The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-18
THE COAL TRADE.

Cood Results 60 FeIiew-A free FlEht BE-
tween the Railroads aud the Usiou-Ehe Ad-
Vapced Tells -oaoratisns, ktc
The all-important question OF who are the
parties who are to rule the coal trade In tbs
future is now being brought forcibly before
those interested, and a speedy answer is in pro
cess of being worked out. The result Is being
anxiously waited for.
The unreasonable and outrageous manage
ment of the Miners Union has at length brought
matters to a crisis, and decided action Is now
being taken 10 put stop to unjust demands In
the future.
meeting of prominent representatives of the
Wyoming. Lehigh, and Schuylkill operators, OF
the Lehigh aud Schuylkill iron manufacturers,
and of all the prominent carrying companies,
was held during the week in New York, at the
Office of the Delaware and Lackawanna Company.
A policy was there inaugurated and since partly
carried out, which will be severely felt by the
miners This policy, we believe, is to be aided
by all the parties represented at the meeting.
The companies are now heartily tired of the uu-
ending strife between themselves and the union,
of the numerous strikes, the uni just demands,
and the general idiotic method of government
in vogue in the union, and have now taken the
law into their own hands. Such course was
threatened some time ago, but the miners would
not take warning.
The policy inaugurated was that of raising
the tolls of the carrying companies to such
high figure that no business can possibly be done
except with those who must have coal at any
price, The end aimed at is the total annihila-
ton of the union. The Reading Road has accord
ingly issued a new list doubling the former rates,
and the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh and Susque-
hanna companies have given notice of new rates
which will be nearly triple. The other compa-
nies have not been heard from, yet but they pro-
baby will be shortly.
Under these circumstances the proposed re-
sumption ordered by the General Council of the
w. B. A. is of no effect The operators who
would not consent to cooperate with each
other thinking that when all others were doing
nothing they might then have small chance,
are thus compelled to remain idle and help the
general end. s..f-
The iron men are supposed to have given their
consent and cooperation to the plan, they being
about ready TO stop anyhow on account of tue
state of their trade AT all events 1t is ques-
tisn whether they would not get more advantage
from short total stoppage now, resulting in a
more regular supply of fuel in the future.
The action of the companies Is greatly to be
commended, though it is open to some objec-
tions. The end sought is so desirable that every
one should be willing to make some sacrifices,
especially as there are such good prospects of
success. There was never so good chance for
combination on the part of those opposed to the
union for the purpose of its dismemberment, as
at present The plan, IL steadily held to, will
certainly accomplish its overthrow. 1t is better
to suffer for short season in order that we may
| have better things in the end.
The immediate effect of the higher tolls will
be to materially advance theprces at the ports.
| But 1t is thought that there need be no coal
| famine. The supply on hand at this port is
| can be had either of our regular Schuyikil
| coal already mined, or of softer varieties from
other regions, to weather through the time
| necessary. The supply in the yards in Phila-
delphia will probably last the retail trade until
about the middle of March.
One objection to the plan is that the compa-
nies may take advantage of the high prices
which the high tolls will produce and retain a
higher rate than they should after the necessity
| no more exists, making the burden to be felt by
the consumer. But even If this were so, the
public would rather be swindled by corpora
| tion not governed by ignorant men, as the union
is, which latter organization would do the same
| thing If possible.
total stoppage now on the part of the ope-
ratorsiis after all the quickest way to resump-
| ton, and therefore 1t meets with general appro-
| baton. Concession on both sides has been urged
| and tried, but on account of unfair advantages
| taken it has not been successful. The time ha:
| come for more severe measures.
AS was TO be expected, there have been hume
rous petitions started by the miners for the pur-
pose of being presented TO the Legislature, ask
| ing for eur tailment of the franchises of the
has himself been in Harrisburg looking after the
matter. The miners by means of cards In the
newspapers are appealing to phIlanthropists to
aid the cause of the workingmeu. They should
remember that philanthropists have interests oi
their own to consider, and are as much inte
rested in a fair state of the coal trade as any
| body.
Our dispatches in another column from the
| COAL IcSiOH SuoWs uOW VIC populdt iccluS
| going against the Union. This Is but straw u
show which way the wind blows.
The following is a synopsis of the trade fo
| the week from the Pottsville Miners journal o.
| to-day
"The quantity sent by rail for the week wa
O1 tons, against 3d. $50 tons for the correspondent;
| week last year. The whole supply for the week Wa
1871, ,s36 tons, against l75osi for the corresponding
| week last year. In the supply OF anthracite IA
| this year we are behind that OF last year 57I,00
| tons. and last year 1t the came period we wer
| l16,000 ahead OF the previous year. making a dife
| renee OF TAI, 200 tons so far this year. =.
''The bituminous trade is little ahead ofIlas
| years supply 90 date.
'The trade sums up for the week as follows:-