The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1881-04-16
The ConrTrado.

The Coal Trade.
or the anthracite coal trade, says the
Philadelphia Ledger, OF Monday, we have
contradictory reports as to It's condition.
While some report Il better and more active
in demand, others report orders for coal
scarce. The fact, however, that there has
been a further suspension Of three days
mining during the current week Is evidence
of slack demand for coal. It is well known
that the supply Of coal left over from last
year is comparatively small. We hear Of no
reduction OF prices. A large coal operator
here spent some days the past week among
those engaged in the trade at New York,
and they report orders for coal on the IN
crease. II this be true, and continues, there
is no apprehension OF brake in prices very
soon. Tho stock of coal is gradually lessen
ing. Still suspension Of production goes on
with seeming unanimity, and, while this
action holds, the outlook ofthe trade can
not be considered other than as good. The
decision Of the suit Of the Philadelphia aud
Reading Railroad, which was announced on
Saturday morning, has somewhat unsettled
all speculations Ms to the future Of the coal
trade. One thing, however, seems toler-
ably certain, namely, that the combination
formed last year will be continued through
the present year, and 50 long MS IL is con:
tinued the cnal trade can scarcely fail to he
profitable to all the several interests engaged
III it-mine owners, miners, operatufs, trans
l'orters aud consumers. The unity Of action
Of the combination controlling the trade
seems firm and decided. And as long as
unity is maintained prices will be IU the
control Of the producers; the sooner the con
suners bring themselves ~ knowledge of
this fact the better in all probability will il
Ge found ior them. The companies have as
sumed position On maintaining prices
from which they are not at all likely To re-
cede. The market lor 1881 will require an
unusually large supply oi coal, and ii the
sluggish movement OF the product should
necessltate the cnntnuanre Of half time
work much longer, instead Of having the
business OF the year comfortably distributed
throughout the season, we may look TO see
il crowded into the last half Of the year.
The result of this would he that the tin.d
and over-eOnfident now would then be Bc
tive competitors, lively scramble fnr coal
ensne, and ,rices undoubtedly 60 much
higher than would otherwise lie the case.
II is intimated that an advance in circular
prices will be nlade May LIST. Rumur says
the advance will be IS cents per ton.
In order to settle some contradictory re-
parts as to the workings in the coal regious,
the cuininittee of the Scluylkill Coal Ex
change have issued circular announcing
that the anthrucite coal interests have agreed
To the stnppAge of c,,al mining the last three
days OF tins week, that is To say, stop work
on April 18th, 18th aud 10th. To fully
carry out the spirit Of .he agreement il is
essential that the mining and hoistin1, pre-
parati"n and loading Of cnal during those
days bc entirely discontinued, and it is ear
nestly hoped that the sbove agreement for
suspension will be carried out by every one
IN perfect good faith.