Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 October 1898 — Largest On Record. [ARTICLE]

Largest On Record.

Did anyone ever read reports like the following under a Democratic administration? Never. It is only during Republican periods of protection and prosperity that the financial and commercial editors are enabled to compile figures such as these, taken from the Chicago Inter Ocean: It is more a question of getting the stock than of paying the prices asked with the iron and steel men. All tfae mills of the country never had as many orders on their books, and the majority are unable to name an early delivery for orders taken at this time. Most of the mills are booked well into next year and are quite independent. The largest order placed during the past week was for 25,000 tdhs standard steel rails by a Western road. It was secured by the Illinois Steel company. There were also other orders aggregating 7,000 tons, and some for light rails. Foreign orders were also on the market, but the time of delivery prevented them from being taken here. The delivery of the orders secured runs well into next year. It is expected that the* other roads will come into the market as large buyers in the near future, as officials recognize the importance of getting in early if the desire to secure their rails in the first part of 1899. Prices were not changed. A fair amount of business was taken in other lines, but it was nothing in comparison with that booked in rails. Car axle billets were advanced $1 per ton, with sales of 600 tons at the appreciation. The Illinois Steel company is now having the largest tonnage , on record, but is unable to get stock out fast enough to suit consaiwf.