Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-16
NO MARKET FOR COKE.
The Demand Continues to Fall Of and
Production Is Being observation-disclosures
5000 Ovens Are Now Inactive
Drop in Shiumeuts.


Production Is Being observation-disclosures
5000 Ovens Are Now Inactive
Drop in Shipments.
ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPATcu.l
SCoTTDALE, Jan. l5.-It is an indisputable
fact that there is lull in the coke market. The
indefinite suspension of the many furnaces pre-
cludes the possibility of an early improvement.
1t is plainly apparent that the surrounding con-
ditions will become more enfeebled. An event
of vital Importance to the coke region has
transpired in the banking OF the Mahoning and
Shenango Valley furnaces. These plants con-
sumed hundreds of cars daily, and IN
consequence the Western demand has suffered q
wonderful diminution. The banking OF these
plants was forewarned in THE DISPATCH
some weeks since. in the event that rallroad
companies would not carefully consider tnelr
demands. The coke producers, the main sur.
ferers OF this shutdown. reduced the price OF
coke 25 cents a ton to help them out OF the
hole. There are rumors of dissatisfaction
among Eastern furnacemen over prices, Dut
there is no confirmation of them in this region.
There was but little activity in the district last
week, and still there was a creditable amount
of business done. despite the lessened demand.
Orders we're filled with notable alacrity. the
transportation facilities were GOOD
rapidly to destination. One operator
spoke as follows: The outlook is
unIavorable. 1t has not been SO blue IN cor
year, you will remember, that at this time there
was enormous demand for production and
Unprecedented shipments. To the downward
tendency of the pig ir,n market. and the
blowing out of furnaces attending it, is
due the present embarrassing situation:
We hope fondly that an improved demand
our workmen, they are extrayagant, and in
all justice a reduction should be accepted by
them"
The demand continues to fall off. and for the
Lad axsrffh In
are standing at the plants because of TO
market for them. The various produc-
ing companies are directing their efforts
10 restoring trade to normal condition. but are
forced to restrict production still further on
account of lack of orders. The Hecla Com
pany has notified its employees that by reason
of the depression in trade, they will close down
% per cent more of their ovens, making 80 per
cent that will be ont Of blast Many of
the independent operators have already
90 per cent of their ovens out of blast. The
panies shut down Is per cent of their interests
on Friday and Saturday of last week. The
Schoonmaker Company closed Ill ovens at
Redstone, "a at Mutual, IS at J1mtown and
Sterling, 30 at youngstown and IS at Central.
The Southwest Company shut down l62 ovens
at Moorhead and 100 at Southwest No. 4.
The Calumet Company closed AZ ovens. Be-
tween 3o and 40 per cent of the whole region is
idle. Five days operations the rule in
the region last week. Mcclure ran five days,
and will make the same run this week. Frick.
oCHOOnuldkcT anu Ino ooubuWtsI COtup<IIcS
observed the one-day shutdown. The
smaller operators all made the same
run with a couple of exceptions. Rainey
made six days as usual. The list of inactive
ovens numbers over $500 There have been
assumptions, nor are there likely to be any soon.
number OF the works have been boarded up.
which is sign of prolonged idleness. The
covers prevent the ovens from cTum-
bling away. The United, Hill Farm
and Charlotte plants are still idle. The
construction of the new Juniata plant
is being pressed vigorously. There are yet over
TO- 400 active ovens.
Shipments last week averaged 734 cars per
day, as against 1.024 cars of the previous week.
The total decrease was l,537 cars Followiugis
the record of conSignmenis: 10 points west of
Pittsburg, 2096 cars: to Pittsburg and river
tlpples ], go cars; to points east of Pittsburg,
!, ,257 cars; total. SOS cars. Following is the
record OF the preceding week: To points west
of Pitusburg 2S50 cars; TO Pittsburg and river
upples 1.940 cars; to points east of Plttsburg,
$50 cars; total. 140 cars. Prices are thus:
Furnace coke, 81 80: foundry, 81 30; crushes,
s. 65-all T. q. b. cars at ovens. Freight rates
are as follows: