The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-08-04
NJ LET UP IN THE
 DEMAND FOR IRON Spot Iron Finds Ready Sale at
 Good Prices
QUOTATIONS S17 TO SIS
Coke Is Exceedingly Scarce and What ls Offered Is Taken Principally at Sellers Prlces-Large
 Deals Pending.

The price of iron in Birmingham re- mains firm, but the northern markets seem to show that if the present rate of consumption continues there will cer- tainly be a scarcity during the first hair of next year.
 Following is the report of Rogers, Brown & Co. for the week.
 Cincinnati-It Is quite surprising to note the number of foundrymen who are in the market for spot iron Most of them say, however, that 1t is because of delay in delivery and that some furnaces are behind as much as three months on old contracts.
 Heavy Business Pending.
 Very heavy business is now being done for delivery during the first six months of next year. One large southern in- tersst that has been selling freely at prices somewhat less than those generally current is reported to nave contracts sufficient to take it's output for one half of 1903. Other furnaces in the south have sold their probable outputs of cer- tain grades and several Ohio furnaces
 
 livery before March. If consumption con- tinues at present rate it Is apparent that there will be a scarcity or Iron through the first half of next year certainly, ana may be longer.
 Prices of southern irons are now $17. % Birmingham basis for No. foundry as a minimum and some of the choice brands are commanding s1. .O0 per ton higher for delivery beginning January. In conse- quence of heavy sales of northern iron an advance in some instances has been made of $1.00 per ton.
 con softeners.
 Large deals are pending for southern charcoal irons. The output of iron of this class for next year is limited and a few heavy orders would take the furnaces out of the market.
 We quote for cash f. o. b. cars Cincin- nati:.
 Southern Coke. No. 1 F'dry. .S22. .250s22. 75 Southern Coke No. F. 'dry.... 21. .750 p 25 Southern Coke. No. F dry.... 21. .259 N. .75 Southern Coke No. 4 F dry.... 20. .75@ 2l .25 Southern Coke. G. ....F..... 19. .751 20. .25 South'n Coke, No. 1 soft... 22. .256D 22. .75 South'n Coke, No. soft...... 21. .750 22. .25 Lake Superior Coke No 1... 26. 100 26. 60 Lake Superior Coke, No. D.. 25. .6OdD 26 10 Hanging Rock Charcoal, No. 1 S5 .009 S6.OO Jackson Co. Silvery, No. 1..... 26.10 Standard Southn Car Wheel. 26. .7560 27. .75 Lake Superior Charcoal....... 25. .00Q 26.O0
 Chicago Market.
 Chicago-During the past week. and in fact for several weeks past, this market has been noticeable on account of the heavy sales made. Some of our largest purchasers came into the market at about the same time and created what appeared at first glance to be a weIi-developed buy ing movement, but containing "a pan fcky'' element. Subsequent developments seem to have removed any apprehension as to tho latter. Following in the train of these larger buyers are found the rank and file. convinced, perhaps by the large purchases referred to that they had better cover their wants far ahead The activity therefore continues, and heavy tonnages are being placed in every direction. The supply available from local furnaces is being narrowed down to a. small margin, one interest having been obliged to decline deliveries beginning earlier than April of next year. The sit-sl uation Is such that much better prices for Lake Superior coke irons might cas- fly be secured, but following the policy adopted months ago, sellers are disposed 10 hold off as long as possible before ad- vancing their figures. southern furnaces have been selling freely-prices varying somewhat accord ing to deliveries. It is now conceded that there is very little iron available for this year and what Is offered is readily taken at fancy prices.
 Spot iron continues to command a high premium. The supply seems to be equal to the demand which is not so heavy at this time as 1t has been. This branch of the market is very cratic general interruption of production in some par ticular districts occasioned by labor trou- bles or short supply of raw material be ing sufficient to produce noticeable ef- feet on prices.
 Slvery irons in great demand par ticularly for early delivery; the causes are easily discernible.
 Lake Superior charcoal irons are mod erately active and prices firm.
 Coke is exceedingly scarce and what is offered Is taken promptly at sellers prices.