The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-08-28
The Coal Trnde.

The Coal Trade.
While there is very little change notice
able in the retail coal trade t is undeniably
true thai the wholesale side of the traffic is
much improved As we have had occasion
to report for each successive week for the
past month or more, the trade has steadily
bettered. Those in the trade, that is, in the
production of coal, are working in better
accord, and there is apparent in all the seve-
raj departments of the trade seeming
thorough understanding that to raise the
trade to its trds worth each several interest
must respect that of every other. Such is
the working arrangement now, and per-
meates through the whole range of anthra-
cite production, transp' alton and con-
sumption. All these several interests in the
trade have been amicably adjusted, and are
now working harrnoniohsly for the benefit
of all. More coal is weekly mined more
coal is being ordered to the bins and yards
of consumers, and prices are fairly main
tained. All the more intelligent of the
newspapers interested in the trade COM
mend the policy now pursued fair prices,
steadily maintained. The frequent hhctua-
tions in the,prices of coal that so generally
characterize the coal trade, though some
times higher than currant prices do not in
sure as healthy and desirable business as
attends lower but steady prices. The ex-
pected advance in prices Of coal has been
announced. After the successful carrying
out of the idea that has been inaugurated
and adhered to this season-the keeping Of
the supply within the demand-iL will not
be found difficult TO convince dealers and
consumers that the companies are bound to
conduct their business upon business prin-
ciples. The retail dealers are doing little
more than they were, but they still find il
dithcult to convince the people that coal is
not to be had at the same prices that ruled
during the disastrous year oflS79. The fight
for place, at the expense of profit, was such
a very disastrous one TO the companies en-
gagged in it that we cannot fairly look for a
repetition, for some years to come at least.
In addition to the improved condition Of
trade, the only other subject receiving at
tenton is the proposed advance of prices.
Where this is at all marked it is mostly
favored by the managers of companies
whose financial necessities apparently lead
them off from the true interests of their
companies and the trade. The present prices
Of coal should be, and are, quite remunera-
tive on large business; and are accepted by
the public with as little complaint as could
be expected. Any marked advance would
bring forth the cry of monopoly" and the
business would be reduced to a considerable
extent, while wages at the mines would
have to be advanced. The anthracite coal
trade is in a more healthy condition to-day
than it has been for years, ana, if left alone,
is more likely TO take care of itself from
this time than to be benefited by the expert
ments Of the doctors who have been ops-
rating on and affecting it for several years
past. The greatest cause for distrust of the
companies by the public has come from the
fact that coal could always be purchased for
less than the circular rates. If the situation
will warrant it there will be no necessity Of
"meeting" to advance prices. Ifthe sales
men see that they can get more for their
coal they can demand it, but this will be
when there is difficulty in getting it any
where at circular rates, and not until then
tuil tba do o,,l al,
coal trade will in, a very short time conf
mand action with tolls. The revival Of
general business and the domestic necessi-
ties of the season will soon prove urgent in
their connection with the demand and
prices Of COAL 4 contemporary Justly re-
marks that there has been so much nge-
nious evasion of the law of supply and de-
mand, in its application to this necessary
article, that it is difficult to state with any
precision what its price will be, but there
are figures available which, if the business
is legitimately conducted, will afford an APP
proximete computation of what it should
be. Two years ago Reading claimed to be
putting coal on its cars at the mines for
ninety cents ton ; it may cost little more
or less now, but the difference will scarcely
affect the ultimate price at retail. The cost
of transportation is whatever the Reading
Railroad Company chooses to ask, and it is
choosing TO ask reasonably fair rates. Tie
average charge of all the railroads for car
rying general merchandise is one cent per
ton per mile, and this, of course, includes a
profit According to figures in Reading re-
ports, itcosts about one-quarter less to carry
coal than general merchandise, which would
give three-quarters of a, cent per ton per
mile. Estimating that all coal is hauled the
entire length Of the Reading road one hun
dred miles, the cost would be seventy-6ve
cents per ton 10 Philadelphia. Granting
twenty-five cents per ton for royalty on the
coal in the mines, and ten cents per ton
margin for incidentals, we have a total cost
OF 50 per ton. Doubling these figures, and
making the selling price 81 per ton 1T would
be what it was before the war, and on, a
plane with nearly all other articles of con-
sumption. Those who. feel aud know that
they must have coal in the near future will
contemplate the present situation and pro-
bable future of the coal market with the
interest thatits importance demand.-Ledg,
er, Monday.
WeisSpOrt Items. $50,
&C. W Ientz is layinp The foundation