New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-30
CHEAPER COAL IN SIGHT.
THE COMPANIES FORCED TO REDUCE THE
APRIL SCHEDULES.
GROWING INDICATIONS OF A BREAK Up IN TIE
MoNOPOLY-sTILL KEEPING PRODUCTION

GROWING INDICATIONS OF A BREAK Up IN TIE
MoNoPoLY-sTILL KEEPING PRODUCTION
DOWN BY AGREEMENT.
The anthracite coal combination Is perceptiby
weakening. Lower prices seem inevitable. and II
will be the fault Of public protest II the
concessions wrung from the producers are not
shared in some degree with the consumer. Every
householder now has ground to demand
from the "middlemen" cheaper prices than they
have heretofore cxacted. for the producing COM
panes have formally recognized the downward
tendency of coal. Every other commodity has
undergone tremendous shrinkage in value in
the last year two. and black diamonds" are
now beginning to get upon basis nearer to the
price Of ordinary precious gems. The sales agents
OF the anthracite coal producing companies yes
teriay voted to reduce the price OF stove and
chestnut coal to SO % a ton for April delivery
and the price of egg and CRATE to SO 50. These
figures show a decline from March circular prices
of 40 cents a ton. but the real reduction is smaller
While some Of the companies which pay per
cent dividends and put aside a big surplus in
addition are unable to stand idle for time
while they hold rates, the other corporations
which are in the hands of receivers or don |
pay dividends. have been making sales below the
nominal figures. The cuts IN prices nave 'diIe"
but they have ranged from 10 to % cents. The
new April schedules therefore, represent an act
ual reduction of only II TO 80 cents
The significance of the formal reduction OF the
schedules, however, lies in the fact that IL may
afford evidence that the coal barons are be-
ginning to recognize the force Of the demand
for cheaper fuel 1t is believed in the coal trade
that the spring circular VIII simply furhish Il
basis from which fresh cuts can be made by
the smaller coal companies The wholesale BUY
ers will be likely to hold off through the coming
months, with a view Of making cheap contracts
in the summer Or early autumn. Inc rcu"V-
ton in freight charges forced on the coal carry
ing roads will stimulate the tonnage ot lhde-
pendent operators. and this In turn Will EN-
barrass the efforts Of the coal combination 10
exact it's cvorItant charges In fact, the situation
may increase the friction between tine companies
and hasten the disposition now shown by each
one t. work It's coal trade with a seHlsn view
II the monopoly can once be invaded Dy the
wedge Of discDri there may be an excellent OppOr-
tunity for the consumer To receive the dement,
Of an internal quarre-a benefit badly heeheu
when profits. wages and every source OF income
are being cut down t. the great mass or con-
sumcrs. - =,
The coal barons are Sill seeking. however. TO
hold mower over The trade by sitting production
Fnrced To- face lower values for their product
they are still clinging To- the bolstering policy OF
= reduced output. TIE sales agents yesterday
decided t. continue production on the basis OF
year. The production in April 1872 was %'oooooo
tons g, that only 100000 tons viii be dolcd ou'
nevt month for the sake of keeping back the
Downward tendency cf prices II is thought 10y
SOM. observers that the policy OF restriction VIII
soon begin T. wear out the patience 81 those
who follow Il. and II on go the concord 81 inc COa
cor,panlcs were disturbed on this point the pros
noe, or cheaper coal for the householder ana
manufacturer who are pinched by the nara tunes
WDulI materially brighten.