Soft Coal Music

The Interstate Commerce Commission has been investigating the fuel-buying policies of railroads. Into the committee room last week walked the high-toned Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in the person of Charles H. Dyson, fuel agent. Beaming, he benignly explained that it is B. & O.'s policy to buy coal at a fair price in order to enable miners to earn a living wage and in order to promote prosperity along the right-of-way.

When Mr. Dyson had finished this explanation he was asked a few questions by Monroe Creel List, I. C. C. counsellor. Dialog:

List: You have said that a "fair price" means a price that should enable the miner and his employers and the sales agent to make a fair return. Does it include anything else? .

Dyson: It includes averaging previous prices and other pertinent factors.

List: Just what does that mean?

Dyson: I guess it does not mean anything.

List: There is a lot of soft music with your report. Candidly now, Mr. Dyson, was not your entire statement just a grandstand play?

Dyson (laughing): I am perfectly willing to admit that.

List: But you must be making some effort towards carrying out your policy of a fair price?

Dyson: Frankly, we are doing nothing right now. But I hope this is only temporary.

List: But you must be buying some coal.

Dyson: Oh yes. We buy from day to day. Business along our lines is off 45%.

List: How much do you pay for this coal that you purchase from day to day?

Dyson: Well, I would be ashamed to tell some of the prices.

List: I am afraid that I must ask you to cite an example.

Dyson: In one Pennsylvania district we just bought some coal at 72-c- a ton.

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