coal trade bulletin - Clpdigital.org

18 . THE COAL TRADE BULLETIN.
result tonnage is likely to increase in volume and
prices to remain just as firm as ever, if the manu­
facturers will but cling to their present position.
Prices are quoted at $2.50 to $2.75 lor furnaee coke
and $3.50 to $3.75 for foundry coke.
The anthracite trade is suffeiing somewhat from
a stagnation. There are reports of mines not
working full time and of other collieries closing
down for a part of the time. The cold weather of
the past few days probably will change this con­
dition, hut no! to such an extent as to make a de­
cided difference in tin* tonnage of coal produced.
The shipments of anthracite for January, the
figures of whieli are available, show that the month
was not as good as tue same month of last year,
and that tlie that branch of the trade was less
active than either of the others. Prices are held
at winter figures.
* * *
THE MINERS' CONVENTION IS OVER, and the trade
now knows just what the men who dig the coal
will demand of their employers. This demand
will be or has been presented at the wage con­
ference now on. But there were other phases
of the convention that were as interesting if not
as important as the wage question. The conven­
tion was a lively one. there was much contention,
the radical and conservative elements apparently-
letting no chance go by of getting a rap in on the
other fellow. Incidentally, the delegates showed
clearly that they have but little sympathy with the
organization known as the I. W. YV. Another
phase of the convention that attracted some atten-
lion was Ihe decision to take the next meeting
away from Indianapolis. The effort to reduce the
high cost of the conventions was a success, as the
representation was cut down, subject, of course,
to the final decision of the membership at large,
and the head of the organization also was shorn
of some power. These were the principal features
that attracted notice, and made the convention
notable.
* * *
DEMAND KU: A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FATAL
ACCIDENTS is made of the bituminous mine inspect­
ors of Pennsylvania by Chief of the Department of
.Mines James E. Roderick in a letter sent to them
recently. He points out that there has been an
increase, and that this was more noticeable in some
districts than in others, and that it is apparent
some one has not been obeying the laws fully. He
calls attention to the fact that the inspectors arc
expected to enforce the laws more vigorously, par­
ticularly that portion of them relating to the set­
ting of timlier and the care of the roof. He also
(alls attention to the number of accidents due to
electricity, but does not seemingly arrive at any
conclusion as to what remedy is to lie applied.
Tin: SESSIONS or THE JOINT WAGE CONFERENCE are
now Iieing held in Philadelphia. Representatives
of all the districts of Ihe central competitive field
aie participating. While the sessions have been
on ^ince Tuesday, Feb. in. no definite results have
been attained, and it is probable that, when this
issue ol THE COM. TUADE BULLETIN reaches its
readers, tbe conference will be continuing its ses­
sions. No prediction can be made at this early
stage as to the final result or of the length of the
conference. All that i an be said with verity is
that the friendliest feelings are expressed by.both
sides.
The coal trade, having gotten the miners' con­
vention off its chest, now is treating a case of
wage conference, and the trade is very hopeful
that nothing more than first aid methods will he
necessary to effect a cure.
Br'er Groundhog surely must he given some
credit for the present weather. Al any rate the
shaken faith of the coal man in his prognostica­
tions is restored.
Chief Roderick of Pennsylvania wants less acci­
dents or more explanations. Let's hope he gets
the former.
Once more idle cars are beginning to take a
drop. The drop shoul 1 become a steady stream
of decrease.
* * *
Does it signify anything that the wage confer­
ence is meeting in the City of Brotherly Love?
* :': *
Mr. Coal Man, hope your valentine was a nice
fat order.