The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-12-21

Our SUPPLY OF CoAIaL4ction of
The Clore1 HlH Coal Conpany.-The. "cold
snap" which is upon us has awakened
more than ordinary interest in the question
of our supply Of fuel, and as to the proha-
bility OF Richmond freezing out entirely be-
lore spring comes again. We had brief
interview this morning with some of our
coal dealers, and for the purpose of inform
ing our readers as to the situation, we give
some Of the facts elected:
The supply of soft coal is, and has been
throughout the season, wholly Inadequate
to the demand. A dealer showed us or
ders on his books for Glover Hill coal
placed there on the 10Th of September last,
and while he has at times been able to sup
ply such customers with small lots, he has
not at any one time had eneugh on hand to
ill the orders in full. 1t is now with the
greatest difficulty that a dealer can get
even ton at time.
We are informed that two coal firms of
the city make a speciality of Glover Hill
coal paying the company a large bonus in
consideration OF the exclusive privileges
granted them. They were to be supplied
with all they might require. They aban-
doned all the trade in wood and other
qualities of coal, for the purpose of devot-
ing their means and time to the sale of the
product of the Clover Hill mines. So
utterly has the company failed in their
part of the arrangement, that these dealers
are thoroughly disgusted and naturally in
dignant, as their yards are bare, and they
are compelled to turn away untitled four
iifths of their orders.
The failure of the supply of Glover Hill
coal cannot be attributed to a lack of trans
portation facilities, as we are informed that
these are ample for any demand. likely to
come from Richmond. Whether there is a
diminution in the, product Of the mines, or
a discrimination against Richmond in favor
of Other. points, thus cutting off the supply
which the company obligated itself to fur
nish, are questions upon which the public
want to be informed. fs'te
We have been told that the Winterpock
vein, near the Glover Hill mine, is about
exhausted, and that it will "pan outo next
to nothing, or nothing, after this week.
The supply Of anthracite coal seems to be
abundant, and unlimited quantities can be
promptly obtained ON ORDER While there
Is no prospect of a reduction IN the price of
anthracite during the present season, there
are at present no reasons for am advance,
notwithstanding the late rise in the price of
shipment. ~ e a9g
1t is certainly a strange and unaccounta-
bic condition OF affairs that Richmond, with
coal-beds in her immediate vicinity, should
be subjected to the least tinconvenience upon
the question Of fuel. Owing to the apathy
or misdirection of her own capital and en-
ergy only, it seems to us, has it become
necessary to ,''carry fcoals to Newcastle. !"
We append the ruling prices of fuel: Pine
wood Qons9 S3a3 % per half-cord /; pine,
sawed, hali-eord, SO 50a3 Is; oak Qong)
SO 80 sawed, S4; coal, anthracite, SS 50
per ton for best, aad 50epcr bushel Glover
Hill lump, So per load of 20 bushels, and
40c per bushel; coke, SO per load and 40c
per bushels Clover Hill hail s5 80 per
load, 40c per bushels charcoal 20c per
busliel. o'siar