Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-04-25

THE PRICE OF LUMBER.

While in Philadelphia, last week, we were
led to make series of inquiries into the con-
dition of the lumber market, in order to learn
,-haf werc the prospects OF favorable prices,
and what our people might expect the
suit Of their winters labor. Through Mr..
AUTES, the gentlemanly Inspector, and other
sources, we found that the numerous lumber
yards were almost entirely bare, that the mills
had worked up nearly their entire last years
stock, and that more building permits had
been issued by the City this season, than ever
before. In addition to this, the money mar
ke. was easy, and all kinds of business wore
lively and prosperous aspect.
Impressed with these favorable auspices,
and glad that our hardy raftsmen, were to be
remunerated for their unprecedented toll,
trouble, and expense OF last twinter, we started
for Marietta, where found, much to our
surprise, that the market was dull,-the mer-
chants making no offers, and prices down
s:below zero Ou- ears were greeted with
rumors of the most unpleasant kind, and we
are sorry TO say, they seemed to be not with
out some foundation. Of these, however, we
shall have more to say at another time. 1t
only remains now to consider what course Our
lumbermen should pursue to protect their own
interests, and the interests OF the county.
That this depression at Marietta, is not the
effect Of an over supply, or want of demand,
is very evident from what We have said in the
beginning CT this article. 1t cannot be deni-
ed that it has been brought about by other,
and erpcrtc causes. In view Of this fact there
J,,,,- ,-I,o
in their power, and who are residents of our
county, to act in concert and proceed at once
to take such measures as will bring the price
to its proper standard. All our men want is
that they shall be paid for their labor, and we
have no doubt there are those on the river
now who can bring it about, if they are dis
posed to do so.
Ii eastern spectators can buy the lumber
at Marietta, at ten and eleven cents, and real
ize profit by floating it round to New York,
why cannot our monied men do the same
thing, and thus preserve that profit within our
own county There are men in Clearfield
who can command just as much money, as
those who carry larger corporations" and
wear broader briIned straw hats, and now is
their time to use it. Let them take the RATS
at Marietta,-pay the owners their expense
money, which they'll all be willing to take,
and run them round to New York, Philadel-
phia and Baltimore themselves, and realize
the profits that eastern spcoulators are seek
ing TO put into their own pockets. They will
not only benefit themselves pecuniarily, but
they will have the proud satisfaction that they
have protected the interests of the county,
and they will receive the united thanks of our
whole people.
Now is the time for those who profess to be
the friends of the people of Clearfield to de-
demonstrate it. ssThey who are not for US
are against u.s." and every man who stands
back, and permits the interests of our county
to suffer, deserves to be branded as traitor to
his friends and neighbors, and unless we arc
greatly mistaken in the sentiment of the peo-
pie, ne may anticipate traitors doom.