Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-14
ACTIVITY IN IRON
IRON AGE PREDICTS BRILLIANT
FUTURE.

NEW YORK, September 14.-The Iron Age
In Its Issue Of today says: A review OF the
whole iron industry justifies the general
statement that 1t is enjoying great present
activity and brilliant promise for the
future. The usual doubts as to an adequate
amount OF work for the winter months have
not even arisen this year and the outlook
Is for work at high pressure well Into next
spring. Added to this come reports Of q
distinct improvement in England. where
business has been tagging until lately. the
continent having sent cheerful reports since
the early summer.
There have been further heavy purchases
OF steel rails, the Pennsylvania company
leading with over $4,000 tons distributed
among tho mills on the line of the road.
The Missouri Pacific has added $4,000 tons
to former orders and the Hartman lines
$1,000 tons. The 500 line has purchased
10000 tons and the Wheeling and Lake
Erie 5000 tons. The Tennessee company
has orders on its books aggresating over
100000 tons. which will keep the works
busy far into 1905. while the Colorado mill
Is committed far ahead. 1t Is understood
that the New York Central is negotiating
for 10000 tons and there are besides in the
market one system for $1,000 and another
for $1,000 tons.
Interesting Situation.
An interesting situation Is developing in
relayfng rails which are very scarce. be-
cause the roads. finding 1t impossible to
secure prompt deliveries on new rails. are
loath to part with what relayers they have.
1t Is reported that today negotiations will
be closed for the sale to the steel corpora
ton OF 10000 to $4,000 tons OF Bessemer
pig for September delivery. During the past
week smaller interests have taken moderate
blocks OF $500 and 5000 tons of standard
Bessemer from dealers at the range Of
$l4S5 to $14.0O. Valley furnace and some
placed
It Is estimated that the leading interest
will need between $4,000 and 10000 tons
per month OF Bessemer pig during the bal
ance OF this year.
There are indications OF renewed buying
Of basic pig iron by the eastern steel max
ers. One large plate mill in eastern Penn
sylvania has just purchased 10000 tons for
delivery running into 1908. and there are
feelers which will probably lead to large
business during the next fortnight.
Some Large Requirements.
Some pretty large requirements for foun-
dry iron are coming up in the Pittsburg
district. between $4,000 and 10000 tons be-
ing referred to az the requirements of some
large consumers. Some of the leading
meters in the Chicago district are in the
market in lots of 5000 tons and under.
Some business has been closed In the Gin
cinnau market. but on the whole the south
ern furnaces are not. apparently, pushing
sales. Reports Of the acceptance Of $11.5O
to s11.75 for No. Birmingham by some
OF the smaller furnace interests continue to
come. The large companies are firm.
The estimating departments Of the fabri-
Gators of structural material are exceed
ingly busy, so that the prospect OF a large
volume Of work Is excellent. Pressure for
deliveries of material Continues heavy.
In the plate market there has been in
creasing activity in anticipation of an adj
vance Thus far the tendency toward high
er prices has found its only expression in
the withdrawal of the usual 81 concession
in the price Of narrow plate. 14-inch and
under.
The tonnage in the wire trade continues
heavy. Prices, which have been ruling for
some time past on the basis Of 10 cents
per pound, have been advanced to LIS cents.
The pipe trade is active. 1t is stated that
the national tube company has 90 per cent
of its capacity at work.
The monthly blast furnace returns col
lected by the Iron Age show that capacity
in operation remained almost stationery dur
ing July and August. the weekly output
being at the rate Of about 10000 tons. The
production during August is estimated at
100000 tons. of which the steel works
I