The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-16
AMERICAN COAL TRADE
Great Demand Abroad fer the
United States Product.
Already There Has Eccn n VAST In
crease in the Tonnage From Ports
on the Atlantic and Millions of
New Capital viii he Invested in
Mines. Ships, and Railways.

There is constantly Increasing demand
for American coal from abroad. and the
tonnage being sent from Norfolk Newport
News. Baltimore. and Philadelphia is grow
ing at pace which means a new business
10 coal men of about 200o, eco tons this
year. This may be increased by tonnage
from New Orleans, for even the Pittsburg
coal which is floated down the Ohio and
Mississippi is finding ready sale for
cargo let.
1t would be surprising to many TO know
the aggregate of this bunker coal, for if
the quantity thus disposed of was added to
the reports, there would be fully 100000
tons more. as all the steamers now plying
TO this side take in much mere coal than
has usually been the case because of the
less cost on this side of the water. For
the foreign vessel owner looks very care
fully after the matter of bunker" Goals,
and the captain is expected to take care Of
his superior's interests, and buy the nee
essary fuel at as low a cost as possible.
There has been something said in re-
gard to the possibility of foreign owners
taking steps to secure supply OF coal and
thus keeping control of the business so
far as possible, no matter where the coal
may be mined. II is known in the trade
that some representatives are already in
this country looking for investment in coal
properties and this may lead to even
greater expansion of the coal trade. II
these parties secure property they are
now seeking. and send the coal to the
many coaling stations where heretofore
English coal has alone been possible, 1t
means much for the industry of the coun-
try; the States of Pennsylvania, West Vir
ginia, Alabama, and Kentucky are likely
to furnish the tonnage thus to be account
ed for.
1t is well to note that there is continued
agitation in political and industrial circles
in Great Britain over the matter of an ex-
port duty on their coal, and there will no
doubt be commission appointed ito re-
port whether any means should be taken
to prevent the too rapid exhaustion of
coal and to preserve 1t for the sole use of
British subjects" This would include the
question Of an export duty-a duty ON coal
exported direct to Continental (European)
ports-but not for coal exported to other
countries. including the colonies depend
encies. and foreign coaling stations. An
other subject would be the question how
FAR rise In the price of coal may handi-
cap British manufacturing industries as
compared with those of foreign countries,
and encourage imports of coal from the
United States of America and other coal
producing States.
For this high price of coal is already
having its effect on general trade and
traffic in the mother country, and as the
railway companies are compelled to pay to
the colliery owner a higher rate, SO they
tthe railways) are showing signs of re-
taliation, for the Northeastern Railway
Company has notified 4 further advance
of per cent tmakiDg 10 per cent in alD
on their rates for coal carriage, the adj
vance to take effect from August 1. In
addition TO this, the tariff for the hire of
railway wagons is being increased. 49,
reflex Of the increased prices is seem
in the rates paid by the London County
Council for its supply of coal for the year
forward from July /. for, as compared
with previously existing contracts, there is
an advance OF IS 4d, or, say, 81. per ton,
so that it is not to be wondered at that
the British householder and taxpayer Is
writing to the newspapers about the cost
of coal. For slack coal to the pumping
station the council has agreed to pay
rate equal to $3.50 per ton, while for coal
TO the fire engines rate of Sc per ton is
to be paid.
All this demand for American coal has
come about within the current year. and
nc figures beyond the monthly statements
of the customs are available to show that
is being done: yet, as stated above, there
is tonnage from Norfolk and other ports
which leads one to know there Is much IN
store for us. On the question of quality,
all the old preiudices which may have ex-
listed have been wiped aside by the stern
necessity of the occasion. and it is crafty
ing to note that the shipments made to
Mediterranean and other ports have
proved to be satisfactory in quality and
otherwise.
Perhaps had American shippers foreseen
the possibilities of SO great an extension
of their foreign trade they would have
been willing TO have made greater dis
play. and given publicity of their oppoi.
tunities for shipments, at the Paris Ex
position. And yet, in spite OF ALL there is
a showing of over one hundred Goals OF
this country at that great show beside the
Seine.
There has always been large tonnage
10 Germany. but this must be falling off,
for it is reported by officials that the
scarcity of fuel continues, notwithstanding
that production on the Rhine and in
Westphalia has reached limit never be-
fore attained for il exceeds that of last
year by per cent. There are rumors OF
further increase in prices. though. of
course the output is practically disposed
OF up till next April. II is also said that
American coal could be used. We're it prac-
ticabe to secure vessel tonnage at less
figures for freight. 1t is thought that
something must be done in the way of
purchasing or building ships, to get ahead
on this trade. Surely in this land of syn
dicates and combinations of capital there
must be found the opportunity for in
creasing the merchant service, and reap
ing profit.
A combination of German and American
forces on this score would be practicable,
no doubt. for the Germans understand the
operations of syndicates fully. in coal and
iron The great Rhenish Westphalian coal
syndicate with the subordinate coke syn
dictate attached to it. was organized in
1899. and until 1898 supplied with fuel all
the large iron Industries of East Prussia.
In the latter year. however, many of these
firms began to buy up various colleries
incl.ded in the syndicata for their oHn use
Krupp led the way by the purchase of the
coiliery Hannibal which in 1898 produced
330.3ll tons. The Hoesch Company at
Dortmund bought the colllery Westphalia,
which in 1893 mined .G9, 766 tons of coal
and made 1884 tons of coke. and others
would follow II they could; in despair
thereof they turn their eyes westward and
are asking quotations on coal for delivery
at Continental ports.
II is the great supply of excellent Ameri-
can bitumincus coal that Is locked to as
the relief to high prices abroad. and the
sof; coal roads are preparing to do more
business, for the Chesapeake and Ohio,
NnrfoIls and Western Southern ppunsyl-
yania, and Baltimore and Ohio railroads
I..,ildinc ni. having nlnns o. fol