customer had to burn it. All he could
do would be TO shovel it into n fire
and shovel it right out; 80 per cent
ash"
Senator's discussed the charges for
some minutes. temporarily cxcusine
Ritter. and Chairman La Toilette
ruled that corrobcrative witnesses
would be called first tomorrow ami
examined