Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-16
LOCAL COAL MARKET
EFFECT OF THE NEWS OF PROB
ABLE STRIKE SETTLEMENT.
Very Little Anthracite In the City
Steamboat Supply-Bricklayers'
Contribution Of 50, 500.

The news that the operators and the min
| ers in the anthracite coal regions were likely
to arbitrate all differences and that it was
only a question Of a few hours before the
latter would resume their work, was in 10
place more welcome than at the national
capital.
With supply of hard coal IN the city
estimated in the aggregate at less than
1900 tons. no wonder that Washingtonians
looked cheerful when they learned the JOY
Gus news.
In the streets, in business houses banks,
hotel corridors-in every place where peo-
pie congregate 1t was the sole topic dis
cussed. For weeks the people Of the coun
try had hoped against hope. Winter COM
ing on, the most conservative persons fear
ed that there might be an outbreak, a coal
riot.
But this was all dispelled. Everybody
regardless Of political affiliations, seemed
anxious this morning to sound the praises
of President Roosevelt for insisting in hav-
ing the great labor dispute ended at tn,
earliest possible moment and in such way
that both sides should be satisfied.
The personnel of the commission appoint
ed early this morning, and which will de-
eide the points at issue between the opera
tors and miners received favorable COM
ment every side. Many men of promi-
nence in the District were heard to declare
themselves believing that the President
could not have chosen stronger body of
men for the work that is to be done.
The coal dealers of the city were happy.
Many of them have not had any hard coal
in stock for several months. AS to the
probable effect in price of the anthracite
product it was hard to get an expression.
One dealer said that the price would be de-
termined by the sales agents of the coal
producing companies. Another dealer, when
asked II there were a possibility OF the price
going down as low $40 a ton, said that
hnh nIin hat on IVY
er. perhaps to IS ton.
"Of course" he added. at is too early to
give any definite prophecy, but l shall
be surprised if coal does not go down to 81
within the next month. That is, if work in
the mines is resumed at once"
There is not a dealer in hard coal in
Washington who has not had his orders
with the producers for months.
1t is safe to presume that II the mines
are reopened this week before the first
of the month Washington will have plenty
of hard coal. 1t may be necessary, how
ever for the local dealers to restrict to
certain degree the amount that shall be
delivered to any one person until there is a
plentiful supply, so that no one shall suffer.
Bricklayers' Contribution.
The local Bricklayers' Union. No. 1, at
a special meeting held last evening at Ty
geographical Temple. unanimously voted
donation of So, 500 for the relief of the
organization. Mr.. Michael P. CAVITY, by d.
rection of the union. will Immediately for
ward the money to w. B. Wilson. secretary
United Mine Workers, Indianapolis, Ind.
This Is the second donation voted by the
bricklayers, $500 having been contributed
several weeks ago, when 1t was determined
that if the strike continued a larger sum
should be sent. The meeting last evening
was largely attended and the unanimous
sentiment Of the several hundred members
present was expressed by a number Of
speakers, who declared that the struggle of
the miners is being made to maintain the
right of labor to organize and that they
would be assisted financially to the utmost
extent of the resources of the union.
A Serious Question
The coal supply question is still giving the
steamboat owners here much anxiety, and
they are now getting but small supplies,
barely sufficient to last from day to day.
Coal that a year and a half ago was pur-
chased at $3.50 per ton is now costing the
steamboat men $3.50 per ton, and as from
eighteen to twenty tons is burned by
steamer on a trip to the mouth of the river
greatly increased. AS yet there has been
no change in freight rates, but many of the
steamers being at a loss. Two
barges of coal from the canal were taken to
Alexandria yesterday. Some gas coal is
coming for this city over the Baltimore and
Ohio railway, via Shepherds Landing.