Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1873-07-24
The Coal Tradc-A(lyicc 10 Consumers

The Philadelphia Ledger of Monday
says: "The total production of all
kinds Of coal for the week has been
5O2, S29 tons, and for the ycur 9,3O2, 245
tons, against 9,055, 1913 tons to same
time last yerr, being an increase of
al, 1856 tons. Although it is apparent
that the coal consumption of the chr.
rent year will not be as large as was
estimated 1T the beginning OF the wear
by probably million OF tons. it Is
also evident that the production will
net be permitted to overstock the mar
kct anu thus to deprcss prices; ull the
five great carrying and coal producing
companies already have increased, or
it is understood will increase, the Jnly
prices OF coal an average OF about ten
cents per ton. AS backing and enforce
ing this determination, tho last public
sale Of Scranton coal showed an advance
Of about Is cents per ton. Thus
it is quite clear prices will be
maintained. The supply of coal com
ing OH the market is large, aud it is
not improbable may have to be arbi-
| trarily lesseued. The open avowal of
direct and willful shortening of the
supply of coal, being unpopular with
consumers, will be avoided as long as
may be, and possibly altogether, the
| expcdicnts of temporary suspensions,
"a short supply Of vessels, widely scat
tered cars, necessary work ut import ant
mines, tunnels, or tracks, providing
probably sufficient excuses for the pur-
pose of preventing over production and
it's natural consequence, reduction of
prices. I he most intelligent in the
trade are confident in the opinion that
coal will not be laid in this year at
lower prices than those ruling for the
month of July.
Concerning buying coal the New York
Times says: cit may seem inappro-
pirate with the mercury at SO degrees
III the shade, to discuss the subject of
laying in next winters fuel; but to
most heads of households no question
is more sc;,sonablc. In the days be-
fore tho war it used to be considered a
rule for the sure guidance of every
prudent family man that stock OF
coal for the following winter could be
best taken in some time in June OF
July. During the war. however, and
in the few years which succeeded, the
coal market, like all others, was forced
very much out of its usual cours e.
Production was violently stimulated
wages advanced greatly, but only after
severe and costly struggles; new trans
portation routes were brought into cx
istence; points OF supply were altered,
and depots were opened by competing
companies in many sections previously
supplied, mainly or wholly, by one. As 8
consequence, rapid advances and
equally rapid declines became ire
quent, and any attempt by the ordinary
purchaser of coal for household use, t.
anticipate tho course of the market
however, became vain. This year,
however, We believe, it is safe to say
that the course of the market will bt
tconstantly, though we trust steadil,
upward. The production CT coal il
now substantially under the control Of
a combination of the miners and min
ing companies, who have determined
on the policy of a sure and probably
gradual advance. The lowest limit i.
set at ten cents per ton, at Wholesale
each month. The probability is thai
coal laid in now will be bought at from
twelve aud a half to thirty per cent
cheaper than that, purchased Oh the
opening OF the cold weather.