Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-11-23

Chicago. Nov. 22.-(By The Asso-
ciated ess.)-Expectation that some
coal operators would recoup their
losses in the recent coal strike through
increased prices a belief given wide
publicity at the end of the strike when
one or two operators were quoted to
that effect has failed to materialize,
according to a survey of fuel condf
tons based on statements of state
fuel and railway commission officials
and coal operators in middle western
states.
The wide publicity, combined with
ing TO Robert Medill. state fuel al
buying by domestic consumers to c
an extent that there has been a no
ticeable drop in prices IN many states
This is particularly noted IN Goa
producing areas where freight rates
for short haul are not a MAJOR factor
in setting their retail prices,
Typical of the general trend. accord
ing to Robert Medill, staet fuel adj
ministrator of Illinois, are prices d.
the central Illinois mines. lmne
diately after the strike the operator
quoted screenings, their lowest grade
coal at from 1926 to 1915 at the PIT
mouth. Last week. central iilinols
screenings we're offered as low at
e 20 and in. spite of the reduction
III miner were unable to book enough
orders TO average so per cent produc-
ton.
Price Dope in Kansas
Similar price reductions are report
ed from several places IN Kansas.
Dealers are selling coal at one to Two
dollars under last years prices. In
diana. Missouri and other states re-
port lower prices.
of the middle western
fuel situation as told by state and
coal association officials shows:
uIinois-Considerable coal on track
Mines working less than half the week
some car shortage in southern fleidS'
prices dropping i'll central limos ols-
trict.
Governor McCray reports some drop
from the post-strike price peak; warm
autumn decreased demand.
Observation-Disclosures and manu1actar-
ers have sufficient supplies FOR pres
emf: domestic consumers ma De ~
~convenienced with cold weather; ahth-
racite shortage particularly felt.
Ohio-State regulation q prices
from mine to consumer checks famine
and maintains prices; marker laei
moving freely. !,
no shortage in state; demand Is STOW
because of warm weather; miners
working only two or three days each
week: no car shortage.
Wisconsin-Twelve million tons OF
soft coal on hand with 2.O0O,CNO more
aynected before navigation closes, suf-
%ficient to meet all demands; anthracite
shortage serious, with only 100000
tons on hand and not more than l4.OOO
tons expected weekly until navigation
closes.
characterization practically nor
NAL. with railroads able to supply all
customers. prices at mines the same as
a wear ago, with retailers selling one
to two dollars under last years mar
Observation-Disclosures described by
state officials as ''easy"; car conges-
ton at rail centers delays distribution
some what; no danger of suffering I'M
less railroad transportation breaks
down.
acknowledgements have 60 days
supply on hand and are buying in small
quantities in anticipation of still lower
prices; plenty of Missouri coal on
hand, with mines working five days A
week in some districts; some shortage
of eastern and Arkansas coal; mild
weather cuts demands.
Kentucky-Situation not acute, ex-
cept in car shortage; reserve supply
increasing because of Indifferent de-
mand due to mild autumn; returns of
cars to l.. and n. are expected to help
the eastern car difficulties.
Northwest Not In Danger
MINNESOTA AND NORTHWEST
Situation most promising since the
resumption of mining i'll the east; total
anthracite received at head of lakes
to date is less than 25 per cent Of
that hoped for by government officials,
but extensions of navigation Ii days
from December ]. weather permitting,
is expected to relieve a shortage. Ii
weather prevents extension of the open
on the lakes the northwest will
depend on rail shipments of soft coal.
North Dakota-Almost no anthracite
received, but the supply Of soft coal
from the head Of the lakes, and from
Illinois, Montana and Canadian mines
arriving. regularly; North Dakota
Ignite mines are able to supply west
ern half of state and more if cars are
available, the governor is planning to