New-York tribune., 1873-01-18
THE COAL TRADE.
PRICES ADvANCING-THE PHILADELPHIA TRADE
STILL DISTURBED THE ENCROACHMENTS OF
THE ARGE COMPANIES.
Washington, Jan. II, 1873.

PRICES ADvANCING-THE PHILADELPHIA TRADE
STILL DISTURBED THE ENCROACIMENTS OF
THE LARGE COMPANIES.
The coal trade was sensibly affected yester-
day by the proceedings at the meeting Thursday.
Coal advanced 25 cents per tun and expected to be
dearer The average price Of S. per tan at shipping
points adopted at the meeting WILL it is generally be-
eved go into effect the 1st of February. The retail
price thereafter in this city will be about 81 per tun
The Philadelphia coal dealers are still dsgusted by
the measures, and further agitation IS expected
Commenting Mr.. Gowen's letter, The North American
says:
"Tbe argument OF Mr.. Gowen seems proper and fair
one and we have no doubt he has given the matter
most careful consideration. II he insure equally
good coal at lower price, he has strong point IN ms
favor at the start We not clear as 10 the prOpr
ETY. concentrating the entire trade In control
Competition from the beginning of tme has been tie
activity OF the gentlemen who would, under the new
SYSTEM be entirely excluded from the trade have dore
much 10 gain for IL the vast proportions to which 1t mas
grown"
Regarding the encroachments Of the consolidated rail-
road and mining companies the coal business Of
schuyln County, The Scranton Republican says;
The Reading Coal and Iron Company-whose stock
holders the stockholders OF the Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad Company-haye already acquired,
within two years, 81 tracts In Schuykl County, and Is
tracts in Northumberland containing in the aggregate
9j,669 These lands are not unimproyed, many
ieres in seRGyiill County n in Northumberland and
in Columbia. The Lehgh Valley Railroad Company
"a
have acquired lands on which there are not less than
dozen cOheries opened. Other carrying companies
me PottsriHe Miners Journal for the assertion that
there to-day only IL tracts OF coal
land with open coieries in the entire Schuykl region
that not owned by transporting companies II this
is true and have to doubt it, then II Is evil
dation and monopoly. The Philadelphia aud Reading
Company with their 95 coeries and main line OF outlet
position That they will use their advantages Is not 10
be doubted This.company has the power 10 make the
coal business very Improbable to all other operators IN
the region whose coal must pass the Philadelphia
and Reading Road There can be competition between
the company tnat owns both mines and railroads ana
kill region viii not be the first to make tins discovery by
experience
There are several coniery owners who are willing to
abide by the just adopted although they
do not approve of forming organization wherein they
feel the influence Of the large companies would prepon
derate.
Regarding the probability that higher prices will be
eIacted hereafter II Is said In the interest OF the large
companies that In order not 10 Impair the progress OF
the iron trade they will have TO keep the price Of coal at
reasonable rae that is the interest OF the railroad
and canal companies TO have the consumption Of coal
Increased by cheap prices hence II follows that eon
cannot wisely sacrifice the to other and finally
that the high war prices have gone 10 return III
nes is made up OF investments OF comparatively small
by persons Of moderate wealth who are entitled ~
fair returns, and feel severely adverse season.
meeting OF the Wholesale and retail coal dealers OF
Philadelphia will be held to-day 10 that city for the pur
OF organizing Coal Exchange. Some Of the dealers
declare that this necessary order that they
may not be driven Of business. The movement
forms part of the conflict arising OF the new measures
Of the Reading Coal Company.
meeting OF the Coal Dealers Association OF Phila
delphia was held last evening aud committee OF five
appointed to cooperate with thecommitee Of whole
sale dealers In preparing address TO the public In re-
ply to the letter OF the President Of the Reading Rail
road Compapy,