The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-11-22
REPORTS SHOW
..COAL SHORTAGE
Being AVERTED
Survey Of Fuel Distribution
Blames Low Prices on
Mild Autumn.

CHICAGO, Nov. 22-EXpect1-
don that some coal operators
would re.coup their losses in the
recent coal strike through In
creased prices, u belief given wide
publicity at the end Of the strike
when one or two operators were
quoted to that effect, has failed to
materallze, according to a survey
of,fuel conditions. in middle west
ern states.
The wide publicity, combined
with an unusually warm autumn,
discouraged buying by domestic
consumers to such an extent that
there has boon a noticeable drop
In prices in many states. This Is
Particularly noted in those coal
producing areas where freight
rates for short hauls arc not a
major factor in setting the retail
prices.
Typical of the general trend,
according to Robert Medill, state
fuel administrator Of Illinois. are
prices at the Central TlllnoiE
mines Immediately after the
strike the. operators quoted
screenings their lowest grade
coal, at from $5.25 to 1915 at tie
pit mouth. Last week central ILL
nols mine screenings were offered
as low us 81. so and In spite Of tina
reduction the mines are unable to
book enough orders TO average 90
per cent production.
Similar price productions are
reported from several states. II
Kansas dealers are selling coal at
from 81 to So under last year
prices. Indiana. Missouri and
other states, all report lower
Iiprices. A report shows:
~ Illinois: Considerable coal on
tracks; mines working less than
half time; some car shortage III
southern fields; prices dropping
in Central Illinois districts.
7 Indiana: No apparent shortage
governor reports some drop from
the post-strlke price peak; warm
autumn decreased demand.
~ Michigan: Utilities and manu-
Iacturers have sufficient supplies
for present; domestic use not IN.
. conyeninced with cold weather.
Ohio: State regulation OF prices
from Inc 10 consumer checks
famine and maintains stable
market; fuel moving freely.
Iowa: Coal operators say there
Is no shortage in state; demand
is4slow because OF warm weather;
miners working only two or three
days each week; no car shortage.
Wisconsin: Twelve million tons
ot'Boft coal on hand, with 2,000,-
600 more expected before navisa-
ton closes.
! Kansas: Situation practically
normal, with retailers able to
: supply all customers; prices at
mines the same as year ago,
with retailers selling one to txo
dollars under last years market
eprices.
Nebraska: Situation described
by state officials as "easy." Car
I, congestion at rail centers delays
distribution somewhat.
Missouri: Consumers have SIX
~ day supply on hand and are
buying in small quantities in an
ucipatIon of still lower prices;
! plenty Of Missouri coal on hand,
With mines working five days
week In some districts. soma
Shortage Of eastern coal; mild
weather cuts demands.
, sSsKentucky: Situation not acute,
except in car shortage; reserve
supplies increasing because Of In
different demand due to mill
autumn; returns Of cars to Louis
VILE & Nashville Railroad are Gx-
pected to relieve the eastern field
car difficulties.
In the Northwest and South
west the situation generally pre-
!, sents the most promising stree
The resumption Of mining. Only In
Texas is there anticipation Of
possible shortage later IN The
winter.