The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-06-11
GENERAL NEWS
Of INDUSTRIES

The bituminous coal operators OF
Central Pennsylvania have re affirmed
their previous determination to not
grant the advance asked for by the
striking miners Unless the latter re-
turn to work, it is understood that
their places will be filled with new
men, who, if necessary, will be put to
work under police protection. Presi-
dent Janney, of the Huntingdon and
Broad Top railroad. in speaking about
the situation Saturday. said that the
last few days showed evidencs of re-
sumption, especially in the West Vir-
ginia coal fields While during the
height of the strike his road. he said,
had been carrying only from 200 to 800
tons OF conl daily.,it carried on We'd
nesday 1850 tons, and on Thursday
1900 tons. Mr.. Janney is firmly of the
opiuion that when resumption takes
place it will be with rush and that
the railroads will make mp all of their
lost coal tonnage before the year is
out.
While since the promulgation of the
new June circular new orders for an.
thracite have not been abundant, sufi-
cient old ones are on the companies
books to keep production moving for
several weeks to come. Moreover the
western car demand is good and the
line and local trade is satisfactory,
The market promises to be easy. there
fore, for some time. The operators are
getting their mines in good condition
again, and by tomorrow practically
every colliery will bs in shape unless
more rain should come.
So many iron and steel plants have
been compelled to close for want Of
fuel or want of raw material, says the
Philadelphia Inquirer, that trade is al
most at q standstill. Manufacturers
are not able to fill orders ard consun-
ere, knowing this havo withdrawn
from tho market. OF course there is
some little business doing. but it is for
small lots only and for early delivery
and at higher prices than consumers
are willing TO pay in the future. From
these temporary and artificial condi-
tions there can be no escape until the
coal strike is ended aud business all
over the country returns to its normal
state. Meanwhile the few producers
of iron who are in position to fill
urgent demands can name practically
their own prices. But this does not
make market and only confirms CO l.
sumers in their determination to hold
aloof until the future is clearer. 1t is
noticeable, however, that opinion is
turning in favor of the position that
higher prices for iron products will
rule this fall Ore is distinctly firmer
in tone; coal and coke will be no
cheaper nor will freight rates be any
lower.
When the new cruiser Minneapolis,
which made her great record last week
while using anthracite, makes her next
speed tests, with her bunkers filled
with bituminous, an excellent series OF
comparisons can be drawn between
the Two fuels 1t appears to be the be-
lief of the ships builders and engineers
that she will add two knots to her speed
per hour by uss OF soft coal. Even
should this prediction be realized
which is doubtful, it will still remain
great feather in anthracite's cap
that the fastest time yet steamed by
war cruiser should have been recorded
to the credit of hard coal II the items
of increased comfort and cleanliness be
taken into account, the superiority Of
anthracite will not be opsn to quss-
tion.
The statement Of shipments OF an.
thracite coal approximately, for the
week ended June 2, 1894 compared
with the corresponding periol last
year. is ~ follows: