Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1888-04-17
METAL NJ ARK b1'S.
Not as Much Improvement In Iron rs tn
Amouat of Stock on Hand Warrants.

AmOnat OF STOCK on hand "arrants.
NEW YORK, April 15.-BrGdstreet'a, il
its summary of the metal markets, ssys:
Reductions have been made in crude iron
quotations Of average quality in both
Western and Eastern markets within a
week without resulting in such an i'm.
proving demand as makers feel the low
condition of stocks in their hands and
consumers' yards warranted. Southern
irou orders arc solicited ia Western mar
kats at full prices, and some additional
business has been done.
Eastern Pennsylvania iron-rnakers have
formulated their requests to the railroad
companies for lower freight charges. Fin
ished iron is in moderate demand in all
markets. Structural iron and plate and
tank iron and steel orders are increasing
in number, but do not aggregate largely.
Yet there is 10 less capacity at work than
month ago. Manufacturers generally
are avoiding the least accumulation OF
stocks. Steel rail mills are running as
usual, and the two allotments are about
absorbed. Requests have been made for
an additional one.
There is slight increase in the plate
aud wire rod and pig iron imports. West.
ern iron centers lack the usual spring ami:
ment are indulged in. Considerable roll
ing mill machinery is being contracted for,
and perfeciipg of facilities for more
economical production is in progress OF
contemplated in many places. Consider.
able locomotive causcity and rolling stock
is to be placed under contract during the
| second quarter Of the year. At Pittsburg
there las been less activity in the bar iron
business in the past two weeks than fol
some tine previous.
The stocks are small, bnt there arc some
that are being held in reserve until values
steady to point that confidence can bt
as to the future. The tariff agitation and
labor disturbances impel consumers tt
keep we'll on the safe side, and some are
taking even less than their business justi
6es. This has stimulated competition be
tween mills and jobbers until prices are
too near the coast line to be attractive OIL
profitable.
There III growing feeling, too, that all
values must rule less for both material
and labor before strong reaction will b'
felt, and there is general waiting for the
policy of the new year to develop itself
Metal stands at about the same point il
has for some time-$1S, for best No.
mill, and there is no disposition 10 90 low
er on the part of the maker unless they
can reduce it's present cost 70 them. Bar,
range from 81 so To 81 IS for known
brands, with liberal shading Of extras &C
cording 70 specifications submitted.
Pig iron prices at New York can not bt
quoted really lower. Scotch pig is quiet
Low Glasgow prices and low freights
don't stimulate business. Old rails
strong; bearisb talk more than real; actua
business is swallowed IA gospel, especially
if it gets in black and white in the papers
Iron and steel prices at mill or furnace
Pig Iron, Anth., No !: ISIS issS a 90, ISIS ISIS =,
Bar Iron. refined, perl ID. 2a2l%c 2a215c
Steel Rails, per ton. s3l 50 s3l SO
Aprill5, Lowest,
. per ton. ....,..,.....-......s2l oos2l 50 SIS %
Bar iron, refined, per ID. 2.I5a2 SOC ......
Steel Rails, per TON. s39 toaiO 90 s96 50
Comparative prices OF other metals IL
store:
Apr. l3. Apr. 6, Apr. Is. Lowest
1883 1885 1857 1884,
Copper, lake b.. l67Oc 16.6Oc IO.ioc 1917
Lead. common do
nestle ID ...... .. 4.75 4s7% 430 81
Tin. straits lb ..... $3.50 1915 22F 1917
Spclter, common
domestic, ib.... 40 l4Oa4 60 q.
Tirr advance of 1o per pound in Lake
ingot copper, which was brought about st
the close Of last week, bas been pretty
much snstainej. AS between the different
months, futures have fuctuated irregular,
IL. II is announced that all of the Lake
Superior companies have finally come into
the pool.
The contracts with the French combina.
ton will be dated from April /. covering
the production for the rest of 1888 and the
whole of 1889 and 1890. The last com.
pany to sign the agreement was the Qnin.
cy, which nets an assured profit Of &c per
pound on the transaction. The formation
Of the Tsmarack, jr., Company has been
unanimously approved by the stockhold.
ers. Calumet and Hecla shares at Boston
have ranoed frnm 127 IN 90