The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-11-29

Scotch pigs-that of some heavy
"bear" accounts reported to be still
open, and which have to be covered
in but this is feature Of only slight
significance compared with the other,
if the American duties should be
taken off iron. The iron trade has
for long time suffered, chiefly from
the entire absence Of any American
demand. We do not say that there
is any prospect of that demand i'm
proving just yet, but certain it is that
in the event of America again COM
ing to this country purchasing our
iron with its enormous power Of con-
sumption, our existing stocks, reduc-
ed rs they are, would very speedily
he at sOrhed, the numerous furnaces
now standing lille would again be put
into blast. the doors of The various
closed works would be reOpened, and
once more would the iron trade OF
this country be placed in flourish
IbS COiIuItIOl W CAtCIIu AIo luNOinOAO
and beneficial influence over other
metals and the various different
branches of commere.
But this is picture too bright and
cheerful in the present gloomy state
of trade we merely bring it forward
to show how complete change-a
sudden revolution. i'm fact-might be
speedily effected. if only the Ameri-
can demand for iron could be restored
and cultivated. But now the trade
takes gloomy view Of the situation.
If stocks are reduced. the power Of
supply has enormously increased, and
it is not thought necessary to keep up
such heavy stocks as IN years gone
by, the means of transit from cPnters
of supply now being so much more
speedy, certain and efficient cOmpar
cd with what it was in times gone by
Further, it is not merely in this coun.
try that trade is SO Iniserably depres.
sed. Throughout the whole world
stagnation. depression, inactivity.
quietude, want of animation. g., are
the reports which come to hand.
From India. China, America, the.
Cape, Australia, in fact, ALI parts of
the eastern and western hemisphere,
the same gloomy complaint rene-
trates itself, as il were, with one voice
to this country, that trade Is decided-
~ bad. And how is this to be &C.
counted for? Not because there is
less doing ; we proved the reverse Or
that. so far AS metals are concerned.
only last We k ; but it is because what
has been done has proved unproft-
able.
True, the business Il not equally
divided over the whole trade there
are many of the Orks who close their
doors rather than accept current
prices. They say they cannot afford
10 go on producing and manufacture
ing at present rates, and very wisely
they determine TO do nothing rather
than work at a loss. This, too, has
the effect Of throwing 0ut of employ
ment those whom such works were
accustomed to employ. and cOnse-
uuenlly from them constant reports
come to hand of complete stand
still in business. In addition to this,
1t Is not only manufacturers and those.
whom they employ who are suffering
from a want of business. but many
merchants, shippers and others like.
wise refuse to enter into engagements
which can only he done in the keen
aud extremely close manner in which
business is Usually done at the pres-
ent time. The business that is carried
through, large and increasing as it is,
flows INTO other hands but it is of q
very unremunerative character, and
losses are frequently incurred. We
do not say from this cause that prices
are likely soon to advance. The times
appear to he too critical for that, but
it shows that when a revival does
occur, whether il be deferred or not,
then sellers are most unlikely to con.
tinue selling at the present very un.
profitable quotations..
"