Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-25
IRON TRADE REVIEW.
Sales During the Past Week Were
Larger and Holders Are Firm.
SOFT STEEL BILLETS ADVANCING.
Some Contracts Being Placed With Strike
Clause Inserted.
THE STEEL RAIL MARKET PICKING UP
OFFICE OF THE DISPATCH,
PIrrsBURG, FRIDAY, June "a, 1892.

PrrrsBURG, FRIDAY, June q, 1892. (
Raw iron and steel-The unsettled con-
dition of the labor question here and
throughout the Shenango and Mahoning
Valleys is calculated to seriously interfere
with business. There are all kinds of
rumors afoat, but up to this date nothing of
q definite character has been decided on.
The men and manufacturers differ so widely
in their views as to give rise to the suspi-
zion that both parties are prepared to yield
something and that the adoption of COM
promise scale may satisfactorily settle the
controversy. Meantime the uncertainty
is causing some consumers to
place contracts at other points that
would otherwise have been made here, and
certain Western manufacturers are insisting
upon strike provisions in their contracts.
Until this matter is definitely arranged the
trade will be disturbed and but little
progress can be made toward permanent
improved condition of affairs.
An Eastern Manufacturers Views.
A well-informed Eastern dealer thus de-
scribes the situation: "1n nearly every
branch o. the trade conditions are as un-
satisfactory as it is possible for them to be,
the close competition for business among
of profit on sales extremely narrow. When
consumers insist upon a special brand of
iron prices are more satisfactory, but even
with all the advantages of efficient and
economical plants there are many furnaces
that find il difficult to make iron for prices
now ruling. The principal pressure to sell
is chiefly of brands that are not so well
known as to be classed among the stand
ards the leading furnaces reporting
demand sufficient to absorb the larger
BRf hni On e.
fore not anxious to offer concessions
in prices or in date of delivery to
secure orders outside their regular line
of customers. Notwithstanding the liberal
quantities OF iron that are offered for yarl-
ous deliveries, at prices below anything
ever reported in this market, there appears
to he a better feeling manifested This Is
probably due to the fact that the more
active demand OF the past few weeks has
resulted in reduction of accumulated
stock showing that production and con-
sumption are more nearly equalized."
Southern brands of iron continue to be
s disturbing factor in the market Owing
TO the special quotations made by many of
the southern plants, and the numerous
brands offered, it is difficult to accurately
name the prices ruling
steel Rails Looking Up.
The outlook for new steel rails is reported
satisfactory: orders are steadily increasing
at fair prices-the same that have been cur
rent the past year. Sales reported from
y
have aggregated l33 900 tons more than
durinG the same period Of last year.
This fact is of itself one of great encourage
meut. Another good sign in connection
with our steel rail trade is the certainty that
an order for 40 900 tons of rails for new
road west of the Aleghenies will soon be
placed. The steel rail trade has greatly i'm
proved within the last 80 days.
The demand for Bessemer pig has been
well maintained Within a few days block
OF 10000 tons was sold to Bellaire mill at
current rates. Steel billets are in good de-
mand: sales during the month of June were
the largest for any month since the first of
Gue year. Muck bar dull: demand restricted.
hNelp iron and steel firm; narrow and wide
ErOnved show an advance.
The latest-The demand for Bessemer pig
and soft steel billets has been active with
liberal amount of transactions for the sea-
son. especially in Bessemer, some of the |
sales extending until the close of the year.
Prices have been well maintained, both de- |
scriptions advancing. Following are the |
weeks transactions: