The Co-op That Wanted to Sell Its Own Coal

The Renton Co-operative Coal Company, according to its secretary, Roger G. Reese, is now able to ship from twenty to thirty tons a day, and has employed a force of twenty men. The company, it is claimed, has a superior quality of coal, and expects to have 100 men employed by the first of the year.

Negotiations have been pending with the Oregon Improvement Company for the use of bunkers, but the co-operative company claims to be unable to secure what is needed, although there is said to be plenty of room. The Oregon Improvement Company has made a rate of 60 cents per ton for transportation of the co-operative company's coal.

The co-operative company, Mr. Reese says, has received a courteous answer to the letter sent to the Oregon Improvement Company. He thinks his company will ultimately build bunkers of its own. There is no intention of diverting the product of the mines to Tacoma. If the transportation rate proves too high, the co-operative company intends to bring the coal by means of scows to the Seattle market, as in pioneer days. If the South canal were completed, the company would have no difficulty whatever, and would be able to bring the best coal into town at an advantageous rate. A meeting of the shareholders will be held July 27.

The Oregon Improvement Company says the proposition made by the co-operative company was for the former to furnish a retail yard for the latter, a thing not to be thought of under any circumstances. The Oregon Improvement Company is perfectly willing to furnish bunkers for shipping purposes, but does not propose that a competitor shall cut into its business with its own property.