The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-26
HOTEL LOBBY GLEANINGS
Opening of New Coal Mines Has Had
wonderful Enect-Other Lob
by Gossip.

The recent coal famine brought hard
ships and suffering to the people of many
communities, but IL has been the direct
cause of exceptional prosperity in Sulli-
van county. Judge John c. CLANCY. of Sui
livan. said last evening at the English that
as a result OF the anthracite strike and the
ensuing famine such demand for the bet
ter grade OF bituminous coal had been
created that between fifteen and twenty
mines have been opened in Sullivan county
The opening of these mines has trebled
and even more than quadrupled real estate
values in many parts Of the county. great
deal Of outside capital has been brought
in, substantial Industrial concerns are figur-
ing on locating there and these activities
have brought in many strangers.
Sullivan county has the very best quail
fly OF bituminous COAL" said Judge CLANCY,
land has lots or 1t. There are three veins
one of four feet at a depth OF about 160 feet.
a second OF six feet about twenty-five feet
below that and third Of eight feet at
depth of 400 feet. The second and third
veins are the best coal, but the first Is of
an excellent quality. Coal has been mined
in Sullivan county for over forty years.
but IL has been on q very small scale until
within the past year. Only three or four
mines were worked. and they were situated
on the borders OF the county. Shafts nave
ing put down all over the county, a number
OF them being within radius or three miles
Of Sullivan.
.sThe United States Steel Corporation has
acquired q tract of 100 acres and Is open
ing a large mine on IT. The corporation Will
not enter the general market with us coai,
/ understand, but will use it for fuel In its
rolling mills located In the gas belt Inc
tract purchased by the steel people en-
braces some OF the finest land In the coun-
~. and the corporation secured a wonder
full bargain, getting the land at price
measuring only its value for farming pur-
DC ses- Sullivan real-estate men made the
deal, I believe, and no one knew who the
real purchasers were until 1t was all closed.
The farmers who sold out are kicking
twice the price they received. but at the
time they made the deal they thought they
were doing well.
Land values have increased wonderfully,
especially in the vicinity OF Sullivan. AS
an illustration, / purchased small tract
near the corporation line little over two
but at that time 1 could have bought any
amount of 1t for the same price. / have
recently refused an offer OF $500 an acre
perhaps an exception. but you cannot buy
a foot of lapd any place near the town for
less than 500 an acre, and two years ago
or $50"
Judge CLANCY was the Republican nomi-
nee for Congress from the Second district
last year against Judge Miers, OF Bloom
ington- He made race that was remark
able in many respects, making sufficient
gains In the Democratic counties OF the dis
trict to insure his election, but he lost out
in the Republican counties. Lawrence coun-
~ being the chief offender. He was asked
last night If he would be in the race again
next year and he replied that he had not
as yet given the question serious considera-
ton ct cannot tell now just what / shall
do" he said. There may be developments
within the next few months that will lead
me to make the fight again, and on the
other hand things may arise that will keep
me out Of IL. / believe that the Second dis
trict is tending toward the Republican col
umn. Manufacturing industries are COM
ing into the district, and they bring class
of citizens that are largely Republican. l
am not inclined to go into the congressional
race unless feel that have fair chance
OF election, and II will be six months or
more before shall know just what to do"