The age-herald., 1901-12-08
MARKET CONDITION IS
 PLEASING TO IRON MEN

The officers of all local iron companies are happy these days and because of their exuberant feelings occasionally stop to talk of the causes thereof. They say the iron market is just now in the best cos dition that it has ever been during any month of December. Sales were not so good last week on account of the fact that all companies are clearing out their yards and filling their vaults in order to make their January balances show well. But everybody is sold out far in ad- vance.
 In speaking of the conditions existant the local representative of Rogers, Brown and Company say:
 "There appear no marked changes in the iron market over conditions prevail Ing last week. It is natural that a fall ing off of orders should occur at this time as consignees prefer to have clean yard at the end of the year, that their annual statements may show less raw material on hand and more money in bank.
 'tIn answer to the cry of this district for more railroad cars to handle coal and coke. word comes from all sources that we are no worse off than other dis tricts From this we get little consola- tion, and in the face of expected improve ment in the way of increased railroad equipment the condition seems to. get worse instead of better.
 In writing of the market elsewhere, es- pecial1y in Cincinnati and New York, the firm of Rogers, Brown and Company say:
 Cincinnati-'The business of the week aggregates a good tonnage. While there have not been any large blocks sold in this district orders for 100 to 800 tons have been numerous Buying has been almost entirely for the first quarter or first half of next year, though some lots have been sold for delivery during the current month. The demand has been for every variety as usual. Lake Superior charcoal Southern charcoal and North ern silveries being conspicuous. The many 'hand- -to-mouth'' small consum ers who buy monthly or as they need the iron, are obliged to take for immediate necessities whatever may be picked up, and many mixtures have to be changed in consequence.
 Prices on Northern irons have ad- vanced during the week. Lake Superior coke foundry irons are firm at $l5.b0 Tor No. and $15 for No. 2 f. o. b. Ohio fur naces. Virginia brands have strengthened an average of 50 cents per ton on all grades There has been no advance of the Southern schedule but figures of last week are established and firm. The car works are crowded with orders and all of them running full time to the full est capacity. The railroads are at last alive to the necessities of larger equip ment, increased trackage and better terminal facilities, and everything sthat is possible is being done short of building new railroads entire. The country out grew it's railroad transportation facilities before the railroad officials realized it and there was not preparation for present traffic.
 New York-It Is doubtful if in the whole history of the iron trade the month of December ever opened with the business of the following year so completely made as it is at this writing. Mills, shops and furnaces for weeks past have been fill ing their order books with contracts run ming well into 1902, and in many cases through the entire year. Those indus tries dependent upon railroad equipment are booked far ahead. The capacity of the American Locomotive Company is reported practically sold for the year.