The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-30
FURNACES WITHOUT FUEL
CAR SHORTAGE CAUsES CRITICAL
CONDITIONS IN IRON INDUSTRY.
Anthracite Strike the Only Other Seri-
Gus Observation-Disclosures on Bust
ness-week's Bank Clearings.

NEW YORK, Aug. 29.-R. G. Dun & Co.'s
weekly review of trade tomorrow will say:
Gradual resumption of anthracite coal
mining Is encouraging. although the output
is not yet sufficient to have any commercial
value. Business conditions are unsatisfac-
tory at the strike center. but reports from
all other sections indicate unusually prompt
revival after the summer vacation season,
with exceptionally large operations among
dealers in the agricultural regions. Not
withstanding some bad weather, large crops
are now practically assured, although the
most sanguine results may not be attained
Manufacturing plants are now fully occu-
pied as a rule. the least gratifying reports
coming from furnaces that cannot secure
coke owing to railway blockades. The
transportation problem is becoming serious,
as the factor of crop moving is about to be
added, and, moreover. much coal must be
moved by rail that usually goes by lake and
canal. Iron %urnac are suspending pro-
duction because coke cannot be secured,
and 1t is evident that the rate of output
at the opening of the next month will show
a serious loss. The scarcity of fuel was ex-
pected at the few plants using anthracite
COAL. but has come as a shock to the coke
furnaces, for the Connellsville ovens have
steadily maintained a weekly production of
10000 tons Inadequate railway facilities
are responsible and the situation is critical.
AS the stocks of pig iron were very low at
the opening Of August consumers are in an
embarrassing position, and there is a grow
ing disposition TO refuse contracts. Imports
are increasing and numerous plans are re-
ported whereby the finished product may
be exported in order to secure the tariff
drawback. These operations promise no re-
lief to domestic consumers. and the rail-
roads are anxious for supplies.
The dry goods jObbing trade reports a lib
eral distribution, and supplies are only
moderate in the primary market. Changed
conditions in the raw material have ac-
tolerated a demand for cotton goods, buy
ers seeking figures on forward contracts
and placing a fair amount of orders. Ex-
pOrters TO China are again in the market
for brown cottOns. Slightly less activity is
seen in mems wooden wear and worsted
fabrics, but fancy worsteds are in better
demand. 4.
At last footwear makers have been able
to secure a moderate advance in prices in
responS to the recent sharp rise in ma
terials. JObbers are no longer disposed to
wait, but place orders freely. Retailers are
also pressing jobbers for immediate deliv-
cries of goods for current trade. Leather is
strong and active. while hides made higher
prices, but the market has quoted down.
Deterioration from the exceptionally bril-
liant early outlook for cotton gave specula-
tors an opportunity to advance options
nearly IS a bale and dealings were heavy.
Spot cotton was less sharply advanced, al
though a firm tone developed.
Failures for the week numbered 1T3 in the
United States, against POP last year. and
fourteen in Canada, against twenty-one a
year ago.