Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-12-31

mere were also some DullQlng trade
troubles of minor Importance, and
trades, but all were sporadic or sec
tional.
Effect of British Strike.
The British coal strike had a wide
spread effect on American agriculture
and industry This dispute, which
tied up British industrial plants and
shipping, caused an intense demand
for American coal and, for a time at
least, lifted two Of the most backward
of American industries, bituminous
coal mining and shipping, into the
sun.
The demand for coal cargo space
exhausted all available ships. Freight
rates across the Atlantic rose sharply.
1t was impossible to move large guam
titles of grain, cotton. copper, meat
products, sugar and other commodi-
ties which were tagged for export.
Demand from Europe for some
American goods almost ceased On
the other hand, American soft coal
mines which had been closed or work
ing only a day or two a week were
put on full-time basis. Operators in
many cases raised wages voluntarily
TO levels equal to or above those Of
the Jacksonville agreement. With
the collapse of the British strike, how
ever, freight rates softened, coal prices
dropped down from the high level they
had reached and other goods began
moving Europeward.
Shipments by Water.
Increased ship tonnage entered and
left Pacific ports, intracoastal ship
ments through the Panama Canal ac-
counting for much of the gain. East
bound dry cargoes through the canal
increased by over a million tons and
westbound shipments rose several
hundred thousand tons. Petroleum
shipments eastward were heavy, but
not up TO the 1924 level But east
bound shipments of all commodities
exceeded those westbound by to /.
Canned fruit shipments were steady.
Dried fruit cargoes advanced about 90
per cent. exports TO foreign countries
from San Francisco alone amounting
to 107 10000 600 pounds, Of value of
$40 ,000, during the first nine
months Of the year. Oriental trade
ports making up for the decline in
trade with China. The California ex-
porterS. however, secured a good vol
ume of Chinese trade.
The great lakes shipping season was
a phenomenal one, the lake fleet car
rying 1921 1856 tons of ore, coal,
stone and grain before insurance ran
out on lake vessels for the season.
Barge shipments on the Ohio, Mis-
souri,, Mississippi and Warrior rivers
rose to new record heights.
Wonderful Railroad Year.
The railroads had the best year they
have experienced since their proper.
ties were returned from Federal con-
troll. Here, too, efficiency was the
watchword. There were no sharp rate
increases. Wages rose under late year
adjustments, but profits increased ma.
terially, with new records both for
gross revenues and net operating In.
come. Gross was about Az per cent
above that for 1925, while net oper-
ating income showed gain of almost
10 per cent.
This was accomplished through IN
crease in the weight per trainIoad, in
car miles per car day, in traffic dens-
ity and through economy in fuel con-
sumption. Physical condition of the
roads in general Is better now than
ever before. Condition Of equipment
is fine as a result Of the expenditure
of approximately 1915, 900 600 in bet
terments and improvements. Had 1t
not been for the ability OF the rail
roads to move nearly 100000 cars
Of freight during the year without
undue delay Of car shortage, the vol
ume OF business Of the country could
not have been maintained. Passen-
ger revenues were good, although per-
haps not so satisfactory as in some
previous years. The tourist traffic
was very heavy and profitable. Do
nestle travel was aided by the anti
American outburst in France.
Motor fro ~ ~ afsyb, nd
sengers continued to gain appreciably
Railroads, instead of complaining. of
this competition, adopted in most in
stances the policy of entering the bus
and truck field themselves. AS a
result many routes were established
and keen competition for franchises
resulted. 1t has become evident that
stoxe-door delivery Of both passengers
and freight is development certain
to ensue. The expensive building of
toll roads by private capital also Is
forecast.
Extensive Road Building.
The volume Of traffic forced con.
tinued highway and paving construc-
ton. The amount expended on this
work advanced to more than $1,000
100000 for the year, and provided a
big outlet for steel. concrete and
stone. 1t also furnished employment
for many thousands Of workers. The
trend in the congesfed districts was
toward the development Of highways
to parallel those already in use and
to the widening and Strengthening of
the latter. The tendency to supplant
solid truck tires with pneumatics. 1t
is estimated, will assure present high
ways Of additional longevity.
The steady growth in traffic I'M
doubtedly has aided the traction com
panies and street railways this year
more than the advent of the bus has
hurt it. Street congestion and lack
Of parking space has driven the pub
lie to the street cars and earnings OF
the electric roads have improved ac-
cordingly. New and improved equip
ment affording an increase in luxury
and comfort has also been q, factor
In the improvement.
Net income of five prominent trac-
ton systems in the first three quar-
ters Of the year surpassed the COR
responding period Of 1926 by 1873 per
cent, and for the whole year showed
| a gain Of approximately 81 per cent.
| Reduction in operating costs and
| slight increases in fares in some
| cities were incidents of the year. The
| average fare for the country today
| is 7.69 cents, as compared with 7.57
| a year ago.
The number OF big 12passenger sir.
planes now under construction in fac
tories all over the country is suf-
f1cient indication that the transporta-
ton Of passengers by air has become
a reality. Strict maintenance Of
schedules and high percentage Of
safety on freight routes has given
the passenger trade big boost.
Real Estate Development.
Without the new and efficient meth.
| DDS of tranSuGrta tinu IL 60 ackurul