Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-12-27
THE BLAME FOR THE COAL SITUATION

Mayor Wilson's activity in trying to relieve the coal famine in
this city is to be commended. The situationi is serious and seems to
be almost ~inexeusable. 1t appears to be worse now than it was
during the war. Considering all the mild weather we have had and
the industry at the coal mines there ought not to be such a shortage
Of coal in this vicinity as is SO evident.
The blame for the inability to get coal has been placed mainly
on the coal operators. While it stands to reason that coal this
winter would not be as plentiful as previous winters when mining
of coal during the summer has been normal, it was expected that a
sufficient amount Of coal would be on hand to take care of the
needs of the people by dealing it out ton at a time. In other words,
the strike prevented much storing of coal, but by working at full
capacity, and assisted by mild weather, there ought to be enough
for an.
In fact, there is reason to believe that the mines are not
entirely to blame for the present predicament. The report was
circulated a few days ago thai there were several thousand cars
9oaded with coal on the tracks that the railroads were unable
20 move on account of the poor condition of their motive power
IT is a well known fact that the engines are not in good repair
During the recent cold snap all kinds of delays were experienced
on the railroads due to the inability of the engines to make steam.
The strike of the shopmen that occurred last summer has
newer been really settled. Many of the best mechanics have not
assumed their old jobs. The modern locomotive is a complicated
piece of machinery and only experienced men can keep them in
shape for service. The prediction is made that with the first
real snowstorm the railroad motive power will break down entirely
particularly the mountain divisions, and it is there where the
heavy hauling takes place.
In other words, there is a suspicion that the coal that is being
mined is ample to supply all wants, but the railroads are not.
able to move it fast enough on account of ,:ineficiency of the
engines. The railroads like to have the public believe that they
have beaten the shopmen in the recent strike. Perhaps they have,
but the condition of their engines does not show it.
AT the present time the public is interested in getting COAL
III the fault lies with the railroads in not being able to move
the loaded cars because of the poor condition of their engines
it is time the public knew it and the blame was placed where it
belongs. What the people want most of all now is coal in the
bins of their local dealers where they can buy it at a reasonable
price. The railroads do not seem to be able to haul it so the
people can get at it.
Talk of an embargo on coal so as to prevent the shipments
into Canada may increase the available supply in the United
States but the people of Canada must be kept warm along with
all the rest of us. 1t is9ather selfish to let our ~neighbors to the
north of us freeze in order that we may live in comfort when
by adequate transportation facilities and proper distribution,
everybody can be taken care of throughout the winter, especially
il the right kind of economy is practiced.