The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-02-15
UNCERTAIN CONDITIONS

The uncertainty of the outcome of the peace conference, it's influence on labor conditions throughout the world, the fi- nancial policy adopted with reference to those countries that were devastated and must be rebuilt, trade conditions that may be imposed, shipping rates these are some of the questions that, it is said, must be settled before business in this country gets back to normal
 In the opinion of Vice President H. w. Coffin of the Alabama company, oper- ators of pig iron furnaces at Ironton and Gadsden and coal mines in Jeffer- son and adjoining counties, there is no reason for pessimism at this time. Dis cussing the iron market situation yester- day he said that while the consumers are not buying just now except for im- mediate needs, and prices have been lowered somewhat, yet he felt reason ably sure of change for the better in a few months. Just how long before this change will come he said he could not foretell, but it might come in a few weeks, or it might be several months
 NO LABOR SHORTAGE
 He does not believe there will be any labor shortage in this country for long time, and as a basis for this belief he cites the fact that immigration has ceased, that hundreds of thousands of foreigners returned to their native coun- tries and entered the armies, a big per cent of whom were killed or permanent ly disa bled; that over 50000 of our own men were killed in battle, and the fur ther fact that this country will have a standing army of between 256O00 and 500,0O0, much larger than ever before.
 Labor conditions in the countries from which most of our immigration came before the war are such, he says, that it will be imperative for those countries to keep their able bodied men at home, at least during the reconstruction period.
 Birmingham foundries and pipe works continue in operation with reduced pro duction, and the stove manufacturers are preparing for increased business. which they confidently expect in ths near future.
 Coal production since the beginning of the present year has averaged about $50, 900 tons a week, which if maintained through the year, would make total of about 100000 tons for the 12 months decrease of 100000 compared with 1917, and about 2,OOO0 0OOO under the 1918 production.
 There has also been a decrease il coke production due, it is said, to the decreased iron production noted since the middle of December.
 W LLh IL 1hOIN RE LEW
 In their weekly review of conditions Rogers, Brown Co. of Cincinnati, who deal largely in Alabama iron, say:
 Uncertainty as to the future still pre- vails in the iron and steel industry. Re- ports are so conflicting that it is real Iy difficult to correctly analyze the sit uation. The most encouraging event of the past week was the receipt of advices that possibilities abound of foreign busi- ness developing in pig iron before long. It is not believed that sufficient iron can be produced in Europe to take care of requirements, when peace is established and some buyers, with that in view, are sounding the American market at this time It is reported that a shortage all ready exists in Sweden.
 New York custom brokers are report ing large bookings for various Amerf- can products and say the general opin- ion greatly underestimates the export de- mand.
 Buying for home consumption con- tinues to be principally for prompt needs. The volume is fair, considering the current conditions. Readjustments of contracts seems to be about at an end. The foundrymen, apparently. realize tha. blast furnaces are committed to July on virtually their entire requirements Of raw materials.
 with few exceptions, furnaces are now willing to accept business on price basis suggested by Judge Gary; the ex- captions are those who maintain their costs will not permit.
 There is little demand for steel making iron. While some furnaces are banked or out of blast at present, others will be forced. to discontinue unless there is an improvement, as their ore supply for this season was purchased with view of meeting the governments request thai as much basic iron be produced as pos sible and for that reason cannot change to foundry grades.
 Coke producers are now feeling the effect of supply meeting demand. Prices have dropped to such an extent that Of necessity many ovens are now idle. There is virtually no inquiry"