New-York tribune., 1871-01-04

since IL argues no increase on the product OF
1859. We are confident that the production
of Charcoal Pig in Virginia, North Carolina
and Alabama, must have considerably exceeded
the $4,000 tuns credited TO the entire South.
And, surely, there has been largo increase
in the product of the Northwest, including
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin,
with considerable Increase also in the South
and Southwest. Where has there been
falling of to balance thiss
Old Rails have maintained pretty uniform
price, despite the fall In Pig: their price ay-
eraging $50 at the opening of 1859, and $50 at
the close of 1870.
Mr. Samuel nus comments on the general
aspects of IrOn-workng in 1870:
EFle Bloom trade for the year has not been satisac
tory the producers OF the higher grades Of Charcoal
Blooms having unable to fnd purchasers at rcmu
nerative prices and many orgos throughout the country
nIe idle The average price OF Cold Blast Charcoal
Blooms been from s5 to 900, according TO quality
and no large sales have been effected. In Run out
Blooms, trade has been better the consumption being
principally for Wire and Sheet prices have ranged
from 80 to $50.
"In Cinder Blooms comparatively little has been dono
prices ranging from SEQ to s63.
"In Northern Champlan Slabs prices bayo fallen
low the cost OF But few VI the forges
now running and almost all work in tho Champsin dis
trct already, will be, suspended This state OF
affairs Ia brought about by tho substitution OF Pudded
Pig Iron, which forms much cheaper stock for the e.
No. PlateIron than the Slabs, but undoubtedly pro-
duces an inferior PlateIron. Blooms for Steel and low
priced Wire have made profit, and sales have
been difficult and slow.
"In Rails. both domestic and foreign, the year has
been good one: the domestic production IS estimated ut
Goo 900 tuns and the mpOraons $4,000 uns NJ prices
both for foreign and domes tie that yielded fair margin
OF profit In consequence of the high price OF old Rails
and the reduction in Pig Irons many Of the mills have
lately increased their pudding capacity. Prices have
ranged from $50 to s72 the latter being the ruling price
for the year In Domestic Steel Rails, the production
has been considerably increased it being estimated
ut 700 tuns and prices have ranged from s)5 to so
and the quality much improved From the Increased 90
mand for Steel Rails may look for largo yearly In
crease In their production.
"Iu Bar Iron the fluctuations for the year have been
the present price being l, and the price IN
July about s3 Most Of the mills complain that even at
the higher figure there no profit; consequently they
must be suffering lose. 1t will be seen that
the reduction in price much greater than that IN zig
IroD and, labor IS but little lower, the manufacturers
have but little to balance Tho difference. The mills have
generally boon FOIL but seldom pressed with work.
:" The PateNis have generally been busy throughout
The year, but at unremuneratvc prices.
Iu closing this review of the past years business al
though must be admitted that it not s satisfactory
1t might have been, still there is but little reason for
Complaint when compare interests with the Others
in this country Stocks o. material both In produ-
GERS and consumers hands, remarkably Hight which
coupled with the improved condition Of the South (Which
have every reason to believe will be large consumer
Of our producs, the growing Iron shpbuding Interest
the substitution OF Iron for Wood in bridges and build
ngs and the constantly Increasing demand for Rails,
cause us 10 believe that in the future we shall have
more active trade at remuneratiyc figures