The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-25
From the Cumberland (Md.) Cioiiian.

We live in region supplied by nature with
coal OF quality superior in many respects To any
other found In the bowels OF the earth. II is pro-
per, therefore, that we should keep our manifold
advantages constantly in view We shall thus be
the better enabled to estimate the blessings vouch-
ssfed TO Us by munitcent Providence.
In view of the early consumption of immense
quantities of coal from the Cumberland fields, il
will not be unlnteresting TO consider the estimates
of supply offered by the various coal regions Of the
world. We shall thereby more fully comprehend
the mode in which the superior quality of our
ticle will in the progress of time, open TO the
markets of the world
1t is the boast of England that her coal fields
will be able TO supply a suftciency for the con.
sumption of the United Kingdom during three
thousand years 10 come. There is every reason "a
believe that the calculation is not incorrect The
beds of the Northumberland and Durham districts
are estimated to average 1872 square miles, which
measuring twelve feet in thickness, would yield
Z, ,Oog 4,O 900. Now, the annual consumption OF
the United Kingdom is computed at 5000 0OO
tons, il Is evident that the supply Will he abundant
for the period designated. But, in addition 10 this,
there are coal beds in South Wales which are esti
mated TO BE- OF equal extent with tboso already y
takcn into account, and which will, when properly
worked, yield as great or even greater amounts OF
coal. 1t is probable, then, that England has within
her limits coal enough 10 supply her various wants
for az least six thousand years.
But what are the facts with regard 10 the United
States
The anthracite region of the United States is os-
imatcd 10 cover an area OF lU,pOO square mlcF
and 10 average 5000 900 tons TO the square mile
Now, if we suppose the annual consumption Of Goa
in this country be 5000 900, which double the
present amount, we shall have a supply of snthra.
cite coal for more than thirteen thousand years
But the extent Of the bituminous coal region o
the United States far surpasses that OF the anthra
cite IL is estimated 60 cover about % 900 square
miles, varying in the thickness OF the veins bu
yielding by fair computation 5000 900 tons TO th'
square mile This will give an aggregate yield o
800, 900 100000. With an annual consumption d
900 900, there will then be a supply OF bituminou
coal in TIN. country to last for forty flee housano
years.
But the most interesting question TO us, at th,
present time, s the extent of the bituminous Goa
fields of the Cumberland region. Let look int,
tine Tor moment.
IL is estimated that the coal fields within the lin
its Of Allegany county alone will yield 1897 900 O0
tons Of coal And this fesut is arrived at after de
Quoting about one. fifth part Of the Of the Goa
basin for thOse portions which carried away II
the formation Of the valleys along the of tn
various streams. When we say that THE quautit
is more than equal to the present produce Of th
Kingdom of Great Britain, continued for periO,
| of five hundred years, we enabled 10 conve,
come idea of the munihconce OF nature 10 the IA
vorcd region in which we live.
| In conclusion, would remark, IL the coal g
! this region possesses the many supcriorities owe
all other kinds that claimed for t-and concern
/ ing which there 10 10 entertain doubt
/ thon We have in our possession source Of wcalu
and prosperity that is totally inerhaustiblc, an
which 1t would be sighting the gifts OF Providenc
not 10 deyeiope 10 It's fullest extent.