72 THE HIGH COST OF LIVING 



much more likely to have their coal delivered more 

 promptly and cheaply than other places. 



It is claimed by the commission on the cost of 

 living of the commonwealth of Massachusetts that 

 New England markets were discriminated against 

 by some of the companies during the year 1916. 

 Anthracite coal, which cost $7.75 in Boston in De- 

 cember, 1914, cost $9.50 at the end of 1916. In 

 other cities and towns of Massachusetts it is con- 

 siderably higher, reaching $12 and sometimes more. 

 Some of the companies curtailed their shipments to 

 New England and the orders of many retailers were 

 only partially filled. The result was a serious short- 

 age in many cities.^ 



The retailer is at the mercy of the operating 

 companies and the railroads in that he can make 

 no contract stipulating delivery on a certain date 

 and at a certain price. He must take his coal when 

 the railroads can conveniently ship it and at the 

 price current on the day of shipment. The com- 

 mission reported that the only solution of the diffi- 

 culty lay in freeing the production and marketing of 

 coal from the control and influence of the railroads; 

 that, since the coal production is in the hands of so 

 small a group, the sale and distribution of the coal 

 should be regulated by the Federal Government. 

 It recommended that a federal agent be given con- 

 trol over the distribution of loaded cai'S and the 



^ Report of the Commission on the Cod of Living, Commonwealth of 

 Massachvsetts. Report on Anthracite Coal, December, 1916. 



