The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-15
Coke Output


 Coke Output
 The Semet-Sovay coke ovens at Ensley converted the largest number of tons of coal into coke, having 4ie,6ss tons ac- credited to them. This was seconded by the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company ovens, which produced 41S395 tons of coke.
 This table shows the 1911 and 1910 coke productions for the state as follows:
 Total coke production in Alabama for 1911. 2,756,697 tons.
 Total coke production in Alabama for 1910, 3,231, ,399 tons.
 Difference in favor of 1910, 474,702 tons.
 This important report, giving the actual figures of Alabama's coal output for last year. comes after two and a half months of hard work by Chief State Mine In spector Nesbitt, his associate inspectors and Chief Clerk Allen In many instances it was necessary to go in person, to wire repeatedly and institute inquiries in num- erous points to secure the correct ton mage. The fact that several of the small CT operators have closed their workings and removed to other states required much correspondence in order that ran dom estimation would be eliminated and the 1911 report for this state would in- deed record every shovelful of coal brought to the surface from the coal veins of Alabama during the year.
 Over the signature of the chief mine in spector the figures made public yesterday are declared to be authentic and free from guesses, as only the tonnage given by the proper authorities from each mine has been counted valid for the total. It is understood that this is the first Alabama coal production to be compiled without a certain percentage of estimated tons, clas- sifed as mines unheard from"
 MT. Nesbitt Discusses Report
 Although 1911 shows a decrease over 1910, which is the banner coal year in the history of the state. it goes above any other previous year, which indicates a more optimistic review for 1911 than one would at first suppose said MT. Nesbitt yesterday in speaking of the 1911 figures.
 The general trade conditions for 1911 are not so good as 191O The out look for 1912 is exceedingly bright as many new openings are beginning to be put into shape for operation, and this year may yet outstrip the unex- celled 1910 output. The state inspec- tors have labored untiringly for the securing of the data, and while some or the operators have been dilatory in forwarding their reports. we feel
 
 output Is not tardy, in view of the many efforts necessary to obtain the exact figures. This matter of gather Ing the data of the coal production has clearly demonstrated the advantage of having each operator submit monthly returns of the business done at his mine or mines. At present there is no state statue covering this, and if one Of this nature should be Incorporated in the mining code I do not believe that the operators would obiect Blanks would be furnished them every 30 days just as they are distributed every 12 months for the filing of this information.
 The mining department is in A fourishing condition and is very much pleased with the showing Alabama is to make in the national table of coal productions"
 The state mining department, which is located with headquarters in the Chamber of Commerce building, is un- der the supervision of c. H. Nesbitt, q well known and popular mining ex- pert. The district mine inspectors are W. w Kicker, First district; David Kelso, Second district; J. F. Webb Third district; W. R. Ray, Fourth dis trfct; Frank Hillman, Fifth district; Thomas Roscoe, Sixth district.