Frostburg mining journal., 1883-05-26

The trade is dull, AMI there is con
siderable talk of low offerings of coal.
Rumors of low prices of Cumbsrlan'
1t Baltimore and of Clear6sld a,
Philadelphia are numerous, and We
nave every reason to believe are not
entirely without foundation. Current
business is small, and strong efforts
are made for what there is of it. We
quote Clearfeld alongside at $40
81 25, and Cumberland at $4.l0@
$4.35, according to quality.
PHILADELPHIA. Most Of the lead
ing soft coal operators complain OF
dull trade and gloomy prospects; but
the figures Of weekly production and
the production OF the season, compar-
ed with last years, show that a very
fair business is done. 1t ia true that
season contracts are quite difficult to
place, and that large buyers are hold.
ing back for the twofold reason that
at present they do not require coal
except in small lots, and that lower
prices ale probable in few weeks
Bituminious operators figure cut these
hcpes to be impossible, and show con-
clusively that present prices are the
lowest that can be named. Clear6eld
operators and others who are prepar-
ing to develop mines in the central
coal-felds Of the State are looking
with interest for the opening up Of
Eastern and Western markets. Thsre
is quite an influx Of labor; and should
the demand not improve, a reduction
in wages will probably be attempted,
The excess of Cumberland coal 30 far
this year is 25 900 tons, which with
the Clsarfeld excess makes Q total
surplus of over 100000 tons. This
surplus, thrown upon declining
market, accounts for the lower price
at the mines of l5 cents per ton. Be-
sides this, there is less cutting of rail
road rates. Manufacturing demand
is supplying itself very cautiously
and as no further concessions can be
made, buyers are left to buy coal OF
let it alone.
CHIoAao.-The bituminous market
shows marked improvement. Many
large contracts have been consummat-
ed the present week, and trade with
manufacturers has increased. The
outlook for healthy trade is sncourag.
ing, and prices, though not advanced
are firm. All the manufacturing es
Establishments in Chicago and vicinity
will coon be running full time, and
the demand for coal will be increased.
AS an indication of that fact, the
converting works and rail-m:ll de,
partments of the Chicago works oi
the North Chicago lolling-mill com
pany started up this week with from
700 10 800 men. The converting and
rail-mill departments of the Joliet
steel company's works, at Joliet, Ill.
started up on the 18th inst. The
Union iron and steel company oi
Chicago has decided to start its work,
on the lst Of June.
Boston. There is no excitement
in the bituminous trade. We learn
Of no new contracts. About all have
been taken, and the problem is tc
ship at the best obtainable freights
There does not seem to be much in,
quiry for small lots of bituminous
Parties using coal in that way are
generally smaller manufacturers, and
they are supplied for the present
There are considerable deliveries o.
gss.coal at this time, but most Of the
contracts have been placed. Provin.
cial shipments continue small. w,
quote Cumberland and Clea r6eld coal
f. o. b, at $295 and $500, respec
lively, at Baltimore and Philadel,
phis.-N. Y. Coal.