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THE COAL TRADE BULLETIN. 43
THE PULSE OF THE MARKETS.
The general coal market continues to improve ments are being made it will be many weeks until
steadily despite the numerous rumors of over­ the region is practically (dear of the stock on
production, cut rates and other "bear" devices put hand. The combined production of the upper
in operation at this season of the year. Some of
the largest contracts and the largest total ever
and lower Connellsville fields is still in the neighborhood
of 350,000 tons per week, with ship­
recorded during the same period have been made ments exceeding that figure by from 15,000 to 25,-
since April 1 and the outlook as a whole is ex­
tremely good. In the West the conditions in
the bituminous trade have been fair but the orders
booked for the latter half of April make it appar­
ent that the business of the month will lie far
beyond expectation. The bulk of this new trade
is in Eastern coals, the Illinois and Indiana products
being still unable to make much headway.
In the lake region there has been considerable
holding back of orders due to persistent but baseless
rumors of radical reductions in price. Those
wno were deluded by these reports, however, are
making haste to cover their needs. Steam coal
is in strong demand with prices firm. Shipments
foi' the upper lakes have been started from the
Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia fields and
the indications are that the totals for the year
will surpass all former records. In the South the
demand is steadily increasing and strenuous efforts
are being made to increase the local iiroduction.
In the territory accessible by water
Pittsburgh and West Virginia coals are finding a
good outlet. Labor troubles and the results of
mine accidents, which affected the output for
some time, have spent their forces and the field
will be open to outside producers at least until
the efforts to enlarge and extend production have
begun to show results. Improved transportation
conditions have materially increased the output
in West Virginia, the trade throughout the state
being at the high water mark. This state of
affairs has been helped by the aggressive activity
of some of the larger producers. In the Pittsburgh
district, many exceptionally large contracts
have been made and a big lake business is
being arranged for. The local demand is heavy
and the large producers are preparing to get out
all the coal possible. The long duration of the
last rise in the Ohio cleared the Pittsburgh harbors
and the Monongahela pools of all loaded
craft and permitted the return of a sufficient number
of empties to insure steady work at all of the
river mines for several months to come. Run-ofmine
coal is quoted at $1.00 to $1.05.
The coke market is strong, the demand insistent
and the production large. There is considerable
stock in the yards, but at the rate ship-
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ooo tons. In the Alabama fields, the production
has been increased slightly but not sufficiently to
meet the local needs. Southern consumers are
drawing on West Virginia in wliich the production
has been noticeably augmented. Prices are firm,
furnace being quoted at $2.33 to $2.60, according
to time of delivery, and foundry at $2.75 to $3.25,
according to quality.
The recent marked improvement in the car
supply and transportation conditions has visibly
relieved the Atlantic seaboard soft coal market.
Producers generally were able to complete their
contracts before the end of the year, and the new
season, opening April 1. has seen a fair supply of
new orders on contracts in the hands of shippers.
New contracts are being closed up daily by various
companies without causing comment. Prices are
well maintained, except in a few instances where
outsiders have cut prices in fairly well known territories,
in order to take business from the channels
in which it has usually gone. The labor
question seems to be settled for the year. Trade
in the far East is fair, and a good tonnage is
going forward. Trade along the sound is quiet,
Prices are quoted at $2.55@$2.60, f. o. b. harbor
shipping points. All-rail trade is active. In
this (lass of business some shifting around of
contracts is apparent, and some of the lower grade
coals show a slight cutting in price, in order to
retain business.
The trade in anthracite is assuming large proportions.
Buyers have heretofore laid in big
stocks during the ruling of spring prices but this
year the purchases are far beyond those of previous
years. This is due partly to habit or custom,
partly to the indications of a big demand
from consumers and partly to tbe fear that the
trade may be disorganized next year by labor
troubles. The buying seems to be limited only
by the production as the transportation conditions
are all that couhl be desired. As a result the
producers are straining every nerve and the output
for the month probably will be a record.
Hull, Blyth & Co.. of London and Cardiff, report
the market unchanged with quotations as