Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1883-04-21
MINING JOURNAL
rRosTBURG MD. APRIL 81, 1888
Ctty V1e,Us of the Coal Trade.

According to all indications, mat
tiers in the bituminous coal trade are
rapidly approaching crisis. and the
happenings of the next week or two
will probably decide whether or not
the hopes Of consumers that conces
sions will be possible are we'll founded
Tho hesitation shown in delaying the
award of q number of some OF the
largest contracts for which bids wer'
opened during the past two weeks II
attributed to efforts made by the par
ties using the coal to engineer break
in the railroad rates. The statements
which are brought forward to con
vince each enc of the two railroads
which has entered into the agreement
that the other has not adhered to its
provisions, are calculated to put :
severe strain upon the compact. o.,
the one hand, Cumberland coal ap-
pears to have been sold at low figure
in the Eastern market, fact which
it is urged. cannot lie entirely ex
planned away by pointing TO the
lower rates ut which this coal can b'
put down at Georgetown Via canal
On the other hand, large contracts
have been made by Clearfeld opera
tors, one of $1,000 tons within the
last two weeks, at figure alongside
in this harbor, which would leave a
direct loss OF 20 cents per ton, esti-
mating the cost Of delivering the coal
into cars at the mine at rs cents, pro-
vidsd the full schedule rate is to be
paid.
These are some OF the considerations
that enter into this knotty problem
Its solution, whether by violent OF
other means, is, we believe near al
hand. Should it lead to break, the
hituminous operators will be afforded
an opportunity to largely widen theil
market, particularly in the East.
During the week, a number o
smaller contracts have been clcesd
Current business, however, is slack
and prices are low. We quote nomi
nally, $4.95@$4.50 for Clearfeld. ant
$4.4O@$4, go for Cumberland, accord
ing TO quality.-Engineering ant
Mining Journal.
PH1LADELPHIA.-Several unfavor
able influences are at work in Thu
bituminous coal trade. Buyers art
still backward. Consumption is re
stricted by the failure Of iron man
ufacturers to make stock for futur
requirements. The iron trade is un
settled, and, as lower prices are con
fdently looked for, purchases are 3
Q hand to mouth character.
The Clsarfeld region is drivinI
ahead, regardless of danger-signals
There is no further room for cutting
of rates, and large buyers are making
purcL asses If small lots. The coCrs
Of the Pennsy vanis Railroad Com
pahv IL CONNER ded in scme quariti
i. fixing es,Iieiive r"fe. oil Clrnifi 4
coal. The Cum .rl.ni output con
be vary largely increased Presen
prices sre g. rlou ly cut, and the trad
10 ures tied. ..,e,tsLave been e, k
ing tn, ERA urgently ail h. ~ret
tut the Guc.m Ills are too s.s de
20 attract tn IN tn IN re than lits
sing wants. VI Wig ti.r slluai,u
from ali pom g, there Is not lg
aslm the str ng ore; ito but a
;'ence ant lr,nie ce ats tom rec
.Ary nn',l T. " i.press. :, Il tutm'
htt been saie'l away.
CHlCAGo.-lhe b.tumlnuus trAu
hasippIoved 10 manCf.ctur re-, tu
i'll o,her directions has fa len oil, *
cepi with railroads, wh rh are taklnt
the usual amount. The soft Goa
mines are worked oniy 10 such a,
extsLt as to fill present orders, II
surplus stock being left on hand
Some mines are worked on full lime
while others are not.
BosToE-The bituminous trad
remains very quiet, the buyers show
ing the same hesitancy that has beer
heretofore noted. Low figures con.
tinue to be made on the business tina,
is doing.-N. Y. Coal.